Saturday

My sister missed her flight this morning and will be coming in tomorrow morning. With news of this, all cleaning stopped and I am now doing my best to do nothing, really, but thought I’d post a new boring entry. It’s either this or a nap.

I had a very interesting happy hour with the über-sexy Toddster on Wednesday. (Toddster has requested that I refer to him as the aforementioned moniker). We both were exhausted; maybe Phoenix Winter sedation is in affect.

I suggested that I refer to him as “Chocolate Love” but he is resisting it. Just go with it, C.L.

It was a very low key conversation about how work is, how our respective spouses are and what is generally up in our lives. He has a very scary ex-spouse and a very scary episode that he just got through with, involving her. He’s one of those people you can only wish the best for and I’m very, very happy that he found his current wife, since they seem pretty near to perfect. I would be shocked to learn otherwise. You never know though; when I shared with my best friend that I was having some troubles in my own marriage in 2005 (definitely no issues now, by the way) her first reaction was that we were her model of a perfect couple and she questioned her own view of reality if we weren’t happy, but I digress…

Since we work on separate floors now in a big building, we don’t talk much but, try to maintain a text conversation whenever possible. We shared some unknown facts about our lives and some pot stickers. He did tell me that smart people are quick to judge others because they have no time for bullshit. He tells me that this is the reason why I hated him when we first met. I was not offended but responded by saying that his very smart quips, his wavy blond locks and his beautiful lips won me over. He needs blue eyes and a better self esteem. He is 5 years older than me, and I do love older men…sigh. Toddster is a great friend.

I just got off of the phone with my sister in law. She and her 4 children have arrived in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and are having a great time. My nephew Sean asked who was on the phone and I had to ask if he had turned 23 magically! His voice has changed since I last had seen him. I hear that he was also the target of cougar attention at a birthday party this weekend. Another sister in law is from Brazil and had some friends over for her son’s birthday party. They kept taking pictures with him and telling him how good looking he was. He’s going to be 14 on the 26th. Back Off!!! Oh how disgusting. Oh I wish I could go with Dave to visit. He has been instructed to take lots of pictures.

My sister in law did say that our niece (with leukemia), age 3, is feeling very well. Very energetic and having lots of fun. She told her father, when he asked her to not run in the house or roughhouse with her brothers, “what am I supposed to do Dad, I have leukemia!” She definitely has got the smart ass gene that runs through the family.

We have a few Christmas parties done with, which were much fun, but I just wish that there would be one party that doesn’t require us to bring a gift, $15 or under for the Yankee swap or White Elephant game. Can’t we just eat and drink by a bonfire or fire place? I did meet some very nice people.

We saw “Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox story” 5 stars, two thumbs up! So funny, if you like Cox jokes. The weekend we’ll see “Sweeney Todd” and I hope to see “Atonement” and “Juno”

A phone call from my sweetbaby; he’s on his way home. Well I have to meet him at the door in pearls and red lipstick (ala June Cleaver) with dinner, his slippers, smoking jacket and pipe at the ready; must go…

tivo update

by the way, I did everything that I could to try and revive Tivo (from various boards that had the know how but really no hope for me) and I had to face the fact that Tivo was gone....

(a moment of silence as a tear slides down my cheek)

Directv is mailing me a new one, It will be here in two or three days.

I love this

"someone I cared about even though we weren’t close"

I love this phrase. I found it in an article in the New York Times, this evening. Don't you have those people in your life...You truly do care about them but are not close to them, like the way you are with your best friend you call everyday or your family?

ooh the Dexter Finale is starting...gotta go...

drama

It looks like the hard drive died on Tivo

I have to stop writing now...I can't see the computer screen through my tears...

Schools Out

My last paper is written and submitted online for Native People of the Southwest (that should be an "A") and I've just returned from my final for Italian 101.

As always, I've locked in a "B" but I don't think I've learned anything. It will come in handy in an Italian emergency. I was in Paris many years ago, and it was amazing what comes back to you when you need directions or need to eat.

I had another lovely outing with Andrew and Blair. I think that I'm letting my "crazy" show a little too much, and need to rein it in, but they are lots -o- fun to talk to. They get my references.

The place that we had breakfast was a nice surprise sitting in the middle of downtown Phoenix, a historic home open for breakfast and lunch. It would be a great place to drink tea and read. I brought Dave home a banana cookie and he didn't like it; he said it was too doughy. It all can't be perfect.

I can't help regressing and giving Andrew a hard time. He opens his mouth and I can't stop the dig or sarcastic remark. agh. Really, I swear, I usually act like a respectable 38 year old, really! Sorry Andrew! We left with a promise to meet up in the New Year.

Wow 2008, I can't believe it.

This is why I love "Scrubs"

Dexter Season Finale

The Dexter season finale will be December 16th. This calls for a Dexter Finale party. Should we dress as our favorite police officer or victim?

Everyone is at work, and I'm not

I'd have to say that my day started very well, with the help of Dave.

My one favorite sweet treat, the one that I would include in a last meal request, you know, if that situation were to ever arise, was waiting for me. The chocolate croissant.

Dave hosted a bike ride for the Bike MS board and about 30 riders showed up. Following the ride they had breakfast at Le Grande Orange and there he purchased my lovely croissant.

So here I sit, with my coffee and my yummy breakfast, checking e-mail and deleting a pest who keeps e-mailing me! She's the sister in law of one of my sisters who believes that she's going to be a millionaire from Partylite. At least it's just e-mails now, she used to leave messages at my house stating that I would be a great Partylite consultant. Really, what part of my smart-ass personality got you to arrive at that conclusion. Was it the time I told you to stop running off and getting more beer when we were trying to play dominos, its your turn and you wouldn't shut up. Yeah, those were some times...sigh. It could have been the time that the same thing happened when we were playing darts or a wii game...

