Well, I won't get to 50, but I might get to 40! Here are the latest:
Book #36 - The Black Cauldron by Lloyd Alexander - To be added to the pile of books I'd like to read with my kids -another fun adventure!
Book #37 - Up the Down Staircase by Bel Kaufman. Mom lent this to me to read years ago. The format was kind of interesting, all the various interactions and documents rather than just a narration. The whole issue of rules that exist only for rules' sake and the bureaucracy that keeps her from really getting a chance to TEACH came up over the holiday, too, but I can't remember how. I didn't quite see what finally made up her mind, I thought that was what she'd do, but didn't really see the why from the story. I do plan to lend this to a friend who teaches - she'll probably identify with it even more closely.
Book #38 - Shopgirl by Steve Martin. While I liked his story and his characters, I found the writing style way to simple and pretty distracting. I had the existence of the movie in mind as I read it and that meshed, because the book seemed to read more like a script to me. The "backstory" and character development was very disjointed from the action - much like asides or setup paragraphs before a scene. That said, the movie might be cute - I'll add it to my very long queue.
Book #39 - The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis - another re-read spurred by a film, but I actually got to this 2 days before seeing the flick. I really enjoyed these books as a kid. As with Coraline, this is high on my list for books for my kids and it too has more depth than The Black Cauldron. I found the movie an excellent interpretation, which kept much of the same tone of the original. One thing the movie didn't do that the book did, and I'm grateful to the movie for this, was the trumped up "court" speech of the 4 right before they find their way back to the Wardrobe. That was annoying. Plan to reread Prince Caspian soon.
Friday, December 30, 2005
In the midst of chaos, peace
We had a marvellous holiday, that's not over quite yet for J and I - we do our Christmas celebration late because we separate to our respective families on the actual holiday. Some memorable moments:
Tipsy Turkey -deep fried turkey, yummy corn casserole, and all sorts of other goodies plus excellent company, as always at a Jenny event
At least a day and a half baking in the kitchen - trying new things along with carrying out long-standing traditions (since 3rd grade I've made white bread every Christmas eve) - and enjoying the happy faces of those eating the results!
Time with family, both at Mom's and at our house - I hosted my first Christmas day and I think it went really well! :)
Delaying the Christmas card until I could get a decent shot of Murphy and Molasses getting along!
Eagerly awaiting a night of baked brie, caviar, and other treats, in front of the fire, opening and giving gifts with J and the kittens....
:)This time of year always makes me smile!
Tipsy Turkey -deep fried turkey, yummy corn casserole, and all sorts of other goodies plus excellent company, as always at a Jenny event
At least a day and a half baking in the kitchen - trying new things along with carrying out long-standing traditions (since 3rd grade I've made white bread every Christmas eve) - and enjoying the happy faces of those eating the results!
Time with family, both at Mom's and at our house - I hosted my first Christmas day and I think it went really well! :)
Delaying the Christmas card until I could get a decent shot of Murphy and Molasses getting along!
Eagerly awaiting a night of baked brie, caviar, and other treats, in front of the fire, opening and giving gifts with J and the kittens....
:)This time of year always makes me smile!
It's about time!
I feel like it's been forever since I've written and have a ton to tell - I'll likely break it into several small posts throughout the day....
First, an update on the kittens! The tension has eased immensely. They still fight and it can get a bit vicious -we often find Molasses with Murphy fur in his claws or teeth - but not so bad that the attitude/ lifestyle of either is cramped in any way. Most of the craziness happens as I get ready for work and right before bed. They're good guys and I think my family really took to them on Christmas (that's the next post). I'll post pics later, too....
Murphy is very intrepid. As I was putting lights on the Christmas tree about eye level, the tree shook a bit and suddenly there was a ball of orange fuzz at that very spot! He's not scared by much... Molasses is a super sweetie who's determined not to let his little brother out kitten him....
It's interesting, we're learning quite a bit from them - things that get us thinking about how we might parent. I also see strong echoes of childhood past - where siblings, despite more than a dozen "favorite" toys laying about, have to play with the exact same one at the same time, for example.
First, an update on the kittens! The tension has eased immensely. They still fight and it can get a bit vicious -we often find Molasses with Murphy fur in his claws or teeth - but not so bad that the attitude/ lifestyle of either is cramped in any way. Most of the craziness happens as I get ready for work and right before bed. They're good guys and I think my family really took to them on Christmas (that's the next post). I'll post pics later, too....
Murphy is very intrepid. As I was putting lights on the Christmas tree about eye level, the tree shook a bit and suddenly there was a ball of orange fuzz at that very spot! He's not scared by much... Molasses is a super sweetie who's determined not to let his little brother out kitten him....
It's interesting, we're learning quite a bit from them - things that get us thinking about how we might parent. I also see strong echoes of childhood past - where siblings, despite more than a dozen "favorite" toys laying about, have to play with the exact same one at the same time, for example.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Detente
We brought Molasses home last night. The extremely mellow, quiet guy J had met showed his true "I'm still a kitten" stripes - we had a pony romping around the house and meowing constantly for attention. Sweet, crazy little Murphy kitten was not his usual self - very cautious, on guard - even though it looked like he had the spunk to take Molasses down, despite size.
Mom had said they'd fight.
Given our mushy hearts, though, we stressed. That we might have lost the Murphy we had just gotten to know. That Molasses wouldn't bond with us. That the two would never get along and we'd be stuck monitoring 2 nervous wrecks with claws from here on out.
I slept on the loveseat to keep Molasses company downstairs. J got the bed and Murphy upstairs.
True, this morning the chase was more playful, less evil and they spent more time setting, only slightly on edge, in the same room. I keep telling myself to give it a bit of time before stressing, but I also see it breaking J's heart.
Here's hoping we can draw up a treaty tonight.
Mom had said they'd fight.
Given our mushy hearts, though, we stressed. That we might have lost the Murphy we had just gotten to know. That Molasses wouldn't bond with us. That the two would never get along and we'd be stuck monitoring 2 nervous wrecks with claws from here on out.
I slept on the loveseat to keep Molasses company downstairs. J got the bed and Murphy upstairs.
True, this morning the chase was more playful, less evil and they spent more time setting, only slightly on edge, in the same room. I keep telling myself to give it a bit of time before stressing, but I also see it breaking J's heart.
Here's hoping we can draw up a treaty tonight.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Who did I get mad?
The evening was going well. It was a long insane day, but I felt good as I picked up a few things at the grocery store. Then it all changed.
I rang up my basket - $30. I had $15 in cash, but couldn't find my credit card. Thinking it might have gotten loose in my work bag, I headed back to the car.
There, I went through my bag several times, no card. It had been left out at home after trying to buy something online.
So, I head back into the store to cut my order back within what I could pay in cash. That settled, I can finally get home for the evening.
At my car, my keys are safely locked inside, as is my cell.
I trudge back to the store (oh, yeah, it's about 20 degrees out) and suddenly have to throw out my hands against the hood of a minivan that's intending to pull through ME to park.
She apologizes. I ask if she has a cell, but no. I contiue on.
She finds me in the store trying to figure out how to find the number for AAA and offers me a ride home to get the spare key. Round trip made, car breached, home for the night, everything's finally OK.
This morning, I head downstairs for breakfast while J showers. My slippers slide and I fall down a good portion of the main stair on my butt/back. Good morning!
J dallies, but is always 2 minutes from the shower, so I can't get in until way late. Shower and then can't find the clothes I'd planned to wear. Every combo I can find looks horrible and I end up leaving 5 minutes before my first meeting of the day still not pleased with my outfit. I have two other wardrobe "incidents" before I even get to my desk.
So, the question is, who did I tick off and how can I fix it?
I rang up my basket - $30. I had $15 in cash, but couldn't find my credit card. Thinking it might have gotten loose in my work bag, I headed back to the car.
There, I went through my bag several times, no card. It had been left out at home after trying to buy something online.
So, I head back into the store to cut my order back within what I could pay in cash. That settled, I can finally get home for the evening.
At my car, my keys are safely locked inside, as is my cell.
I trudge back to the store (oh, yeah, it's about 20 degrees out) and suddenly have to throw out my hands against the hood of a minivan that's intending to pull through ME to park.
She apologizes. I ask if she has a cell, but no. I contiue on.
She finds me in the store trying to figure out how to find the number for AAA and offers me a ride home to get the spare key. Round trip made, car breached, home for the night, everything's finally OK.
This morning, I head downstairs for breakfast while J showers. My slippers slide and I fall down a good portion of the main stair on my butt/back. Good morning!
J dallies, but is always 2 minutes from the shower, so I can't get in until way late. Shower and then can't find the clothes I'd planned to wear. Every combo I can find looks horrible and I end up leaving 5 minutes before my first meeting of the day still not pleased with my outfit. I have two other wardrobe "incidents" before I even get to my desk.
So, the question is, who did I tick off and how can I fix it?
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
Monday, December 05, 2005
A Roelle Kids outing, a successful opening, and INTRODUCING....
Murphy Tahoe Byam!Isn't he a cutie! After giving him little food for several days, someone drove up near Cathy's family's place and dumped him - in freezing cold weather. Her cousins' kids found him in the wheel-well of their parents Chevy Tahoe, hence the middle name. Luckily he was dumped where he was, because he was brought in and fussed and fawned over. Everyone fell in love and Cathy realized he'd be perfect for us - even though we weren't sure we were ready yet.
He's a Stealth Bomber - loves to hide when you're coming - and a love, when he wants attention, he'll keep walking over your feet.
He's so small - at 3 months he's probably just a couple of pounds - though he loves to eat, so we'll see how big he gets.
His purr sounds like crickets.
And he's getting a brother. When shopping for food for Murphy, J met and fell in love with Molasses. He's black, 7 months, and another big guy. He arrives later this week and I'll post more on him then.
Last week, Sonny had an opening in Baltimore that resulted in 11 sales, 4 commissions, and 2 new gallery bookings! Way cool - check out his Flickr site for some of the latest - pretty incredible. And I hear a rumor that he has a show in LA in Jan - most excellent!
Saturday, the 3 of us went to see Serenity. Pretty good movie and always fun to hang with the bros. Sonny and Murphy bonded a bit, too.
Book #34 - Hard Times by Charles Dickens - I enjoyed this quite a bit. It's been a long time since I've read Dickens and I feared the dry, over-bearing Victorian norm. Not only did this read a whole lot better, but I thought the tale and the endictment excellent. Sissy Jupe's responses to the hard Facts drilling questions in school and her despair over her "stupidity" kinda' remind me of my interactions with some folk who insist that I'm not following the conversation when I take different perspectives. I would have liked to see Loo more satisfied in love - but this is Dickens, after all. Still, very enjoyable.
Book #35 - Censored:2001 - An interesting read, but with way too much of a "corporations are evil and will kill all sorts of people in their greed and the government and its agencies just go along" conspiracy thing for me. I did find it interesting that some stories from the top 10 Censored stories of 1976 and 1977 are still censored, non-publicized stories in 2001. I know they're still publishing, but I wonder how the rise of CGM and the blogosphere and satellite radio has impacted things. I think it's much easier to get "non-corporate media" news nowadays and that indy news sources can have a ton of impact - look at the impact big bloggers have had in the past 2 years.
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Nothing like a cold for the holidays...
Actually, I'm getting better, so let's hope the trend continues.
This weekend, however, I had to take it pretty slow. J was great. So awesome to have someone pamper you - make you a fire, special pumpkin bread french toast with a hint of Chambord, tuck you in, and so on. Made me smile a lot. :)
While sick, I finished Book # 32 - Smith of Wooton Major and Farmer Giles of Ham by J.R.R. Tolkien. A reread from long ago, these light, short tales are highly entertaining. As with fables of old, they are good character studies, without getting too deep or delving. I love tales that bring fantasy - faerie and dragons, to humble folk.
AND
Book #33 - Quit Your Job by James Kochalka. I got this for J because 1)J was friends with Kochalka growing up and 2)Kochalka went to MICA, the same art school as Sonny - I didn't really know much about his work. The story is nice, refreshing - the cat element hit really strongly, of course. The artwork I'd have to get used to. Evident skill and all, I just prefer more Sandman or Batman style art, or even ElfQuest.
Happy Thanksgiving to all if I don't write before then!
We're gathering at Mom & Dad's - it's always a blast!
More later, then.
This weekend, however, I had to take it pretty slow. J was great. So awesome to have someone pamper you - make you a fire, special pumpkin bread french toast with a hint of Chambord, tuck you in, and so on. Made me smile a lot. :)
While sick, I finished Book # 32 - Smith of Wooton Major and Farmer Giles of Ham by J.R.R. Tolkien. A reread from long ago, these light, short tales are highly entertaining. As with fables of old, they are good character studies, without getting too deep or delving. I love tales that bring fantasy - faerie and dragons, to humble folk.
AND
Book #33 - Quit Your Job by James Kochalka. I got this for J because 1)J was friends with Kochalka growing up and 2)Kochalka went to MICA, the same art school as Sonny - I didn't really know much about his work. The story is nice, refreshing - the cat element hit really strongly, of course. The artwork I'd have to get used to. Evident skill and all, I just prefer more Sandman or Batman style art, or even ElfQuest.
Happy Thanksgiving to all if I don't write before then!
We're gathering at Mom & Dad's - it's always a blast!
More later, then.
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Molson's kisses
I like to take time to notice a beautiful sky - the perfect sunrise or sunset, light striking a cloud just so, rainbows. 
Since Molson has been gone I've noticed this even more. Often, when I've looked to the sky, something has been there for me. A gorgeous mini-rainbow or a jet stream throwing its shadows on the clouds by moonlight. I like to think of this as a kiss from Molson from where he waits with Milo. A quick kiss to say "Everything will be OK, Mama, be happy." Thanks, buddy....
...
On a totally different note - Book #31 - The Final Solution by Michael Chabon. The first work I've read by Chabon, but I know it's on the opposite end of the spectrum in length from The Amazing Adventures of Cavalier and Clay. A nice little story with a ton of good detail and a spirit/tone that captures the old British detective novel's good points (read "minus all the dry, dusty, glove-wearing boredom I've seen in Christie"). And I like the way it wraps up. A lot.
Since Molson has been gone I've noticed this even more. Often, when I've looked to the sky, something has been there for me. A gorgeous mini-rainbow or a jet stream throwing its shadows on the clouds by moonlight. I like to think of this as a kiss from Molson from where he waits with Milo. A quick kiss to say "Everything will be OK, Mama, be happy." Thanks, buddy.......
