I'm Back, Kinda

I have been remiss about posting because 1. I work all weekend and 2. I had a bad bad headache yesterday and Sunday so I stayed home and rested with the thought of logging onto my computer not being a good one.

I actually spent most all of the weekend with my valantine. For us that's a lot of time since usually we are hanging out with friends or family. It was nice.

I have been really busy with work today since I was not here yesterday. But I have to admit I am still tired so I am not up to my normal perky and funny self. Hopefully soon!

My Ode to Fog

I love the fog.

Something about the way it makes everything so white/gray and in the evening how the lights shine through it. And if you have never lived by the water you can't appreciate how wonderfully thick, dense and damp sea fog can be. You know it's coming and when it does it is fast. On my drive home last night as I was driving West it looked like there was a storm coming in. The clouds looked heavy and and dark. But it wasn't a storm, it's sea fog. By the time I got home it was already rolling in to my apartment complex. And rolling is a good word to use. It seems to roll over the landscape, it is very fascinating.

I love being out on the beach on those foggy nights. I even love the dampness. In that fog your whole body is wet.

I can see why it has inspires people to write about it. (Here I am doing the same.)

Other Ways to Say "I Love You"

There's a great article in the Wall Street Journal today about the use of the phrase "I Love You," and the ways people express love minus the words. I found this very interesting. Here's a few excerpts:

We've become a society that places great importance on saying "I love you," and in many matters of life and death, no other words are as comforting. Many children now hear the phrase daily, and people say it generously to friends. "I love you" is cooed to newborns, and whispered to those who are dying.
Still, as we fixate on those words, we can forget that love is sometimes even more powerful when left unsaid. While we wait (or demand) to hear "I love you" from people in our lives, we may not notice their loving acts, says Corinne Wilburne Barker, a psychologist at California State University, Northridge. In her research, she calls this "an adoration of verbal expression," and it worries her.
People who are adept at expressing love verbally often feel superior to loved ones who aren't good at it, says Dr. Barker. A husband might show love in subtle ways - by filling his wife's car with gas, or taking her hand when crossing the street - but she's unhappy that he's reticent about declaring his love. "It can lead to estrangement," says Dr. Barker, who warns against belittling less-expressive partners.
Some people feel panicked by their inability to articulate affection. Jane Bluestein, who teaches parenting courses nationwide, encourages people to coax the words out of their mouths. One recent seminar attendee confided that she told her dog "I love you" before mustering the nerve to say it to her kids.

America's love talk can be traced to the 1960s. Before then, people struggled through world wars and Depressions; they were less focused on emotional needs. But since then, "all you need is love" has been touted as a comprehensive cure-all. Even President Bush peppers his speeches by encouraging people to visit shut-ins" homes and say "I love you," or to hug paroled prisoners and say, "I love you, brother."
Valentine's Day is now just one of 365 days for loving language; Hallmark Cards says sales of its nonholiday "love" cards rose 555 percent in the past three decades.


I have always believed it's not the words spoken that are the true indicator of a person's love for you but the actions. It is nice to hear, but a baby feels safe not by the words, but that they are kept warm, safe, fed, hugged. It's the significant other who offers to shop for the other when the other is exhausted, getting up and cooking a special breakfast for their family when it isn't expected or giving a child limits and sticking to their guns about them.

So yes, telling those you love you love them is important, but don't forget your actions everyday are just as important.

Closer

I am listening to Josh Groban's new CD Closer. I am a huge fan of the young baritone and I am looking forward to him stretching his talents more with more and more difficult songs. He sings songs in English (only 5 of 13 for those who don't want to listen to foreign-worded songs), French, Spanish and of course Italian, which he sang on his first CD. The song Raise Me Up has received much of the promotion on the CD but it isn't the best song...listen to Il Postino (with violin accompaniment by the gifted Josh Bell) or Per Te. Lovely. I do see that some of the lyrics are somewhat fluffy but I let that go because of the wonderful accompaniment and the clarity of his voice. I know many people dismiss him as being Classical-lite, and so it may be...but I have no reservations that he is a talented man and there is a place for his music too. I have other purely classical music CD's and I listen to those too...but when I am in the correct mood, this is one that makes a soar with his lovely voice.

Whew! Busy!

Busy day today. Looks like the rest of the week is shaping up to be similar. At least hubby and I got a chance to relax last night. Had a nice (easy) dinner, a bottle of wine, a little TV and off to a GREAT night of sleep. I know I got more than 8 hours, it has been a little while since I have gotten that much and it felt lovely.

I want to send out a BIG congrats to my cousin Dave and his new bride Kim who have found out that they are expecting at the beginning of September. I am so happy for you two!

Also, a small request. Say a little prayer for my Grandmother who is in the hospital. She had fluid in her lungs and we are waiting to hear the cause. Hopefully she will be home soon.

Return of the King!

What a GREAT movie. Yes it was long...my butt I think almost fell asleep...but, I liked it a lot. I know I will have to see it on DVD again to take it all it. I have to admit I never read the books, so I was/am confused on a few points, especially at the end. But it wasn't enough for it to take away from my experiece.

Some favorite parts:

1. Smeagol - Gollum (when they are going back and forth from the water to him). How truely split he became. And although he was computer generated...you couldn't tell.
2. Sam - I LOVED Sam. I cheered for him all along and was angry when he was "sent" away...and hurt for him when his "Mr. Frodo" was leaving him. Sean Austin was great, I see him differently as an actor now.
3. "No man can kill me!" - The Witch King ---"I am no man!" - Eowyn.
4. Liv Tyler - I think she is beautiful woman as Arwen. I can't believe someone as lovely as her can be a daughter of Steven Tyler!
5. The army of the dead...that just was cool.

There are other parts but that's just a small part. What a trilogy! I'm not into fantasy usually, but I liked this one.

Windblown and Tired

Just got home from my second job. I moonlight as a jewelers wife, which means I sell jewelry too. We opened a location at a local large fleamarket to try to help make some extra money. So that means Saturday and some Sunday's for me (including tomorrow) I am out hawking the finest jewels in Pinellas County for the best prices!) But I do have to admit it is tiring. Up early, there for a good amount of time and then back to work at the type and gripe factory for the week. And the house shopping too, can't forget that. But I am not gonna complain too much. I guess I would rather do this now when I am a still a young thing and can...before any bambino's make their appearance. But it is hard work.

Tonight we go to see Return of the King finally. I am excited. Hubby is making us cappuchino's to help perk us up for the evening. Last night I finally saw Seabiscuit. What a beautifully filmed film. It was lovely to watch. It was pretty good too the movie. But I will have to say to get the full benefit one MUST read the book, it is an awesome book. But I enjoyed it none-the-less.

Well, off to have a drinky and later to the movies. Ta!

#@*&%(& Stop!

There's a great article in the Tampa Tribune today about the overuse of cursing (or cussin' if you were from the south). It was right on. It is about a gentleman who wrote a book back in 2000 called
Cuss Control: The Complete Guide to Curbing Your Cursing.

Author Jim O'Connor said:
"Swearing is so widespread now that it's contributing to the breakdown of civility and the dumbing down of America.'' I am inclined to agree.

How hard is it to use the same select word again and again to describe how you are feeling or what is wrong etc? It isn't. It is much harder to describe those things with real words that can evoke a message that is just as strong or even stronger, thus the dumbing down part.

Also,
"When you look past the bad language to what is being said, it's often mean-spirited and disrespectful,'' he said. ``It's the coarse, negative tone and the anger that's just as disturbing.

"Using the `f word' used to be a sign of ignorance and lowlifes, but now even presidential candidates do it,'' he said, referring to Sen. John Kerry, who used it in a Rolling Stone interview.

"There are so many other words that he could have used, such as `bungled' or `fouled- up,' to more effectively describe how he felt about President Bush's policy in Iraq,'' O'Connor said. ``Using the `f word' is just lazy language when there are so many words that are more effective to make a point.''

