drey's house

Venting about air travel...

2011-06-24T10:52:00.000-05:00

I started a new job three months ago, and this one requires a lot more travel than I've ever had to experience. Not that I'm complaining--I love the job, and I really enjoy working with this project team. BUT.

Ok, I guess I'm complaining... About the travel, specifically. So, this is a vent. Or a suggested list of improvements. To whom it may concern, of course... *wink*

Security Lines
Now, if you've ever had to fly anywhere, you've been to an airport. And all of those airports have security. Which means lines. With boards posted as to what you can and can't bring on, what you have to take out of your bags for screening, yadda yadda yadda. Of course, those lines will have people who can't, don't, or absolutely ignore those signs. And then you're stuck behind them waiting while they empty their pockets of change, keys, bike locks, and anything else metal. You're also stuck behind them while they're told to take out the laptop, XBOX 360, Wii, Playstation 3, liquids, etc. etc. etc.

Suggestion: Instead of a lane for the elite fliers and non-elite fliers, why not have one for the frequent travelers and a separate line for the n00bs? Give the frequent travelers a pass that they can apply for. Base it on travel frequency, how many times you've seen that same TSA person, whatever. But that pass lets 'em in the fast line--fast because we know what we've got to do, and we do it quickly!

Perfume & Other Scents
If you haven't noticed, airplanes are not cruise ships. And it's enclosed. Which means if you decide to douse yourself in Drakkar Noir or Obsession, I will most likely smell like you by the time I stumble off the plane. "Stumble" because your scent has completely overwhelmed my senses.

Suggestion: Save the dousing for the destination. Please.

On the other side of that fence is body odor. I don't want to smell like that, either. So, while refraining from manufactured scents, please please please DO apply deodorant. Liberally if need be.

Pets
As I was walking down the jetway last night I noticed that the guy in front of me had a pet in a carrier. Nothing against the man, but I happen to be allergic to cats, dogs, and anything else that is furry and has dander. I'm guessing on the dander--but I do know that 30 minutes next to a cat lover's clothes and I can't breathe. My friend Tracy can vouch for this...

If airlines are going to continue the practice of allowing people to bring pets on board, I would appreciate a warning so I can take some meds before I put myself on an enclosed space with beings who could potentially cause me to die (lack of breathing and all that, y'know). Some of you would say "just take the d@mn Claritin already." To you I say, go drug yourself needlessly for that just-in-case. Because if there are no cats (or dogs), I will not potentially not-breathe.

Bags
Airlines allow you to bring two (2) bags on board. They state it everywhere you buy a ticket, check in, and even at the gate. You can count up to two easily, right? So why do people insist on trying to bring more than two (2) bags onto the plane? The airlines say how big your bags can be, but there's no minimum size. And there's no magical formula that says two of your three bags add up to less space than one carry-on. They say TWO. Get over it, and bring only two. If you don't understand the concept of two, then this country is in worse shape than everyone says it is.

I think that's enough for the day... Happy travels, everyone! *grin*

portal 2!

2011-04-07T19:15:00.000-05:00

Ok, so Portal 2 didn't come out in February... :( Instead, it's scheduled for release on the 19th. Why am I talking about old news, you ask? Well, because I just saw this on History.com:

I'm a geek. Actually, I'm an easily-amused geek. ;)

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day...

2011-01-17T08:00:00.103-06:00

Today is the 25th anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday. I believe it has the honor of being the first public holiday of the year, and while many businesses are open as usual (including the one I work for), the little man has no school, and government offices including the USPS are closed. Which means either the Mr. or I need to take time off. So then I started thinking (I know, 'tis a dangerous thing to do!)...

My first thought is a question, on what this day means to most people. Not only historically, but right now, right here, today. Does it actually mean something, and to whom? And why? After all, other than Washington's birthday on February 21st, MLK Day is the only Federal holiday associated with a person.

Ok, I know he's an important figure in American history. For those who don't, the Library of Congress has a section on Dr. King, Jr, and his contributions to society. And here's a video I found of his famous speech. Still gives me chills when I hear it...

Martin Luther King "I Have a Dream"

So, we know he's important and historically significant, and we know why. We know he inspired millions, and we know that a ton of good was achieved in his name. But what do we do with that knowledge, today?

Some people will say that equality is still a dream, and others say that things are just fine the way they are. Who is right? Well, that depends on who's asking. Personally, I think as long as we pre-judge one another based on nothing but gender or race--whether positively or negatively--then we still have work to do. Which brings up my next question: What are we doing about it?

Unfortunately, I don't think there's an easy answer to this one. On a personal level, I do what I can to teach the little man that we should not treat people differently based on their gender or race. He discovered color a few years ago, and came home and asked me, "Mom, did you know Jeffrey is black?" I said yes, I knew. And asked him if it made any difference to him. I mean, what if Jeffrey was purple? And he said no. Jeffrey is still his best friend, and he's still "just" Jeffrey. Easy answers from a child, but whether it lasts into adulthood depends on me setting a good example for him, and his interactions with other people of color--not just black, but yellow, brown, and every color we come in. Gender might be a trickier thing to tackle, especially since girls are "girls" and boys, aren't.

