May 9, 2008
It’s Goodbye Time
May 8, 2008
Thirteen Reasons I’m Going To Miss My Best Friend Michelle.
Tomorrow, my best friend of thirteen years is moving to Nevada. And I’m going to miss her. A lot.
1. She was the only person who took care of me when I was sick
Other than my mom when I was little. Even if Michelle was really busy she took care of me.
2. She listened. A lot. Everyday.
One of the few people who didn’t tell me to “get over it”.
3. She always took my side
It’s an estrogen thing.
4. She’s hilarious.
Though I’ll still get to talk with her, it’ll be different.
5. She’s my drinkin’ partner
Though I will occasionally drink, she and I WENT OUT to drink. She got me all dressed up and out in the big, bad world.
6. Our Girl Days
Every other Saturday we’d go and get our nails done. Or our hair. And sometimes, we’d go to Good Relations.
7. Our Lunches
Every once and a while, we’d meet up while she was working and have lunch.
8. ROAD TRIPS
Monterey, Brooks and Dunn, Gretchen Wilson, Sugarland, Brad Paisley, Sacramento…..We did a lot of FUN road trips.
9. She gets me
Those people are hard to find. I have people who “get” me but they live in Canada, Utah, Texas, Alabama and now, Nevada.
10. She has my back
I know she still will, even in Nevada, but it was so nice to know she had it HERE. Right here. You know, for when the cops pull me over, or I’m sick and have no Seven Up or….Yeah, I’m REALLY going to miss her.
11. Her eye for Fashion
She was the one person I trusted to never let me (knowingly) walk out of the house looking awful. She always goes clothes shopping with me.
12. Our Private Jokes
Though we’ll still have all the ones we’ve got already, it’s hard to make new ones.
13. She’s my Rock
She’s kept my kids unbeaten, my husband alive and my mother still in my life. If it wasn’t for her, I never would have taken a chance on dating the Redneck, or lost any weight or faced my own shit. She’s been a mirror, a sounding board and a solid stand by me friend. I don’t know what I’m going to do without her.
My phone bill is going to suck.
May 7, 2008
Regatta Whiskey Wednesday
Maybe it’s because I’m not a man. Maybe it’s because I was a Brownie and a Girl Scout. All I know is that I don’t get it.
Welcome to my Whiskey Wednesday rant about Rain Gutter Regatta.
Picture if you will, fifteen boys all smiling, restless, waiting to race their beautiful pine wood, water based painted, water based glued ships of doom. Business is conducted and the boys are insane with impatience.
Finally, the races begin.
Straws are distributed (to blow air into the paper sails) and Dens are called to compete.
But all is not well.
The first boy who loses begins a wailing that rivals the fire station down the street. Tears fall and don’t stop for twenty minutes when he hides under the piano. Both of mine had three melt downs in which the words “I suck” are sobbed and big crocodile tears pour down their little faces. I’m heartbroken for them.
Why the hell are we doing this?
The Redneck’s response is to teach our kids to lose graciously. But damn it, don’t they learn enough of that everywhere else? I’m sorry. I don’t see the point. It’s one thing when they’re playing soccer or baseball and the kids learn teamwork.
But the idea that forty year old men will sand and paint some boat (bitching the WHOLE time) to have their kid blow into a sail (with WAY too much spit) and call that a learning lesson?
Bullshit.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I LOVE the Cub Scouts. For example, we’re going to help a local program that feeds and clothes homeless kids in our community. The kids will earn a badge for Community Impact and some much needed supplies will be given to some needy kids right here. Awesome.
Maybe next time, instead of spending all that money and time on some stupid ass boats, we could buy a few more pairs of socks for kids who don’t have dads to do ANY project with them.
Rant over.
Here’s a song that’s been in my head and won’t go away. Probably because I keep thinking of those kids living on the streets right here in my home town.
May 6, 2008
Is it pronounced “Mee Mee” or “Meem”. In other words, I’ve been tagged again.
