Vodka Logic

Scorn

2011-10-31T01:28:00.000-04:00

There is nothing like a child scorned
Youth lost, innocence mourned

No longer playing, or riding a bike
But worrying about school, and what life is like.

Deeper thoughts, haunt and snake
Through the mind, through the ache.

Too young to know, time will pass
Old enough to see, pain in the glass.

Thoughts muddled, on the verge
Adult and child trying to merge.

Cross my fingers, I've already cried
Trying to help avoid the slide.

A mother's heart, it breaks in half
Longing to hear, the childish laugh.

Help is there, on our way at last
Smart enough, glad she asked.

One day at a time, let the healing begin
The work is hard, but in sight the win.

picture source

"Happy" Birthday to me!!

2011-10-24T05:28:00.001-04:00

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Today is my birthday, I'm now fifty-three.

Such a big number it seems to me.

"You're as young as you feel," so I'm told.

Tell that to my body, that feels so old.

The joints ache, so do the bones,

My knees protest and let out groans.

As hard as I try the blood pressure on the rise,

The perscriptions increase, much to my surprise.

Luckily I feel, the mind is still young,

Although a bit forgetful, especially when over hung.

The husband shakes his head, the daughters laugh,

As I stumble and forget, all chuckles at my behalf.

It's all okay, it doesn't bother me,

I go on each day, pretending I'm ~~twenty~~ ~~thirty~~ forty-three?

"Reelin' In The Years"

2011-10-12T11:39:00.000-04:00

I have been lucky enough to see many concerts this year with a lot more lined up. I get notifications from the leading ticket sales companies telling me who is coming to town and I buy what I can. Steely Dan was one of these groups and when I looked at the ticket prices I decided to take a pass. I have seen them before, way back in the late 80's but they are a favorite of mine so I was disappointed to miss them. Then, to my surprise, I get an email from Steve A who blogs at Long Haired Boy, that he has two tickets he can't use. Seems his trip to Boston was cancelled. Would I like them, he wants to know? OF COURSE I would. Steve A has been a great friend, not only supporting my blog but also supporting my concert addiction. He was kind enough, before, to pass on some unusable tickets to Jeff Beck.

My husband and I headed into Boston early so get some dinner and drinks. We settled in at a bar/pub/brewery called Rock Bottom and enjoyed some appetizers. We still had time so we wandered around and explored Chinatown and the streets of the theater district. There were a lot of people out and about and the atmosphere was great. It was warm and the walk was pleasant.

Waiting to go into the Wang Theater and looking around the crowd was definitely older. Most concerts I go to I feel like I'm the oldest. It was nice to "fit in".

We bought some tee shirts, got a couple of drinks and found our seats. They were fabulous. The show started right on time. I don't remember the name of the opening band but they were ok. A jazz group that didn't leave a huge impression on me. Steely Dan however was great.

They jumped right in and played the entire The Royal Scam album [yes album, it was vinyl when I bought it the first time in 1979]. This was followed by 8 or 9 of their big hits. There were a few of those I didn't know but just a couple. I can sing along with just about all of their songs. It was a perfect night to attend since The Royal Scam is my favorite and contains my favorite Dan song The Caves of Altamira.

My husband introduced my to Steely Dan in college and it was great to share this night with him. We don't share too many bands in common but this is one of the first we bonded over in those early years of dating. [unfortunately I didn't get any good pictures]

Thank you again Steve and don't forget there is a ticket to Beady Eye for you. I hope you can make it.

Below are a few of my favorites of Steely Dan. What are yours?

The Caves of Altamira

Kid Charlemagne

Reelin' in the Years

Come on Spring

2011-10-05T07:12:00.001-04:00

I've bought the bulbs and will plant them if it ever stops raining.
Now I can't wait for spring to see the results of all my gardening over the summer!

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Foto Finish Friday

2011-09-16T08:38:00.001-04:00

I guess Fall is here. It's bittersweet for me, I love Fall but not so much the cold Winter.

These flowers and gourds are on my front step waiting for the first frost and Trick or Treaters.

Have a great weekend.

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Surprise!!!

2011-09-14T20:48:00.001-04:00

I think I just gor engaged to a clown!
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Good Byes

2011-09-12T15:58:00.005-04:00

I hate good byes,

They are so hard to say.

Why is it the best,

Are so far away?

Across fields and forests,

And oceans and rivers.

The heart can travel,

The love it delivers.

In person or spirit,

The soul is accepted.

Nothing in the way,

No love interrupted.

Boats and bicycles,

Cars and planes.

Hearts are joined,

Just a hug remains.

Save the sorrow,

And think of this rhyme.

No more good byes,

Only until next time.

I took the picture this past Saturday in Boston Public Gardens.

Foto Finish Friday

2011-09-02T09:57:00.000-04:00

I love Cosmos. The flowers are pretty and the plant is interesting. I can't wait 'til next year, my garden is going to rock.
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My Favorite Lyrics

2011-08-31T05:31:00.000-04:00

As a music lover my first attraction to a song is the melody. I have to like the music to get any further into a song. The lyrics come next. Not long after, but second to the music. If the music offends my ears I can't listen to the most amazing lyrics. I have had heated discussions with other music people about this. It usually ends up with an "agree to disagree" settlement.

There are certainly cases where this changes. Some songs are "growers". They take several [or many] listens to get me too like them. A few even become favorites... now of course I can't give you any examples... too many songs "out there" to remember.

Although the music is what attracts me, what keeps me is the lyrics. I love when a song really grabs me...touchs me somehow. Below I have listed some of my favorite lines. I have included links should you want to have a listen. [lines in italics are my favorite]

This is the song that prompted this post.
The Origin of Love [from Hedwig and the Angry Inch]

You had a way so familiar,
But I could not recognize,
Cause you had blood on your face;
I had blood in my eyes.
But I could swear by your expression
That the pain down in your soul
Was the same as the one down in mine.
That's the pain,
Cuts a straight line
Down through the heart;
We called it love.

Strong; Robbie Williams

You think that I'm strong you're wrong

You're wrong
I'll sing my song my song my song

Life's too short to be afraid
So take a pill to numb the pain
You don't have to take the blame

The Importance of Being Idle; Oasis

But I don't mind

As long as there's a bed beneath the stars that shine
I'll be fine, if you give me a minute, a man's got a limit,
I can't get a life if my heart's not in it, he-heah

Undiscovered; James Morrison

You think that I want to run and hide

That I keep it all locked up inside but I just want you to find me

I'm not lost; not lost, just undiscovered
And when we're alone we are all the same as each other

So Much to Say; Dave Matthews Band.

I find sometimes it's easy to be myself

Sometimes I find it's better to be somebody else
......
Open up my head and let me out little baby

Everything Is Different Now; Don Henley

I dropped down and I called out to heaven
“Send me someone to love.”
And heaven shot back, “You get the love that you allow.”

That's a start. Maybe I'll make this a multi-piece blog, there are so many great lyrics.

What are your favorite lyrics?

picture source

Foto Finish Friday

2011-08-26T05:20:00.000-04:00

Who knew gardening was so "dangerous". While I have been enjoying my renewed interest in horticulture I had forgotten the perils. It is a good work out so I have had some aches and pains, especially the knee. Most of the damage however has been plant related, go figure.

I don't even know how or when this happened. We were trimming back some large evergreen bushes when I noticed the blood. My legs were also scratched up and I didn't notice those until I was showering and my skin was stinging.

This is worse than it looks. My arm is scabby, oozing and itching like mad crazy. It is poison ivy. It is the scurge of my garden and flourishes in the woods around my house. It is growing in a patch of pachysadra I was transplanting. It is driving me mad. I have bits on my other arm and a few small patches on my face... Joy.

How was your week? What is your scurge?

Happy Birthday !!!

2011-08-19T11:00:00.002-04:00

Happy 17th Birthday to my baby girl.

I love your individuality. I love your creativity. I love your stubbornness.

I love you!!

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Thinking outside the box

2011-08-16T05:11:00.000-04:00

My husband can be pretty ingenious when he wants to be. We can have only beans, celery and bread and he would come up with something delicious to eat for dinner. He is a stickler for keeping foods fresh, certainly smart with the price of food. Crackers and cereal are usually poured into storage bags to keep them crisp. When not available he comes up with another plan......

My daughter's duct tape....but he isn't fussy the color.

An Amazing night with Adam Levine and Pat Monahan

2011-08-15T10:26:00.000-04:00

click on any picture to enlarge

Maroon 5

I have been really lucky to have seen a lot of great concerts over the years. As of yet none of them have been terrible. Some better than others of course but no big disappointments. I have been let down by some opening bands but they aren't the real draw anyway. There have been exceptions. I saw Rob Thomas and the opening bands were supposed to be One Republic and Carolina Liar, but due to a change in date they weren't able to make it...major disappointment. The first time I saw Train, they were touring with Butch Walker but for some reason he didn't open for them at the casino.

Saturday night my daughters and I went to see Maroon 5 and Train. The opening act was scheduled to be Gavin DeGraw. Three great artists, but alas Gavin had to cancel. Apparently he was beat up and then hit by a cab... ok, good enough excuse. Via twitter we heard it was going to be some girl we had never heard of, and then reading that Matt Nathanson was touring with them later in the tour and had played with them earlier in the week we were hoping to enjoy his music. But no, the opener was PJ Morton. He was, as he claimed, keyboardist and back up singer for Maroon 5. His band was good and his covers of Stevie Wonder were nice, but I would have preferred Matt or Gavin. Such is life.......

Maroon 5

Maroon 5 and Train, however, were amazingly good. What opener disappoint? Maroon 5 played first and opened with a bang playing Moves Like Jagger. It's a great song and we loved it. They jumped right into the next song, and didn't stop through 13 songs. Adam Levine, the lead singer and sometimes guitarist is energetic and great live. His band really knows how to rock a song. They weren't just a pop band but a real rock band. Who knew, their albums are no indication they could rock so well... A great surprise. These are the best parts of concerts. To see a band you love and then get so pleasantly surprised they are even better.

Maroon 5

The biggest cheers of the night were at the end of the Train song Save Me San Francisco. On the big screen, behind the band, they included pictures of Boston.

Train

We have seen Train before and again we were not disappointed. He did a few covers, which were great but admittedly would have preferred more of their music. Train is another band that really knows how to kick it up a notch. They are not just a pop band either. [not that pop bands aren't great, I love pop]. The band rocked through 12 songs starting with Parachute and ending with Drops of Jupiter and This Isn't Goodbye. Pat Monihan, the lead singer, is very engaging with the crowd. He brought girls on stage to sing with him and even walked through the crowd when he sang, Marry Me.

Train

Two great bands in one night, we couldn't have asked for a better night, including great weather and great company. The girls were even suggesting it was the best concert yet.... I can't disagree it was amazing.... I hope for continued good luck as we have several concerts lined up this year. My next being Within Temptation.

The red links are to videos... check them out.

Happy listening, what was your favorite concert?

Foto Finish Friday

2011-08-12T06:16:00.000-04:00

If you have been reading my blog lately you know I have cleaning up around my yard. Enjoy some of my before and after pictures.

Before

The dreaded landscape cloth rears it's ugly head.

