Oh now, don't panic...I'm not closing shop on the blog (although I doubt anyone would miss my posts that much)...
It's just that today marks the end of NaBloPoMo.
Funny how time flies when (1) you have no idea what you're doing and (2) you're just trying to have fun.
It seems like just yesterday when I signed up to post something every day for a month.....[sigh]
Oh who am I kidding? It seems like forever. This posting every day thing is not that easy. Life tends to get in the way of blogging about life.
Anyway, I think I did OK....30 days in November and I posted 28 posts in those 30 days. I really think I only missed two or three days (one of which was November 1st).
I know I didn't post anything yesterday because there was some sort of technology mutiny going at my house -- my laptop and my PC died. AT THE SAME TIME. Seriously, it was like some sort of simultaneous crapping out of computers. First the laptop croaked and then the PC went all wonky and stopped working. Thankfully, we had an 'extra' laptop that had been my MIL's and my brother-in-law was able to bring it to life! The PC...well it's still dead. Whatever.
So as I was saying....today's the end of NaBloPoMo.
It might have been a challenge to keep up, but it has inspired me to blog more.
And I guess that's what it was all about.
Mission:Accomplished.
11.30.2009
11.28.2009
I just don't care that much about celebrities
So, Tiger Woods crashed his car into a fire hydrant and a tree.
At 2:30 a.m.
And his wife had to bust out that back window of the car with a golf club (how ironic is that?!?).
Who cares?
Yes, he's a great golfer and ..... blah, blah, blah.
But is it necessary for all the sports shows to keep talking about it? I think not. By the time the story broke yesterday ("Tiger Woods SERIOUSLY injured in car crash"!!!!!!!), the best golfer in the world was already home. And had been for about 12 hours. He was treated and released folks. A few minor scratches and facial lacerations.
And yet, this morning the news was all a twitter about what was Tiger doing leaving home at 2:30 in the morning? and where could he be going? and I have to add this: WHY DO WE CARE????
I know I don't care. My life will go on as scheduled if I never find out the answer to "Where was Tiger going in the middle of the night?"
Maybe Tiger was hungry and was headed to the nearest McDonald's for a double quarter pounder with cheese. Or maybe his wife is a big fan of New Moon so he was headed to BK to get her the special "New Moon fan pack" or maybe one of the kids was sick and he needed to run out to the local 24-hour pharmacy to get some medicine. Maybe he was going to meet some other PGA golfers for a 'guy's night out' at the local strip joint.
Or maybe, just maybe, it's none of our business.
Maybe he really did have a fight with his wife...because, you know, rich people have marital issues too. And if that is the case - if he happened to pull out the driveway in a fit of anger and ran into a tree ... well, shit happens.
He hit a tree - with a car.
So what?
Move on people, nothing to see here.
At 2:30 a.m.
And his wife had to bust out that back window of the car with a golf club (how ironic is that?!?).
Who cares?
Yes, he's a great golfer and ..... blah, blah, blah.
But is it necessary for all the sports shows to keep talking about it? I think not. By the time the story broke yesterday ("Tiger Woods SERIOUSLY injured in car crash"!!!!!!!), the best golfer in the world was already home. And had been for about 12 hours. He was treated and released folks. A few minor scratches and facial lacerations.
And yet, this morning the news was all a twitter about what was Tiger doing leaving home at 2:30 in the morning? and where could he be going? and I have to add this: WHY DO WE CARE????
I know I don't care. My life will go on as scheduled if I never find out the answer to "Where was Tiger going in the middle of the night?"
Maybe Tiger was hungry and was headed to the nearest McDonald's for a double quarter pounder with cheese. Or maybe his wife is a big fan of New Moon so he was headed to BK to get her the special "New Moon fan pack" or maybe one of the kids was sick and he needed to run out to the local 24-hour pharmacy to get some medicine. Maybe he was going to meet some other PGA golfers for a 'guy's night out' at the local strip joint.
Or maybe, just maybe, it's none of our business.
Maybe he really did have a fight with his wife...because, you know, rich people have marital issues too. And if that is the case - if he happened to pull out the driveway in a fit of anger and ran into a tree ... well, shit happens.
He hit a tree - with a car.
So what?
Move on people, nothing to see here.
11.27.2009
Why I don't participate in the madness that is Black Friday (Alternate title: Why I let my husband do the shopping today)
I refuse to go out shopping on Black Friday. The last time I went out on BF was about 7 or 8 years ago and for some reason I ended up at the mall. That was NOT a good place to be. Too many people. Waaay too many people! And it was on that day that I decided to NEVER again shop on BF.
However, each year my husband wakes up at 3 a.m. on the morning of Black Friday and heads out into the crazy crowds to hunt down bargains. And, every year, I stay in bed.
This year was no different. Kevin left at 3:15 a.m. and went to Walmart as his first stop.
[He actually plans this out. Last night we sat at the kitchen table, surrounded by BF ads, figuring out what else we needed for Christmas and the girls' birthdays (which are both in January....yeah, great planning, I know). Kevin had a list and had figured out exactly how much cash he needed to take (for the 1st time ever, we have paid all cash this year!) and then he plans the order of his stops.]
What follows is a recap of his adventure...I am not sure if I got the timeline correct, but it's amusing nonetheless.
First stop - Walmart: Apparently the stores were open at midnight but no one could actually purchase anything until 5 a.m. This boggles my mind, because I cannot understand WHY anyone would want to spend 5 hours hanging out at Walmart. But apparently people did - the stores were packed. Kevin said he went in and found what he wanted to buy ... but it was only 3:30 a.m. and he had other places to go. And he didn't want to wait for another 90 minutes to buy the items. So, he did what any resourceful BF shopper would do -- he HID all the items in a dresser drawer in the furniture department and left. Uh-huh. That's right. I said he hid everything in a dresser. And left the store.
Next stop - JCPenney: Kevin has one reason, and one reason ONLY, to go to JCP on BF. To get me the annual free Disney snow globe. I have been collecting them since 2001 (when he surprised me with the first one) and so every year that's a "required" stop. This year was no different - I got my snow globe!
Next stop - Disney Store (I think): The entire store was 20% ... so Kevin found many good deals!
Next I think he headed to Elder-Beerman (nothing exciting there), and then to Target.
Target stop #1: The trip to Target was only for one thing....a Leapster game for Olivia. The games are normally $25 and they were on sale for $15. So, Kevin heads to Target, finds the LAST Disney Princess Leapster game....and realizes it's nearly 5 a.m. and he has to get back to Walmart ASAP. So....he HIDES the game in the stationary department and LEAVES Target, heading back to Walmart.
Walmart stop #2: This time, Kevin has to park at a car dealership on Central Avenue (three buildings down the road from Walmart). So, he RUNS to Walmart and surprisingly enough, all of the hidden treasures are still in their "places". [Amazing, I know.]. He said when he got in line the guy in front of him said he had been at Walmart since midnight - but had brought doughnuts and coffee so he was doing OK. That. Is. Crazy.
After Walmart, he heads back to Target for stop #2: By now, the lines are wrapped around the store, and Kevin is thinking it's probably going to be a 2-hour wait just to buy ONE video game. So ... he heads to the little Target cafe and asks if he can checkout there. Surprisingly, the clerk says 'yes' ... and with that, Kevin manages to avoid a very long wait in line. Amazing.
He made it home by 8 a.m. and now, all of our Christmas shopping is DONE! The best part? We still have some money left. That is always a good thing.
This is, by far, the best BF story Kevin has had in all the years we've been together. I told him "Honey, you have some MAD shopping skills!"
But it's still not enough to get me out of bed at 3 a.m. to witness any of it in person. And really, with a husband this talented, I don't think I ever need to shop on Black Friday. EVER.
However, each year my husband wakes up at 3 a.m. on the morning of Black Friday and heads out into the crazy crowds to hunt down bargains. And, every year, I stay in bed.
This year was no different. Kevin left at 3:15 a.m. and went to Walmart as his first stop.
[He actually plans this out. Last night we sat at the kitchen table, surrounded by BF ads, figuring out what else we needed for Christmas and the girls' birthdays (which are both in January....yeah, great planning, I know). Kevin had a list and had figured out exactly how much cash he needed to take (for the 1st time ever, we have paid all cash this year!) and then he plans the order of his stops.]
What follows is a recap of his adventure...I am not sure if I got the timeline correct, but it's amusing nonetheless.
