It's been a little while since the last post and a lot has been going on in the world of JHC. And a lot will be changing. So here is the highlights reel of the past 2 months:
1.) New Job: As most of you know, I now work at Port City Brewing. It's a great place to work with great people and great world class beer. So yeah, I have an awesome work environment and deal with an awesome product. It's been a long time coming and I am quite excited about the future.
2.) Football: A few posts back, I railed on the NFL. I still do, but it's been a great season so far with surprises, key injuries, and dramatic wins and losses. I'll keep it on the tele for the rest of the season.
3.) SportsNight: A friend had told me that the 2 seasons of the show were on Netflix. Great! However, when it only took me 2 1/2 days to watch the first season, I think I became a bit obsessed. Yet, as awesome as it has been to reconnect with the show and sit in awe of the writing and acting, I'm a bit melancholy that ABC couldn't acknowledge the audience that the show had, as well as the fact that there are very few shows out right now with as great of writing. Feel free to discuss and argue.
4.) Novel: I got stuck. It's still there and I want to write more, really, I do. But, I'm at a mental moment of looking into the Amazon Rain Forest without a machete or guide. It may turn into something else, and that would be fine, I just want it to move on.
5.) Smoking: Well, it's time to quit. I don't want to, but I'm 37 and it's selfish, and I would like to stay around longer than what I would if I continued to inhale. So come November 1st, I'm attempting for the first time, in well let's just say a really long time, to quit. Quite frankly, I am terrified and dreading it. But, my mom just quit after smoking for several decades, so I can too. This is where I dig my fingernails into the door jam and say you can't make me and I whine--a lot. But, yes, I will make the most valiant and committed attempt to begin a nicotine free life.
Hope that all of you are well, are enjoying the Fall & getting ready for the onslaught of holidays. Cheers!
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Stop That Obnoxious Bicycling Tween!
I've been on this whole self-promotion thing for this blog on Facebook all week--I know you know this. Thanks to all of you who have 'liked' the page, and even if you rolled your eyes when you received the suggestion, I still greatly appreciate the click. I may have a large ego and sense of self, but I'm pretty quiet when it comes to promoting, well, me. I'd rather someone stumble upon my greatness on their own and acknowledge me, rather than obnoxiously throw myself out there. But alas, I have given in, again as you know, and brought along my own version of a flash mob in hoodies to bombard your FB pages. So as pathetic as it may be, it was a new thing for me to do, so THANK YOU! Here are a few other things that I usually find obnoxious:
1.) Teen and Tween girls in a public loo: Look, I know that you're invincible and that you have all sorts of opinions about the girl at the table next to you, and you have to look perfect, etc. But when I walk through the door to, oh wait, use the facility because I have the bladder the size of a 2 year old when I've been drinking, do not give me that tired "What's she doing in here?" look. Really, no one else cares about Susie, or Bobby, or how terrible your parents are in a public restroom.
2.) Piggy Backers at Stop Signs: We all have places to be and we all run late, but dammit, wait your turn! Just because the guy in front of you went, it's not a traffic light, it's a little more civilized and everyone goes one at a time. Which leads me to, yes moron, it is a stop sign and you must STOP. Not roll through it or tap your breaks for a nano second, a full fledged stop.
3.) Bicyclists Who Want to Act Like Cars in Traffic, But Don't Abide by Driving Rules: Seriously, I really don't want to hit you, but when it is my turn to go at a stop sign and you come barreling through without looking, stopping, or even acknowledging that you're not the only one on the road, it just may happen. Also, as a pedestrian, don't ring your little bell at me to tell me to move--either get off of the sidewalk or abide by traffic rules when I'm crossing the street...because yes, it is all about me.
4.) People Who Invade My Personal Space in Lines at the Market or Convenience Stores: All I ask is for a 2 foot box around me. That's all. Stay out of it. Don't hover over my shoulder because you're in a hurry or because the person behind you is invading your space--I don't care, just stay the hell out of mine. When I'm at the pin pad sliding my credit or debit card, the last thing I need is your stinky ass closer to my face than my freckles. I've been known to threaten to fart on people or shoo them back when they haven't taken the hint of my elbow sticking out a foot off of my hip. True story, my friends.
Happy Friday, Everyone!
1.) Teen and Tween girls in a public loo: Look, I know that you're invincible and that you have all sorts of opinions about the girl at the table next to you, and you have to look perfect, etc. But when I walk through the door to, oh wait, use the facility because I have the bladder the size of a 2 year old when I've been drinking, do not give me that tired "What's she doing in here?" look. Really, no one else cares about Susie, or Bobby, or how terrible your parents are in a public restroom.
2.) Piggy Backers at Stop Signs: We all have places to be and we all run late, but dammit, wait your turn! Just because the guy in front of you went, it's not a traffic light, it's a little more civilized and everyone goes one at a time. Which leads me to, yes moron, it is a stop sign and you must STOP. Not roll through it or tap your breaks for a nano second, a full fledged stop.
3.) Bicyclists Who Want to Act Like Cars in Traffic, But Don't Abide by Driving Rules: Seriously, I really don't want to hit you, but when it is my turn to go at a stop sign and you come barreling through without looking, stopping, or even acknowledging that you're not the only one on the road, it just may happen. Also, as a pedestrian, don't ring your little bell at me to tell me to move--either get off of the sidewalk or abide by traffic rules when I'm crossing the street...because yes, it is all about me.
4.) People Who Invade My Personal Space in Lines at the Market or Convenience Stores: All I ask is for a 2 foot box around me. That's all. Stay out of it. Don't hover over my shoulder because you're in a hurry or because the person behind you is invading your space--I don't care, just stay the hell out of mine. When I'm at the pin pad sliding my credit or debit card, the last thing I need is your stinky ass closer to my face than my freckles. I've been known to threaten to fart on people or shoo them back when they haven't taken the hint of my elbow sticking out a foot off of my hip. True story, my friends.
Happy Friday, Everyone!
Thursday, August 18, 2011
A Voice
First and foremost today: A Huge, Happy 33rd Anniversary to my Dad and Step-Mom! They are not only 2 great parents, they are two of the greatest people I know and are still thoroughly, if not sickly at times, in love. Congrats and here's to 33 more! Much love to the both of you.
Second: I just finished Mark Doty's "Dog Years: A Memoir" yesterday afternoon and highly recommend it to all dog lovers & humanists out there with the caveat of: be prepared to cry...several times. Doty's amazing choice of language creates detailed descriptions of dog's beings and heart wrenching moments of loss--both human and canine. I was on campus the day after we lost Bentley and ran into a former professor, who not only loves dogs as much as I do, but had met the great Beages. He, of course, asked me how he was doing & unbeknownst to him it hadn't even been 24 hours since we said good-bye. I felt worse for him than me at that moment, but he suggested, after some distance from the event, to read Doty's work and some of his poems. I ordered the book that night and let it sit in my stack of 'to read' books.
I tried to start it a month ago and got about 20 pages in before I closed it up and let it sit on my nightstand. As I had gone through my stack of 'to reads,' it was time and I tried again a few nights ago. Doty is a fantastic author and human and precisely captures all things dog--both from the dog and human perspectives. I finished the last 60 pages yesterday, lying in bed with the cat next to me. I cried, more like sobbed uncontrollably for 15 minutes, at the end of the novel. Graycie, the cat, extended her paw and touched my arm and then reached up and touched my nose. She's always had an innate ability to comfort during times of tears, and whether it was because she was genuinely concerned about me, or to sound incredibly insane, it's because she misses him as much as me, or even both, I was never so grateful for that cat and her 'ownership paw,' as my husband and I have named it.