After

I love the plants growing in all the nooks and crannies. I didn't plant the ferns, they just appeared and spread.

It is hard to see the change but it is very evident in person. I want to put some annuals in to give it more color and some bulbs for spring color. Also adding mulch to cover the paper, anyone want to help? Beers!

I love these little sunflowers I planted by the back deck.

Have a great week and stop to smell the flowers

Wordless Wednesdy-My Motto

2011-08-10T05:57:00.000-04:00

I am sure most of you know the saying "Keep Calm and Carry On"? It has an interesting back ground so take a minute and click on the link.

I came across a cool bumper sticker at my favorite store, Newbury Comics, and have decided to make it my motto. It probably always has been but I didn't realize it until I saw the sticker. It now happily resides on the bumper of my car along side the "Mom's Rock" bumper sticker also purchased at Newbury Comics.

Ok so maybe this was a little bit more than wordless, but you understand.

Have a great Wednesday!

Justifiable Homicide Tuesday.

2011-08-09T09:54:00.001-04:00

As usual my gripe today isn't earth shattering or even homicidal, but it is something that really bothers me..... Who is it that designs the cup holders in cars? Personally I think cup holders are a major safety feature in a car. I would hate to manage driving and holding my coffee at the same time. I drive an automatic for the very reason it is less distracting than a standard. I need as few distractions as possible.

In the "old days" built in cup holders did not exist in cars. Now the more the merrier in my opinion, in fact they are built into baby strollers these days. [not when I had babies] Vans even have square holders for juice boxes! There were certainly ways to get around the fact there was no place to put your coffee, several options were available in the stores.....

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This option was fine, but you had to be careful when "rolling" the window up and down.

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This fancy option fits over the transmission and was handy but my shift was always in the way.

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I kinda like this option too. According to the site ["White Trash Repairs"] it is called a "Red neck cup holder". I wonder if it works with heels.

Why am I complaining? My new car of course has cup holders, two in the front between the seats and one in each door. There are some in the back seat as well, although I'm not sure how many since I rarely sit "back there". The ones in the front between the seats however are amazingly poorly designed. [see I did have a point] They are recessed and are perfect if all you drink is water or soda, but for take out coffee cups they are stupid. I buy medium sized and the lids are just wide enough and the cup just short enough that it gets caught. I have even had the lid pulled off before only to be left with most of the coffee in the bottom of the well.

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See how deep the wells are. Of course it looks good in the picture since they are using a reuseable cup. I guess I could invest in one [in fact I own a couple] but then it gets taken inside to be washed and never seems to get back in the car again. [like the reuseable grocery bags I bought] My husbands car, a Mazda 3, is even worse. The design is similar but seems to catch the lid even easier.

Anyone know an automobile engineer I can send my gripe too?

What's bothering you today?

Foto Finish Friday

2011-08-05T08:27:00.001-04:00

The new welcome sign on the front of my house.

Have a great weekend everyone..

Glass Art 101-Easy Fun

2011-08-03T04:09:00.000-04:00

In my last post I showed you some of my gardening skillz. [stop laughing] Well the clean up continues and I will post more pictures another day. Today's post is about my mad glass sculpting skillz. In the last post, which I assume you have all read I explain how my sister's glass art inspired me and I showed a picture of my youngest awesome glass creation.

Youngest daughters sculpture [my dad made the chair]

Yesterday afternoon was the nicest day we have had this summer, full stop, and we finished the clean up in front of the house and after lunch spent the afternoon on the deck making more sculptures. It is very simple, just collect old pieces of glass in different shapes, sizes and colors. I went to Good Will and found some cool vases and plates for around a dollar apiece. We found a lot of glass cheap at The Christmas Tree Shop and at The Dollar Tree. Ideally it would be fun to shop yard sales and thrift shops like my sister but we wanted to accumulate fast so we could get started. I will save what we don't use and start collecting as I go from now on. I have saved the plate from my dead microwave [makes a great base].

My sister recommended Amazing Goop to use as glue and so far it has worked a charm. Goo Gone is also a must for removing the price tag... goo.

The pictures below are pretty self expanatory. There is no exact process, just keep trying things until you like what you have, then start gluing. We set the pieces aside, far from the cats to dry for a good 24 hours.

The glass collection

Trying different arrangements

We used some clear, colored glass stones for effect

Oldest daughter concentrating on her piece

Love the little one

The final project

Just call me Alan Titchmarsh

2011-08-01T04:43:00.000-04:00

Alan Titchmarsh used to have a show called Ground Force I would watch on BBC America. It was a garden makeover show where he and his regular crew would re-do someone's garden in two days. It would be a surprise for someone the family had nominated. The show was funny and interesting.

My similarity to Alan Titchmarsh ends there. He had a show, I watched it.

Gardening has been a family past time for generations. My parents, brilliant gardeners, passed the gene to my sisters and I. My two older sisters have amazing gardens, mine leaves something to be desired. I had fairly nice gardens, I thought they were awesome, at my first house. This house has been more of a challenge. I started out full swing but the plants didn't seem to like it so much. The soil has a lot of clay and some dopey previous owner put ground cloth down to control weeds and even cutting through it stunted the plants. The front yard is sloped and hard to garden. I seem to be always chasing a runaway wheel barrow or watering can.

I got discouraged, gained a dodgy knee and discovered the internet. The garden has thus suffered over the last 8-10 years. Periodically I would attempt to revamp a part with the help of my mother but the weeds would take over the following spring. I am fond of the "over grown" look with lots of crowding and a busy look, but weeds doing the crowding doesn't count. Although my mother defines a weed "as a plant growing where you don't want it" I haven't found any weeds I want to keep, and technically a rose could be a weed.

A couple of months ago I bought some plants from the local garden club and if I don't get them in the ground soon they will die. Some are currently on life support, but I am hoping for the best. Last weekend I visited my parents and sister in New Hampshire. I got a tour of my folks new garden shed and garden. I also got a tour of my sisters garden. Yes both are extensive enough for tours. My sister had these neat glass sculptures in one of her flower beds. They are made from discarded plates, glasses, vases, you name it, collected from thrift shops and yard sales. Inspired we decided to make some ourselves. Below you can see our first, designed and put together by the youngest. We have collected enough glass for some more [as these things look better in groups]. The oldest and I will be crafting ours soon.

Enjoy some before and after pictures of the front of the house. It still isn't finished [since every good garden is always a work in progress]

Before!!

After!!

Glass sculpture #1

We got some cool rocks and "stuff" at the Christmas Tree Shop

The boots are my dad's. They have been outside for years and have a great layer of patina and moss

Yes I know the walk needs some work too. It will come. :)

A Book Review....... of sorts

2011-07-29T04:19:00.001-04:00

My daughters bought me some interesting books for Mother's Day this year. One was a book of drink recipes...yes the alcoholic kind. The other was Screw Calm and Get Angry (resigned advice for hard times), pictured above.

I am not quite sure how to take these gifts. The daughters know me too well? Or not well enough. I have a feeling it's the first. Either way I got a good laugh out of this book, although some of the quotes are thought provoking.

The book is divided in sections, Politics, Politicians, The Art of Politics, Democracy, Work, Stupidity, Money, Business, Banks, Debt, Life, Civilization, Happiness, Unhappiness, Deceit, Hypocrisy, Morality, Rat Race, Curmudgeon, Anger and Protest. Phew, all very relevant topics over the span of human existance.

Each page contains one quote and the author's name, if known. It is an easy read and fun to just skip about randomly. Below are a few of my favorites....

From Politics:

"Politics is supposed to be the second-oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close resemblance to the first." Ronald Reagan

"Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it, misdiagnosing it, and then applying the wrong remedies." Groucho Marx [a favorite of mine]

From Politicians:

"We hang thieves and appoint the great ones to public office." Aesop

"Instead of giving a politician the keys to the city, it might be better to change the locks." Doug Larson

From The Art of Politics:

"If you can't convince them, confuse them." Harry S Truman

From Work:

"Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance?" Edgar Bergen

From Money:

"The easiest way for your children to learn about money is for you not to have any." Katharine Whitehorn

From Banks:

If you owe the bank $100, that's your problem. If you owe the bank $100 million, that's the bank's problem." J. Paul Getty

From Happiness:

"Happiness is a perpetual possesion of being well deceived." Johnathan Swift

"What a wonderful life I've had! I only wish I had realized it sooner." Colette [a thought to consider]

So how have you been?

Success....

2011-07-22T10:56:00.000-04:00

Scored my tickets for Beady Eye... soo excited [see previous post]. It will be cold waiting in line but with GA tickets I want a great spot to HEAR and SEE the band.

Tomorrow tickets go on sale for Mat Kearney I have seen him before as an opening act but this time he will headline. When I listen to his music I don't skip ANY songs.

Undeniable

What acts do you want to see in concert?

picture source

Sooo Excited.....

2011-07-20T05:22:00.000-04:00

As my regulars know [if I have any left] I love music and live concerts [my list to date]. I go to as many as I can...and can afford. I saw Augustana earlier this summer, and the music was great, but there was a bit of disconnect since their interaction with the crowd was minimal. I don't necessarily like overly chatty acts but some give and take lets me know they appreciate us. I also have tickets to see Motion City Soundtrack, one my youngest favorites. We will also be seeing Maroon 5 with Train and Foo Fighters in the fall. I am not a huge fan but I hear they put on a great show and it wouldn't be the first gig to convert me. [Green Day]

Why am I sooo excited? Beady Eye will be playing in Boston at the House of Blues. Beady Eye is Liam Gallagher's band, basically what is left of Oasis since they broke up. [brother Noel quit the band] I am a huge Oasis fan and was lucky enough to see them in Madison Square Garden. Our seats were in the rafters but we could hear the band, and with a few beers I was happy.

I knew they were touring and playing NYC. I looked up the venue to see if it was "doable", it wasn't. I follow the band on Facebook and twitter and when I read about the Boston date, my heart literally started beating faster.... I know........ I know. I have already figured out where I want to stand at the gig. The House of Blues is a great venue, small yet big enough to have a great atmosphere.

The tickets go on sale Friday at 10am......... I will not be taking any calls, texts or tweets.

[check out the links for my reviews and pictures]

Enjoy some of my favorite Beady Eye songs below.

Kill For a Dream

The Roller [definitely shows Liam's love of Beatles]

Four Letter Word

What I want to be when I grow up....

2011-07-08T08:38:00.000-04:00

When my youngest daughter was little she was infatuated with cement trucks and cranes. She would tell people she was going to be a crane operator when she grew up. When they were building a new research building, where I work, we took her to see the crane being used. It was the tallest one I had ever seen. I thought it was cool too. She is almost 17 now and instead of cranes is in love with boys and video games, but the memories are good.

I'm not sure when my fascination with large equipment started but I think it would be a great job to operate a bull dozer or crane or back hoe. The power these machines have would be liberating. Think of the aggression one could get out pushing and hurling dirt around.

I remember reading an article in the news paper once when the Big Dig was still going on in Boston. [a hugely controversial project] Someone in the article suggested they use the site as an adult amusement park and let people pay to play around on the equipment. What a great idea that would have been. The project is finished and alas no play ground. [still not sure driving around Boston is any easier]

What would you want to do if you could start over? What is your whim?