Paige Tyler got me this time. Another meme to surf the internet.
The rules:
Tell seven random and/or interesting things about myself. Get five blog buddies to play, too and link to their blogs. Don’t forget to post the rules!
1. I can sit and watch politics for hours
CNN made “The Ballot Bowl” for dorks like me who love, love, love it.
2. I like to do stuff like this:
I started with book trailers and discovered I could do it with my favorite “B” side songs. (Kim Richey so far) I REALLY want to learn how to incorporate video so I can do one for my favorite shows.
3. I have three curses on me
I can’t keep a checking account in the positive, cops are drawn to me, and I don’t return movies on time. (I ALWAYS have late fees).
4. I Love To Blog
Apparently, this is unusual. I like it. Even when nobody reads it, I enjoyed it. It’s like having a visual record of my life. For me, it’s been a lot of fun.
5. I’ve Never Been To Canada
I’ve been to Mexico. I’ve been to Europe (on a school trip). Not Canada. I mean, there’s tons of places I haven’t been, but most of them aren’t two states and sixteen hours away.
And along that note, 6. I’ve Never Been East of Texas
I’ve never seen the South except for Texas (which most Southerners don’t consider the South) and I’ve never been to the Eastern Seaboard. The Romance Writer’s of America is going to be in Washington D.C. in 2009 and that will be my first time on the East Coast.
7. I’ve Got 120 College Credits….and No Degree
That’s some accomplishment. There aren’t many people who can manage to go to that much school and come out with nada. What can I say? I’m talented.
And I’m not tagging anyone. The abuse has to stop. I choose to stop the cycle of insanity by NOT passing it on. I’m kidding. If anyone wants to take it on, go right a head and link back to me. I’ll come visit.
May 5, 2008
A Bitchy Just Sayin’
To My Body
Heh Heh Heh, funny joke. Now that we’ve cleared up the whole “Forty and Pregnant” question, what’s with the hives? Oh, and you couldn’t give me anything interesting or uncommon. Just your garden variety hives with all of its fun symptoms. Nothing like picking something that has no cause and has no cure. And the whole itching thing is SO sexy, let me tell you. Do you want me to start *gasp* EXERCISING? I will, if you don’t knock it off.
Just Sayin’
To Barrack Obama
I spent a little time listening to your speeches and your statements on “Meet The Press”. The fire is gone, bud. Whatever you did to screw it up, I suggest you fix it. Less and less of Martin Luther King and more Mr. Political is not the answer. Funny how, when people start really paying attention to you, the magic isn’t so magical. Get it back. There are too many people who have begun to hope because of your message. Don’t start letting them down. At least wait until you’re elected.
Just Sayin’
To The Democratic Party
Only a year ago, there was talk that this was an “unloseable” election for the Democrats. Bush’s popularity numbers were in the toilet, the War appeared to be unpopular, the Republicans were turning on each other like rabid dogs (no wonder Karl Rove abandoned them for Fox news) and McCain and Romney were nipping at each other like Terriers. Now, I’m wondering if you’ve missed your chance. In seven months, the American people will go to the polls and it looks like this Democratic run off will go to the bitter end. Very bitter. Honestly, it isn’t looking good for you guys. That whole “unloseable” election thing is a myth. Like an unsinkable ship.
Just Sayin’
To The Cowboy
I’m still not speaking to you. Michelle leaves on Friday and frankly, I may try and send a dozen dead, smelly roses to you. Or put a horse head in your bed. Sleep with the fishes, jerkwad.
Just Sayin
Intermission: I’m a bit grumpy today. Does it show?
To Donny
If my mother is going to disown me, it’s going to be because of you. No other character has been as annoying, as dirty and as persistent as you have been. You still have to wait. I’m not writing your book until I finish the one I’m on. Stop pushing or it’s going to get ugly. Like strap-on, no lube ugly.
