Saturday, March 31, 2007

The Holiday

Just watched The Holiday with Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jack Black, and Jude Law. It was a nice movie. Nothing spectacular, but I don't need fancy. Remember I am the two star movie queen. I was put off at first with Kate Winslet being paired with Jack Black. He is not an attractive man. Now that I've said that, I must do 3 Hail Marys for thinking as well as saying something bad about someone (Catholic school stays with you for life). Anyway, he grew on me. I liked him for the first time in his career. He usually plays a loser, but this time he was vulnerable and charming. I like that. His character was such a sweet guy that by the end of the movie I wanted Kate to be with him. Jude Law.....excuse me for a moment as I splash some cold water on myself....okay, I think I can go on. He is unbelievably sexy in this movie. This character is every woman's dream. He keeps his roguish charm, but is also domesticated in "a girl must have writen this movie" kind of way. This movie also contains an endearing kissing scene between Diaz and Law. I have a thing for movie kisses. I'll have to make a list of my favorite (as Jason refers to them) "kissing movies". The best movie kisses are not necessarily hot and heavy. Usually they are soft and emotionally charged. Good job people.

The Holiday earns two stars from me. It was worth the price of rental.

Still waiting to see The Pursuit of Happiness. The video store only had one copy and it was fullscreen. Can't watch full screen movies on a widescreen tv. Too distracting.
Your Personality is Very Rare (INFP)
Your personality type is dreamy, romantic, elegant, and expressive.
Only about 5% of all people have your personality, including 6% of all women and 4% of all menYou are Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Perceiving.
How Rare Is Your Personality?

Friday, March 30, 2007

Smart Cookie

On the way home from school I said to my son,"You're a smart cookie."
Jason said,"Don't say that mom. It makes me hungry."

I haven't found the origin of smart cookie yet. Will post when I do.



Have a wonderful weekend every one. :)

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Nicknames

I decided to scan some old pictures from college today because they are getting old and some of them have been in the album so long I almost ruined them trying to get them out. In my youth I was good about labeling pictures. Now not only do I not label, I do not put them in albums. Big blue container in my basement is proof of that. Anyway, I wrote first names, last names, and nicknames on the back of every picture. Most of the guys had nicknames and none of the girls. I began to wonder why that is. Yes the research monkey in my brain has reared it's furry head hungry for banana flavored trivia. So while he is gorging himself at his favorite banana Wiki, I thought I would talk about what I do know about nicknames. My youngest son already has the nickname Spaz from midget league football. My oldest is referred to as Molten Lava by his friends. As a girl, I can honestly say that the only nicknames I have ever had came from guys; mouse, short-stuff, Love, God-Damn Stupid Broad....Okay the latter was not so much a term of endearment as an angry guy cursing at my driving. But you see my point. When women label you it isn't a good thing. With men it is usually a sign of acceptance, even a right of passage.

Let's see what the monkey has for us....

A nickname is sometimes considered desirable, symbolising a form of acceptance, but can often be a form of ridicule.

In Viking societies, many people had nicknames heiti, viĆ°rnefni or uppnefi which were used in addition to, or instead of their family names. In some circumstances the giving of a nickname had a special status in Viking society in that it created a relationship between the name maker and the recipient of the nickname, to the extent that the creation of a nickname also often entailed a formal ceremony and an exchange of gifts. (wikipedia.com)

Good monkey.

From what I have learned about child development, this is a good thing. Bonding gives us a sense of security and from that we gain confidence.

So men, keep up the good work.

Crime and Punishment

My grandfather was mugged not long ago. He has lived in the same neighborhood for 50 years and has walked the dog at the same time every night. I don't know whether the person who mugged him knew his schedule or if he just happened upon him. But I have to wonder if most criminals stalk first. It makes sense that they would. He probably knew my grandparents were an easy mark because of their ages and there wasn't someone checking in on them at night. The criminal held my grandfather at knife point and demanded they go into the house to get him money. He then told them he would be back in an hour for more. My grandparents didn't call the police, most likely because they didn't think he would come back, but he did. He then stated he would be back the next day for more and that is when they called the police. He was picked up not far from their home. Kudos to the Euclid Police Department.
My grandfather worked hard his entire life to have what he has and now that he is winding down at 86 years old (almost 87) he has to worry about unsavory characters lurking in a place he should feel safe. This unscrupulous individual, who stands for everything he is against, had the power to end his life. He was on probation so he should serve a decent amount of time. You would think that would put me at ease. It does not. I know that there will always be someone else to take his place.
We all live in a world where the majority of people are good. I have to keep reminding myself of that.

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

New Jersey - The State of Confusion

On our way to catch a cruise we had a layover in Secaucus, New Jersey. We planned our route using www.mapquest.com. We made it to Secaucus fine, but the map didn't explain the subtle nuances that make the New Jersey freeway system a treat to travel. We spent an hour and a half looking for our hotel. We passed Giants stadium several times. I swear we saw the neighborhood shot for the Sopranos intro. Lots of garbage. This with map in tow and after calling the hotel for more specific directions. What we found was that a U-turn does not mean the same thing there as it does here. When I think U-turn I picture those dirt paths between the freeway lanes that only the police are supposed to use. No, not the case in New Jersey. There it means getting off the freeway like an exit and getting back on what would would consider an entrance ramp. We discovered this by stopping at a gas station and asking directions (after me stereotypically nagging David into submission).

Well, I'm happy to say that Secaucus was wonderful. They had this plaza directly across from our hotel that contained several restaurants, a movie theater, donut shop, retail, etc...What I liked best was the way it was layed out. They had stone walkways, trees, and benches. It was lovely.

So the state of New Jersey no longer leaves us in a state of confusion.

Saturday, March 24, 2007

The Departed

Saturday, March 24, 2007

The Departed

Everyone pulled a Bruce Willis except Marky Mark. I say that whenever a major actor dies in a film like Willis in Armagedon. If an actor dies early in the movie I call it an Eric Estrada because in Airport 1975 he lasted only minutes before being sucked out of the plane. You see how it works.

I had no interest in seeing The Departed. Not my kind of movie. I know, how could The Godfather movies by on my list of favorties, but The Departed gets snubbed. Well, it is what it is. Anyway, I haven't seen many movies lately that 1) surprised me, 2) made me jump (twice), 3) made me laugh, 4) left me satisfied. Eventhough it did not have the happy ending that I am terribly fond of, I have to give it 3 stars. Quality movie ladies and gentlemen. It is rare.

Jnauary 4-6

Saturday, January 06, 2007

Electric lilacs

My mom gave me a lilac for Christmas. It is made of lights. Very pretty really. The only thing is I don't know what to do with it. It has a stake attachment to put it outside, but I don't want to do that. I think it would look lovely lit up inside at night. I would put it in a vase but the cord sticks out making it look odd. Any suggestions?



Friday, January 05, 2007

Monkey Hugs Current mood: cheerful

I often call my youngest son Monkey Boy because often times he acts like a monkey. Not in the banana eating, nit picking sort of way, more like Curious George. Does Curious George eat bananas with the Man in the Yellow Hat? Anyway, he is very talented in most things monkey. He likes to grab ahold of you and hug you with all of his might. This is what we call the Monkey Hug.


Thursday, January 04, 2007

Star Wars Action figures

For Christmas I bought my youngest son Star Wars action figures. They are a little different than the ones I used to have (Princess Leia and Luke). With all the episodes out there are enough figures to balance the force on both sides. It is very cool to see Jason get so excited about Star Wars. It reminds me of how excited Devin was when we took him to the theater for episode 1. Shoot, it takes me back to seeing Star Wars myself back in the day when there was only one.
Jason gave me his Princess Leia when I told him I wish I still had mine. She sits on the end table poised to take on any storm trooper or cat that might cross her path.

