In the midst of my decompressing...I've been surfing the net and got caught up in a whirlpool of Elvis Costello. Oh, how I love that man. Join me in the eddy, won't you?
This album is must have music. Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach joined forces and it kicks me right in the head/heart/gut/ass everytime I hear it. This song brings elements of soundtrack from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and All This Useless Beauty. A heart-wrenching, ball-busting ballad with a soft string section backing it up. You may have heard it on the somewhat unknown soundtrack to Grace of My Heart. An Ileanna Douglas movie that was a sweet story about a songwriter.
Edit: Hmmm...for some reason, the vid won't play, but you can watch/hear it here
This song is nearly 30 years old...and it still resonates. As I listen to my father tell me all that is wrong with the world and who's fault it is...it makes me wonder if my heart ever will harden to the plight of other folks. Peace, Love and Understanding seem like the simplest and the hardest things to share.
I was trying my damnedest to find a great clip of Accidents Will Happen...but couldn't so I'm throwing up the first song I ever heard of his that hooked me for life. I'm sure it's because I thought I'd grow up to be a screenwriter and his lyrics inspired that seed in me. Of course, now I know that everyday I indeed write the book. Damn that man.
I am worn out. I had my nephew for the past 4 days and man o man....small apartment + no game console + wintery wet weather + eleven year old who's greatest joy in the world is passing farts constantly = one very tired rebar.
We visited Navy Pier, we saw Beowulf in 3-D one day and I Am Legend on another, we spent an inordinate time at a GAME STOP for him to redeem a xmas gift card from grandpa, we visited the illustrious Superdawg as requested (even though he has yet to eat a hot dog there), we traversed by foot in the wet snow, we bought a "skin" for his new XBOX 360 (I'm told it's the diggity bomb to "skin" your console), we played numerous games of his new favorite board game, the classic, yet updated version, LIFE and we watched a few DVDs, including The Simpsons Movie (which he wanted to watch every day he was here, but I, as an evil adult, made him choose other movies to watch instead.
I am worn out beyond belief. I shall go to sleep now and wake up in the New Year. That is my plan.
Happy New Year, folks who read my occassional musings. All the best in 2008 to you and yours.
This year, my family finally conceded that we're all broke-ass and are welcoming in a gift-free holiday (with the exception of my nephew...xmas is for kids, folks. No matter how broke-ass you are!) Last weekend, as I mentioned this to my older sister, she waited a beat and said, "Uh...I already got you something. Something you mentioned on your blog. ... Do you want to know what it is?"
And then she dropped the mutha-fucking bomb.
I'm getting the first season of QUINCY M.E. on DVD! Woot!!
I love me some Quincy! Jack Klugman is the shiznit. I'm not sure how I'll be able to make it up to her with my hat in my hand...but with a fine example of human stalwartness like Quincy, his underlying decency and constant search for what is just...I'll surely make it up to her in time.
Thanks, Skeeter. You rock. You listen and you rock, which makes you rock all the harder.
Happiness is...checking in online for your flight tomorrow and discovering that NOBODY else has purchased a seat in your row. Of course, I'm probably jinxing myself six ways from Sunday, that it will either turn into a sold out flight, or with the snow on tap for tomorrow, my flight will be delayed/canceled and I'll have to catch another flight that's packed.
The deal is, it's December...there is snow on the ground...and I'm flying to Florida for a trade show. I figured, my flight would be sardine-like. Which is why looking at the little seat grid and seeing my little self currently solo got me sooo happy that...I started to hum. Mi Dios. I need a freaking life. Although, considering my workday started out at DEFCON 2 regarding a screw-up on project that is literally covering the walls of our department...I'll take any shade of happy to distract me from that little black rain cloud that's been following me around and pissing on my parade.
Speaking of happier news...and lots of folks have already posted about this, but LEBOWSKI FEST is finally coming to Chicago! WOOT! I've never made it down to Louisville for the original, so I am estatic that I'll get a change to embrace all things Coen Bros right here in the hood. Haven't figured out a costume yet...but I have until March to achieve it!
And proud we are of all of them.
I work in, what I call, a modren buiding. It's all glass and metal and concrete and looks a bit like a big boxy space ship. It has the "look of the future" about it. Unfortunately, it doesn't have great HVAC control. In the summer, it's comfortable and cool, but for 3/4ths of the year, it's freezing most days. Now, I'm not one of those cold-blooded, 115 lbs. waifs with poor circulation who are always cold, either. I'm the kind of gal who drives with her windows down on a snow-covered, November day. I enjoy the brisk.