On a totally different note - Book #31 - The Final Solution by Michael Chabon. The first work I've read by Chabon, but I know it's on the opposite end of the spectrum in length from The Amazing Adventures of Cavalier and Clay. A nice little story with a ton of good detail and a spirit/tone that captures the old British detective novel's good points (read "minus all the dry, dusty, glove-wearing boredom I've seen in Christie"). And I like the way it wraps up. A lot.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Charlotte thoughts 2 - more strangeness
Saturday dawned with another revelation about Uptown Charlotte. Its restaurants and shops are closed for the weekend! I know that I wasn't entirely wrong about people living in the area - there are some signs pointing to condos and more, but the place is shuttered on a Saturday afternoon. I see people about, but must make the assumption that most are tourists who will end up eating in their hotels. How odd to create an atmosphere so insular that it closes when most should be available to explore it.
...
Walking the deserted streets of the Queen City on a brilliant, warm Saturday afternoon - November in Carolina, the drone of bagpipes fills the air. (!)
...
Walking the deserted streets of the Queen City on a brilliant, warm Saturday afternoon - November in Carolina, the drone of bagpipes fills the air. (!)
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Charlotte thoughts 1 - something slightly off balance
Charlotte has a beautiful, bustling (we'll get back to that in part 2) Uptown area. Walking through it, my initial impression was, well (have a headache so excuse the redundancy)... impressed. Tree-lined, broad, clean sidewalks. Cool buildings - and many more going up. Fountains on at least one corner of every intersection, often more, sometimes between intersections. Little parks and sitting places scattered around. Tons of restaurants (again, remember this for part 2).
But something felt - off.
And, after an afternoon of walking around, I realized what it was. There were no street-side shops. Correction - I saw a CVS and an Eckerds. All of the other stores are buried inside buildings and indoor malls.
What does this do to a city? What kind of statement does it make?
Brings to mind sprawl
planned communities (and later I did see Charlotte described as "planned" in a tourist mag)
The clean streets, parks, and fountains are very nice - but some form of vibrance seems lost.
What a contrast to the crooked, haphazard streets with their jumble of stores, historic buildings, etc. that I loved so in Boston!
part 2 tomorrow....
But something felt - off.
And, after an afternoon of walking around, I realized what it was. There were no street-side shops. Correction - I saw a CVS and an Eckerds. All of the other stores are buried inside buildings and indoor malls.
What does this do to a city? What kind of statement does it make?
Brings to mind sprawl
planned communities (and later I did see Charlotte described as "planned" in a tourist mag)
The clean streets, parks, and fountains are very nice - but some form of vibrance seems lost.
What a contrast to the crooked, haphazard streets with their jumble of stores, historic buildings, etc. that I loved so in Boston!
part 2 tomorrow....
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
We treat you so many ways, you're bound to like one of them
This is a quote from a North Carolinian. Got back Saturday from a trip to Charlotte. Something about the trip or the company made me feel contemplative. My senses were heightened and I felt eager to explore the meaning of each stimulous. I felt more creative - took more pictures, wrote more down, also did some pretty good creative thinking for work. Kinda' neat.
Quick notes (pics are on Flickr):
The Westin in Uptown Charlotte has awesome lobby bathrooms - stalls are separated by real, full walls and have wooden doors! OK - weird to get excited about toilet stalls, but it was classy.
Finally got Jamba! If Jenny and Tina hadn't related the Charlotte airport Jamba story, I wouldn't have found it, as it was in an entirely separate direction from where I needed to go. But I did, had a Strawberry Surf Rider - tasty.
More of the deeper stuff in my next post and more of a relate to the motto in this title.
And I finished book #30 - Jarka Ruus - High Druid of Shannara, Book 1, by Terry Brooks. I've thrived on the Shannara books since high school. This one bugged me a bit because the "hero"'s love interest seems more superficial, almost just switched on, than anything I'm used to in the series. I have a feeling it could be a trap, but don't know for sure. Otherwise, it swept me away as always and now I have to get the next (and on searching for this link, I'm very behind and need to get #3 also!)
Quick notes (pics are on Flickr):
The Westin in Uptown Charlotte has awesome lobby bathrooms - stalls are separated by real, full walls and have wooden doors! OK - weird to get excited about toilet stalls, but it was classy.
Finally got Jamba! If Jenny and Tina hadn't related the Charlotte airport Jamba story, I wouldn't have found it, as it was in an entirely separate direction from where I needed to go. But I did, had a Strawberry Surf Rider - tasty.
More of the deeper stuff in my next post and more of a relate to the motto in this title.
And I finished book #30 - Jarka Ruus - High Druid of Shannara, Book 1, by Terry Brooks. I've thrived on the Shannara books since high school. This one bugged me a bit because the "hero"'s love interest seems more superficial, almost just switched on, than anything I'm used to in the series. I have a feeling it could be a trap, but don't know for sure. Otherwise, it swept me away as always and now I have to get the next (and on searching for this link, I'm very behind and need to get #3 also!)
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Links
I'm craving a good ghost story - Halloween is lingering, I guess. Tina posted a link on her blog. Anybody else have good links? I prefer the more potentially true to the showbizzy.
2 cool links:
A new Narnia preview - now I have to reread those, too! This looks extremely cool - and I should probably just look this up but it sounds like Liam Neeson is Aslan - excellent! (Hah, verified!)
Will Schaff's papercut photos on Flickr - The fireplace is very cool....
2 cool links:
A new Narnia preview - now I have to reread those, too! This looks extremely cool - and I should probably just look this up but it sounds like Liam Neeson is Aslan - excellent! (Hah, verified!)
Will Schaff's papercut photos on Flickr - The fireplace is very cool....
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Healing
We miss him a lot. The house is very empty.
But we're moving on, I think, bit by bit. Healing. Remembering, but beyond grieving.
For the most part.
We seem to be connecting more, too. It started by talking about Molson and has moved on to other conversations and time together. That can't be bad.
Also wanted to let everyone know that Sonny and I both have Flickr pages now - the links have been added on the right. Enjoy!
But we're moving on, I think, bit by bit. Healing. Remembering, but beyond grieving.
For the most part.
We seem to be connecting more, too. It started by talking about Molson and has moved on to other conversations and time together. That can't be bad.
Also wanted to let everyone know that Sonny and I both have Flickr pages now - the links have been added on the right. Enjoy!
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Goodbye to the bestest buddy ever
Molson died tonight.
He was 8 years old - in prime health.
J said he was having teddy time (he would grab his stuffed teddy and knead at it - a very happy thing for Molson)and went into a sort of fit.
J tried to save him.
I was at the gym.
I'll miss how he'd come lie in my arms in the small hours of the morning, full of purrs and hugs.I'll miss hugging him - he was sooo cuddly.
The way he'd talk to us.
How he'd find me when I was sad.
How he'd get so excited about chasing the ball - although he wouldn't really chase it, just run back and forth.
Playing tag in the basement.
Our time in the yard.
How he'd follow me around, to be in the same room as me, hanging out.
I'll miss you tons, buddy. I'll see you again, of that I'm sure. In the meantime, have all the catnip you want, all the shrimp you can eat, and see to it that someone rubs those ears.
Your Mama and Daddy will always love you.
J says goodbye and that his heart lies next to you.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Mirrormask!
Went to see MirrorMask with Jenny and Tina tonight! I think they liked it. It's interesting - I enjoyed it while watching it, but the depth of what I consider it's coolness crept up on me slowly and didn't really fully hit until halfway home.
I told Sonny I'd put it close to Delicatessin and City of Lost Children for a really cool, totally weird movie. Not quite to their level, but they're at the top of the heap, so close isn't all that bad.
Very very very whacked. In a whoa, you could spend hours soaking it in sort of way.
Sonny says he saw MirrorMask toys today (most likely at Newbury Comics) - may have to check that out.
I recommend it for those who appreciate weird, cultish (I think it will achieve the goal Henson studios was seeking), definitely not your run of the mill view of things.
Highly.
Yeah, that was pretty cool flick....
I told Sonny I'd put it close to Delicatessin and City of Lost Children for a really cool, totally weird movie. Not quite to their level, but they're at the top of the heap, so close isn't all that bad.
Very very very whacked. In a whoa, you could spend hours soaking it in sort of way.
Sonny says he saw MirrorMask toys today (most likely at Newbury Comics) - may have to check that out.
I recommend it for those who appreciate weird, cultish (I think it will achieve the goal Henson studios was seeking), definitely not your run of the mill view of things.
Highly.
Yeah, that was pretty cool flick....
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Learning new things
Total body conditioning = ahhh - wooouch!!!!
I hurt so much more after that class, but feel less satisfied, because that euphoric high I've been getting from kickboxing never emerged. My lungs don't feel tested, though I can tell my heart rate's a bit higher.
Don't think I'm doing this one often. We'll see if I can dress myself tomorrow.
I hurt so much more after that class, but feel less satisfied, because that euphoric high I've been getting from kickboxing never emerged. My lungs don't feel tested, though I can tell my heart rate's a bit higher.
Don't think I'm doing this one often. We'll see if I can dress myself tomorrow.
Couldn't wait!
This was just way too cool not to post immediately - and it'll bring a smile to your day!
This ad is for Canteen - a New Zealand org for youth with cancer - promoting National Bandanna Week and their green bandannas.
"Manah Manah" was used in a Diet Dr Pepper ad recently. To compare the two - the Dr Pepper ad had an awesome element of surprise - but this one has real Muppets!
- found on AdRants, via PuppetVision
This ad is for Canteen - a New Zealand org for youth with cancer - promoting National Bandanna Week and their green bandannas.
"Manah Manah" was used in a Diet Dr Pepper ad recently. To compare the two - the Dr Pepper ad had an awesome element of surprise - but this one has real Muppets!
- found on AdRants, via PuppetVision
Monday, October 10, 2005
Finally, fire!
First off, after one and a half weeks back at the gym, I'm down 2 pounds. Let's hope the trend continues! I already feel a lot better (setting aside this cold and migraine)
Saturday, J surprised me with our first fire!
Here's the story: When we moved in, our engineer didn't look at the chimney, so we had someone else come check it out. The interior of the chimney was fine he said, but he was concerned about how close it got to boards in the attic. So we held off until we could figure out how to deal with it.
Then we got thinking. The chimney is awful wide up there - would it really get hot enough to matter? Maybe we should have someone else check it out. So we held off. (We can be pretty good at that)
Saturday, J decided to go ahead and try it out. I ran to the attic several times, but could still rub my hands on the chimney no prob - so it looks like we're cool!
Molson was a bit on edge, though I think he got used to it. We found some chicken stew in the freezer - had an awesome, warm, tasty meal AND a fire AND good company.
The fire held me mesmerized, the house smelled of it, the flames danced in the bay windows (I bet people out walking dogs in the cold and wet were jeal-ous!) - coziness lived at our address for the evening.
I love nights like that!:):):)
Saturday, J surprised me with our first fire!
Here's the story: When we moved in, our engineer didn't look at the chimney, so we had someone else come check it out. The interior of the chimney was fine he said, but he was concerned about how close it got to boards in the attic. So we held off until we could figure out how to deal with it.
Then we got thinking. The chimney is awful wide up there - would it really get hot enough to matter? Maybe we should have someone else check it out. So we held off. (We can be pretty good at that)Saturday, J decided to go ahead and try it out. I ran to the attic several times, but could still rub my hands on the chimney no prob - so it looks like we're cool!
Molson was a bit on edge, though I think he got used to it. We found some chicken stew in the freezer - had an awesome, warm, tasty meal AND a fire AND good company.
The fire held me mesmerized, the house smelled of it, the flames danced in the bay windows (I bet people out walking dogs in the cold and wet were jeal-ous!) - coziness lived at our address for the evening.
I love nights like that!:):):)
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Early to rise
I got to work today at 6:05. I usually don't get out of bed until 7. I am a walking zombie. Kinda nice when I got in because the lights on the floor were still off, except the one at the back of my cube - it made it kind of cozy. Still, not only did I have to be here at that insane hour, I had a breakfast meeting with our CEO at 6:30! So hard to make a good impression when moving your tongue seems as difficult as a Turbo Kick class...
I've noticed lately that the warm fuzzy of spending time with friends is slightly different depending on what era in your life those friendships come from. The comfort zone varies - although very subtly. It's all good of course - I'm going to use an analogy and you need to understand that all pieces of warm fuzzy clothing are equally important to chill-prone moi - friends from pre-school are thick, soft, fuzzy socks, from elementary a good warm hat, high school/college friends are long warm scarves knit from the funkiest of yarns, and adult friends are the great old, warm baggy sweater....
I don't know if the order is exactly right and I'm still formulating my thoughts on what the differences are and why - I just know I have a slightly different smile depending on who I've been hanging with. When I have a big bash with a mix it'll be interesting to see how it all meshes.
I've noticed lately that the warm fuzzy of spending time with friends is slightly different depending on what era in your life those friendships come from. The comfort zone varies - although very subtly. It's all good of course - I'm going to use an analogy and you need to understand that all pieces of warm fuzzy clothing are equally important to chill-prone moi - friends from pre-school are thick, soft, fuzzy socks, from elementary a good warm hat, high school/college friends are long warm scarves knit from the funkiest of yarns, and adult friends are the great old, warm baggy sweater....
I don't know if the order is exactly right and I'm still formulating my thoughts on what the differences are and why - I just know I have a slightly different smile depending on who I've been hanging with. When I have a big bash with a mix it'll be interesting to see how it all meshes.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Miscount
Just realized I had 2 Book#27s, so Mythago Wood is #28, Tamsin #29!
I'm starting to doubt 50...
Who truly knows what secrets lie beneath?
Book #28 - Tamsin by Peter S Beagle. Narrated by a 19 year old, telling the tale of events that happened from 13-15, it starts out a little too centered on teenage angst and inflicting it on others for me. After a bit of a doze, though, it picks up when the title character arrives. What follow is not only a pretty good ghost story, but one that also incorporates many figures of the local Dorset, England folklore - boggarts, Poukas, billy-blinds, etc.
Total coolness, Mirrormask comes to The Little Theatre in Rochester on October 14. Definitely going, and I'll get to see Tom's art, too!
Scientists finally have photos of a live giant squid! A 25-foot long squid was photographed 900meters down by Japanese scientists last week. I am constantly amazed at how little we really know about what lies in our oceans. Hopefully we won't kill it all off before we get a chance to enjoy it and learn from it....