As to what we can do as a society, I found this website that promotes MLK Day of Service, and has a handy widget to let you find volunteer opportunities in your community. And if I didn't have to work, I'd be taking advantage of the opportunity to perform some community service with the little man.

Find a Volunteer Opportunity - MLK Daygreat free widgetsWidgetboxMore info

What about you? What are you doing this MLK Day?

for the Sobelmans fans: Groupon deal!

2011-01-14T08:59:00.002-06:00

I think you should get your Groupon: $7 for Burgers and More at Sobelmans Pub

To sign up for Groupon click here!
Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

testing!

2010-10-28T07:37:00.001-05:00

Just picked up a blogger app from the android market, giving it a whirl...

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.4

Coming in Feb: Portal 2...

2010-09-08T21:56:00.000-05:00

Have you seen this trailer for Portal 2?

"I think we can put our differences behind us... for science... you monster..."

She's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

I wonder if there'll be a new theme song? Yeah, everyone else is talking about the multi-player and the new tools. I'm fixated on the song. Still Alive still totally cracks me up every time I hear it.

Closets!

2010-08-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

So the Mr. and I have been spending the past couple weekends redoing our bedroom. We painted, hung drapery, purchased artwork, and put the room together quite nicely (in my opinion!) a few weekends ago. This past weekend we tackled the closet. I've wanted to put in a closet organizer for quite a while now, and *hurrah* we finally got around to it...

First things first. The semi-finished project. Sorry for the bad lighting, I wasn't in the mood to figure out how to take a better picture with my phone!

We put in ClosetMaid Selectives laminate organizer purchased from Home Depot. Two 16" towers, five 8" drawers, 2 wire baskets. Assembly was pretty easy--everything was included in the kit and the instructions were pretty detailed.

Each tower kit contains two base units that are stacked to form the tower, and three adjustable rods. I wish that the instructions for assembling the base units included a note that mentioned that placement of the lower shelf would vary based on whether you're installing with drawers or baskets, or just leaving it as shelves, as we had to disassemble and re-assemble three of the four units for our planned configuration.

The drawers had decorative panel fronts and nickel pulls. The sliders pull all the way out, and are a little greasy. (photo from ClosetMaids website)

The only thing I wasn't happy with was one drawer kit shipped with the wrong size cams, so I had to run and try to find a replacement. Also, the Mr. broke one of the shelves (which is why one tower only has two shelves instead of three), but that's nobody else's fault. However, I don't think ClosetMaid sells them individually, so I won't be able to replace that broken shelf.

Everything installed in just over a weekend--this includes taking down the old closet and painting the walls & baseboards. I'll be a happy camper once the touch-up work is completed and I can use my new closet!

The Guild: "Game On" music video...

2010-07-30T08:40:00.000-05:00

Holy moly! For all fans of The Guild: a new music video. If you've never heard of The Guild, shame on you! Go check it out at http://www.watchtheguild.com/! Like, NOW.

<a href="http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&from=sp&fg=shareObject&vid=8cb424dc-cbdb-40be-90c5-8fb450462d2f" target="_new" title="Season 4 - Music Video - "Game On"">Video: Season 4 - Music Video - "Game On"</a>

Fireworks and people watching...

2010-07-05T00:03:00.000-05:00

Well, it's (still) the 4th of July. Day of celebration, family, and things that go kaboom. Here are some observations...

If you live in the Greater Milwaukee area, don't skip the Big Bang. This lovely kaboom-y event is held on July 3rd every year, and is totally spectacular. When I was single, I used to hang with friends down by the lakefront. We'd scope out an awesome spot and spend all day there--drinking, soaking in the sun, drinking, playing volleyball, drinking, grilling out--and then settle in for the show. Now, we get there around 6pm, bring a picnic, find a spot, and settle in for the show. The former means easier-to-find parking. The latter means no entertaining a 7-year-old all day and worrying about sunburn. Yes, we got older...
If you do partake of #1 above, then you'll surely agree with me when I wonder what the heck is going on with waistlines... Specifically, waistlines on pants, on today's youth. Boy, am I sounding old and crotchety or what? But. You know that whole-pants-around-your-hips-showing-off-your-boxers look the boys sport? well. Now it's the pants-around-your-upper-thighs-showing-off-your-boxers look. I will confess to actually staring. But I had a reason, truly! I was wondering how they managed to walk with pants hanging around the thighs... I still haven't figured it out. Maybe next time, I should just quit staring, and ask?
Every year, people go bigger and bigger. They mark off huge areas for themselves & their friends, even if they only use a quarter of the space. Gee, guys. Thanks for sharing. They also go all out with the stuff that is carted in--there were tents--big ones, and multiples too, tables & chairs, coolers and grills galore... I was a bit surprised I didn't see a couch or a TV, honestly. Seriously though. How do you pack and drag all that stuff once the show is done? In the dark? Also, (and this is my anal-retentive side coming out), how do you make sure you don't leave your crap laying around a public park? Do you even want to know how many bottles and cans I stepped on, on the way out of the park? Thanks, people! Way to take out what you brought in!