Justifiable Homicide Tuesday.... Random

2011-06-14T14:04:00.000-04:00

If you're going to pull out in front of me.....DRIVE.
Don't be on a piece of equipment when I get there...this is for circuit training. READ the signs.
Nothing like throwing new employees to the wolves. FULL training is essential.
Where is the MATCHING sock?
Gas prices. FUCK off.
Four cells phones and a land line in the house, someone ANSWER a phone.

And how is your day?

My new obsession... Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

2011-06-08T13:21:00.000-04:00

As usual, when I am introduced to new music that I really like, I obsess. Although the play and movie have been around for awhile I was recently introduced to the music of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, by my daughter. She had the song The Origin of Love on her ipod and I immediately fell in love with it. Between my daughter and I we have played it over 1400 times.

Yesterday I bought the soundtrack from the play and the movie. I also bought a digital copy of the movie. I watched it again last night and via earbuds I got so much more from the movie and the music. Although the topic of the movie may not be for everyone "A transexual punk rock girl from East Berlin tours the US with her rock band as she tells her life story and follows the ex-boyfriend/bandmate who stole her songs." [taken from IMDb] I firmly believe everyone can something from the movie. It is about love, acceptance and finding oneself. It is about so much you really need to see it to understand.

It's a bit raw so not recommended at all for younger teens.

Here are a few of my favorite song from the movie...have a look and it will give you an idea what the movie is like.

My current favorite.. Wicked Little Town

Midnight Radio

Wig in a Box

And of course..
The Origin of Love

What are your current obsessions?

Thankful Thursday..

2011-05-26T09:18:00.000-04:00

Not sure why but bloggers like alliteration, so I couldn't resist ....

Things I am thankful for.

Starbucks drink lids...they are impervious. Can't be spilling in my new car.

Vodka and cucumbers, especially when blended together.

The exercise ball at the gym, back pain free crunches

Birthday cake... don't judge..see above.

What are you thankful for?

On Repeat...

2011-05-25T08:58:00.000-04:00

Every now and then I discover a new song [or new to me] that I can't get enough of and I play it over and over, on repeat. My ipod has a repeat setting which is a brilliant idea.

I have posted some of the songs I have been obsessed with over the years.. Enjoy

My current obsessions are:

You and I Lady Gaga

The Origin of Love from Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Past obsessions:

My Culture Robbie Williams featuring Maxi Jazz

Rewind Stereophonics [amazing lyrics]

Satellite Dave Matthews Band

I am sure there have been more and I am sure there will be more...

What song do you have on repeat?

Image source

Time To Get Busy

2011-05-21T11:11:00.003-04:00

Time To Get Busy

I bought a bunch of perennials at the garden club sale so now I'll have to do that gardening I've been wanting to do.

Wish me luck ... And my back and my knees

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PLANKING

2011-05-19T10:55:00.000-04:00

I have a lot of Australian Facebook friends and they have to be the funniest people on the planet. I'm not sure but it may be because they live on a huge island far away from the rest of the world, or perhaps it is because they get to much sun, whatever the reason, I love my Aussie friends.

They currently have a craze going on called planking, and it is hysterical. The best way to explain it is to watch the video below. Be sure to watch to the end....it's the best part.

You're Welcome

Proud Mama!!

2011-05-17T08:47:00.000-04:00

It's been a big weekend in the Logic house. My oldest daughter graduated from college on Saturday and today she turns 22 years old. She is a wonderful daughter and now a wonderful young lady. I couldn't be happier or prouder.

I am going to stop blinking... time seems to fly by when I do...

The VL family

Can you tell she is a Dr. Who fan?

'Spose I have some 'splaining to do.

2011-05-11T04:46:00.000-04:00

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Sometimes you just have to take a left...
I've been away, anyone notice?
I haven't read a blog in what seems forever. However I do glance at some once in awhile when a link is posted on twitter...hint hint.
I am ashamed of my non blogging/non commenting ways lately.
Life is busy... like we don't all have that excuse, so what, I'm using it
My daughter graduates college this coming weekend.
She is going to love her graduation gift... no it's not a car if you are reading Kelley.
Life is passing quicker than I care to admit.
So many things I want to do around the house, just don't know where to start.
I'm still going to the gym, although the weight loss is still being stubborn.
Got lots of aches and pains, guess it's the pay for trying to get healthy........ go figure.
Watched a weird/cool movie the other day, Hedwig and the Angry Inch
We have two concerts lined up, Augustana [yay] and The Maine [not familiar with The Maine] and Maroon 5, Train and Gavin Degraw. Should be a great show.
Anyone play Words with Friends? Fancy a game? My user name is LauraBlue24
Thanks for all the great name suggestions for my car.. going to let the daughters decide.

So what have I missed with all you folks.

Went in for an oil change.........

2011-04-27T17:10:00.000-04:00

...... and bought a new car.

The Smurfmobile

My husband has been bugging me to get a new car since the car accident a month ago. I have been resisting since my car has been awesome until this point, and it isn't the cars fault. Well today I caved. I took one for a test drive and the new car smell got the best of me. [I was smelling new babies yesterday and didn't want a baby...although the twins are adorable.]

Meet the new car.... it is the same as I had, Subaru Forester, just the new model. I am going to miss the Smurfmobile.

Any ideas for a name for the new car?

Bucket-o-Beer?

2011-04-20T12:36:00.000-04:00

While I was in Missouri visiting my girlfriend Holly, I came across a phenomenon that appears to be mostly mid-western, a beer bucket. I had never heard of or seen one before. In the east the closest we come is a pitcher of beer. I think the bucket is a better idea. It keeps the beer cold and if left capped it won't go flat. You always have a fresh beer when you want one without having to wait for a waitress.

You can get beer other than Budweiser, but in Missouri apparently it is against the law.....

Seems an idea to start rocking on the east coast.

Do you have them in your part of the world?

Foto Finish Friday

2011-04-16T16:17:00.000-04:00

St Louis Arch
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Did you know....

2011-04-13T05:43:00.000-04:00

thrity year old house plant

Did you know.....?

...I have a green thumb. My houseplants grow, one I have had 30+ years. I do pretty well outside when I put my mind to it... hope to this summer.
...I have had the same job for 26 years. Pretty amazing these days.
...when I was young I lived in England. My dad was Air Force and had two tours to the UK. I lived there for 7 years total.
...seeing the pyramids has always been a dream of mine.
...traveling to all the great cities of the US would be a hobby if I could afford it.
...I am going to St. Louis this Thursday to visit a friend. I have known her for 5 years and only met her briefly in 2007. [see below]
...I am a big Robbie Williams fan and thanks to him [or Keane if you ask my daughter] I have met so many great people. Some I have never met but consider true friends.
...I can't sing, but would love to.
...the multiplication tables are hard for me. I understand them but for some reason can not memorize them. 8 times 6... no idea.
...purses are my addiction.. plus chocolate and peanut butter, together or seperate.
...my mind is a sieve...I had another to write and forgot what it was.

What don't we know about you?

Justifiable Homicide Tuesday-cars

2011-04-06T04:22:00.000-04:00

pretty much the same model, same color too. I can always find it in a lot.

Yeah I know I'm ~~a day late~~ week early for this post but it's crazy in VL land these days, as you will see below.

I drive a 2008 Subaru Forrester. I love it. It has an auxiliary port for my ipod, air conditioning and power locks and windows. It has all-wheel drive so it gets me up and down my steep driveway and to work in the worst of weather. What more can I want? Since you asked a sun roof would have been awesome but husband didn't want one. Don't know why I listened, I drive it, but that's a different post..

The car hasn't needed any work aside from the routine oil changes, tires etc. so I have been very pleased with it.... until now. Even now it isn't the cars fault but I'm going to bitch anyway. I was picking my daughter up from school a couple of weeks ago and the car got rear ended. Smacked hard. I couldn't believe how loud it was. My daughter and I were both jolted and hit our heads hard on the head rest. I thought I had hit something until I looked in my rear view mirror and saw the car behind me leaving it's grill all over the road. Crap, I could only imagine what my car looked like. What a surprise when I saw what appeared to be no damage to my bumper or tail gate. Phew....

As luck would have it the accident happened right across from the police station. The response was amazing. A rescue truck, ambulance and policeman were there in seconds. The traffic was now at a stand stop, thanks to us and the fact that school had just let out. Opps. The girl who hit me, all of 17, said she had been driving a whole year and hadn't been in an accident yet.... I thought that was funny. She managed to kill her car and it was bleeding fluid all over the road. The policeman took care of exchanging our info, and things progressed well.

My daughter complained about her neck and light-headedness which is apparently cause to be taken to the nearest hospital and when they asked me which one I thought they were kidding. Nope, off she went without her mummy and I followed a few minutes later when Mr. Policeman deemed my car safe to drive and had all my deets. At the hospital my daughter had an xray and was declared fine and home we went.

The car however did not fair as well. I had it looked at to be safe and it seems I do need a new bumper, exhaust and who knows what else. They won't know it all til they get it up on a lift. Meanwhile the tailgate no longer opens and the air bag light is on. All this after driving to the appraisers and body shop and the numerous phone calls.

I now have a rental Jeep [silver too, which is the color of the Jeep I flipped. Yikes] The other drivers insurance now needs to speak to me about said rental. They best pay. An accident which wasn't my fault and has caused me endless hassle better not cost me anything. My car is unsafe with the air bag light on and goes into the ~~hospital~~ repair shop on Thursday.

My oldest daughter and I depend on this one car. The poor thing is never home, being driven to work[s], school, gym and Starbucks.

I hate cars, they are a necessary evil...but since I have to have one. I want mine back. I wonder if I send ~~flowers~~ coffee to the ~~hospital~~ repair shop, it will get fixed faster?

So how was your day?

I try my best....

2011-04-01T08:51:00.000-04:00

source

I try my best,

It seems never enough.

I see the pain,

Reaching out gets rebuff.

The pain is hidden,

Behind the eyes.

Covered by clouds

And thoughts unwise.

I can't see,

What you're trying to hide.

After you've cried,

Your eyes dried.

I'm not the one

To whom you confide.

But I'll always be here,

When ever you decide.

Jeff Beck and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

2011-03-30T05:53:00.000-04:00

First and foremost I want to thank SteveA who blogs at LONG HAIRED BOY for the tickets to see Jeff Beck at the Wang Center in Boston. Since he was unable to go he offered them to me and after a bit of juggling with the family, my husband and I had a lovely evening of music.

I have never been to the Wang Center and had no real expectations. It is a beautiful theater and our seats were really good. The show was not at all what I envisioned. It was billed as Jeff Beck's Rock and Roll Party Honoring Les Paul and he didn't disappoint. Jeff Beck's manager opened by explaining that Les Paul played a small night club in New York City up until he died at 92 years old. Jeff's vision was to re-create the club atmosphere with the show. He did just that with a lovely singer Imelda May and her husband and guitar player Darrel Hingham. The band also included a bass player, drummer and horn section. It was a rockabilly delight.

If someone had told me what kind of music they were going to play I probably would have turned down the offer. I [and my husband] imagined it would be basically an instrumental show as Jeff Beck isn't a singer. We were very wrong. I am not sure my husband enjoyed the singing so much but he did enjoy the music. I however enjoyed it all....was very pleasantly surprised. Another genre of music added to my repitoire.