First stop - Walmart: Apparently the stores were open at midnight but no one could actually purchase anything until 5 a.m. This boggles my mind, because I cannot understand WHY anyone would want to spend 5 hours hanging out at Walmart. But apparently people did - the stores were packed. Kevin said he went in and found what he wanted to buy ... but it was only 3:30 a.m. and he had other places to go. And he didn't want to wait for another 90 minutes to buy the items. So, he did what any resourceful BF shopper would do -- he HID all the items in a dresser drawer in the furniture department and left. Uh-huh. That's right. I said he hid everything in a dresser. And left the store.
Next stop - JCPenney: Kevin has one reason, and one reason ONLY, to go to JCP on BF. To get me the annual free Disney snow globe. I have been collecting them since 2001 (when he surprised me with the first one) and so every year that's a "required" stop. This year was no different - I got my snow globe!
Next stop - Disney Store (I think): The entire store was 20% ... so Kevin found many good deals!
Next I think he headed to Elder-Beerman (nothing exciting there), and then to Target.
Target stop #1: The trip to Target was only for one thing....a Leapster game for Olivia. The games are normally $25 and they were on sale for $15. So, Kevin heads to Target, finds the LAST Disney Princess Leapster game....and realizes it's nearly 5 a.m. and he has to get back to Walmart ASAP. So....he HIDES the game in the stationary department and LEAVES Target, heading back to Walmart.
Walmart stop #2: This time, Kevin has to park at a car dealership on Central Avenue (three buildings down the road from Walmart). So, he RUNS to Walmart and surprisingly enough, all of the hidden treasures are still in their "places". [Amazing, I know.]. He said when he got in line the guy in front of him said he had been at Walmart since midnight - but had brought doughnuts and coffee so he was doing OK. That. Is. Crazy.
After Walmart, he heads back to Target for stop #2: By now, the lines are wrapped around the store, and Kevin is thinking it's probably going to be a 2-hour wait just to buy ONE video game. So ... he heads to the little Target cafe and asks if he can checkout there. Surprisingly, the clerk says 'yes' ... and with that, Kevin manages to avoid a very long wait in line. Amazing.
He made it home by 8 a.m. and now, all of our Christmas shopping is DONE! The best part? We still have some money left. That is always a good thing.
This is, by far, the best BF story Kevin has had in all the years we've been together. I told him "Honey, you have some MAD shopping skills!"
But it's still not enough to get me out of bed at 3 a.m. to witness any of it in person. And really, with a husband this talented, I don't think I ever need to shop on Black Friday. EVER.
11.26.2009
Be thankful!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wishing all of my friends, family and readers
a magical and happy Turkey Day!
11.25.2009
This is what happens when people take works of fiction a bit too seriously
I saw this link on a friend's Facebook profile today and had to check it out. Apparently, this librarian/blog author has an issue with the entire Twilight saga because it promotes abusive relationships, and teen/tween girls everywhere are going to look for their version of Edward and well, we all know that's not going to end well.
The author of the blog post says that he hates the Twilight series because, (and I am quoting here), "I hate them because of the sexual messaging they impart to teens, especially teen girls, robbing them of agency and normalizing stalking and abusive behavior."
OK.
Let's back up a bit, shall we?
These are works of FICTION. Edward is a vampire who SPARKLES IN THE SUN for crying out loud. There are werewolves and vampires and well...it's all make believe.
Is Edward possessive, a bit obsessed, a bit crazy, and a bit hormonal? Yes, in fact he is all of those things. He's also fictional. And 109 years old. And he's a vampire. Is Bella moody, a bit of an outsider, a bit of an emotional train wreck who just happens to be drawn to the most gorgeous, secretive "bad boy" in school? Yep. And again, she's also fictional and 17 years old.
Is their relationship "healthy" or "normal"? Um, that would be a big, fat no. Then again, he's a vampire who is trying to NOT kill her. See, vampires KILL humans. Any vampire book will tell you that (Have you read Anne Rice? Those are some violent, messed up vampires).
So yeah, Edward is a bit over-protective and possessive and all vampire-like.
But abusive?
Really?
Do we really think that IF Edward and Bella were the poster children for abusive relationships this series of books would be the phenomenon that it is?
Do you think moms would be buying these books for their daughters, and then reading them too?
Do you think it would even be marketable?
No. No. And, no.
I consider myself reasonably intelligent, and not once while reading the books did I think to myself "Well holy crap, Edward is abusive to Bella and that Bella is just some silly, stupid girl who is afraid to stand up to her man." Not once did I think to look up the signs of an abusive relationship and create a checklist based on Bella and Edward's romance.
Why? Well, probably because I knew that (1) I was reading a work of fiction that was (2) full of fictional characters and supernatural beings who don't really exist and (3) I don't have that much free time to ponder things like this.
Maybe I'm just an idiot. Or clueless. Or maybe someone should revoke my "I'm kind of a feminist" card...because I just don't see it. The books aren't perfect - but they also aren't a manual on how to identify an abusive relationship.
And, for anyone who has read the series, you also know there is NO sex (there's a lot of 'fade to black' in the last book...but there are no "real" sex scenes). Oh and (MAJOR SPOILER ALERT HERE. STOP READING IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE LAST BOOK)...Edward and Bella are virgins until after they get married. They don't have sex until their wedding night. Call me crazy, but that seems to be a really GOOD message to send to young women out there.
What I see when I read this book is a vampire who happens to be in love with a human who happens to be best friends with a werewolf. I see a story about love and teenage angst.
Yes, there are a lot of unrealistic notions of first love and true love and "forever" in the book, but it IS a work of fiction. Maybe it's a lot to assume, but I would think that most young girls/young women who read these books would know and understand that no one like Edward really exists, because well...he's a vampire who sparkles in the sunlight and only feeds on animals.
I'm really not trying to be snarky.
I'm all for teaching young girls how to avoid bad, unhealthy and potentially abusive relationships. As a mom to two young girls, I know how important it is.
My point is this: if you really want to do teach teens about healthy relationships, maybe you should avoid using a vampire/human relationship as the example.
Because sparkly, vegetarian vampires aren't real, but abuse is.
-------
Check out this article from The Washington Post. It's very interesting. :)
The author of the blog post says that he hates the Twilight series because, (and I am quoting here), "I hate them because of the sexual messaging they impart to teens, especially teen girls, robbing them of agency and normalizing stalking and abusive behavior."
OK.
Let's back up a bit, shall we?
These are works of FICTION. Edward is a vampire who SPARKLES IN THE SUN for crying out loud. There are werewolves and vampires and well...it's all make believe.
Is Edward possessive, a bit obsessed, a bit crazy, and a bit hormonal? Yes, in fact he is all of those things. He's also fictional. And 109 years old. And he's a vampire. Is Bella moody, a bit of an outsider, a bit of an emotional train wreck who just happens to be drawn to the most gorgeous, secretive "bad boy" in school? Yep. And again, she's also fictional and 17 years old.
Is their relationship "healthy" or "normal"? Um, that would be a big, fat no. Then again, he's a vampire who is trying to NOT kill her. See, vampires KILL humans. Any vampire book will tell you that (Have you read Anne Rice? Those are some violent, messed up vampires).
So yeah, Edward is a bit over-protective and possessive and all vampire-like.
But abusive?
Really?
Do we really think that IF Edward and Bella were the poster children for abusive relationships this series of books would be the phenomenon that it is?
Do you think moms would be buying these books for their daughters, and then reading them too?
Do you think it would even be marketable?
No. No. And, no.
I consider myself reasonably intelligent, and not once while reading the books did I think to myself "Well holy crap, Edward is abusive to Bella and that Bella is just some silly, stupid girl who is afraid to stand up to her man." Not once did I think to look up the signs of an abusive relationship and create a checklist based on Bella and Edward's romance.
Why? Well, probably because I knew that (1) I was reading a work of fiction that was (2) full of fictional characters and supernatural beings who don't really exist and (3) I don't have that much free time to ponder things like this.
Maybe I'm just an idiot. Or clueless. Or maybe someone should revoke my "I'm kind of a feminist" card...because I just don't see it. The books aren't perfect - but they also aren't a manual on how to identify an abusive relationship.
And, for anyone who has read the series, you also know there is NO sex (there's a lot of 'fade to black' in the last book...but there are no "real" sex scenes). Oh and (MAJOR SPOILER ALERT HERE. STOP READING IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE LAST BOOK)...Edward and Bella are virgins until after they get married. They don't have sex until their wedding night. Call me crazy, but that seems to be a really GOOD message to send to young women out there.