Two things about this:
1.) That cat has been with me longer than the Beages was, longer than my husband, longer than my horse. As cranky and demanding as she is in her old age, she's still a best friend and she still gives more than asks.
2.) I've had an incredibly terrible time without the Beages. Between still trying to break habits of 15 years and the plain fact that I simply miss him, not just having a dog, but him and all of his unconditional, pleasing, non-judgmental ways and I have attempted to continue to package it up somewhere deep inside of me. I cried for 2 weeks after we lost him and at times, have choked up when running into people who hadn't heard and having to reiterate the story, and when I drove to the vet's office to pick up his ashes, but that's it. I tell my husband when I wake up, with my arm over the side of the bed scratching air, where Bentley used to lay next to me, but I think it hurts him as much as me. So, I've put my sadness in a small corner of my gut and continued on. Until yesterday. I hate to cry, I really do. For some unknown, never impressed upon me reason, I see it as a sign of weakness, even when I'm alone. The gooey nose, burning red eyes, not being able to breathe is annoying and brings attention to me--really, not a fan of that. But Mark Doty's writing opened the door to the fact that I'm not alone in how much my dog was not only a part of my life, but of me. And that's ok, I'm not crazy for that, in fact, I may just be a better human being for it. More importantly, for me, I feel a little less weighed down after that cry yesterday afternoon and that in all of it's counterintuitive qualities to me, is a great thing.
So on a final thought, Literature truly is one of Life's greatest gifts. It entertains us, teaches us, and at times when desperately needed, gives a voice to what our own language cannot convey...kind of like a dog.
Second: I just finished Mark Doty's "Dog Years: A Memoir" yesterday afternoon and highly recommend it to all dog lovers & humanists out there with the caveat of: be prepared to cry...several times. Doty's amazing choice of language creates detailed descriptions of dog's beings and heart wrenching moments of loss--both human and canine. I was on campus the day after we lost Bentley and ran into a former professor, who not only loves dogs as much as I do, but had met the great Beages. He, of course, asked me how he was doing & unbeknownst to him it hadn't even been 24 hours since we said good-bye. I felt worse for him than me at that moment, but he suggested, after some distance from the event, to read Doty's work and some of his poems. I ordered the book that night and let it sit in my stack of 'to read' books.
I tried to start it a month ago and got about 20 pages in before I closed it up and let it sit on my nightstand. As I had gone through my stack of 'to reads,' it was time and I tried again a few nights ago. Doty is a fantastic author and human and precisely captures all things dog--both from the dog and human perspectives. I finished the last 60 pages yesterday, lying in bed with the cat next to me. I cried, more like sobbed uncontrollably for 15 minutes, at the end of the novel. Graycie, the cat, extended her paw and touched my arm and then reached up and touched my nose. She's always had an innate ability to comfort during times of tears, and whether it was because she was genuinely concerned about me, or to sound incredibly insane, it's because she misses him as much as me, or even both, I was never so grateful for that cat and her 'ownership paw,' as my husband and I have named it.
Two things about this:
1.) That cat has been with me longer than the Beages was, longer than my husband, longer than my horse. As cranky and demanding as she is in her old age, she's still a best friend and she still gives more than asks.
2.) I've had an incredibly terrible time without the Beages. Between still trying to break habits of 15 years and the plain fact that I simply miss him, not just having a dog, but him and all of his unconditional, pleasing, non-judgmental ways and I have attempted to continue to package it up somewhere deep inside of me. I cried for 2 weeks after we lost him and at times, have choked up when running into people who hadn't heard and having to reiterate the story, and when I drove to the vet's office to pick up his ashes, but that's it. I tell my husband when I wake up, with my arm over the side of the bed scratching air, where Bentley used to lay next to me, but I think it hurts him as much as me. So, I've put my sadness in a small corner of my gut and continued on. Until yesterday. I hate to cry, I really do. For some unknown, never impressed upon me reason, I see it as a sign of weakness, even when I'm alone. The gooey nose, burning red eyes, not being able to breathe is annoying and brings attention to me--really, not a fan of that. But Mark Doty's writing opened the door to the fact that I'm not alone in how much my dog was not only a part of my life, but of me. And that's ok, I'm not crazy for that, in fact, I may just be a better human being for it. More importantly, for me, I feel a little less weighed down after that cry yesterday afternoon and that in all of it's counterintuitive qualities to me, is a great thing.
So on a final thought, Literature truly is one of Life's greatest gifts. It entertains us, teaches us, and at times when desperately needed, gives a voice to what our own language cannot convey...kind of like a dog.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Pre-Season Blahs
This past weekend, NFL football returned to our TV's with (insert yawn here), Pre-Season games. Many friends at the hometown bar asked me if I was excited. No, no I'm not. This came as a great surprise to all them, as I am a pretty rabid football fan. But, as I explained to them, and now here for your amusement, are my reasons:
1.) It's a Joke: I don't really care to watch sub par players missing passes, receptions, & tackles. Sorry, just not interested.
2.) The NFL & I have been on Rocky Footing for 3 years now: I shocked my husband a few years ago, when I gave the NFL a probation period in which to get their shit together. It has become more about the glitz, money, endorsements, scandals, and keeping the players from getting hurt (aka in JHC terms "sissifying the game.") than actually about the game. Game. Hmmm, there's a thought. Hello dumbasses, of course you're going to get hurt--it's physical, the players are huge, it's fast, and involves tackling as a major component. No one likes to see a player get hurt, but it is a real and necessary part of the true game. Large humans tackling other large humans will result in concussions, broken bones, soft tissue injuries, etc., and guess what, they all get paid an insane amount of money to do their jobs, of which they all sign on for. So, please do me (& a shit ton of other fans) a favor, let them do their jobs.
3.) It's Still Summer: When Pre-Season Football comes on, it signals the close of summer, and that my friends, is one of the most depressing times for me. Don't get me wrong, I like the Fall, but it's not Summer with it's hot and humid days, beach trips and me, as a reptile, actually being comfortable for a minute. Summer is the time when friends get together, hang out on boats, patio time, and warm bliss hangs around for 3 months. Summer brings smiles and hope and pure joy to me, as it sends me to the beach to bask in the hot sun, put my toes in the sand & watch the waves. I am NOT ready to let that go yet, even if greedy TV people and the NFL are trying to tell me to and I will hang on with scraping finger nails until the Tuesday after Labor Day.
4.) Baseball is Still On: Though mid August and baseball is coming into it's final months (that's a whole other post,) 'the boys of summer' are in full swing and quite frankly, I still give a shit.
5.) I'm An Opinionated Pain In the Ass: I've been repeatedly told that I should be thankful that there even is a Pre-Season, due to the conflict of the Lock Out. No, not really. Again, I find Pre Season to be a joke and boring and truly, not worth my viewing time. If I ruled the NFL world, the players would still be in training camp, conditioning and honing skills to prevent injuries and lack luster performances in the first 5 weeks. But yes, that's just my opinion.
I don't rule the NFL world and honestly, to each his/her own. But no, I will not watch Pre-Season and truly, this may be my last season of seriously paying attention to the Sunday games. Moving kick off yardage, and other silly, silly new rules ruins the game for me that I grew up with. The players have better protective equipment on the field in modern time than ever before, so let them use it. Granted, penalize the 'dirty' plays, and using common sense, we all know what they are, but let the Linebackers tackle the QB, let the Corners take out a Receiver...because that IS the game. And come September, I just may tune in.
1.) It's a Joke: I don't really care to watch sub par players missing passes, receptions, & tackles. Sorry, just not interested.