Thanks again Steve. xx

After seeing Elton John and Leon Russell a couple of weeks ago, and Elton commenting how there were three Rock and Roll Hall of Famers on the stage I thought it would be fun to see as many inductees as I could. Of course many have passed on but there are still many playing and many that will be inducted some day. Jeff Beck is now on the list. I have listed the Hall of Fame artists I have seen below. [can I count Elvis and Les Paul since a Hall of Famer [Jeff Beck] played them as part of the show?

Jeff Beck
Genesis
Elton John
The Kinks
Pink Floyd
The Police...Sting
Leon Russell
Rose Stone of Sly and the Family Stone
Steely Dan

I would love to see ZZ Top next. Who's on your list?

"I'm glad I'm not a mom"

2011-03-25T06:18:00.000-04:00

I was talking to a male friend recently and in the course of the conversation he said "I'm glad I'm not a mother". I didn't understand what he meant at first. He is a parent. A divorced father of a young daughter about 7 years old. I asked what he meant and he said, "who do your children go to the most?" "Me," I said.

Now don't misunderstand my friend, he is a very devoted and caring father. His daughter means the world to him. As she gets older and more womanly issues arise I have no doubt he could handle it willingly and with sensitivity. But, and I would imagine this is how a lot of men feel, he is glad that he won't be the "go to guy" in these instances. Question to ask him... would he feel the same way if he had a son. I only have daughters and I can imagine I would appreciate the father taking the son questions, but I would certainly deal if approached.

Talking to him again I asked to clarify if it made a difference if he had a son? He had forgotten the conversation.. *sigh* I refreshed his memory and he said "mom of a young woman". A lot of the concerns of young children, male or female are the same, scraped knees, hunger and tantrums, to name a few. As children get older the issues become more sex defined.
I am not into traditional parenting roles for the most part. Whatever has to be done gets done by whatever parent is around, but admittedly I would prefer to leave the boys issues to dad. As I said I only have daughters and as they are both young woman most of the first time sensitive issues are well past us. When my oldest daughter was around 11 she woke up with a stomach ache. My husband thought she was starting her period and paniced a bit. The next day I showed him and my daughter where the "supplies" were kept. As luck would have it, I was around when both girls started.

Emotionally, I have heard, girls are harder to raise. Friends that have boys and girls often say the son is the easier child. Again, I have no idea but can imagine this to be true.

Moms and dads, being genetically wired differently, cope with situations differently whether intended or not. It can't be helped. Of course some moms are "harder" than others and some men are more sensitive than others. In my house I am most assuredly the sensitive one. Luckily the same things don't tend to "bug" us at the same time so one parent is able to deal while the other takes a breather.... but this sometimes leads to parentig arguements. It is bound to happen if both aren't on the "same page."

Hopefully my husband and I can live to survive parenting our two girls to independence, I am not always sure we can.

Are you glad you aren't a mom?

picture source

Excuses!

2011-03-17T06:42:00.000-04:00

Damn my house in such a tip,

Forgot my "resolutions", have let them slip.

Todays excuse, getting sleep,

House is quiet, not a peep.

Shut eye was a resolution,

Easy to do, no time for execution.

Some things, have to give,

A messy house, I'm sure you'll forgive.

Luckily, there's always tomorrow,

Maybe a maid, I could borrow.

Meanwhile, I'm off to bed,

With one resolution, well ahead.

picture source

A Night with Elton John and Leon Russell

2011-03-16T09:49:00.000-04:00

Elton and the band, I think the guitarist, Davey Johnstone has the same hairstyle he had when I saw them in 1976
Click pictures to enlarge

As many of you know I am a concert buff. I love to go to concerts. Saturday night my daughters and I went to see Elton John. He was actually playing in Worcester at the DCU Center. I might have passed it up had it been in Boston, [I have seen him twice before] but the DCU Center is 15 minutes away.

We went out to dinner at Haiku first. It is our favorite sushi restaurant. We drove downtown and after finally finding a parking place on the 6th floor of the garage we headed in and found our seats. They were actually pretty good. Elton would be facing us as he sang and played the piano.

He started right on time and opened with Love Lies Bleeding/Funeral for a Friend and proceeded to play non stop for three hours. Elton, a seasoned performer, wowed the audience with almost 30 of his top hits.

My favorites included, Madman Across the Water, Bennie and the Jets and The Bitch is Back (this link is from 1974!) For an encore he sang my favorite, Your Song. You name it he sang it.

The highlight of the night was when he sang songs from his new album The Union. It's a collaborative album with Leon Russell. Admittedly I didn't know who Leon Russell was but as I read about him, I appreciated his influence on music. Leon was and is an idol of Elton's and he could say enough about how he influenced his own career. He went on to say he has been performing his songs at his concerts with out him but this night we had a treat and Leon Russell was there to join him on stage. Out walked a man with a cane and long flowing white hair. He and Elton played eight songs from the new cd. It was fabulous. My favorites were Monkey Suit and If it wasn't for Bad.

As we walked back to the car I asked my daughters if they heard all the songs they wanted to hear and my oldest says, "Yeah the three I knew"..... yeah I felt old. It was an amazing night and I recommend the cd to everyone.
And as Elton pointed out, how many times do you see three Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members on one stage at the same time. Elton, Leon and Rose Stone. Rose was one of the back up singers and an inductee as part of Sly and the Family Stone.

I know I posted a lot of links but do yourself a favor and listen to some, especially those with Leon Russell.

Leon Russell

Our view of the stage. :-)

Elton and Leon together

Foto Finish Friday-How high can you go?

2011-03-11T16:21:00.000-05:00

Our dishwasher is broken, dead, no longer functioning. RIP. So I bought a larger dish drain and now have to wash the ~~bastards~~ dishes by hand.

Now the contest begins.....How high can you go?

Notice my strategy? A large flat "piece" at each end to balance dishes against. Plates lined up underneath and round things on top. Plastic at the very top so if it falls off, no matter. Smaller items and rinsed cans for recycling and returning sprinkled in the openings. I particularly like the shot glasses balanced on the cutlery.

Have a great weekend!!

Justifiable Homicide Tuesday-Waiting and waiting and waiting

2011-03-08T05:07:00.000-05:00

Thank you for the well wishes, after a night off work I feel a bit better.

It seems to me when I have one doctor's appointment I have several. Today I had a visit with my hematologist. Good news, the anemia seems to be getting better. Seems the hysterectomy was the cure, hopefully. I don't have to see her again for six whole months. Tomorrow I see the rheumatologist, they handle my aching joints.

Now to the point. Waiting and waiting to see the doctor. Too many of them seem to have no appreciation of the patients time. Some are better than others of course but seems I am always the last person called.

I try to get first morning appointments or the ones right after lunch when the back up hasn't started yet. Believe me I understand emergencies happen and some patients, and doctors, are more long winded than other but just let me know so I can plan my day. Once I am being seen, don't rush me... you made me wait now listen to what I have to say.

Let's not forget the joys of sitting there in the paper johnny as the nurse tells you the doctor will be "right with you".... yeah right. Can you please turn the heat up in the room as you leave I know I'm going to be here awhile.

My ob/gyn has the coldest rooms and the smallest johnnies. They are cloth but about a size 2. I asked him about that once and he said, "it's what the company sends me"... Hello ... what do the pregnant woman wear. I know I'm not the smallest person but these won't fit a woman about to deliver. I told him it was insulting and started to bring my own, makes a great summer bathrobe too.[they are fitting better these days]

I don't want any "hate" mail from the doctors and nurses out there, I know most are doing their best, but when I have to pay for missed appointments yet I get nothing for sitting for ages in the waiting room reading Golf Digest and People magazine from 1994 I get to gripe...

Aaacchhoooo

2011-03-06T23:53:00.000-05:00

Sorry this is all I've got.... be back later.

picture source

Justifiable Homicide Tuesday - Monday is such a punk

2011-03-01T05:50:00.000-05:00

"Monday is such a punk" as posted on my FB by a coworker. He couldn't have said it better. Had enough crap this weekend with a busted dishwasher, water under the linoleum and more snow and freezing rain. Now Monday has to be a bitch.

I ~~have~~ had an 80 gig classic ipod, the thing was great. Held all my music and worked all the time....but I lost it. The last time I saw it was in my car on New Year's Day. My daughter was playing DJ as I drove her home from a party. Then it vanished. I have searched my car and house to no avail. I'd search daughter's room but it scares me. Oh well an excuse to get a new ipod touch. My oldest got one for Christmas and it is pretty cool. I secured a 32 gig and have enjoyed it since. I could watch movies at the gym, I can even get Netflix since we could ~~steal~~ use wifi from a neighboring store.

You guessed it, I lost it. The ipod, not my mind [sort of] I lost my mind when I couldn't find it. Again the last place it was seen was in my car. We searched my car, the couch [also known for eating things, but it prefers glasses] We searched my bedroom. No luck. My oldest suggests I look through the tote bag I take to work, "I have, three times," I insisted. I looked again, this time checking the outside pockets and there it was. Rejoice.... no kidding, I was thrilled.

I went to Starbucks after work Monday morning to kill some time before my gyno appt ~~[hooray]~~ I sit down on a comfy chair and put my phone and ipod on the arm as I get situated and the ipod slips off onto the concrete floor........ Yep, smashed the glass, irreparable. I wanted to cry, newly found and now broken.

All is not lost, Apple tells me I can switch it for a new one for $150. I have an appointment at the Genius Bar on Saturday. Wish me luck, it seems to simple to be true.

So how was your Monday?

picture credit

I got my wish

2011-02-28T05:17:00.000-05:00

I got my wish,

Just last night,

It snowed enough

To cover the shite.

I hate the brown,

And dirty snow.

Looks like desolution,

How could anything grow.

Underneath the snow

The crocuses struggle

To burst thru the cold,

And the ground where they snuggle.

Daffodils, my favorite,

Yellow and bright,

Might make a viewing,

Once it's June and they see light.

My pessimism persists

Despite the cold

Pretty blanket of snow.

Poor man fertilizer, so I'm told.

If looking at ugly snow,

Is what it takes,

Hurry up spring

And melt the snow flakes.

I need more sleep........

2011-02-25T04:39:00.001-05:00

I need more sleep... bet you've never read that here before... [sarcasm]

A tired me is.......

grumpy
emotional
clumsy
bitchy
forgetful
sore
reactionary
blind

A rested me is.....

less grumpy
~~less~~ emotional
less clumsy
~~less~~ bitchy
~~less~~ forgetful
less sore
less reactionary
blind

Hmmm seems I see a pattern...

How are you?

image source

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-23T05:56:00.000-05:00

Enough said

Justifiable Homicide Tuesday- Luvs

2011-02-22T00:14:00.001-05:00

If I was still in the diaper stage with my children and used Luvs I would stop just because of this commerical. I find it repulsive, poor quality and in bad taste. The only way to make this ad acceptable would be if the diaper blew up and spewed all over the audience....bad taste yeah but why not go all the way.

What do you think?

Foto Finish Friday...This is what my life has become

2011-02-18T13:11:00.000-05:00

This is what my life has become.....

Only three are prescriptions. The rest are vitamins, fish oil, omega 3's etc.