Just Sayin’
To The Dirt-Faced-Okie Boys
Stop the whining, boys. No, you can’t play in the attic. No, you can’t run naked outside. No, you can’t ride your bike at six in the morning. No, you can’t hang your toys from the exposed wires. No, you can’t play with the gas line where they’re going to put the heater. Yes, I’m mean. Yes, I know you think I’m not fair. As long as we’re clear.
Just Sayin
To Cub Scouts
Bad enough you made us try and “make” a wooden race car with absolutely NO instructions or guidance. Then, you create a “Regatta” which involves wooden BOATS and absolutely no instructions. Water proof paint, water based glue and paper sails don’t make for seaworthy vessels. And the worst part is that I have to show up and face all the other parents who have figured this shit out. The race car thing was a fiasco. There were Dads that had the whole “aerodynamic” package going on. It was like a NASCAR pit road as intense men and bored boys were peering at little parts and shavings. Frankly, it was a yawn fest for me. And now, we get to do the boats. Look, the Redneck can’t take this kind of pressure. He spent all weekend bitching about these damn boats and I had to listen to it. Can’t you guys do something less time intensive and competitive? Like Golf or something?
Just Sayin’
May 4, 2008
There Are Just Some Movies That You Have To See More Than Once.
I think my favorite movie has been “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium”. If you haven’t seen it, go rent it. It’s charming, kid friendly, and yet, gives the adults something too. I absolutely ADORE this movie.
I need to own it. Soon. And I’m going to go broke renting it.
Here’s the movie trailer.
Oh, and then there’s movies you can’t miss when they come out.
May 3, 2008
TWO Fabulous Books Available By Aislinn Kerry
Psyche, by Aislinn Kerry
Available April 22nd from Loose ID
After months of text messaging, Psyche has fallen in love with a man she’s never even met, so when she finally gets the chance to see him face-to-face, she leaps at it. However, their meeting doesn’t turn out quite the way she expected. E hides in the dark and refuses to let her turn on the lights. Psyche’s startled at first, but willing to overlook a few idiosyncrasies while they get to know each other in person. Their relationship flourishes–until the night Psyche’s curiosity gets the better of her.
Light reveals that E is Eros, the Greek god of love and desire, and he is furious that she broke her word. She begs for forgiveness, but he won’t give it. In breaking her word, she broke his trust. She must seek help from a goddess and brave the dangers of the underworld in order to prove herself and win back the man she loves.
***
All that Glitters, by Aislinn Kerry
Availale April 22nd from Samhain Publishing
Kynan Pritchard has come to Paris to start a new life, one free from the gruesome nightmares–and the accusations of insanity–that have plagued him from childhood. He’s used to a hard-luck existence, but when a stranger comes to his aid, he thinks maybe that luck is changing. Aneirin is strong and brave, everything that Kynan wants to be. And Kynan falls for him. Hard.
But Kynan’s nightmares are about to become reality, and not even Aneirin can protect him from the monster who’s stalked him across the continent. The gwrach-y-rhibyn threatens everything–Kynan’s life, his sanity, even his love for Aneirin.
To defeat her, Kynan will have to risk becoming the very creature he hates.
May 1, 2008
An update
For those who want to know…I am NOT pregnant and forty. Just thought I’d announce that to THE ENTIRE FREAKIN’ INTERNET.
LOL.
May 1, 2008
Thirteen Movies From Books That I Love
Not every movie made from a book is awful. Oh, a lot of them are. But these are some that I love.
1. Pride and Prejudice
Though there are several versions of Jane Austen’s classic, the one with Colin Firth is the best one IMHO.
2. Persuasion
There are a few versions of this one too, but the best is with Amanda Root.
3. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
This was a wonderful version of this book. It’s a classic, so difficult to do because some of us are VERY particular about how they’re dealt with. Though the 2005 version does change the story a bit, it’s a fabulous rendition of C.S. Lewis’s book.
