I thought he was dead by now...
Jesse Helms is trying to raise money for his senatorial library. I thought the guy was dead by now. Turns out he's 83, still bugs me, and still, of course, is a Republican.
Helms is apparently extremely wounded at the thought of former President Clinton doing anything ever again with his life. There has been talk (and it's just talk so far, people) that Clinton is jockeying for the position of U.N. secretary general when Kofi Annan retires. So, old Jesse sends a letter saying the following (and remember, this is supposed to be for fund raising!)
"I’m sure you might agree that putting a left-wing, undisciplined and ethically challenged former President of the United States into a position of such power would be a tragic mistake.”
Included with this letter is a petition urging President Bush to “rebuke all efforts by Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, and every other liberal in Congress to push for Bill Clinton to become Secretary-General of the United Nations.”
Here's my response: Get A Fucking Life
If I hear liberal in that context again I am going to scream. What the hell is wrong with being a liberal? Don't we live in a free country where it's encouraged that we all have different ideas? No, wait, maybe that was just a figment of my imagination. It's guys like Jesse Helms that make me rage more then anything.
Let's not give money to this man for a damn Senatorial library. I don't think it's worth spreading the ideas of this 'conservative'.
Monday, January 31, 2005
The big 3-0 is coming....
My best friend Jill, from college, turned 30 on Friday. We went to their house for a little celebration with her family and to christen the new addition on to their house. I'm only about 4 1/2 weeks behind her, yikes.
We had a great time. Both her parents and Matt's parents were there, as was Matt's sister and new fiancee. We love their parents and don't get to see them that often, so it's always fun when we can get together with them. Plus, seeing Sammy (age 1) is always a bonus. :) He is a riot and kept us all very entertained.
Mike & I also decided to give Madison a test run on being alone in the house. We've done 2 so far-one hour and two hours. This was 6 1/2. It did not go well.
She ate a LAMP. A LAMP people! Granted, it was a small one that sits on the table, and is decorative and hangs from a little pole and swings and has fancy stuff on the shade. But, it was not plugged in, thankfully, because she ate through the wire, complete ripped the shade apart and left it in shambles! Then, I went upstairs and found that she had ripped up a pillow.
This dog is clearly not ready to be on her own. And it was our fault. She is just about 11 months old, but I think it's going to be quite some time before she has any freedom!
(And I really liked my lamp a lot.)
Saturday, we did not do anything. I mean nothing. We physically did not hardly move. I did not get out of bed for more then an hour the whole day I think. I felt like a bum, but in the end, I think it was a good thing. Work has been insane for the last 2 weeks, and I just felt like I couldn't get enough sleep. I think I got enough!
I'm leaving on Wednesday for a short visit to upstate NY and brother Pat's. I found a great airfare and just couldn't turn it down. Plus, I needed a break. I can't wait to get away from work! I'll be back Sunday evening.
On Monday, back to work, where finally commences the move of our office. Actually, we are just expanding and moving some people into the new space. This move has been ridiculous to coordinate. It's harder then when I moved the entire office to our current space last March. The logistics have been a nightmare. I will be happy to see it all come to an end.
:)
My best friend Jill, from college, turned 30 on Friday. We went to their house for a little celebration with her family and to christen the new addition on to their house. I'm only about 4 1/2 weeks behind her, yikes.
We had a great time. Both her parents and Matt's parents were there, as was Matt's sister and new fiancee. We love their parents and don't get to see them that often, so it's always fun when we can get together with them. Plus, seeing Sammy (age 1) is always a bonus. :) He is a riot and kept us all very entertained.
Mike & I also decided to give Madison a test run on being alone in the house. We've done 2 so far-one hour and two hours. This was 6 1/2. It did not go well.
She ate a LAMP. A LAMP people! Granted, it was a small one that sits on the table, and is decorative and hangs from a little pole and swings and has fancy stuff on the shade. But, it was not plugged in, thankfully, because she ate through the wire, complete ripped the shade apart and left it in shambles! Then, I went upstairs and found that she had ripped up a pillow.
This dog is clearly not ready to be on her own. And it was our fault. She is just about 11 months old, but I think it's going to be quite some time before she has any freedom!
(And I really liked my lamp a lot.)
Saturday, we did not do anything. I mean nothing. We physically did not hardly move. I did not get out of bed for more then an hour the whole day I think. I felt like a bum, but in the end, I think it was a good thing. Work has been insane for the last 2 weeks, and I just felt like I couldn't get enough sleep. I think I got enough!
I'm leaving on Wednesday for a short visit to upstate NY and brother Pat's. I found a great airfare and just couldn't turn it down. Plus, I needed a break. I can't wait to get away from work! I'll be back Sunday evening.
On Monday, back to work, where finally commences the move of our office. Actually, we are just expanding and moving some people into the new space. This move has been ridiculous to coordinate. It's harder then when I moved the entire office to our current space last March. The logistics have been a nightmare. I will be happy to see it all come to an end.
:)
Monday, January 24, 2005
Johnny....
If you take a moment to read my brother's blog, you'll find that my comments will be much the same regarding our grandparents and Johnny Carson. It's how I came to love to watch The Tonight Show.