January 7-19

Friday, January 19, 2007

My red heart

I am a pack rat. Sometimes it is a good thing and sometimes not so much. It's good when you consider the treasures I still have from childhood or things my children have made for me. Not so good when you find containers of misc receipts, coupons, junk mail, owner manuals for things we haven't owned in years, etc that I never did get around to throwing away. Okay it wasn't exactly containers, but enough to make even me think- What the heck! I am fortunate to have a husband who pushes me to get rid of the excess. Clutter makes him crazy. If he had his way there would never be anything out or stored, with the exception of tools and the christmas tree. Like when you go into a model home and everything is perfect, but very impersonal. I need every room to have something in it that means something to me. Maybe it's a girl thing. One thing I really want to do is have pictures up in every room of a places that are significant to us (a picture of where we meet and the lagoons where we spend our summers). I want to be surrounded by my memories. Memories not receipts. Which brings me full circle. Back to cleaning.
A couple of weeks ago, we cleaned the basement. We filled 12 HUGE bags of things to get rid of. In my own defense, most of it belonged to the kids. I'd say it was a 90/10 split. Now what remains is mostly mine. He won't give me a hard time about it because now it is out of the way.
We then moved on to the kitchen. While emptying one of the cabinets, I came across a birthday present my baby sister gave me when she was Jason's age. It is a wood heart she had painted red with my name on it and happy birthday. I had put it up because the boys had gotten ahold of it and decided to express themselves artistically too, only they used pen. I think it is safe to put it out again.
Who knows what I'll find when I go through the rest of the containers and closets. It's like a treasure hunt where instead of gold you find the little things that make life worth living.




Thursday, January 18, 2007

Over the Moon
About five years ago my husband came home and said you should become a nurse. I had never considered being a nurse before that day. I thought,"Am I smart enough? Will I be able to do the math? Can I handle taking blood and wound care?" I really wasn't sure. Eventhough I had my doubts, I signed up for the prerequisite classes figuring it doesn't hurt to try. Even after completing the requirements and entering the program, I wasn't sure if I would like being a nurse.
Then I had my very first clinical experience. It was amazing. I felt energized, in my element. Now in my third semester, I can honestly say that there is no job on earth better suited for me than this. I am in my OB rotation and I cannot stop smiling.
I am OVER THE MOON!


Monday, January 15, 2007

I have a monkey in my pocket

I bought my PDA with good intentions. A friend at school had one and said it came in handy during clinicals. I'm open to anything that makes clinicals easier, so I went out and bought one. I was able to get the clinical program off the net for free. Doesn't get much better than that. Unfortunately, I didn't like using it. I am too used to my pen and paper system. Now my palm is used primarily to play with my Portamonkey. He is a happy monkey when fed and hydrated. He gets hopping mad when you shock him with the lightening bolt or put him in a dress. I sometimes forget to check on him though. Miss one day and he dies. I think I have killed 7 so far.
Clinicals start up again this week. Keep your fingers crossed that the monkey survives the semester.

Sunday, January 14, 2007

The Godfather Trilogy

Why is it that when they have a Godfather marathon they do not show the trilogy? The first Godfather movie I saw was the final of the three, in the theater. I wasn't the movie buff I am today. I didn't know who Al Pacino was, let alone the significance of the Godfather I and II that had preceeded. Maybe that is what made it easier for me to accept it into the fold. The Godfather III does have flaws, but I think it was true to the story. Sophia Coppola and Andy Garcia were mismatched. Sophia is an okay actress, but she was mostly a distraction. I wasn't fond of the incestuous relationship presented in the film, but it laid the foundation for one of the best scenes in the film (when she is shot). There are few scenes in all the movies I have ever seen (and I've seen at least 200) that have evoked such strong emotion. Some other favorite scenes are when Vinnie (Andy Garcia) bites off part of Zasa's (Joe Mantegna) ear, the conversation with Connie when he says maybe SHE should be in charge, and the kitchen scene before he has the seizure.
I think the reason some people do not like III is because Michael is weak. He has regrets. He wishes his life would have been different and still has hope that it can be until his daughter dies. It is an incredibly sad story.
I am grateful for the Godfather III because without it I may never have seen the others. The Godfather I and II are 4 star movies and I can't imagine never seeing them. I think the third deserves at least 3 1/2 stars and to be included in the marathon.

Ketchup in my soup

One of my favorite foods is homemade beef shank soup. My grandmother used to make it for me when I was young and then gave me the receipe when I got married. Yes, I know, I have already admitted to not being the best cook. I like my soup even if no one else does. In fact, I like it better this way because I get to eat it all.
The soup is made with beef shank, tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, onion, and cabbage. I use College Inn beef soup as a base. I searched just about every can of soup on the market and have only found one that matches. Progresso stopped making it though. From that I have to assume I am the only person on the planet who likes this soup.
I don't make it often because the smell overtakes the house. I think the mixture of cabbage, onion, and potato is responsible. As with the taste of the soup, I am the only one in the house who finds this appealing.
What does all of this have to do with ketchup? Sometimes the tomatoes do not give enough flavor to the soup. My grandmother taught me to add ketchup to compensate for it. You are grossed out, I can tell. It is tricky. If you add too much, the soup is ruined. But then, I was the only person eating it anyway.




Friday, January 12, 2007

You too mom Current mood: happy

There are some things that stick with you. Everyday, when I drop off my chidren at school, I tell them "I love you. Have a good day." What warms my heart is when they say, "You too Mom."


Mechanical Engineer Current mood: calm

My oldest son is doing a project on careers for school. He has decided that he wants to be a mechanical engineer. I told him that was a great idea eventhough I wasn't exactly sure what a mechanical engineer did. So today I went on the bls.gov and researched the profession.
"Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between perceived social needs and commercial applications."
I can honestly say that he is light years head of me at his age. The profession he has chosen at the age of 12 plays to his strengths (Math and Science) and his personality.
I never settled on a career when I was young. There were many considered though. When I was in catholic school, I wanted to be a nun. Yes, I know, it is hard to believe. I also wanted to be a teacher. I used to make lesson plans and then line up my stuffed animals to be my class. Later on I wanted to be a dancer/singer/actor thanks to the TV show Fame. Very embarrassing since I am inept at all three. My poor mother had to endure more than a dozen performances before that phase passed. It helped that Fame went off the air. So without the inspiration of Danny Amatullo, my love for the arts died. The last career considered before high school was radio personality. This was very fun to do. My friends and I used to write and produce our own shows. I had one of those old fashioned (now anyway) black tape recorders to record our work. I came across the last tape a few years back. I regret throwing it away.


Thursday, January 11, 2007

That smells

My kitchen cabinets are circa 1972. They have a distinct smell. It reminds me of preschool/daycare. There was a child size kitchen there that I loved made of wood. You would think that love from childhood would make me love to cook, but unfortunately for my family, that is not the case.
I can make a few things from scratch that taste quite good, Chicken Kiev, Twinkie Cake, and Cheese Cake (not suprising that two of the three are desserts). I can't tell you the last time I made them.
My mother is a great cook. I guess it skips a generation.