Sometime this week I have to get my car emissions checked and have the registration updated, find Dave a flight to Texas for Christmas, and I'm still trying to figure out the ins-n-outs of my new phone. I'm hoping that we get pretty good reception on these, in the house. The only reason we have a land line is because our cellphones had bad reception downstairs. There were some nights that I sat in the car in the garage to talk. Not fun to do in the summer.

I talked to my sister in law in Ireland yesterday morning, to get the status of her trip to Texas for Christmas. With Alea (niece) being sick, and susceptible to germs, they were seriously considering not coming, but it looks like it's going to happen. We asked her to bring cadbury roses and a box of crunchies for Dave. She also asked me what I thought of Marc Jacobs handbags; I sense a christmas present in my future...I should have told her about my love of Chanel.

yeah for me

I don't have to go to work until the 3rd. Woo Hoo! I have many people ask me what I'm going to do, in anticipation that I'm going to answer Disneyworld or Tuscany.

I will be....

Wearing my Wonder Woman pajamas
Making breakfast at about 9am
Catching up on some homework.
Meeting friends for lunch

Thats about it, I don't think that I could do anymore, it all seems so taxing...

dammit, I signed up on myspace again,

Yes, you all stood in my home and I stated that I had to stop. Not because I was keeping in contact with you way too much, my friends but because I can't stop playing with the layout. I stated I was over it.

I'm at lunch today with Jeffy and he says that he signed up again, too and to look him up. I also found my 15 year old nieces page which states that she is EIGHTEEN. Nothing looks suspicious on it yet, but I'll keep checking.

So now I think I'm happy with my choice of layout for my page but now I am unsatisfied with my contact table. argggh and it starts again. I have to find my pink skull and cross bone online icon.

Not Carpooling

Dave and I began to carpool to work and I've really enjoyed the drive to and from with him. He's now out of training and his schedule has changed. The time he leaves doesn't give me enough time to get to school so for now we will drive separately on Mondays.

I'm driving home alone for the first time in two months when this song comes on the radio.



I really enjoy a good love song. It brings vision of my sweet baby and I walking on beaches and sharing a laugh in a hammock or whatever little "sweet" scenerio that you or I can think of.

Dammit, this song, like so many others, is now connected with an advertisment or a chick movie. I start singing along thinking of Dave and then I had visions of that white haired guy trying to get couples to meet up at his christian dating site.

I put in my songs about jane cd and that just brought up memories of man/boys that were not good for me and best forgetten. I do love that cd, though, its beautiful in its pain, mr adam levine.

I love you sweet dave

I was reading this site tonight about secrets. I found it interesting that many shared the same secret.

did you see tonights "Dexter"

Oh. My. God.

the best episode yet!!!!! and what the hell is up with Lila's lip? the upper one. Stop talking like that Lila!!!!

You must see it, you must

A clip from the Daily Show folk about the writers strike. An extra chuckle are the TAGS that they have for the clip. I also have my usual crush on the only British guy on the show, John Oliver, He's the one at the end in the top hat.

Ahhhh a four day weekend….

My birthday was Saturday and I just love telling people how old I am. They say I look much younger. I respond by saying that they are fooled by my maturity level. I took a four day weekend in honor of me.

Thursday night Dave and I went looking for a dinner made for us, instead of Dave cooking. Too busy at Corbin’s, too busy at 5 & Diner and missed the turn into the parking lot of Manuel’s. We planted ourselves into a booth at Rosie McCaffery’s. Undone by Weezer was playing as he enjoyed his Guinness; me, Harp as usual. We are trying to nail down our plans for Thanksgiving day.

We would really like to spend our Thanksgiving alone, no dealing with family; just dinner out somewhere. Last Thanksgiving I invited my sister in law and my niece. The SIL told everyone details about her divorce and how you need to take it one day at a time and it’s best to move on with her life while rehashing what a bastard he was. The niece insisted that everyone was mean to her. So, dinner, just the two of us, it is. Right now we are trying to decide on the Restaurant or we will be having dinner in with my sister and her husband. That would guarantee that I’ll get the type of stuffing I want. It’s all about the stuffing.

We then need to decide if we are going to the Company Holiday Party. It’s a dry party, not that that’s such a big deal, but most people don’t stay for the whole thing. The invitation says after 5 attire, so most put there outfit to good use and head to other destinations after eating at the party. We’ll probably do the same.

I did have a lovely evening with my new old friends from high school. It’s the type of evening that I love the most. Good food, very good food, red wine and hanging out in someone’s house late in to the night talking about ridiculous things. Yes, definitely will happen again. The whole schedule thing is a problem. I just wish we could just make spontaneous plans but with family, friends and school we do have to schedule time.

I also had another lovely evening in my home with my “family”. My sisters, husbands and friends that I consider family all meet once a month for family birthdays. I made a small mistake in thinking that no one will want to come upstairs so didn’t really clean the two bedrooms. Wrong! When two gay men in the house want a tour they want to see everything. I got a thank you card from one of the birthday boys, saying they loved my home, it was so “homey” I think that means messy.

So anyway back to me, Birthday night was great. Dave and I went to Salutè for dinner, because I wanted their calamari and some red wine. It was wonderful. We then headed to Corbin’s for another drink with my sister and her husband Jim. I spent Sunday morning “taking it easy” and writing a paper for the Southwest Native class. Sunday and today I caught up I all of my Tivo’d shows that Dave hates to watch and the movies that he would never see.

I found out that Barenaked Ladies are headlining at the Tempe New Years block party. I said I would never go again but it looks like I will be there this year. Never say never.

I just couldnt stop myself

after school drive home

so this is dignified. I'm driving home and start singing to the radio and chair dancing to these lyrics.

When I first saw your man

he was really fine

He had a natural shake

it was so devine

He had a red marcadees vat it was dropped down low

good and striped with a vutchie red top and a boom in the trunk

He kissed me on my cheek and you know

thats all he got

now he calls me every night

sayin I like you alot!