Grandma Webb always said she liked Johnny because he didn't have to swear or be dirty to be funny. He might get a little naughty and his jokes might have 'other' meanings, but that's what made him fun and why Grandma thought he was hilarious.
I don't remember watching The Tonight Show with Grandpa. He always had very full days and wanted to get his sleep. Grandma, on the other hand, was some what of a night owl. It was a treat to get to stay up and watch the show with her.
The Tonight Show also signified that the hour was late. As a kid, if I heard the first strains of the show's theme song, I would always think, "WOW! It's REALLY late and I'm still awake!" Or, if I was sick with the flu and heard the song I would think, "Maybe they will let me watch the show cuz I'm sick." Whatever the reason, I think kids associated with Johnny that late night grown-up thing, where they could stay up late because they were adults.
I watched his final show with my other Grandma in May of 1992. She happened to be visiting us and we sat down to watch it together. This grandma was also a night owl, and she liked Johnny too. I remember thinking that this was a historic moment-so I made sure to videotape the episode. I remember my grandma and I both were brushing away a tear or two. I watched that very show not too long ago and it still brought tears to my eyes. I honestly thought Johnny would be around forever.
And so, Johnny, we bid you a very fond farewell.
If you take a moment to read my brother's blog, you'll find that my comments will be much the same regarding our grandparents and Johnny Carson. It's how I came to love to watch The Tonight Show.
Grandma Webb always said she liked Johnny because he didn't have to swear or be dirty to be funny. He might get a little naughty and his jokes might have 'other' meanings, but that's what made him fun and why Grandma thought he was hilarious.
I don't remember watching The Tonight Show with Grandpa. He always had very full days and wanted to get his sleep. Grandma, on the other hand, was some what of a night owl. It was a treat to get to stay up and watch the show with her.
The Tonight Show also signified that the hour was late. As a kid, if I heard the first strains of the show's theme song, I would always think, "WOW! It's REALLY late and I'm still awake!" Or, if I was sick with the flu and heard the song I would think, "Maybe they will let me watch the show cuz I'm sick." Whatever the reason, I think kids associated with Johnny that late night grown-up thing, where they could stay up late because they were adults.
I watched his final show with my other Grandma in May of 1992. She happened to be visiting us and we sat down to watch it together. This grandma was also a night owl, and she liked Johnny too. I remember thinking that this was a historic moment-so I made sure to videotape the episode. I remember my grandma and I both were brushing away a tear or two. I watched that very show not too long ago and it still brought tears to my eyes. I honestly thought Johnny would be around forever.
And so, Johnny, we bid you a very fond farewell.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
After a holiday hiatus, I am now back to blogging.
The holidays were quiet and fine. Being a part from Mike was tough and I hope we don't have to do it again. It was nice to be home and with my family for Christmas Eve. We always have fun, and it was especially nice to have Amy with us for the first time since she went to Salt Lake.
Everyone was very generous, as always. Especially my parents. We received a cool door knocker engraved with The Lemke's from my dad and Debbie, and a card table and chairs from my mom and Barry. Other cool gifts were: Coca Cola stuff for my kitchen, books, CD's, DVD's. Pam gave me an enormous Coca Cola Santa Claus cut out from the grocery store. It's really great. At Christmas time it will be fun to find a place for that to sit out.
I also bought a small jukebox to sit in the kitchen. It's just a table top one that has pre-programmed partial songs from various artists. Nothing fancy and didn't cost much. It's also a radio. I am considering building a jukebox like my brother did. I'm checking into the ideas and if I think I am creative and handy enough to do so.
New Year's Eve was quiet. We went to Pam and Charlie's and laughed a lot. I drove down to visit my grandparents that day. They had visitors, but it was nice to see the Olsen's from Burr Oak. I hadn't seen them in years. I talked with Grandpa and Grandma about some family history stuff and they were able to fill me in on some information. Grandpa told me that over the years he had heard many times on what a nice man my great-grandfather Paddy O'Brien had been. Since Grandma was just two when her dad died, we never knew much about him. Pat and I were just saying to each other how DUMB we all were to have never asked Aunt Katy or Uncle John more about their dad. Being the oldest, they could have told us things about him. It's funny how you regret these things. Anyway, Grandpa said that he had always heard that Paddy was just a really great guy. And having seen some items written down by my great-grandmother, she must have really felt his loss. One of the items I have seen written was 'when we lost my dear Paddy.' Oh how I wish I had known Grandma O'Brien!
Grandpa and Grandma continue to go down hill, which is really hard to see. It's funny how roles become reversed. I cut Grandma's finger nails for her while I was there. I thought to myself, how many times do you think she did the same thing for me when I was little? We both laughed that neither of us like our nails long-just kept short and rounded off. We talked a bit about how she wanted to be a beautician after she no longer could be a nurse. She said, "I had forgotten all about that. How did you remember?" I used to pester Grandma all the time to tell me stories about when she was growing up and the things she wanted to do. This was one of them. She gave lots of woman in the Burr Oak and Bluffton area perms over the years, or set their hair in curlers!