2.) The NFL & I have been on Rocky Footing for 3 years now: I shocked my husband a few years ago, when I gave the NFL a probation period in which to get their shit together. It has become more about the glitz, money, endorsements, scandals, and keeping the players from getting hurt (aka in JHC terms "sissifying the game.") than actually about the game. Game. Hmmm, there's a thought. Hello dumbasses, of course you're going to get hurt--it's physical, the players are huge, it's fast, and involves tackling as a major component. No one likes to see a player get hurt, but it is a real and necessary part of the true game. Large humans tackling other large humans will result in concussions, broken bones, soft tissue injuries, etc., and guess what, they all get paid an insane amount of money to do their jobs, of which they all sign on for. So, please do me (& a shit ton of other fans) a favor, let them do their jobs.
3.) It's Still Summer: When Pre-Season Football comes on, it signals the close of summer, and that my friends, is one of the most depressing times for me. Don't get me wrong, I like the Fall, but it's not Summer with it's hot and humid days, beach trips and me, as a reptile, actually being comfortable for a minute. Summer is the time when friends get together, hang out on boats, patio time, and warm bliss hangs around for 3 months. Summer brings smiles and hope and pure joy to me, as it sends me to the beach to bask in the hot sun, put my toes in the sand & watch the waves. I am NOT ready to let that go yet, even if greedy TV people and the NFL are trying to tell me to and I will hang on with scraping finger nails until the Tuesday after Labor Day.
4.) Baseball is Still On: Though mid August and baseball is coming into it's final months (that's a whole other post,) 'the boys of summer' are in full swing and quite frankly, I still give a shit.
5.) I'm An Opinionated Pain In the Ass: I've been repeatedly told that I should be thankful that there even is a Pre-Season, due to the conflict of the Lock Out. No, not really. Again, I find Pre Season to be a joke and boring and truly, not worth my viewing time. If I ruled the NFL world, the players would still be in training camp, conditioning and honing skills to prevent injuries and lack luster performances in the first 5 weeks. But yes, that's just my opinion.
I don't rule the NFL world and honestly, to each his/her own. But no, I will not watch Pre-Season and truly, this may be my last season of seriously paying attention to the Sunday games. Moving kick off yardage, and other silly, silly new rules ruins the game for me that I grew up with. The players have better protective equipment on the field in modern time than ever before, so let them use it. Granted, penalize the 'dirty' plays, and using common sense, we all know what they are, but let the Linebackers tackle the QB, let the Corners take out a Receiver...because that IS the game. And come September, I just may tune in.
Monday, August 15, 2011
This Thing Needs a Title
Two posts in two days--I think this may be a JHC record! So, I started writing this novel while I was at the beach and I like it. Not just like it, I think I may be obsessed. And I'm feeling pretty cheesy at moments when I begin to admit that I like it that much. I've farmed it out to a few close friends and my husband for thoughts and opinions and the general consensus has been great, however, I'm still not convinced. I am obsessed with it, but is it just because it's mine and I'm too close? I've always wanted to have the ability to write for a living, which is why I probably chose to major in Literature in the first place--duh. But after reading classmates writings and continually reading outstanding classic and modern pieces, I never felt worthy enough to really & truly try. That changed last week at the beach and now I struggle with the true "goodness" of it versus the fact that I finally had the balls to do it. Either way, I'll keep writing. I'll write it for me and the characters that I've created to give them a life, however dysfunctional those lives may be. But really, immediately in line after those reasons is the truth--I want to publish a good book and make a living sitting at the beach or in my kitchen with coffee and cigarettes writing characters that I give a shit about.
I know I'll never be a Woolf or Dickens or Fitzgerald--I'm not that delusional. But somewhere in between a Conroy and a Woolf would be just grand, oh, and selling a gazillion copies would be pretty damn spectacular. I think part of the reason why I avoid serious fiction writing is that it's hard. Every other thing that I have attempted in my life has come to me fairly quickly and easily and as I tell my husband, really, I'm lazy. I know that I'm a Type A on a lot of levels and I'm persistent and driven, blah, blah, blah. But truly, I've always run from things that I don't like or that challenge me to the point of really having to use my brain. And more than that, I don't like to fail. I'm not used to it and I take it personally. So as I'm on page 17 of my latest adventure, I have to ask myself, can you hack 60+ rejections like Kathryn Stockett and keep going? Well, honestly, I don't know--I've never tried before.
So I think I'll continue to write the best damn book that I'm capable of at this moment in my life and see where it takes me. At the very least, I will have tried and entertained a few friends along the way, and then I will have to reconcile everything else with myself, which will probably include several break down sobbing moments and a few or more vodka drinks. But really, this whole experience may bring me more than I bargained for, and that's patience and a continuous building of character. In the grander scheme of cliches, is that really all that bad?
I know I'll never be a Woolf or Dickens or Fitzgerald--I'm not that delusional. But somewhere in between a Conroy and a Woolf would be just grand, oh, and selling a gazillion copies would be pretty damn spectacular. I think part of the reason why I avoid serious fiction writing is that it's hard. Every other thing that I have attempted in my life has come to me fairly quickly and easily and as I tell my husband, really, I'm lazy. I know that I'm a Type A on a lot of levels and I'm persistent and driven, blah, blah, blah. But truly, I've always run from things that I don't like or that challenge me to the point of really having to use my brain. And more than that, I don't like to fail. I'm not used to it and I take it personally. So as I'm on page 17 of my latest adventure, I have to ask myself, can you hack 60+ rejections like Kathryn Stockett and keep going? Well, honestly, I don't know--I've never tried before.
So I think I'll continue to write the best damn book that I'm capable of at this moment in my life and see where it takes me. At the very least, I will have tried and entertained a few friends along the way, and then I will have to reconcile everything else with myself, which will probably include several break down sobbing moments and a few or more vodka drinks. But really, this whole experience may bring me more than I bargained for, and that's patience and a continuous building of character. In the grander scheme of cliches, is that really all that bad?
Sunday, August 14, 2011
marathons
So after being in a marriage for a good chunk of my adulthood, as well as having friends either married, in relationships, out of relationships, in between relationships, staunchly single or serial monogamists, I've observed & experienced many, many scenarios--both good and bad. Surprisingly, I actually stayed in on a Saturday night and finally watched "The Kids Are All Right." It was a fantastic movie and in my opinion, deserved all of the accolades it received, but beyond great acting from Bening and Moore, the film presented some very real moments, and I, for one, am grateful. I read an article the other day stating that more Hollywood films are nixing divorce and opting for parents to get back together. As a child of divorced parents and survivor of another maternal divorce, it does irk me that reality is not played out in Hollywood films. This isn't to say that divorce is grand, it's not. It is emotionally gut wrenching and one of the hardest, confusing, and draining moments in my life when I left my first husband. However, it does happen according to those busy statisticians who claim that 50% of first marriages end in a split and close to 60% of second marriages. So in a society where we look to films and books for not only escape & entertainment, but for moments of "wow! I can relate to that."why not present a more realistic view of marriage? I am one of the lucky ones, where my second marriage has worked out, and for once, I will not be included in a statistic. However, what I don't understand is the negative label divorce has been slapped with, especially in the modern day. Again, divorce sucks, but truly, it worked out for my parents and for me. My ex and I are better friends now than before and we have both ventured into unions with spouses we adore and choose to be with.