Our office temps are beyond brisk. You hit warm spots, cold spots and icy spots as you walk through the building. Most days, my cubicle is like a walk-in freezer...with internet access. For some unknown reason, my formica style desk has these metal plates attached, so when you're typing, your arms are constantly touching cold steel. Most days, I'll be wearing a scarf...on occasion, I've even typed with gloves on. Baby, it's cold inside!
I've found, the best remedy is a hot mug of tea. It warms you up inside and keeps your fingers from forming frozen claws.
Much like cats and dogs, New Darrin (Dick Sargent) vs Old Darrin (Dick York), or Elvis and The Beatles...there is no middle ground. You're either a coffee person or a tea person. I'm firmly entrenched in the tea camp. I like it hot. I like it cold. I like it straight the fuck up. No lemon, no sugar, no milk, thank you. (I like my coffee that way too on the extremely rare times I indulge.) For a sore throat, I might throw some honey in, but mostly, I prefer it clean as a whistle.
This morning, in my cubical, I haveno less than seven different teas on hand: a box of STASH Green & White Tea, Ahmad's "English Afternoon" tea (blended and packed in England, mind you, which comes in a metal box shaped like a double decker bus! Woot!), a canister of Republic of Tea's Vanilla Almond (looooooove almond tea, which reminds me, I need to make a trip to Chinatown), single bags of Bigelow's English Breakfast, Earl Grey and TAZO's Wild Sweet Orange (which I swiped from my hotel room earlier this month and stuck in my laptop bag) and a can of Bentley's White Tea (Orange) or as they refer to it, "The Champagne of Teas."
I'm sure I have near double that at home. Off the top of my head I have the standards: Chamomile, Sleepytime, Peppermint, Earl Grey (my go-to tea!), Lipton Black (mainly for sun-tea), Madagascar Red Vanilla, Orange Pekoe, Almond, Green and I'm sure an assortment of many more. I'm not what you'd call a tea geek. I don't drink it every day, but probably more than a lot of folks in this Starbucks-on-every-corner kinda world we're living in.
I went with the Bentley's this morning. Hours later, I remain toasty and warm. Thank You, Asia, for taking a chance and brewing that first cup. We are mightily grateful.
Hello, Monday. How are you? Kicking my ass aren't cha? That's okay. It's 2pm and I'm chilling in my bedroom with the laptop (taking a break from working...I suppose this might be my "lunch", since I've been jamming email and whatnot non-stop since 11am.) Sure, you had the upperhand this morning, Monday, when I drove all the way into the office parking lot and then realised I forgot my laptop in the living room. But, after a team meeting and the drive back, I'm now curled up with the beast at my feet - cranking out emails and projects aplenty.
I know you're still hanging around Monday. My neck is killing me from my bed's predispostion to poor ergonomic typing. I've won the battle, but the war rages on....
Do yourself a favor....GO SEE Lars and the Real Girl.
For reals! A flock of folks turned out to celebrate J's b-day yesterday and this was her movie of choice. It's fantastic. Ryan Gosling is a freaking phenom.
Well written, acted and directed/executed. Not one missed opportunity. Excellent, excellent film.
I would also reccommend (if you happen to catch it at the Landmark) hitting La Creperie afterwards. This place has been around for 35 years and it's still one of the best meals around. It's "cozy" (which means, packed) and can be kinda loud at times, but the food and the service have always been top notch (and quite affordable to boot.)
Also, a quick "Hey!" to A, who I saw for the first time in ages last night. It's nice to know that even if I can't see all my friends, at least a few keep track of me here.
Between the movie and dinner, I find that the universe is holding up a big neon sign in front of my face, to remind me that I need to make the effort to spend time with those folks live and in person, as they are completely worth the effort.
As a kid, we had a lot of holiday traditions which remain very warm memories in my heart. Then again, some traditions I feel all the better for escaping. These days, I really don't have holiday traditions per se....but I do have habits I like to indulge in off and on...
RARE: Watching It's A Wonderful Life between mid-November and Dec 31st. This is one of my all time favorite films. Period. I watch it several times throughout the year, but, because I hate being force-fed sentiment, especially now, I normally avoid watching it during the holidays. Admittedly, living without cable makes it easier to avoid. Occasionally, I'll throw it in the DVD player though. I fucking love Jimmy Stewart and this is my favorite of Capra's films. For me, this movie is the equilvalent to how most guys I know love watching Caddyshack. I could watch this movie and do all the dialogue. And love every minute of it.