Must resist, must resist....as my daughter says, "don't look them in the eye"

Full of yummy goodness, broccoli, edamame, lettuce, tomatoes, cukes, and yes despite my friends advice, cheese and crunchy things.

So what's new with you?

Wordless Wednesday-Torn

2011-02-16T02:59:00.000-05:00

This video is hilarious.. Enjoy

Torn by Johann Lippowitz with Natalie Imbruglia

Justifiable Homicide Tuesday

2011-02-15T14:21:00.000-05:00

This is a mound of snow at the Dunkin Donuts I frequent before work.

No big surprise here, but today's subject is snow. More specifically dirty snow. Right about now and until spring, unless we get more snow, the landscape is nasty. The snow has been overtaken by dirt. Dirt from cars, pedestrians and what ever else is floating around the atmosphere.

In general I hate snow. I hate driving in it, shoveling it and worrying if I will get leaks in the attic or basement. [so far so good on the leak department]. We haven't had a "decent" snowfall in a week or so and the snow we have left is disgusting.

I know you are going to think I am ~~crazy~~ lying but I wouldn't mind about a half inch or so of snow to cover up the grimy snow. The snow that isn't filthy is icy and grainy looking, like salt that has been allowed to get wet. You can't play in it, you'd cut yourself on the edges.

So just one more little bitty snow fall to make things pretty agin is all I'm asking.... how are things in your neck of the woods.

Snow can be pretty.

Music Monday- Oasis

2011-02-14T04:14:00.002-05:00

Our view of the stage, including as much zoom as my camera had.

Although Oasis is no more they continue to be one of my all time favorite bands. They broke up in 2009 after the brothers, Liam and Noel Gallagher had (another) fight. They have fueded for years and apparently this break up seems for good. I was lucky enough to see them once, in concert, at Madison Square Garden in New York City in 2008. My seats were as high as you could possible get at the Garden and visibility was poor but I could hear them sing and enjoyed myself completely.

I've always had a bit of a crush on the Gallagher brothers. I think it must the "bad boy" image. Liam was the lead singer and Noel, who also sang lead on some songs, was the principle song writer. Their music is mostly less known in the US but have had hits with Wonderwall and Champagne Supernova. In Britain they are part of what is known as Britpop a "a reaction against... the Grunge appearing in the US" Click the link it is an interesting read.

Since the break up of Oasis, Noel appears to be going solo and Liam has created a new band with the remaining members of Oasis. The band, Beady Eye has released a couple of singles and a new cd is forthcoming. I like what I have heard so far and will be definitely be checking out the full cd when it is dropped.

The following are a few of my favorite Oasis tracks.

Supersonic, with Liam at lead vocals is a great work out song.

The Importance of Being Idle has Noel at lead vocals. It contains one of my favorite lyrics. ....

"I'll be fine, if you give me a minute, a man's got a limit,

I can't get a life if my heart's not in it"

Little by Little is another Noel headed song and is twice as sweet since it stars one of my favorite actors, Robert Carlyle (my little gush about him)

2011-02-11T06:26:00.000-05:00

I'm tired,

really tired.

lot's of sleep required.

only sleep and some food

desired.

confusion and fog

in my brain

names forgetten

totally uninspired.

the weekend is here

vodka bottle beautiful and

admired.

first is sleep

tucked in the sheets

deep and blissful

my mind and energy

completely expired.

picture credit..my daughter. :-)

It's Thursday, therefore almost Friday

2011-02-10T06:04:00.000-05:00

Not that the title has much to do with the subject at hand, it's just something I am glad about. Friday means the weekend off from work for most people and that is true for me, this weekend. I work every third and overtime here and there, but not this week.

Just a few odds and ends today.

I was a guest blogger yesterday on The Real World: Venus vs Mars where I wrote about raising teenagers. A great discussion blog and I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject.
The battle of the weight still continues, the scale isn't cooperating but people are telling me I look better so I guess the body shape is changing.... I'll take it.
I was called awesome yesterday, twice, by two different people. [neither a teenager]
I have a couple of poems swirling around in my brain, I hope they can find their way out.
April hopefully gets me to the midwest to visit some friends. Last year I was hindered by snow, so I am hoping spring bodes better for travel.
I have been watching the Die Hard movies at the gym. Die Hard 2 starts today.

So what have you been up to?

picture credit

Pet Peeves.... Part 2

2011-02-08T09:43:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I posted about some pet peeves and was surprised how many people shared the same ones. I thought I was the only one who was annoyed by the chairs at the table and the condiments not being put on the door. Even the blog lingo got to a few people. I can't believe I forgot about gum.. I hate gum, it goes beyond a peeve.

After the night I had at work last night I decided to post a few more ~~rants~~ peeves.

Expected to do your job but not having the tools and/or training.
Expressing your opinions only to be considered a ~~bitch~~ pain in the butt.
"Gee I'm sorry I'm late it's snowing out" [it's winter, get up early]
Drivers, it's Massachusetts people learn how to drive in the snow.
Getting phone calls in the middle of the day from people that should know better, it's my night time. [*cough* husband *cough*]
Calling three cell phones and the house phone and no one answers.

Ok that's enough, I am sure some [especially about work] will come to me later but for now I'm done.

I'll try to post something more positive tomorrow..... I'm going to finish my breakfast "tomato juice"

Pet Peeves..

2011-02-07T05:08:00.000-05:00

The Real Housewives of Oklahoma have a McLinky Monday so I thought I would join in since I always have plenty to ~~bitch~~ complain about. Now to narrow it down to just five.

Chairs not pushed in at the kitchen table. No particular reason, just a quirk.
Mimi at Living in France doesn't like how her hubby balls up his socks, well mine does that too. But what annoys me more is he takes his socks off in bed and they end up at the bottom caught in the sheets. It leaves lumps in the bed as well and he complains about not having any socks.
Barking dogs....enough said.
Bloggy lingo... squeeee, please are we 5?
All the condiments lined up on the edge of the fridge shelf. That's what the door shelves are for, use them.

So what have you got? And if my pet peeves aren't enough, click on the button above and go read more. Got a better idea for a Monday?

IMG-20110205-00385.jpg

2011-02-05T11:25:00.001-05:00

How to shovel snow
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Bragging Rights?

2011-02-02T09:26:00.001-05:00

The world seems to be going mad at the moment. There is a snow storm covering half the United States, a volcano on the brink of eruption in Japan and a cyclone the size of Australia bearing down on Queensland, other parts of Oz are suffering from floods and a heatwave. This is all very scary shit if I dwell on it too long. Perhaps there is something to this 2012 prediction.

I was going to write about how, even though I hate snow, it does give us some bragging rites up here in New England. We brag about how we shoveled mounds of snow, and how we manage to navigate the streets. We complain but every year we get through it and praise the daffodils in the spring. There are certainly other parts of the country that get a ton of snow as well and share the bragging rites with us.

Considering the other natural disasters that occur around the world I think we actually get off pretty easy with the snow. Impending thunder storms used to send me running to the mall, with the kids in tow, so I wouldn't have to be alone. The hustle and bustle also covered the noise of the the thunder. I have gotten better over the years. Not sure if it is age or necessity, probably some of both. Imagine how I would handle a hurricane, a cyclone or tornado?

I'll take the snow over California mudslides or earthquakes, or the mid-west floods and tornadoes. The snow doesn't usually collapse homes like floods and wind. A few businesses cave in from the snow, due to their flat roofs but that's just property. Yes the winters are cold but I have lots of quilts and blankets. The heat waves are brutal, you can only take so many clothes off to cool down. Layer up and stay warm.

I am going to try and stop complaining so much about this nasty winter and think how much worse it could be. These types of winters always makes me appreciate the first blooms on the forsythia bushes and the first daffodils that peak out from the snow. The rest of you around the world, enjoy your weather... I'm going to keep the snow.

I own it... vodkalogic.com

2011-02-01T10:23:00.000-05:00

As the title says, badly I admit, I have purchased my domain name. I now own vodkalogic.com. I was surprised it was available since it wasn't @gmail.com.

I'm not sure if I will be making the switch to Word Press as so many bloggers do but I thought I would be prepared in case. One of the main reasons I would like to make the change is that WP has a mobile blogging app. Blogger doesn't for some reason.

So remember to update your readers to http://vodkalogic.com/ , meanwhile, as long as I stay on blogger, you will be directed to my blog with either url.

Cheers.

2011-01-31T02:10:00.001-05:00

Originally posted July 26. 2009

I thought it would be fun to repost this with all the updates... Who have you seen in concert? Who would you like to see?

I love to go to live shows, it is my hobby. Over the years I have been to quite a few concerts.

This is my list, as chronological as I can remember. Some are opening bands, often as good if not better than the headliner. I have also forgotten some of the opening bands.

Elton John July 4, 1976 (the Bicentennial for those too young to remember )
Again in the 80's
Michael Murphy
Dave Mason
David Bowie
Marshall Tucker Band
Jonathan Edwards (anyone remember The Shanty Song)
Sting
Elton John again
Hewey Lewis and the News
Phil Collins (not sure if with Genesis or solo)
Some reggae bands.
Pink Floyd without Roger Waters
Steely Dan
Robbie Williams (in Mexico City)
Snow PatrolThe Virgins
O.K. Go
Silver Sun Pickups
Jet
Roger Waters
Keane
Rocco Deluca and the Burden
James Morrison
Panic at the Disco
Hush Sound
Motion City Soundtrack
Stereophonics... the best gig to date :D
People in Planes
I Nine
Pat Monahan
Jason Mraz
Bushwalla
The Make Peace Brothers
Everclear
Ryan Adams
Oasis :D
Serena Ryder
Eric Hutchinson
Keane (again)
Mat Kearney
Helio Sequence

Recently
The Bravery
Green Day (in my youngest words it was epic)

Rob Thomas

I have tickets to see Rob Thomas in November. Opening for him is Carolina Liar and OneRepublic... both very good bands.

Edit 02/08/10 I saw Rob Thomas in December due to a change in his schedule. The opening bands changed to Ryan Star. He was ok but I was disappoint that OneRepublic and Carolina Liar where unable to attend.

I'm sure it counts as a concert in the purest sense but we saw British commedian Eddie Izzard in January

I have tickets to see Train in March.

Edit 04/07/10 Train was great, no opening act but they made up for it.

Now have tickets for Russell Brand, Lady GaGa and Green Day again :) with AFI opening

Edit 07/06/10 We have now seen Russell Brand...very funny and Jimmy Fallon also very funny.
Lady Gaga is done and dusted and next up is Keane and then Green Day..again.

Edit 01/26/11 Keane was amazing again as usual. Fran Healy opened for them. He is the lead singer for Travis and is touring a solo project. I really enjoyed him as well.

Green Day was AMAZING. They know how to entertain an audience for hours.. and hours.

We went to the House of Blues and saw Say Anything, Motion City Soundtrack and another band who's name I have forgotten. MCS was the only one we enjoyed.

Next up is Elton John.. I can't wait.

Photo Finish Friday...... with a cause.

2011-01-28T07:07:00.001-05:00

I have never asked my readers for a favor [that I recall anyway] so today I am going to ask a big favor. I would like everyone that is eligible to donate blood at their nearest donor center. To locate your nearest Red Cross donor center click on the Red Cross icon on my left side bar. Many hospitals also have donor centers as well. My daughter has donated over a gallon of blood herself.