Now, in the film, it does appear that Bening and Moore will stay together, so everyone gets their happy ending. However, the actions preceding that moment are real, and thus, I believe, sets up a very plausible reconciliation. What really got me, was Moore's monologue in the livingroom and this is where I see a full exposition of truth, "Your mom and I are in hell right now and the bottom line is marriage is hard. It’s really fuckin’ hard. It’s just two people slogging through the shit, year after year, getting older, changing — fucking marathon, okay?" ....um, well damn, she's right. Marriage is a symbol of life: the ups and downs, victories and defeats, tears of joy and sadness and well, it's fucking hard at times. I don't know about you, but that reminds me a whole lot of my 37 years on this planet. The Human Element always fucks things up--logic is immediately thrown out of the window and creates complexities that are far beyond our reasoning at times. Throw into the mixture: emotions, convictions, hormones,chromosomes, kids and everything else that forms us as humans and you have the foundation for the great possibility of stupid decisions, selfish & hurtful moments and complete misunderstandings, which is what happens in the film. I think that besides acknowledging that marriage is "really fuckin' hard," it is a "fucking marathon." I've seen 'short sprints' lead to rash decisions and marriages that ultimately should've never even happened. But, these are not mine to judge. People make decisions with the knowledge that they possess at the time, however limited or vast that knowledge is. What I love about Moore's monologue more than anything, is that she presents marriage on an equal plane--yes, her and Bening are lesbians, but (& I know that this is a news flash to some of the more limited in scope) marriage is marriage, no matter your gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, etc. It's fucking hard and I'm grateful that the film finally offers a real portrayal of that.
Luckily, my husband and I realize that marriage is a marathon and we're "slogging through the shit" on the same page and happily, together. But for the couples out there that are unable to find that place, after true communication with themselves as individuals and a couple, counseling, or whatever avenues they attempt to explore for that last ditch effort of preserving their relationship, if that marathon is going to destroy you and/or your spouse, get out. Divorce is not the plague. Divorce does happen, a lot. I just wish that more film makers would recognize this and continue to give us some realistic moments, rather than grown up not-necessarily-real Disney endings.
Now, in the film, it does appear that Bening and Moore will stay together, so everyone gets their happy ending. However, the actions preceding that moment are real, and thus, I believe, sets up a very plausible reconciliation. What really got me, was Moore's monologue in the livingroom and this is where I see a full exposition of truth, "Your mom and I are in hell right now and the bottom line is marriage is hard. It’s really fuckin’ hard. It’s just two people slogging through the shit, year after year, getting older, changing — fucking marathon, okay?" ....um, well damn, she's right. Marriage is a symbol of life: the ups and downs, victories and defeats, tears of joy and sadness and well, it's fucking hard at times. I don't know about you, but that reminds me a whole lot of my 37 years on this planet. The Human Element always fucks things up--logic is immediately thrown out of the window and creates complexities that are far beyond our reasoning at times. Throw into the mixture: emotions, convictions, hormones,chromosomes, kids and everything else that forms us as humans and you have the foundation for the great possibility of stupid decisions, selfish & hurtful moments and complete misunderstandings, which is what happens in the film. I think that besides acknowledging that marriage is "really fuckin' hard," it is a "fucking marathon." I've seen 'short sprints' lead to rash decisions and marriages that ultimately should've never even happened. But, these are not mine to judge. People make decisions with the knowledge that they possess at the time, however limited or vast that knowledge is. What I love about Moore's monologue more than anything, is that she presents marriage on an equal plane--yes, her and Bening are lesbians, but (& I know that this is a news flash to some of the more limited in scope) marriage is marriage, no matter your gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, etc. It's fucking hard and I'm grateful that the film finally offers a real portrayal of that.
Luckily, my husband and I realize that marriage is a marathon and we're "slogging through the shit" on the same page and happily, together. But for the couples out there that are unable to find that place, after true communication with themselves as individuals and a couple, counseling, or whatever avenues they attempt to explore for that last ditch effort of preserving their relationship, if that marathon is going to destroy you and/or your spouse, get out. Divorce is not the plague. Divorce does happen, a lot. I just wish that more film makers would recognize this and continue to give us some realistic moments, rather than grown up not-necessarily-real Disney endings.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Rest Easy
I'm back from a long hiatus! Thanks to everyone, ok, all 7 of you, who have missed my random musings. March was a busy, drunken, birth month of debauchery & April brought family and friends to stay with us to tour DC and of all its monumental, museum glory. April also brought along our good-bye to the best damn Beagle ever, which is part of the reason I haven't filled your feeds & FB pages with my trivial observations. I'm still mourning the loss of Bentley, & quite frankly as someone who wears her emotions (all the good & bad) on my forehead (you may miss them on my sleeve) it's all I wanted to write about.
I did some personal, cathartic writing about him, but really, all of you knew about it and who wants to read depressing homages to the greatest dog who ever lived, over and over and over again?! So, I took a break.
But, here I sit on our patio during a lovely summer shower ready to amuse the masses again. I've had a few suggestions for topics:
--interesting attire at the bar...whereas the snotty elitist in me LOVES that idea, I have to admit that at times I roll in a baseball cap, over-sized sweatshirt & jeans, looking something like a troll. People in glass houses thing, pot calling kettle thing--all bad karma. Maybe after Tim Gunn becomes my new best friend & I walk around in public looking absolutely fabulous (though I do look like Patsy from AbFab a lot--only the vodka, not the fake blond) all of the time, will I allow myself to write about it.
--music...I do this anyway, & really, now that I'm in my mid 30's and semi-wrapped up in the adulthood thing (only when necessary, which seems to be 21 out of my 24 hours a day anymore!) I'm out of the loop. Not like listening to the radio out of the loop, but definitely not like back in my Wall days (shout outs to Jeanine C. & Dave D.!!), so I feel like that awkward Freshman trying to get an invitation to the Senior lunch table.
--books, movies, & all things artsy...see above comment
So, I think I'll stick with my Squirrel topics of choice and continue to attempt to amuse all of you...
Why It Truly Is a Great Idea That We Did Not Have Kids:
Besides my husband's comment of "Let's grill 'em," which is an obvious reason, really, I'm too selfish, too lazy, & I expect too much from people. Kids require so much freakin' effort to raise them, keep them from killing themselves, keep others from killing them, making sure they do well in school, don't get knocked up or knock someone else up, dealing with tantrums and play dates and I haven't even touched on the other major things that can go wrong. Holy Shit! I like kids, really I do. I just like the ones who belong to someone else, so that we can go sit on a barstool at any point, say 'Fuck' as many times in our house as I deem necessary, still be able to go on a plane with only carry-on bags, and yet give really cool gifts as the most awesomest Aunt & Uncle.
Plain & simple: Kids are exhausting! I give big, ginormous kudos to each and every one of you parents out there. So here are my top 5 things I would keep stocked if we did have a little person:
1) Benedryl: Good night wee one! See you in 12 hours. A must for all car trips over an hour, any time I would be watching an episode of an HBO series, and when the word "mommy" was 2x too many. So honestly, probably every 12 hours.
2)Duct Tape: Yes, Junior, you will stay in the car seat,high chair, swing thingy and dammit, you'll like it! DYFS would have me red flagged from Day One.
3) Vodka: well, that's already a currently stocked item, but if we had a kid, I betcha I would learn to love it mixed with Capri Suns.
4)My Counselor's number on speed dial: I don't mean in my cell phone, I mean like a White House Red Phone, Bat Phone deal--unlimited minutes plan & flat rate for sessions.
5) A Full Medieval Arsenal of Weapons: Go ahead--touch (insert whatever he/she is not supposed to be touching) one more time! I'd break out the rack, or hatchet or what ever vikings, romans, or whomever used and start swinging in the air. Problem is, I'd probably hit my kid, hence the DYFS thing again.