Sunday, January 07, 2007

Bowling and pancakes Current mood: content

This morning Jason wanted pancakes. I went to microwave the frozen kind for him when I noticed something unusual. The pancakes had smiley faces on each and every one. Now I looked everywhere on the box to see if this was on purpose, but found nothing. I couldn't help but get excited by this. My husband just smiled and said, "Boy, you sure are easy to please." I guess I am.
We went bowling today. This isn't something we do often, especially since they charge $3 a person for the shoes alone. Devin had been bugging me to go for a while and so we went. Last year he bowled on a league so we bought him a ball that has his name engraved on it (smells like strawberries), shoes, and a bag. He loves to bowl. He likes it so much he will even watch it on TV. Now that is love of the sport. I cannot watch any sport on TV other than football. Devin has the most interesting throw. He does some sort of reverse hook spin combo. It is fun to watch. He was a good sport when I beat him too. I was very proud. Me winning is a fluke. I usually fight to break a 100. Today I had 129 and 137. Whoohoo! The bowling alley has a distinct smell. I can't describe it. It smells just like I remember United Skates of America smelled growing up. Maybe it is a combination of mold, dirt, and sweat. Whatever it is, I like it. It takes me back to my skating years. Makes me crave soft pretzels and Mr. Do!.
Now we are settled in at home. Devin wanted to make homemade pancakes because he could not have them this morning. So here we are eating pancakes at 6:45 at night. Jason also made me yellow, blue, and purple pancakes made of Playdoh. Delicious.
Life is good. But then, I am easy to please.

More january blogs

Friday, January 26, 2007

Short people Current mood: surprised

Yesterday someone asked me how old I was. I begrudgingly told them. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that she thought I was over ten years younger. I have to wonder why this is. I have had people guess my age in the early twenties once or twice before, but cannot figure out why. I know I don't look like I did in my younger years. When I am around girls that age I immediately notice the difference. It must be my height. I am only about 5' 1/2" tall. I think that throws people off. And to think I used to wish I was taller. Any taller and they might think I'm 50.


Scrubs and The Office Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

I am a huge fan. I have been a fan since it started, even before I started nursing. It makes a lot more sense now that I have some experience though. The writers have the ablility to make me laugh, cry, think, relate...I envy them for getting to do what they love and for their talent. The banter and quick wit is what I look for in a show. Lucky for me, it's now on several times a day.
Another show I like is The Office. I admit I wasn't sure about it at first. It took a while for Steve Carrell to grow on me. He suprised me with his performance in The Forty Year Old Virgin and Little Miss Sunshine (two movies I highly recommend). While I like the entire cast, my favorite characters are Jim, Pam, and Dwight. Jim and Pam playing pranks on Dwight. The jello gag I cannot get enough of. I am seconds away from buying a Dwight bobble head. It tickles me so. Anyway, I have missed the last few episodes because of school. Lucky for me they play reruns so often now a days I am sure to be caught up in no time.
Have a great day everyone. :)


Thursday, January 25, 2007

Pepsi

I knew better than to drink Pepsi at 11:00 at night, but I am a silly woman, and drank it anyway. I am not a writer. No big surprise to anyone who has read my blog. Actually, it is surprising how many do. I am boring. Combine my lack of writing ability with that and it's a darn miracle. Not quite the face of the Virgin Mary housed in a slice of dill pickle, but close. Anyway, I can't sleep. And, now I can't sleep and I'm hungry. No good can come from this.



Spoon Millionaires Category: Writing and Poetry

Okay, I don't know much about the play. What I do know is that it's brilliant. I can say that sight unseen. I met one of the writers years ago in college (ONU) and can say his writing was clever, engaging, and funny. The kind of funny that sticks in your head to make you laugh years later. Which is kind of embarrassing, especially when you are at a funeral. But that is a different story. (Just testing my blogging voice).
Break a leg J & K or whatever it is that you wish writers.
www.spoonmillionaires.com



Be Cool Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

I am watching this movie for the 15th time I think. It gets me every time. It's a sickness. I am incapable of watching two star movies only once. John Travolta is unbelievably cool. Not Vinnie Barbarino cool or even Danny Zuko cool, manly man cool. I would never have thought he would evolve into this guy. Granted, Be Cool is a two star movie and not his best work, but I really enjoy his part in it. I am also partial to the Rock, but that is another post.
I admit I've been a fan since Welcome Back Kotter. I am very fond of the characters I remember from childhood: Rerun, The Banana Splits, Kermit the Frog, Fonzie. Lots to write about.
I now have the Banana Splits theme song stuck in may head. Maybe memories aren't such a good thing after all.





Tuesday, January 23, 2007

It's a Girl!

In class today we discussed antepartum (pregnancy) and L&D. In honor of that we were given pregnant bellies in the form of balloons. I gave birth at 4:15. It would have been sooner but Jason had to finish his homework before I would let him pop it. The balloon contained a pink sucker that said It's a girl. I have named my imaginary daughter Kate. She is a lovely girl with blonde hair and blue eyes. Sigh...this rotation makes me forget I am done having children.

Check out this video: Keith Urban OIAL
Keith Urban OIAL

Monday, January 22, 2007

Burnt cookies taste better upside down

I don't usually burn cookies. Well, not the second batch anyway. This time I burnt both (just on the bottom). When I heard the whines of discontent I wasn't phased. I simply told them to eat them anyway. And so they did. They found that eating them upside down helps and dunking in milk works even better. I ate my share too. Not bad. I like to rationalize by thinking I am doing my future daughter-in-laws a favor by lower my boys expectations, when in fact I am probably ruining their taste buds.


Sunday, January 21, 2007

History of the bouncy ball as promised

History I. In the 1960s, a chemical engineer accidentally created a plastic product that bounced uncontrollably. Thus the Superball was born, followed by the Super Gold Ball, Super Baseball, and Super Dice. "In one celebrated incident, a giant, promotional Superball was accidentally dropped from of a 23rd floor hotel window in Australia. It shot back up 15 floors, then down again into a parked convertible car. The car was totaled but the ball survived in perfect condition." (Source: www.wham-o.com)
Other fun facts are: the bouncy ball can be lethal and can cause serious head injury (least of all a concussion). Because many times the balls are in vending machines next to gumball machines people have mistaken the balls for gum and choked. So now most balls are made bigger to try to prevent confusion. (Wikipedia)
Have a great day everyone and don't forget keep your heads up and eyes open. You never know when a bouncy ball is headed your way.


Saturday, January 20, 2007

Snap, Crackle, POP!
We went out to eat at a buffet tonight. They have rice krispie treats as one of the desserts which makes me do a little snap, crackle, pop happy dance. The only thing I don't like is they put these little candy pellets in them that I have to pick out. I like mine the old fashioned way. I know, I am boring. I can't blame the restaurant, they are expecting the kids to eat them not a middle aged woman.
After eating a few my mind began to wander as it often does after eating that much sugar. I started to wonder how did my beloved treat come to exist. Was it an ancient secret recipe that someone stole to make his millions or was it a Wonka kind of happy accident? So, like I always do when I don't know the answer, I got on the computer and googled it.
The History of the Rice Krispie Treat is not flashy, but it is sweet. Mildred May, who worked for the Kellogg Company, invented the treat in order to help the Camp Fire Girls earn money. This was back in the '30s. Some other fun facts are: balsomic vinegar is said to enhance the flavor and the preservative butylated hydroxytoluene used in the cereal causes gastritis. (Wikipedia rocks)
That is all for today. Tomorrow we will discuss the history of the bouncy ball. I have always wondered about that one.
No more no more sugar for me.

january-february blogs

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Doors, Windows, and Lost...Oh my

I have a few things I'd like to cover in this blog, none of which are related.
First I would like to discuss the phrase "When God shuts a door, somewhere he opens a window". I grew up loving this phrase, especially when Julie Andrews used it in The Sound of Music. The eternal optimist that I am, I always want to believe that there is good in the world, more good than the bad. But when I really thought about this saying, I realized it doesn't make sense. A door leads to a hard surface to walk on. It represents an opportunity to go places. Go out an open window, you break your neck. Or my luck, I would disturb a beehive outside the window waking a mass of bees who would then take turns stinging me to the beat of Queen's Another One Bites The Dust. I don't know. It just doesn't make sense. Why can't he just open another door?
---------------------------------------
Now the subject of "Lost". The head of the Chimpanzee wasn't the only toy to catch my attention when we were at the toy store the other day, these so called action figures stopped me cold. Let's begin by acknowledging that the tv show "Lost" is not a show for children. So why is it they have action figures like Locke holding a big old knife handing next to Pokemon figures? I'm guessing that maybe adult fans are their market. I guess it isn't a horrible idea. I could buy a bunch and act out story lines I would like to see in the woods. Like Jack and Kate having crazy monkey sex because I am really tired of waiting for the writers to script it. Locke would go to find the Swedish Bikini team on the other side of the island and of course the Harlem Globe Trotters. A whole resort, as a matter of fact, just waiting to be discovered.
------------------------------------------
School is going great. Have I said how much I love my ob rotation yet? Because I really really don't think I can say it enough. :)

To anyone who is wondering, the portamonkey is still alive and kicking.