Amen brother! I understand there is a time and a place for everything, some people have forgot that. Dropping that kind of language anywhere and everywhere thus passing it on to their children and other people's children who may not approve of it. I also know that curse words slip out here and there, I do it. It's the people who can't figure out how to use a regular word to describe situations I have the problem with. Instead of "F-ing awesome!" try just awesome! Awesome by itself is a special word, it means "Inspiring awe." I know it is hard to break the habit, but it's worth it. Our children's literary, social and verbal futures are at stake.

You can read the entire story here.

Oh Boy!

You KNEW this had to happen. The judge should throw her out on her ass.

Birthday Week!

We are in the midst of Birthday week here in the Business News department. Three of my co-workers have or are turning a year older this week. So that means 3 cards (which luckily I obtained already because Publix doesn't seem to change their cards that often so I went somewhere else to avoid the embarrassment of getting the same card for folks as the year before (I have already done that by the way.)

Yesterday it was a marble cake with white frosting, today a chocolate with choc. frosting cake and tomorrow...who knows...whatever looks yummy. Maybe cheesecake? mmm..cheesecake!

Note to boss: need to hire people in the following months (Jan./March, April, May or Oct. to help spread the cake around.)

So happy birthday to Ted, Katrina and Mark!

Dr. Suess and Your Computer

My mom sent this to me today and I thought it was really funny. I know when your computer is down it definitely isn't funny, but at least you can try to grin and bear it. :-)

Dr. Seuss Explains Why Computers Sometimes Crash! (Read this aloud - it's GREAT!)

If a packet hits a pocket on a socket on a port, and the bus is interrupted at a very last resort, and the access of the memory makes your floppy disk abort, then the socket packet pocket has an error to report.

If your cursor finds a menu item followed by a dash, and the double-clicking icon puts your window in the trash, and your data is corrupted cause the index doesn't hash, then your situation's hopeless and your system's gonna crash!

If the label on the cable on the table at your house, says the network is connected to the button on your mouse, but your packets want to tunnel to another protocol, that's repeatedly rejected by the printer down the hall, and your screen is all distorted by the side effects of gauss, so your icons in the window are as wavy as a souse; then you may as well reboot and go out with a bang, 'cuz sure as I'm a poet, the sucker's gonna hang!

When the copy of your floppy's getting sloppy in the disk, and the macro code instructions is causing unnecessary risk, then you'll have to flash the memory and you'll want to RAM your ROM, and then quickly turn off the computer and be sure to tell your Mom!

( WELL! That certainly clears things up for ME! )

Boobs Everywhere...

All I hear and read about is Janet Jackson's boob-baring experience last night. I am hoping this will die down soon because it is getting a little excessive.

Whew..I am torn about this whole thing. First I know that the Super Bowl is an event when there are lots of families are watching. But really...is the Super Bowl and/or football really that family friendly any more?

If you go to a game, the chances of seeing skin (people flashing) and men who shouldn't take their shirts off who do, hearing questionable language and drinking huge amounts of beer is the norm. Also, when you are at home, you are bombarded with ads about beer and other ads that most often are denigrated to women. And we haven't even gotten to the game or the players yet.

More frequently the players, who are grossly over-paid, aren't good examples for families. They are fathering multiple children with multiple women, breaking the law but being allowed to continue playing, being foul-mouthed in public and in general not being good ambassadors for the team or the city and these are the guys your kids idealize.) Then there is the game itself. It is rough. From the hard hits which can be really violent at times (and how many times they show those really hard hits again and again) to fighting, coaches and players cursing and the camera catching them mouthing those words and the more and more scantily-clad cheerleaders. This is family friendly?

I am sad that something like this ends up on TV. That a women of her stature feels she needs to do something like this to get more publicity. What happened to being an artist and who got attention for her music and moves rather than how little she wears and how out there her performance can be? This is what little girls see and no wonder they feel they have to be perfect looking and that they have to center themselves around getting men to like them rather than concentrating on being the best that they can be as a person first.

Any ways...off my high horse...there are just too many boobs out there.

Need to take a trip..

I stole this from The Side Salad Blog. I have visited 35% of the 50 states...not too hot...seems I need to head West.



create your own visited states map
or write about it on the open travel guide

I am Poetry

I thought this was kinda fun...I have never heard of terza rima...but it sounds cool to me.

I'm terza rima, and I talk and smile. Where others lock their rhymes and thoughts away I let mine out, and chatter all the while. I'm rarely on my own - a wasted day Is any day that's spent without a friend, With nothing much to do or hear or say. I like to be with people, and depend On company for being entertained; Which seems a good solution, in the end. What Poetry Form Are You?

Booble?

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Gotta love her..

Check out this story.

Too small.

This might be the only time a man wants to hear this from his wife.

Cool Beans!

There's a great article in todays Wall Street Journal about making plastic that can be molded glow. This could have awesome implications for purses which can be lit up casting a soft glow inside of always dark and for the larger purses, cavernous purses. We can't buy the purses here yet...but you know that they will make their way over here. What a great invention! It will also be available for other technology. Take a look at parts of the article below.

Or more specifically, the answer is electroluminescence, a technology that generates a cool, gentle light - but not heat - when the chemical coating on plastic is electronically stimulated.
That's just one of several ways that EL differs from traditional light bulbs. Incandescent bulbs burn out and are inefficient: Much of the energy they use is thrown off as heat, not light. EL lighting, on the other hand, uses electricity to light up specially treated plastic. This chemically treated plastic generates so little heat that it remains cool to the touch, doesn't burn out and uses less energy. EL has been around for decades, but for years researchers puzzled over applications for it because of its low light intensity and the fact that originally it only worked on flat, rigid spaces......

A recent innovation in plastics is likely to give the technology a big boost. Scientists and engineers at Bayer AG say they are among the first to market a plastic film that not only lights up, but also can be molded into three-dimensional shapes. Bayer teamed up with Swiss lighting company Lumitec, which licensed the EL technology to Germany's Bree in an exclusive deal. Last fall, Bree unveiled a big, portfolio-size leather purse with a clear, flexible 6-inch-by-5-inch plastic sheet that glows inside the bag. The panel, powered by a nine-volt battery and controlled by a tiny switch tucked away inside the bag lining, is bright enough to light both sides of the purse's cavernous interior. and finally

The new use for EL opens up an array of new possibilities for electroluminescence in the $40 billion global lighting market. Scientists and engineers predict, for example, that in a matter of years, clothes that glow could be all the rage. Auto makers are pondering ways to use its soft, glowing light for car interiors, and lighting designers see a growing niche for EL in interior design.
Bayer's foray into lighting underscores a broader trend for chemical companies that seek to shed mature assets and develop new, more profitable applications for their products. As the chemical makers try to reinvent themselves, companies such as Bayer, Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Mich., and DuPont Co., Wilmington, Del., are joining forces with smaller lighting businesses to develop technology that requires only a fraction of the energy used by an incandescent or even fluorescent bulb.
"Light bulbs owned the last century," says Robert Kumpf, vice president of business development for Bayer Polymers, Americas. "Modern lighting technology will own the next."
One such "modern" form of lighting, using LEDs, or light emitting diodes, is gaining prominence in traffic lights, electronics control panels and eventually even automobile headlights. Strategies Unlimited, a market-growth research firm in Mountain View, Calif., predicts the $2.7 billion LED market will more than double to $5.5 billion by 2008.
EL is another promising alternative to the incandescent bulb, though its potential is still unclear, analysts haven't yet predicted its total market potential.
The $350,000 2002 Mercedes Maybach is the first car to boast an electroluminescent headliner - the ceiling of a car's interior - stylishly bathing the inside of a vehicle in light. The new EL light gives auto designers more flexibility, since bulbs tend to take up considerable space, eat up more power and give off heat.
EL "creates a mood," says Ron Steen, director of lighting, research and design at Schefenacker Vision Systems U.S.A. Inc. The unit of Schefenacker AG, a closely held German lighting firm, sells the product developed with DuPont.

I have come to the conclusion...

Cars suck. All they are meant to be is things that suck you dry of money and/or your time. You think you have something fixed...you don't. There's always something..alway.