4. Dune
I was extremely disappointed in the 1984 version of this book and wondered if the 2000 version on the Science Fiction channel would be as bad. It wasn’t. “Dune” and the subsequent sequel “Children of Dune” (which includes the book “Dune Messiah”) were fantastic. Though they also took story liberties (Irulan and Paul Muad’Dib meet on Arrakis before the final battle in the movie. In the book, Irulan and Paul do not meet until the end.) this is a better rendition (in my opinion) of the book than the other version. Which is weird since Frank Herbert helped with the 1984 version. Is it possible that a book or series takes on a life of its own beyond the author?
5. The Lord Of The Rings
This is another series that makes me wonder if a book takes on a life of its own. Fran Walsh is a brilliant writer, who takes the concepts of J.R. Tolkien and brings them to life. Though the books are vastly different, the movies are a fabulous testament to the agony of war and the darkness of the human soul that Tolkien themed in his books. I love the movies. And never got into the books. Isn’t that odd?
6. The Taming Of The Shew
This is a difficult one. The version I’ve linked to is one I saw a million years ago on PBS with Meryl Streep as the shrew. It was fabulous. But that version is nowhere to be found except as a notation on Streep’s list of credit. Too bad. No other version has worked for me. (I HATE Elizabeth Taylor as the shrew. Just sayin’). The most recent offering “Ten Things I Hate About You” has settled in as my favorite. Love it.
7. The Shop Around The Corner This was a play by Miklos Laszlo (which is difficult to find translated into English) so technically not a book but it’s been redone on stage and in Hollywood several different ways. Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullivan’s version is my favorite. But I enjoy them all. “In The Good Old Summer Time” with Van Johnson and Judy Garland and “You’ve Got Mail” with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan are wonderful, unique versions of this story.
8. Much Ado About Nothing
When I first saw this had been put on the screen, I rolled my eyes. This was a work of Shakespeare that missed me entirely. Yet with the the brilliance of Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh, I was sold. With a little Denzil eye candy, it’s a must see.
9. Nanny McPhee
This one is a movie that drove me to the books. Christianna Brand was unknown to me until Emma Thompson wrote a screen play based on the book “Nurse Matilda”.
10. The Murder At The Vicarage
I am an Agatha Christie/Ngaio Marsh snob. I like the adaptations to show the book in an acceptable way. Miss Marple has been played by a myriad of actresses (Angela Landsbury was one of them) but no one beats Joan Hickson. Now deceased, she was the BEST Miss Marple EVER. And I’m picky. As someone who has an entire bookshelf devoted to Agatha Christie, this is the one series (with screenwriter T.R. Bowen) that does the books justice.
11. Sherlock Holmes
Though not as much of a fan of Sherlock as Steve Hockensmith, I am particular about how Holmes is depicted on the screen. Basil Rathbone did a credible job, though his Watson was a bumbling ass which is not quite what the book Watson was. But Jeremy Britt’s Sherlock was BRILLIANT and my favorite.
12. Emma
In 1996, two versions of Jane Austen’s “Emma” finished production. One screenplay written by Douglas McGrath and starring Gwenyth Paltrow and the other by Andrew Davies and starring Kate Beckinsale.
Davies’ version wins hands down. Beckinsale’s depiction of Emma Woodhouse is infinitely classier than Paltrow’s. Also, I have to admit that I love, love, love, “Clueless” with Alicia Silverstone. Most people don’t see the connection to Jane Austen’s classic, but I do.
13. Life With Father
I love Clarence Day’s books “Life With Father”, “Life with Mother”, and “God and My Father” which I have in a three volume set. This version with William Powell is very well done and, I think, captures Day’s ironic humor perfectly. Day is not to everyone’s taste. The Redneck read the book and hated it because Day’s father is such an asshole. But for his time, Clarence Day Sr. was pretty commonplace. To the modern eye, this seems to be a story of familial dysfunction. But to Clarence Day Jr.’s generation, it was a depiction of a life fading away.
There’s my list. What’s on yours?