Alright, that's enough kvetching for one day. Hopefully everybody made it home safe after--and for those in accidents, I hope you're ok. If, however, you were drunk when you got into that accident, please do the rest of us a favor and stay home next year.

A few PSAs...

2010-06-01T22:40:00.000-05:00

Alright. I have a few PSAs for you today. I probably shouldn't be sharing some of these, due to the embarrassment factor. But, if they help someone else, I'll take the blushes and bear it.

When spending the day out in the sun in a bathing suit, make sure to apply sunscreen around the cleavage area. Yes, even when you don't think you have cleavage. Also make sure to re-apply liberally, and often.
When that cleavage area is red from too much sun exposure (see #1), you shouldn't go bra-shopping. Trust me. Underwires + sunburnt cleavage = ouchies.
When applying sunscreen to legs, don't forget the back of the legs. Nothing's worse than #1 and #2 unless your bottom-of-the-swimsuit area is also red. Now you can't sit comfortably. This one's a freebie. I just thought of it. Plus I saw quite a few red-people who are surely (still) paying for their negligence...
Speaking of legs. Don't miss any spots (#3 notwithstanding)... It is not possible to shave sunburnt legs, or wear jeans that won't rub on the sunburnt spots. Because they only rub on the sunburnt spots.
If putting hair up into ponytails or pigtails, make sure any scalp exposed is also slathered in sunscreen. Who cares if there's white goo all over your head? You'll appreciate the fact that you're not constantly wincing when brushing your hair later...

There you go. Now go be sunburn-free.

Music...

2010-05-18T09:29:00.000-05:00

I'm listening to my iPod. There are over 3000 songs on it, and while that may not sound like a lot to some people, it is to me. It's gotten to the point where I've completely forgotten what's on it.

I mean, sure, I "star" my favorites, and have playlists that let me only listen to the songs that I like or love. But what about the others? There's gotta be a reason they're on the dang thing in the first place, right?

Anyway. I'm listening to my iPod. And Garth Brooks comes on. I almost skip it--it's country, and you can always identify a country song within the first few notes. But then I looked at my iPod, and it's Friends in Low Places. Ahhhhhhhh, the memories that song conjures up... Shenanigans and Long Island Iced Teas!

Which got me to thinking… Some of these songs I loved, if not now, then in my past. I did go through a Garth phase--I do have 7 of his albums on my iPod after all... I also have some Reba, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Dixie Chicks and Shania Twain. Remember Shania? I don't have Brooks and Dunn though. Hmm... How’d I miss Boot Scootin’ Boogie? Especially when (yes) I actually scooted? Shhhhhhhh!

I have 80's pop. 90's grunge and alternative. Oldies--Louis and Ella and Duke and Count Basie oldies, Sinatra oldies, Edith Piaf oldies. And now I'm listening to Joe Cocker's With a Little Help from My Friends. Yes, add blues and jazz to the mix. A lot of blues and jazz… Reminds me of hanging out in a smoky lil’ blues bar, a drink in one hand and a pool cue in the other… Where’d my cue go, anyway? Hmm…

I also have techno, hip-hop, and rap. A mix of Scat Man, Salt-n-Pepa, Eminem, and some Kid Rock to tie it all together? Oooooh, here's the Violent Femmes with Blister in the Sun. Another favorite.

Rock & Classic Rock. I have lots and lots (and lots) of classic rock. The Boss. Clapton, Eagles, Rolling Stones, Bryan Adams, Santana, Sting, Queen, Rush… Has Rush always been considered “classic rock”? Or am I just getting old? Ahhhhh, Iris.

Motley Crue, AC/DC, Rob Zombie, Aerosmith—these are all from the hubby’s collection. I figured at one point that I might as well give ‘em a try, but have to admit the whole head-banging thing has completely gone over my head. =P

And of course, whose music collection is complete without The Beatles? Not mine, that’s for sure. I Want to Hold Your Hand still holds a special place in my heart.

I’m not all about the oldies (my classical collection notwithstanding!)… I love Lily Allen’s humor, Norah Jones’ and Amy Winehouse’s voices. Rachel Yamagata’s songwriting. And here’s Clapton’s Wonderful Tonight. Another song full of memories. Vincent, I hope life has been good to you.

And there’s the Rock Band collection: R.E.M. (which I had prior to RB, btw!), NIN, Nirvana, Ramones, Alanis, Foo Fighters, Radiohead…

So. What’s on your iPod (or, substitute mp3 player, or cd collection here)? How has your music taste changed (or not) over the years? Do you still listen to the stuff you used to like?