So...cars suck!

Fun web site...

Found this cute blog today. Help Me Bubby!

She an 88 year-old Jewish Grandma's blog that lets you ask all the questions you were too embarrassed to ask your own family. She's down to earth, quick-witted and funny.

New Book

Last night I began reading House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus III. My mother called it "interesting" and wants to be able to discuss it with me. I looked at the reviews on Amazon and see that it was not received well. But I have not been one to take the advice of people I don't know and translate that into me not reading or seeing something. And I also understand the concept of suspension of disbelief. I know that it is fiction and things that happen in books can't happen in real life and I'm OK with that.

The book is about a former Iranian Colonel who dreams of obtaining the American dream. He has spent a good amount of money keeping up appearances to make his daughters chance of going into a good marriage. He decides to take the remaining money and buy a house at an auction. The other main character is Kathy, an alcoholic who loses control of her finances and has her home foreclosed on, the home the Iranian buys. The rest of the book is the struggle over the house and the emotions that come from it. (This is from that I understand from the cover.)

I am looking forward delving into it.

Bleachers..Boring!!

I finished John Grisham's Bleacher's last night.

It's a tiny book that wasn't what I thought it would be.
The story centers around Neely Crenshaw, a former-All American high school football star who has come home to say goodbye to the coach who he both loved and hated. Coach is dying.
First off, Neely's character, I just didn't like. From the beginning you are led to believe that something awful went down between the him and the coach and I was let down by what it was. Then a lot of the dialogue seemed forced. And what should have been a highlight of the book, a recounting of the game where the local boys came back from all odds in a game..turned out to be, well blah. I couldn't feel the passion or excitement of the game, in fact, I skimmed through it to get the just of it just so I could get back to the regular narrative.
Then there was a scene where Neely has gone to visit the "love of his life" that he dumped for the school's tramp. He came of like a schmuck, wasn't repentive at all and I don't know how the woman sat there and even listened to him.

I was disappointed by this book. I am a Grisham fan, both his legal thrillers (which I loved Time to Kill, his first book and I still think his best) and The Painted House and the hilarious Skipping Christmas. I understand he has a new book out...I'll hold off for a little while...I may not be the best judge of his work after reading this dud.

Working...working hard!

Busy today. Lots to do at work and not lots of time. Plus, frankly, I don't feel so hot today...yesterday I spent most of the day in bed resting. But on the upside I got to watch a movie I had been meaning to see, Hanging Up, with Diane Keaton (who I love!), Lisa Kudrow and Meg Ryan along with Walter Matthau as their grumpy dad who is dying. I enjoyed it, with its mushiness and all.

Enough of a mind break...back to the work!

Playing Games..

I was reading an interesting article about Gen Xer's, that people in my age group and a little older, late 20's - early 30's, that we are playing games more often. And we aren't talking GameBoy or Playstation either. Games such as euchre, dominoes, bingo, shuffleboard and such. The rise in the interest of these classic games is being blamed on the want to be home more often. That Gen Xer's are settling down.

I have always enjoyed games. We often played games as a family as kids and also often play them when I visit with my family. Whether it's classic Uno, 500 Rum, Trivial Pursuit or as children Candy Land, Uncle Wiggly (a classic!) or one of our fav's that is gone was Fire Ball Island (You got to send red marbles down gully's at your opponents and yell ""Fire-ball!" sending your opponent back on the board.

Games are a way to help connect with those you play with. You talk about a variety of topics, not just the game. For children it teaches them many skills, from counting to the importance of fair play - or in my sister Laura's case, how to cheat. And you aren't still around the TV silently watching a show or a movie. One of my favorite memories was playing Rummy with my college roommate Kathy. The tip-off one of us wanted to play? Saying this line from the Princess Bride, "You Killed my Father, Prepare to Die!" and it was on...There was NO mercy!

So I am glad to see some of my peers are moving away from the mind-numbing video games where they can shut everyone and everything out.

Anyone up for a rousing game of 99 or Trivial Pursuit? You know you want to? What's your favorite games out there?

It's Over?

Sniff!! I just read that Bennifer is no more. Jennifer Lopez has broken her engagement to Ben Afflick and she is very sad.

Yeaaaahh!! I am just glad they are over. They were one of the most over exposed couples ever. Plus, come on Ben! You shouldn't start off by marrying a women whose other marriages each lasted like 5 months at the most. Doesn't that tell you something?
Ben you should be happy! Smile! You saved yourself time, money and more heartbreak. Celebrate, go gamble and go to a strip club.

Bennifer is over!

Parsley, Sage, Rosmary and Pot!?

You know you might think that you might outgrow some things. Such as Art Garfunkel being arrested in Hurley, N.Y. for pot possession.

Read the story here.

You know he may have been a hippie in the 60's..but man it's 2004...isn't there better ways to spend the dough you made during the Old Friends tour?

It's the Year of the Monkey!

Happy Chinese New Year. If you were born in the years 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992 and 2004 you are born in the year of the monkey. According to asianbud.com characteristics of a monkey are:

Persons born under this sign are usually successful in any field they choose. They are good at making deals and skillful in business diplomacy. Decision making is easy for them. They remember everything they read, and, consequently, are unusually well informed. They are allowed to pursue their own instinctive course in life, they stand a good chance of becoming famous. However, they tend to talk too much, driving friends away with their overlong explanations and endless chatter. They are sometimes contemptuous of people who are less gifted than themselves. Their inclination to appease rather than fight is a predominate characteristic.


And here are some of the New Years traditions observed:

It is important to have blooming flowers or plants in every home. The Chinese believe that the bearing of fruit cannot happen without flowers and thus your year will not be fruitful. You will have a truly prosperous year when a plant blooms on New Years.

The entire house must be cleaned before the New Year begins. And after five days after you must not sweep dirt out the front of the house for fear you are sweeping the family's fortunes out the door. Ann dirt is swept into the center of the home and carried out of the back door.

On the stroke of midnight all doors and windows are opened in a home to allow the old year to go out.

Foul language is not used and talk of death or even ghost stories is not allowed. You turn to the new year and don't talk of the old one. And crying is frowned upon, if you cry on New Years you are foretold to cry for the next year.

Red is a lucky color to wear. It is a bright happy color to wear that shows a happy outlook for the year.

Do not use knives or scissors on New Years day because you may cut off your fortune.

And finally, the first person you meet and greet on New Years is very important because it could signify your luck for the year.

Even though I may not celebrate Chinese New Year I think it is interesting to read and learn about the traditions of other cultures.

Yawn!

So tired...when is it nap time? And vacation time? Now if the powers at be would see it fit for my hubby to win the Lotto this week...all these bad things would go away.

Getting a Home?

How is it that every home we find that would be 1. in a good location 2. a good price and 3. looks nice, is under contract? Home shopping is neither easy nor fun.

New Book

I am reading John Grisham's 2003 novel Bleachers. It's not a legal book. In my opinion, some of his best books are when he strays from the law. Such as The Painted House and Skipping Christmas. He really proves he is a decent writer. And so far this book isn't disappointing me. It's set in Texas in a little town 9,000 pop. with a 10,000 seat football stadium at the high school. It's about a former football hero returning home to deal with his demons with the death of the local football coach legend. It's a small book, and light. But I am enjoying this read so far. And I am a fan of football so this is making for some great escapism reading.

Puttin' On The Dog in Lakeland

Saturday night hubby, I, my mom, dad and grandma hit I-4 and headed to Lakeland to see Sarah Brightman in her Harem tour. The first fun part was the people watching. Since we don't have lots of opportunity to dress fancy here in Florida and even though it was in a stadium, there were lots of people who thought it an opportunity to dress to the nines. Not only were there sparkling dresses, but a tux, a fur stole and a guy with one of those old-fashioned coats that looked like a Sherlock Holmes coat with the "rain attachment."