On New Year's Day I woke up feeling like crap and have yet to shake it. Seems like the flu is really hitting hard at our Office. Some people have been out as much as 5 days. Yikes.
Today, Greg Sellnow's column in the Post-Bulletin says that Emma has now replaced Emily as the top Girl's Name of 2004! I'm happy to report that Kristin (however which way you spell it) is not in the Top 10. I believe I may round out the Top 50, but that's as good as it gets. :) Jacob is still the #1 boys name, beating out Michael for the 5th year in a row. Other such funky names getting face time: Shakira, Justice, Lexus. Oh. My. God. I know that I like wierd names, but I guess I draw the line at naming my kid after a car. I'm still hanging on for naming my kid after Johnny Cash. How cool would it be to have a middle name like CASH? Yeah, let's just say that I have my doubts that my husband would EVER allow this to happen!
Speaking of names, more friends are having babies. Mike's friend Amy in California just announced that they are expecting. Surprisingly, there are not too many of our friends left that are without kids. We also spent time with Matt, Jill and Sam this past weekend. Sam had us in stiches. He is now 15 months old and talks jibberish and is just a fun kid to be around. In some ways I can't wait to be a parent after being with him, in others it freaks me out to no end. We'll see what the future brings, I guess!
Madison update: she went to the vet on Friday. No ear infection like I thought. She has now determined that she doesn't like the vet or the techs there! She went from 37lbs on August 25th to a whopping 56lbs! The vet would like her to lose a few to keep her hips in better shape. Mike calls her tubby now. Believe me, the dog is not fat. They would just like her to have more of a 'waist' as the Vet calls it. I don't want a fat dog. That's a fear of mine. So, her treats and food have been reduced and we'll have to crank up the walks more. Otherwise, she is still a happy, talkative pup who pretty much runs the house!
The holidays were quiet and fine. Being a part from Mike was tough and I hope we don't have to do it again. It was nice to be home and with my family for Christmas Eve. We always have fun, and it was especially nice to have Amy with us for the first time since she went to Salt Lake.
Everyone was very generous, as always. Especially my parents. We received a cool door knocker engraved with The Lemke's from my dad and Debbie, and a card table and chairs from my mom and Barry. Other cool gifts were: Coca Cola stuff for my kitchen, books, CD's, DVD's. Pam gave me an enormous Coca Cola Santa Claus cut out from the grocery store. It's really great. At Christmas time it will be fun to find a place for that to sit out.
I also bought a small jukebox to sit in the kitchen. It's just a table top one that has pre-programmed partial songs from various artists. Nothing fancy and didn't cost much. It's also a radio. I am considering building a jukebox like my brother did. I'm checking into the ideas and if I think I am creative and handy enough to do so.
New Year's Eve was quiet. We went to Pam and Charlie's and laughed a lot. I drove down to visit my grandparents that day. They had visitors, but it was nice to see the Olsen's from Burr Oak. I hadn't seen them in years. I talked with Grandpa and Grandma about some family history stuff and they were able to fill me in on some information. Grandpa told me that over the years he had heard many times on what a nice man my great-grandfather Paddy O'Brien had been. Since Grandma was just two when her dad died, we never knew much about him. Pat and I were just saying to each other how DUMB we all were to have never asked Aunt Katy or Uncle John more about their dad. Being the oldest, they could have told us things about him. It's funny how you regret these things. Anyway, Grandpa said that he had always heard that Paddy was just a really great guy. And having seen some items written down by my great-grandmother, she must have really felt his loss. One of the items I have seen written was 'when we lost my dear Paddy.' Oh how I wish I had known Grandma O'Brien!
Grandpa and Grandma continue to go down hill, which is really hard to see. It's funny how roles become reversed. I cut Grandma's finger nails for her while I was there. I thought to myself, how many times do you think she did the same thing for me when I was little? We both laughed that neither of us like our nails long-just kept short and rounded off. We talked a bit about how she wanted to be a beautician after she no longer could be a nurse. She said, "I had forgotten all about that. How did you remember?" I used to pester Grandma all the time to tell me stories about when she was growing up and the things she wanted to do. This was one of them. She gave lots of woman in the Burr Oak and Bluffton area perms over the years, or set their hair in curlers!
On New Year's Day I woke up feeling like crap and have yet to shake it. Seems like the flu is really hitting hard at our Office. Some people have been out as much as 5 days. Yikes.
Today, Greg Sellnow's column in the Post-Bulletin says that Emma has now replaced Emily as the top Girl's Name of 2004! I'm happy to report that Kristin (however which way you spell it) is not in the Top 10. I believe I may round out the Top 50, but that's as good as it gets. :) Jacob is still the #1 boys name, beating out Michael for the 5th year in a row. Other such funky names getting face time: Shakira, Justice, Lexus. Oh. My. God. I know that I like wierd names, but I guess I draw the line at naming my kid after a car. I'm still hanging on for naming my kid after Johnny Cash. How cool would it be to have a middle name like CASH? Yeah, let's just say that I have my doubts that my husband would EVER allow this to happen!