What I see when I read this book is a vampire who happens to be in love with a human who happens to be best friends with a werewolf. I see a story about love and teenage angst.
Yes, there are a lot of unrealistic notions of first love and true love and "forever" in the book, but it IS a work of fiction. Maybe it's a lot to assume, but I would think that most young girls/young women who read these books would know and understand that no one like Edward really exists, because well...he's a vampire who sparkles in the sunlight and only feeds on animals.
I'm really not trying to be snarky.
I'm all for teaching young girls how to avoid bad, unhealthy and potentially abusive relationships. As a mom to two young girls, I know how important it is.
My point is this: if you really want to do teach teens about healthy relationships, maybe you should avoid using a vampire/human relationship as the example.
Because sparkly, vegetarian vampires aren't real, but abuse is.
-------
Check out this article from The Washington Post. It's very interesting. :)
11.24.2009
What I won't be watching tomorrow morning
I won't be watching 'Good Morning America'.
Why? Well, it's my own little personal protest because quite frankly, I think the powers that be at GMA are narrow-minded, cowardly asshats.
And I quote: "Given Adam Lambert's controversial live performance on the AMAs, we were concerned about airing a similar concert so early in the morning," a spokesperson for the network said.
Um. OK. Sure.
I watched Adam Lambert's performance from Sunday night's AMAs. It was not that great -- not what I expected from the American Idol runner-up. The song was catchy enough...but the vocals were (to quote Randy Jackson) "a bit pitchy, dawg."
Oh, and then there was the gyrating, crotch grabbing, S&M-clad backup dancers, simulated oral sex (which is when the cameras quickly cut to another shot on stage...it wasn't as if you sat there and WATCHED it happen for any great amount of time), and then, GASP! He kissed another man!
SO WHAT?
WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL?
WHO THE HELL CARES?
So Adam Lambert had a somewhat "racy" performance and it was a bit shocking to some people. So what? So he kissed another man. (Which, if you watch the video was not in your face either, rather, it was sort of in the background. And again, not a big deal).
I just fail to see the problem here. He's a performer. He was performing.
Madonna kissed Britney Spears AND Christina Aguilera a few years ago. No one pulled their performances from any shows. Sure, it was the water cooler fodder for a day or two but again, not a big deal.
But this time around the Parent's Television Council has deemed Sunday night's performance 'vulgar' and urged its members to bombard ABC with complaints. And 1,500 complaints later, ABC has bowed to the pressure and canceled Adam's performance. [Oh and the PTC claims it was the 'simulated oral sex' that they have a problem with, not the 'gay kiss'. Right. I'm sure that's all they had problems with.]
Did ABC really think he was going to bring the S&M dancers with him to the morning show? I highly doubt it. The AMAs after 10 p.m. are a completely different venue than GMA at 8:35 a.m. - and I'm pretty sure any performer would know that.
Shame on you ABC.
Why? Well, it's my own little personal protest because quite frankly, I think the powers that be at GMA are narrow-minded, cowardly asshats.
And I quote: "Given Adam Lambert's controversial live performance on the AMAs, we were concerned about airing a similar concert so early in the morning," a spokesperson for the network said.
Um. OK. Sure.
I watched Adam Lambert's performance from Sunday night's AMAs. It was not that great -- not what I expected from the American Idol runner-up. The song was catchy enough...but the vocals were (to quote Randy Jackson) "a bit pitchy, dawg."
Oh, and then there was the gyrating, crotch grabbing, S&M-clad backup dancers, simulated oral sex (which is when the cameras quickly cut to another shot on stage...it wasn't as if you sat there and WATCHED it happen for any great amount of time), and then, GASP! He kissed another man!
SO WHAT?
WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL?
WHO THE HELL CARES?
So Adam Lambert had a somewhat "racy" performance and it was a bit shocking to some people. So what? So he kissed another man. (Which, if you watch the video was not in your face either, rather, it was sort of in the background. And again, not a big deal).
I just fail to see the problem here. He's a performer. He was performing.
Madonna kissed Britney Spears AND Christina Aguilera a few years ago. No one pulled their performances from any shows. Sure, it was the water cooler fodder for a day or two but again, not a big deal.
But this time around the Parent's Television Council has deemed Sunday night's performance 'vulgar' and urged its members to bombard ABC with complaints. And 1,500 complaints later, ABC has bowed to the pressure and canceled Adam's performance. [Oh and the PTC claims it was the 'simulated oral sex' that they have a problem with, not the 'gay kiss'. Right. I'm sure that's all they had problems with.]
Did ABC really think he was going to bring the S&M dancers with him to the morning show? I highly doubt it. The AMAs after 10 p.m. are a completely different venue than GMA at 8:35 a.m. - and I'm pretty sure any performer would know that.
Shame on you ABC.
11.23.2009
Monday morning musings
Yeah, OK...so I didn't blog all weekend...guess that means I've sort of missed the whole " blog every day" concept with NaBloPoMo.
Whatever. I was busy.
And it's not as though anyone is really checking up on me, right?
So, moving on.
I'm feeling a bit frustrated today. It's been 10 months since I learned that my job was being eliminated on June 30th of this year -- they told me on January 30, 2009 -- and I am still unemployed. I've been looking for a job since JANUARY and I've had no success. And it's very frustrating.
I've had a few interviews -- all of which were sort busts in their own way (some more than others). And now, it seems like the job market in my area of "expertise" has all but dried up again.
Economic recovery my ass.
And then last night, I get a phone call from the law school where I earned my degree -- asking me to donate money. But not just any amount. Oh no....they were certainly aiming high last night.
"We were wondering if you'd be willing to donate $1,000."
Um, no. I wouldn't be willing to do that.
"Well, we understand that is a lot of money in this economy...but perhaps you would consider $750 or $500."
No, I wouldn't consider any of those amounts because they are all completely unreasonable amounts and I am unemployed so the law school isn't getting a dime from me.
OK, yes. I suppose that was a little bitchy (yeah, that up there is a direct quote). But don't call me at 6 p.m. on a Sunday night and ask me for money. Ever.
So, it's Monday. I'm a bit grumpy. Sue me.
But on the bright side (see, there's always a bright side)...I am going to see "New Moon" again tonight. With my mom and sister (we are getting mom totally hooked on sparkly vampires!). I cannot wait.
Whatever. I was busy.
And it's not as though anyone is really checking up on me, right?
So, moving on.
I'm feeling a bit frustrated today. It's been 10 months since I learned that my job was being eliminated on June 30th of this year -- they told me on January 30, 2009 -- and I am still unemployed. I've been looking for a job since JANUARY and I've had no success. And it's very frustrating.
I've had a few interviews -- all of which were sort busts in their own way (some more than others). And now, it seems like the job market in my area of "expertise" has all but dried up again.
Economic recovery my ass.
And then last night, I get a phone call from the law school where I earned my degree -- asking me to donate money. But not just any amount. Oh no....they were certainly aiming high last night.
"We were wondering if you'd be willing to donate $1,000."
Um, no. I wouldn't be willing to do that.
"Well, we understand that is a lot of money in this economy...but perhaps you would consider $750 or $500."
No, I wouldn't consider any of those amounts because they are all completely unreasonable amounts and I am unemployed so the law school isn't getting a dime from me.
OK, yes. I suppose that was a little bitchy (yeah, that up there is a direct quote). But don't call me at 6 p.m. on a Sunday night and ask me for money. Ever.
So, it's Monday. I'm a bit grumpy. Sue me.
But on the bright side (see, there's always a bright side)...I am going to see "New Moon" again tonight. With my mom and sister (we are getting mom totally hooked on sparkly vampires!). I cannot wait.
11.20.2009
Vampires and werewolves and humans, oh my
I saw "New Moon" this afternoon.
(I refuse to call it "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" because that's a stupid name).
I have this to say about the movie: It. Was. Amazing.
It doesn't even compare to "Twilight" -- which if I'm being totally honest, now seems like a bit of a train wreck.
Chris Weitz, the director of "New Moon", should be very proud of the finished product.
The movie was beautiful.
And, surprisingly, the script stayed true to the book.
There was no Buttcrack Santa or "compost tea!" to be found. (Thank goodness for that).
Time and again I was shocked to hear Edward, Bella or another character saying THE EXACT THINGS that were written in the book.
Oh, and the werewolves!! [UM, SPOILER ALERT IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK AND DON'T WANT TO KNOW ANY MORE].
Holy hairy scary werewolves.