Tuesday, January 30, 2007

My favorite scene of The Taming of the Shrew
SCENE V. A public road
[Enter PETRUCHIO, KATHERINA, HORTENSIO, and SERVANTS.]
PETRUCHIO.Come on, i' God's name; once more toward our father's.Good Lord, how bright and goodly shines the moon!
KATHERINA.The moon! The sun; it is not moonlight now.
PETRUCHIO.I say it is the moon that shines so bright.
KATHERINA.I know it is the sun that shines so bright.
PETRUCHIO.Now by my mother's son, and that's myself,It shall be moon, or star, or what I list,Or ere I journey to your father's house.Go on and fetch our horses back again.Evermore cross'd and cross'd; nothing but cross'd!
HORTENSIO.Say as he says, or we shall never go.
KATHERINA.Forward, I pray, since we have come so far,And be it moon, or sun, or what you please;And if you please to call it a rush-candle,Henceforth I vow it shall be so for me.
PETRUCHIO.I say it is the moon.
KATHERINA.I know it is the moon.
PETRUCHIO.Nay, then you lie; it is the blessed sun.
KATHERINA.Then, God be bless'd, it is the blessed sun;But sun it is not when you say it is not,And the moon changes even as your mind.What you will have it nam'd, even that it is,And so it shall be so for Katherine.
HORTENSIO.Petruchio, go thy ways; the field is won.
PETRUCHIO.Well, forward, forward! thus the bowl should run,And not unluckily against the bias.But, soft! Company is coming here.
[Enter VINCENTIO, in a travelling dress.]
[To VINCENTIO] Good-morrow, gentle mistress; where away?Tell me, sweet Kate, and tell me truly too,Hast thou beheld a fresher gentlewoman?Such war of white and red within her cheeks!What stars do spangle heaven with such beautyAs those two eyes become that heavenly face?Fair lovely maid, once more good day to thee.Sweet Kate, embrace her for her beauty's sake.
HORTENSIO.'A will make the man mad, to make a woman of him.
KATHERINA.Young budding virgin, fair and fresh and sweet,Whither away, or where is thy abode?Happy the parents of so fair a child;Happier the man whom favourable starsAllot thee for his lovely bed-fellow.
PETRUCHIO.Why, how now, Kate! I hope thou art not mad:This is a man, old, wrinkled, faded, wither'd,And not a maiden, as thou sayst he is.
KATHERINA.Pardon, old father, my mistaking eyes,That have been so bedazzled with the sunThat everything I look on seemeth green:Now I perceive thou art a reverend father;Pardon, I pray thee, for my mad mistaking.
PETRUCHIO.Do, good old grandsire, and withal make knownWhich way thou travellest: if along with us,We shall be joyful of thy company.
VINCENTIO.Fair sir, and you my merry mistress,That with your strange encounter much amaz'd me,My name is called Vincentio; my dwelling Pisa;And bound I am to Padua, there to visitA son of mine, which long I have not seen.
PETRUCHIO.What is his name?
VINCENTIO.Lucentio, gentle sir.
PETRUCHIO.Happily met; the happier for thy son.And now by law, as well as reverend age,I may entitle thee my loving father:The sister to my wife, this gentlewoman,Thy son by this hath married. Wonder not,Nor be not griev'd: she is of good esteem,Her dowry wealthy, and of worthy birth;Beside, so qualified as may beseemThe spouse of any noble gentleman.Let me embrace with old Vincentio;And wander we to see thy honest son,Who will of thy arrival be full joyous.
VINCENTIO.But is this true? or is it else your pleasure,Like pleasant travellers, to break a jestUpon the company you overtake?
HORTENSIO.I do assure thee, father, so it is.
PETRUCHIO.Come, go along, and see the truth hereof;For our first merriment hath made thee jealous.
[Exeunt all but HORTENSIO.]
HORTENSIO.Well, Petruchio, this has put me in heart.Have to my widow! and if she be froward,Then hast thou taught Hortensio to be untoward.
[Exit.] .. google_ad_section_end -->




You have a Pokeball stuck to your butt

When my son got out of the car to go to school this morning I noticed he had a toy stuck to him. He had gotten a Pokemon toy yesterday and since it is new, he must take it everywhere. The thing has velcro and stuck to the back of him as he existed the car. The funny part is when I told him, he tried to see it but couldn't at first because everytime he turned so would the ball on it's string. He looked like a cat chasing his tail. It only took him a matter of seconds to detach the velcro and be on his way, but it probably seems longer to him. I couldn't help but laugh.


Sunday, January 28, 2007

Fort Knox

There isn't much on tv tonight so we are watching the history of Fort Knox on the History Channel. Did you know that ADT was the first security company to protect Fort Knox back in 1937? Only two presidents have ever toured the premises, Roosevelt and Truman. Even they had to have special permission to do so. In the '40s General Patton's brain child the Armory Division used Fort Knox as it's practice field. There the Sherman tanks were proven effective enough to use in war. I love how the history channel always finds a way to talk about tanks, submarines, or ships. I think they could be doing a documentary on bubble gum and still link tanks to it. Like back in WWII the serviceman used bubble gum to make sticky bombs stick to tanks. You see what I mean?


Head of a Chimpanzee

We were in Toys R Us today and as always my husband guides me down the remote control aisle. I had to laugh when I saw the head of a chimpanzee on the shelf. After all I am very fond of monkeys. According to the box it can show several emotions (provided you are adept at the controls) and looks and feels like a real chimpanzee. Yours for $129.99. Hmmm....I had no idea there was a market for this.


Lucky

Current mood: content

Dr. Cox: Relationships don't work the way they do on television and in the movies. Will they, won't they, and then they finally do and they're happy forever, gimme a break. 9 out of 10 of 'em end because they weren't right for each other to begin with, and half the ones that get married get divorced anyway, and I'm tellin' you right now, through all this stuff, I have not become a cynic, I haven't. Yes, I do happen to believe that love is mainly about pushing chocolate-covered candies and, y'know, in some cultures a chicken... you can call me a sucker, I don't care. 'Cause I do believe in it. Bottom line, couples that are truly right for each other wade through the same crap as everybody else, but the big difference is, they don't let it take them down. One of those two people will stand up and fight for that relationship every time, if it's right and they're real lucky. One of 'em will say something.
I'm real lucky.



Saturday, January 27, 2007

funny

Eric: My head hurts.Red Forman: That's your brain trying to comprehend its own stupidity.