Speaking of names, more friends are having babies. Mike's friend Amy in California just announced that they are expecting. Surprisingly, there are not too many of our friends left that are without kids. We also spent time with Matt, Jill and Sam this past weekend. Sam had us in stiches. He is now 15 months old and talks jibberish and is just a fun kid to be around. In some ways I can't wait to be a parent after being with him, in others it freaks me out to no end. We'll see what the future brings, I guess!
Madison update: she went to the vet on Friday. No ear infection like I thought. She has now determined that she doesn't like the vet or the techs there! She went from 37lbs on August 25th to a whopping 56lbs! The vet would like her to lose a few to keep her hips in better shape. Mike calls her tubby now. Believe me, the dog is not fat. They would just like her to have more of a 'waist' as the Vet calls it. I don't want a fat dog. That's a fear of mine. So, her treats and food have been reduced and we'll have to crank up the walks more. Otherwise, she is still a happy, talkative pup who pretty much runs the house!
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Today is my last day of work before the holidays. WHEE!
Currently, I feel like someone has stomped on my head, kicked me in the gut, and sliced my brains open. I'm weaning myself off the anti-depressant Lexapro and it's kicking me in the ass. Mike just keeps quoting this episode of Friends where Chandler tells Rachel (who has tried smoking), "You've got to keep going because it's about to get sooooo gooood." I've found that taking a large handful of Tylenol can help me through for about two hours. Yikes.
I'm heading to Rochester with Madison tomorrow to celebrate Christmas, while Mike heads for Duluth. We visited his mom on Friday night at the hospital (just a quick trip up and back in the same night) and she looked pretty good. She will hopefully be heading for a nursing home to recoup in a few weeks. I'm sure the driving to Duluth from Babbitt daily is getting to be a tough one for Mike's dad. It's an 1 1/2 hour drive one way.
Madison has discovered that she likes to play fetch, A LOT! We bought her a tennis ball that she loves to ran after. I tried to get her to play fetch with the neighbor dog, but she was more interested in just chasing the dogs, not the ball. Yesterday she chewed a hole in a small football we have. Then she carried it around the house with her snout stuck inside. It was hilarious. She is quite the goofy dog.
Big news I read online yesterday was that Lisa Marie has decided to sell Elvis' estate. She will retain Graceland and her father's personal effects, but has decided to sell the bulk of Elvis Presley Enterprises to a company that can continue to market and expand her father's image and legacy into much more and continue to introduce him to new generations. While I understand the rationale behind this, I still think it's crap. I wouldn't give it up. I think she's getting something like 35 million for it, and they have about 13 million in debt that will be paid. But that estate makes over 40 million a year and I just can't see what you'd want to get rid of it. Yet, I suppose that Graceland will make up a lot of that too. It is the 2nd most visited private residence in America after the White House. Anyway, interesting argument.
We had a discussion at work yesterday on what is your best and worst holiday. It was a good question because it makes you stop and think and all holidays, not just Christmas. I decided that the worst Christmas was when Dad and Mom decided to separate 2 weeks before the holiday. Let's just say that it wasn't much fun that year! However I do remember specifically that I received my first Walkman that year. It did not have a radio, and it only had the Fast Forward, no rewind on it. Lasted me quite awhile.
My best Christmas was when I was about 5. Driving to Linda and Sig's house in Kasson, Pat pointed outside in the sky to me and said, "LOOK! It's Santa!" And sure enough, there he was in the sky with his lights flickering. Later, Santa showed up at their house too! It was great. I received a Dukes of Hazzard sleeping bag that lasted until we threw it away just last year.
A close second was the year that Dad got our dog Wimpy for us. They put a little bow on his head, and I had to close my eyes while they put him on my lap. He licked me in the face right away and I just loved him. He was so cute.
Happy Holidays!
Currently, I feel like someone has stomped on my head, kicked me in the gut, and sliced my brains open. I'm weaning myself off the anti-depressant Lexapro and it's kicking me in the ass. Mike just keeps quoting this episode of Friends where Chandler tells Rachel (who has tried smoking), "You've got to keep going because it's about to get sooooo gooood." I've found that taking a large handful of Tylenol can help me through for about two hours. Yikes.
I'm heading to Rochester with Madison tomorrow to celebrate Christmas, while Mike heads for Duluth. We visited his mom on Friday night at the hospital (just a quick trip up and back in the same night) and she looked pretty good. She will hopefully be heading for a nursing home to recoup in a few weeks. I'm sure the driving to Duluth from Babbitt daily is getting to be a tough one for Mike's dad. It's an 1 1/2 hour drive one way.
Madison has discovered that she likes to play fetch, A LOT! We bought her a tennis ball that she loves to ran after. I tried to get her to play fetch with the neighbor dog, but she was more interested in just chasing the dogs, not the ball. Yesterday she chewed a hole in a small football we have. Then she carried it around the house with her snout stuck inside. It was hilarious. She is quite the goofy dog.
Big news I read online yesterday was that Lisa Marie has decided to sell Elvis' estate. She will retain Graceland and her father's personal effects, but has decided to sell the bulk of Elvis Presley Enterprises to a company that can continue to market and expand her father's image and legacy into much more and continue to introduce him to new generations. While I understand the rationale behind this, I still think it's crap. I wouldn't give it up. I think she's getting something like 35 million for it, and they have about 13 million in debt that will be paid. But that estate makes over 40 million a year and I just can't see what you'd want to get rid of it. Yet, I suppose that Graceland will make up a lot of that too. It is the 2nd most visited private residence in America after the White House. Anyway, interesting argument.