The concert itself was really awesome. That woman can sing! And on top of it she sang a lot of songs (all the way from her most recent album, back to a Phantom of the Opera montage). And then there was the cool stage affects, dancers, a more contemporary band and a small orchestra. And I can't forget all the great costumes that she wore. Some highlights:

1. Singing "What A Wonderful World," while swinging above the stage on a swing and the conffetti raining down as it they were flower pedals.
2. The rockin' phantom of the opera medley.
3. Singing "The Journey Home" - It's one of my fav. songs of hers! And the lovely background projections on the curtain of being in the clouds.
4. The cool platform that rotated 90 degrees that took her out over the audience and stage extension - I wasn't sure it really was moving, I had to ask my dad to make sure I wasn't seeing something.
5. Singing Time to Say Goodbye.
6. When she was up on a platform with this really long cape that and feather thing that behind a shear curtain it made it look like there were Phoenix's (birds) with her rising and falling.
7. Just being there.

Over all it was awesome. But I will have to say on funny thing, would you believe the program costs $30! That's one expensive program. And my hubby is now totally into her music. I'll have him at the opera yet! :-) Besides him thinking she's "hot."

Puttin' on the Dog in Lakeland was a great experience!

Quentin's

I finished Quentin's last night. It was one of those guilty pleasure reads. I don't read too many romance thrillers to tell you the truth.

The books was pretty good. Nice language, good storytelling and an interesting plot. What took away from this Binchey novel is how it jumped around at times without a good reason or explanation. And it was a little predictable. I kinda figured out the ending early on. But it was worth it. The characters are likeable and are developed well. I did think Ella, the main character was a little shallow. But I loved Quentin's care takers Patrick and Brenda and felt for them as they tried to conceive a child and instead conceived and nurtured their restaurant. I am hoping she will do another book that reflects on Ella and the turn of events at the end of the book (don't want to give the ending away, that's for you to figure out).

Have to scrounge around for another book now.

Noooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I found not just 1, but more than, quite a bit of more than, a handfull of gray hairs today. You know, I am ONLY 29. I should not have them! I am NOT happy!

New to Sarah Says..

I added a web site under cool people called Girl-A Web Site By Alex. I stumbled upon her site while looking through Hatch.com. She is a 27 year-old freelance writer who has an interesting take on things and has led an interesting life. Take a peak when you get the chance.

Lesson for today...

A lesson for all to remember...when you are streaking through Denny's, take your keys...

" SPOKANE, Wash. (AP) - Three men who went streaking through a Denny's restaurant were chilled and chagrined when they spotted a thief drive off in their getaway car, their clothes inside.
Naked in the 20-degree weather, the three young men huddled behind cars in a parking lot until police arrived."
....
"The three entered the restaurant before daybreak Wednesday, wearing only shoes and hats. They left their car running so they could make a quick escape."

It's Sarah Brightman Week

I know, it's Wednesday, so I got late jump on my Sarah Brightman week. But in honor of my getting to see her in concert in Lakeland on Saturday I declare this my "Sarah Brightman" week.

I have been a fan of the one-time-only opera singer since her Phantom of the Opera days, she was the orig. Christine in the London cast. So sometime in the 80's. Since then she has morfed into a singer of many talents. Her most recent is Harem which is a wonderful mix of middle eastern influenced music, some pop, opera and other. It's a very complex set of music.

My only disappointment with her can be her reluctace lately to sing solely in her "little girl" voice rather than through the powerful one that made her famous in Phantom of the Opera. But nevertheless, I am excited and I know that her show on stage should be spectacular!

Welcome to Moe's!

Just got back from a yummy dinner at Moe's Southwestern Grill. I had the Homewrecker Burrito, it was HUGGGEEE!! Wow...I liked it. And when you come in the door, the workers yell, "Welcome to Moe's!" If you have the chance to try Moe's do it. I liked it.

Ahhh..Tasty Citrus! and Strawberries!

I just enjoyed every morsel of a baby bell orange one of my bosses brought in. It was wonderful! Ahhh the winter-time in Florida means wonderful things..citrus and strawberries! And how I love them both. If I could eat oranges or tangerines (my other fav.) everyday rather than drinking one bit of processed OJ I would. Something about that first smell when you start ripping open citrus. So pungent and sweet. And I don't even mind the juice dripping down my fingers and getting onto my desk, that can be cleaned up. Not only do we get the lovely weather, but we can go into our back yards and pick a piece of sunshine off a tree and savor it.

(And no, the Florida citrus commission didn't pay me to say that, even though I know one of the flacks (PR person) out there in Lakeland.)

Oh and I can't forget the perfect strawberry. Alone, in a pie, with a little milk and my favorite, on a warm flaky shortcake made from Jiffy Mix (more like a biscuit really), just the thought of it all makes me smile. And from what I understand it is close to the perfect fruit when it comes to nutrition. All I know is that it is sooo good!

Blah...

The weekend was here and then it wasn't. It's amazing just how fast time does fly. One day your a little kid secure in your parents care. The next you are in college the bursting to get out and try anything and everything. Now your 29 and not at all where you thought you might be. And yet time marches on. I guess time isn't waiting for me to get where I want to go...it'll keep moving ahead no matter what.

Books

Added the two new books I am reading now.

First is Maeve Binchey's Quintin's. She is a favorite author of mine. (From Amazon, "She is concidered the Queen of Irish romance writing." She writes stories set in Dublin ... set around the same town and road (Tara Road - which is another book) and concentrates on different people/families and their lives. Her writing flows so nice. And it's fun because it a little more formal the people and their lives. This book is set around Quintins, thus the title, the formal restaurant in town and how it fits into the life of aspiring documentary maker Ella Bradley. That's about as much as I have gleemed from it so far. While it is a romance novel...it's not in the usual sense..naked bodies having sex everywhere like some and completely rich ladies of leisure as in others. I'll let you know.

Also, on the side and a little at a time I am reading Raddi Harold Kushner's The Lord is My Shepherd: Healing Wisdom of the Twenty-third Psalm. It is a study of one of the most famous passages in the bibile:

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."

So far this is an incredible book. His writing is wonderful and he is very insiteful. I am taking all the time in the world with this one.

Merge

I am on the path to actually merging my finances with my hubby. I know more than 2 1/2 years later..

We started the process to have joint checking accounts for the first time. It's a little freaky for me. I have had my own checking account for more than 10 years...a savings account since I was 17. So the thought of sharing my money...that's a little scary for me. But I realize out of my account comes food and other things that we both use any ways. So merge we will. I am even going back to the bank I never thought I would return to, Bank of America (giganto bank). I fled a few years back for a credit union. A cool think with BoA? My picture on my credit card! That's wayyy cool. And another step against identity theft (if clerks will actually take the time to look at it.)

With all of this I have been thinking about all the things that happen when you get married (or can). For many women, it starts with losing the name you have had all your life and become Mrs Joe So and So. I was never a fan of that, I can be a Mrs. but I want to be me...not just someone's wife as my identity.

Then it's having to change every piece of ID stuff you have (when you change your name). The there's the merging of your stuff, what you keep, what you don't. Now it's merging of the finances. Another step to becoming a unit rather than an individual. It's cool and all...it's just something that requires a change in the way you think. No longer it's I and mine...but we and ours.

Thanks Pat!

Man...I wrote the last Blog entry BEFORE the wonderful Godiva Hazelnut coffee I am currently drinking and had said that HGTV, you know Home and Garden TV, had really awesome clarity so much that TV makers are changing how they film. New rule...have caffine BEFORE writing on blog, or have Pat read a draft... :-)

HDTV

There's a great article in the Wall Street Journal about HDTV. It seems that it's extreme clarity, sharpness and such is creating issues for those out in Hollywood. HDTV is showing these "perfect" actors in a light they don't want to be in. All their wrinkles, hair imperfections and imperfections of the set are on full display on these sets.
Here's a paragraph I especially liked:

"High-definition "really scared the hell out of us at first because the images are so sharp," says Bruce Grayson, head makeup artist for the Academy Awards, which were broadcast in high definition for the first time last spring. "A blemish on a face becomes a volcano."

I think it's great. Maybe it'll remind some people that these people aren't perfect, that's it s a lot of smoke and mirrors. Too bad more people don't have HDTV or read this article.