And last, but not least - Turbo Kick is way fun! I love the feeling of pushing my lungs further than I'd ever take them on my own on a machine. I love the tightness of muscles afterwards. Now, all I have to do is be able to follow the routines and do that silly football run... then I can get to kick-butt chick level and have some fun!:)
Total coolness, Mirrormask comes to The Little Theatre in Rochester on October 14. Definitely going, and I'll get to see Tom's art, too!
Scientists finally have photos of a live giant squid! A 25-foot long squid was photographed 900meters down by Japanese scientists last week. I am constantly amazed at how little we really know about what lies in our oceans. Hopefully we won't kill it all off before we get a chance to enjoy it and learn from it....
And last, but not least - Turbo Kick is way fun! I love the feeling of pushing my lungs further than I'd ever take them on my own on a machine. I love the tightness of muscles afterwards. Now, all I have to do is be able to follow the routines and do that silly football run... then I can get to kick-butt chick level and have some fun!:)
Sunday, October 02, 2005
vege tables
for all of you who are around providence, the sentimental favorites are playing tomorrow at 4pm at the fleet skating rink in the middle of downtown, we are the entertainment for the produce market going on at the same time.
also, check out http://wirelady.com, on there is the wire sculptors international guild which i was just inducted into.
later
sonny
also, check out http://wirelady.com, on there is the wire sculptors international guild which i was just inducted into.
later
sonny
Friday, September 30, 2005
First class
I just rejoined the gym, bent on using classes to force myself to leave work at a decent hour and bent on losing the weight that's been nagging me. Had my first eval and off I go...Tonight I'm headed to Turbo Kick - I sincerely hope I don't totally embarrass myself.....If I can lift my arms to type and mouse tomorrow, I may report how it goes...
A few weeks ago, I took some time off. Spent a night and a day at camp with
Mom and Dad - awesome because it's soooooo peaceful and Mom remembered the bread dough for doughboys! You take thawed bread-dough, wrap it around a stick or skewer, and toast it over the fire. When the outside is cooked, you remove the skewer and replace with cinnamon/ sugar or jelly or whatever. The result - doughy sweet goodness with a toasted crust -yum! (more pics of the scenery and food at my Flickr page)
Then J's sister and her husband came to visit. We had a good time just chilling at home - kinda' counter to the drive to constantly be GOING when they're here. It was really nice. Played putt-putt at one of the oldest courses in the country in Irondequoit, went to the Market for tacos, had an awesome (though a bit pricey) modern meal at the Mundo...
LAST weekend was Kate's wedding. Shortest wedding I've ever been to, but I'm sure J appreciated that, as he rather dislikes the things. Couldn't really hear their vows because of a nearby fountain, but it was awesome weather, a lovely setting, and we all had a great time just hanging there. I deem that a success. Congrats to Kate and Nick!:)
A few weeks ago, I took some time off. Spent a night and a day at camp with
Mom and Dad - awesome because it's soooooo peaceful and Mom remembered the bread dough for doughboys! You take thawed bread-dough, wrap it around a stick or skewer, and toast it over the fire. When the outside is cooked, you remove the skewer and replace with cinnamon/ sugar or jelly or whatever. The result - doughy sweet goodness with a toasted crust -yum! (more pics of the scenery and food at my Flickr page)Then J's sister and her husband came to visit. We had a good time just chilling at home - kinda' counter to the drive to constantly be GOING when they're here. It was really nice. Played putt-putt at one of the oldest courses in the country in Irondequoit, went to the Market for tacos, had an awesome (though a bit pricey) modern meal at the Mundo...
LAST weekend was Kate's wedding. Shortest wedding I've ever been to, but I'm sure J appreciated that, as he rather dislikes the things. Couldn't really hear their vows because of a nearby fountain, but it was awesome weather, a lovely setting, and we all had a great time just hanging there. I deem that a success. Congrats to Kate and Nick!:)
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Demise of the dress
I wanted a new dress for Kate's wedding tomorrow. A nice, simple dress that maybe I could also wear to work. I head to Kohl's, no dresess at all. Target, nothing non-maternity. Kaufmann's had prom and fussy older lady dresses. Now, this is a small sample, true, but enough to massively try my patience.
Everything is separates. Even more than that, if you venture beyond the gypsy skirt, everything is really pants. Huh.
Maybe it's just the wrong time of year. Maybe I somehow fell out of the loop and people just don't do dresses anymore. That'd be weird, I think. Well, hope J likes what I got. That's all I care about right now, anyway.
Book #27: Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock - a re-read. I had slightly mis-remembered what made the woods bordering the Rhyope estate so cool, I was expecting a simple transition to another world, and not the creatures born from deep-rooted cultural mythos. This started out slow - the discussion of the theory of the wood that was a good deal of the first half did not compel me to pick up the book consistently. After Steven became heavily involved with the wood and its folk, it picked up and I didn't want to part from the realm, even at the end. Luckily, I do have the next book...
In Orlando, the ghosts that inhabit Church Street Station have spurred a $2.6 million lawsuit. Apparently, the owners of a restaurant that had signed a lease there backed out on hearing it was haunted. Now, the building's owners not only want to be paid for the broken lease, but they also want the judge to rule on whether or not there are ghosts! Frankly, I think it'd make the place more interesting.
Everything is separates. Even more than that, if you venture beyond the gypsy skirt, everything is really pants. Huh.
Maybe it's just the wrong time of year. Maybe I somehow fell out of the loop and people just don't do dresses anymore. That'd be weird, I think. Well, hope J likes what I got. That's all I care about right now, anyway.
Book #27: Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock - a re-read. I had slightly mis-remembered what made the woods bordering the Rhyope estate so cool, I was expecting a simple transition to another world, and not the creatures born from deep-rooted cultural mythos. This started out slow - the discussion of the theory of the wood that was a good deal of the first half did not compel me to pick up the book consistently. After Steven became heavily involved with the wood and its folk, it picked up and I didn't want to part from the realm, even at the end. Luckily, I do have the next book...
In Orlando, the ghosts that inhabit Church Street Station have spurred a $2.6 million lawsuit. Apparently, the owners of a restaurant that had signed a lease there backed out on hearing it was haunted. Now, the building's owners not only want to be paid for the broken lease, but they also want the judge to rule on whether or not there are ghosts! Frankly, I think it'd make the place more interesting.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
diversion
Still need to finish those tidbits and tell of last week's mini-vacations, but in the meantime...
My pirate name is:
Captain Anne Bonney
My pirate name is:
Captain Anne Bonney
Even though there's no legal rank on a pirate ship, everyone recognizes you're the one in charge. You can be a little bit unpredictable, but a pirate's life is far from full of certainties, so that fits in pretty well. Arr!
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
To Charles Roelle, re: your comment
A while back I was doing some genealogy research and made a connection to the Ohio Roelle's - I had connected with Jeff Bader. Our great-grandfather was Clifford Roelle, son of William - who we believe is the son of Joannis Eugene - who emigrated from Boerrstadt, Germany to Bucyrus, OH.
We'd love to connect and work to build our part of the Roelle story and understand how it entwines with the Ohio Roelles.
I haven't worked on this in a while, but hope to get back into it soon.
We'd love to connect and work to build our part of the Roelle story and understand how it entwines with the Ohio Roelles.
I haven't worked on this in a while, but hope to get back into it soon.
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Bits and pieces-1 - Congrats!
Congrats to the Greens on baby George!
Congrats to our cousin Sarah and Glen on the baby boy currently known as "Sky"!
Two marvellous new additions.
Two welcome notes waiting in the piles of emails after a few days off.
Book #26 - A Holiday for Murder by Agatha Christie - The second of two Christie books I bought used to check her stuff out. Unlike the first, which I found stuffy and which bored me senseless, this one was entertaining, and I'm not usually a mystery person. But the "family gathering" nature of the tale, and with it the wider variety of "players" and increased dialogue, make this an entertaining side read.
Book #27 - Coraline by Neil Gaiman - For anyone who reads this blog regularly, you know I love Gaiman's work and find him an interesting character, as well. While more of a children's novel, Coraline has a ton of charm. I enjoyed Coraline herself and her explorer nature. A quick read that I look forward to sharing with my children (further down the road) and maybe those of friends when I babysit (much closer to hand).
Coming up - ghosts, recipes, and my bits of vacation...
Congrats to our cousin Sarah and Glen on the baby boy currently known as "Sky"!
Two marvellous new additions.
Two welcome notes waiting in the piles of emails after a few days off.
Book #26 - A Holiday for Murder by Agatha Christie - The second of two Christie books I bought used to check her stuff out. Unlike the first, which I found stuffy and which bored me senseless, this one was entertaining, and I'm not usually a mystery person. But the "family gathering" nature of the tale, and with it the wider variety of "players" and increased dialogue, make this an entertaining side read.
Book #27 - Coraline by Neil Gaiman - For anyone who reads this blog regularly, you know I love Gaiman's work and find him an interesting character, as well. While more of a children's novel, Coraline has a ton of charm. I enjoyed Coraline herself and her explorer nature. A quick read that I look forward to sharing with my children (further down the road) and maybe those of friends when I babysit (much closer to hand).
Coming up - ghosts, recipes, and my bits of vacation...
Monday, September 12, 2005
burbank
well, i didnt have any time to be on the price is right, but i was on craft lab. thats a new show on the diy network (or it will be new when it starts airing episodes next fall). it was pretty weird and tiring and exciting to be on it. i thought i worked a lot but the people working on that show put in 12 hour days, thats crazy. and they keep busy the whole time except for the well catered lunch break. in fact, there is a food table set up all day for snacking. on thursday we rehearsed my episode (me and two producers, kate and nicole) from pretty much 11am to 7pm. the we rehearsed a little more on friday and then taped the show. everybody liked the work. the most nerve-wraking thing about filming is that everyone but me had ear pieces and could hear directions from the director or producer or somebody and i could never tell if i had messed up or someone else, they always said it was someone else but they could have been being nice. they did say i needed to smile more and kate and nicole would dance behind the cameras to get me to smile but i couldnt look that way, i had to just keep looking at the host which was a little weird when she was talking to the camera. after it was all over i went to hollywood and went to graumans theatre and the la luz de jesus gallery and the in n out burger. then i flew home and sawthe grand canyon and a volcano from the plane.
the end
or is it?
the end
or is it?
Thursday, September 08, 2005
He's off!
Sonny is actually in CA right now, and probably in the dry run/ dress rehearsal at the studio this very moment! Very very cool. I'll try to get him to post about the trip and the show...
Book #25: Breaking the Headache Cycle by Ian Livingston, PhD and Donna Novak, RN - Wow, talk about a difference between this one and the others!
This book clearly explained the chemical inbalance that leads to heightened sensitivities and greater chance of migraines, as well as other problems. Other books made it sound like if you have migraines plus other symptoms it's a compounded disorder that needs more layers of drugs.
This book advocates trying to alleviate things naturally, understanding you may still need some meds and not skipping them if you do. Other books look almost exclusively to prescriptions or programs that take place as an inpatient in a hospital.
Overall, this book gave me more hope that I can do something to make the pain better, without being doped up all the time. I appreciate that.
So, speaking of headaches... Saturday I went to a Bachelorette party for a friend. Around 11pm, I felt a headache coming on and so, in order to avoid writhing in pain in the limo the rest of the night while friends partied, I stopped drinking. Shortly after, the people I had been sitting with all got pulled in other directions and some guys motioned me over to talk. First thing they do - offer me a drink. I turn it down. And I get shut out - "Oh, yeah, drinking will do that. Too bad." I could see the steel doors shut - "no fun here". Way to make me feel like a winner!More like the dud of the entire scene. Should I really care? No. That doesn't make it easier.
Book #25: Breaking the Headache Cycle by Ian Livingston, PhD and Donna Novak, RN - Wow, talk about a difference between this one and the others!
This book clearly explained the chemical inbalance that leads to heightened sensitivities and greater chance of migraines, as well as other problems. Other books made it sound like if you have migraines plus other symptoms it's a compounded disorder that needs more layers of drugs.
This book advocates trying to alleviate things naturally, understanding you may still need some meds and not skipping them if you do. Other books look almost exclusively to prescriptions or programs that take place as an inpatient in a hospital.
Overall, this book gave me more hope that I can do something to make the pain better, without being doped up all the time. I appreciate that.
So, speaking of headaches... Saturday I went to a Bachelorette party for a friend. Around 11pm, I felt a headache coming on and so, in order to avoid writhing in pain in the limo the rest of the night while friends partied, I stopped drinking. Shortly after, the people I had been sitting with all got pulled in other directions and some guys motioned me over to talk. First thing they do - offer me a drink. I turn it down. And I get shut out - "Oh, yeah, drinking will do that. Too bad." I could see the steel doors shut - "no fun here". Way to make me feel like a winner!More like the dud of the entire scene. Should I really care? No. That doesn't make it easier.
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Quick note - hurricane charity
I'm chosing to donate to Noah's Wish - this group is working to rescue pets that have been left behind and can reunite them with owners.
Noah's Wish specializes in helping pets during natural disasters throughout the US and Canada and has already rescued hundreds of pets in the Slidell area.
Noah's Wish specializes in helping pets during natural disasters throughout the US and Canada and has already rescued hundreds of pets in the Slidell area.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Now I know what it means...
I have a fondness for the city of New Orleans. I was hooked the moment I set foot there and the two visits I've made have hardly been enough. It was also the only place J and I have ever been to on a major vacation.It struck me as a city of strength and endurance. Of resiliance. A city that has been through many crises and always survived.
I'm afraid of what happens now.
I can only hope.
It is so horrible to see so many waiting for help, so many dying in the process. I've entertained the brief fantasy of grabbing a bus and driving down myself to help haul people to safety - to some semblance of civilization. That wouldn't work real well, as I'm sure I couldn't drive a bus that far without crashing horribly on the way, so I'll likely just donate.
To New Orleans. A city destroyed. May you stand tall and proud again.
I hope to come for beignets, etouffee, and bread pudding soon.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
catchup - a few books, music, and dunking
Well, the music has stopped and I have a chair. Now, I just need to figure out some more about the room it's in....
Congrats to Dan on his baptism last Saturday! A very interesting time - I came away with some deep things to ponder, though I wouldn't say this is the answer for me.
Bummer, though, that I got weird migraine-related symptoms during - made me miss the cake!
Book# 23 was Bloom County - Happy Trails! by Berke Breathed.(Yes, they count, you just can't read a whole bunch on purpose simply to reach the goal) I never really got Bloom County and reading a whole book didn't really change that.