We had a discussion at work yesterday on what is your best and worst holiday. It was a good question because it makes you stop and think and all holidays, not just Christmas. I decided that the worst Christmas was when Dad and Mom decided to separate 2 weeks before the holiday. Let's just say that it wasn't much fun that year! However I do remember specifically that I received my first Walkman that year. It did not have a radio, and it only had the Fast Forward, no rewind on it. Lasted me quite awhile.
My best Christmas was when I was about 5. Driving to Linda and Sig's house in Kasson, Pat pointed outside in the sky to me and said, "LOOK! It's Santa!" And sure enough, there he was in the sky with his lights flickering. Later, Santa showed up at their house too! It was great. I received a Dukes of Hazzard sleeping bag that lasted until we threw it away just last year.
A close second was the year that Dad got our dog Wimpy for us. They put a little bow on his head, and I had to close my eyes while they put him on my lap. He licked me in the face right away and I just loved him. He was so cute.
Happy Holidays!
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
"Oh the weather outside is frightful"...NOT!
It hasn't even snowed since Thanksgiving and just yesterday the temps finally went low enough to warrant a hat and scarf. This morning it was 7 degrees. I just want some snow so it feels like Christmas. I really don't want a bare holiday!
Mike & I both had Friday off last week, so we had a nice long weekend. We actually didn't do much, but it was just awesome to be at home and hang out. I finished my Christmas shopping and did up all the wrapping, as well as getting the Christmas box off to Pat. Now, baking commences. I managed to get caramels made, caramel bars, Kringla, and chocolate balls created. Caramels are awesome!
Friday night we went out to dinner at the new Green Mill in Hastings and then went to see Ocean's Twelve. Not a bad movie, but I didn't like as much as the first one. I thought that the first one with a setting in Vegas was perfect. However, there were a ton of great one liners which made for a funny movie as always.
We did see some good trailers for upcoming movies. There is a Vin Diesel movie coming out that is sort of a cross between Daddy Day Care and Kindergarden Cop. Looks cute. I still need to see the Polar Express and Ray. Mike would like to see National Treasure, which I think I would like to see as well.
I think we're going to go to Duluth on Friday to visit Kathy in the hospital. I haven't been up there yet, and since I won't be going for Christmas anymore, I'd like to see her after her surgery. I sincerely hope things start going better for her. It sucks that she will have to be in a nursing home for the holidays.
I also have to pass along a web site that made me laugh so hard I cried. It's gross and juvenile, but that's why I like it. It's called the Poop Report. I managed to find it doing some searches on the death of Elvis. (I was bored.) This, of course, led to stories about how he died on 'the throne'. What made me laugh was the comment that someone posted in August 2004:
Anyone catch the Watkins Glen race yesterday? Tony Stewart had stomach cramps the whole race. After he won he spent a half hour in his trailer before he went to the winner's circle. The commentator said he had to change his suit. I wonder how many laps he had to sit in his ass puddle.
OH. MY. GOD. What could you do if you had to go during a race? What choices do you have? My guess is that you have none. You crap your pants and hope for the best. In Tony's case, he won the race. :)
I must also point out that Pat and I have determined that we get this aversion to potty humor from our Uncle Mike who taught us that farts are funny. It's just a fact of life.
If anyone needs any last minute ideas for the loved one in your life, I suggest that you purchase this lovely book called: Turd Ferguson & The Sausage Party
It hasn't even snowed since Thanksgiving and just yesterday the temps finally went low enough to warrant a hat and scarf. This morning it was 7 degrees. I just want some snow so it feels like Christmas. I really don't want a bare holiday!
Mike & I both had Friday off last week, so we had a nice long weekend. We actually didn't do much, but it was just awesome to be at home and hang out. I finished my Christmas shopping and did up all the wrapping, as well as getting the Christmas box off to Pat. Now, baking commences. I managed to get caramels made, caramel bars, Kringla, and chocolate balls created. Caramels are awesome!
Friday night we went out to dinner at the new Green Mill in Hastings and then went to see Ocean's Twelve. Not a bad movie, but I didn't like as much as the first one. I thought that the first one with a setting in Vegas was perfect. However, there were a ton of great one liners which made for a funny movie as always.
We did see some good trailers for upcoming movies. There is a Vin Diesel movie coming out that is sort of a cross between Daddy Day Care and Kindergarden Cop. Looks cute. I still need to see the Polar Express and Ray. Mike would like to see National Treasure, which I think I would like to see as well.
I think we're going to go to Duluth on Friday to visit Kathy in the hospital. I haven't been up there yet, and since I won't be going for Christmas anymore, I'd like to see her after her surgery. I sincerely hope things start going better for her. It sucks that she will have to be in a nursing home for the holidays.