Credit of the Gods...

So I get this phone call from my Hubby this morning...

"You have credit of the Gods."
I guess we are in the beginning process of getting pre-approved my mortgage lender and they did a credit check. He called to tell me that for someone my age I have stellar credit....and he's not sure why... being I have never bought a home or a car and my only real purchase I have made was our furniture in the living room.

I don't know how it happened, besides being very conservative with my money, paying off credit cards every month so that they keep increasing my limits hoping I will spurge and can't pay it off...but I don't.

Don't argue..when you have credit of the gods...it's all good.

Factoid...

Guy Bolton, the guy who almost sits next to me at work and who has the most hair on a man I have seen (we here call it pagent hair), told me a great little factoid.

He read an article yesterday on his day off that said...

If Wal-Mart were it's own country, it would be China's 8th largest trade partner.

You know that's just really big and almost scarey. Driving through the middle of the state we did notice that while the small towns may lack other amenities, there sure were Wal-Marts.

Off subject? My new favorite name of a Florida town? Scrambletown.

I'mmm Bacck!

We returned from the deep South, which is actually 3 1/2 hours north of us, last night. Sister has a BEAUTIFUL new car and we are back to work. After about an hour of sorting through 1,400 e-mails and a pile of mail I am ready to get down to work.

And can I say to all is...Car shopping sucks in the biggest way! It's exhausting. And I am glad it's over, well, so is Sis.

Well, I better get down to business...chat with you soon.

Howdy from Georgia South...

Hey guys! I am up in Jacksonville visiting my sisters and bro-in-law and one-day-to-be-bro-in-law. We had a nice quiet New Years Eve. Oh yeah...Happy New Years to all!

Yesterday my little sisters car died (we just found out the terminal diagnostics today) when we were on our way on an errand. So it was waiting for AAA and taking the car to the dealership (this dealer doesn't have an open lot so we couldn't drop it off, we had to leave it on the side of the road in front of the gate...Spent last night watching 2 movies...8 Crazy Nights (ok, I am still not sure if I liked it...not exactly a nice movie at times) and Bad Boys...funny. Then it was playing the 20th edition of Trivial Pursuit with Laura, Karen, hubby and Greg (bro-in-law) Guys against the Gals. In the end it was Laura, Me against Greg...Greg won! Too smart for me...

Today it was lazin' around...and then to the mall. Lots of fun. We are getting ready to have some yummy dinner. I have a BIIGG glass of red wine sitting in front of me waiting to be drank... mmmm! So tomorrow we get to go car shopping with sister. And some more partying... :-)

Vacation rocks!!

Oh, I finished Starting Over by Robin Pilcher. It was a good book. His mother, Rosamund Pilcher, is one of my favorite authors (Shell Seekers and September). I am not sure what I will be reading next...have to see what it sitting around.

Happy New Years!

Only 3....

Went and saw Cheaper By the Dozen with my Mom and Grandma yesterday afternoon. The theater was pretty full, lots of kids. It was fun. For me it drew a little tear. There was a point when one of the kids said "If you weren't around, we'd only be...11!" And for me I can relate. Growing up with four of us, we were always four. Our name always blended when one of did something wrong (or all of us.) Paul, Sarah, Laura, Karen! Or as Paul coined 2 days before he died...the girls were collectively "Slaren."

Today would have been Paul's 33rd birthday. And I miss being 4...now we are only 3. It is all very strange. Sitting around the dining room table and there being an extra place. Yes, I know spouses and boyfriends have filled chairs...but it's not the same. We aren't 4 or 6 as a whole, we are missing a very important component. Only 3....

Happy Birthday Paul

Oh, and I know...

Oh and I see that the Daily Dave shows up 2 times in the Cool People section. Yes, he is cool, 2 times cool? I don't know about that...but it seems the old listing I had for him disappeared in the template and I can't find it to delete it. Working on that...

What's Work?

I am about at the point that I can't remember what it is like to work. Well, I have worked at the jewelry store 1 more time than the "real job." I am liking this lifestyle. So now I must figure out how to keep it. Being a woman of lesiure? Could I do that? Wake up about 9:30 everyday...lay around in my bathrobe watching The View...."doing lunch"...seeing a movie in the MIDDLE of the day...mmm...what a life! So I need to win the lotto or get a MUCH better paying job :-)

Vacation continues....

I finally! got to sleep in today. And boy did it ever feel good.

So you like my holiday self portrait? I took it on my dad's new spiffy digital camera...I didn't think that it would show up in other places... ;-)

We are about to go off for some after Christmas shopping (Hallmark, The Dollar Store and Bealls Outlet). Hopefully I can find next years Christmas cards and some wrapping paper at nicely discounted rates..

Ta ta.

Merry Christmas!

I just wanted to drop by and wish everyone a Merry Christmas! Hubby and I are lazin' around the house until we go off to his mom's for some festive eating (if you have ever eaten a holiday meal at a Hungarian home you would know just how festive).

We had a nice Christmas Eve. Worked and made some money at the store. Came home and had a cat nap because we were tired and I had the wonderful luck of having a Christmas Eve migrain. Then it was off to my parents for a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner. Pretty traditional. Ham, cranberry's, green beans, sweet potatoes, scalloped potatoes and the biggest apple pie in existence I think. (It came from Cosco and it was HUGGGEE! - I am NOT exaggerating on this one!) Then we sat around the Christmas tree and exchanges gifts. Hubby and I now have got enough new clothes to take us through next year (THANKS everyone!) and some other fun things. Including receiving one of my fav. Disney movies on DVD Sleeping Beauty. (Favorite part? The fares fighting over Aurora's dress color.."Pink! ... Blue!...Pink....Blue!" Then it was getting all gussied up and off to midnight mass. We had a whole pew for the family. After celebrating mass it was on home for some chatting and some food. Then around 2:30 or so hubby and I plodded home finally and collapsed in bed exhausted. Got up a little before 11 and exchanged gifts. Hubbies favorite gift? A new shredder that makes paper into tiny tiny confetti...(he was excited.)

Well...I better be off. There's lots of Christmas left to enjoy! From me and hubby.. We want to wish all of our family and friends a magical, fun filled, safe and peaceful Christmas. We love you guys!

Happy Christmas Eve!

Just a brief note to make sure I wish everyone a Merry Christmas! I have to go and grab my bagel and run to open the store for hopefully a busy day...but I wanted to make sure all my family and friends knew that I was thinking about them today and have high hopes that you holidays are awesome!

How did they do it?

Mother Trib's e-mail has been down since yesterday afternoon. It has been something I, and the rest of the world, have grown very dependant on. I think I am going through withdrawl! Must have e-mail!!

Well, this is my last day of working, here, for the year. Tomorrow I become the jeweler's wife and work with him while the last minute shoppers, hopefully lots, stumble in looking for something. I will be checking in to tell of my vacation. I am hoping to do a little redesign on the site.

Now back to work...I have to get lots done before I can leave this joint tonight.

Happy Winter Solstice!

I just wanted to wish everyone a very happy and healthy Winter Solstice! Today is the first day of Winter, the shorted amount of day light of the year and the official beginning of winter. Although it has been feeling like Winter for a while (even here in Florida!). Visit the web site I have listed above to learn about the ancient festival day. It's really cool.

Just another reason to celebrate!

"God Bless Us One and All"

Finished A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens last Thursday night. What a great book! It took me a little bit to get used to Dickens style, I have been reading easier books recently I guess. But once I got by that, wow! There were many differences between the book and the movies/TV shows I have seen. I recommend that if you get the chance to read it...esp. if it can be around the holidays. It remindes you of what is important in life.

Applause!

I am happy to announce The Daily Dave has re-opened for business! We have missed his humor and creativity. Check it out today!

Moi?

I received an e-mail from Hatch.com, I have a link to them at the left, telling me that they have included Sarah Says in their blog listings. (I wonder if they search first for sights that had them listed and as a courtesy added us.) But reguardless, I am happy that they didn't visit my little site and left thinking, man this site sucks, we would NEVER associate with it.