Other songs that played while I wrote this post:
When You’re Smiling (Louis)
Rindu (Sheila Majid)
San Francisco Bay Blues (Clapton)
I Think I’m Paranoid (Garbage)
Why Don’t You Get a Job (The Offspring)
Volare (Gypsy Kings)
They Dance Alone (Sting)
It Was a Very Good Year (Sinatra)
Les Feuilles Mortes (Andrea Bocelli)
Rock This Town (Stray Cats)
Mbube (Ladysmith Black Mambazo)
New Year’s Day (U2)
Oops! I Did it Again (Britney Spears)

Dear TSA, please give my hairbrush back...

2010-05-15T19:21:00.000-05:00

I should start by saying I don't really hate the TSA--I'm not often enough of a traveler to be inconvenienced by the security checkpoints multiple times a week...

However. On my last trip, I noticed at my destination that my hairbrush was missing. No worries, I probably just left it at home. But dang, no hairbrush! Anyway, a quick trip to the local CVS fixed that. I had a trip brush. One that I can keep in my luggage for the next trip. Whenever it occurs...

Fast forward 5 days. Now I'm home. First thing I do (don't ask!) is look for my hairbrush. I can't find it. It's not in the drawer in the bathroom. It's not in my bedroom. It's not in the spare bedroom. It's not even in the kid's room. So where the f'ing hell is my hairbrush??

There's only one explanation. I didn't forget it. Instead, it got bootlegged by the TSA. Why take a hairbrush? Who knows. But I'd love to have it back... Anyway. This whole episode brought to mind one of the Veggie Tales songs. Enjoy...

This makes me sick!!

2010-04-09T09:27:00.000-05:00

MSNBC: 13-year-old child bride dies from genital bleeding.

What NORMAL 23-year-old marries a CHILD and thinks it's ok to have sex with her?? What NORMAL adult thinks it's ok for children to be married off?? Well, I suppose when the adult is the man, who can't think but with his * ('cuz obviously his BRAIN isn't working, if he even has one!!), it's ok. Gah!!! I so want to string these people over a red-ant hill, under durian trees, during durian season.

Now imagine those pelting the dumbasses, just from falling off the tree. Good thing they're heavy. Bah!! I'm still pissed.

NB 45 bridge closed!

2010-03-26T14:37:00.000-05:00

Well, they finally said no more driving on the NB 45 bridge thru the Zoo Interchange... At least it's before some poor schmuck got smushed by chunks of falling bridge, eh?

I wonder what this'll do to the traffic around that area. The little man's school is right there and it's already crazy at pick-up time... Hmm. Guess time will tell.

Okay... Some days I'm kinda glad I'm not a New Yorker!

2010-01-11T08:00:00.001-06:00

Here's a Monday weird news story for you!!

MSNBC: Hundreds strip for 'no pants' subway stunt... You mean to tell me they couldn't find sexier legs to profile in the accompanying photo? More pics here.

Why is car-seat safety important? Here's one reason:

2009-12-14T16:00:00.001-06:00

5-year old sustains injuries in a car accident. A lovely little girl is now in the hospital. She was in a lap-belt only, and not in a seat at all. When will people learn that car-seats aren't luxuries, or toys, and accept responsibility for using them correctly each and every time they're in the vehicle?

I know people who put their 5-year-old and 3-year-old in boosters. Because the older girl was "almost 40 lbs anyway" and the younger girl has to do everything her older sister does. Never mind that state law says 4 years AND 40 lbs. Because physics don't have any bearing in what happens in an accident, right? Or common sense?

I also know people who said "whatever happens, happens"... Like, um, isn't this your child we're talking about? I just hope and pray that we never, ever have to find out what could happen.

*sigh* People. If you have children, love them to death. But do everything you can to keep them from death's clutches in the event that you're ever in an accident. Please.

The long and short of it...

2009-11-24T20:45:00.000-06:00

So, what is it about hair, anyway? Specifically, the kind that grows on your head. Or should I say scalp, since I'm not talking about nose or ear hair... =P And I should probably say that this is from a girl's point of view.

I recently got my hair cut. Or chopped, as the Mr. says. Because I had 10 inches taken off (to donate), and I now have a very cute (if I do say so myself!) chin-length bob. The Mr. hates it. But he's always liked long hair--the longer the better. Never mind that long hair congregate in clumps on my hardwood floor, and play chase all over the living and dining rooms. Never mind that it gets stuck in places like the lint trap in the dryer, the drain in the tub, the one corner of the floorboard that sticks out just so, the corner of the area rug, or wrapped around a table leg... Hey, you may say. Shorter hair does the same thing, so that shouldn't be an issue. Well yes, I will reply. But shorter hair doesn't easily wrap around itself and get into knots that you are then on the floor (cold--because of the weather, hardwood--because I'm just lucky like that, floor) pulling hair out of everywhere!