Whereas I know a lot of you parents have said the same thing, the truth is, WE WOULD DO all of these things--therein lies the difference...including my husband possibly grilling 'em. So Rest Easy my friends, we will continue to influence your wee folk with bad habits and bad words, and great books, but will stay childless ourselves. And to be completely self-indulgent: Rest Easy Bentley Beagle--you're still the best damn Beagle ever & I miss you everyday. Thanks for always being there throughout some of the best and worst 15 years of my life. xo
I did some personal, cathartic writing about him, but really, all of you knew about it and who wants to read depressing homages to the greatest dog who ever lived, over and over and over again?! So, I took a break.
But, here I sit on our patio during a lovely summer shower ready to amuse the masses again. I've had a few suggestions for topics:
--interesting attire at the bar...whereas the snotty elitist in me LOVES that idea, I have to admit that at times I roll in a baseball cap, over-sized sweatshirt & jeans, looking something like a troll. People in glass houses thing, pot calling kettle thing--all bad karma. Maybe after Tim Gunn becomes my new best friend & I walk around in public looking absolutely fabulous (though I do look like Patsy from AbFab a lot--only the vodka, not the fake blond) all of the time, will I allow myself to write about it.
--music...I do this anyway, & really, now that I'm in my mid 30's and semi-wrapped up in the adulthood thing (only when necessary, which seems to be 21 out of my 24 hours a day anymore!) I'm out of the loop. Not like listening to the radio out of the loop, but definitely not like back in my Wall days (shout outs to Jeanine C. & Dave D.!!), so I feel like that awkward Freshman trying to get an invitation to the Senior lunch table.
--books, movies, & all things artsy...see above comment
So, I think I'll stick with my Squirrel topics of choice and continue to attempt to amuse all of you...
Why It Truly Is a Great Idea That We Did Not Have Kids:
Besides my husband's comment of "Let's grill 'em," which is an obvious reason, really, I'm too selfish, too lazy, & I expect too much from people. Kids require so much freakin' effort to raise them, keep them from killing themselves, keep others from killing them, making sure they do well in school, don't get knocked up or knock someone else up, dealing with tantrums and play dates and I haven't even touched on the other major things that can go wrong. Holy Shit! I like kids, really I do. I just like the ones who belong to someone else, so that we can go sit on a barstool at any point, say 'Fuck' as many times in our house as I deem necessary, still be able to go on a plane with only carry-on bags, and yet give really cool gifts as the most awesomest Aunt & Uncle.
Plain & simple: Kids are exhausting! I give big, ginormous kudos to each and every one of you parents out there. So here are my top 5 things I would keep stocked if we did have a little person:
1) Benedryl: Good night wee one! See you in 12 hours. A must for all car trips over an hour, any time I would be watching an episode of an HBO series, and when the word "mommy" was 2x too many. So honestly, probably every 12 hours.
2)Duct Tape: Yes, Junior, you will stay in the car seat,high chair, swing thingy and dammit, you'll like it! DYFS would have me red flagged from Day One.
3) Vodka: well, that's already a currently stocked item, but if we had a kid, I betcha I would learn to love it mixed with Capri Suns.
4)My Counselor's number on speed dial: I don't mean in my cell phone, I mean like a White House Red Phone, Bat Phone deal--unlimited minutes plan & flat rate for sessions.
5) A Full Medieval Arsenal of Weapons: Go ahead--touch (insert whatever he/she is not supposed to be touching) one more time! I'd break out the rack, or hatchet or what ever vikings, romans, or whomever used and start swinging in the air. Problem is, I'd probably hit my kid, hence the DYFS thing again.
Whereas I know a lot of you parents have said the same thing, the truth is, WE WOULD DO all of these things--therein lies the difference...including my husband possibly grilling 'em. So Rest Easy my friends, we will continue to influence your wee folk with bad habits and bad words, and great books, but will stay childless ourselves. And to be completely self-indulgent: Rest Easy Bentley Beagle--you're still the best damn Beagle ever & I miss you everyday. Thanks for always being there throughout some of the best and worst 15 years of my life. xo
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
The Hometown Bar
The month of March brings warmer weather, rain, green grass & flowers...ahh, finally! The month of March also brings mine & the husband's birthdays, St. Patrick's Day, Old Town's St. Patrick's Day Parade, March Madness & friend's birthdays, all of this in turn equaling a lot of time at the hometown bar. Bad for the wallet and my liver (yes, I did fall and break it) but great for 'quality' time with friends and a lot, and I mean a lot, of laughs. Hence why when I get a text asking where I am at or what I am doing and I reply "at the 2nd Living room" it's really fairly accurate. The following observations come from the past few weeks at the 2nd Livingroom:
Running out of toilet paper: ok, so this is annoying in your home bathroom, but you can usually stretch and reach down under the vanity and desperately grab for that needed roll and all is balanced in the universe. However, in a bar, this is not the case. You struggle and fight with the dispenser, hoping for that extra roll to pop down, only to discover that it's not there. Dammit! This then leads to the awkward asking of your next door stall mate for some of that sandpaper that you really desire at that moment. You hear the same struggle and fight with her dispenser and unfortunately by the end of the night, it's just a toilet paperless visit to the loo. Remedy for this: just have another shot and you don't care.
Territorial: After spending a year in the same bar, a comfort arises when you walk in and see the staff and a few familiar faces. However, after spending 48 hours straight (alright, maybe 36) and hanging out with friends and you walk in later on in the week only to find that you recognize the staff and if you're lucky, one other face, you become agitated and a bit snotty to the visiting Coast Guard members who have taken over your 2nd Living Room. Even though they are just as loud and obnoxious as you and your friends were over the weekend, it's your bar and not theirs. A few new faces in the crowd is usually welcomed to add variety, but a whole gaggle--not acceptable. Yes, I know this is irrational, but really, true story and you'd feel the same way if they invaded your house living room.
Lasting Memories: After spending 16 hours drinking with the same crowd, you tend to learn a lot about each other...sometimes more than what you wanted to & other times, well, these lead to moments that will be repeated and reflected upon for years to come--especially with iPhones that can take video and pictures. The catch phrases, the ribbing, the ridiculous 13 year old boy comments (though I'm usually at the lead with them) all lead to cramps in your cheeks and stomach, as well as tears streaming down your face from laughing for hours at a time.
The 80s TV show "Cheers" was popular for it's humor with Cliffy and Norm, as well as the love triangles between Sam, Diane, & what's her name, oh yeah Kirstie Alley, but what endeared that show to so many, was the fact that it reflected what we all have and want from our hometown bar. We all want a place away from home that's comfortable and fun and a place that we can walk into and see people who make us feel good. Yes, you can invite everyone over to your real living room, but that requires planning, cleaning, and effort. There's something almost magical about the hometown bar, but really it's more familial. You create a bar 'family' where you walk in ("Norm!") ask how everyone's day was, watch one of the 6 games going on. It's really not about the alcohol, though it is a lovely accessory, it's about creating and nurturing friendships and moments that can remind us what life is all about---good times, friends, laughing, and the letting go of all that is mentally unhealthy. I know that some people out there say that you can get the same thing from running groups, book clubs, and whatever other group that congregates, but the difference lies in the fact that those groups were brought together by a commonality, which usually turns into an obligation. Do you ever hear anyone say, "Yeah, I have to go to the hometown bar tonight, but I just don't feel like it"? No, you don't. Whether you stop in for one and say hi and go about your life or if you lose feeling in your ass because you've sat on that stool for 12 hours, it doesn't matter--you're there because you want to be and so are your friends.