So for those 20 and 30 somethings visit Hatch.com...it's cool, and it's now a little cooler since I am included. ;-)

Butter Makes Anything Yummy!

Went to my parents house to visit with my Grandma who came in yesterday from Toledo, Ohio. Had a lovely dinner of some yummy vegetable soup. Then me and mom went to work making some Spritz cookies (read butter, butter and MORE butter!) They go through a cookie press and make lots of little shaped cookies that are WONDERFUL! They are so good I left my cookie press there in case we need to make some more.
A good thing to remember, when it comes to baking NEVER substitute butter for anything else!

Quote of the Day

I was having a nice lunch with the recently returned and well Skippy Simanoff today. We were talking about if we were teachers the grades we think we would like to teach. He said he would like to teach kindergartners...and how it is hard to for men to teach this age because of all the PC things and concerns...

This is how he started out by saying...
"If I were a man..."

Relaxing Night...

Spent a quiet night at home last night with my hubby watching a movie. Watched Drum Line which we borrowed from the bro-in-law when we visited Jax. It was fun. Lots of cool music and dancing. Very upbeat and something that required little thinking, which is what I/we needed. It reminded me of my brother. He played in the high school band and loved it. I always was sad that he didn't get to march in college, because at the time USF didn't have one and being an Engineering student would have made it hard. Just the love of it all.

Tomorrow Return of the King premiers (well tonight at midnight I understand.) I really want to see it...but I'll give it a weekend or 2, I'm not one for being the first to see any movie. There's so many I would love to see. Something's Gotta Give, Cold Mountain when it comes out...and that Fish movie sounds interesting...and then Seabiscuit came out today on DVD, I still really want to see that. On top of it I need to see White Christmas for it to feel Christmasey to me...I LOVE that movie! Ok, enough babbling...back to work....with visions of vacation days dancing in my head!

Wow! What a Weekend!

Man, I need to come to work to relax a little.

This weekend was VERY busy. It started out Fri. night at church with dinner and a concert. It was cool. It started with Fr. John playing the drums, Ron the music director on the base guitar, and a lead guitarist and keyboardist playing Christmas favorites such as I'll have a Blue Christmas and Rockin' Around the Christmas tree. Then it was the children's and adult choirs for more Christmas singin'.

Then we find out my Bro-in law is coming for a suprise visit. So we wait to chat with him after the concert. Then off to good friend Aaron's home for watching of Christmas Vacation, a Christmas tradition.

Saturday was long too. Worked at the jewelry store. Then went to a friends home to watch the boat parade in Maderia Beach, which was really cool. Only in Florida would you see boats all lit up with music and dancing and all sorts of fun. It's a great way to celebrate! Then it was off to have drinks with the visiting Bro-in-law and his bro.

Sunday, church, brunch, decorate Christmas tree with Mom, Christmas shopping and eventually eating dinner with some friends. They were at that restaurant because a big wrestling event was on and they wanted to watch that.

Wrestling is an interesting animal. There were people there of all ages. Literally! From grandma's with white hair to kids. And they were all cheering. And everyone KNOWS it's only entertainment (read into this NOT REAL) and they love it the same. I was a good sport, I made it more than 1 hour. (Yes Aaron, I had to mention this :-)

Eventually home and to bed. I did NOT want to get up this morning as you can see why. I am looking forward to a few Silent Nights.

But I am happy to report I am not in full swing in the Christmas spirit! Just have a few things left to buy for Christmas...and some cookies to bake...and soon, very soon a week and 1/2 of vacation!

Wheeeeeeeeee!

Elf Name

Update on the Elf names. My sister Karen has been dubbed Coupon because of her def shopping ways. (She doesn't know it yet :-) and Laura Crumbcake, or maybe Fruitcake since I am Sugarplum (a fruit). I think Fruitcake is good thought. What would your elf name be?

Elfen Name

I have been told my Pat Kane that I have been given an elf name, just in time for the holidays. I have been named Sugarplum. I like it. It makes me smile. I'm on my way to being ready for Christmas. Dave Simanoff is Crumpet and Pat is Mixer. Pick an elf name and tell me what it is!

Hate to Admit this, I'm Cranky About Christmas

I was talking to a co-worker and I admitted outloud that I was putting up Christmas decorations last night and I was cranky the whole time. I was doing it to have it done and I wasn't having the best time. I never thought that I would be one of those people who was so tired and cranky at this time of the year. I don't even have kids and other distractions that really make you tired.

I am going to a Christmas concert tonight at Church, maybe it will put me in that holiday spirit...I need some...badly.

Brain..not working...must stop typing!

Sorry for the lack of posts. I have BEEN very busy. With some well deserved time off coming up for the holidays, I have to get those 8 days of work into this, next week and then the following Monday & Tues. Lots to do. At this point my brain is numb. And my fingers, well I don't feel them almost anymore. So bear with me...this will be an interesting week and some for me...and I need to get my Christmas shopping and cards finished...so much caffine will be needed.

Mr. Happy Crack

Ok, I will admit, I didn't find this myself, I stole it from Dave Barry's Blog. But this is one of the funniest things I have seen in a LONG time! Please put your hands together for Mr. Happy Crack!

If you need a laugh, this WILL provide it!

Cool thing...

I had a cool experience last night.

Yesterday was a feast day in the Catholic Church so we go to Mass.
Our church has a Vietnamese mission attached to it and they use our building for a Vietnamese language mass. They are building a facility adjacent to our building where they will have a community center and such. But until then they are sharing our building. They shared mass with us. What was so cool was how it was mixed. The first reading was in English, the second in Vietnamese, two songs were in Vietnamese and two of the alter servers had traditional Vietnamese touches to their robes, beautiful red silken additions.
I thought the whole thing was cool. That the same mass around the world is being said in so many different ways. I addition, that evening we have a section of deaf people using sign language in conjunction. So all these elements are going on.
Thinking back I have been privaleged to meet Catholics from many different lands in the past six months. First their was a young priest from Poland, who just happened to be born in the same city as some of my forefathers, then the young nun who was from Ghana in Africa and then the Vietnamese families and clergy who came last night.
It really gave me pause. All these people around the world celebrating mass in the same way but at the same time using their culture to beautify it and make it their own.
Just really cool and I thought I would share it with you.

Split Pea Ode

My ode to Split Pea Soup.

All fall I have been dreaming
about a lovely soup made of peas.
Made from peas with carrots and ham and spices
it makes me smile everytime I get a bowl.
So I give a big cheer for my Mom because she made me some
and boy was it good I can't wait till the next time.
So here's my song about the soup made from peas
I know it looks kinda gross but boy does it taste good!

Mr. Picassohead

Ok, this is a REALLY fun web site. Thanks to Pat Kane for mentioning it to me. If you fancy yourself an artist and want to design something that looks like a Picasso this is the place for you. (Laura this may not apply to you because you already paint sometimes in this style.) Enjoy! Go visit:

Mr. Picassohead

Fast Company | The Wal-Mart You Don't Know

If you have a few moments, check out this article: Fast Company | The Wal-Mart You Don't Know. It's about Wal-Mart and what it has helped cause in this country. It is fascinating.

Healthy meals from your dishwasher?

This was my favorite headline of the day so far. Healthy meals from your dishwasher? What's next? Healthy meals from your cars engine?

The Bible’s Lost Stories

I read this weeks cover story in Newsweek about women in the Bible and how many think their roles have been either misinterpreted or just changed because the male hierarchy of the church didn't want to give true legitimacy to women and the power they could/should be able to hold.The Bibles Lost Stories

This story has come to a head it seems because of the recent best seller called the The Da Vinici Code. Part of it talks about that Mary Magdalene, a close follower of Jesus, was actually much closer to him than a friend, confidant or believer, but his wife. It is very controversial and the Catholic church, which if you don't know, I am Catholic, believes the book to be very anti-Catholic and speculative.