REGULAR: Thanksgiving at Ellison Hall. Years back, I would normally hit this soiree in the evening, after a day spent with my family. I remember one year, I was emotionally drained from the day and I just came in and sat down (there may have been crying) and folks just left me alone until I decompressed. (Actually, that may have been about three years in a row, come to think of it.) My nuclear family is kinda scattered these days, so I've been able to stay in the city and just celebrate with the other orphans who find their way to EH. If ever I have to search for something to be grateful for at this time of year, my "go to" blessing would my friends and the sanity they provide. For frees!
RARE: Cooking/Home-made gifts. Since I've been trying to be on a more healthy tip, there has been less baking in my world. I've been known to concoct handmade ornaments/holiday decor - most of which are gifted to the family. I love to make things for other folks and tend to forget to make something for myself. Last year, I flipped the script and cross-stiched a nifty tree skirt for my very own - even though I haven't put up a tree in nearly a decade. This year, my sister is coming into town, so I think I might enlist her to help festive up my abode. In terms of crafting, I have been itching to knit a bit, so we'll see how that goes.
REGULAR: I spend Christmas Eve with my father and Christmas Day on my own. I really like doing that. We celebrate together, but it's nice to have my own, non-stressful enjoyment of the day. For the past couple of years, I've been meeting up with a couple friends in the evening, hitting a movie and re-enacting the dinner scene in "A Christmas Story" by eating some type of Asian cuisine. There is something really special about walking around Chicago on Christmas night...it's one of the few times that it's rather peaceful and quiet in the city...and if a light snow is drifting down, it borders on feeling sorta magical.
RARE: Travel. I will avoid having to travel over the holidays with every fiber of my being. Screaming kids, frustrated passengers, cranky folks at check-in, not to mention the sheer expense of if all...it's like 180 degrees from what a holiday should be in my opinion. The sole exception for me would be to travel abroad in November. Thanksgiving is an American holiday - the International terminal is like a ghost town in comparison to the domestic terminals. I've gone abroad twice over Thanksgiving and had fantastic trips. Of course, that was before my lemon of a condo put me in the poor house. But someday, I'll hit the road again and enjoy being an American abroad on the most American of holidays. Okay, second most...after Jack Klugman's birthday!
With all the consumer consumption, holiday decorations/music blaring at you starting at Halloween and the push/pull obligations of family/work/friends...it's good to occasionally blaze your own trail. There is nothing wrong with rolling with the traditions you love. Nothing at all. And there is nothing wrong with breaking them...that's the secret nobody tells you.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, Americans. Where ever you are.
I wish I could say that I have a carefree, sunny disposition most days...but I was born on the dark side of the coin. My brain was constructed to do two things and two things only.
Crack Wise and Worry Incessantly.
Anything can spark vexation in my head. Everything is cause for alarm to some degree. Mostly, I keep it on a low simmer. I use to be a real insomniac, worrying about things out of my adolescent control. While I learned long ago how to talk myself to sleep on those really bad nights, I still have a constant low level of worrying about someone, somewhere, pretty much all the time.
Fun worry topics include: the economy, global warming, my parent's health, did I change the air filter this month, does my nephew spend too much time playing Xbox, if that granny waiting at the bus stop has the money to pay for heat at home, if the kid on that bike is reading enough, if teachers are teaching or just getting burnt out by the system, if the check-out lady has enough insurance to take her kid to the dentist, or if I have waaaay to many things in plastic bottles in my house. And so forth.
Well, fuck all that. Thanks to a split second lapse in judgement, I'm entirely focused on one point of concern.
The beast. Dude. Last night I was eating a steak. One with a nice medium sized bone in it that Olive could chew up. (I actually bought the steak thinking, "Hey, Olive would like that." I am truly, a moron.) I was saving the bone to give her when I was done, but the poor little doe-eyed beast was sitting at point and working me over, so I cut some gristle off it to give to her. I had it in my hand when I realised that it had a smaller 3 inch skinny bone fragment in it. In the time it took me to realise this, Olive popped up, took it from my fingers, chomped about three times and then looked up expectantly at me for more.
She swallowed a fucking beef bone in one gulp. So, now I'm convinced that it's going to travel to her intestines and get stuck. I mean, the dog's a goat and has eaten things that I've been stunned to later find in her...lawn debris. But a freaking bone? It was small, but not so wee. And gulp, down it went.