Boom! I got your boyfriend

I got your man

Boom! I got your boyfriend

I got your man

Boom!I got your boyfriend

I got your man

Boom! I got your boyfriend

I got your man

I dreaded going to class and wanted to skip it since, once again, I am not studying and I guess that is not something that you want to do in a foreign language class. The word for lazy in Italiano is Pigra, when you are referring to me, which is what the professor did. I'm not embarrased by the truth. But my procrastination gene has served me well. I was miraculously able to answer her questions and the homework questions we are discussing even though I didn't do the exercises. Yes, I will get a low "B" but will I have learned anything? I can just imagine her frustration with me in Italian 102 in the spring.

its 10pm, my bed time

buona notte

Weekend going ons

Friday evening I got to share another happy hour with the über-sexy Toddster. My Dave was going to an after work Happy Hour and I had Toddster give me a ride to my place. We made a stop at Corbin's, a neighborhood bar with a lovely happy hour. We share the fish tacos and bacon wrapped scallops, which I love. We served them at my wedding, actually. Toddster and I are both a little too in touch with our sexual side (figuratively and literally) and of course, with all of our conversations we ended the evening talking about sex. Its funny that he mentioned that one of our mutual co-coworkers said that she wanted to throw him down and rip his clothes off, but he really has that "I don't know what" His blue eyes (now that I think of it, I don't know if his eyes are blue...I'm attracted to blue eyes...the few men who meant the most to me had blue eyes), a very very funny personality and the calm delivery on most of his quips. He can be intoxicating. I tell him he is exhilarating to me and he thinks I'm kidding. We headed a short distance down the road to my place when I discover that I don't have my house key! Luckily Dave had JUST arrived before me and opened the garage door. phew! Just to be clear, Toddster and I are very very happily married to others but I never fail to ask him when we are going to make out, just to make him laugh and to make him nervous.

Saturday, Dave and I had a quiet night in and ate food that was bad for me. I don't have diabetes or heart disease but genetically speaking it is really bad that I have carbs and animal fat. Best to stay away from that stuff to prolong my life, but last night we had greasy chinese take-out (yummy) opened a bottle of red wine (it's heart healthy, right? right? a whole bottle, right?) and watched, Help! (the beatles movie) I don't think Dave was too thrilled about the choice in movie but there wasn't much else on.

Of course, today I have a paper due, like every sunday until the end of the semester, 1000 words, due by 9pm Phx time and I'm procrastinating again. I'm the worst procrastinator in the world. Well, I do know another one, but would say that I'm not procrastinating enough to lose jobs, like that unnamed person. I'm a responsible procrasinator. (Is that an oxymoron?)

I may have mentioned before that I'm hosting the family birthday party, next Saturday, and the wine bottles have grown to 16. I'm being asked what I want for my birthday and I have no idea. What do i need?

Love of a good man...check
a car I've always wanted...check
great friends...check
a great job...check

The only thing that would fill a small hole in my heart would be HDTV's in each room and a major (like posh says) satellite package. I think that's what I'll ask for. It never hurts to ask and you just might get it.

By the way, speaking of the Beckhams, everytime we hear the Geico lizard speaking, we think he sounds like David Beckham. Dontcha think? God he's hot, as long as you don't see his teeth (yech) uh Becks Imean...not the gecko, I don't think he has teeth or they might be really tiny.

another confession

what was the 1st one? see the last line under this post.

My second confession would be that I make up silly little songs to sing to Dave to annoy him. They are kind of like the ones that Will Ferrell will do in some of his movies. An example of this would be in Bewitched when he's singing to samantha at their cliff edge dinner.

I'm not proud of it but I will continue to do it. It's right up there with humming in a monotone with the radio to bug him

musings

Your Kissing Purity Score: 17% Pure

For you, it's all kiss and no talk. You're in a permanent lip lock.

Kissing Purity Test

You Are 20% Pure

You've either done it, thought about it, or at least heard about it. Luckily, there's a few things left for you to try!

How Pure Are You?

I was feeling a little ordinary and normal this weekend. I was thinking about what I wanted to write here, in this online journal, and I must say that my days are uneventful.

I took the above quizzes just to see what they'd asked and with most of the quesions I answered, I thought "yeah, who hasn't?" I guess the difference is that I don't do those things now,...well some of them...heh heh

I'm not as forthcoming with information that some brave souls are in there own spaces on the net, but in the past year, things have been really really non-exciting.

I did drop a few friends this last year that were filled with drama and not that I didn't love them but I can only take up to about 20 years of your selfish, vain, it's not my fault that my life is in the shitter attitude. (yeah it is!) There are other cities besides Phoenix, pick one and start over.

If I'm still taking your emails or phonecalls, please be assured that I'm not talking about you. I love you! you are the wind beneath my wings and don't you forget it!

My final yesterday went really well and I scored an 88% on a MATH final! I hate math and only have gotten Cs or lower in the past, so I'm pretty proud of myself. I think that I may have gotten an A for the class but will have to wait and see if the instructor will spot me a point.

Dave and I just had our 9th wedding anniversary on the 17th. It was uneventful because we are in a non-spending mode at the moment. We have big plans for next year though. If anyone knows about an exciting get away let me know. So far it looks like we might go to Oregon or Washington.

My sister gave me some ideas for Dave's birthday party next year and it seems promising. Something about a downtown bar that has a roof top patio we could maybe rent out. I think that might be too hot for an August party but we'll have to take a look at it. I did like the party they had at Coach and Willies so that's a possibility too.

Really, this is just sad...I have no drama to write about and who wants a tame blog. I should have started writing a couple of years ago when I would have had lots to write about and dammit my life is just perfect now. sigh...

(confession time...well...actually there was one but its hidden away with my stupid choices made in the past)

Barenaked Ladies

I love the Barenaked Ladies, they are one of my favorite bands and since I found these, I will share them with you. Yes they have very impressive very expensive videos but I like these, singing in the bathroom - them -- not me -- I sing in the car.