Gilligan in Hang'em High Current mood: crazy Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

While watching Hang'em High I noticed the background music. As I'm listening, I keep hearing the lyrics to Gilligan's Island in my head. Now my mind does have many crazy sounds, thoughts, and voices going on at once so it wouldn't be suprising that one had nothing to do with the other. So I asked my husband if he heard it too and he did. I now wonder if the person who wrote the theme song is listening. Since the Skipper and the lot were rescued back in '67 and Clint was back for revenge in '68 I thought maybe the song writer needed work. Oh my goodness...the Skipper (Alan Hale Jr.) is in the movie too. This cannot be a coincidence. Now I'm thinking what would the movie be like if Gilligan (Bob Denver....not to be confused with John Denver --OH GOD) was Marshall Jed Cooper and Clint Eastwood played Gilligan. Oh how I wish I were a writer. That would be an interesting sketch.
Friday, February 16, 2007

I found my cell phone!


I am a simple girl. I don't know how my phone works for the most part. I will go days at a time without using it and then when I go to use it of course it mocks me with that high pitched "Should have charged your phone dumb ass" beep. I went to use it today to call my sister because I was running late and that is when I noticed it was missing. I frantically searched everywhere. I cleaned out my entire car including my trunk (scary scary place), under the couch cushions, my purse which was full of receipts, tissue, and some brown powder I've yet to identify, and my bookbag. That was a blessing really because it turns out my waterbottle shared it's contents with all the papers inside. Around 4pm today I got a call from my cell phone. Turns out the restaurant we had dinner at on Valentine's Day had it all along. Yes, two days before I noticed it was missing. At least I was smart enough to program home into my contacts. What I can't do (among many other things) is get the pictures off the phone and onto my computer. Strong hinting here for someone to clue me in.
Other than that my day was great. I got to see my sister which is hard to do because we are both pretty busy and my beautiful niece. She is at that age where she laughs and chatters (sounds not words yet). My niece that is, not my sister. Very good day indeed.
After picking up my phone tonight we went up to Lowes and bought light fixtures for the kitchen. David is putting them up as I type. The light covers for the track lighting bring out the orange in my countertop. It looks lovely. I can't wait to see how the rest of it looks.
That is about it. It's time to go play Scrabble, Boggle, and Connect Four with my boys.



Thursday, February 15, 2007

Tonights episode of The Office Category: Movies, TV, Celebrities

There are days when I wish I could control how the shows I watch turn out. To have Pam cut in on Karen and Jim dancing and plant a big wet kiss on Jim, press 1 now. To have Jim show up at Pam's art show and ask her to marry him on bended knee, press 2. To have Jim and Pam get married and have lots of Dunderheads, press 3. Tonight I was excited because I didn't have clinicals, which meant I was able to watch "must see tv". The Office was a bit disappointing. The thing I like least about tv land couples is the will they, won't they teaser. Moonlighting and Friends took it as far as it could go. The suspense doesn't excite me anymore. Now it just annoys me.
What is with writers? I still haven't gotten over the final episode of Quantum Leap. How could they not let Sam go home after everything he went though. Sadists I tell you! Anyway, I am annoyed. I did like the ending though. I thought the scene with Michael and Pam was very touching.


Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Study break

Clinicals today were cancelled because of the weather. It has been years since we have seen so much snow here. Granted this weather does not compare to a hurricane. No electicity or shelter has been lost for me. We are just cooped up. I am trying to study for my ob final tomorrow. I subscribe to the concept that information is best learned and retained when the student reviews the information for short periods of time, say 15 minutes, then takes a break and goes back to the same material to review it again for 15 minutes, and so on. This process can take a long time, but it seems to work for me. In order for me to learn the informaiton I need to associate it with something. I love mneumonic devices. I also try to picture the information on the page or the situation at hand (patient senerio). Anyway, my brain isn't wired like most. I write left handed but throw right handed. I don't know which hand will work best until I try. I am very awkward doing anything including thinking and learning. Now I must go back to studying. But only for 15 minutes.


Sunday, February 11, 2007

a football story requested by Jason

"Brady Quinn, the master of the universe, is suiting up in the locker room as the opposing team warms up on the beautiful Notre Dame field. South Bend is buzzing with bubble bees and fans this afternoon. They can hardly wait to see Brady come out onto the field. But let us not forget the teammates that have shined along side this godlike creature: Jeff Samardzija, Tommy Szbikoski, Darius Walker, Rhema McKnight, and Chinedum Ndukwe". Jason watched his team battle on the field every season (even before he was able to walk or talk). Every game for him was special. He was happy to see them play eventhough he wished he could be on the field with them.
As Jason grew, he became a fine football player in his own right. When the time came to decide on where to go to college, a knock on the door changed his life forever. Not just in the way that college changes the average person, but in a way that makes the oldest dreams come true.
As Jason approached the stadium he could hear the faint humming of the beloved fight song. He began to hum along which inevidably led to him singing the very song he had played to nausium as a child. A feeling came over him, one that he had only felt in the comfort of his family. He was home.


Think woman

A Few Good Men is an interesting story. It reminds me of an essay I wrote for english class on blind obedience. Now I have to agree that in the military this is a gray area. Discipline and obedience are the cornerstones of that institution. What I found even more interesting was a psychological study where average people were convinced to give what they thought was electric shock (at increasing levels commanded by man in lab coat) to a subject simply because they assumed (because the gentleman was wearing a lab coat) that what they were doing was okay. This sort of experiment was banned because it was deemed unethical. But, we are left with the reality that even the best of us follow suit without asking questions at times. Lesson for me, who almost never asks questions, think for a change woman.




Friday, February 09, 2007

you look like that actor from ....

We were in Wendy's today and I noticed the worker cleaning the tables looked familiar. She looked just like Shirley from What's Happening!. I found myself staring. She probably thought she had a booger stuck to the tip of her nose or that I was deranged. I couldn't help it. I loved the that show when I was a kid. I was only four when it went on the air, but I remember it vividly. Dwayne enters,"Hey,hey,hey" and RunRun exclaims,"What's Happening!". I can hear the theme music in my head. They had a marathon of it on TV Land awhile back which was cool. I haven't seen it since.
It got me thinging about the other people I have seen that remind me of actors/actresses. There was this cabin stewart we had on one cruise that looked EXACTLY like Isaac from the Love Boat. No, it wasn't all in my head, David was there to confirm the strong resemblence. We actually had him as our stewart twice on two completely different cruises (same cruise line though). I was a little disappointed that he wasn't also available to make Margaritas on the Lido Deck, but I guess cleaning the rooms required every minute of his time. They really do work very hard to keep everything super clean. I was amazed. Anyway, he was kind enough to let us take his picture so I have proof. I will have to find it and post it here.
Another look alike is one of my clinical instructors. She is the spitting image (remind me to look up the history of that phrase) of Penelope Ann Miller. Very pretty lady.
So who needs to go to Hollywood to star gaze. I see famous people where ever I go.


Wednesday, February 07, 2007

My presentation

I've been working on my presention for clinicals that I will give today. The material covered is too much to fit in a blog so I thought I would put up the quiz instead. Laura, I thought this would go well with your last post.
Multiple choice and T/F
1. What percent of women in the US (ages 15-44) use birth control?
20, 30,50, or 64
2. Only 2% of those women use this form of birth control:
cervical cap, the pill, IUD, or norplant
3. Side effects of the pill are all except:
itching, acne, bloating, or weight gain
4. The Norplant is implanted into a woman's arm and is 99% effective. T/F
5. How long can the cervical cap be left in?
24hrs, 48hrs, 72hrs, or must be taken out immediately after sex
6. In order for postcoital contraception to be effective the first two pills must be taken within:
72hrs, 1hr, 8hrs, or 12hrs
7. How many ejaculations does it take to remove the remaining sperm from the vas deferens?
5-20, 4-16, 6-36, or 2-40
8. Which method of contraception is best for women with pre-existing health conditions?
the pill, IUD, postcoital contraception, or tubal ligation
9. Plan B is the most effective form of postcoital contraception. T/F
10. In a study that electronically recorded time and date of each pill removed from the container, 30-50% of women missed how many pills in one cycle?
1-2, 2-3, 0, or 3 or more
11. When should the patient return to the doctor's office for a follow up appointment after IUD insertion?
4-8 weeks, 1-2 weeks, 3-4 weeks, or 5-10 weeks
12. The Sunday Start method for taking the pill is preferred because it often prevents periods on weekends. T/F
13. With tubal ligation the fallopian tubes are:
stuffed with marshmallows, painted neon pink to scare the sperm away, clipped plugged or banded, or surgically attached to the ovaries
14. The cervical cap is contraindicated for women with a history of:
UTI, Toxic Shock Syndrome, Arrythmias, or Both A and B
My partner in the presentation researched six other forms of contraception. I learned a great deal from my research. Keep your fingers crossed I don't embarress myself presenting the information.
Have a great day everyone!