Book# 24, on the other hand, was a lot of fun! Men at Arms by Terry Pratchett. This was my first Discworld novel. I found it very fun - there's a lot of subtleties buried underneath the more blatant humor and the characters are so well done I wanted to hang out with many of them. As usual, one gauge of a good fantasy book for me is how it impacts my dreams - I was dreaming of city strolls with Detritus, Cuddy, Angua, and Carrot, so I think it did a good job. A light read whose only real problem, for me, was the lack of chapter breaks - I ended up reading for a lot longer at a time, because the next break wasn't that far away. Will likely add other Discworld works to the list.
Finally, last night I smashed the first bottle since arriving at this house. Much of my project work has focused on organizing or the birdhouse kit and painting it. Getting back into glass smashing - creating mosaic pieces and thinking of mosaic projects - made it feel... complete. I think this may be a form of "meditation" that I'll start to fend off headaches.
Congrats to Dan on his baptism last Saturday! A very interesting time - I came away with some deep things to ponder, though I wouldn't say this is the answer for me.
Bummer, though, that I got weird migraine-related symptoms during - made me miss the cake!
Book# 23 was Bloom County - Happy Trails! by Berke Breathed.(Yes, they count, you just can't read a whole bunch on purpose simply to reach the goal) I never really got Bloom County and reading a whole book didn't really change that.
Book# 24, on the other hand, was a lot of fun! Men at Arms by Terry Pratchett. This was my first Discworld novel. I found it very fun - there's a lot of subtleties buried underneath the more blatant humor and the characters are so well done I wanted to hang out with many of them. As usual, one gauge of a good fantasy book for me is how it impacts my dreams - I was dreaming of city strolls with Detritus, Cuddy, Angua, and Carrot, so I think it did a good job. A light read whose only real problem, for me, was the lack of chapter breaks - I ended up reading for a lot longer at a time, because the next break wasn't that far away. Will likely add other Discworld works to the list.
Finally, last night I smashed the first bottle since arriving at this house. Much of my project work has focused on organizing or the birdhouse kit and painting it. Getting back into glass smashing - creating mosaic pieces and thinking of mosaic projects - made it feel... complete. I think this may be a form of "meditation" that I'll start to fend off headaches.
Monday, August 22, 2005
How cool is this??
Please forgive typos or weird punctuation - I'm coming off the rush of finishing a report I'm supposed to review a 9 tomorrow and present at 3 to "bigwigs"....
But isn't this awesome??!>? The creator of Angry Alien is speaking THIS Friday at 8pm at the Eastman house here in good ol' Rachchacha! :) AND they're showing all the re-enactments! This is going to be fun!
Who wants to join?
PS Anyone need any basil?
But isn't this awesome??!>? The creator of Angry Alien is speaking THIS Friday at 8pm at the Eastman house here in good ol' Rachchacha! :) AND they're showing all the re-enactments! This is going to be fun!Who wants to join?
PS Anyone need any basil?
Saturday, August 20, 2005
I believe I can fly
Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies do an awesome version of "I believe I can fly" - starts out with a laid-back beach-style bit of banjo plucking and gets very frenetic in the chorus. Great workout tune. And, I think, a song that I would call one of the theme songs of my life...
It comes to mind because I've been realizing that, of the super-powers I have in many of my dreams, flying almost always comes standard. Sometimes it's a useful tool. Sometime the dream really centers on getting around by thinking myself aloft and wooshing there.
I wonder what it means - it's awful fun, though.
Here's the fish recipe, from a Culinary Institue of America (CIA) cookbook:
(I halved it, cause it says it serves 6, I definitely had 3 servings but some ingredients I had to add extra of, so I'm putting the full amounts here)
Baked Scrod (any white flshed fish will do), Garden Style
4 tbsp melted butter
3 tomatoes, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4 in thick crosswise slices
6 fish fillets
Salt & pepper to taste
3 c shredded zucchini
3 tbsp grated Parmesean or Asiago cheese
1c seasoned bread crumbs
1/4c chopped fresh parsley, chives, dill
1/3c dry white wine
Preheat oven to 375.
Brush individual oval gratin dishes or a large baking dish with butter.
Brush tomatoes & fish with butter. There should be about 2 tbsp of butter left.
Season fish w/ salt & pepper.
Toss zucchini, cheese, 3 tbsp breadcrumbs, and herbs with remaining butter. Season w/ salt & pepper.
Make a nest of zucchini in the center of each dish, or 6 nests in the large dish. Place fish in the center of each nest (*note, I laid the fish on what was more a pillow of zucchini than a nest - this was one of the really cool things about this recipe - the hidden zucchini...) Tuck tomato slides around nest - straight sides towards fish.
Place remaining breadcrumbs on top of fish. Pat down. Sprinkle wine over veggies. Bake 20-25 min - until fish is opaque throughout.
Broil to brown breadcrumbs.
Yum.....
It comes to mind because I've been realizing that, of the super-powers I have in many of my dreams, flying almost always comes standard. Sometimes it's a useful tool. Sometime the dream really centers on getting around by thinking myself aloft and wooshing there.
I wonder what it means - it's awful fun, though.
Here's the fish recipe, from a Culinary Institue of America (CIA) cookbook:
(I halved it, cause it says it serves 6, I definitely had 3 servings but some ingredients I had to add extra of, so I'm putting the full amounts here)
Baked Scrod (any white flshed fish will do), Garden Style
4 tbsp melted butter
3 tomatoes, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4 in thick crosswise slices
6 fish fillets
Salt & pepper to taste
3 c shredded zucchini
3 tbsp grated Parmesean or Asiago cheese
1c seasoned bread crumbs
1/4c chopped fresh parsley, chives, dill
1/3c dry white wine
Preheat oven to 375.
Brush individual oval gratin dishes or a large baking dish with butter.
Brush tomatoes & fish with butter. There should be about 2 tbsp of butter left.
Season fish w/ salt & pepper.
Toss zucchini, cheese, 3 tbsp breadcrumbs, and herbs with remaining butter. Season w/ salt & pepper.
Make a nest of zucchini in the center of each dish, or 6 nests in the large dish. Place fish in the center of each nest (*note, I laid the fish on what was more a pillow of zucchini than a nest - this was one of the really cool things about this recipe - the hidden zucchini...) Tuck tomato slides around nest - straight sides towards fish.
Place remaining breadcrumbs on top of fish. Pat down. Sprinkle wine over veggies. Bake 20-25 min - until fish is opaque throughout.
Broil to brown breadcrumbs.
Yum.....
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Friends bring smiles, rhinos bring pain
:) Isn't this new banner totally awesome! Jenny made it for me, well us! Heeeeeeeeeee (big grin)
All afternoon it's felt like a mean purple rhino has been tromping on the beanbag of my brain.
(Why purple?)
So, Mom and I saw March of the Penguins - very cool - except I had a strange urge to walk around on my heels, balancing something after.... Incredible, really.
Also made this really good baked fish with zucchini the other night - I will post the recipe tomorrow for those with garden produce to use! Thanks to Mom for the zucchini and tomatoes and parsley that went into it.
For now, though, I have a bit more work before I can even dream of taking it home to continue there....
All afternoon it's felt like a mean purple rhino has been tromping on the beanbag of my brain.
(Why purple?)
So, Mom and I saw March of the Penguins - very cool - except I had a strange urge to walk around on my heels, balancing something after.... Incredible, really.
Also made this really good baked fish with zucchini the other night - I will post the recipe tomorrow for those with garden produce to use! Thanks to Mom for the zucchini and tomatoes and parsley that went into it.
For now, though, I have a bit more work before I can even dream of taking it home to continue there....
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Grab, hop, swear, ice, owwwwwwww....
I was grilling a pork tenderloin last night. It was about 30 degrees shy of the right temp, so I left the thermometer in and wandered the yard until the alarm went off. Lifted the lid, grabbed the thermometer.
brilliant.
Only 2 fingers got really burned - but man did they hurt!
Dinner, at least, was very tasty. Here's the sauce - I think it came from Cooking Light a while ago...
3/4c apple jelly
2 tbsp ginger, peeled, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp crushed red pepper
Joe's cajun seasoning
black pepper
garlic
2 tbsp cider vinegar
Blend until smooth - yummy......
brilliant.
Only 2 fingers got really burned - but man did they hurt!
Dinner, at least, was very tasty. Here's the sauce - I think it came from Cooking Light a while ago...
3/4c apple jelly
2 tbsp ginger, peeled, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp crushed red pepper
Joe's cajun seasoning
black pepper
garlic
2 tbsp cider vinegar
Blend until smooth - yummy......
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
the post that never came to be ....
had a thoughtful and (I thought)interesting post planned, but it relied on a picture on my camera, which has disappeared from my desk - everyone has these things lying around and it was the middle of the day - this shouldn't have happened. I am extremely, extremely, did I say how extremely? peeved.
who took my camera? give it back!
who took my camera? give it back!
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Basket Case, other tidbits
I haven't blogged in a while. I thought it was because I didn't have much quirky to say, just a couple of book reviews. Then I realized it was more stress related - that venting the stress might help and that some actually find that interesting - the tawdry dilemnas in others lives.
So, here's a sample of my stresses:
So, here's a sample of my stresses:
- I need to lose 15 pounds. I've never had to do that before. Being this weight makes me feel very wrong - and scares me. - The good news? I feel positive about the path I've started to fix it.
- Musical chairs at work. Imagine you're lined up for the game, ready to go. Before the music starts, you're told to stand and you're blindfolded. The chairs are whisked away to unknown locations. You're told how many are left and the music starts. Better find one before it stops!
- Summer - beautiful, bright, gorgeous summer days that I feel in my core should be utterly enjoyed - consumed to the fullest. - Wouldn't think that'd be stressful, huh? Well, I don't find the time to enjoy and so I stress that I'm letting it slip away.
- A housewarming party that seems like it'll never actually happen, no matter how many times I try to set a date.
- Making lists like this! I shouldn't complain about stresses like these - look at life in Niger and Mumbai! Can't seem to help it, though.
Well, there you are. Once again, I'm falling apart as the bday approaches. Ah, life.
PS - Amidst all of that - look at my basil! I never had a real garden space before and have always had sickly potted basil. Look now! :)
And-Here's what I thought of Fluke by Christopher Moore - I really enjoyed it - kinda' to my surprise. I approached it a little wary that it might not be my type of humor, that it might be too blatant on the humor side, which I tend to find annoying. This was great, though. And I love that he spent so much time with whale folk in researching even a humorous novel.
Finally, book #22 -Conquering your Migraine -by Seymour Diamond, MD - This one scared me a bit - what if what's up with my head is more than migraine? He certainly spells out plenty of possible combos. Will I need, as he suggested multiple maintenance drugs in order to get well? I'm hoping that diet, exercise, and common sense help the headache thing, too.
Now, I'm going to go garden and try to relax...
Monday, July 25, 2005
Woah, chill, dude!
Not that I think hemp is the devil's scourge or that it even has all of the same impact that weed does, but I just love this story about legislation in Switzerland and Lichtenstein prohibiting dairy farmers from feeding their cows hemp.
According to the article, based on the farmers' arguments:
:)High cows just make me smile... oh, and check out the pic in the article, the cows have long hair, too!
Otherwise: Book #21: The Color Purple by Alice Walker. Hadn't read this before. The beginning is a bit tough as bad fortune looms over Celie and Nettie so oppressively. Overall, I thought the themes on the nature of God and achieving happiness were key points to ponder. And more akin to my own personal POV than I've seen in many places, so that's cool. A quick read. Wouldn't label it great, but a pretty good book.
According to the article, based on the farmers' arguments:
They are the most chilled-out, laid-back, carefree cattle in the world, and happy cows produce better milk.
:)High cows just make me smile... oh, and check out the pic in the article, the cows have long hair, too!
Otherwise: Book #21: The Color Purple by Alice Walker. Hadn't read this before. The beginning is a bit tough as bad fortune looms over Celie and Nettie so oppressively. Overall, I thought the themes on the nature of God and achieving happiness were key points to ponder. And more akin to my own personal POV than I've seen in many places, so that's cool. A quick read. Wouldn't label it great, but a pretty good book.
Friday, July 22, 2005
Top of mind
"If, as you live your life, you find yourself mentally composing blog entries about it, post this exact same sentence in your weblog."
Yep. I mostly get them scratched somewhere and put here eventually.
Sonny was just telling me he does the same, but forgets when he's at his Mac....
BTW - finished Book #20 - LOTR: The Two Towers - as excellent as ever, maybe even more so as an adult!
Yep. I mostly get them scratched somewhere and put here eventually.
Sonny was just telling me he does the same, but forgets when he's at his Mac....
BTW - finished Book #20 - LOTR: The Two Towers - as excellent as ever, maybe even more so as an adult!
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Seen around
Here are some things that reminded me of folks I know lately:
Single-serve mini ketchup made me think of Jenny - so cute!
I'm thinking this "condo bus" was the transportation of choice for either String Cheese Incident or one of its opening acts, as they were playing in the area. I thought Sonny would love the vintage/custom setup.
Finally - there's a new The Sentimental Favorites site up! Check it out! (I'll put it in the sidebar soon)
Single-serve mini ketchup made me think of Jenny - so cute!
I'm thinking this "condo bus" was the transportation of choice for either String Cheese Incident or one of its opening acts, as they were playing in the area. I thought Sonny would love the vintage/custom setup.Finally - there's a new The Sentimental Favorites site up! Check it out! (I'll put it in the sidebar soon)
Monday, July 18, 2005
Blogging from Providence...
Hey! Visiting Sonny for just a bit at the tail end of a work trip. Mostly just hanging out, but that's cool. Especially after a weekend of work. It's so hot and sticky, though - it has yet to rain here. DK if that would even bring any relief.
The traveling books this trip, briefly: The Two Towers by Tolkien (reread), A Holiday for Murder by Agatha Christie, Coraline by Neil Gaiman, and Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock (reread). I brought several because the ones after Tolkien are short and because we drove out and I didn't know if that would mean I'd be reading for 6 hours or more straight. So far, I'm 2/3 through the Tolkien. Good stuff.
That's the most exciting stuff to date. Sonny is giving a lecture at RISD today. I'm headed back home.
Had what I call a "packing dream" last night, with a twist. Usually these dreams are stressful and leave me more exhausted o waking than I was ere falling asleep. They usually deal with some scenario at my house where either just me or both of us need to leave by the next day and we need to make sure we get all of our stuff. Kinda' a mix of a catalouging of possessions and where they are and organizing it all quickly for fastest transport. I think it's part of my slightly compulsive side.