I also have to pass along a web site that made me laugh so hard I cried. It's gross and juvenile, but that's why I like it. It's called the Poop Report. I managed to find it doing some searches on the death of Elvis. (I was bored.) This, of course, led to stories about how he died on 'the throne'. What made me laugh was the comment that someone posted in August 2004:
Anyone catch the Watkins Glen race yesterday? Tony Stewart had stomach cramps the whole race. After he won he spent a half hour in his trailer before he went to the winner's circle. The commentator said he had to change his suit. I wonder how many laps he had to sit in his ass puddle.
OH. MY. GOD. What could you do if you had to go during a race? What choices do you have? My guess is that you have none. You crap your pants and hope for the best. In Tony's case, he won the race. :)
I must also point out that Pat and I have determined that we get this aversion to potty humor from our Uncle Mike who taught us that farts are funny. It's just a fact of life.
If anyone needs any last minute ideas for the loved one in your life, I suggest that you purchase this lovely book called: Turd Ferguson & The Sausage Party
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
Another quick note...
I found out yesterday that a classmate of mine from high school passed away from Leukemia. Not sure how to feel. It's one of those things where you haven't seen this person in a long time, but during school, you were pretty good friends. It's bothering me.
I also dated Brandon on and off through h.s. and college. The last time I saw him was in 1994. He was on a road of drugs and alcohol and I wasn't interested in even keeping the friendship going anymore based on what I was seeing. But it was wierd-I always wondered what happened to him. I had crappy thoughts about him-he hurt me pretty bad in the romance department. Yet-now-you just feel really bad for having those thoughts.
I first knew him at St. Francis during CCD classes. We were good friends back then, always goofing around and trying to get through those darn classes. Later, in JH and HS, we hung around in the same crowds. But, you know the way things go after you graduate-everyone goes their own direction.
I guess it's bothering me cuz it's someone my own age. Our own mortality seems so far away-yet it can happen at any time. I've only lost 2 other people near my age-Mary when we were 16, my friend Syrentha to breast cancer when she was 31, just three years older then me at the time.
Anyway, just having those thoughts. So, I watched It's a Wonderful Life last night to make myself feel better. I can never watch that movie without getting goose bumps at the end when his brother Harry says, "To my brother George Bailey: the richest man in town."
"Remember, no man is a failure who has friends." So, thanks to all of you, my family and friends. For without you, I would be nothing.
I found out yesterday that a classmate of mine from high school passed away from Leukemia. Not sure how to feel. It's one of those things where you haven't seen this person in a long time, but during school, you were pretty good friends. It's bothering me.
I also dated Brandon on and off through h.s. and college. The last time I saw him was in 1994. He was on a road of drugs and alcohol and I wasn't interested in even keeping the friendship going anymore based on what I was seeing. But it was wierd-I always wondered what happened to him. I had crappy thoughts about him-he hurt me pretty bad in the romance department. Yet-now-you just feel really bad for having those thoughts.
I first knew him at St. Francis during CCD classes. We were good friends back then, always goofing around and trying to get through those darn classes. Later, in JH and HS, we hung around in the same crowds. But, you know the way things go after you graduate-everyone goes their own direction.
I guess it's bothering me cuz it's someone my own age. Our own mortality seems so far away-yet it can happen at any time. I've only lost 2 other people near my age-Mary when we were 16, my friend Syrentha to breast cancer when she was 31, just three years older then me at the time.
Anyway, just having those thoughts. So, I watched It's a Wonderful Life last night to make myself feel better. I can never watch that movie without getting goose bumps at the end when his brother Harry says, "To my brother George Bailey: the richest man in town."
"Remember, no man is a failure who has friends." So, thanks to all of you, my family and friends. For without you, I would be nothing.
"I'll see you tomorrow night."
Those words spoken by Tom Brokaw each night will be missed. I like Brian Williams, but it's going to take some getting used to not having Tom around on a regular basis anymore. I'm glad he stuck around through the election, because that is where I will miss him most.
I have to admit, I am a news junkie. It's what I wanted to do for a living for a long time. I studied anchors and reporters alike and took away certain styles and ideas to use as my own. Nationally, it was Tom Brokaw and Connie Chung that really finalized my decision to go into Broadcasting in college. Locally, it was people like Paul Majors, Don Shelby and Pat Miles (even Ernie Hain from KTTC's farm report in Rochester during the 80's) were all big influences.
When I ran into Ernie during my summer job at the Mayo Clinic in 1995, I couldn't believe my luck. The first words out of my mouth when I was introduced to him were: "ERNIE HAIN! I used to watch you on the farm report when I was in kindergarden!" (I'm sure he just loved that one!)
I worked with him over a 3 month span and learned a ton from him. He always told me that he believed that Tom Brokaw epitomized what an anchor should sound like. And, Brokaw's style of reporting was also to be commended. On the flip side, Ernie voiced this question: "I always wondered who the hell Barbara Walters slept with to become an anchor on television?"
In the last few weeks it has been of great interest to me to see how Brokaw has evolved. He admits that he is a political junkie and you can truly tell that when reporting on that stuff, he is at his happiest. But, he does so well with softer stories too. Just a few weeks ago I caught the tail end of a story that just overwhelmed me. It was a soldier in Iraq who had been killed on the day his first child was born into this world. You could truly tell that Brokaw was just as deeply affected by the event as I was. That's getting in touch with your audience.