So. What is it about hair that makes other people think they're entitled to an opinion as to what you should do with yours? I'd really really like to know... Anyone?

Bugatti in the water...

2009-11-13T08:05:00.002-06:00

Low-flying pelican + dropped cell phone = Bugatti Veyron in a marsh.

Dude. It's a million-dollar car. You'd think you would pay better attention to the driving and less to the bird & phone...

Something to think about...

2009-10-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

Saw this on facebook (thanks, sis!), and thought I'd share...

Goodbye haiku...

2009-10-16T23:15:00.001-05:00

My grandmother, gone
I pray your soul is peaceful
I will miss you tons

xoxoxo

As if abuse isn't enough...

2009-10-07T16:21:00.003-05:00

If being a victim wasn't enough of a damper on someone's psyche, 8 states allow insurance companies to deny you coverage if you're a victim of abuse. MSNBC.

This just completely, totally, ticks me off!! How dare these companies! Getting abused, being hurt--emotionally and physically--isn't enough?? Really?? Aargh!!

Seriously, Idaho, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Wyoming and the District of Columbia all need to get with the program.

Support two October causes with your comments!

2009-10-03T16:51:00.003-05:00

Did you ever wish that whatever you said would make an impact? I sometimes do... And now you can. Well, not quite "say", exactly. More like "type"...

During the month of October--that's the 1st through the 31st, ladies and gents--Heather over at Singing with My Heart is supporting two very worthy causes by donating .25 cents for every comment you leave (over there, please, not here). She has a limit, but it's very generous, and we can absolutely help get the word out, can we not?

But first, I imagine you'd want to know what you're supporting... October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is ALSO National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. And Heather's Comments for a Cause supports both.

A huge THANK YOU to Rebecca at Provocation of Mine(d) for pointing me in Heather's direction. Breast cancer is something that many women I know--among family, friends, and coworkers--have fought. Some won. Some lost. But all have been affected.

As for domestic violence... A few years ago, a college friend of mine was killed by her husband, in her living room, while their two children were asleep upstairs, because she asked for a divorce. He beat her, smashed her head against the kitchen countertop and cabinets. Then left her lying on the living room floor, covered with a blanket. The next morning he walked the kids past their mom--on their way to school--telling them that she was asleep. Today, two children are without parents. And they know why.

So please. Take a minute or two and head over to Heather's Comments for a Cause. And leave a comment. Or two. Let her know if you're tweeting her post by adding #commentsforacause.

Thank you.

Update: To show my support for these two causes, I am adding another $100 to Heather's pool. So go comment.

A perfect summer day at the APT...

2009-09-13T11:02:00.003-05:00

The Mr. and I have been going out to the APT--the American Players Theatre, in Spring Green, WI--for, oh, about 10 years now. We used to go twice in the summer--stopped at the farmer's market in Madison, check in to a hotel, get stuff for our picnic dinner, and head on out to Spring Green to picnic and enjoy the theater. Since the little man joined us, we've gone out just once in the summer, and we try to pack in both plays. The farmer's market is a casualty, and I admit to missing it tremendously. In a few years though, hopefully the little man will join us on our jaunts out there...

Yesterday was this summer's trip out to Spring Green. It was a beautiful day--THANK YOU Mother Nature! And the plays--The Winter's Tale and Henry V, works of the illustrious Bard himself. Every year we head out there, remembering plays of years past, and the wonderful job the cast does; hoping that this time, it'll be just as magical as it's been the last 10 years.

And the APT delivered. Phenomenal acting. Mine weren't the only pair of not-quite-dry eyes in the audience for The Winter's Tale. And Henry V was masterfully delivered. If you've never been to the APT, you should plan now for next summer.

Links:
American Players Theatre (APT)
APT Blog in the Woods
APT on Facebook

My first tiling experience...

2009-09-04T08:00:00.002-05:00

Back in June-ish, the Mr. & I decided to remodel the half-bath in our 1.5 bath home. Actually, it might've been more like the Mr. decided, and I got to go along for the ride. He took it apart over the 4th of July weekend.

And two weekends ago, finally laid the floor tile. (We had to wait for all the "stuff" to come in, plus find the time.)

Last weekend I put up the subway tiles for the wall. Did two walls on Saturday, and the remainder two on Sunday. The Mr. did all the cutting. My fingers were scraped and raw from messing with the cement. But I think it looks good, don't you?

Next up: grouting!

I LOVE this!

2009-09-03T21:40:00.003-05:00

If you're a fan of The Guild, you'll want to check this out. Heck, check it out even if you're not. It's hilarious!

Finally watched Gran Turino...

2009-08-23T09:41:00.003-05:00

I am a huge Clint Eastwood fan. Even the early campy, corny spaghetti westerns. =) So when I first heard of Gran Turino, I was very interested. Then when I heard the premise of the story, I wasn't quite so sure. There's only so much racism a person wants to watch, if you know what I mean.