Saturday, February 03, 2007

King Kong and Adventure Books

We just watched King Kong and I am heartbroken. I have seen the movie before (the original), so there is not excuse for this, but I kept hoping they would change the ending just for me. I wished I could go back to childhood and choose a different path like in those choose your own adventure books I used to read. I loved those books because if I didn't like the way it was going I could change it.
I didn't read many books as a child. I remember reading Pipi Longstocking, The Danny Dunn series (I even had a Danny Dunn fan club pin), and the adventure books. Now I read blogs and textbooks. When I do read real literature, I admit I'll flip to the end of the book to see if I like the ending. Then I do the unthinkable, if it doesn't suit me I will not finish the book. Life is full of disappointment and sadness, I see no reason to seek it out. This attitude will make many a writer and intellectual cringe ( as it should ), but I em what I em, as the famous poet Popeye would say.

February 17-March 9th

Friday, March 09, 2007

You've Got...to get a life...I mean Mail.

I have lived a pretty sheltered life, in case you hadn't already gathered that from my Godfather post. I was thinking about that today while watching You've Got Mail. This is one of my favorite movies of all time. It is simple, funny, and very very charming. It is responsible for my love of Pride and Prejudice. I had never heard of it or Jane Austen before this movie. I know, "What is wrong with you?!" My love for movies and less than healthy appetite for reading I fear are to blame. You must also consider my borderline antisocial behavior. Had I been more outgoing there would have been no need for a movie to educate me. Anyway, the movie sparked my interest in the book and I am a better person for it. I have seen almost every version made I believe. I am not a fan of the big screen version however. The writing seemed forced. It didn't flow. There were many times where the language didn't fit what I know from the book. Another observation that I could not ignore was that Jane Austen was not a sappy author like Charolette Bronte and yet the newest version was Bronte-esque. I'll stick with the A&E version with Colin Firth and the loosely based You've Got Mail. They capture the spirit of the author quite well.





Saturday, March 03, 2007

internet butterfly

This blog is for me. I cannot sleep. I was reading the blog of a friend of a friend and thought I would go from there. I am not an outgoing person. I have always been shy. Well, not always. When I was in kindergarten I was very chatty. I don't know if time or experience changed me, but in the end I like to keep to myself for the most part. I am completely different with my patients though. I don't know why. There is something about being of service to them that brings out the best in me. Outside of that I am socially inept. Fortunately for me Al Gore created the internet for me to pretend I am a social butterfly.
This is my creative outlet. I used to keep diaries as a child, but as an adult I had a hard time keeping up with it. Another problem was that I would be overly critical of what I had written and tear pages out. So far I think I have only deleted one post. That's not to say I haven't been tempted to delete more, I just haven't been so hard on myself this time around. It helps that I can edit the posts any time I want.
My favorite thing about blogging is that my memories are here for me to reread and relive as often as I like. At the same time, I get to share my life with my friends and family who I don't get to see everyday.
Who knows. Maybe someday this internet butterfly will find it's way out of the web and into the sun.



Let's waste time...throwing rocks

My cat Clara likes the string to my pajamas. My boys dislike them because of the print. They say,"Boys are stupid. Throw rocks at them." Now before you judge me too harshly, there is a story behind why I bought them. When my friend Connie and I were in middle school, a long long time ago, we had nothing to do at recess. There was a track and gravel and bleachers and that's it. So we had to make our own fun. There were two boys we liked and whether they would admit it now or not liked us back, Brian and Joe. Boys and girls that age show their affection in the oddest ways sometimes. I remember my bra being snapped, my books being tossed, being pinched, and being punched in the arm. But with B&J it was throwing gravel. Not the most productive or even the most amusing use of time, but we were young and the rocks were pretty. Anyway, they were not defenseless. They threw their share. It was the only time I had ever been in trouble in school (except for Mr. Winney's detentions, writing 111 times I will not talk in class). So when I saw the pajama bottoms I had to have them. I don't wear them anymore since I found my red snowboarding monkey pants, but they are still around to remind me of the people I used to know.


Friday, March 02, 2007

2012

David informed me that the world will be ending December 21, 2012. The Maya's were apparently geniuses when it came to time. They predicted to the date when they would encounter the white man, etc...It has something to do with the alignment of the the planets, milky way, and sun and how it will change the earth's axis. Nobody knows for sure what this will do to our home plant, but the Maya's were convinced (and scientists agree in theory) that the magnetic field change could/would kill us all.
It made me think of Lost. If you don't type in the numbers, the magnetic field will end the world. Save the cheerleader, save the world. Oh wait, that's Heros. No cheerleaders on the island, only those airplane people, The Others, and the Harlem Globe Trotters. I'm telling you, they are on the other side with the Swedish Bikini Team. Let it go Kim. Nobody finds this funny but you.
Anyway, I figure why waste time precious time in nursing school. I'm going to catch the next plane back to Cancun and spend the rest of my time drinking silly fruity drinks and playing in the sand.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_calendar


Monday, February 26, 2007

Teacher Teacher Teacher

It occurred to me the other day that most of my friends (from my youth and who I enjoy communicating with in adulthood) are teachers. Very interesting. There was a point where I considered being a teacher if you remember from my earlier blogging. My dad tried to convince me to become a teacher instead of a nurse not long ago.
If I look closely enough, I notice that there are only three actual professions in my family on both sides. The men are working class, mostly in construction. The woman are either teachers (aunt, cousin, cousin, cousin) or nurses (aunt, cousin, cousin, cousin). I consider a nanny to be a combination of both (sister). Truthfully, nurses perform medical procedures, care for the infirmed, and do an inordinate amount of teaching. So that should make my dad happy. Have I mentioned that before my father became a concrete finisher, he was a medic in Vietnam? Maybe that is why he didn't want me to go into nursing.
Anyway, my friend Foo is a teacher. We have known each other since the 5th grade. Jividen is a prof. We met on the speech and debate team at ONU. Clark went to school to be a teacher. We met in Springfield, MO at a debate tournament. Truly interesting and quality people. I don't say that much about people, so those words are worth their weight in gold or pepperoni. I like pepperoni more than gold. [slap on hand] "Bad nurse. Promote healthy eating habits, not your ridiculously bad ones."