As I posted earlier this week I work in a busy trauma center and that transfuses thousands of units of blood a year. That doesn't include plasma, platelets and cryoprecipitate. We should have a minimum of 100 units of O pos red cells and currently have maybe 50 or 60. A bad trauma or OR case can use 20-50 units in no time.

I took a few pictures from around the lab.

Notice there only two rows of O Pos there should be four.

Thawed plasma, the water portion of blood. Used to help clotting.

Now go donate today!

The cause... at least part of it..

2011-01-27T09:21:00.000-05:00

I posted a poem yesterday called Anxiety Sucks. I was at a loss to the cause of my anguish, but today I think I know where at least some of it is coming from. It will be easier to explain if I just show you.

My drive home this morning, at least it had stopped snowing.

Looking up my street

The top of my driveway.

Looking down my driveway.

I posted a similar blog [Blizzard Time] last week so you would think I was used to all this snow. I am, in fact I am sooo much better than I used to be. I used to cry [for real] at the thought of driving in the stuff. I think it is all just getting to me. Day after day of this takes its toll. Along with the other stresses of life, I've had enough.

Deep breathes I know, I'm trying to remember.

And how's your day?

Anxiety Sucks

2011-01-26T06:22:00.000-05:00

The panic sets in,
With unknown cause.
I catch my breathe,
Take a pause.

What makes my chest,
Flutter and heave,
Is outside my mind
Somewhere, taken leave.

The feelings linger,
With the chest still in pain,
Rack my mind for reason
But only in vain.

Spare me the angst,
I'm no longer a teen
Don't need the stress,
The mind needs to come clean.

Justifiable Homicide Tuesday-Phones

2011-01-25T05:37:00.001-05:00

I was just over at Living in France reading about Mimi's pita time with her insurance company. [that in and of itself should explain her dilema] Anyway it reminded me of some of the more excruciating parts of my job.

Some of you might remember that I am a Blood Bank Technologist in a major medical center in my area. It is a busy department in a Level 1 Trauma hospital. This means we get the worst case traumas. MVAs, GSWs, [testing you Greys Anatomy geeks] people hit by trains, stabbings, FBs in strange places etc. There are two campuses and the other campus has a busy maternity ward and an NICU. We ~~are forced to~~ rotate between both campuses so most of us have "seen it all". Ok you get the picture.

Unfortunately a large part of the job involves talking to nurses and doctors etc on the phone. [see how I finally tied this to Mimi's post] One particular event, very fresh in my mind, involved an unacceptable patient sample. Blood bank is VERY particular since there is NO room for error when I comes to patient identification and sample quality. This particular sample was hemolyzed, which is unacceptable. I called the ER where it originated and was told the patient was in the OR. I called the OR and was told the patient was either in the PACU or the ER. So I call the PACU and was told the patient was in the ER. I call the ER back and they said, "well the patient must be on the way to the OR". I call the OR, no such luck. I call the PACU again and they have no idea either. I finally told them.. "When you get this patient the sample was unacceptable and we need a new one." That was countless calls for one sample.

Another frustrating scenerio is calling a floor for some reason or another to be greeted by someone who doesn't speak English. Please why are people assigned to phone duty who can't take a simple message. I don't usually have time to explain myself over and over only to be transferred to someone else.

(Not her actual twins)

I went to visit a friend in the hospital yesterday [she had twins... the. most. adorable. babies. ever ~~I wanted to steal one~~] and when I signed in to visit they were saying how the mother worked at the hospital. I said I did too and when they asked me where I said "the blood bank" and the nurses reply was "Oh your the ones that always throw away our samples" She smiled but I didn't buy it. I smiled back, [bet she didn't buy it] and went on my way.

So what went to a rant about phone calls diverged a bit and became a rant about my job... don't get me wrong, most of the time I love my job.... it's just the idiots on the other end of the phone that makes me want to stab myself in the ear [Mimi's words].

PS. No patients were harmed in the writing of the post.

picture credit

It was so cold this morning........

2011-01-24T08:50:00.000-05:00

A picture of my dashboard this morning. That's -20.6 C

It was so cold this morning, after work that......

it hurt to take a deep breathe.
the insides of my nose stuck together when I sniffed.
my soft down coat was stiff and crinkly by the time I walked to my car.
my face hurt, including my forhead.
a bottle of water in the car was frozen solid.
the steering wheel was stiff.
the car spewed "smoke" out the tail pipe all the way home. [9.6 miles per Google maps]
my breathe steamed up the inside glass in my car.

Flashback Friday

2011-01-21T03:19:00.000-05:00

My father in law was a unique man. He was caring and concerned, and to say he was a worrier is an understatement. He was organized to a level I have never seen in anyone, ever. He knew where anything was in his home. If you needed "one" he had "one." Have you ever heard the saying "you get what you pay for" Ash was a firm believer. He bought the best and took care of it. Things lasted forever and if it didn't he had the receipt so he could take it back. There in lies the point of this post. [he was a librarian by trade. I think there is a connection]

Drop front secretary desk

My father in law passed away about 20 years ago and several years after my mother in law moved closer to us into a retirement home. She has a lovely small apartment which couldn't handle all the great furniture they had, so we "inherited it". In my effort to de-clutter the house I decided to start with the desk. It is a beautiful desk as you can see, but we, sadly are not organized. There are several little drawers in it and low and behold inside one of the drawers was a receipt for a television set. Look closely at the date.

Feb 13, 1957 !! I can't wait to see what else I find.

Now check out Deb at Web Savvy Mom for more Flashback Friday fun.

New Word Wednesday

2011-01-19T04:36:00.001-05:00

Eva from Wrestling With Retirement does New Word Wednesday where she takes a 'word' that she comes across while filling in word verification and decides what it would mean if it were a real word. [She explains it all better than I do] Why not take something annoying and make it fun so I have decided to participate this week as well. Read mine but make sure you go visit Eva too.

nyjam: the gew in your eye when you wake up.

eyeriben: the act of rubbing your eyes.

Molly got rid of the nyjam with a good eyeriben.

fologra: the effects of outdated viagra.

A case of fologra put a damper on James and Susans plans for a romantic night.

forynac: an upscale word for dumpster diving.

The young socialite caught with her head in the neighbors trash insisted forynac was the lastest craze.

swanterb: A dive gone horribly wrong.

The high school lost the diving meet due to a swanterb by their star athlete.

dazat: general greeting.

Not feeling well, Lucy just nodded and said "dazat" to a passing co-worker.

I hope you had a laugh, now go visit Eva for more.

Justifiable Homicide Tuesday- Bill Belichick better watch his back.

2011-01-18T04:15:00.000-05:00

As most of the world knows, at least the US, OK maybe just New England, the Patriots lost the play off game to the New York Jets. That's right lost at home. The last time the Pats met the Jets they won 45-3. The Patriots record is 14-2 over all. Their home record was 8-0 yet they managed to lose.

Admittedly I slept through the first half of the game and woke up to a score of NE 3, Jets 14. I then watched with interest as I saw the Pats play a terrible game. They managed to pull with in a touch down so the loss wasn't a total embarrasment but still a loss. It was like they had forgotten how to play football. WTF.

A little background on my football history. I have been watching on and off for 34 years. Coincidentally I met my husband 34 years ago. He has been a fan since he was a boy. When we were dating and the first few years of our marriage we had half pack season tickets. that included 2 preseason games and half the home games. Eventually we couldn't afford the tickets anymore and only went to the occasional game.

My husband has stuck by the team when they were at the bottom of the division and when they were at the top. I have been a football widow and single mother on Sundays forever. Over the last few years I have started to enjoy the games more, I think knowing people in other cities helps.... I have a friend who is in Indianapolis, I know a Manning fan, but I forgive her. I remember watching Super Bowl XX when they made it to the big game as a wild card only see them defeated 46-10 by the Chicago Bears.

I have met several of the players over the years because my town's police department plays a charity game each year against the Patriots. It raises money for the department. I have met Steve Grogan, John Smith, Russ Francis [my personal favorite] Matt Castle [who no longer plays for the team] Mosi Tatupu [who has passed] and a few more I can't remember.

When they lose a game like this, it pisses me off... the money these guys get paid and they lose. After the season they had and they lose. I feel not once ounce of sympathy for them.... but I do feel a lot for the fans, for myself. I hope they hate themselves for the terrible end to the season. Bill get your act together... cuz no matter what your fans will be back next year, expecting more.

Thank you to the New England Patriots official site for help with stats

Through it all.....

2011-01-17T03:43:00.002-05:00

I've always been there,

Through it all

Been around

To answer your call.

Listen to the pain

In your voice.

Comfort you,

It was my choice.

We shared our woes

As we laughed and cried.

Dried our eyes,

Smiled, we tried.

Share the joy

But so far away

I felt left out,

Unable to play.

Life goes both ways

I understand the rules
But feelings don't

They're the fools.

No matter what,

I'll be there.

In good and bad,

That I swear.

picture credit

Quotable Quotes

2011-01-13T03:04:00.000-05:00

I have a widget on my side bar that posts a new quote every few minutes. Some of them are funny, some are smart and thought provoking and some are ridiculous. I have included links for the authors incase you are unfamiliar with any, I know I was. You can actually learn things blogging, who knew?

Here are a few of my favorites in no particular order. Enjoy.

*******

Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.
Albert Einstein

Life isn't worth living, unless it is lived for someone else.
Albert Einstein

Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind
Albert Einstein

Man is the only Animal that Blushes. Or needs to.
Mark Twain

If only we'd stop trying to be happy we could have a pretty good time.
Edith Wharton

Everything is funny as long as it is happening to somebody else.
Will Rogers

The great question - which I have not been able to answer - is: "What does a woman want?"
Sigmund Freud

Anyone who knows anything of history knows that great social changes are impossible without feminine upheaval. Social progress can be measured exactly by the social position of the fair sex, the ugly ones included.
Karl Marx

Without music, life would be a mistake.
Friedrich Nietzsche

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.
Mae West

Sex is like bridge; if you don't have a good partner, you better have a good hand.
Mae West

Basic research is what I'm doing when I don't know what I'm doing.
Wernher von Braun

If you can dream it, you can do it.
Walt Disney

He knows nothing; and he thinks he knows everything. That points clearly to a political career.
George Bernard Shaw

Happiness: a good bank account, a good cook and a good digestion.
Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Marriage: The state or condition of a community consisting of a master, a mistress and two slaves, making in all, two.
Ambrose Bierce

Egotist: A person of low taste, more interested in himself than in me.
Ambrose Bierce

War doesn't determine who's right - only who's left.
Bertrand Russell

Clinton lied. A man might forget where he parks or where he lives, but he never forgets oral sex, no matter how bad it is.
Barbara Bush

*********

ok I lied, the last one is my favorite.

Blizzard Time

2011-01-12T09:29:00.001-05:00

The weather has been all over the news in our part of the country and this time the weather men appear to be right. By the time I got home there was at least a foot of snow in the driveway. The drive was fine. I drove slow and the main roads were being plowed. My road however had not been plowed in hours. My Subaru did me proud and I didn't slip or skid all the way home.... didn't quite make it up the driveway but at least the car is off the street.