But I put it on my Netflix list, and it finally showed up last week. And we got around to watching it on Friday night. And I liked it. Clint does the grumpy growly cranky old man very well, indeed. And I like the redemption factor in the story, as well as the fact that there were so very many Asian actors.

It's almost school-time again...

2009-08-16T15:56:00.002-05:00

Can you believe it? I can't. School starts in 2 weeks! Not for me, but for the little man. You know what that means, right? It means summer's almost over. And that means it'll get cooler out. And then colder out. And I'll be shoveling the driveway again.

It also means it's time to sign up for fall soccer, and swim classes. Which I attempted to do this morning. But somehow I couldn't get the website to work with IE8. I thought that web developers were always diligent about testing in every browser, but apparently not at my local YMCA. Used to be, I couldn't get to their online forms with Firefox. Now I can, but not on IE8. So this means I'll need to call the office to give them the info they need, for assigning his soccer team. & of course, what'll you want to bet that I'll forget? 'Cuz, I already have. *wry grin*

And, of course, all of this means that I'm going to be one very busy mama. Pick up the kids from school every day, make sure the little man practices (piano) and does his reading homework. Swimming on Wednesdays. Soccer practice on one other day. Soccer games on Saturdays. The Mr. hangs with the boys on Tuesdays. Which all makes for a very busy week. Oh well...

On a good note, the MSO season starts up again! Yay! I cannot wait. Which reminds me, I still haven't received my tickets. Hmm... Better note that I need to follow up on that, too..

The Proposal ~ a tad unreal, but...

2009-08-07T16:00:00.000-05:00

I went to see The Proposal last night with my good friend T, whom I haven't actually seen in person, since before Christmas. Seriously. Anyway, we now have a new monthly outing, so that shouldn't happen again.

About The Proposal:
We wanted to see this because we're both Sandra Bullock fans. Ryan Reynolds isn't too shabby, either, but this was mostly for Ms. Bullock. Margaret Tate (Bullock) is an editor at a publishing company who's facing deportation. She's a hard-driving taskmaster whom her underlings absolutely loathe. Loved the notes they IM to each other when she's coming by--"the witch is on her broom"...

Andrew Paxton (Reynolds) has been her assistant for 3 years, and boy, I don't know how he's done it. But now he finds himself "engaged" to her, so that she can get a visa to stay. And no, he didn't volunteer.

And the adventure begins! They go to Alaska, for Andrew's grandmother's birthday, and to break the news to the family (who've heard quite a bit about Margaret, btw). Andrew's grandmother greets Margaret with "Do you prefer Margaret or "Satan's Mistress"?... And somehow, while they're there, he hates her a little less, and she thaws a little bit. And although I really liked the movie--it fit my requirement for a nice, feel-good, no-thinking, some-hunky-bod-baring, girls-night-out movie--I didn't quite make the leap from loathing to wanting-to-keep-her-around after a 3-day weekend. Hmm... But hey. Reynold's bare upper bod is yummy. *grin*

Cast:
Sandra Bullock (Margaret Tate)
Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds)
Mary Steenburgen (Grace Paxton--Andrew's mom)
Craig T. Nelson (Joe Paxton--Andrew's dad)
Betty White (Grandma Annie)

Transporter 3 = yummy...

2009-08-02T23:20:00.003-05:00

Jason Statham is yummy. I think (ok, ok, I'll fess up!!) the only reason I watch these movies is because there'll be at least one fight scene where he takes his shirt off. *drool* *slobber* *drool* And for the chase scenes, of course. *grin*

And, as expected, there was gratuitous nudity. If you consider Mr. Statham's nekkid upper body gratuitous nudity. Yummy... The plot? Thin, but alright. The girl was way too young for him, but maybe I'm just getting older. (& am a wee bit green 'cuz she got so close to that nekkid upper body) The fight scenes? Well-choreographed, as usual. The chase scenes? Adrenaline pumping. Everything you'd expect from a Transporter movie. Heh.

Do not fall asleep near ants...

2009-07-21T14:49:00.002-05:00

MSNBC: A Bolivian farmworker was ant-bit to death. I used to have nightmares about fire ants taking over the world... Ugh!

hey, where'd the sun go?

2009-07-21T14:45:00.002-05:00

Millions of people are getting ready for Wednesday's eclipse: MSNBC. Is it weird to want to witness this?

Star Trek ala Sims...

2009-06-07T08:57:00.001-05:00

I squealed when I heard the Sims 3 was coming out. I heart the Sims! Alas, my lil' ol' laptop won't be able to handle the graphics. Time for a new laptop, anyone? =)

In any case, here's a totally fab vid to share:

lots of work... & some fun stuff!