And perhaps we'll never have as great of an anchor as Uncle Walter-Walter Cronkite. But, to me, Brokaw comes darn close.
I didn't expect him to get emotional at the end-but on that last day on the Today show, his emotions finally did catch up to him and he was hard pressed to speak without breaking down. Hat's off to you Tom. You're one of the best.
Those words spoken by Tom Brokaw each night will be missed. I like Brian Williams, but it's going to take some getting used to not having Tom around on a regular basis anymore. I'm glad he stuck around through the election, because that is where I will miss him most.
I have to admit, I am a news junkie. It's what I wanted to do for a living for a long time. I studied anchors and reporters alike and took away certain styles and ideas to use as my own. Nationally, it was Tom Brokaw and Connie Chung that really finalized my decision to go into Broadcasting in college. Locally, it was people like Paul Majors, Don Shelby and Pat Miles (even Ernie Hain from KTTC's farm report in Rochester during the 80's) were all big influences.
When I ran into Ernie during my summer job at the Mayo Clinic in 1995, I couldn't believe my luck. The first words out of my mouth when I was introduced to him were: "ERNIE HAIN! I used to watch you on the farm report when I was in kindergarden!" (I'm sure he just loved that one!)
I worked with him over a 3 month span and learned a ton from him. He always told me that he believed that Tom Brokaw epitomized what an anchor should sound like. And, Brokaw's style of reporting was also to be commended. On the flip side, Ernie voiced this question: "I always wondered who the hell Barbara Walters slept with to become an anchor on television?"
In the last few weeks it has been of great interest to me to see how Brokaw has evolved. He admits that he is a political junkie and you can truly tell that when reporting on that stuff, he is at his happiest. But, he does so well with softer stories too. Just a few weeks ago I caught the tail end of a story that just overwhelmed me. It was a soldier in Iraq who had been killed on the day his first child was born into this world. You could truly tell that Brokaw was just as deeply affected by the event as I was. That's getting in touch with your audience.
And perhaps we'll never have as great of an anchor as Uncle Walter-Walter Cronkite. But, to me, Brokaw comes darn close.
I didn't expect him to get emotional at the end-but on that last day on the Today show, his emotions finally did catch up to him and he was hard pressed to speak without breaking down. Hat's off to you Tom. You're one of the best.
Monday, December 06, 2004
Friday, December 03, 2004
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
The holidays are officially upon us! We had a really great Thanksgiving. Nothing major, just time at home with family. I missed out on the Webb's celebration, but was able to hook up with my dad later on in the evening. Dad and I did some jamming on the guitar, as I had some questions about how to play a few Johnny Cash songs. I wish I had someone to jam with on a regular basis-I really enjoyed singing and playing with him again.
Otherwise, we hung out at home mostly. Mike braved the crowds on Friday morning by arriving at Besty Buy before 6am. He said he'll never do that again. He ran into my cousin Sara and my aunt Steph too. They are all brave souls.
I do not shop on Friday morning after Thanksgiving. As a matter of fact, I try not to go to stores during the holidays at peak hours. I am not a good crowd person and find myself getting irritable and angry. Not a good thing at all. Thank god for the Internet. (or Internets as we've been calling it lately, as the Prez did during the debates) I've done 90% of my shopping online and am for all purposes, finished. It's awesome. I would love nothing more then to contribute to my local communities by shopping at their establishments, but I just can't handle the people. Holidays make people CRAZY and DUMB.
Friday night we met up with my step-brother Matt and his girlfriend Tiffiny. To celebrate our parent's birthdays, we took them out to eat at a new bar and grill in Rochester. Good food, great atmosphere. We had a lot of fun.
Saturday, my aunt Sandra came up to make Christmas cookies with my mom and I. That was fun. This is only the second time we've been able to do this, since Sandra lived in Illinois for 30 some years. Now that they are back in Minnesota, we are trying to make it tradition. We also went shopping at the store my aunt Pam works at now. Cool place, lots of deals.
I put the tree up last night, but tonight I'll get the lights and the ornaments up. We have an artificial tree (no comment) and the minute I started unpacking it, Madison grabbed a branch and off she went. I think she may have injested something because she woke up at 4 am yacking. Who knows? it's going to be interesting to see if she leaves the Christmas decorations alone.
Madison was pretty well behaved on our holiday. She managed to do some digging in the front yard at my parents, and broke a bowl in the kitchen. Otherwise, pretty good. Last night I began my workouts (I've gained way too much weight-it's time it comes off.) in the basement with TaeBo. Madison seemed to think all the moving I was doing meant it was time to play, so she wouldn't stop barking and pulling on me the whole time. We're going to have to figure out what to do about that in the future! I take her for a walk about 4 times a week, so I'm hoping that coupled with a true workout I can lose some of this fat.
I read a really great book last week called Tender. It's a fictional account of a kid named Leroy Kirby who grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi, moves to Memphis and makes it big as a rock-n- roll star. Sound familiar? It has a zillion ties to Elvis, but you could say this is a fictional account of what could/did happen to Elvis. It made for an interesting read.