Thanks, That was Fun - Ed in the Bathroom


When I Fall - Ed in the Bathroom


My favorite boy Kevin Hearn - cute as a button - not a song just Kevin running about


Call and Answer - Steven at a Border's


Brian Wilson - Steven at a Border's


What a Good Boy - Steven LIVE!

a fun fun friday

Work was the usual

After leaving I met up with two of my favorite people, Chad and Crystal at one of those restaurants that remind me of Chachkes from Office Space and share appetizers, made fun of a few people and a shared a few cocktails.

Plans are in place to get the gang together to head to Amsterdam. You must join us for a night of fun. You won't regret it.

I then joined Dave and his work buddies at another Chachke sort of place at the other end of the parking lot and had a few more cocktails

We then headed to a local cigar place and I happened to call an old friend and shared a secret about another old friend. A small thing weighing on my mind and its finally out. ahhhhhh..

We headed home and we chilled on the patio (as the kids say) and then I headed upstairs to catch up on the things that my reader save for me, when I got a call from the Toddster.

Such a sweet boy and so cute too

then I got a call from Heather about her night of gorging at the AZ State Fair. She in on the Amsterdam night.

overall a good evening and as my buzz passes I need to study for final for a math class I have to take by 5 pm tomorrow via Internet.

ciao

sorry about the late update

as usual, not much is going on in our house on sunday. We've both been studying alot. Dave for his new job and me, I finished my essay midterm exam and submitted via internet for my class about indians in the south west united states. I'm supposed to be studying for my italian exam for tomorrow but I had to take a little break.

So far the little break turned into a trip to the grocery store, a stop by Cost Plus and the purchase of 11 bottles of wine and now I'm watching Everything is Illuminated and drinking a beer, a Harp, of course. Boy, Spidey is talented.

I'm a very dedicated student.

I think that I should be a little sad today as last night probably was the end of a friendship but I guess that i knew that we hadn't really been friends for a very long time. This friends birthday was yesterday and through our sporatic communication, I was asked to join the night out and then we never called each other again. I'm not sad that it is finally gone, I'm trying to think if there is anything at that house that belongs to me... For the last 3-4 years we've tried but we could go 3-4 months and then our catch up conversations would be "did I mention that I had surgery?" I would be more than happy to talk to this person again and hang out but it's just not the same. I won't expect a call anytime soon or ever.

It seems to be this way, letting go of those you felt were important to you in your twenties and are not now as you approach forty. I'm just not fulfilled by drinking as much as possible and watching the single people take home a new stranger for the night or watch the drama of another bad boy. It's fine if you want to do it and more power to you; you go on with your bad self, but I want to enjoy my cocktail, beer or glass of wine in a kind of quiet setting and talk about ridiculous things.

**tips a forty for homies no longer with us**

So back to the 11 bottles of wine. I am hosting the "family" birthday on the 3rd and I had to make sure we had enough wine. I think its about a bottle per person and 1 more just in case.

I have to make an appointment to get the carpets clean, scrub the bathrooms and makes sure that we have enough chairs to sit around a fire pit on the porch. Lots of planning but a night of fun before the Holidays roll around will be great.

photos

I promised photos in this post from august and am finally getting around to adding them here. Toddster has the pucker face, the trio are Crystal, Chad and Johnny and the cute girl next to the Toddster is Michelle (expecting and future wife of Johnny) and of course my sweetbaby Dave looking scruffy in his Mangy Moose t-shirt. There is also Shelley (expecting) with her hubby Jeff and then Jeffy with his sister Lee.

I have a paper due at 9pm pst

and I haven't started and I've watched this 3 times...




The end of Six Feet Under (I referenced this in June, in this post)



and

The end of Strictly Ballroom

there is something here...

This gentlemen reminds me of someone, the writing style, someone who used to be very important to me.

Deep Thoughts about the Reunion Dinner and Picnic

Do you think he played Blood and Roses by the Smithereens during the funeral video?

Why are you dressed like an Aerosmith groupie or is it an homage to Cher's Gypsies Tramps and Thieves?

Wow, Steve Young (yes the football player) is hot... oh too bad he's standing near that bitch from 2nd grade.

We did have an award for stuck in the Eighties. Can we award it to someone's hairstyle only?

In high school I felt sorry for your kids because they were going to end of with your hair...and they did. How come you didn't bring the kid that you "had" to get married for?

Wow, you are a fun girl! I don't remember you at all and I think you're a crasher.

That's right you're better than us. Go ahead and assert your better-ness by knowing all the moves to the Macarena.

Reunion Saturday Night

The 20th High School reunion last night was a success. Of course my feet are paying for it, as usual, I woke up this morning sensing that they were really hurting, stood up to walk to my shower and promptly fell back on the bed. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a bummer. They're working now but still really hurt. Now I'm stuck upstairs. Dave is leading a bike ride for the bike shop and I want breakfast and can't walk down the stairs or stand at the stove for more than a few minutes. Grrrrr.

But really, I had a night shaking my groove thing and so for me it was all worth it. I still feel the shame of not remembering the Macarena.

I did meet a few very nice people that I don't remember from High School. Our graduating class was between six and seven hundred so you can't remember everyone. The one's I do remember were the same lovely people, lots of fun and commiserating about a mutually shared GPA. The committee did a great job; dinner was pretty darn good and I have a lovely gift bag filled with snacks that are sustaining me until Dave gets home and makes me some eggs.

bad bad news

We had a niece die a couple of years back, from the flu. She was 3 and a half. My sister in law was pregnant at the time with a little girl and she was born 2 weeks after the funeral.

My niece is now 3 and a half and we just heard that she's in the hospital and has leukemia. Dave's on the phone with his parents right now...

ahhhhh sunday

My favorite day.

Dave does his 40 miles on his thin-tired bike and only returns to the house at about 10am. I may have or may have not gotten out of bed yet, but today I was awake.