Enjoy the pictures. [click on pictures to enlarge]

The drive home.

My front tire where it stopped in the driveway.

Looking down at my boots.

My car at the bottom of the driveway.

I am standing at the top of the driveway, for perspective.

I hate the snow....when I have to drive in it, but I'll take it over floods, earthquakes and tornado's any day.

Days of Youth

2011-01-10T02:17:00.000-05:00

My lovely daughters

Remember,

The days of youth so fun,

Running around,

In the blazing sun.

Not feeling the heat,

Or feeling the burn,

Playing hide and go seek,

Waiting your turn.

With angst and pain,

The teen years arrive.

To junior high,

Praying to survive.

As we grow older,

We soon learn,

What works for ourselves,

Is no ones concern.

These are lessons,

I try to teach.

To my daughters,

As adulthood they reach.

It's not very easy,

We've all had our trials,

Me with the teaching,

The girls with denials.

I do my best,

As they do,

It's all about,

Being You.

New Years Resolutions..... A rethink.

2011-01-06T06:05:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I posted some "resolutions" I was considering. Now that it is the new year I have been reconsidering what ones to keep and what to add to the list. The first thing is to not call them resolutions. From the many blogs I have read and the "self help" people all over the tv this time of year, resolution is apparently a dirty word. Goals, targets, or declarations may be better words. Life style change seems too "new age". Whatever you wanna call it, here goes the revamp.

The housework is definitely still on the list. I [we] let things get to far and then don't want to pick up the clutter. Perhaps a list would help. I still plan on going through the house room by room, decluttering and organizing.
Being nicer and happier is most certainly a goal and should be the first on the list. Another blogger mentioned she is too lazy at times to make the effort to be happy. Seems silly but I agree, it is so easy to do. I want to take a class in sushi making....that would make me very happy. Finding the time is difficult especially for someone who needs to plan when to sleep.
Saving money would certainly make me happier, and cooking at home more is one way I hope to accomplish that. I would like to take the children to England before they both fly the nest.
Getting healthy is a priority as well. I have been losing weight and have noticed the benifits. My blood pressure has gone down and my knee hurts less. My doctors have really been encouraging as have been my friends and co-workers. One co-worker has said I have even inspired her to lose weight. I was very flattered.... not often people tell me I am inspiring.
One thing that wasn't on my list that I am stealing from a friend, is to be a better parent, wife, friend, sister, daughter. These are areas I get lazy with as well. Relationships are so important and life is way too short to let them slide.
I would like to get back to writing more poetry. It is something I can't force but when the thoughts pop in my head I need to write them down... I should know by now I won't remember the feeling or words later.

Hold me to task... if you know me let me know how I am doing.. help me to be a better person.

Thank you and Happy New Year xx

picture source

Why is it..... redux? My glass is half full.

2011-01-05T02:41:00.000-05:00

One of the comments on yesterdays blog struck a chord. Travel Nurse Extraordinaire said, "You didn't say one thing about the positive things?!? Come on there has to be something good that's happened? Like..............hmmmm At least you can find A pen at work. Lol"

She is so right, and it happens all too often. I tend to be a "glass half empty" person and that needs to change...now. In my defense the question, "Why is it that... " doesn't seem to lend itself to positive thoughts. My solution however is to reply to each point I made yesterday with its positive outcome.

*******************

Why is it that....

...exercising after a night of work seems "easier" than after a nap?
regardless of the time I exercise I am proud I go. I am thrilled with the weight I have lost.

...I can never find a blue pen at work?
but if I look hard enough I usually find one.

...the arch trainers are all being used when I am ready?
there are plenty of bikes, tredmills or elipticals I can use instead.

...I can't find my ipod?
I still haven't found it [not looked too hard] but my phone has songs and Pandora.

...I have lost 3 followers recently :-( ?
one commenter, Annie (Lady M) followed me just to make up for one I lost and Empty Nester is following me now too. :-)

...my gas gauge is always on E?
I can afford to fill the tank.

...the "best" foods are bad for you?
steamed brocoli and spinach are favorite foods of mine.

...my weight loss partner is being a wimp?
Adam from Throwing Quarters has a lot on his plate and wrote a great post about why he's a wimp. You should read it, besides he and his family have been good friends to me in other ways.

...my black yoga pants have gone missing?
the pants were in the dryer and my daughter folded them and left them out for me to wear.

picture credit

Why is it that....

2011-01-04T04:02:00.000-05:00

Why is it that.....

exercising after a night of work seems "easier" than after a nap?
I can never find a blue pen at work?
the arch trainers are all being used when I am ready?
I can't find my ipod?
I have lost 3 followers recently :-( ?
my gas gauge is always on E?
the "best" foods are bad for you?
my weight loss partner is being a wimp?
my black yoga pants have gone missing?

Hello. Did you miss me? ........

2011-01-03T03:04:00.000-05:00

........ I know I'm hard to resist.....

Handsome Man... watch to 1:07 at least.

Remind me someday to write about my "relationship" with Robbie Williams. It goes way back, I've even met him.

Ok, now back to me. I didn't blog once last week, not once. I haven't skipped a week in ages. Yes I am lazy but now I'm back.... I hope. Back to writing and reading... I hope.

It's been an uneventful holiday season. Quiet in a good way. Nice time with the family, good food, great presents and leisurely all around. How were your holidays?

Now it's back to the routine of everyday life. I'm looking forward to it. It is also time to start with those resolutions I posted. Do you have any?

Happy New Year!

Annie Lennox- A Christmas Cornucopia

2010-12-23T06:05:00.000-05:00

Last Christmas I featured Andrea Bocelli and his cd My Christmas. This Christmas I would like to introduce you to Annie Lennox and her new Christmas cd, A Christmas Cornucopia.

Annie Lennox is best known for being in the group Eurythmics with David Stewart in the '80's. Their biggest hits included, Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) and Walking on Broken Glass. Annie Lennox has had a solo career of some success as well.

I hadn't heard much of her myself, lately, until I walked into Starbucks and saw her new cd displayed by the register. I immediately bought it and have been listening to it in my car ever since. Annie has a unique voice which lends itself well to the carols she has chosen. I appreciate that she has chosen a list of songs not overly played at Christmas and included a new song she has written herself. The song was performed during American Idol Gives Back.

An interesting fact I learned while doing a little research for this post is Annie's birthday is on Christmas.

The playlist includes:

Angels From the Realm of Glory
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
See Amid the Winter's Snow
Il Est Ne Le Devin Enfant
The First Noel
Lullay Lullay (Coventry Carol)
The Holly and the Ivy
In the Bleak Midwinter
Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
As Joseph Was a Walking
Silent Night
Universal Child

As you can see the list is very unique, infact a few of the songs are unfamiliar to me and some I recognized once I heard them sung. Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant was a blast from the past, I learned to play it on the recorder when I was in fourth grade. :-)

Please enjoy the following videos and have a Merry Christmas.

Universal Child

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Angels From the Realm of Glory

I am thankful for.......

2010-12-16T15:35:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for...........

dishwashers
vodka
spatulas
friends
Kitchen Aide mixer
twitter
remote controls
have I mentioned vodka
chocolate
Christmas

And what are you thankful for.....

I'm planning my New Years....

2010-12-13T02:00:00.001-05:00

Is it too early to be contemplating my New Year's resolutions? I don't usually place too much stock in them since I break them as I soon as I make them. This year will be different. ....... You can stop laughing now.

Resolutions I have been considering are:

trying to keep up with household chores [dusting in particular]
declutter the drawers and closets
organize, one room at a time [see above]
be nicer, happier
lose another 50 pounds
save some money
cook more, go out to eat less [see above]
[go ahead you can all laugh again]
be a better blogger [read and comment more often]
read more books

What are your resolutions?

picture credit

I am an honorary Masshole today

2010-12-10T07:48:00.000-05:00

I haven't had much to blog about lately but I did manage to come up with a guest post.... go figure.

Now go visit Masshole Mommy and read my poem.... we have something in common.

Watch what you wish for.....

2010-12-07T06:19:00.000-05:00

You may remember this post.. I want to have another mans baby, if not, go have a gander. It has adorable cute baby pictures you'll love.

Well my desire hasn't gotten any better, I still want his baby and he still keeps saying no. *insert sad face* and it's all his wife's fault. She posted the cutest picture of Addison the other day and I melted. How can anyone resist that face, that smile.

[click on picture to enlarge-in fact I insist on it]

I met Adam through his blog Throwing Quarters and we became fast friends via twitter. I have been out to Cleveland twice and met him and his wife Jenn and their older daughter Audrey. They are truly lovely people. Of course I got to spend time with little Addison and I and my daughters feel in love with her. We wanted to take her home but alas they said no. [I even offered, in fact insisted, on giving her back when she was 12] No dice.

So I put this cute picture on my desktop and my daughters said, "hey Mom, what about us" I said. "you're big kids" [cute of course but not baby cute], I said I would change it when I had a cuter baby to put up in her place..... My youngest [who is 16] said, "are you encouraging me to get pregnant?" "of course not" I said, The oldest [who is 21] just rolled her eyes and asked if it was ok if she got married first.

Now I imagine I will replace the picture long before I become a grandmother but for now the picture makes me smile. You couldn't have posed that picture if you wanted too. Her mother tells me it is now a favorite place for her to hang out. [I wonder how long the bulbs last]

Sooooo if one of my daughters ends up on that show "16 [or so] and Pregnant" I guess I have no one to blame but myself.

What would you do?

2010-12-02T11:57:00.001-05:00

I have recently been contacted by someone from my very very distant past and I am not sure what to do. Let me give you the back story.

My father was a career man in the US Air Force and we traveled around a lot. One of the places we stayed was in a VERY small town in the upper peninsula of Michigan. It was way up by the Canadian border. The town was so small......... how small was it you ask? It was so small there was one street that ran down the middle. It had one gas station, one small store and a one room school. Well two actually but one teacher taught Kindergarten through third grade in one room and the other teacher taught forth grade through sixth in the other. After sixth you were bussed off the high school. At the time it seemed a million years in the future. [there was even a creepy over grown house that had a witch and to this day you can't convince me otherwise]

Anyway, this boy and I lived across the street from each other and became instant best friends. We did everything together. We had sleep overs, adventures in the fields around the house and basically ran wild in this little town. We even had the mumps together. We started kindergarten together. I don't think we even realized we were of the opposite sex. [we did eventually though and Mom you may want to skip this part, but in the dinning room once we did the "you show me and I'll show you" deal. We did and that was it... no more curiosity]

So as it always happened we moved away when Dad was shipped off to England for a second tour. I said good bye to my best friend and that was the end of it.... except around eighth grade he started writing to me and even send me some pictures and a ring. I never wrote back. Now via classmates.com he has looked me up. He obviously remembered my maiden name and where I went to high school. He even left a message.... I was very surprised to say the least.

A friend of mine told me to write back, my mom told me to write back, but I wasn't sure.. it all seemed so long ago to me. My parents are lucky I email Them when they are away.... He can't find me on Facebook because I don't use my real name...

What would you do?

PS. I have written back.

It's Wednesday and.........