When they first appeared on screen, coming out of the woods (and if you've seen the movie, you KNOW what scene I'm talking about)...I looked at my friend and said "Holy. F**K." Yep, that's right. It was THAT amazing. And that incredible. And well...wow.
I laughed. I cried. I was stunned.
All in all, it was amazing.
And I cannot wait to see it again Monday night.
And maybe Thursday night.
And several times after that.
[I suppose it's time to remove the "New Moon" ticker over there....and replace it with one for "Eclipse" ... June 30, 2010.]
(I refuse to call it "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" because that's a stupid name).
I have this to say about the movie: It. Was. Amazing.
It doesn't even compare to "Twilight" -- which if I'm being totally honest, now seems like a bit of a train wreck.
Chris Weitz, the director of "New Moon", should be very proud of the finished product.
The movie was beautiful.
And, surprisingly, the script stayed true to the book.
There was no Buttcrack Santa or "compost tea!" to be found. (Thank goodness for that).
Time and again I was shocked to hear Edward, Bella or another character saying THE EXACT THINGS that were written in the book.
Oh, and the werewolves!! [UM, SPOILER ALERT IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK AND DON'T WANT TO KNOW ANY MORE].
Holy hairy scary werewolves.
When they first appeared on screen, coming out of the woods (and if you've seen the movie, you KNOW what scene I'm talking about)...I looked at my friend and said "Holy. F**K." Yep, that's right. It was THAT amazing. And that incredible. And well...wow.
I laughed. I cried. I was stunned.
All in all, it was amazing.
And I cannot wait to see it again Monday night.
And maybe Thursday night.
And several times after that.
[I suppose it's time to remove the "New Moon" ticker over there....and replace it with one for "Eclipse" ... June 30, 2010.]
11.19.2009
11.18.2009
Rejected...and it feels so impersonal
So, two weeks ago I blogged about how much unemployment stinks and I mentioned a little 'adventure' I had on a job interview - you know, wandering through a basement, taking a writing test in PENCIL ... things like that.
I really thought it can't get much stranger than that.
I was wrong.
My phone rang a little while ago and it went something like this:
Me: Hello?
Them: Hi. Is Traci there?
Me: This is Traci.
Them: Hi. This is so-and-so with XYZ and I just wanted to let you know that in the end we hired someone else for the communications specialist job.
Me: Oh, OK. Thanks for calling and letting me know.
Them: Sure. Thanks. Bye.
Uh, um....OhhhhKaaayyy.
Now, let me explain why this is so crazy to me. This employer is NOT some fly-by-night operation. They are a big employer here in T-town. A really BIG corporation. With a lot of employees.
And THIS is how they reject someone? By phone?
Seriously.
You might as well just send me a rejection Tweet.
Or Facebook me.
It would be just as 'professional' as a 15 second phone call.
Let me just state the obvious - I am so happy to NOT be working for these people. Unemployment might stink, but I have a feeling that working for a nutjob operation like that one might suck more.
I really thought it can't get much stranger than that.
I was wrong.
My phone rang a little while ago and it went something like this:
Me: Hello?
Them: Hi. Is Traci there?
Me: This is Traci.
Them: Hi. This is so-and-so with XYZ and I just wanted to let you know that in the end we hired someone else for the communications specialist job.
Me: Oh, OK. Thanks for calling and letting me know.
Them: Sure. Thanks. Bye.
Uh, um....OhhhhKaaayyy.
Now, let me explain why this is so crazy to me. This employer is NOT some fly-by-night operation. They are a big employer here in T-town. A really BIG corporation. With a lot of employees.
And THIS is how they reject someone? By phone?
Seriously.
You might as well just send me a rejection Tweet.
Or Facebook me.
It would be just as 'professional' as a 15 second phone call.
Let me just state the obvious - I am so happy to NOT be working for these people. Unemployment might stink, but I have a feeling that working for a nutjob operation like that one might suck more.
11.17.2009
(Alpha) Bits and Pieces
I'm snacking on some Alpha-Bits cereal right now...and I'm pondering if there's enough variety of letters in the bowl so that I could write a 140 character tweet.
I think that means I have a slight obsession with Twitter.
Think about it though, all 26 letters of the alphabet are in a box of Alpha-bits...so theoretically, you should be able to spell words and perhaps write a complete sentence with what is in your bowl.
Right?
OK. Whatever. Moving on.
A few other things I've been mulling over today, in no particular order:
- I'm really annoyed and upset (not like boo-hoo, crying in my Alpha-Bits upset...but sad nonetheless) that there is NOT going to be a Children's Wonderland this year. See here. There was the hint of this last Christmas - you know, "hurry up and head out to Children's Wonderland because it might be the last year!"...but I really thought (hoped?) that our County Commissioners would work at trying to find a new location for this fun (and somewhat cheesy) holiday tradition. I've been going to CW since I was a little girl and now I've only been able to share it with my kids a few times? That is unacceptable to me. What bothers me more is that it sounds as if they KNEW this was going to be the case WAY back in June! Why not talk to the media then, so that maybe someone or some group in town would say "Hey! Let's keep this going!" Stupid County Commissioners. That's right. I called them stupid.
- Five Guys!!!! I have never had a Five Guys burger or fries...but I hear from some very reliable sources that it's the best burger and fries you'll ever eat. And since a Toledo location just opened today, I can test that theory soon. You know, in about 6 months when the excitement of "Oh my gosh! A new restaurant in Toledo!" has died down. Because we all know that whenever a new place to eat opens here in town it's like the city won the darn lottery or something. I think it's because there's nothing really to do here -- other than go out to eat. That is the only explanation I have for Toledo's on-going feeding frenzy.
- New Moon. Yes, I've already written two posts in the last week about it, but I have honestly never been this excited to see a movie. Ever. Sure, I was excited about seeing Twilight last year and couldn't wait for the DVD to be released. But it's different with New Moon. I have been waiting for this movie ever since last November after I saw Twilight. I have had the countdown widget going over there on the left for months. I'm re-reading the book right now ... just so it's all fresh in my mind. Because you know, the last EIGHT times I've read it isn't enough. And I watched Twilight again last night. Just because. In three days, at this very hour, I will be sitting in a dark theater. With Edward. And the werewolves. And I will be loving every second.
I think that means I have a slight obsession with Twitter.
Think about it though, all 26 letters of the alphabet are in a box of Alpha-bits...so theoretically, you should be able to spell words and perhaps write a complete sentence with what is in your bowl.
Right?
OK. Whatever. Moving on.
A few other things I've been mulling over today, in no particular order:
- I'm really annoyed and upset (not like boo-hoo, crying in my Alpha-Bits upset...but sad nonetheless) that there is NOT going to be a Children's Wonderland this year. See here. There was the hint of this last Christmas - you know, "hurry up and head out to Children's Wonderland because it might be the last year!"...but I really thought (hoped?) that our County Commissioners would work at trying to find a new location for this fun (and somewhat cheesy) holiday tradition. I've been going to CW since I was a little girl and now I've only been able to share it with my kids a few times? That is unacceptable to me. What bothers me more is that it sounds as if they KNEW this was going to be the case WAY back in June! Why not talk to the media then, so that maybe someone or some group in town would say "Hey! Let's keep this going!" Stupid County Commissioners. That's right. I called them stupid.
- Five Guys!!!! I have never had a Five Guys burger or fries...but I hear from some very reliable sources that it's the best burger and fries you'll ever eat. And since a Toledo location just opened today, I can test that theory soon. You know, in about 6 months when the excitement of "Oh my gosh! A new restaurant in Toledo!" has died down. Because we all know that whenever a new place to eat opens here in town it's like the city won the darn lottery or something. I think it's because there's nothing really to do here -- other than go out to eat. That is the only explanation I have for Toledo's on-going feeding frenzy.
- New Moon. Yes, I've already written two posts in the last week about it, but I have honestly never been this excited to see a movie. Ever. Sure, I was excited about seeing Twilight last year and couldn't wait for the DVD to be released. But it's different with New Moon. I have been waiting for this movie ever since last November after I saw Twilight. I have had the countdown widget going over there on the left for months. I'm re-reading the book right now ... just so it's all fresh in my mind. Because you know, the last EIGHT times I've read it isn't enough. And I watched Twilight again last night. Just because. In three days, at this very hour, I will be sitting in a dark theater. With Edward. And the werewolves. And I will be loving every second.
11.16.2009
11.15.2009
A marathon shopping day
Instead of hanging out at home today, watching the Browns lose again...Kevin and I decided to head out and do some Christmas shopping.
I dread this time of year.