2009-05-13T03:42:00.007-05:00

So. I've been out of the country for almost 2 weeks now - had to head over the pond for parts of a project. It didn't start auspiciously: at 4:30 a.m. a disembodied-voice told me that my flight had been canceled (I was heading out the door to catch the bus down to O'Hare), and I'd been re-booked on the evening flight out. No problem - I head back to bed, caught the little man's first soccer game for the season, hung out with my boys, and THEN hopped on the bus to O'Hare... Check-in went fine. Immigration went fine. Sat next to this dude who worked audio for Metallica's concerts. Couldn't sleep.

Got into Heathrow at 7:30 a.m., took about 40 minutes for luggage & immigration. Another 45 minutes to get to Oxford & check in at the hotel. Hopped in the shower & changed. Found the train station & caught the next train to London, where I met up with two of my 3 cousins who live in London, whom I haven't seen in 10 years...

After walking around London with them (thanks, guys!)I headed back to the hotel, unpacked, and crashed. Only to be woken at 3:30 a.m. by a group celebrating a 21st birthday, down in the streets. Ugh. Monday morning was rough. Working 11 hours was REALLY rough. On Thursday I had dinner with another cousin, and we got lost walking around Oxford looking for this little restaurant... =) But how fun it is to catch up!

After a looooong week, I headed to Paris for the weekend. We skippeth-d out of work early (after still working an 8-hour day) and headed to the airport. Where we found out that they couldn't check anyone in because they got virus'd. So they had to print off lists and scratch your name off the list when you got up to the counter. We finally left London at 10 (3 hours late!) and got into Paris by midnight! =)

And then, ah! Paris! What a beautiful city! Absolutely enchanting & entertaining!

OMG, what a ditz!!

2009-04-23T08:40:00.002-05:00

So. I believe in the little man getting exposure to a range of activities throughout the year, as long as it's a feasible schedule. We usually have tickets to the symphony's kids concerts, and the children's theater for plays. Swimming in fall/winter. Soccer in spring/fall. T-ball in summer.

I signed up the little man for spring soccer and summer t-ball, three weeks ago. And looked at the calendar yesterday & noticed that we have a soccer game this Saturday. & I'm wondering, why haven't I heard from his coach?

*sigh* I'm a ditz. When I signed him up, there's a form to fill out. The coaches get that form. Apparently I neglected to fill that form out, and I definitely neglected to turn it in. Sheesh. So today I called up, got that filled out, got him assigned to a team, called the coach. And we're playing on Saturday morning at 11. *phew*

Maybe one of these days I'll find my brain?

It's that time of year again...

2009-04-12T11:15:00.000-05:00

Uh huh. Time to renew subscriptions, for the '09-'10 season. I just received my brochure for the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and boy, I already can't wait! There are so MANY performances I want to go to! But, after lots of deliberation - ok, 30 minutes! - here's what I'm going to:

Lang Lang, Apr 21. Duh. Of COURSE I'm getting tickets to this! So what if it's not till April 2010??
The beginning of the de Waart era at the MSO, Sept 26. Can't wait to see what this new maestro does for our talented orchestra, starting with Mahler's Symphony No.5... link
Bartok's Bluebeard's Castle, featuring six spectacular glass works by legendary artist Dale Chihuly. When else? Halloween weekend, of course... link
After a looooooooooong draught, returning to hear cellist Johannes Moser play Shostakovich's Cello Concerto No.1 in January... link
Pianist John Lill plays Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No.1 in February... link
The following month it's violinist Vadim Repin for Beethoven... link
In April, Garrick Ohlsson (another pianist) plays Chopin's Piano Concerto No.2... link
And, finally, in May, pianist (yes. another.) Simon Trpceski plays Saint-Saens' Piano Concerto No.2... link

Hmm. Now that I'm looking at my list, it doesn't seem like there's enough... =D

This is so WRONG!!!

2009-04-12T10:33:00.003-05:00

Imperial Valley News: Children's author Kevin Patrick Bath was arraigned on felony charges of distributing, transferring and receiving child pornography. The indictment also charges him with two counts of possessing child pornography. He pleaded not guilty to each count.

He's a children's author, for goodness' sakes! WTF?? Moron.

Bah, humbug!

2009-03-29T21:33:00.003-05:00

Ok, I am officially anti-March Madness! This is the second time basketball has messed with my recording of The Amazing Race! Grrrrr! I really don't give a cr@p about all of these profiles that 60 Minutes (I think this is 60 Minutes!) is doing about the players/coaches/whoever. Whatever. I want my show. I only follow a handful. Ok, maybe two handfuls. So give me my show!

Congress & credit cards...

2009-03-27T16:56:00.000-05:00

From Reuters: Congress rides to the rescue with credit cardholders rights & reform

I have credit cards, like many many other people. I use it for everything - gas, groceries, household items, entertainment, bills, etc. I do all my bill-paying online. In fact, I get annoyed when I get my quarterly bill for my water/sewer/garbage service, because I have to write a check & mail it in. And the Mr. & I have quite the credit card limit when you add up the limits on our joint card, my Amex, and his Visa. Plus another card that we never use...