Anyway, last night was a bit different in that it wasn't our house. In the dream it was, but it was also like we were seeing it for the first time. So in addition to finding and organizing all that was there, there was the odd side story of exploring, well, what was there.
At least I didn't have nightmares that would make me scream aloud and wake Sonny and Owen.
The traveling books this trip, briefly: The Two Towers by Tolkien (reread), A Holiday for Murder by Agatha Christie, Coraline by Neil Gaiman, and Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock (reread). I brought several because the ones after Tolkien are short and because we drove out and I didn't know if that would mean I'd be reading for 6 hours or more straight. So far, I'm 2/3 through the Tolkien. Good stuff.
That's the most exciting stuff to date. Sonny is giving a lecture at RISD today. I'm headed back home.
Had what I call a "packing dream" last night, with a twist. Usually these dreams are stressful and leave me more exhausted o waking than I was ere falling asleep. They usually deal with some scenario at my house where either just me or both of us need to leave by the next day and we need to make sure we get all of our stuff. Kinda' a mix of a catalouging of possessions and where they are and organizing it all quickly for fastest transport. I think it's part of my slightly compulsive side.
Anyway, last night was a bit different in that it wasn't our house. In the dream it was, but it was also like we were seeing it for the first time. So in addition to finding and organizing all that was there, there was the odd side story of exploring, well, what was there.
At least I didn't have nightmares that would make me scream aloud and wake Sonny and Owen.
Monday, July 11, 2005
More reading, cutting wood
Book #18: Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris. Uproariously funny? Not really. Amusing, I guess. Sonny said it might be better if I listened to some of Sedaris' radio broadcasts. I'll check them out and see. Something about this book brought out PC-ish sensitivity in me that was a bit surprising. The chapter on pet euthanasia bothered me. As did his description of his sister's role-playing, which to me seemed more like someone looking for help. I think I was over-analyzing it, actually I'm pretty sure I was. Maybe that's part of why it was just kinda' there for me.
Book #19: The Women's Migraine Survival Guide by Christina Peterson, M.D. - I've finally gotten around to researching migraine myself before thinking about getting a referral to a neurologist. This book was good, a great women's perspective (and it is something needed for this illness), and it started me thinking about some warning signs and prevention steps. All great. What I didn't like is the heavy reliance there seemed to be on drugs for prevention. She did deal with alternatives a bit, and more than my PCPs have, but the vast majority of her patient examples are people on one maintenance drug, often more. I want to avoid a life like that as much as possible. Now, I'm not in the Cruise extreme group here, I just think that if there are proven natural methods that work just as well, then why the hell not? Finally, I'm actually a bit relieved because, as bad as my migraines seem and they're pretty bad, I think, I'm nowhere near a lot of the patients cited here - some of whom have 3-4 days lost to migraines EACH week. It helps to have perspective.
Started cutting the wood for the pantry. Helping J as he used his circular and table saws was a slight bit freaky, being just days after hearing about our poor Uncle's horrible run-in. Get-well Uncle Al and I'll keep a bit away (far as I can) while J cuts the wood, Thank You.
Book #19: The Women's Migraine Survival Guide by Christina Peterson, M.D. - I've finally gotten around to researching migraine myself before thinking about getting a referral to a neurologist. This book was good, a great women's perspective (and it is something needed for this illness), and it started me thinking about some warning signs and prevention steps. All great. What I didn't like is the heavy reliance there seemed to be on drugs for prevention. She did deal with alternatives a bit, and more than my PCPs have, but the vast majority of her patient examples are people on one maintenance drug, often more. I want to avoid a life like that as much as possible. Now, I'm not in the Cruise extreme group here, I just think that if there are proven natural methods that work just as well, then why the hell not? Finally, I'm actually a bit relieved because, as bad as my migraines seem and they're pretty bad, I think, I'm nowhere near a lot of the patients cited here - some of whom have 3-4 days lost to migraines EACH week. It helps to have perspective.
Started cutting the wood for the pantry. Helping J as he used his circular and table saws was a slight bit freaky, being just days after hearing about our poor Uncle's horrible run-in. Get-well Uncle Al and I'll keep a bit away (far as I can) while J cuts the wood, Thank You.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
A night of zombie mayhem makes 9am meetings hard to bear
A 9am meeting on a Wednesday after a 4 1/2 day weekend is bad enough. My brain had to go and make it even worse by limiting me to maybe 3 solid hours of sleep, 2 of which were plagued by a zombie fighting nightmare.
Zombies aren't usually a nightmare of mine. And I'm not into the flicks as much as Sonny is.
Yet, here I was. Interesting that in MY zombie world, the zombies were the epitome of upper-crust, fashionista snobs until they entered the slobbering feeding frenzies. No graveyard dirt or tattered clothes here, but ball gowns, white gloves, Bunny, Tad, and talk of the golf course. Where did THAT come from?
I awoke after I decided that the ultimate Mr T zombie had gone too far in lauding his control over the planet and God decided to blow up all zombies, lairs, and paraphernalia.
Still didn't keep me from checking for my heartbeat after I woke. Or from reliving the zombie fight every time I tried to close my eyes for the next 2 hours until the alarm.
Zombies aren't usually a nightmare of mine. And I'm not into the flicks as much as Sonny is.
Yet, here I was. Interesting that in MY zombie world, the zombies were the epitome of upper-crust, fashionista snobs until they entered the slobbering feeding frenzies. No graveyard dirt or tattered clothes here, but ball gowns, white gloves, Bunny, Tad, and talk of the golf course. Where did THAT come from?
I awoke after I decided that the ultimate Mr T zombie had gone too far in lauding his control over the planet and God decided to blow up all zombies, lairs, and paraphernalia.
Still didn't keep me from checking for my heartbeat after I woke. Or from reliving the zombie fight every time I tried to close my eyes for the next 2 hours until the alarm.
Monday, July 04, 2005
Happy Fourth!
Beyond picnics and summer fun, the Fourth to me is a time to think of the principals on which our country is based. On the struggle of the colonists oh so many years ago for freedom. Of what that freedom means.
To move away from the politics of the moment - to put aside property seisure rulings, gay marriage, right to die, freedom of choice, privacy rights, health care and prescription drugs - all of that mess.
To think of our country and the core of what it means and why it is truly good to be in a land founded on the belief that people have the right to make their own decisions about what and who to believe, about what they want to do with their lives. That people should and can have a say in how they are governed. No matter how flawed the implementation or the leadership might seem to be at times.
Saw a clip of the presidential speech today talking of the efforts of our troops in bringing freedom to others. I praise and support the troops, but today shouldn't be about our military - its actions, its prowess, or whatever. Today should be about the heart and roots of what it is to be American. That strive for what each of us believes is right, for what each of us wants to achieve - our ambition and devotion to ideals (even though we don't all agree, the debate is part of what's good).
Here's to what our country is all about.
Let's set aside what we're trying to prove elsewhere for just a day.
To move away from the politics of the moment - to put aside property seisure rulings, gay marriage, right to die, freedom of choice, privacy rights, health care and prescription drugs - all of that mess.
To think of our country and the core of what it means and why it is truly good to be in a land founded on the belief that people have the right to make their own decisions about what and who to believe, about what they want to do with their lives. That people should and can have a say in how they are governed. No matter how flawed the implementation or the leadership might seem to be at times.
Saw a clip of the presidential speech today talking of the efforts of our troops in bringing freedom to others. I praise and support the troops, but today shouldn't be about our military - its actions, its prowess, or whatever. Today should be about the heart and roots of what it is to be American. That strive for what each of us believes is right, for what each of us wants to achieve - our ambition and devotion to ideals (even though we don't all agree, the debate is part of what's good).
Here's to what our country is all about.
Let's set aside what we're trying to prove elsewhere for just a day.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Friends come home, big fish rule
Just received the marvellous news that my best friend from college has purchased a house in VA (was in Japan for several years), is moving back, is having a girl(bambino #2), and is being released from military service (critical care nurse)!!!:)
I liked the idea of having friends in scattered places, should I get the chance to visit those places it's nice to have connections there, but my relief at Kat coming home, and now Lisa - it's nice to have them on the same continent. Most excellent, in fact. I'll need to plan a trip to VA...
On a totally different note, fishermen in Thailand recently caught a 646 pound freshwater catfish!
Imagine that river! Wow.
Reminded me of Megamouth, a filter-feeding shark that tends towards very deep waters and so has bioluminescence in his mouth - only 20 odd examples have been found.
Which then reminded me of whale sharks and basking sharks - much less rare, but awesome beasts (the two largest fish in the world).
Unfortunately the Japanese have killed these beasts, claiming it was self defense - but again, they are filter feeders and wouldn't hurt people.
If I was any good at science, I'd be a marine biologist - geez, I think I've said that several times - just recently when talking about the lion rescuers in Ethiopia.
I liked the idea of having friends in scattered places, should I get the chance to visit those places it's nice to have connections there, but my relief at Kat coming home, and now Lisa - it's nice to have them on the same continent. Most excellent, in fact. I'll need to plan a trip to VA...
On a totally different note, fishermen in Thailand recently caught a 646 pound freshwater catfish!
Imagine that river! Wow.
Reminded me of Megamouth, a filter-feeding shark that tends towards very deep waters and so has bioluminescence in his mouth - only 20 odd examples have been found.
Which then reminded me of whale sharks and basking sharks - much less rare, but awesome beasts (the two largest fish in the world).
Unfortunately the Japanese have killed these beasts, claiming it was self defense - but again, they are filter feeders and wouldn't hurt people.
If I was any good at science, I'd be a marine biologist - geez, I think I've said that several times - just recently when talking about the lion rescuers in Ethiopia.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
heat stinks
This heat is horrible. I mean, I like heat but not brutally hot every day, with no cool down at night. I can't wait for Fri-Sun,when it's supposed to moderate a bit....
In the meantime, I read a lot in front of a fan. Hard to get motivated to work out when it's so hot. Hard to get motivated to scrub the bathroom or sweep the house....
Book #17 is done - Fluke, or I know why the winged whale sings - by Christopher Moore - will report on that after book club meets. On to the next.
In the meantime, I read a lot in front of a fan. Hard to get motivated to work out when it's so hot. Hard to get motivated to scrub the bathroom or sweep the house....
Book #17 is done - Fluke, or I know why the winged whale sings - by Christopher Moore - will report on that after book club meets. On to the next.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Books and freakiness
Book #14 - The Alchemist by Paul Coelho - I was about to complain that it wasn't until the teaching notes at the end of this that I found out the boy's name. Not true, it's the first sentence. This was the big detractor and distractor of the book, for me. After that first sentence, I don't think the boy's name is ever mentioned. He is just "the boy". I found that an over-simplification that made it seem almost artificial.
Otherwise, I like the concept of the need to follow your dream. I found the plot satisfying, even though J thought the end was a little too neat.
Book #15 - Strange Pilgrims by Gabriel Garcia Marquez - These are stories of the displaced, no matter how settled they've become in their new lives away from their native Latin America. I found the majority of them powerful, inriguing, and well done. The last, the tale of a new husband who take his wife to the hospital and never sees her again, especially dwelt in my mind. The "why"s and "what if"s. Garcia Marquez is a master storyteller.
Book #16 - The Devil and Tom Walker by Washington Irving - actually a collection of his short works. The short stories were classic, almost fireside, tales. The essays were a mixed bag - some were quite dull. Others, such as the cloisters of Westminster or the ghosts in its library of authors past, could have been developed into entertaining fiction, but weren't. Probably indicative of his time, but I was quite annoyed that every main character got into trouble because he was trying to evade his shrew of a wife - all wives were shrews or nags. Seems a bit bitter to me.
Finally, a rather gross, but just incredibly freaky story that also harks to at least one CSI episode, a Simpsons Halloween episode, and more...
Otherwise, I like the concept of the need to follow your dream. I found the plot satisfying, even though J thought the end was a little too neat.
Book #15 - Strange Pilgrims by Gabriel Garcia Marquez - These are stories of the displaced, no matter how settled they've become in their new lives away from their native Latin America. I found the majority of them powerful, inriguing, and well done. The last, the tale of a new husband who take his wife to the hospital and never sees her again, especially dwelt in my mind. The "why"s and "what if"s. Garcia Marquez is a master storyteller.
Book #16 - The Devil and Tom Walker by Washington Irving - actually a collection of his short works. The short stories were classic, almost fireside, tales. The essays were a mixed bag - some were quite dull. Others, such as the cloisters of Westminster or the ghosts in its library of authors past, could have been developed into entertaining fiction, but weren't. Probably indicative of his time, but I was quite annoyed that every main character got into trouble because he was trying to evade his shrew of a wife - all wives were shrews or nags. Seems a bit bitter to me.
Finally, a rather gross, but just incredibly freaky story that also harks to at least one CSI episode, a Simpsons Halloween episode, and more...
The condition is known as "foetus in foeto", or inclusion twin.
"In this case the foetus of the baby entered into the foetus of the boy and continued to grow like a tumour in the boy's abdomen," gynaecology specialists Nurun Nahar said.
Hundreds of curious locals flocked to the hospital on hearing a rumour that a boy had given birth to a baby.
Friday, June 24, 2005
And the mighty lion roars
In what i think is one of those truly awesome news-stories - the ones I cheer for as much as sports fanatics do news of a great new player on the team or of a critical victory - 3 lions free a young girl in Ethiopia - According to some reports, as many as 70% of Ethiopian marriages are the result of a kidnapping - when men steal young girls and brutalize them until they agree to the proposal. As this fate was rolling out for one young girl, these lions rolled up on the scene, scared off the kidnappers, and guarded the girl until authorities arrived.
Most excellent!!! Lions are so incredibly awesome!
When I first posted about Mireya Mayor, I was inspired about what she's done in what could be for me my "alternate reality career". These lions and Tina's frolicking dolphins make me want to get geared up and head out into the wilderness to study these amazing creatures.
Instead, I sit here rehashing data and having my writing style subject to constant revision requests by someone who just can't absorb the whole story on the page for all the criticism that's done of each sentence..... A bit harsher than I like to be here, but the jungle's looking pretty sweet right now.
Most excellent!!! Lions are so incredibly awesome!
When I first posted about Mireya Mayor, I was inspired about what she's done in what could be for me my "alternate reality career". These lions and Tina's frolicking dolphins make me want to get geared up and head out into the wilderness to study these amazing creatures.