OK, yes...that sounds horrible...but I really don't enjoy all the craziness that goes hand-in-hand with Christmas. I really dislike holiday shopping -- the crowds, the lines, the money being spent....and did I mention the crowds?
But, since we have two little princesses at home who are counting on Santa to bring them all the things they've asked for, we headed out - armed with toy books, Sunday ads, coupons and cash. And I have to say, we were quite successful!
We found some great prices at Wal-Mart (go ahead, judge me for shopping at Wal-Mart...whatever -- they have good prices). Case in point: I printed a coupon for $10 off the BluRay/DVD 4-pack combo when you purchase the movie "UP" ... and after using said coupon we got the movie for $9.96 (it retails for $29.99 but WM had it on sale for $19.96). Oh yeah!
After WM, we headed to Target where we scored another bargain -- the Barbie salon was listed as $20 in today's ad...but the Target toy catalog that came out two weeks ago had a $5 coupon for certain Barbie toys, including the salon....so cha-ching... $15!
Next stop...Build-a-Bear. We bought the Holly Moose and had a $5 off coupon (thank you lady in front of us in line!)...but we also had another $5 off coupon and a $10 off coupon AND a Frosty the Snowman to buy. The very nice clerk let us ring them separately...so Holly Moose retailed at $18 and we got her for $13. Frosty was $23 plus we had an outfit for Holly and the scarf/pipe/broom set for Frosty and $15 in coupons! More bargains!
And then, at Toys-R-Us we spent enough to get a "free" (hahaha) $10 gift card to use the next time we shop.
After that four hour shopping trip....we have ALMOST everything we wanted to buy for Christmas and the girls' birthdays (which are both in January, within a month of Christmas...great planning, I know!) One more shopping excursion (after Black Friday) and we will be DONE!
Whew!
I dread this time of year.
OK, yes...that sounds horrible...but I really don't enjoy all the craziness that goes hand-in-hand with Christmas. I really dislike holiday shopping -- the crowds, the lines, the money being spent....and did I mention the crowds?
But, since we have two little princesses at home who are counting on Santa to bring them all the things they've asked for, we headed out - armed with toy books, Sunday ads, coupons and cash. And I have to say, we were quite successful!
We found some great prices at Wal-Mart (go ahead, judge me for shopping at Wal-Mart...whatever -- they have good prices). Case in point: I printed a coupon for $10 off the BluRay/DVD 4-pack combo when you purchase the movie "UP" ... and after using said coupon we got the movie for $9.96 (it retails for $29.99 but WM had it on sale for $19.96). Oh yeah!
After WM, we headed to Target where we scored another bargain -- the Barbie salon was listed as $20 in today's ad...but the Target toy catalog that came out two weeks ago had a $5 coupon for certain Barbie toys, including the salon....so cha-ching... $15!
Next stop...Build-a-Bear. We bought the Holly Moose and had a $5 off coupon (thank you lady in front of us in line!)...but we also had another $5 off coupon and a $10 off coupon AND a Frosty the Snowman to buy. The very nice clerk let us ring them separately...so Holly Moose retailed at $18 and we got her for $13. Frosty was $23 plus we had an outfit for Holly and the scarf/pipe/broom set for Frosty and $15 in coupons! More bargains!
And then, at Toys-R-Us we spent enough to get a "free" (hahaha) $10 gift card to use the next time we shop.
After that four hour shopping trip....we have ALMOST everything we wanted to buy for Christmas and the girls' birthdays (which are both in January, within a month of Christmas...great planning, I know!) One more shopping excursion (after Black Friday) and we will be DONE!
Whew!
11.14.2009
A few weekend observations
Here they are:
1. I am too old for the 'bar scene'. A group of us went to dinner last night at Sakura (oh my goodness....such good food) and then one member of our group thought it would be a good idea to check out a new sports bar in town (because they knew the guy who owned it). Let me be very clear - I have nothing against sports bars or bars in general or people who enjoy going to the bar.
However, I am too old, too married and too much of a mom to EVER feel the need/desire to go to a bar on a Friday night. I swear to goodness I was surrounded by (a) extras from The Hills and (b) too many Jon Gosselin clones in Ed Hardy shirts, big chunky cross necklaces and diamond stud earrings. It was very uncomfortable. Our entire group decided that we would much rather spend our evenings at home, curled up on the couch with (or without) our husbands, watching TV or surfing the 'net. No more opening night at the bar for me.
2. I am also too old to be asked for ID when buying beer. At the grocery store. Seriously. I've blogged about this before. I have gray hair, crows feet, stretch marks, a 'yes, I've had a baby' pouch, and am going to be 37 years old in a few months. Please, please, please stop asking for my ID. I don't look 20. I don't look 21. Hell, I don't even look 30. I look like a 36-year-old mother of two who just wants to buy a 12-pack of beer for her husband.
3. I don't really enjoy Christmas shopping. I dislike the crowds. And .... well, that's really it. I don't like going to the mall or Old Navy or Target or well, anywhere during the weeks between Halloween and Christmas Eve. There is nothing fun about shopping during the holidays.
4. Not that this is any major news flash, but Jon Gosselin is a complete and total moron. I just read this story about how he is suing TLC (the channel, not me!) for $5 million because he claims they ruined his reputation with other media outlets and therefore damaged his career. Uh Jon, I hate to break it to you, but I'm pretty sure that it was your own behavior, attitude and those STUPID diamond earrings that ruined your, um, "career". You're the one who banned the cameras from your house, thereby breaching your contract. It's not TLC's fault that you are a complete and total moron who lacks class and, well, intelligence. Whatever. I am so sick and tired of hearing about this family ... and I try to NOT blog about them, but sometimes I just have to rant a little bit.
I'm sure there are a few other things I needed to blog about...but I've been on the go since yesterday afternoon and I am now going to sit on my couch, catch up on Tivo'd shows and read my new issues of Entertainment Weekly (New Moon on the cover!!) and InStyle.
1. I am too old for the 'bar scene'. A group of us went to dinner last night at Sakura (oh my goodness....such good food) and then one member of our group thought it would be a good idea to check out a new sports bar in town (because they knew the guy who owned it). Let me be very clear - I have nothing against sports bars or bars in general or people who enjoy going to the bar.
However, I am too old, too married and too much of a mom to EVER feel the need/desire to go to a bar on a Friday night. I swear to goodness I was surrounded by (a) extras from The Hills and (b) too many Jon Gosselin clones in Ed Hardy shirts, big chunky cross necklaces and diamond stud earrings. It was very uncomfortable. Our entire group decided that we would much rather spend our evenings at home, curled up on the couch with (or without) our husbands, watching TV or surfing the 'net. No more opening night at the bar for me.
2. I am also too old to be asked for ID when buying beer. At the grocery store. Seriously. I've blogged about this before. I have gray hair, crows feet, stretch marks, a 'yes, I've had a baby' pouch, and am going to be 37 years old in a few months. Please, please, please stop asking for my ID. I don't look 20. I don't look 21. Hell, I don't even look 30. I look like a 36-year-old mother of two who just wants to buy a 12-pack of beer for her husband.
3. I don't really enjoy Christmas shopping. I dislike the crowds. And .... well, that's really it. I don't like going to the mall or Old Navy or Target or well, anywhere during the weeks between Halloween and Christmas Eve. There is nothing fun about shopping during the holidays.
4. Not that this is any major news flash, but Jon Gosselin is a complete and total moron. I just read this story about how he is suing TLC (the channel, not me!) for $5 million because he claims they ruined his reputation with other media outlets and therefore damaged his career. Uh Jon, I hate to break it to you, but I'm pretty sure that it was your own behavior, attitude and those STUPID diamond earrings that ruined your, um, "career". You're the one who banned the cameras from your house, thereby breaching your contract. It's not TLC's fault that you are a complete and total moron who lacks class and, well, intelligence. Whatever. I am so sick and tired of hearing about this family ... and I try to NOT blog about them, but sometimes I just have to rant a little bit.
I'm sure there are a few other things I needed to blog about...but I've been on the go since yesterday afternoon and I am now going to sit on my couch, catch up on Tivo'd shows and read my new issues of Entertainment Weekly (New Moon on the cover!!) and InStyle.
11.12.2009
First parent-teacher conference report
Wow. Today was my first parent-teacher conference. That seems crazy to me...crazy that my 'baby girl' is in school and I'm going to conferences!
Overall, Olivia is doing great in kindergarten. We were able to see her 'writing journal' that they have been working on since day 1 and the improvement in her writing and use of words is amazing!