Running out of toilet paper: ok, so this is annoying in your home bathroom, but you can usually stretch and reach down under the vanity and desperately grab for that needed roll and all is balanced in the universe. However, in a bar, this is not the case. You struggle and fight with the dispenser, hoping for that extra roll to pop down, only to discover that it's not there. Dammit! This then leads to the awkward asking of your next door stall mate for some of that sandpaper that you really desire at that moment. You hear the same struggle and fight with her dispenser and unfortunately by the end of the night, it's just a toilet paperless visit to the loo. Remedy for this: just have another shot and you don't care.
Territorial: After spending a year in the same bar, a comfort arises when you walk in and see the staff and a few familiar faces. However, after spending 48 hours straight (alright, maybe 36) and hanging out with friends and you walk in later on in the week only to find that you recognize the staff and if you're lucky, one other face, you become agitated and a bit snotty to the visiting Coast Guard members who have taken over your 2nd Living Room. Even though they are just as loud and obnoxious as you and your friends were over the weekend, it's your bar and not theirs. A few new faces in the crowd is usually welcomed to add variety, but a whole gaggle--not acceptable. Yes, I know this is irrational, but really, true story and you'd feel the same way if they invaded your house living room.
Lasting Memories: After spending 16 hours drinking with the same crowd, you tend to learn a lot about each other...sometimes more than what you wanted to & other times, well, these lead to moments that will be repeated and reflected upon for years to come--especially with iPhones that can take video and pictures. The catch phrases, the ribbing, the ridiculous 13 year old boy comments (though I'm usually at the lead with them) all lead to cramps in your cheeks and stomach, as well as tears streaming down your face from laughing for hours at a time.
The 80s TV show "Cheers" was popular for it's humor with Cliffy and Norm, as well as the love triangles between Sam, Diane, & what's her name, oh yeah Kirstie Alley, but what endeared that show to so many, was the fact that it reflected what we all have and want from our hometown bar. We all want a place away from home that's comfortable and fun and a place that we can walk into and see people who make us feel good. Yes, you can invite everyone over to your real living room, but that requires planning, cleaning, and effort. There's something almost magical about the hometown bar, but really it's more familial. You create a bar 'family' where you walk in ("Norm!") ask how everyone's day was, watch one of the 6 games going on. It's really not about the alcohol, though it is a lovely accessory, it's about creating and nurturing friendships and moments that can remind us what life is all about---good times, friends, laughing, and the letting go of all that is mentally unhealthy. I know that some people out there say that you can get the same thing from running groups, book clubs, and whatever other group that congregates, but the difference lies in the fact that those groups were brought together by a commonality, which usually turns into an obligation. Do you ever hear anyone say, "Yeah, I have to go to the hometown bar tonight, but I just don't feel like it"? No, you don't. Whether you stop in for one and say hi and go about your life or if you lose feeling in your ass because you've sat on that stool for 12 hours, it doesn't matter--you're there because you want to be and so are your friends.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Soundtracks
Music has always been and always will be a passion, hobby, crutch, voice when I can't find one, and vehicle for my quite obvious tone deafness. T Mack had a great post concerning music the other day & I thoroughly agreed with her findings--no surprise!--and felt the need to add to her findings. So here are my favorites throughout the last year:
Mumford & Sons "Sigh No More": this album took me a few listens to get the 'hype' but it happened and I'm obsessed. Why it took me so long, considering I love bluegrass, a celtic sound, & all things London is beyond me, but it did & I hate that I missed out on that time of listening.
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros "Up From Below": Thanks to WXPN 88.5 in Philly for turning me onto these guys! They played an amazing set at Xponential Fest in July and provided for a great summer soundtrack and Facebook exchanges between friends.
Dawes "North Hills": Again, thanks to XPN for introducing the sweet California sound and lyrics to me. They also had an amazing set in July and a great show in York 2 weeks following, where I swear DMS had wings. I like the Middle Brother side project, but I like the fit of the Wranglers better:)
Natalie Merchant "Selections From the Album Leave Your Sleep": Natalie has been inconsistent since leaving those 10,000 Maniacs (who are still in constant rotation on my iTunes) but did a fantastic job with this Wilco/Guthrie style concept album. Her amazing voice, emotion, and humor shine through once again. And for the record, a friend and I agree that if we could have any singing voice in the world, it would be Natalie's.
Ray LaMontagne "God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise": a fuller sound with the Pariah Dogs backing him and an almost perfect album. Saw an AMAZING show with David Gray at Merriweather with Cleve in August and it's an album that offered inspiration during the summer.
Alexander "Alexander": Though just released on Tuesday (thanks, Cleve!), the solo project from Edward Sharpe frontman is noteworthy. Fun & filled with multiple similarities to Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Bob Marley, and himself.
Derek Evry "Don't Think": Just saw him open up for THE PUBLIC GOOD (check them out, too!) at local venue, Iota, and he's similar to Matthew Sweet, with a dash of Green Day & Freedy Johnston. Great local talent and a favorite during my commute.
This is not an all encompassing list by any means, and oh yeah, those YouTube videos are not owned by me.
Mumford & Sons "Sigh No More": this album took me a few listens to get the 'hype' but it happened and I'm obsessed. Why it took me so long, considering I love bluegrass, a celtic sound, & all things London is beyond me, but it did & I hate that I missed out on that time of listening.
Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros "Up From Below": Thanks to WXPN 88.5 in Philly for turning me onto these guys! They played an amazing set at Xponential Fest in July and provided for a great summer soundtrack and Facebook exchanges between friends.
Dawes "North Hills": Again, thanks to XPN for introducing the sweet California sound and lyrics to me. They also had an amazing set in July and a great show in York 2 weeks following, where I swear DMS had wings. I like the Middle Brother side project, but I like the fit of the Wranglers better:)
Natalie Merchant "Selections From the Album Leave Your Sleep": Natalie has been inconsistent since leaving those 10,000 Maniacs (who are still in constant rotation on my iTunes) but did a fantastic job with this Wilco/Guthrie style concept album. Her amazing voice, emotion, and humor shine through once again. And for the record, a friend and I agree that if we could have any singing voice in the world, it would be Natalie's.
Ray LaMontagne "God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise": a fuller sound with the Pariah Dogs backing him and an almost perfect album. Saw an AMAZING show with David Gray at Merriweather with Cleve in August and it's an album that offered inspiration during the summer.
Alexander "Alexander": Though just released on Tuesday (thanks, Cleve!), the solo project from Edward Sharpe frontman is noteworthy. Fun & filled with multiple similarities to Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Bob Marley, and himself.
Derek Evry "Don't Think": Just saw him open up for THE PUBLIC GOOD (check them out, too!) at local venue, Iota, and he's similar to Matthew Sweet, with a dash of Green Day & Freedy Johnston. Great local talent and a favorite during my commute.
This is not an all encompassing list by any means, and oh yeah, those YouTube videos are not owned by me.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Girl Power...well, Guy Power Too
Over coffee with a friend, we were discussing personal boundaries and she commented on my strong sense of self. Some may call this selfishness, I call it a vehicle to keep my sanity. The conversation continued with her relaying a story in which she apologized to someone for absolutely no reason. I stopped her and asked her to stop apologizing for everything she didn't do wrong. Within one conversation, I saw her change from someone who blended into the background to an empowered woman. So, partly in honor of Women's History Month and also as a good kick in the ass to all of us who lose that strong sense of self once in a while, I offer these reminders...oh, and when you notice me losing it, please not so kindly remind me to follow my own advice....
Always love yourself first: Cliched or not, if you don't love your self, you are unable to truly love anyone else. True Story!
Stay True to You: Though boundaries may need to be fluid at times, never compromise what makes you, well, you.