Instead, I sit here rehashing data and having my writing style subject to constant revision requests by someone who just can't absorb the whole story on the page for all the criticism that's done of each sentence..... A bit harsher than I like to be here, but the jungle's looking pretty sweet right now.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Tune in to DIY for...
CW Roelle!! Yes, that's right, Sonny is on for a 1/2 hour episode where he'll show the nation how to make wire drawings! This will be most excellent... Details to follow.
Want to write more but under the thumb of a brutal project. Stay tuned, I'll sneak it in as I can.
Want to write more but under the thumb of a brutal project. Stay tuned, I'll sneak it in as I can.
Monday, June 20, 2005
Father's Day and movies
Had a good Father's Day - got Dad a Kodak Picture Viewer like this... I'm pretty sure he really liked it... Got to spend some quality campfire time and have some good steak, too.
Sonny and I have both seen Revenge of the Sith. Most excellent! I really felt totally immersed in the Star Wars realm - even if J was trying to distract me. An epoch like the first 2, for sure.
Also saw a trailer for The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. WAAAAYYYY cool - I haven't been in this realm for many years, but I remember longing for a version that was better than the dorky cartoon we used to watch at the babysitter's - much in the same way I wanted a good version of The Hobbit or other Tolkien tales.
I have 2 books to blog about, but my notes are downstairs and I'm being a bum tonight. Mayhaps tomorrow.... Oh, I did hear someone talking about the musical version of Wicked, saying that Elphaba "wasn't wicked at first, just made some bad choices..." I had to restrain myself from screaming "NOOOOO!!!!! You totally missed the point!" (This was in a church, so that would have been bad)
J says hi, btw.
More tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Two cool (too cool?) sites
First things foremost, Theophilus (see links to right) has updated their webpage. Pretty classy, with music, and an updated calendar, among other things...
Then, this looks so incredibly awesome, I just can't wait!!! Here's the new Mirrormask trailer - so funky!!!
On other movie fronts, J and I are going to see Batman or Star Wars this weekend. Have heard really strong positives on both and it may depend on my mood or timing. I actually had a pass to a screening of Batman, but by the time Dan and I got there it was already sold out. Bummer!
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Theophilus CD release party
Last night, Theophilus feted the release of their first full CD. A lot of effort went into this and it paid off. The party did a great job of showcasing their talent - and the kids enjoyed it, even if they did get a bit goofy. Excellent job, guys!
Next up for Theophilus, the final round of competition for a slot in the Kingdom Bound festival - held at Darien Lake later this summer. Cool stuff!
Book #13 - Bouzi by Jennifer Robin - Liked the flow of the text and the driving concept - the life of those who choose to "live in their heads" - to spend time contemplating life and experiencing it - and refusing to go where society would have them led. Seemed light, tho', and like it could have been explored so much further.
Next up for Theophilus, the final round of competition for a slot in the Kingdom Bound festival - held at Darien Lake later this summer. Cool stuff!
Book #13 - Bouzi by Jennifer Robin - Liked the flow of the text and the driving concept - the life of those who choose to "live in their heads" - to spend time contemplating life and experiencing it - and refusing to go where society would have them led. Seemed light, tho', and like it could have been explored so much further.
My voice was wearing a trenchcoat, holding a skull, pacing through fog with barbells.The sytle, with its avoidance of any standard metaphor or simile, ties nicely with the theme. Unlike Kerouac, though, it doesn't carry me away.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy's back in town
Sonny is here visiting us now and last night we went to see Big Bad Voodoo Daddy in the Park. We got absolutely soaked for about 30 minutes and had to wait a bit until the lightning passed by, but once they hit the stage the rain practically disappeared and the crowd grew and it was a total blast! I got the string bassist's autograph -only slightly rained on and a lot of good pics, plus 1 minute of fun video. Tres cool!
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Book #12 - Wicked
Wicked by Gregory Maguire - I liked the character of Elphaba - she wasn't evil, she set out to right the wrongs of politics and society - to recover from the loss of a love. Her sister earned the "Wicked" title by causing harm to support her political religious aims, but Elphaba was simply dubbed "wicked" because people didn't want to face the questions she posed about how they conducted their lives. An excellent book - entertaining with great character development.
(Books #13 and 14 upcoming)
Train to Providence - Something about the rock & rhythm of the movements of a jerky train (should you be so lucky as to actually have it MOVE as intended) brings us closer as a couple - binds us.
Sonny's show was incredible. And a good time. I loved hearing people talk about his work. Should you be in the Woonsocket area, the Blackstone River Gallery is in the same building as a furniture store on Main St (right by the river) and the show is up until July 16...
(Books #13 and 14 upcoming)
Train to Providence - Something about the rock & rhythm of the movements of a jerky train (should you be so lucky as to actually have it MOVE as intended) brings us closer as a couple - binds us.
Sonny's show was incredible. And a good time. I loved hearing people talk about his work. Should you be in the Woonsocket area, the Blackstone River Gallery is in the same building as a furniture store on Main St (right by the river) and the show is up until July 16...
Monday, June 06, 2005
So much to cover!
I'm going to try to spread this out - so many things!
More details on the trip to Sonny's show in RI, Dan's CD release party, and the 3 books I read this weekend soon. For now, here's some tidbits... (Click here for more on chicken fashions)
UK docs back to basics in fighting crime - interesting the different emphasis in the UK vs US...
French laws in the 17th century decreed that the tips of table and street knives be ground smooth.
A century later, forks and blunt-ended table knives were introduced in the UK in an effort to reduce injuries during arguments in public eating houses.
The researchers say legislation to ban the sale of long pointed knives would be a key step in the fight against violent crime.
And, finally, Mom's baton response...
Total Volume of music files 4.0 K.B.
Last C.D. I purchased was "Theophilus"
Playing right now is "Boom,Boom,Boom" By John Lee Hooker on WMVY internet radio.
Five songs I listen to most are
"Roller Coaster"/ Theophilus,
"Half Acre" / Hem,
"100 Years" / Five for Fighting,
"The Scientist" / Cold Play and
"You Don't Have to go it Alone" / U2.
Thursday, June 02, 2005
They call it a job!
Maybe there's some ounce of creativity needed to come up with something to talk about daily. Maybe there's a risk of mental injury from watching every night. I'm not sure, but man - Dukes of Hazzard Institute VP, as it's called just doesn't seem worthy of a 6 figure salary. Seriously - there's artists we could be giving that money to!
Yes, Christopher Nelson's new job, which comes with a $100,000 salary and a one-year contract, will be to watch reruns of "The Dukes of Hazzard" weeknights on the Country Music Television cable channel and write blog postings for the network's Web site.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Here we go! (aka Musical Baton, part1)
A Musical Baton
Jenny has passed me a musical baton. I answer these questions and pass them on...
Total volume of music files on my (work)computer:
2.4 MB - two Theophilus songs - I don't download music right now - Sonny makes me lots of CDs from his stuff
The last CD I bought was:
For J, I rarely buy them for myself - it was Sara Slean - Day One
Song playing right now:
Oh, no, I don't have anything playing, hang on - I need to come back to this in a while anyway...(mad dash to bag - ooh brownies! - CD in, first song) "(What's your) angle?" Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire
Five songs I listen to a lot, or that mean a lot to me:
"Still in Love with You" - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (our song, kinda' sorta)
"I believe I can fly" - Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies (a workout song but like the words, too)
"Rebels of the Sacred Heart" - Flogging Molly (a fun bellowing, jumping, head shaking song)
"Last Great Whales" - Solas (important)
"Awaya Baka" - Baka Beyond (such a cool combo)
There's also some Sentimental Favorites, Theophilus, Moxy Fruvous, and even Speakeasy songs I'd list, but they escape me at the moment and I had to pick five.
Of these, I'd say the top 4 are the top tier and the fifth starts the second.
Five people to whom I’m passing the baton:
OK - my blogging buddies are mostly taken, so I'm doing this a bit differently than Jenny did.
Sonny
Danny
J
Mom
Kat'
(J, Mom, and Kat' don't have blogs, but they can email me their responses and I'll post them here. Sonny and Danny better write something, dang it!)
Jenny has passed me a musical baton. I answer these questions and pass them on...
Total volume of music files on my (work)computer:
2.4 MB - two Theophilus songs - I don't download music right now - Sonny makes me lots of CDs from his stuff
The last CD I bought was:
For J, I rarely buy them for myself - it was Sara Slean - Day One
Song playing right now:
Oh, no, I don't have anything playing, hang on - I need to come back to this in a while anyway...(mad dash to bag - ooh brownies! - CD in, first song) "(What's your) angle?" Andrew Bird's Bowl of Fire
Five songs I listen to a lot, or that mean a lot to me:
"Still in Love with You" - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (our song, kinda' sorta)
"I believe I can fly" - Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies (a workout song but like the words, too)
"Rebels of the Sacred Heart" - Flogging Molly (a fun bellowing, jumping, head shaking song)
"Last Great Whales" - Solas (important)
"Awaya Baka" - Baka Beyond (such a cool combo)
There's also some Sentimental Favorites, Theophilus, Moxy Fruvous, and even Speakeasy songs I'd list, but they escape me at the moment and I had to pick five.
Of these, I'd say the top 4 are the top tier and the fifth starts the second.
Five people to whom I’m passing the baton:
OK - my blogging buddies are mostly taken, so I'm doing this a bit differently than Jenny did.
Sonny
Danny
J
Mom
Kat'
(J, Mom, and Kat' don't have blogs, but they can email me their responses and I'll post them here. Sonny and Danny better write something, dang it!)
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Just when you thought it might be normal... and CW Roelle art news
First things first, opening one week from Saturday - June 4 - CW Roelle's solo show in Woonsocket! site
Mom and J and I are going for the opening - it should be fun!
Second - I can't get the season finale of Alias out of my (currently aching)head. Most of it was an almost normal episode - fighting really big evil but not out of the ordinary for the show, not edge of the seat sort of stuff. Until the very end. WHAM!!! Doubled! I mean - I never thought I'd hear Vaughn say "First of all, my name isn't Michael Vaughn" and then the SUV nails them. Yikes. And now I'll likely have to wait until January or so until it comes back. I'm sure it will be worth the wait....
PS - Reading Wicked by Gregory Maguire - really enjoying it.
Mom and J and I are going for the opening - it should be fun!
Second - I can't get the season finale of Alias out of my (currently aching)head. Most of it was an almost normal episode - fighting really big evil but not out of the ordinary for the show, not edge of the seat sort of stuff. Until the very end. WHAM!!! Doubled! I mean - I never thought I'd hear Vaughn say "First of all, my name isn't Michael Vaughn" and then the SUV nails them. Yikes. And now I'll likely have to wait until January or so until it comes back. I'm sure it will be worth the wait....
PS - Reading Wicked by Gregory Maguire - really enjoying it.
Friday, May 20, 2005
More likely to be hit on the head by falling airplane parts
In high school, I did a research report on Marine Life. I had a ton of fun and I think I showed researcher talents at that early stage - because I got a whole boatload of data from almost as many sources. One of my favorite stats was that you are "more likely to be hit on the head by falling airplane parts than attacked by a shark" - same for stung by a killer bee, struck by lightning, and now...
More people are killed every year by pigs than by sharks, which shows you how good we are at evaluating risk.
SECURITY EXPERT BRUCE SCHNEIER, AUTHOR OF “BEYOND FEAR” (SPRINGER 2003), IT CONVERSATIONS 5.2.05
Thursday, May 19, 2005
First bunnies, now ninjas!
I've been suffering from 30 Second Bunny Theatre withdrawal of late - but the site tells me there will be stuff available soon!
In the meantime, I've found Tiny Ninja Theatre -
In the meantime, I've found Tiny Ninja Theatre - Tiny Ninja Theater is a New York City-based company dedicated to the principle that “there are no small parts, only small actors.” It was founded in 1999 by company director Dov Weinstein. “I had noticed that there were these tiny plastic ninjas in vending machines all across the city,” says Weinstein, “but no one was using them to perform classical theater. Something had to be done.”This sounds like fun! I would like the job of casting. Except instead of vending machines I'd hit flea markets... (found via Bookslut)
Monday, May 16, 2005
Theophilus on a winning streak!
From an email from Dan:
we competed last night against 5 bands at Bethel
church for a spot on the Kingdom Bound festival at
Darien Lake this year. It was a judged showcase. We
now advance to the semi-finals near buffalo on July 25th.
Friday, May 13, 2005
winners!
Theophilus wins this round - with 61 of 89 votes!!!!:)
I love this stat:
Finally, I think I need to move Episode 2 up in my queue so I can see Episode 3 on the big screen. Our local critic says it's better than Return of the Jedi - I'm highly intrigued!!! These were so integral to childhood for the 3 of us, I'm pretty excited. And word has it Tom Stoppard helped with dialogue!! That's gotta be cool!
I love this stat:
"Studies conducted by Yahoo! and Starcom Media have led to what is being called the “38-hour day,” where women indicate their total time spent on individual activities in one day added up to 38 hours of activity inside a 24-hour period. BRANDWEEK 4.25.05"No, not math error, the multi-tasking that is so necessary in our lives!
Finally, I think I need to move Episode 2 up in my queue so I can see Episode 3 on the big screen. Our local critic says it's better than Return of the Jedi - I'm highly intrigued!!! These were so integral to childhood for the 3 of us, I'm pretty excited. And word has it Tom Stoppard helped with dialogue!! That's gotta be cool!
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Miscellany
Last night I thought to myself "I'm a social soul in a bashful shell" - (I was hitting my head for not actually having a conversation with interesting folks, just giving the short answer, bowing my head, and ducking out the door.)
Sonny's website has been updated!!! More CW Roelle philosophy, and more art! Go see!
I've been a bad sister and I've failed to adequately hype the next round of the Battle of the Bands for Theophilus (Dan). Of course, he could have done it himself, grumble grumble - no it's not a chore, I've just been in a different space. And I probably won't make it (Milestone's 10pm Tonight!) myself, as I am leaving work not on time (although that's not unusual, really) and have a killer day ahead tomorrow.
Out 'til midnight and Guiness and loud music (tho' good) don't mesh with a day holed up in a conference room, trying to pull hundreds of pages of data across 10 different people's areas from 20 different sources into one story to be told on 4 slides.
Well, good luck to all. Here's hoping I survive tomorrow!
Sonny's website has been updated!!! More CW Roelle philosophy, and more art! Go see!