My favorite entry in her journal was the one she wrote this week. It said "I am thankful for Dsny Wrld." [Translation: I am thankful for Disney World.] Yep, 'tis true...my darling daughter LOVES Disney just as much as her mommy! LOVE. IT.
[Oh, and I asked why Disney World was missing a few letters and the teacher explained to me that she had Olivia sound out the words and spell it on her own, without any assistance. Not bad for a 5 year old!]
The final report was that Olivia 'successfully demonstrates' all of the required behavior/social skills and academic skills/work habits that are required of a kindergarten student. The only skill we need to work on is "encouraging her to become a leader".
Yeah, I know. My kid needs help in WHAT area? But my girl is rather shy (she did NOT get that trait from me!)...and when she's faced with leading a group or standing up in front of a group of people, she tends to freeze and get shy and get very quiet. So, I'm just going to have to work with her and let her know that it's OK to be a leader.
The teacher did say that Olivia is getting better at opening up and talking about what she did over the weekend or plans that she has. So, that is a good thing!
I'm just happy that I have a kid who follow directions, plays well with others, knows how to share, is organized, doesn't interrupt others, and is really one awesome little girl! So, she's a little shy....so what? She's my girl and I love her.
Way to go Olivia!
______________
I'd like to make a "little" recommendation to all kindergarten teachers out there...please have 'grown up' size chairs for parents to sit in at conferences. My butt does NOT fit on the kindergarten size chairs. And, my husband -- who is 6' 4" tall -- would have been more comfortable sitting on the floor - instead of in a grade K chair with his knees up his nose. I'm just sayin'.
Overall, Olivia is doing great in kindergarten. We were able to see her 'writing journal' that they have been working on since day 1 and the improvement in her writing and use of words is amazing!
My favorite entry in her journal was the one she wrote this week. It said "I am thankful for Dsny Wrld." [Translation: I am thankful for Disney World.] Yep, 'tis true...my darling daughter LOVES Disney just as much as her mommy! LOVE. IT.
[Oh, and I asked why Disney World was missing a few letters and the teacher explained to me that she had Olivia sound out the words and spell it on her own, without any assistance. Not bad for a 5 year old!]
The final report was that Olivia 'successfully demonstrates' all of the required behavior/social skills and academic skills/work habits that are required of a kindergarten student. The only skill we need to work on is "encouraging her to become a leader".
Yeah, I know. My kid needs help in WHAT area? But my girl is rather shy (she did NOT get that trait from me!)...and when she's faced with leading a group or standing up in front of a group of people, she tends to freeze and get shy and get very quiet. So, I'm just going to have to work with her and let her know that it's OK to be a leader.
The teacher did say that Olivia is getting better at opening up and talking about what she did over the weekend or plans that she has. So, that is a good thing!
I'm just happy that I have a kid who follow directions, plays well with others, knows how to share, is organized, doesn't interrupt others, and is really one awesome little girl! So, she's a little shy....so what? She's my girl and I love her.
Way to go Olivia!
______________
I'd like to make a "little" recommendation to all kindergarten teachers out there...please have 'grown up' size chairs for parents to sit in at conferences. My butt does NOT fit on the kindergarten size chairs. And, my husband -- who is 6' 4" tall -- would have been more comfortable sitting on the floor - instead of in a grade K chair with his knees up his nose. I'm just sayin'.
11.11.2009
Just keep dreaming
I'm in a bit of a funk today. I woke up in a mood - which was carried over from last night's bad mood...and I'm trying to snap out of it and cheer up, but nothing seems to be helping.
Perhaps blogging will be the cure.
I'm just BLAH. Blergh. Super blah.
And I think part of it is the realization that my dream of being part of the Disney Mom's Panel really is OVER for the year. I mean, I knew that there was no hope two weeks ago when I received the 'no' e-mail ... but you know when you want something SO BAD that you keep hoping against hope that a miracle will happen? Yes, I know it's totally unrealistic and silly, but you'd have to be in my shoes to understand I guess.
Yesterday afternoon the 2010 Mom's Panel was named ... and it's a great group of moms and dads (yes, there are dads on the Mom's Panel...four of them to be exact!). I know many of the new panelists through Twitter, Facebook and the DIS Boards and they are all going to be wonderful, amazing, incredible panelists and I am SO HAPPY for them!
And yet, at the same time I'm a bit sad too.
This was the first year where I knew some of the moms and dads who might be on the panel. The first year where I felt a connection to these people....I was cheering them on from the sidelines throughout the entire process. And now that the process is over and my friends are realizing their dream, it's a bittersweet reality. My dreams were dashed a few weeks ago and I suppose I'm still coming to terms with that.
It's difficult not to wonder .... What did I say wrong in my essay? What didn't I write that I should have written? Should I have focused on something else? Why not me?
And I know there are no answers to those questions. And it does no good to wonder 'why?'. I think what I need is just a little time to get over the heartbreak and disappointment. [To ease my heartache, I am now focusing on the mini-trip the Kevin and I are taking to WDW in January. I'm in full planning mode....and that's making me happy!]
So for now, I'm going to keep dreaming and wishing and maybe next year my dream will come true.
To all the new Disney Moms and Dads:
I cannot wait to follow your adventures during the next 12 months....and I hope to meet some of you in person next December during the training session for the 2011 panel ... because as we all know
When you wish upon a star
So from now until next fall, I will be wishing upon every star I see for my dream to come true.
Perhaps blogging will be the cure.
I'm just BLAH. Blergh. Super blah.
And I think part of it is the realization that my dream of being part of the Disney Mom's Panel really is OVER for the year. I mean, I knew that there was no hope two weeks ago when I received the 'no' e-mail ... but you know when you want something SO BAD that you keep hoping against hope that a miracle will happen? Yes, I know it's totally unrealistic and silly, but you'd have to be in my shoes to understand I guess.
Yesterday afternoon the 2010 Mom's Panel was named ... and it's a great group of moms and dads (yes, there are dads on the Mom's Panel...four of them to be exact!). I know many of the new panelists through Twitter, Facebook and the DIS Boards and they are all going to be wonderful, amazing, incredible panelists and I am SO HAPPY for them!
And yet, at the same time I'm a bit sad too.
This was the first year where I knew some of the moms and dads who might be on the panel. The first year where I felt a connection to these people....I was cheering them on from the sidelines throughout the entire process. And now that the process is over and my friends are realizing their dream, it's a bittersweet reality. My dreams were dashed a few weeks ago and I suppose I'm still coming to terms with that.
It's difficult not to wonder .... What did I say wrong in my essay? What didn't I write that I should have written? Should I have focused on something else? Why not me?
And I know there are no answers to those questions. And it does no good to wonder 'why?'. I think what I need is just a little time to get over the heartbreak and disappointment. [To ease my heartache, I am now focusing on the mini-trip the Kevin and I are taking to WDW in January. I'm in full planning mode....and that's making me happy!]
So for now, I'm going to keep dreaming and wishing and maybe next year my dream will come true.
To all the new Disney Moms and Dads:
I cannot wait to follow your adventures during the next 12 months....and I hope to meet some of you in person next December during the training session for the 2011 panel ... because as we all know
When you wish upon a star
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you
So from now until next fall, I will be wishing upon every star I see for my dream to come true.
11.10.2009
Oh. My. Gosh.
As a writer, there are a few things that make me crazy. Bad grammar, poor spelling, overuse of commas....things like that.
You can imagine the horror I experienced today when I found this flier in my mailbox (and I am quoting it EXACTLY as it is written):
josh's lawn care
mow grass
does hedge's
shovel snow
trimm's tree's
pull weeds
cut's small trees
------------
For the love of all that is holy and grammatically correct.
'does hedge's'? 'trimm's tree's'?????
Seriously. I nearly fainted from shock. I should also mention that the ENTIRE flier was in lower case letters. There wasn't one upper case letter to be found.
I want to call the number listed on the flier, if only to offer my copy editing services.
You can imagine the horror I experienced today when I found this flier in my mailbox (and I am quoting it EXACTLY as it is written):
josh's lawn care
mow grass
does hedge's
shovel snow
trimm's tree's
pull weeds
cut's small trees
------------
For the love of all that is holy and grammatically correct.
'does hedge's'? 'trimm's tree's'?????
Seriously. I nearly fainted from shock. I should also mention that the ENTIRE flier was in lower case letters. There wasn't one upper case letter to be found.
I want to call the number listed on the flier, if only to offer my copy editing services.