It took a lot for me to hand her the bigger bone. I kept imagining her trying to stuff that down her throat as well. She didn't. She chewed it for a while and then was done with it. I never took my eyes off her and was ready to stick my hand down her throat to fish it out, if the crisis arose.
I kept waking up last night and would reach over and check to make sure she was breathing and not puking on my bed. This morning she chased a squirrel up a tree, so she's seem fine....but all I can think of is that bone working it's way through her digestive track.
Horrid. My happiest thought would be to go home and find a big pile of doggie hurl on my bathroom floor. With the bone bit resting in the middle like a cherry.
Too much? My apologies. My mind is a bit on the brink at the moment.
While my blog title is in no way inspired by any movie in the Karate Kid franchise...I can't resist posting this...
While 2007 is looking more and more like Orwell's vision of 1984, this vid reminds us of what the year 1984 was really made of:
1. Ralph Macchio was the 80's. The Outsiders, Teachers, Crossroads and KK x 3...there was no escape.
2. Bandanas.
3. Sage Miyagi-style advice.
4. Guys sitting around doing the voice-overs for their favorite movies for the 100th time. (although, truly...this is a timeless endevour.)
I must confess the one problem with this video that really, really bothered me was the inclusion of Dennis "Mr. Belding" Haskins. I can't abide this mixing of decades. To me, it's the only flaw in this video, albeit, he pulled off a believable "pizza owner."
Also, you have to give it up to William "Billy" Zabka* for putting in a steller send up of himself (a la the 80's roles that made him semi-famous.) 20+ years later, and he's still kicking ass and taking names. Get 'em a body bag, Johnny!
*Extra double score!! Zabka wrote and directed this vid. Double finger guns to you, Billy!
There are few things in life better than getting mail. Nothing sends up a spark into you like a postcard from friends abroad or on vacation...or a holiday/birthday greeting card...or even when my mom cuts out articles in the her local paper to send me news about people I've never met. Even that's cool.
It's the idea that someone's thinking about you. No matter what your day was like, they are out there, unseen by your eyes, but thinking enough of you to set pen to paper and scrounge up a stamp. There is something about a post that connects us to a slower pace, a more gracious and mannered time. Also, it's just supra cool.
Sunday was Veterans Day. Whenever I think about veterans, I can't help but think about today's soliders. All the differences and similarities between the decades and wars. Seems though, one thing remains the same...they could all use a bit of cheer in the mail.
I won't go into the long explaination of Brotherhood 2.0, Nerdfighters or My Pants. (I'll leave that to the curious.) Sufficed to say, the combination of these has led me to Darby and her master plan:
Operation Holiday Card was a huge sucess last year. I started the project with a goal of collecting 200 cards to send to one base in Kuwait. The response was amazing. When the collection was over, I had over 1500 cards sent to Ali Al Salem Air Base (Kuwait) and Balad Air Base (Baghdad.) The cards were passed out to the troops at dinner on Christmas Day. As each person signed in at the mess hall, they were handed a Holiday Card. The cards were read, passed around the tables among friends, and many were eventually hung on the wall for all to see.
My goal is to collect over 2000 cards. This year, many of the cards with go to the Balad Air Base. Balad is "home" to over 30,000 men and women from all branches of service. Balad also contains a large field hospital, so many of the cards will go to patients and staff. The holidays are a very hard time to be far from home and these brave men and women need our support and encouragement.
I am asking people to write a note to an unknown service member inside your card, seal it and mail it to the address below. Cards can be for Christmas, Hanukkah (please note on the back of the envelope), or general Season's Greetings. Please pass the word about this project, feel free to post it on your blogs, other communities, at workplace or place of worship.
Cards can be sent to:
Operation Holiday Card
PMB 2836658 Youree Drive, Suite 180
Shreveport LA 71105
The deadline will be December 5. All cards must be received in Louisiana by that time. The cards will need plenty of time to get overseas. Thank you for your support of this wonderful project.
So, that's it. If you don't know what to write in the card, just say thank you. Or tell them to come home safely. Maybe your grandpa, uncle, father, brother, mother, sister, cousin or friend served. Maybe someone you know is serving now. Maybe you served at one time. What would you say to your family or friend...or what words would you like to have heard? Maybe cut out a comic from the sunday funnies and put that inside. It doesn't matter.
What matters is that a service member will be handed a card and receive that spark - that someone, unseen and unknown, is thinking about them enough to wish them a happy holiday.
I double dog dare ya.