I thought the article was very interesting. Just by reading the bible, I know that Jesus was close to many women and respected them. In fact women are important in the life andgenealogyy of Jesus named, so they weren't unimportant. There are women named throughout his genealogy. And I could believe that Mary (some are saying her name should really be Miriam) was an apostle of Christ or a close follower. Being Jesus was unconventional and all that wouldn'tsurprisee me.) But I am unsure about him being married. Yes it was typical for Jewish men of the time to be married, but there was nothing typical about this man. It seems simplistic to me. And so many of the things in the Da Vinci code seemed to be aimed at conspiracies and tarnishing the church traditions I'm just not there with it. But I would believe that women did have a greater role in the church and I believe we should continue to receive more. I am for tradition, that is one of the great things about belonging to this church, the age-old traditions and not changing something just for the heck of it. But I am for the survival of the church and giving women and girls a true sense that they do have a vital role in the church. Women do so much in most churches. They keep so many programs running but the roles are so limited. Anyways, read the story and see what you think. I am worried that some women will want to change things just to put women in roles so they can be there and not because they historically should be there. We must tread carefully.

Finally..some sense..

I was reading some stories off the web today and I came across a brief about Spike Lee criticising some forms of rap music. I thought it was very interesting. He said:

"I've always felt you can feel the progress of African Americans by listening to their music," Lee said. "Some of this 'gangsta rap" stuff, it's not doing anybody any good. This stuff is really dangerous."
He said some black adults equate education, good grammar and good grades with "being white," but when he was growing up, those things were seen as positive goals.
"You were not ridiculed if you spoke correct English," he said. Lee urged the audience to make their voices heard by not buying or viewing anything that portrays blacks in a negative way.
"We buy all this stuff, not even thinking about what's behind it ... Think about the power that we have," the 46-year-old said. "We can't just sit back and think it doesn't affect us. We have to do something about it. We have to be more choosy about the types of stuff we support."


I had always felt the same way. I never understood why having successful habits were bad and equated with one race or another. It's called being grown up. Why would you call women degrading names and talk about killing people so easily? And to think it doesn't affect your children or the way people see you.

Thank you Spike! Someone in the African American community had to have the guts to stand up and say those things. I'm glad you did it.

At Last...

I got a chance to listen to Cyndi Lauper's new CD At Last while driving to Jacksonville. At first I was disappointed to learn that it was an album of standards, other peoples music. I am one of those people who believe that artists should record new stuff, not something that was already good by someone else. I think it's a cop out.

This CD is an exception. Cyndi Lauper finally is showing the world what her voice is capable of doing. She sings so many different formats and does it well. The duet Makin' Whoopee with Tony Bennett is excellent.

I am looking so forward now for a new album from her of new material. At last Cyndi

I'm Baack

Got it at 4:30 a.m. last night from Jacksonville. We were visiting my sisters and their significant others and went to the Bucs-Jaguars game, which very unfortunately we lost. It was fun though. It was the 10th anniversary for the Jax team so there were cool fireworks and such. But, it was cold in the 30's by the time we left and we still lost. I believe the penalties cost them the game again. Them hubby and I hit the road and were "Crusin' together for the next 4 hours." I guess you could tell it was cold because the coffee machine was empty at both rest stops we stopped at. And we really needed the extra caffine, but we made due with sharing an over-sized Snickers and caffinated Diet Pepsi. I got to sleep in, but Hubby didn't, I'm sure he will be exhausted once his espresso runs low.
Well, lots to do, so type more later.

Finally Finished

Finished Reversible Errors by Scott Turow the other night. It took me a while. While it wasn't a huge book, it was on the dense side at times. I enjoyed it.

Plot:

A grisly murder took place in the early 90's. The police fingered a man, got him convicted and he is getting ready to be executed. A lawyer is hired by the government to look into the case for his final appeals. From there the book is about the discoveries that will lead them to find if this is the real murderer or not. Lots of twists and turns and some surprises.

Now I'm reading A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. I saw a book on my bookshelf that has 4 different Dickens books inside and I decided now was as good as ever to read this story. I have seen the movies many times but never got around to the book. So far it is good. It isn't easy being it's Dickens, but the descriptions are really great. Describing the chains attached to Scrooges partner and the sounds that they make. And bringing out Scrooges not-so-rosey personality. I think I am going to enjoy it. Will let you know later.

Turkey Day Debriefing

Thanksgiving was a very nice day.

Hubby and I got up at a good time (not because we woke up but because the children in the apartment next door were wrestling (what sounded like that) and making lots of noise.
Had a small breakfast and read the paper and the 10,000 ads. Then exercised to make room for the days bountiful meal later that day.
Went and visited my father-in-law, he was at the jewelry store setting up for the weekends big sale. Got looks at a $50,000+ diamond ring, $50,000+ Burmese ruby and diamond necklace and a similarly priced tanzinite and diamond necklace. Anyone who is thinking about buying something like that for their sweetie for Christmas or Hanukkah let me know.

Then it was back home to pick up the pumpkin pies that my friend Glen made and off to my sister's in-laws for dinner.
There was of course tons of food and you didn't know where to begin. Everything from turkey of course, 2 types of stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberries, rolls, sweet potatoes, corn pudding-like dish and an onion dish. Then of course there was pumpkin and apple pie. So we were happily full at the end.

Hubby went to visit with his parents and he ended up chowing some over there because so many of his traditional Hungarian treats were there.

Back at the in-laws we played cards and chatted and had a good ole' time. I am happy to report that I actually won a game a cards. They say it's because I was keeping score...

Then back home.

Happy belated turkey day to all. I am off tomorrow to Jacksonville to enjoy some time with my sisters and the rest of the family. And to watch, hopefully, the Bucs beat the Jaguars Sunday night.

Oh, and an update, my mom's brother is doing much better after his heart surgery. There were some close calls but he seems to be improving. Thanks for all your prayers and we ask for continued prayers, he still has ways to go.

Politically Correctness Runs Amuck!

Was scrolling to CNN.com today when I saw this headline:
'Master' and 'slave' computer labels unacceptable, officials say

Some person in LA saw some electrical equipment with the master and slave labels on them. And they were offended and filed a discrimination suite.

So now you can no longer use the term master or slave without risking offending someone. Even with it has nothing to do with people but inadimite objects. Most often you see the terms used in computer equipment and refers to the primary and secondary hard drives, one being a slave to the other. And now these electronic manufactures have to spend a lot of money to change labels and to reliable other things. Some people just are taking this political correctness thing a little too far. So maybe Britney Spears should take out the word "Slave" in her "I'm a Slave For You."
And in Les Miserable the Master of the House song should be out.

When will it end?

You can read the story here:

Master/Slave Story

NASCARS Beginnings

We were watching the History Channel, I think, or the National Geographic channel, one of those. And it was talking about the origins of NASCAR.

It seems it all started in Georgia, big surprise, with guys who were running moon shine from the law. They got pretty good at driving fast and as in good ole' boy fashion, they would sit on their porches bragging about how they out ran the law. Next thing you know they are racing each other through corn fields to see who was faster. Next thing they are going round and round in circles on a track trying to prove who was the faster driver. And all of this started with moonshine. They were saying its the part of NASCAR history they don't like too much to talk about. I don't know why. It's really cool and it just proves that it got started by some true good ol' boys. Now it's just good ol' boys and girls with more money and still lots of booze.

I just thought it was an interesting tidbit that I would share.

Back to Work...

Here I am at work again. It's a short week luckily, but I still have to get in 5 days of work in that time. My stuff still runs holiday or not.

Weekend was nice. Spent time with friends and family. Went shopping and got a good amount of stuff bought..not much left to do in that department. But there's still all the other stuff that comes with the holiday. Got the Christmas cards out and made my list to make sure I have the addresses and everything else. I have to get those going. And then there is the issue of my completely sloppy home. It is a mess! I seriously need to work on that.

I need to stop and catch a bite to eat..chat with you later.

Sounds of Silence on Sarah Says

Well, it looks like either no one likes Simon & Garfunkel, or more probable, no one is reading Sarah Says :-(


But that's OK, I will go on, just to hear myself type really.