I bought the DVD Bells of St. Mary over the weekend to add to my Christmas movie selections. It's not really a Christmas movie, but they only sell it at this time of year. I love old movies and this one has Bing Crosby playing Father O'Malley, the same character he played in Going My Way, another favorite. I started watching it last night and will have to round out the others over the week. It's a Wonderful Life, Charlie Brown, Grinch, Rudolph & Frosty. This is the way I get into the Christmas spirit along with Holdiay tunes. In some ways I dislike this time of year, in others I love it. I'm sure having kids of our own will make it even better.
Otherwise, we hung out at home mostly. Mike braved the crowds on Friday morning by arriving at Besty Buy before 6am. He said he'll never do that again. He ran into my cousin Sara and my aunt Steph too. They are all brave souls.
I do not shop on Friday morning after Thanksgiving. As a matter of fact, I try not to go to stores during the holidays at peak hours. I am not a good crowd person and find myself getting irritable and angry. Not a good thing at all. Thank god for the Internet. (or Internets as we've been calling it lately, as the Prez did during the debates) I've done 90% of my shopping online and am for all purposes, finished. It's awesome. I would love nothing more then to contribute to my local communities by shopping at their establishments, but I just can't handle the people. Holidays make people CRAZY and DUMB.
Friday night we met up with my step-brother Matt and his girlfriend Tiffiny. To celebrate our parent's birthdays, we took them out to eat at a new bar and grill in Rochester. Good food, great atmosphere. We had a lot of fun.
Saturday, my aunt Sandra came up to make Christmas cookies with my mom and I. That was fun. This is only the second time we've been able to do this, since Sandra lived in Illinois for 30 some years. Now that they are back in Minnesota, we are trying to make it tradition. We also went shopping at the store my aunt Pam works at now. Cool place, lots of deals.
I put the tree up last night, but tonight I'll get the lights and the ornaments up. We have an artificial tree (no comment) and the minute I started unpacking it, Madison grabbed a branch and off she went. I think she may have injested something because she woke up at 4 am yacking. Who knows? it's going to be interesting to see if she leaves the Christmas decorations alone.
Madison was pretty well behaved on our holiday. She managed to do some digging in the front yard at my parents, and broke a bowl in the kitchen. Otherwise, pretty good. Last night I began my workouts (I've gained way too much weight-it's time it comes off.) in the basement with TaeBo. Madison seemed to think all the moving I was doing meant it was time to play, so she wouldn't stop barking and pulling on me the whole time. We're going to have to figure out what to do about that in the future! I take her for a walk about 4 times a week, so I'm hoping that coupled with a true workout I can lose some of this fat.
I read a really great book last week called Tender. It's a fictional account of a kid named Leroy Kirby who grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi, moves to Memphis and makes it big as a rock-n- roll star. Sound familiar? It has a zillion ties to Elvis, but you could say this is a fictional account of what could/did happen to Elvis. It made for an interesting read.
I bought the DVD Bells of St. Mary over the weekend to add to my Christmas movie selections. It's not really a Christmas movie, but they only sell it at this time of year. I love old movies and this one has Bing Crosby playing Father O'Malley, the same character he played in Going My Way, another favorite. I started watching it last night and will have to round out the others over the week. It's a Wonderful Life, Charlie Brown, Grinch, Rudolph & Frosty. This is the way I get into the Christmas spirit along with Holdiay tunes. In some ways I dislike this time of year, in others I love it. I'm sure having kids of our own will make it even better.
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Sorry for the lack of posts. It's been a busy few weeks and I've been in a bit of a post election funk.
In missing my doggie TJ lately, Mike sent me this email from a veterinarian with a great explanation about the lives of animals. I thought it was absolutely perfect.
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt Shane could learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.
We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life like loving everybody and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, animals already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay here as long as people do."
There have been many a day that I don't know if I would have survived without the love of my pet to get me through.
Happy Thanksgiving-we have much to be thankful for in spite of the world in front of us at this moment.
In missing my doggie TJ lately, Mike sent me this email from a veterinarian with a great explanation about the lives of animals. I thought it was absolutely perfect.
Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife, Lisa, and their little boy, Shane were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no miracles left for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt Shane could learn something from the experience.
The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion.
We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life like loving everybody and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, animals already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay here as long as people do."
There have been many a day that I don't know if I would have survived without the love of my pet to get me through.
Happy Thanksgiving-we have much to be thankful for in spite of the world in front of us at this moment.
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
I am very angry right now. It's difficult for me to do any reflecting at the moment, so perhaps at another time I can post my feelings.
I worked very hard to educate people during this campaign. It's disappointing when you lose, especially this closely. I'm not a person who gets angry after an election that I lose, usually just sad. This time I'm pissed. I'm truly scared to whether another 4 years of this nonsense.
The above photo is what I feel like doing to America right now.
I worked very hard to educate people during this campaign. It's disappointing when you lose, especially this closely. I'm not a person who gets angry after an election that I lose, usually just sad. This time I'm pissed. I'm truly scared to whether another 4 years of this nonsense.
The above photo is what I feel like doing to America right now.
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