11.08.2009
I wonder if the blogging police are going to get me?
Oh no! I didn't post anything yesterday....so does that mean I failed in my NaBloPoMo quest?
Who knows. And really, does anyone care? (OK, I care. A little. But since it's MY quest, I can change the rules as they apply to me, and I say it's all good.)
Truth be told, I was busy yesterday.
Doing fun things like going to the zoo.
And cooking dinner.
And hanging out with my sister and some friends last night.
And quite honestly, I didn't have anything interesting to say.
(Oh yeah, because this blog post is SO VERY INTERESTING. Whatev.)
Also, it's the weekend. Blogging is very last on my list of things 'to do' for any given weekend.
But I digress.
Here's my post for today. This is it. (What? I told you....I got nothin').
And my other post for today is here over on my 'Disney blog'.
OK, that's all. Now I'm going outside to enjoy what is likely the very last nice day until sometime next spring. [Yep, it's 70 and sunny here today, so my DH is hanging up the Christmas lights. But I promise we won't plug them in for a few more weeks!]
Who knows. And really, does anyone care? (OK, I care. A little. But since it's MY quest, I can change the rules as they apply to me, and I say it's all good.)
Truth be told, I was busy yesterday.
Doing fun things like going to the zoo.
And cooking dinner.
And hanging out with my sister and some friends last night.
And quite honestly, I didn't have anything interesting to say.
(Oh yeah, because this blog post is SO VERY INTERESTING. Whatev.)
Also, it's the weekend. Blogging is very last on my list of things 'to do' for any given weekend.
But I digress.
Here's my post for today. This is it. (What? I told you....I got nothin').
And my other post for today is here over on my 'Disney blog'.
OK, that's all. Now I'm going outside to enjoy what is likely the very last nice day until sometime next spring. [Yep, it's 70 and sunny here today, so my DH is hanging up the Christmas lights. But I promise we won't plug them in for a few more weeks!]
11.06.2009
Yeah, I bought my tickets 2 weeks ago...so what?
That's right....two weeks ago I purchased my tickets to New Moon (I refuse to call it The Twilight Saga: New Moon, because that's just a stupid name. It's New Moon. Period.)
There is a group of us going in the middle of the afternoon on opening day ... and we're hoping (against hope, I'm sure) to avoid many of the screaming tweens because, well, they should still be in school at showtime.
We hope they are still in school and didn't decide to stay home just to watch [SPOILER ALERT] Edward leave Bella.
And then, once that showing is over we're going to grab dinner and drinks and deconstruct the movie and then we're going to see it again. For a second time. On the same day.
Oh yeah, that's right. I'll be watching New Moon twice in one day.
And that makes me very, very happy.
11.05.2009
Um, thanks...but I don't remember asking
I should know better than to go grocery shopping with two kids in tow.
It never ends well.
But, wanting to get this one 'chore' out of the way for the week and needing to get the kids (and myself) out of the house for a little bit, I decided "Hey! Let's go to the grocery store!"
I bribed the kids with lunch at McDonald's first, figuring that if they had been fed perhaps they would be OK.
I might have also told them that if they didn't behave and if I had to tell them to "walk", "hold hands", "don't touch", or "stop running" at any point during the trip to the store, I would be sending Santa Claus an e-mail as soon as we returned home and maybe, just maybe, he would skip our house on Christmas Eve.
Yeah, I might have said that. :) [Oh, go ahead. Judge me. I have to play the 'Santa Card' while I still can.]
But I digress from the point of this story.
See, as we're walking through the aisles of the store I said to the girls "Hold on guys...mommy needs to stop here." And of course, they didn't listen. So I said "Girls! Stop walking. Now."
And then suddenly this woman says to me "Oh, mom. They're just having fun. They grow up so fast, you should enjoy it."
WH-WHA-WHA-WHAT?????
I'm sorry, I must be losing my hearing, because I swear you just told me how to parent MY children.
I looked at her and as politely as I could said, "Yeah. Thanks."
And she just kept talking about how I needed to enjoy my kids now because before I know it they'll be all grown up, blah blah blah.
[And I'm thinking, no...if you keep blabbing on like this, before I know it my kids will be in the dairy section. Alone. Because I'm stuck here, listening to you give me unsolicited and unwanted "advice".]
Grrr.
Here's my issue with this. These are MY kids. And therefore if I want to tell them (somewhat sternly) to stay put while we're in a public place (that could be full of potential monsters who steal small children), well that's my choice. So you, Miss BUTTINSKY, should just mind your own business.
I know that kids grow up too fast. I get that. But kids also get lost (or worse) when they wander away from their parents. And that is not a risk I'm willing to take.
And so, the point of this story is: unless (1) you know me somehow and (2) I actually ask you for your opinion, do NOT tell me how I should (a) parent my children or (b) stop and "enjoy" my children as they run wildly through the grocery store.
I've got it all under control.
Most of the time.
It never ends well.
But, wanting to get this one 'chore' out of the way for the week and needing to get the kids (and myself) out of the house for a little bit, I decided "Hey! Let's go to the grocery store!"
I bribed the kids with lunch at McDonald's first, figuring that if they had been fed perhaps they would be OK.
I might have also told them that if they didn't behave and if I had to tell them to "walk", "hold hands", "don't touch", or "stop running" at any point during the trip to the store, I would be sending Santa Claus an e-mail as soon as we returned home and maybe, just maybe, he would skip our house on Christmas Eve.
Yeah, I might have said that. :) [Oh, go ahead. Judge me. I have to play the 'Santa Card' while I still can.]
But I digress from the point of this story.
See, as we're walking through the aisles of the store I said to the girls "Hold on guys...mommy needs to stop here." And of course, they didn't listen. So I said "Girls! Stop walking. Now."
And then suddenly this woman says to me "Oh, mom. They're just having fun. They grow up so fast, you should enjoy it."
WH-WHA-WHA-WHAT?????
I'm sorry, I must be losing my hearing, because I swear you just told me how to parent MY children.
I looked at her and as politely as I could said, "Yeah. Thanks."
And she just kept talking about how I needed to enjoy my kids now because before I know it they'll be all grown up, blah blah blah.
[And I'm thinking, no...if you keep blabbing on like this, before I know it my kids will be in the dairy section. Alone. Because I'm stuck here, listening to you give me unsolicited and unwanted "advice".]
Grrr.
Here's my issue with this. These are MY kids. And therefore if I want to tell them (somewhat sternly) to stay put while we're in a public place (that could be full of potential monsters who steal small children), well that's my choice. So you, Miss BUTTINSKY, should just mind your own business.
I know that kids grow up too fast. I get that. But kids also get lost (or worse) when they wander away from their parents. And that is not a risk I'm willing to take.
And so, the point of this story is: unless (1) you know me somehow and (2) I actually ask you for your opinion, do NOT tell me how I should (a) parent my children or (b) stop and "enjoy" my children as they run wildly through the grocery store.
I've got it all under control.
Most of the time.
11.04.2009
The one where I have nothing to blog about
Yep. That's right.
This is my blogging version of a Seinfeld episode -- it's about nothing at all.
But since I said I was going to post every day this month for that NaBloPoMo thingy....here it is.
Today was Wednesday.
I had lunch with a wonderful friend.
I am eating too much Halloween candy.
It's cold. And winter-like outside.
That's all.
This is my blogging version of a Seinfeld episode -- it's about nothing at all.
But since I said I was going to post every day this month for that NaBloPoMo thingy....here it is.
Today was Wednesday.
I had lunch with a wonderful friend.
I am eating too much Halloween candy.
It's cold. And winter-like outside.
That's all.
11.03.2009
Adventures in job hunting, Vol. #785
Let me just state the obvious: unemployment stinks.
I don't enjoy being unemployed. There is no 'silver lining' to unemployment. There is no 'hey, look on the bright side' to this situation. Simply put, unemployment stinks.
Sure, I've been able to spend more time with the kids and that's great and wonderful*. But would I rather be earning a paycheck instead of collecting unemployment benefits? Yes, in fact I would much rather be at work right now. Being creative. Being productive.
To that end, I've had a few interviews recently. None of which have amounted to much of anything. But I suppose it's always good to get an interview, right?
A few weeks ago I went on an interview for a "communications specialist" position. Yeah, that's a rather vague job description. That should have been my first clue. When the employer's HR rep called to set up my interview she informed me that I would be required to take a writing test. OK, sure. No big deal. I don't see the point in writing tests (I think a portfolio of one's work is more effective)...but whatever.