Colic and shedded carrots

Today I had a presentation on Colic. Very interesting topic. I have some experience with the infant diurnal rhythm that all babies have in the first 3 months of life, but I have never had to deal with colic. The most important thing I learned is that mothers and fathers should be taught what to expect, how to cope with stress, how to prevent severe colic, how to help soothe an inconsolable baby, and what to do if nothing works ( prior to leaving the hospital). Colic can start within the first two weeks of life, peaks at the 6th week, and resolves by the 3 month when their nervous system is mature enough for them to control their crying.
I won't get into the whole presentation right here, but if anyone has a baby with colic at anytime, I am here to get you through it.
On to my lunch....I stopped for lunch at Wendy's this afternoon between my Peds class and a hair appointment (I've been cutting my own hair for a couple years now and it showed). I am partial to the Big Bacon Classic there. It reminds me of the burgers they used to serve at the Woolworths lunch counter when I was a kid. This time I opted for a salad rather than fries. I'm trying to cut down on starches. The only problem is that those little shedded carrots get stuck in my teeth. So here I am driving to my appointment with my fingers digging at the wretched orange veggie wedged deep between my teeth. Very attractive. I need to start carrying floss with me. I can see it now. "I'm sorry officer. I didn't see that stop sign because I was flossing my teeth."


Friday, February 23, 2007

I made it there and back

I drove down to Rainbows today by myself for clinicals. For those of you who haven't driven with me or seen me drive over small boulders, this is a big deal. I don't like driving outside of Lake County, but my clinical rotations have forced me to face my fear head on. I now know how to get to Rainbows and Metro without ending up in the "scary" places where you roll up your windows, lock the doors, and don't stop until you hit the freeway (not even for stop signs). David was convinced I would never make it there by myself. That I would still be wandering around Cleveland praying not run out of gas until I found my way. HA! I am Super Navigator Woman! Hear my engine roar. Okay, I am a little loopy from dehydration. I was at clinicals all day with only my beloved sugary beverage in the blue can to drink. Ah...Pepsi. Does the body good.
Special thanks to Renee for driving me down there last night for a trial run.
***Today was my first experience working with children who have cancer and I didn't fall apart.


Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Holy Cow I'm White and Nerdy

I have enjoyed Weird Al's music for some time now. He is a cool cat. A hip and happenin dude. So I was thrilled when Devin showed interest in his unique stylins. White and Nerdy our current favorite. It should disturb you all (all who have seen the video) just how much I can relate to it... Star Ward..I mean Wars, Star Trek, myspace, bowling, Donnie Osmond ( I saw him and his equally pretty perky sib in concert once and have him in barbie doll form), and my "grill" in my youth. Oh yes, so many things in common.
Anyway, I actually cooked tonight. I made meatloaf and breading patties. For dessert I made brownies! One side of the pan is fudge brownies and others side traditional. Big hit with the boys. Mental note: make brownies instead of cookies, often.
Enough ramblings for today. Have a good night everyone.



Saturday, February 17, 2007

Sled riding yippie!

We just returned from sled riding a few minutes ago. I like snow. I like snow ball fights, snow angels, buiding snow forts and snowmen, and especially sled riding. The snow today was kind of powdery so it wasn't the good old fashioned packing snow I remember from childhood, but it worked. We took the kids up to the Presbyterian Church because that hill rocks. It's not too steep or tall (old people like myself are winded even half way up a small hill). Didn't see the jump at first eventhough it is traditionally in the same spot. So we hit a few times before marking it with a bottle. Then we hit it again over and over again for fun.
Now my hind quarters as well as the inside of my nose is frozen. Just the inside of my nose, really. I tried using my tourmaline 5000 to warm up, but sadly it wasn't up to the challange. I have decided I must have snow pants for next winter. Not sure what to do about the inside of my nose though. I'm sure some pharmaceutical company has a remedy for that. Nasal spray that keeps my nose nice and toasty, however I would then lose all the hair on my head, grow hair on every other part of my body, develop a pungent body odor, and cluck like a chicken everytime someone said, "Spoon".
While I enjoy snow, one snow related activity I do not enjoy is skiing. Believe it or not, I belonged to the ski club in high school. Fortunately there are few witnesses. Renee is the laughing right now because she remembers it well. Let's just say that some people are not meant to slide down big hills at excessive speed on two legs. The Red Cross came to my rescue my last time out. The biggest injury I suffered was a bruised ego. I hit hard and slid face down for 50-100 feet with one leg twisted (one ski ended up stuck vertically in snow with me still attached). Not pretty I assure you. And so I hung up my snow bunny tail and have settled for slidding down small hills on a little blue plastic disc.

March 9th- March 18th

The Office 2007-2008

I was thinking about the next season of The Office. This is what I would like to see happen:
Jan and Michael will be expecting a little bundle of Dundermiff. Michael will take Jan to Hooters to celebrate. Dwight will secretly become engaged to Angela. She will get her own bobble head from Dwight in place of an engagement ring. Kevin will take a leave of absence so he can go with Scantonocity to open in Sting's world tour. Creed will try to steal Kelly away from Ryan. Ryan unwittingly underminds him at every turn, eventhough he is rapidly losing his sanity as well as his hair as a result of being seated within 2 feet of her. Roy will try to kill Jim, but fails due to his enlistment of Andy, who is a mirror of Michael, to create the master plan. Andy believes that with Jim gone he will be Michael's right hand man. Andy lures Big Tuna to Hooters where Roy is waiting. Roy comes after Jim stating he knows about him and Pam. This happens to be at the same time that Michael and Jan are there and Michael inadvertantly hits Roy with his car as he is leaving the parking lot. Roy finds himself in a full body cast. Toby dates a Super Model. Jim and Pam reconnect after he gets is old desk back. Jim dumps Karen. Karen decides to move back home. Pam paints a portrait of Jim and leaves it on his desk in green jello. They continue to torment Andy and Dwight. Oscar's boyfriend fills in for Kevin. Stanley gets a new stapler. Phyllis and Bob Vance buy a house. Meredith decides to switch to flavored vodka.
Jim and Pam finally kiss again, only this time they finally admit they love each other and become a couple.
I don't think that is too much to ask.



Saturday, March 17, 2007

Jabba Wookiee

I remembered a character from Star Wars that no one else did. They all looked at me like I was crazy when I said I remembered a character that was a Jabba Wookiee. So, determined to prove I'm not insane (at least not today), I got on the internet to search. Found that Jabba Wookiee was created by Monte Michaelis. He wrote an extended version of the poem Jabbawocky by Lewis Carroll about a Wookiee who was on the lam from Jabba the Hut. And that is how Chewbacca came to be. So, HA! I was right. I like being right. All I can hear right now is the Rocky theme. Please excuse me, I have to go raise my heavy weight "I'm Right" belt over my head and do a victory lap around the house.

http://www.starwars.com/


Thursday, March 15, 2007

Ho

First of all if you're not thinking of the Hostess treat get your mind out of the gutter. I am a fan of HoHos. Don't love them as much as rice krispie treats, but they are up there on my list. The only thing I don't like about them now is that they don't come in foil. The foil gave 'em that perfect blend of chocolate and metal flavor that makes a girl giggle with delight with every bite.
Misc. facts about the Hostess HoHo:

Ho Hos ® - Another San Francisco Treat
Apparently, rice isn't the only San Francisco treat. The history of Hostess Ho Hos dates back to 1967, when a San Francisco bakery began hand-producing the Swiss-filled chocolate cakes elegantly enrobed in delectable confectionary coating.
Over the years, the tubular snack has enjoyed its share of laughs. In connection with the 1999 introduction of Nutty Ho Hos, which added chopped peanuts to the original roll, a search was launched for the country's nuttiest celebrity laugh - or ho ho. (We know what you're thinking, but not everyone laughs with a ha ha. Just ask Santa.) When the votes were tallied, Americans decided that comedian Eddie Murphy's laugh took the proverbial cake, followed by the kooky cackles of Phyllis Diller, Roseanne Barr and Pee Wee Herman.