He walked in just in time to help with breakfast, but didn't. (whatever) I got the french press working and made sure that my sweetbaby's bacon was crispy while making sure that my dance routine of Gimme More by Miz Spears was what she should have done on that fateful VMA's. I even got a twirl and a dip in when Dave entered the kitchen. Shame on you Miz Spears.

After Umbrella by Rihanna I was a little tired and the eggs were done so we sat down to breakfast and started planning what we wanted to do next to the house.

The alcove for the clothes washer and dryer is framed out for doors that don't exist anymore. I told Dave that it would be nice to get rid of those bits of wall, you know, someday. I went up stairs and started my paper when I heard quite a bit of noise, grinding, pounding and ripping. Well, Dave is working on drywalling the holes in the wall and already the washer and dryer area is brighter. Yes, there are other areas that need improvement in the house but you can't stop Dave when he wants to do a project.

I don't have a downstairs closet any longer. Same kinda discussion and action happened. Our stairwell had a small closet but a neighbor of ours had her closet back wall knocked out and the whole space under the stairs was covered in pegboard and shelves. We were on our way out of the house to a bookstore to hangout (at the Biltmore) and I said while buckling up, "we should do that someday..." Yeah, uh, I don't have a closet anymore.

At least he's a take action sort of guy instead wallowing in uncertainty. Well, except for one thing, his 40th birthday party. He wants a big one and we have until next August.

Dave, I need suggestions for a menu, where do you want to have it? Pony rides? jugglers? Tequila Shooter girls? Mimes? (OK I threw that in for Marcel Marceau, may he rest in peace; Dave would probably kick the crap out of a Mime)

If y'all have any suggestions, let me know. Right now it looks like it going to be at an Irish pub on Camelback but he doesn't want to be locked into that quite yet. Oh and you all are invited.

So my place has a few holes in the walls from Dave's "improvements" but I moved the living room furniture around twice on Saturday and he puts up with that.

As the reunion approaches (Camelback Class of '87) a memory occurred to me as I was reaching for the orange juice this morning (actually I had a nightmare about the reunion last night so I guess its not that surprising) and this may be a story from the past from a reader, Blair.

I was sitting in an Honors English class wondering why I was there. It seems that the teacher, Mrs. Oates didn't realize that it was Honors not remedial English and gave us these ludicrous assignments. We read a book like, Where the Red Fern Grows, and then she had us answer a list of about 150 questions about the book. Really, there was no real way to answer these questions except for 1 or 2 words. The 2nd book is assigned and the same thing happens, another set of questions. Maybe it was so she didn't have to lecture or create any discussion about it. Being only a sophomore and a good girl I felt trapped as I couldn't really question why this was happening and then one day I saw Blair pick up her things and leave. In that instance I said to myself "why not?" and I left too and didn't come back.

Yes I had to retake the class but it was in my Senior year with a much better teacher who I suspect was gay, he wore a bow tie everyday and let me do essays on my favorite British comedies showing on PBS. We would discuss the last Doctor in the House or Fawlty Towers episode when the rest of the class were in groups discussing the latest project.

Well, the drama club, Masque and Gavel, asked for volunteers to visit classes to sell tickets for the Spring Play and guess which two girls made a visit to Mrs. Oates class. I had people mention that little visit in Junior and Senior year. Those adolescent adventures make me chuckle.

Bollywood

I pulled out my copy of Ghost World and was dancing about to the beginning of the movie, as usual, and decided to add the dance number to Jaan Pehechaan Ho from Gumnaan that started Ghost World. Enjoy!




I also had the following up at my myspace page, when I had one, and it was a favorite of the Toddster's and Ryan's (friends) so I want to put it back up. Check out Solla Solla Enna Perumai, from Ellam Inbamayam. You wont be the same after seeing it.

My class participation

My Italian class had just finished watching a short film about an Italian boy pursuing an Italian girl. He called her relentlessly, sat in his car outside her door confronting her about going out with him about 5 times in this story, and finally slowly walking up behind her, unbeknown st to her while they talked on a cell phone.

Our teacher said that her other classes were shocked by his pursuit and found it creepy and stalker-like. Some of the girls said, "I would file a police report about it"

My teacher said,"but that is Italy, He LOVES HER, and she never really said 'no'"

me: Yeah he loves her, he's got three just like her buried in his backyard...

Say hello to my little friend

I just gave my blog address to my "slightly nerdy" gentleman I alluded to in my previous post. Say "hello" to my high school buddy, Andrew!!

"Hi Andrew!!"

Please do not be offended by the "nerdy" label. I consider those boys very very enticing.

Enjoy the show and I'll see you next weekend!!

I love geeks and nerds

I've always known that about myself, I've always been drawn to the not popular and not male model types. This was sooo apparent to me last night.

I was flipping channels last night and ended up watching Metroland with Christian Bale. Now Christian Bale is HOT white hot; that scene in American Psycho when he is going through his morning routine in his tighty whiteys *wow*. In Metroland, he is not buff, his looks are very nerdy and I found him much more attractive than in American Psycho or that Batman movie.

I sat on my bed and ticked off in my head the boys that I had crushes on since I was 5 and there was definately a nerd trend in all. I can't think of one "beautiful boy" with no inner nerd streak that I've liked enough to crush on. I've had more friends that are boys than girls in my life and they have been all nerdish too. Even when I met my friend from high school I was amused to see that he was still the same, slightly nerdy, guy.

Church on Saturday

I got to meet the persons who made my Dave turn his back on his church.

Dave's best friend Dan called Tuesday to let us know that his mother, VI, has passed away. She had Alzheimer's for the last 15 years, so it was a very sad event but it was a relief to know that she was suffering no longer. They believe that she is in better hands, in God's care.

The viewing and rosary was on Friday night. Dave went alone Friday, and mingled with the crowd from the old neighborhood. Dave grew up around St. Gregory's but he hadn't seen some of those people for 20 years. I was working on my next paper, when he got back and he sat on the ground next to me and told me about all the people who were surprised how he had grown up so good looking, catching up on what the families were doing and filling them in on what his family have been up to. He then left before the praying started.