Never Apologize for Something You Haven't Done: It's been ingrained in us to say "I'm sorry" for things that have nothing to do with a wrong doing. Unless you're speaking about a loss of a life or if you have done something to hurt or offend, either intentionally or unintentionally, do not apologize for your convictions or honesty, or someone else's faults. This includes your music tastes:)
Always Apologize For Wrongs: Own them! Apologize immediately, only once, and mean it when you do. For repeated offenses, find the root cause of why you keep making the same stupid mistake and fix it.
Mean What You Say, Say What You Mean: Though tact needs to be included, fancy buzz words & cliched phrases usually fog over your genuineness. Find a way to articulate your intentions without having to say "What I really meant was_____"
Always Have a Soundtrack: Music is empowering, comforting, & cathartic.
Have a "Room of One's Own": The AMAZING Virginia Woolf had it right with this one. Everyone needs a mental and physical space to create, reflect, and take "me" time. Find it each and every day.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Friends and family love you and everyone needs a support system at one or several points along the ups and downs of life. Put the ego away. No, you're not weak and look to them for guidance, the ability to put a voice to something, or just a good cry.
Always love yourself first: Cliched or not, if you don't love your self, you are unable to truly love anyone else. True Story!
Stay True to You: Though boundaries may need to be fluid at times, never compromise what makes you, well, you.
Never Apologize for Something You Haven't Done: It's been ingrained in us to say "I'm sorry" for things that have nothing to do with a wrong doing. Unless you're speaking about a loss of a life or if you have done something to hurt or offend, either intentionally or unintentionally, do not apologize for your convictions or honesty, or someone else's faults. This includes your music tastes:)
Always Apologize For Wrongs: Own them! Apologize immediately, only once, and mean it when you do. For repeated offenses, find the root cause of why you keep making the same stupid mistake and fix it.
Mean What You Say, Say What You Mean: Though tact needs to be included, fancy buzz words & cliched phrases usually fog over your genuineness. Find a way to articulate your intentions without having to say "What I really meant was_____"
Always Have a Soundtrack: Music is empowering, comforting, & cathartic.
Have a "Room of One's Own": The AMAZING Virginia Woolf had it right with this one. Everyone needs a mental and physical space to create, reflect, and take "me" time. Find it each and every day.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Friends and family love you and everyone needs a support system at one or several points along the ups and downs of life. Put the ego away. No, you're not weak and look to them for guidance, the ability to put a voice to something, or just a good cry.
Monday, February 28, 2011
appreciating the environment
Beverages are one of my favorite accessories in life. A good smoky porter, the ever favorite vodka tonic, a smooth dry red, whatever it is, these selections are truly lovely accompaniments to a moment. But they don't make the moment, the company or sometimes lack there of, burns the brief image of time into our memories....and unfortunately, sometimes when with camera happy friends, the pictures to prove it. Like any good wine or beer dinner, there are always 'pairings' to heighten the experience. Here's a brief list of some of my favorite, well, um, 'pairings':
Vodka Tonics on the Beach: Well to be quite frank, vodka tonics anywhere usually make for a fine experience, but for me, my favorite pairing is on a certain-not-be-named beach in Delaware (I don't need to be hunted down by the town police for public drinking.) There's almost nothing better during the summer than sitting with my toes in the sand, listening to my iPod, reading a book, & sipping on that lovely bitter, but refreshing cocktail by myself. Oh & with lemon, please. Hold the lime for the gin & tonic.
Tropical Girly Drinks & Dancing with Friends: Again, usually paired with the beach, but at a club. How can anyone resist a concoction of 3 different liquors, fruit juice, warm weather, & karaoke? At that moment, nothing seems to be able to top 'that' night and laughs will ensue for many years as you reflect on the night that you did a duet with a Freddie Mercury impersonator..or so I've heard.
Mimosas & Brunch: I love, ok, worship Coffee, but there's something so special and fabulous about eating a large amount of breakfast food at 1 pm on a Sunday and drinking champagne & OJ. This usually occurs with at the very least a significant other, and usually a small group of friends. I recommend both, on repeated occasions.
Red Wine & Dinners with Friends: Really, who can resist a homemade Italian or Steak dinner with several bottles of Red and the laughter & company of friends on a winter Friday night? Conversation, pour. Laughter, pour. Eat, pour. A lovely redness of the cheeks, a warm "ahhh" feeling inside, and a wide smile. This pairing does come with Two warnings though: 1) Always have a glass of water on hand so that your lips don't end up looking like Helena Bonham Carter, & 2) Always, always, drink the best bottle first...you won't care if it's Rinute or Sterling that you are drinking by the end of the night.
White Wine & Dinners on the Patio: I am not a fan of white wine, however, a nice crisp Pinot or Sauvignon Blanc on the patio, dinner with friends, and a gorgeous summer evening make for a fantastic pairing. I like to add in some Billy Holiday or Etta James to complete the scene. (That sounded so Martha!)
Bourbon, Whiskey, or Scotch with the Boys: A smoke filled room, a handful of male friends, and a bottle of Blantons, Beam, Jameson, or Talisker make for a grand evening. Usually accompanied by a few outrageous male jokes, cigars, card games, & 'intellectual' conversation.
Beer: This is the most broad pairing, as there are so many moments with this tasty beverage, as well as different versions of the tasty beverage. 1) Guinness and St. Patrick's Day, 2) College Football Tailgates with friends & Yuengling, 3) Parties with friends and Beirut (aka Beer Pong) & Bud Light 4) Dinners with fantastic Craft Brews 5) Watching any sports game at the bar, etc. and my most recent favorite: being rather foggy after a raucous New Year's Eve, going to the Outback Bowl, & curing my fogginess with Penn State football, my husband, & Bud Light--who knew that crap could taste so good in 75 degree weather?!
Monkey Boys & State College: There is something so delightful about being back in State College with friends while drinking a 7 liquor concoction, from a pitcher. All of a sudden those undergrads don't seem that much younger than you (or reality, you forget how old you are) and there's a child-like giddiness about who ordered which flavor. These must always be enjoyed with a group of PSU loving friends. WARNING: one too many pitchers and you may find yourself obsessed with Taco Bell!....again, or so I've heard.
Honorable Mentions (well, really they're just as great, but this posting is already too long): Margaritas on Cinco De Mayo, Martinis (specifically mine) & a gathering (usually ending up in an 80s dance party,) Daiquiris (again, my Decksicles rock!) on the deck or patio or wherever with friends & the husband and summer weather, wine tastings at Barrel Oak Winery with the girls, Manhattans with the family, and hot toddies in front of the fireplace with the husband.
Vodka Tonics on the Beach: Well to be quite frank, vodka tonics anywhere usually make for a fine experience, but for me, my favorite pairing is on a certain-not-be-named beach in Delaware (I don't need to be hunted down by the town police for public drinking.) There's almost nothing better during the summer than sitting with my toes in the sand, listening to my iPod, reading a book, & sipping on that lovely bitter, but refreshing cocktail by myself. Oh & with lemon, please. Hold the lime for the gin & tonic.
Tropical Girly Drinks & Dancing with Friends: Again, usually paired with the beach, but at a club. How can anyone resist a concoction of 3 different liquors, fruit juice, warm weather, & karaoke? At that moment, nothing seems to be able to top 'that' night and laughs will ensue for many years as you reflect on the night that you did a duet with a Freddie Mercury impersonator..or so I've heard.
Mimosas & Brunch: I love, ok, worship Coffee, but there's something so special and fabulous about eating a large amount of breakfast food at 1 pm on a Sunday and drinking champagne & OJ. This usually occurs with at the very least a significant other, and usually a small group of friends. I recommend both, on repeated occasions.