I've been a bad sister and I've failed to adequately hype the next round of the Battle of the Bands for Theophilus (Dan). Of course, he could have done it himself, grumble grumble - no it's not a chore, I've just been in a different space. And I probably won't make it (Milestone's 10pm Tonight!) myself, as I am leaving work not on time (although that's not unusual, really) and have a killer day ahead tomorrow.
Out 'til midnight and Guiness and loud music (tho' good) don't mesh with a day holed up in a conference room, trying to pull hundreds of pages of data across 10 different people's areas from 20 different sources into one story to be told on 4 slides.
Well, good luck to all. Here's hoping I survive tomorrow!
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
And the mood today is....
I feel like the string on a weedwacker - spinning at such an out of control speed that at any moment I could break off and go hurdling through space.......
I have soooo much to do!!!
But it's an 85 degree, sunny day in early May in Rochester and all I really WANT to do is lie on my lawn, occasionally getting up to find more fruit, milkshake, or fruity shakes.....
The sacrifices I make. I have to watch the sugar today, though, cause I'm liable to go into scary hyper mode - fingers shaking so they can't type, head and feet dancing around, trying to create presentations while sitting on my desk because I just can't sit in the chair any more - and typing way too many words that leadership won't want to swim through...
I have soooo much to do!!!
But it's an 85 degree, sunny day in early May in Rochester and all I really WANT to do is lie on my lawn, occasionally getting up to find more fruit, milkshake, or fruity shakes.....
The sacrifices I make. I have to watch the sugar today, though, cause I'm liable to go into scary hyper mode - fingers shaking so they can't type, head and feet dancing around, trying to create presentations while sitting on my desk because I just can't sit in the chair any more - and typing way too many words that leadership won't want to swim through...
Friday, May 06, 2005
Signs of life in the new yard
Spring!
I love spring! I know I'll be taking a lot of pictures of the various stages of life in our yard this year, too - very exciting! I really like this one of the little tree (J thinks it's a cherry tree) out front. It looks much less sad with flowers on it!
Speaking of signs of life - how about swimming in a sea of bioluminescent micro-organisms? This sounds way super cool. I would think, though, that the abundance would draw cool predators, but this article doesn't really dwell on that. Whatever - I want to go!
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Book #11
Book #11 was Letters from the Flesh. I don't know. It was enjoyable - a short book that pulled along from chapter to chapter, especially with the alternating narratives or letter streams. Let me back up. This book is written in 2 series of letters, one from a dis-embodied alien that lands in Saul/Paul of Tarsus at the time of his name change, the other from a scientist/fruit-fly researcher to her cousin. It was fun and amusing and I was very interested in where it was going ... until it got there.
I don't know. The way it wrapped up threw me off. I don't think I was offended. Disappointed a bit - it seemed to push too far and too neatly? It's hard to say just what it was, but I wandered the house a bit last night thinking "that just wasn't right".
I don't know. The way it wrapped up threw me off. I don't think I was offended. Disappointed a bit - it seemed to push too far and too neatly? It's hard to say just what it was, but I wandered the house a bit last night thinking "that just wasn't right".
Monday, May 02, 2005
Good deeds and good book
Drop City - I really enjoyed Boyle's tone in this tale of a commune's transition to the wilderness. There are two categories of perspective in the tale - hippie and Alaskan settler - and each captures the essence of those communities. Mainly simply a well-written story to enjoy as you flip through - I did get a sense of the message of "to each his own" - that each person's definition of freedom, peace, living in the wild is a bit different, but that there's nothing necessarily wrong with that. Highly entertaining, some great characters - leaves you wanting more.
For the Day of Caring on Friday I worked on the "Give a kid a healthy smile" campaign - we canvassed a neighborhood in a rough section of the city, getting the word out about the importance of good dental care in young kids, trying to get people to come get their kids' teeth photographed and evaluated. The issue of Early Childhood Carries, or baby-bottle tooth decay, is real and scary. Kids 6 and under with rotting, broken, abcessed teeth - and an 8 month backlog on corrective surgery because demand is so high. A HIGHLY satisfying day and kudos to Moka for organizing this. Typically we do yardwork at a group home and that's nice, they appreciate it. This was on such a different scale, you almost can't compare.
For the Day of Caring on Friday I worked on the "Give a kid a healthy smile" campaign - we canvassed a neighborhood in a rough section of the city, getting the word out about the importance of good dental care in young kids, trying to get people to come get their kids' teeth photographed and evaluated. The issue of Early Childhood Carries, or baby-bottle tooth decay, is real and scary. Kids 6 and under with rotting, broken, abcessed teeth - and an 8 month backlog on corrective surgery because demand is so high. A HIGHLY satisfying day and kudos to Moka for organizing this. Typically we do yardwork at a group home and that's nice, they appreciate it. This was on such a different scale, you almost can't compare.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Watch for flying entrails
Man, I would NOT want to be in Hamburg right now. Talk about creepiness!!! What could cause this? I like the evil curse theory, or potentially a pissed off local spirit/ deity better than the "scared by crows" one offered in the article.
I'll talk about Drop City tomorrow - have to run now...
I'll talk about Drop City tomorrow - have to run now...
Monday, April 25, 2005
listen up people
if you do anything this week, it will be going to see Kung Fu Hustle, right? right.
trust me. that is what you will do and that will be why this is a good week for you.
trust me. that is what you will do and that will be why this is a good week for you.
Friday, April 22, 2005
Thanks to science ...
I am so relieved to know that the elusive issue of unpopped popcorn has been resolved!!!
"Popcorn breeder" sounds like not your everyday, run of the mill career....
"Popcorn breeder" sounds like not your everyday, run of the mill career....
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Stairway to nowhere
Sonny took me to a building in Providence. Inside the door, you ascend a few steps to a landing, from which the stairway curves off to the left and right. Only the left stair goes anywhere - the right runs smack dab into the floor of the 2nd story landing. I found this highly curious and it keeps coming back to me since. I wonder if you closed your eyes, took a deep breath and ran up it - would you end up with a concussion and possibly more from tumbling back down after impact or could you possibly bust the illusion and end up...somewhere else? That would be soooooooo cool.
So, the trip to Providence! I had a great time. Sonny was still fighting a cold so we weren't in a frenzy of activity, but we still did quite a bit and I enjoy hanging out with Sonny anyway. Hanging with him, you're almost forced to drop some of the limitations you put on yourself in everyday life - to exist at a more spontaneous level. I actually found myself a little lost when I got home because of that.
We went to two art shows: the one at the Gallery Agniel where Sonny has a piece, and Catherine Hamilton's show at the Providence Art Club. Very cool - both.
Lunch on Thursday at Cuban Revolution - where I had a mango-strawberry milkshake, a cheese empanada, and black beans & rice. Diet schmiet, I was visiting my brother! Yum and fun atmoshpere. Dinner at an Italian joint, Sicilia's - good stuffed pizza and garlic bread.
Thursday night we went to see M Ward. Good show, but a bit mellow for me being so tired. I have to admit I almost dozed a couple of times.
Oh, yeah and we saw Sin City Thursday, too! Quite the movie, and Sonny and I had the theatre to ourselves for it! Not that we wanted to talk much, but it was almost like having a really awesome living room.... Liked the movie, probably would have understood it a bit more if I had read the comics. Definitely wanted to know more about the stories and characters.
With Sin City was a preview for The Skeleton Key - the movie J and I saw filming in New Orleans - it's due out this summer - a ghost/voodoo bayou movie that looks pretty cool....
Friday, we had brunch at Julian's - really good French toast with real maple syrup...
Did some antiquing, visited with Will, hung out and made CDs.
Good trip - as always wish it was longer, but we'll do it again soon...
Oh, and Book #10 was Catcher in the Rye - hadn't read this since high school. Now, it doesn't seem all that outrageous to me, even if he was only 16. Not great stuff for a 16 year old to do, but not really shocking. I'm tending to think about it more from the perspective of why he was so depressed, what might make him happy, if he had that, what would his approach to things be. Has me thinking, that's a good thing.
Gotta run.
So, the trip to Providence! I had a great time. Sonny was still fighting a cold so we weren't in a frenzy of activity, but we still did quite a bit and I enjoy hanging out with Sonny anyway. Hanging with him, you're almost forced to drop some of the limitations you put on yourself in everyday life - to exist at a more spontaneous level. I actually found myself a little lost when I got home because of that.
We went to two art shows: the one at the Gallery Agniel where Sonny has a piece, and Catherine Hamilton's show at the Providence Art Club. Very cool - both.
Lunch on Thursday at Cuban Revolution - where I had a mango-strawberry milkshake, a cheese empanada, and black beans & rice. Diet schmiet, I was visiting my brother! Yum and fun atmoshpere. Dinner at an Italian joint, Sicilia's - good stuffed pizza and garlic bread.
Thursday night we went to see M Ward. Good show, but a bit mellow for me being so tired. I have to admit I almost dozed a couple of times.
Oh, yeah and we saw Sin City Thursday, too! Quite the movie, and Sonny and I had the theatre to ourselves for it! Not that we wanted to talk much, but it was almost like having a really awesome living room.... Liked the movie, probably would have understood it a bit more if I had read the comics. Definitely wanted to know more about the stories and characters.
With Sin City was a preview for The Skeleton Key - the movie J and I saw filming in New Orleans - it's due out this summer - a ghost/voodoo bayou movie that looks pretty cool....
Friday, we had brunch at Julian's - really good French toast with real maple syrup...
Did some antiquing, visited with Will, hung out and made CDs.
Good trip - as always wish it was longer, but we'll do it again soon...
Oh, and Book #10 was Catcher in the Rye - hadn't read this since high school. Now, it doesn't seem all that outrageous to me, even if he was only 16. Not great stuff for a 16 year old to do, but not really shocking. I'm tending to think about it more from the perspective of why he was so depressed, what might make him happy, if he had that, what would his approach to things be. Has me thinking, that's a good thing.
Gotta run.
feelin better
so i guess that if you stay upp late every night for over two weeks to get work done (by late i mean 2 or 3am) and get up at 7, then you get sick. like i did last week, which was my first week "off". it lasted all week which im sure was no fun for aprille when she was here. we still did a bunch of stuff (sin city, m. ward, goin out to eat, couple a art shows). then i worked a bunch this weekend and went on a long bike ride in nice weather and now i am well(er) and working on pieces for my show coming up in june.
thats all.
thats all.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Trip part1 - follow the red brick line....
Tuesday and Wednesday in Boston - bummer that the nice weekend weather we'd been having didn't extend to MA for this trip, but a few cold fingers on the way to an awesome supper never really hurt anyone....
Stayed at the Club Quarters downtown. I think of Boston as a "recently quit smoking" town - the 2 times I've been the rental cars and this hotel room have smelled of stale cigarette smoke - the smell you can't quite get out of fabrics after years of exposure. That made me a little ill.
I love the streets of downtown Boston. They twist and turn and the buildings are piled right on top of the curves, so they are really like canyons. I would love to take time to explore more - when it's not quite so cold so I'll be more in a picture taking mood....
Had a raucous dinner at Prezza. Met Kat' for a quick round of catch up at South Station - in life, when decisions are made it is best to proceed boldly and with style - Kat' has done that well and I applaud her. When we were in high school and college, I'd often write Kat' to deal with tough things, to clear my head -it always helped. It was good to have a chance to chat, to see that that same bond still holds, for me at least. Have to do it more often, though.
Then, off to the train and Part2, which I'll write about tomorrow, along with Book #10 and whatever else begs to be typed. 'night
Stayed at the Club Quarters downtown. I think of Boston as a "recently quit smoking" town - the 2 times I've been the rental cars and this hotel room have smelled of stale cigarette smoke - the smell you can't quite get out of fabrics after years of exposure. That made me a little ill.
I love the streets of downtown Boston. They twist and turn and the buildings are piled right on top of the curves, so they are really like canyons. I would love to take time to explore more - when it's not quite so cold so I'll be more in a picture taking mood....
Had a raucous dinner at Prezza. Met Kat' for a quick round of catch up at South Station - in life, when decisions are made it is best to proceed boldly and with style - Kat' has done that well and I applaud her. When we were in high school and college, I'd often write Kat' to deal with tough things, to clear my head -it always helped. It was good to have a chance to chat, to see that that same bond still holds, for me at least. Have to do it more often, though.
Then, off to the train and Part2, which I'll write about tomorrow, along with Book #10 and whatever else begs to be typed. 'night
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
First they take....
Poor Cookie Monster! He'll lose his whole identity!
Poor kids nowadays. Nothing is sacred.
"Even Cookie Monster is learning to control his cookie cravings," Frist told me by e-mail. "His sage advice opened our eyes to the simple joys of a tasty cookie and now reminds us that moderation is the key to healthy living."It's just soooo wrong - Cookie was all about excess - teaching him moderation is like teaching Big Bird to face the facts that Snuffy isn't "real"!
Cookie Monster was not available for comment. (I'm hoping he hasn't gone too Hollywood.)
"We are not putting him on a diet," said his spokesman, Truglio. "And we would never take the position of no sugar. We're teaching him moderation."
Poor kids nowadays. Nothing is sacred.
Monday, April 11, 2005
Local flavors, of sorts
This weekend, J and I had some great food.
Saturday afternoon, we went to Simply Crepes for lunch -I had a small Simply Salad (walnuts, blue cheese, strawberries, etc.) and a Raspberry Gulee (yummm) and J had a Smoked Salmon crepe.
Then, we stopped at the Pittsford Dairy - got fresh milk and red pepper/ mozzarella raviolis from the Ravioli Shop (yumm yumm). One thing I really liked about the dairy was that a lot of the "other" merchandise they carried but did not make was made by local small vendors - supporting local food "artisans"!
J also got "home state" pop - Vermont Maple Soda - kinda' freaky, but it's like drinking a whole bunch of maple sugar candy with each sip - sugary fun!
Sunday, we walked up to I Scream - the ice cream parlor near our place - J got a Mocha Malted and I got the full-burn Chocolate Malted with homemade chocolate sauce. The guy there is really cool and makes really good real malteds - I think we'll visit often.
In the vein of supporting local food folks, here's a site to help you find local cafe's with just a zip code.
Book #9 - Drop City by T.C. Boyle - will discuss more after book club....
Off to Boston and a visit with Sonny in Providence tomorrow - taking Catcher in the Rye, Bouzi by Jennifer Robin (a U of R grad), and The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Correction
The tulips weren't stolen - sorry to smear the squirrels.... They coming up strong - also a lot of curious looking bits and pieces sprouting around the yard - can't wait to see what they turn into!