We both went to the funeral services; I went as that is what wives do, even though I didn't know her and I really like Mass. Yes, that is correct. I like Mass.

When I first met Dave, I was really turned off by Mass, from what glimpses I saw on T.V. when I flipped through a Christmas Midnight Mass or Easter services that they show here locally in town from St. Francis. I must confess that the real reason I really didn't like Mass was because of Beneath the Planet of the Apes. Mutants were living underground in St. Patrick's in New York City and worshiping a nuclear bomb and they held their own Mass then pulled off their masks that they covered their melted mutant faces. You see that movie once when you're eight and then ask yourself, why do you think Mass is creepy.

Since hanging out the husbands family, and going to a few on official church business (weddings, funerals and Christmas Eve) I really like the pageantry and order of the service. I just don't believe in God, that's all.

Meanwhile back at the church,

Dave's sister, Heather shows up (wearing a bra, a "thank you god" would be appropriate here) and has my niece in tow, Molly age 7, whiny tattletale. At the after service brunch, We three are trying to mingle and meet the family and Molly is asking repeatedly if she can come over today and play with the cat's. Due to Dave's little construction project in the house, Uncle Dave says no, but she is planning to come swimming in a few weeks. Dave catches up with the kids he grew up with and Heather learns that the boy she had a crush on while growing up had passed away a few years ago.

And then I met the woman who caused Dave's slide out of his church.

Dave did love Mass as much as I do. He likes his church in the traditional sense. When he was a teenager, this fine lady wanted to express her love for her god in a more modern way. For a few services, she did, what Dave described as, some interpretive dance-y mumbo jumbo during the service and taught arm movements to the children to help tell the story in hymns. In most things you need to do it the proper way, the way that Dave feels is proper, or its ruined for him. He really wasn't into his faith (meaning faith in a supreme being) and as soon as he could stop (meaning heading to college and out of his parent's house) he stopped going to church.

She seemed like a very nice lady. She said Dave grew up so handsome and I must take good care of him; you can tell just by how good he looks. She and another lady did start clapping and doing arm movements to the last song at the end of the service. I'm only annoyed by those things If I'm forced to participate against my will, much like the Macarena.

Most Evil

My younger sister recommended a show on the Discovery Times channel that has me riveted. It is officially on Tivo's season pass. Most Evil.

If you are not aware, my dream job would be Forensic Psychiatrist.

I've always been an observer of human ticks and tiny neuroses and I am a prime example of some classic ones (but who isn't).

This is exactly the type of show that is right up my alley. It does, of course have that sensationalism that most serial killer series in the first 15 minutes but the remaining 45 minutes really has quite a bit of actual physical and mental medical information about why they kill and what in there past could be behind it. That could be abuse, actual damage to the brain or mental illness or a mix of the three. They also throw in discussions about ethics as well. More like a university lecture than ABC's Primetime Live.

yes I still love Daddy Yankee

Adam Levine is Hawt

Car Dancing

I chair danced to this song on the ride home from school. It never fails to make me happy.

T.V. Shows, Dinner and a late night conversation

Before I get started, I wanted to let you know what shows I'm really excited about this season.

Tim Gunn's Guide to Style. His dry wit and rapid smart comments just slay me. His wit is like the Sahara.

Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders: Making the Team. Kelly and Judy work those poor little ole cheerleaders like Texas ranch hands and those girls always respond with an ever so polite "Yes, ma'am"

Kelly: Sugarplum, you are just too thick to fit in that uniform and your makeup makes you look like a whore.

Mary sue, cheerleader: Yes, ma'am, thank you ma'am

Love it.

Dexter. Blood spatter expert for Miami PD and the serial killer who kills serial killers.

and everything on Thursday nights on NBC.

So its all basically family viewing.

Dave and I had dinner last night with a friend of his that he's known since they were 9 or 10 years old. That would be as long as Dave has been in Arizona. (Dave moved here from Texas when he was 9). I really never clicked with this guy as he has that underlying vibe that screams schmoozy used car salesman. In fact I haven't seen him in about 5 years, a dinner out at Carrabas. He had just gotten married to a family therapist. Her therapist skills didn't work because after she had her baby a year later he started collecting new friends that were girls.

She said that was OK

Then one of these friends was giving him B.J.'s but they weren't having intercourse.

I guess the distinction matters because the wife, again, said that was OK.

Surprise, Surprise they divorced last year; leaving the wife and two sons for the b.j. girl. Dave actually met her at their 20th high school reunion last November.

Dinner last night wasn't with that girl. Apparently that girl wanted a commitment. She didn't realize that she was "that girl" that he had to accidentally/on purpose make a bad decision with so that it would force him to leave an unhappy situation instead of just being a man and saying he's leaving because the relationship not working. Poor girl.

We met someone else. They met on match dot com 2 months ago and decided last week that they are moving in together. Good for them. We hung out on the patio at Aunt Chilada's (Squaw Peak). It would be the 1st time this summer that we were able to sit outside and enjoy the evening since it was only 90 degrees. That's cardigan wearing weather here in Phoenix.

The couple had to leave at about 10pm to do what adults do in a new relationship and we headed to Corbin's a half a mile from our place where I met Gordon, retired Medtronic engineer.

We sidled up to the bar, cuz we sidle in the southwest, and I immediately introduced myself to the elderly gentleman to my right. He was alone enjoying his chipotle slow roasted pork quesadilla and a bud light. Gordon is 75, single never married, and match dot com is not his thing. He retired from Medtronic and likes to keep busy with hobbies, his garden and his brother's family. He thinks that his niece will end up with his estate. It was his second time into Corbin's but really likes the place.

I had to discuss the f-word rule with Mike and Greg the bartenders. If you say the f-word 3 times you are asked to leave. We are ladies and gentlemen and we are uninteresting and unimaginative if we use the f-bomb in our vocabulary. I only got to count 1 last night, whew.