I'm off to start my Christmas shopping. We are going up to Jacksonvill enext weekend and I want to take along all of the gifts for my sister and bro-in-law so I don't have to ship them. So I have made my list and checked it twice, I'll decide if they were naughty or nice, which with Laura, I suppose it may be been naughty :-).

I can't believe the holidays are here already..just seemed like yesterday it was the 4th of July. Not that I want it to be hot like that again...just enjoying the comforts of Florida in the Fall.

So off I go...wish me luck!

Sounds of Silence...

If you haven't been about able to tell by some of my headlines and some of the sayings I am using this week I have been listening to Simon and Garfunkel this week. I can't help it, they are just so good. I am bummed, as I know my mom and dad are that we/they won't be attending the Old Friends tour when it comes to Tampa next month. So I must just listen to their music. I only have one CD Simon & Garfunkel - Greatest Hits. It's not that long, but has a nice selection.

Q. So, do you dig Simon & Garfunkel too? And if so, what songs do you find groovy? I love I am a Rock, and Sounds of Silence....Among others, it is SO hard to choose!

Great New Word:

In an e-mail the word Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia popped up. You will never guess what it is the phobia is of..
long words! Check out a definition -->
Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia - Wiktionary

Say A Little Prayer for Him..

I wanted to offer up a prayer for my mom's oldest brother Mike. Today he is undergoing open heart surgery in Indiana. May God watch over him.

Nothing to See Here, Time to Move Along.

Just feeling kinda enh today. Just finished a piece of cheese cake celebrating a birthday at work and I am ready for a nap. I know there's lots going on in the world today. The Michael Jackson thingy (ew! and imagine him in jail without makeup? ew!), the conflicts in the middle east, the gay marriage debate, a little more than 1 month of shopping days until Christmas, blah, blah blah, blah. Just enh.

Another Day..Another Biz Staffer Gone...

With a heavy heart I have to annouce that friend and co-worker and desk mate, Andrew Meadows has decided to leave for greener or shall I say oranger pastures. He is a new PR (or flak as we in the news biz call them) for the Florida Department of Citrus. He gets a big raise and lots of new challenges. We wish him well, but we can't say that we aren't bummed.

Apple Bottoms

Ok, so I was watching either MTV or VHI (I think it was VH1 because I love the 80's Strikes Back was on first) and a show called Nelly's Search for Apple Bottoms came on. I guess there is a new clothing line that he is head of designed for women who are amply endowed in the rear end area. It was a show to find the women who would be the lines model. Lots of men oogeling women in tiny clothes. I don't know why I watched it to tell you the truth..but I couldn't look away.

Back..kinda

I spent yesterday at home sick. It went like this mostly...

Got up and called in sick about 8:30.
Drank a nice cup of tea and talked with hubby because I knew he wouldn't be home until after 10 p.m. again.
Layed in bed...layed in bed some more and blew my nose. Tried to comprehend this weeks West Wing that I had taped the night before. Being half loopy on drugs makes understanding the show even harder than normal.
Ate something about 1 ish.
Slept off and on until about 4:15.
Watched the end of Oprah.
Snoozed until about 6.
Got up to eat (made pancakes).
Layed on the couch until 10, reading occaisionally and drifting off occaisionally.
Went back to bed. Watched ER, kinda. Read a little.
11 p.m., took generic niquil and went to sleep.

Very exciting. But effective. I am feeling better than yesterday, tired, but better.

Blah

I seem to have caught a cold. My nose is running and my head is sore. Have to get lots done today though...blah!

Happy Birthday to You!

A BIG happy birthday to my mom! Hope you have a wonderful day!
Happy birthday to YOOUUU! Happy Birthday to Yoouu! Happy Birthday to my Mom! Happy Birthday to you!

And Yes! Tonight you can open you gifts! :-)

Thanks

Just wanted to wish everyone a pleasant Veteran's Day. I want to thank anyone who has put his or her life on the line so that we can continue to be free here in America. I appreciate all you have done.

Somewhere over the rainbow...

I am very excited. I have been invited to attend an upcoming showing of a Sing-a-Long of the Wizard of Oz at the wonderful and fantastic Tampa Theater. I shall have to start brushing up on the songs, although I have to say I do know every song pretty much by heart.

"We're off to see the wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz!"

What Does it Mean?

What does it mean when you dream you are a little boy in pioneer times?

Just one of the bizarre dreams I had last night.

4-day School Weeks?

Ok, I know this article takes place in Kentucky (and 10 other states), but it still scares me. In order to save money some school districts are shaving a day off the school week. It seems like the school boards have no clue what they are doing any more. The school days are extended by 30 minutes at the end of the day and eight Mondays they are in session. So American kids need less school? Especially with all these standardized tests in so many states. And what are parents who work supposed to do with younger children? Especially ones who can't afford more child care? So there will be more children wandering around with no supervision?

You can find the CNN story here --->
CNN.com - Cash-strapped schools going to four-day week - Nov. 7, 2003

Happy Birthday to You!!!

Here's a BIG Happy Birthday out to my dad. Here's wishes of having a great birthday and many MANY more!

"Happy birthday to Youuu! Happy Birthday to You!!! Happy Birthday to My Dad!
Happy Birthday to Youuuuuu!"

"Do You Hear the People Sing?"

I got the urge to listen to Les Miserables last night, the original London cast from 1985 of course. It is one of my favorite musicals. The passion, emotion and the singing, you can't help but sing along. I drove into work listening to it too. With the new speakers in my car is sounds really cool. I will be singing songs in my head all day, and I can see that I might be swaying every now and then cause I'm getting into it.

"He slept a summer by my side...and filled my head with endless wonder.."

Ok Eww!

Just read a story about a clothing-optional restaurant in Key West called Naked Lunch. You can go and in take your clothes off and eat a burger. Oh my, so EWW! And the people working there, naked! (Not the chef I guess, but the bartender and the wait staff.) People sitting on chairs, NAKED! And I guess the majority of the patrons are older too! 40's-60's. So older naked people!! EWWWWWWWWWWWW!!

From Cheese to Pancakes

Dave and his very complimentary spouse Britt seem to have gotten a little food poisoning from eating at I-Hop over the weekend. Sister Chef says most likely it had to do with some cross contamination, with some meat or something.

This set off a range of pancake songs. I have to say I love breakfast foods. So it's not too hard to come up with songs like:

­­­ when you're feeling hungry...
... for breakfast food ...
... what ya gonna eat?
... hot pancakes!

­­­ Pancakes are tasty ... pancakes are fun ... if you don't eat a pancake
... your breakfast isn't done!

Pankcakes...sticky, warm and buttery pancakes, I love the way they are...

It's a pancake life for me it's a pancake life for me! Instead of cereal we get pancakes, instead of waffles it's pancakes I-I crave...it's a pancake life!

There's others...but I sent them yesterday and I can't remember what I wrote...but you get the idea...Pancakes are yummy! I don't know if as yummy as cheese, but up there! Especially the ones my mom makes...she's really talented in breakfast making department.

Oh, How I Love My Cheeses!

I finally cracked open the wonderful small wheel of New England Aged Cheddar my lil'l sis. Laura gave me. It was wonderful. I don't know if I have ever had a better cheddar. It even came with that fancy wax coating. I LOVE cheese and stuff like this makes me wish I could afford to buy the better stuff. You just savor it as it melts in your mouth. MMM! This a cheese you eat with wine. (Although I'm not too picky, I eat about anything with the wine!)

So I got back to the cheese song from Anamaniacs:
"Oh, how I love my cheeses, cheese from around the world. Cheese that pleases, cheese from around the world!" I actually started singing this as I munched that cheese last night. :-)

Happy Monday Folks-I Guess

I am so sleepy today. It seems that at the time I have to get up recently that I am in that really deep sleep mode and it is so hard for me to get up. And then I am yawning all day. I am sure the overcast and off and on rainy conditions can't be helpful. But it could be that I would just rather be a home cuddled up under a blanket in bed taking a nap.