Red Wine & Dinners with Friends: Really, who can resist a homemade Italian or Steak dinner with several bottles of Red and the laughter & company of friends on a winter Friday night? Conversation, pour. Laughter, pour. Eat, pour. A lovely redness of the cheeks, a warm "ahhh" feeling inside, and a wide smile. This pairing does come with Two warnings though: 1) Always have a glass of water on hand so that your lips don't end up looking like Helena Bonham Carter, & 2) Always, always, drink the best bottle first...you won't care if it's Rinute or Sterling that you are drinking by the end of the night.
White Wine & Dinners on the Patio: I am not a fan of white wine, however, a nice crisp Pinot or Sauvignon Blanc on the patio, dinner with friends, and a gorgeous summer evening make for a fantastic pairing. I like to add in some Billy Holiday or Etta James to complete the scene. (That sounded so Martha!)
Bourbon, Whiskey, or Scotch with the Boys: A smoke filled room, a handful of male friends, and a bottle of Blantons, Beam, Jameson, or Talisker make for a grand evening. Usually accompanied by a few outrageous male jokes, cigars, card games, & 'intellectual' conversation.
Beer: This is the most broad pairing, as there are so many moments with this tasty beverage, as well as different versions of the tasty beverage. 1) Guinness and St. Patrick's Day, 2) College Football Tailgates with friends & Yuengling, 3) Parties with friends and Beirut (aka Beer Pong) & Bud Light 4) Dinners with fantastic Craft Brews 5) Watching any sports game at the bar, etc. and my most recent favorite: being rather foggy after a raucous New Year's Eve, going to the Outback Bowl, & curing my fogginess with Penn State football, my husband, & Bud Light--who knew that crap could taste so good in 75 degree weather?!
Monkey Boys & State College: There is something so delightful about being back in State College with friends while drinking a 7 liquor concoction, from a pitcher. All of a sudden those undergrads don't seem that much younger than you (or reality, you forget how old you are) and there's a child-like giddiness about who ordered which flavor. These must always be enjoyed with a group of PSU loving friends. WARNING: one too many pitchers and you may find yourself obsessed with Taco Bell!....again, or so I've heard.
Honorable Mentions (well, really they're just as great, but this posting is already too long): Margaritas on Cinco De Mayo, Martinis (specifically mine) & a gathering (usually ending up in an 80s dance party,) Daiquiris (again, my Decksicles rock!) on the deck or patio or wherever with friends & the husband and summer weather, wine tastings at Barrel Oak Winery with the girls, Manhattans with the family, and hot toddies in front of the fireplace with the husband.
Friday, February 25, 2011
When Pink is shocking
For those of you who know me, I've been a self-described tom boy for my entire life. I wear baseball hats, would much rather sit in a bar and watch a sports game than go shopping, can make a trucker blush with my language on a bad day, have no issues with getting dirty, etc. So knowing all of this, I shocked my husband & friends last year when I bought a pink laptop. Pink. Completely Girly Pink. I don't know what happened, but sometime in the past few years, I finally appreciated that pale color associated with girlishness. So today's post concerns things that remind people that I still possess that extra special female chromosome....
1. Handbags, Shoes, Accessories: I have a weakness for bags, shoes, scarves, necklaces, bracelets, etc. If I could, I would have a different pair of sandals for each day of summer, and a bag to match all of them. And if my back wasn't destroyed from riding horses, mucking stalls, and playing sports for the majority of my life, I would have a pair of funky heels for each day also. True Story.
2. Clothes: I love clothes! I just hate to shop, so online stores have been a true gift in my opinion, though maybe not to our bank account at times.
3. Chick Flicks: Though I can't do the Nicholas Sparks movies, I always get sucked in to all Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Meg Ryan, Helen Hunt movies. And yes, when appropriate, I do cry.
4. Martha Stewart: Yep. There you go, I have publicly admitted my admiration for Martha. I would love to be able to make our own Christmas tree look like the one in the White House...in 20 minutes-damn how does she do that?!
5. VW Convertibles: Yes, I not so secretly would love to have a convertible VW bug.
6. Girls Night Out &/or Weekends: Though I don't get along with many women (I'm told I'm intimidating--whatever) I do have a handful of Besties (yeah, I just used that word.) whom I love to have dinner with, go dancing, and just general 'girl talk.' The bonus is that they are all just as intimidating as I am, so we spend a good amount of time being catty and talking about other women.
1. Handbags, Shoes, Accessories: I have a weakness for bags, shoes, scarves, necklaces, bracelets, etc. If I could, I would have a different pair of sandals for each day of summer, and a bag to match all of them. And if my back wasn't destroyed from riding horses, mucking stalls, and playing sports for the majority of my life, I would have a pair of funky heels for each day also. True Story.
2. Clothes: I love clothes! I just hate to shop, so online stores have been a true gift in my opinion, though maybe not to our bank account at times.
3. Chick Flicks: Though I can't do the Nicholas Sparks movies, I always get sucked in to all Julia Roberts, Jennifer Aniston, Meg Ryan, Helen Hunt movies. And yes, when appropriate, I do cry.
4. Martha Stewart: Yep. There you go, I have publicly admitted my admiration for Martha. I would love to be able to make our own Christmas tree look like the one in the White House...in 20 minutes-damn how does she do that?!
5. VW Convertibles: Yes, I not so secretly would love to have a convertible VW bug.
6. Girls Night Out &/or Weekends: Though I don't get along with many women (I'm told I'm intimidating--whatever) I do have a handful of Besties (yeah, I just used that word.) whom I love to have dinner with, go dancing, and just general 'girl talk.' The bonus is that they are all just as intimidating as I am, so we spend a good amount of time being catty and talking about other women.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Newness, Tributes, & Randomness
So my first published post! I started this thing last June when I had more time than a meditating monk and just never did anything with it or my thoughts....and thankfully did not shave my head like a monk. After being inspired by T Mack and her amazing Any Number of Things blog (check it out if you haven't yet!!!) I figured someone out there has to appreciate my humor and musings, so here we are. As with everything associated with me, expect many a "Squirrel!" post, snarky observations, adoration of: friends, my husband, & our ever entertaining critters, as well as MAYBE a mention or two of adult beverages, food, Penn State, & music. This morning's contribution....
Unless you've been hiding in an outhouse in Appalachia, you've heard about the budget proposals in Congress and the cuts, non-cuts, pork, additions, etc. Whereas we could all argue about what needs to stay (funding for Public Media, for example--just sayin') my issue deals with the fact of a possible Government shut down. Seriously?! These politicians were elected to do a job and the budget happens to be included in their responsibilities, so here's some advice: Do your DAMN JOB! & stop worrying about who is trying to screw someone on Craigslist, who you may piss off and chance not getting re-elected, who may black ball you in your party if you 'cross lines,' and find some fucking common sense. As my husband likes to say, "We need a return of Statesmen, rather than entertainers."--agreed. Both parties are so focused like Labrador Retrievers on a duck when it comes to sound bites and blaming each other, that they have lost sight of the bigger picture--this country.
So Congress, as a constituent, voter, & tax payer, please just do your fucking job. Keep your personal lives out of the headlines, (I don't care who you screw, how or when. Really, I have TMZ, Real Housewives, & Lindsey Lohan to keep me occupied with enough scandal and gossip to last at least 36 hours) find a balance of funding for arts, defense, Government agencies & education, and maybe for once in a long, long while, act like grown ups.
And for the record: all posts are representative of my opinion and mine alone.
And for the record: all posts are representative of my opinion and mine alone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)