Dinner @ Firebirds

You know when you have someone say, "You have to try this restaurant. It's our favorite, it's amazing, everything is delicious."? and then you have to eat the mediocre food? Yup, that was my Saturday night.

My best friend and her husband kept talking about Firebirds and how they had the best cocktails and the food was scrumptious. Yes, they used the word "scrumptious". The pear martini didn't taste like a pear, but it did have a pear slice in it. Yeah, that didn't matter much to me either. Dave had the prime rib and I of course had to have a taste and I can say that it was nothing special; average, mediocre, eh. I had the trout. I love trout, but not this one. It was absent of taste. I didn't think that was possible with trout. It's a little oilier, like salmon, so that was a little surprising as it's hard not to have some flavor. I ordered a side of green beans and they both jokes that they were going to fight me for them so I better eat them quick. Once again, nothing special.

It was about same price for a meal at the Keg but so not worth it. Yes, the Keg is a chain but I feel that I got a good meal for the money spent. We can't go to the keg as a foursome, because someone dated a waiter from there and it ended badly and it wasn't me. I think Dave and I need to go to the Keg when the newly married Curtis' come in to town again. Doug and Steph love the Keg and are lots o' fun.

*emails the Curtis' an invite for dinner*

We walked across the street to the movie theatre and saw Superbad. So damn funny. You must see it. "It is a moral imperative" (80's quote). The next movie masterpiece that I'm looking forward to is another Judd Apatow film, Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story. The trailer was nutty.

Negotiations have started for next years vacation. I was thinking of going to Ireland again but I was watching $40 a day (foodtv show) and Rachel "satan's minion" Ray was visiting Jackson, Wyoming and now I want to go there. Maybe both or maybe try and go somewhere I've never visited. Updates to come. What was bugging me about Rachel (this time) was that she had this cowboy accent while talking to citizens of Jackson and NO ONE ELSE HAD ONE, stop talking like that! Not the sharpest pencil in the case.

spam, spam, spam, spam

What is the deal with the U.K. spam? That's never happened before. and a 4 stone loss in 6 weeks would probably result in a major internal organ shut down of some kind...

Italian 101

I've always looked forward to the day that I would take some time and try to learn Italian. Well today was that day. I started Italian 101. Due to my procrastination, I finally figured out that the semester had started last week and I had to figure out a way to get into a class, in fact the only class in the Community Colleges that was anywhere near where I live. I've always wanted to learn Italian to know what the Corleone family was saying to each other and now I'm beginning to live my small dream.

I got the instructor to allow me into the class since it was technically closed, by having her sign a form earlier today. The class is on Monday and Wednesday, so really it would be Wednesday that I would catch up on. The first day of the semester is usually covering the syllabus only. Since she saw me for the first time about an hour and a half before the class started, she absolutely knew that this was my first night in class. I asked her what I would need to know to get caught up, what did I miss? Not much, just the alphabet, really, was her response. Wrong!! She started asking How are you? and Where were you born? and a bunch of other questions. Then we had to split up into groups of 3 and do a little play without notes asking and answering these questions.

My procrastination gene kicked in; it's never let me down. Its the one where I don't study until absolutely the last minute and come through with a solid "B-". It did not disappoint! We actually got a "Brava" from Professoressa Calandrini.

Next time I hear Luca Brasi sleeps with the fishes, I'll have just that much more insight of how its coming and who it was. Yeah, I know, it was Barzini all along.

Buona Notte!

My Saturday

I have finished my list of 100 things about me. If you think of anything let me know.

Our once a month party was lots of fun, fun, fun. I have pictures but won't be able to post them until probably next weekend. I'm not going to be home until Tuesday evening, since I'm dog sitting for my out of town sister, and then I have a test I have to study for and take by next Saturday. I have a family birthday party next saturday, too. I really need a weekend away staring at the beach doing nothing.

Some highlights would be the beer run with Toddster, the pregnant Michelle doing the booty shake dance and Chad and Johnny calling the radio station to request the Lean like a Cholo song. I told them "I remember doing that; Can you play Faithfully by Journey?" Lots more to tell of fun had by all but I really need to get some homework done.

Dinner and a chocolate martini

Dave's birthday is tomorrow. He will be 39.

The first celebration for his birthday was last night. We had dinner with Heather and Dean and Stan and Tony at the wonderful Barrio Cafe. A bit pricey but worth every penny. Their Barrio Bomba cocktail was just heaven. Every dish was amazing since we all had to share a bite with everybody at the table. We started out with their guacamole made table side, actually two servings and finished with their amazing churros. So So So good!

After dinner Tony suggested a night cap at Amsterdam for a chocolate martini. So 1 turned into 3 and then the dancing started. I can always make friends on any dance floor, so Tony and I headed for the center of the crowd. Crystal Waters 100% Pure Love started the night out (one of my favorite dance songs) but sadley no 70's disco was to be had. My new best friend, the 22 year old bartender, Brad, texted the DJ to see if he would have any but no dice. We ended the night and we were asleep by 11pm.

So the next day is when we both realized that we weren't 21 anymore. No queasy tummy's just tired and my hips were killing me. So I guess my doctors are right. If you have a chronic joint affliction its probably best to NOT dance for long periods of time and the best move is to NOT drop it like its hot. Who knew?

Almost a post

I was ready to start a post about my day when, as usual, I couldn't deny myself a check at the tivo guide and noticed that Smokey and the Bandit is playing RIGHT NOW! A girls gotta have her priorities. I just love Snowman and Fred.

This scene always makes me tear up a little

Bandit needs help because he's being chased by a Smokey and then he sees a convoy up ahead and then they save him by **eyes get a little teary**

having him drive his car between two semis and then **lump in throat starts**

another truck cuts off Smokey and **voices breaks**

hides Bandit's Trans Am and the Smokey drives right bye
and the Bandits SAFE!

Then Snowman honks his thanks as he drives up from behind **can't go on talking**

Finally another post

I must be happy because there isn't any drama to write about. Now Dave's family is having a small drama but I try to stay out of that as much as possible.