2010-12-01T06:02:00.000-05:00

It's Wednesday and I haven't blogged in almost a week. Seems odd, but I haven't much to say lately. I guess I'm just in a rut. I've done pretty well on my Christmas shopping, still lots to do but at least I have some ideas what to get as gifts. I don't like buying just to buy but that's what happens in the end....sometimes.

I have lots of baking to get too. I did a good job last year getting it all done and mailed..was quite pleased with myself. Here are some pictures of last years accomplishments. Baking Part 1 and Baking Part 2. They were all very delicious if I do say so myself. I am going to try some news ones this year.

The tree is still in the attic, but will come down stairs soon-ish. The living room needs some tidying up before we inundate it with boxes of ornaments. I do enjoy the tree with all its sparkling lights and decorations but by New Years I am ready to put it away until next year.

The diet is pretty much at a stand still, I'm not gaining but I'm not losing so I guess I should be happy with that. If I survive the holidays without gaining any weight I will be happy. I am still going to the gym as much as I can so that should keep the pounds away.... I hope. Cookies are a huge temptation for me, and the Hershey Kisses aren't helping me either.

I have been perusing the blogs on my reading list but being busy leaves me little time...and I assume the rest of you are busy too.. [and me not blogging as much is giving you all a break to catch up :-) ]

What have the rest of you been up to?
What are your weaknesses during the holiday season?

I am thankful for.......

2010-11-25T07:24:00.000-05:00

I am thankful for.....

my parents.
my children.
my husband.
my friends.
my family.
turkey with stuffing.
butternut squash.
sweat pants.
homemade quilts.

I am thankful for...........

2010-11-24T02:20:00.002-05:00

I am thankful for..........

mashed potatoes.
to go cups.
scrubs.
Spring.
my daughters.
modern medicine.
hair dye.
Clint Eastwood.
oatmeal.

What are you thankful for?

I am thankful for.....

2010-11-23T04:11:00.001-05:00

I am thankful for......

peanut butter.
my job.
crossword puzzles.
warmth.
Coach purses.
fingerless gloves.
remote controls.
the internet.
a husband that cleans.

What are you thankful for?

I am thankful for.....

2010-11-22T04:05:00.000-05:00

I know I just did a post like this but with Thanksgiving this week I thought I would do a few more... perhaps one a day.

I am thankful for...........

pumpkin pie.
MUSIC.
ipods.
NO more periods!!
debit cards.
games on my cell phone.
our new mattress.
a husband that cooks.
hulu.com

Photo Phinish Phriday

2010-11-19T09:15:00.000-05:00

Hello.... did you miss me? Not sure what happened this week but I have something for you today. I haven't done a Photo Phinish Phriday post for awhile so here goes..

There's a new hot dog truck in town, named The Dog Father, and we drive by it all the time so of course we have to stop. They have great hot dogs and chili. The chili is unusual [to me at least] in that there is cinnamon in it.

I have had this Umbrella tree for 30 years, yes 30 years. It was given to me at my bridal shower. It spends the summers outside growing like a weed and spends the winter dropping leaves but stays alive. If it dies I figure it will be bad luck for my marriage.

Have a great weekend.

I am thankful for......

2010-11-12T04:44:00.000-05:00

I thought I would list some things I am thankful for, but not your regular stuff, like the family and friends. [and I am sooo thankful for them to be sure]

I am thankful for.....

swivel chairs with wheels
perferated paper
sticky notes
microwaves
COFFEE
vodka of course
pump handsoap
24 hr pharmacies
air conditioners
DVR's
Gordon Ramsay

What are you thankful for?

Booze Day Guest post by Cathy Antsy Pants.

2010-11-10T01:35:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the first of many [I hope] guest posts by Cathy from Antsy Pants. When Cathy put her blog to sleep I expressed saddness for losing a great blog and how I would miss Booze Day. We exchanged a few emails and voila here she is.. on the aptly named Vodka Logic. Please give her a huge VL welcome.

*************************

Hello friends of Vodka Logic! Some of you may know me as Cathy from Antsy Pants. I recently put Antsy Pants on hiatus and my readers were very disappointed when they realized my Booze Day feature was going away. People like to read about booze. Vodka Logic, being the genius she is, told me I could guest post on her blog. And so begins a new feature called Booze Day: drinking with friends! If you are interested in having me guest post on your blog I can be reached at cathy.antsypants (at) gmail (dot) com or on twitter @CathyAntsyPants. I am excited that Vodka Logic is helping me kick off this new adventure! And now, for my review.....

Spirit: Black Spiced Rum
Brand: The Kraken Rum Co.
Proof: 94 (47%)
Age: N/A
Cost: $24/750ml
click for website
Points of Interest: Excellent packaging. High alcohol content.

Despite the high alcohol content, this smells quite nice. Very spicy with hints of caramel, somewhat similar to Captain Morgan, but darker and more flavorful.

My husband and I always taste new spirits in the same way: room temperature, sipped out of a shot glass. We find this allows us to taste all the flavors; once you put it on ice or add a mixer you can lose some of the flavors. There were a lot of spicy notes including cinnamon and clove, maybe ginger; rumor is there are 13 secret spices in Kraken. Offsetting the spice were caramel and vanilla flavors. I'm not going to lie, after my second sip I let out a cough, it is 94 proof after all.

We tried drinking this a few different ways. First, we put it on ice and added a splash of lime juice. Very enjoyable, the bite of the alcohol is gone; this is a delicious and dangerous way to drink Kraken. Next, we mixed it with Coke; you really can't go wrong with a spiced rum and Coke. Lastly we tried it with Ginger Ale and this was definitely our favorite way to drink it. The Ginger Ale gives it a lighter flavor but you still taste the warmth of the spices.

Conclusion: The eye catching packaging and complex flavors make this a rum I'd be happy to keep in my liquor cabinet. I am pleased we found many different ways to drink it. This is a rum that will keep me warm this winter!

*MAJOR IMPORTANT NOTE: We are not being compensated for any reviews. This is just something I thought of doing. No one is asking us to do this or bribing us in any way, not that we wouldn't accept a bribe, or some free booze.*

Welcome to Oz

2010-11-08T10:30:00.000-05:00

About a year ago I posted a Justifiable Homicide about how Oprah annoyed the crap out of me.. and thanked her for Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz etc...[not in a good way] Well I am here to say Dr. Oz is now one of my favorite shows during the day. Oprah still pisses me off but I like Dr. Oz.

He teaches about health in a no nonsense easy to understand manner. He uses a lot of hands on examples and involves the audience in his demonstrations. There are often preserved body parts and organs to illustrate what he is talking about. Sometimes it is even a little gross but he gets his point across.

I like that he is caring and very concerned for people. He uses humor without diluting the seriousness of some topics. I don't think there is a topic he won't cover... none.

Mondays episode is geared for 40 and over.. I will be watching gotta go, next up is "are you wearing the right bra"

Wordless Wednesday-A great way to end the day.

2010-11-03T06:18:00.000-04:00

After a busy day in Boston with my daughter we ended it at our favorite restaurant. There is nothing better than sushi at Haiku.

Sweet potato clam chowder...the best soup ever. Heaven in a bowl

this and the one below are Google ... you get what they decide to make you.

Phoenix

Twister

And for dessert, ginger and green tea ice cream

Halloween 55

2010-10-28T21:32:00.002-04:00

Halloween night, getting near,
My children are dressing,
Wanna hear?

Merlotte's Bar needs a waitress,
Let my daughter
Serve True Blood to the ageless.

The youngest one, pretty in pink
A flamingo bird
Cute as a wink.

If they come to your house,
Please give them a treat
Don’t be cheap or a creepy louse.

For more Flash 55 go see G Man

These are pictures of some of the girls costume pieces and our decorations. I couldn't resist the flask of candy as Chemistry was my college major.

Last years Halloween poem

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-27T06:49:00.000-04:00

Enjoy a few fall pictures from my part of the world.

The The Impotence of Proofreading by Taylor Mali

2010-10-26T02:45:00.001-04:00

My daughter played this youtube clip to me yesterday and I was crying with laughter. It is hysterical. I am a serial proofreader and still misspell words and mess up on grammar. This put it all in perspective.

It is called "slam poetry" . It is only 2 minutes so take time to listen and enjoy. [Does contain adult humor]

Random ........

2010-10-25T02:34:00.001-04:00

Just some random thoughts......

My surgery was televised to 14 different countries..... very cool..

I went to the gym on Sunday for the first time in 7 days. I walked on the treadmill for 15 minutes.. felt good.

Enjoyed some nice Disaronno on my birthday.

I am finally understanding how to use my new BlackBerry Torch.

My family went to the The Sole Proprietor for lunch on Saturday. It never disappoints. I got to meet a twitter friend too, madamemenu. She is lovely.

I spent a relaxing day on the couch and watched the New England Patriots game. They won!!

No matter how often you go to Walmart/grocery store, always buy toilet paper. Then you never run out. It's not like it expires.

It was fun grossing my daughters out showing them the "wound" in my belly button from my surgery.

I hit the trifecta tonight. Clean sheets, clean pajamas and ...... freshly showered, such a refreshing way to go to sleep.

Some of this randomness I thought of as I went to bed and actually made notes in my BlackBerry...

Why is it that...Part 9

2010-10-21T06:28:00.000-04:00

Why is it that.....

I have an organ removed and I gain 5 pounds?
my kids continue to surprise me, and it surprises me?
even though my scale shows I am losing weight I don't see it?
I crave sushi when I have no car?
I can't have a fun job like a judge on a food show? yum
the cats come in to sleep on the bed, and then want to leave....
all the laundry is done and I can't find any clean socks.

That's all I've got today, what about you?

Follow up.... to Justifiable Homicide

2010-10-20T01:33:00.000-04:00

My last Justifiable Homicide post I talked about my uterus. Well the uterus is no more and was removed this past Monday. The surgery went well and once the gas mask was placed over my face I have no recollection of the procedure...as it should be.

The only complication was that apparently I had a large uterus and it was adhered to my bladder and the doctor understood why I was having problems with it. The adhesions were due to the two c-sections I had to deliver my children. I will have to remind them ~~all we go through to bring them into this world~~ how much I love them and it was all worth it. This was somewhat expected but proved no challenge and there were no other "problems"

We live a bit over an hour from the hospital so the ride seemed very bumpy to my sensitive abdomen and after a sneezing attack when I got home my belly button was bleeding a bit... daughter number two thought it looked gross and I have to agree. I called and the doctor said it was ok to change the dressing and all has been well since.

You may ask why the belly button was bleeding? It was laparoscopic [sp] surgery and most of the work was done through the belly button. Enough said and thanks to some pain medications I am doing well... the belly feels like I did about 1000 sit ups but each day it gets better.

I am looking forward now to a carefree life and all the money I will save not having to buy sanitary products.... now to get the daughters to buy their own.

picture source

Nerves

2010-10-19T03:55:00.000-04:00

I have nerves of steel,
And I often lie.
So I put on a smile
It helps me get by.

No matter how old,
It never gets easy.
I shiver, I shake,
My stomach gets queasy

Waiting's the hardest,
My mind starts to wander.
Back to my life.
It will be easier, I ponder?

A new day dawns,
Things are fresher.
Checked off one more thing
From life’s pressure.

picture source