Cat as a Hat
As soon as we rearranged the living room I knew it was going to happen. You see, we moved the couch down to accommodate the recliner; so the break in the curtains is positioned behind where I sit. We have cats. The cats like to look out the window. You get the picture. More often than not, as I sit typing, I wear her tail as a furry scarf, a fluffy mustashe, or her hind quarters as big furry earmuff. Oh... if I happen to slide down a bit on the couch, I get a cat hat. She literally sits her skinny furry butt on my head. I guess I should be grateful that it is Clara and not Big Kitty. It gets really exciting when she sees the neighbor's cats. I get whipped in the face like her tail has a black belt in karate. So if I am ever talking to you here and I suddenly drop off, you know I've been knocked unconscious.
Good times.


Wednesday, March 14, 2007

You're such a girl

All the kids in the neighborhood were over today playing basketball. I have to be the most annoying mom on the planet because when they were playing I had to make sure that everyone had a turn to shoot the ball. These kids range in age from 7-13 and are all boys. My husband just looked at me like I was crazy. "They're boys. Let 'em fend for themselves," he said. I am such a girl. I am always trying to be fair and trying to make sure no one gets their feelings hurt. I should just sit back and watch them. When they get hurt yell out the Manningism, "Rub some dirt on it." and "Only girls need band-aids and neosporin!"
Sigh....I am surrounded by testosterone.



Monday, March 12, 2007

My niece and her cell phone

I had to laugh this weekend when I heard that my niece hasn't used her cell phone in 9 months because the charger went bad. My brother-in-law told her if she wants a new one she has to buy it with her own money. Which explains the 9 months. Kids are funny that way. They don't mind spending our money on silly things, but when they have to pay for it they suddenly decide those things aren't worth the money. I'm sure I was the same way. My son has several friends with cell phones and hints all of the time about getting one. Our rule is that he can't have one until he is an adult. I love the argument that well what if there is an emergency or I need to call if I am going to be late. We smile and say, "Well all your friends have cell phones so you can borrow one from them." It is hard for me to sypathize because we didn't have cell phones growing up and yet somehow we managed to survive.


Star Wars: name that geek

We are watching Return of the Jedi yet again. Many questions come to mind. Such as, when Darth Vadar is watching Darth Sideus electricute Luke is he thinking if only I had let Mace Windu kill the evil sith my life could've been so different. Does he see the irony and the betrayal clearly in that moment? Is that what brings him back from the dark side to save his son? And does anyone else find it distubing that Luke and Leia kissed in episode 4 and then Leia mysteriously "knows" Luke is not dead in episode 6 because she and her brother have a special connection. Wouldn't that connection have kept them from kissing in the first place? Inquiring minds want to know.
Geeks like me generally have a nickname. Green Bay fans are Cheese Heads. The Office fans are known as Dunderheads. Star Trek fans are divided into two groups: Trekkies and Trekkers. I haven't been able to find anything on Star Wars fanatics as far as names go. I know there are millions of us out there because how else would Star Wars generate nearly $20 billion dollars since it's premier. Someone name us please (something other than Loser).

This is G o o g l e's cache of http://www.233.167.104/banners/interstitial.html?http://www.fortunecity.com/roswell/seance/134/lists/list15.html as retrieved on Feb 23, 2007

The Lite Hearted Trekker vs Trekkie List.A Trekker wears a starfleet uniform to a convention because it's fun.
A Trekkie wears a starfleet uniform to a convention because s/he has
heard that it is in style at the academy.
A Trekker has a Starfleet Academy window sticker on his car.
A Trekkie is cramming for the entrance exams.
A Trekker meets Marina Sirtis/Gates McFadden at a convention, tells
her how pretty he thinks she is, that it is too bad she is
married or he would ask her out.
A Trekkie meets Deanna Troi/Dr. Crusher at a convention, tells her how
pretty he thinks she is, and asks her if she is still seeing Riker
(Picard, some alien patient, et al).
A Trekker loves watching the show, nitpicking and discussing it with
friends.
A Trekkie loves watching those documentaries filmed aboard the
Enterprise.
A Trekker thinks Wil Wheaton was a lucky kid who got to play a kid on
Star Trek.
A Trekkie thinks that Wesley Crusher was a lucky kid who got to sit on
the bridge.
A Trekker thinks that it is a shame that the show is coming to an end.
A Trekkie thinks that it is a shame that the crew is being reassigned
and the Enterprise is being decomissioned.
A Trekker knows that there are gaping holes in the technology, but
ignores them and enjoys the show.
A Trekkie can't wait for the price to come down on those home food
replicator units.
A Trekker buys pips for the rank s/he wants to be.
A Trekkie wonders why he is constantly passed over for promotion.
A Trekker tells his/her new girl/boyfriend that s/he really likes Star Trek.
A Trekkie's new girl/boyfriend is an underclassman at the academy.
A Trekker wonders what sex in zero g would be like.
A Trekkie wonders what sex would be like.


Friday, March 09, 2007

Chi Chis

When I was in high school someone I used to know took me to ChiChis for the first time. For those of you who don't know, it was a mexican restaurant that went out of business a few years back because a food poisoning I believe (Green Onions?). All I know is that people died and because the company was already in trouble they folded when they lost the law suits. And so my favorite restaurant was gone forever. For awhile one of the local grocery chains carried the seasoning mix for the tacos which helped ease my pain and cravings, but now they have gone under too. So off to the internet I went. I found I can buy the seasoning in bulk. Whoohoo! One site is Hormel and I think the other is econofoods.

I just thought I would share the info in case anyone else was suffering ChiChi withdrawls like me.

Rocky Balboa (warning: spoilers)

I wasn't sure what to think of this movie from the previews. So when we saw it I didn't have great expectations. That was a blessing really since the movie was subpar. I give two stars because it wasn't terrible, but it could have been so much better. I loved the orginal Rocky. Some people might have disliked the way it moved slow when developing the story line for Rocky and Adriane and I understand. I found it charming and endearing. This final installment was slow and boring except for the restaurant story line. They tried to use a women and her son story line that never worked. Never cared enough about the characters. Omitting them completely and replacing them with a story line about the opposing fighter would have served the movie better. Like they did in Rocky I with Apollo Creed. I also didn't like the flashbacks. There were more of a distraction than anything else.

There were aspects that I liked. Rocky was the same as he was at the beginning which made me happy. His son, Vigo from the Gilmore Girls and now the popular Heros, was not given enough screen time. He is a good actor and it would have helped to see more interaction between him and his father. His performance was right on the mark. I loved Pauly's choice of music for Rocky's enterence for the fight, Sanatra sining High Hopes. It's been a favorite since Laverne and Shirley. Yes, you already know I'm a geek. There is no point in trying to hide it now.

The best part for me was that he did not win the fight. The fight scene was in true Rocky fashion and was shot some in black/white.

Home improvement ramblings

The kitchen is almost done. We painted yesterday a lovely medium rustic brown. I'm a big fan of Sherwin Williams paint. It only took 1/2 a gallon of one coat paint for the entire kitchen. I don't know what we're going to do with the gallon and a half we have left. Maybe use it the basement when we finally get to it. Anyway, we've tried using paint from Home Depot and Lowes with disasterous results, both color and performance. We've used Sherwin William best for all of the bedrooms and now the kitchen. The boys rooms were the most fun to do because one is Ohio State colors and the other is Notre Dame. They had the Ohio State Scarlet and Gray on file, but not Notre Dame. So I had to special order the 24 k paint. That is the only paint I wasn't thrilled with. It is very thin and we already have to repaint it six months later. But it looks really cool.

Back to the kitchen....I am looking for curtains. There is only one large low window in the kitchen, so I'm thinking long curtains. Not sure if a shade would be good too. Need something light filtering, not sheer because it is parallel to the neighbors kitchen. I've looked online and locally and can't find anything I like. I guess I'll know it when I see it.

I've bored you enough for now...