My Friday was great. I went to happy hour with my cute as a button work buddy, Todd, which was very uneventful. Just the two of us. I hadn't talked to him in a while since we don't work together anymore (he's on a different floor). I was happy to hear that he sold his old house and bought a new house for himself and Cherrie and the boys. We also shared some chicken flavored candy (sesame jack chicken strips from T.G.I.F.'s) Then I picked up Dave and met Heather and Dean for dinner and mostly for the pomegranate martinis.

I spent Saturday watching the Bourne Identity and Bourne Supremacy and now that I saw the last movie this morning, two thumbs up for the Bourne Ultimatum (and the Order of the Phoenix, and the Simpson movie! saw them last week). So say you were a British journalist and you watch Jason Bourne kick serious ass and take down 6 guys with his cannon like kicks and punches, would you A. Listen to what the assasin, on your side and trying to save your life, tells you to do or B. try to run for it even when Jason Bourne is yelling "No! Stay there!!! and then you end up dead with a bullet in your head. Yes, pick "A." Then you disappear with a new life but not before there is a scene where you dye your hair black and cut it short.

My deathly hallows book arrived safely from Ireland and it's overcast here in town today, so this seems like the perfect time to finish reading it. Along with some other household chores. Well, I'll be honest, Dave is doing all the chores.

I need to relax. I won't have a free weekend until the 1st and I have to relax when I can.

Reunion

So the reunion is coming up and I was never really jazzed about seeing anyone I knew from age 13 to 17 but it turns out it's not that bad. I got to have lunch with a long lost friend yesterday at the Duck and Decanter.

I think that the best part was that I was able to confirm to myself that the friends I had were smart and fun people. We had not talked to each other since the early 90's and we had no problem with keeping the conversation going. We actually talked for 3 hours. We are alot a like in our religious and political views and strangely enough drive the same car. Weird. So I have a "couple date" lined up at the reunion, at least a place to park my wine glass when I'm heading toward another classmate.

Tuesday

song on the drive home, Queen Bitch - David Bowie

The new position at work is much calmer; I'm much happier. So, not much going on here at home. The new hours give me some quiet time by myself before Dave gets home. I wish that I could say that I was reading Madame Bovary or some other enlightening project but I flipped between Hannah and her Sisters, an Oscar award winning movie and King Ralph, not an Oscar winner but a slightly entertaining story about an American heir to the throne of England, played by John Goodman. John Hurt and Peter O'Toole are in it...does that make it any better? no. I also read the spoilers that were leaked for the final Harry Potter book. I still can't wait to read it. We did see that latest movie on Saturday. Really very good. Nice wand fight at the end...very Darth vs. Obi wan.

This past weekend we had our usual family birthday party that we have every month. A pool party at "the couples" house. So much fun except the birthday boy (or one of the birthday boys) looked pissed off and was antisocial. We can't kick him out, he's married to one of the group. He looked happier after the gift of the Beers of the World box from Cost Plus. Those are good... The couple also did something very ingenious. They had patio umbrellas that had plastic poles and bases and put two of them in the pool. Very good shade and very comfortable. note to self: go to home depot and pick up giant plastic umbrellas.

Dave has finalized his plans to go to Dallas for Christmas. The family from Ireland are definitely showing up and called last weekend with the dates. So far the plan is that he's going alone so if anyone wants to come to my house an watch TV and drink red wine for 10 days, just drop me a line!

The newest addition to my collection! I'm way too spoiled but if you want to get me anything because I'm extra special, then please, I insist on helping you find the nearest Radley stockist.

What am I doing on the sabbath? Drinking a bottle from the Beers of the World box from Cost Plus and watching American Psycho. I love cozy nights in...

Ah, the weekend before the 5 day weekend. On friday I was offered a new position at the job starting MONDAY! Which I did accept, by the way. Much better hours.

For the drive home I was very happy. I called Dave to let him know that he needs to make sure that I wake up earlier, and placed a few calls to confirm the 4th of July fun at my house on Wednesday. I also, finally plugged my ipod into my car and now have a much better soundtrack for the ride home.

I took this picture from my cell phone because Breathe Me by Sia was playing and it reminds me of the last episode of Six Feet Under when Claire drives across the country to her new life in New York as scenes are shown how each of the characters die in the future. Very moving for me since I really loved the show and cared about the characters. Dave? well, as I was tearing up a bit as most of the families ends had shown, he says,

This doesn't make sense. She hasn't even left the desert yet...

I guess that you can say that he doesn't have the same artistic outlook that I have. He is really the best guy I've ever known though. He just left the house with some friends for a night mountain bike ride. He came up to give me a kiss goodbye and I was watching Great Balls of Fire and he starting dancing, white guy twisting would be the best description.

As I sat in a dance recital for tweens, there was so much that I felt that I felt that I wanted to type down but now I'm just going to say this. What was with the girls with too much babyfat in too small costumes? If i were a parent, I would think that I would be very angry about my daughter sliding on her knees in the big finish and arching backwards in a pair of boy shorts and half shirt.

" and 1 and 2 and turn and step and slide and BELLY"

My friend's nieces were in the recitals. They are 9 and 11. I know the girls. We four go to lunch at red lobster and paint ceramics on a few saturday's past. Before the concert my friend and I went to Ra for sushi and fortified ourselves with cosmos. The nieces were very good.

The recital was at a high school that I had been at for a speech tournament in high school. I got in trouble at that tournament by calling a boy to come and see me since he lived about a mile away and I ended up missing the bus back to my own school at the end of the day. I wonder what Joe's doing now. i think he lives in scottsdale. Well, it helped with the parking since I remembered where the auditorium was. The stage seemed smaller.

Dave and I went to see Evan Almighty and it was pretty good. Yes, a hokey ending but it's not trying to win an Oscar. Great Loggins & Messina joke. We also made it out to the pool and stayed out until Dave started turning red.