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Catching up
Wow, I haven't been able to post in a bit - things are once again, and as always, crazy at work and I don't have time to write. What's been up? Shopping and a visit from Mom, awesome malted milkshakes, Adaptation finally finished, Easter, a leaky window, a dying dryer, mouse #4, Dan's birthday (Happy Birthday Dan!), and other adventures.
It's cool to see the yard again after all the snow. Now starts the adventure of discovering what the previous owners planted that will come back this year. The bulbs I planted in the fall were all stolen by squirrels - nasty rodents....
Book #8 - The Subterraneans-by Jack Kerouac. I love Kerouac's tone and rhythm. At times the long drawn out sentences that carry you back and forth in time, from one event or conversation to another, threatened to sweep me away in the flood of thoughts pouring forth. This flow conveys excitement, passion, regret, despair. It makes the story so much more real. I had to fight a bit of depression at the constant gloom that hung over the city, but Percepied found ways of escaping it that once again swept you along. In terms of the story - I had not realized this was based on an actual affair in Kerouac's life, though I think I may have guessed at it. A sad tale of the inability to trust yourself or your love - of a constant burning desire to be at the center of everything that ends up driving those you truly care for away... Good read...
It's cool to see the yard again after all the snow. Now starts the adventure of discovering what the previous owners planted that will come back this year. The bulbs I planted in the fall were all stolen by squirrels - nasty rodents....
Book #8 - The Subterraneans-by Jack Kerouac. I love Kerouac's tone and rhythm. At times the long drawn out sentences that carry you back and forth in time, from one event or conversation to another, threatened to sweep me away in the flood of thoughts pouring forth. This flow conveys excitement, passion, regret, despair. It makes the story so much more real. I had to fight a bit of depression at the constant gloom that hung over the city, but Percepied found ways of escaping it that once again swept you along. In terms of the story - I had not realized this was based on an actual affair in Kerouac's life, though I think I may have guessed at it. A sad tale of the inability to trust yourself or your love - of a constant burning desire to be at the center of everything that ends up driving those you truly care for away... Good read...
Tuesday, March 29, 2005
end o the tour
tonight was the final show of the sentimental favorites winter tour 2005. it was held at the fox point library in providence. mostly, there were little kids there. they went wild for us. so much so that they crawled right up to where we were playing and asked questions during songs and banged on my guitar and took joes brushes from him. it was pandemonium. one girl wanted us to play beatles songs, later, when asked what beatles songs she knew, she confessed she knew none. there were cookies, but they went fast. one of the slightly older kids came up and rapped while joe played drums. we hope to play there again someday. meanwhile, there are plenty of cds and a few t shirts left, anyone who wants some, just let me know. we are huge rock stars and we enjoy ourselves.
Monday, March 21, 2005
Culinary warm fuzzies
Yummmm... Yesterday J cooked a turkey (thanks, Cath'!), stuffed with homemade stuffing, I did a mix of mashed potato/yams, had canned cranberry sauce, and J did some bok choi in a chili sauce. Yummm!!! :) A great meal that filled the house with good smells, filled my belly, left me warm, and a great evening high point, sitting at a well fed table with the one you love... (Sorry, got sappy there)
Other food-related adventures from the weekend -
Found Zapp's Cajun Crawtators in the deli at Pittsford Wegmans! Tasty chips!
Pom Wonderful Pomegranate juice - a bit pricey, but tasty and good for you...
...Even bumped (literally had to squeeze by) local celeb Danny Wegman - all decked out in a white alligator jacket!
Started Drop City by T.C. Boyle for book club - enjoying it.
Other food-related adventures from the weekend -
Found Zapp's Cajun Crawtators in the deli at Pittsford Wegmans! Tasty chips!
Pom Wonderful Pomegranate juice - a bit pricey, but tasty and good for you...
...Even bumped (literally had to squeeze by) local celeb Danny Wegman - all decked out in a white alligator jacket!
Started Drop City by T.C. Boyle for book club - enjoying it.
Sunday, March 20, 2005
anti-prom
last night was the second show of the sentimental favorites winter tour, and the kick off show for the fox point leg of the tour. we played in the basement lounge/ kitchen of a dorm at brown university. it was their prom night but this show was at an anti-prom party. it was a small room. we set up against the middle of the longer wall (opposite the door) and faced a half circle of couches. behind us was a makeshift ping pong table hosting a game of beer pong. im not exactly sure what all beer pong entails, but something about if you get a ping pong ball in someones beer cup, they have to drink it. it was really noisy and we had no p.a. joe (our drummer) couldnt hear us much at all so he mostly just practiced some beats while we sang songs. it was really funny, a few times i stopped singing because i was laughing. i thought it was great. there were maybe two or three kids really into the show. im sure anyone else knew we were there.
tomorrow (march 21) is fox point show #2 at 200 transit st. potluck at 7, bands at 8. dont miss it.
tomorrow (march 21) is fox point show #2 at 200 transit st. potluck at 7, bands at 8. dont miss it.
Friday, March 18, 2005
Little colored lines....
I spent about 8 hours today with my nose almost against the computer, schooching points on multiple curves up a hair, down a notch - trying to match the numbers. Once I got pretty darn close, I felt like I had constructed a mosaic of the Sistine Chapel.
The brick wall didn't lead anywhere horrible - we've since moved on to more work and more work and more work. Still, there's that feeling of accomplishment, though.
Book #7 - The Prospect Before Her by Olwen Hufton. A rather hefty tome detailing just about every aspect of the lives of women throughout Western Europe from 1500-1800. Despite it's length (which was a bit frustrating when I'm trying to get to 50 books this year), it was fascinating and not a boring read at all. It can be so easy to only look at a slice of this and form theories from there. Hufton goes miles beyond that with her examination from every angle - Protestant/Catholic, City/Rural, by region, by income, by occupation.... She takes all of this and conveys a ton of info, while still finding the space and presence of mind to tell the stories of these women. If you're intrigued about how women's lives evolved and some of the great characters that arose during this period, I would recommend. Just know it will take a while to finish - maybe bite it off in manageable chunks....
J bought two "Shakespeare in a Box" sets today. Gives you the basic necessities to act out the plays yourself. We've already thought of some friends who might enjoy - seems like fun!
The brick wall didn't lead anywhere horrible - we've since moved on to more work and more work and more work. Still, there's that feeling of accomplishment, though.
Book #7 - The Prospect Before Her by Olwen Hufton. A rather hefty tome detailing just about every aspect of the lives of women throughout Western Europe from 1500-1800. Despite it's length (which was a bit frustrating when I'm trying to get to 50 books this year), it was fascinating and not a boring read at all. It can be so easy to only look at a slice of this and form theories from there. Hufton goes miles beyond that with her examination from every angle - Protestant/Catholic, City/Rural, by region, by income, by occupation.... She takes all of this and conveys a ton of info, while still finding the space and presence of mind to tell the stories of these women. If you're intrigued about how women's lives evolved and some of the great characters that arose during this period, I would recommend. Just know it will take a while to finish - maybe bite it off in manageable chunks....
J bought two "Shakespeare in a Box" sets today. Gives you the basic necessities to act out the plays yourself. We've already thought of some friends who might enjoy - seems like fun!
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
WHAM!
I feel like I've hit a brick wall. Except I don't have brick-burn on my cheeks. I've been driving at full speed the last week and 1/2 - more than full speed - to get an assignment done and now, while the analysis might be sound (still some question there), the data might not be.
Thud.
I want to go crawl into bed and stay there a month or so.
Thud.
I want to go crawl into bed and stay there a month or so.
Monday, March 14, 2005
A flash, a blur... a brush... and home
The trip to NYC was fun, good to get away from the office, neat places, good food, etc. - but WAY too fast. Because of flight delays, I went straight to the conference (think I saw Craig T Nelson smoking a big stogie) - and got there just as it started. Dinner right after the conference until 10, then to the hotel and 1 drink and then it's 12:30 and I have to get up before 5 for my flight.
A few NYC notes: The NY Yacht Club is an amazing room - if you ever have a chance, go. The Bryant Park Grill has excellent dessert - and a neat view - somehow the trees make the encroaching skyscrapers more distant, less imposing. The Marriott Marquis has awesomely soft beds AND pillows (the pillow thing makes them trump the Sheraton in New Orleans) - too bad I didn't really get to sleep.
I enjoy NYC, though I could never sustain the pace for long -or deal without a drive among the cows and whatnot (a country bumpkin at heart, ya'know). Still, it's always a fascinating place with so many potential stories....
Book #6 - The Marriage of Sticks by Jonathan Carroll. This was great. A fast and light read (in that it was always something to look forward to picking up again - no need to force myself here). It's of a class that I think of as books with good points - they aren't moralistic or preachy but have a good message that blends with, contributes to, and drives a good story - The Family Tree by Sheri S Tepper is another example. In this book, Carroll gives a great perspective and at least I really didn't expect it, so I think the point hit home even more. And I love the reference to Neverwhere, even though just a tiny thing!
One last note, saw "In Good Company" Saturday. Good movie - good performances. Nothing major to comment on, just good. (^shrug^)
A few NYC notes: The NY Yacht Club is an amazing room - if you ever have a chance, go. The Bryant Park Grill has excellent dessert - and a neat view - somehow the trees make the encroaching skyscrapers more distant, less imposing. The Marriott Marquis has awesomely soft beds AND pillows (the pillow thing makes them trump the Sheraton in New Orleans) - too bad I didn't really get to sleep.
I enjoy NYC, though I could never sustain the pace for long -or deal without a drive among the cows and whatnot (a country bumpkin at heart, ya'know). Still, it's always a fascinating place with so many potential stories....
Book #6 - The Marriage of Sticks by Jonathan Carroll. This was great. A fast and light read (in that it was always something to look forward to picking up again - no need to force myself here). It's of a class that I think of as books with good points - they aren't moralistic or preachy but have a good message that blends with, contributes to, and drives a good story - The Family Tree by Sheri S Tepper is another example. In this book, Carroll gives a great perspective and at least I really didn't expect it, so I think the point hit home even more. And I love the reference to Neverwhere, even though just a tiny thing!
One last note, saw "In Good Company" Saturday. Good movie - good performances. Nothing major to comment on, just good. (^shrug^)
Sunday, March 13, 2005
tour
the sentimental favorites winter tour has begun. we just got back to providence from baltiomrewhere last night we wowed the crowed at the charm city art space. it was the first show with our drummer joey beats and it went fantasticly well. we had enough dough from the show to drive a ways and then stay at a hotel and then drive the rest of the way and stop in new brunswick to get the highly recamended fat sandwich. the fat sandwich is a regular sub like sandwich with french fries and mozzerella sticks shoved in. the pain i am feeling hours later doesnt make it not worth it. our tour continues this saturday to be with a show in a kitchen somewhere on the brown university campus.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
soooooooo sleepy
I feel like I've been running at full speed for days. This latest trip was great but a total energy drain and to come back to a solid day of meetings plus a mass of work - I feel like a videotape that has been so long on FFWD and Play that it's going to rip off the reel - does anyone remember videotapes? going home for a much needed nap.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
fruit
tonight i took two apples and a pear and cut them into tiny pieces and then mixed in a bunch of raisins. it was delicious. i also tonight saw "a very long engagement" which was good. i applied for that toy vault job but they haven't called. now im tired and not looking forward to parking cars in the morning.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Bits and Pieces
Been extremely, with no time to write, so here are a few things to catch up, while I have a moment....
1) We're back online at home! I'll post a house pic soon as proof, but J HAS resolved our phone jack issue and I feel more whole now that I know I can get online here again...
2) Travelling to NYC tomorrow for a conference. Not a lot of time to hang out, but there is a stray chance I may get to have coffee with my friend who is back from SE Asia -that'd be super cool. If not, I'll take a moment to shop a bit...
For the trip, I'm taking The Marriage of Sticks by Jonathan Carroll and Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. We'll see how far I get....
3) We actually watched a whole movie Saturday! - The Big Lebowski. Very fun, loved the counterpoint of the dialogue. I did go in thinking that Donny would die at any moment, because of the Sentimental Favorites song - though maybe Jesus would kill him over a lost game or something. That didn't change my enjoyment of the movie, though.
4)We've finally discussed The Lovely Bones at bookclub. Everyone found it hard to deal with, especially those of us closer to our fathers or our pets. All in all, I liked it though. I think the message of being able to come to terms with your grief, in your own way is important and was well told. We need to deal with it in the way that we each best can, but not let it consume us, because then an even greater tragedy has occurred. Next up for bookclub - Drop City by T.C. Boyle
5) Saw a great follow-up article about the evidence that the hobbit people I mentionned here are actually a new member of the human family, but I haven't had a chance to read it yet because of general chaos in my day. Will bring it up again, most likely.
That's it for now. Could use a vacation like Sonny's, though I do know that drawing is a lot of work. Could use time not in the office, I guess is the thing. Guess I need to plan something.
1) We're back online at home! I'll post a house pic soon as proof, but J HAS resolved our phone jack issue and I feel more whole now that I know I can get online here again...
2) Travelling to NYC tomorrow for a conference. Not a lot of time to hang out, but there is a stray chance I may get to have coffee with my friend who is back from SE Asia -that'd be super cool. If not, I'll take a moment to shop a bit...
For the trip, I'm taking The Marriage of Sticks by Jonathan Carroll and Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. We'll see how far I get....
3) We actually watched a whole movie Saturday! - The Big Lebowski. Very fun, loved the counterpoint of the dialogue. I did go in thinking that Donny would die at any moment, because of the Sentimental Favorites song - though maybe Jesus would kill him over a lost game or something. That didn't change my enjoyment of the movie, though.
4)We've finally discussed The Lovely Bones at bookclub. Everyone found it hard to deal with, especially those of us closer to our fathers or our pets. All in all, I liked it though. I think the message of being able to come to terms with your grief, in your own way is important and was well told. We need to deal with it in the way that we each best can, but not let it consume us, because then an even greater tragedy has occurred. Next up for bookclub - Drop City by T.C. Boyle
5) Saw a great follow-up article about the evidence that the hobbit people I mentionned here are actually a new member of the human family, but I haven't had a chance to read it yet because of general chaos in my day. Will bring it up again, most likely.
That's it for now. Could use a vacation like Sonny's, though I do know that drawing is a lot of work. Could use time not in the office, I guess is the thing. Guess I need to plan something.
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