I showed up for the interview a little early, which was basically a miracle after nearly getting lost in the basement of the building. (Don't ask. If you knew where I was, you'd understand...but to protect the "innocent" I won't mention any names.)
I had to fill out an application form - with all the information that is already listed on my resume and then I waited until the front desk person sent me down the hallway to meet my fate.
And then the "interview" started.
Here's the story: I was interviewed by an HR recruiter (now, I'm sure this is normal, but this person was not a communications recruiter...oh no, her job title was "XYZ Recruiter" - she had no connection to the communications department). This person had no real knowledge of communications and only a vague notion of the duties for the job in question. And, she decided to quiz me for 5 minutes about why I wasn't an attorney if I went to law school. [Because I'm not. Law degree does NOT equal lawyer. OK. I'm not an attorney. Move on.].
Then she says, "Oh, did they tell you this job is in Adrian, Michigan?"
No. No they most certainly did not tell me that. Had they mentioned that I wouldn't be sitting in this office right now (I was merely thinking this ... I didn't ACTUALLY say that out loud. Geesh.)
So, the job is in Michigan.
The salary is barely more than I made at my last (part-time) position.
And did I mention the job was in Michigan?
But the best part of the entire interview was yet to come.
The 'writing test'.
What I was expecting: To be seated in a room in front of a computer and given an 'assignment' to write a press release or something like that.
What really happened: I was handed a few PENCILS. And put in a room with no windows and given a few sheets of paper that had the following items to be completed:
a. Five questions where I had to use "proper" copy editing marks (you know, insert period...remove a space...things like that). Journalism 101. High school journalism 101.
b. Twenty 'proper grammar' questions (choose A, B, or C) with items such as the proper use of I or me, affect/effect, etc. [I believe this was some sort of cosmic payback for all the AP Style/grammar tests I used to give my students].
c. And then, the 'writing' portion: Draft A LETTER to the entire workforce from the CEO that talks about some national ranking in a magazine. A letter. This was going to prove if I could write?
And then there was this gem: This writing test was to be completed IN PENCIL.
It was HANDWRITTEN.
Seriously.
In pencil, folks.
No computer. No pens.
A pencil.
I finished my 'assignment', handed it in the recruiter and that was it.
And you know, when I was done with this "interview/writing test" I just had to laugh.
I had to laugh and think that there is something much better out there waiting for me. And it does not involve pencils.
*Let me clarify something here for anyone who may be assuming certain things. I am NOT bitching about being a SAHM. Quite the contrary. IF I had chosen to be a SAHM and IF the situation of being a SAHM was NOT detrimental to my family's economic well-being, I would be a SAHM in a heartbeat. Probably sooner. I ADORE being home with my kids and watching them grow and change on a weekly basis. However, we NEED to be a two-income family and since my unemployment RUNS OUT at the end of December, I NEED to find a job. So, right now, unemployment SUCKS. Being a SAHM does not suck. So, until you really understand a person's situation - both financially and otherwise - it would be wise to not pass judgment.
I don't enjoy being unemployed. There is no 'silver lining' to unemployment. There is no 'hey, look on the bright side' to this situation. Simply put, unemployment stinks.
Sure, I've been able to spend more time with the kids and that's great and wonderful*. But would I rather be earning a paycheck instead of collecting unemployment benefits? Yes, in fact I would much rather be at work right now. Being creative. Being productive.
To that end, I've had a few interviews recently. None of which have amounted to much of anything. But I suppose it's always good to get an interview, right?
A few weeks ago I went on an interview for a "communications specialist" position. Yeah, that's a rather vague job description. That should have been my first clue. When the employer's HR rep called to set up my interview she informed me that I would be required to take a writing test. OK, sure. No big deal. I don't see the point in writing tests (I think a portfolio of one's work is more effective)...but whatever.
I showed up for the interview a little early, which was basically a miracle after nearly getting lost in the basement of the building. (Don't ask. If you knew where I was, you'd understand...but to protect the "innocent" I won't mention any names.)
I had to fill out an application form - with all the information that is already listed on my resume and then I waited until the front desk person sent me down the hallway to meet my fate.
And then the "interview" started.
Here's the story: I was interviewed by an HR recruiter (now, I'm sure this is normal, but this person was not a communications recruiter...oh no, her job title was "XYZ Recruiter" - she had no connection to the communications department). This person had no real knowledge of communications and only a vague notion of the duties for the job in question. And, she decided to quiz me for 5 minutes about why I wasn't an attorney if I went to law school. [Because I'm not. Law degree does NOT equal lawyer. OK. I'm not an attorney. Move on.].
Then she says, "Oh, did they tell you this job is in Adrian, Michigan?"
No. No they most certainly did not tell me that. Had they mentioned that I wouldn't be sitting in this office right now (I was merely thinking this ... I didn't ACTUALLY say that out loud. Geesh.)
So, the job is in Michigan.
The salary is barely more than I made at my last (part-time) position.
And did I mention the job was in Michigan?
But the best part of the entire interview was yet to come.
The 'writing test'.
What I was expecting: To be seated in a room in front of a computer and given an 'assignment' to write a press release or something like that.
What really happened: I was handed a few PENCILS. And put in a room with no windows and given a few sheets of paper that had the following items to be completed:
a. Five questions where I had to use "proper" copy editing marks (you know, insert period...remove a space...things like that). Journalism 101. High school journalism 101.
b. Twenty 'proper grammar' questions (choose A, B, or C) with items such as the proper use of I or me, affect/effect, etc. [I believe this was some sort of cosmic payback for all the AP Style/grammar tests I used to give my students].
c. And then, the 'writing' portion: Draft A LETTER to the entire workforce from the CEO that talks about some national ranking in a magazine. A letter. This was going to prove if I could write?
And then there was this gem: This writing test was to be completed IN PENCIL.
It was HANDWRITTEN.
Seriously.
In pencil, folks.
No computer. No pens.
A pencil.
I finished my 'assignment', handed it in the recruiter and that was it.
And you know, when I was done with this "interview/writing test" I just had to laugh.
I had to laugh and think that there is something much better out there waiting for me. And it does not involve pencils.
*Let me clarify something here for anyone who may be assuming certain things. I am NOT bitching about being a SAHM. Quite the contrary. IF I had chosen to be a SAHM and IF the situation of being a SAHM was NOT detrimental to my family's economic well-being, I would be a SAHM in a heartbeat. Probably sooner. I ADORE being home with my kids and watching them grow and change on a weekly basis. However, we NEED to be a two-income family and since my unemployment RUNS OUT at the end of December, I NEED to find a job. So, right now, unemployment SUCKS. Being a SAHM does not suck. So, until you really understand a person's situation - both financially and otherwise - it would be wise to not pass judgment.
11.02.2009
The tree test
You Are Confident and Dominant |
 You are a very independent, do it yourself kind of person. You've had to rely on yourself. You know how to be strong for yourself and the people you love. You have a protective streak. You sometimes come off as a little assertive. You know what you want, and you're not afraid to go get it. The only thing you require from people is that they're straight with you. You are ready for the truth. |
Blogthings: We're Not Shrinks, But We Play Them On the Internet
__________________
I find it a bit creepy how accurate this things are.
That's all I have to say about that.
I find it a bit creepy how accurate this things are.
That's all I have to say about that.
OK. Here goes nothing.
Or maybe it'll be something.
I just signed up to participate in NaBloPoMo. Also known as National Blog Posting Month.
As it is already November 2nd, I decided I should post two blog posts today, just so I am 'caught up'.
I doubt that I will have THAT MUCH interesting stuff to say during the next 28 days...but I'm going to post something every day.
Maybe it'll just be one word. Or maybe it'll be an epic tale of some adventure I'll have (yeah, as if).
Won't you join in the fun?
I just signed up to participate in NaBloPoMo. Also known as National Blog Posting Month.
As it is already November 2nd, I decided I should post two blog posts today, just so I am 'caught up'.
I doubt that I will have THAT MUCH interesting stuff to say during the next 28 days...but I'm going to post something every day.
Maybe it'll just be one word. Or maybe it'll be an epic tale of some adventure I'll have (yeah, as if).
Won't you join in the fun?
Boo to you!
Olivia and Emma ready for Halloween party #1
Emma as Snow White
Olivia the bride
Seriously cute.
After wearing this costume for about 30 minutes,Olivia opted for a costume change and
became Tinker Bell -- nothing like 2 costumes
in one night of trick-or-treating. She's so low maintenance.
Ha.
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