Now, I know that there are proponents of absolutely no credit card usage out there. But why would I stop? It's convenient - I never have to worry about carrying enough cash around, or my checkbook. In fact, I have to find my checkbook - summer registration for the little man's here... In addition, I get points, which I convert into gift cards to feed my reading addiction. Have I mentioned it's convenient? And I don't do debit cards - they just don't have the consumer protection that credit cards offer.

Here's what we do that lets us use our credit cards freely.
#1. Pay it off. Every month. I don't like to pay interest, on anything, if I can help it. I get online statements, with an email reminder that the statement's ready. Then I schedule the payment for the due date stated on the statement.
#2. Never carry a credit card with an annual fee. It's not worth it.
#3. Never have a credit limit higher than you can afford to pay off. See #1.

There you go. Now go forth and prosper, and don't count on your government taking care of you. Because that ALWAYS comes with strings attached...

Shopping trip!

2009-03-26T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's been quite a while since I've gone shopping. And by golly, I needed new shoes. And/or a purse. So I hit the mall on Tuesday, with the little man in tow. No, he doesn't like shopping. But I don't like whining, so I figure we're even. =P

Anyhoo. I ended up with only one pair of shoes. This is what I get for hitting the end of a sale instead of the beginning. Now I need to buy some heel stops, so I can actually walk in these darn shoes! They kept slipping off my feet, which makes it entertainingly difficult (entertaining for those who see me navigate my way from my desk to the cafeteria / bathroom / car; difficult for ME) to actually walk in 'em. I was sorely (ha ha) tempted to just run around barefoot all day. 'cuz I do that. =P

I found two purses though. They're both bigger than I normally carry. But I got tired of trying to figure out how to fit the personal cell phone, work cell phone, iPod, headphones (for the iPod), wallet, keys, & etc. into an itty bitty purse. So now I have something(s!) to throw all that into. Whaddaya think?

Oh my! where did the time go?

2009-03-19T07:16:00.002-05:00

Today, my little man turns 6. I can't believe it. Where'd the time go? Wasn't it just yesterday that he was 3?? *sigh* I must be getting old or something...

Anyway, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, little man!

This one's for all the gals...

2009-03-03T21:01:00.003-06:00

March is Women's History Month. Some resources outlining the journey from second-class citizens to a fully-contributing member of today's society are listed below:

Library of Congress

The History Channel

National Women's History Project

Ok, I have to admit that I complain about how busy life gets. Work. Picking up the little man from school. Doing his reading homework. Piano practice. Swimming. Library runs. Making dinner. Cleaning up after. The little man's bath. TV/blogging/reading... And that's just during the week.

Then I read about these women. And I remember to be thankful for everything I have. Sure it's crazy. But I could be barefoot & pregnant in the kitchen, serving my mother-in-law's every whim. Or working in a factory in the slums, for just-about no pay, in unsafe conditions. Or be barely literate since I didn't have the opportunity to go to school.

I could be living a life where there is no hope for a better life, where my every move is watched and criticized. Where my opinions had better stay silenced or my life could be snuffed. Where I had no control over what happens to me or mine.

So the next time I want to rant and rail over how crazy life is, or how unfair things can be, I promise to remember what these women have achieved for us. And I promise to remember that for some women, things have not improved one iota. And then I promise, I will be thankful for what I do have.

AAAAARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

2009-02-28T09:32:00.002-06:00

I HATE batteries!!!!! Ok, maybe not the batteries themselves, but that stupid little indicator that tells you that you have 25 minutes of power left. Which I wouldn't hate so much, except that 2 minutes later your laptop shuts down. BAH!! Can somebody teach the darn thing to tell time or something?? #$)&#@^%*!!!

*deep breath* Guess I'll go see if I can recover what I was working on...

A little relief, and a bit of sadness...

2009-02-19T19:16:00.002-06:00

On January 23rd, my employer announced that they would be laying off 1100 people. 300 of that number would come from the ranks of salaried employees. And we wouldn't know who, until the week of Feb. 16th.

So it's the week of Feb. 16th. And I've heard from quite a few friends that they will be done as of Feb. 27th. As for myself, I'm safe. For now.

So there's the relief that I'm not out of a job (now), but it's coupled with the sadness that some of my friends and colleagues, will no longer have hallway conversations or impromptu lunches.

This sucky economy totally sucks.

Joss Whedon's Dollhouse...

2009-02-17T07:47:00.003-06:00

Being a fan of Firefly, I heard the buzz about Joss Whedon's Dollhouse long before it aired. And set my DVR to record the pilot episode that aired on FOX last Friday night.

It's finally been watched, and I have to say, I'm not very impressed. The writing was just so-so, which is disappointing. The story has an interesting premise - get all these people & offer them a way out of whatever hell they've ended up in. Then program them (they call this "imprinting") with a whole new personality, and sell them as "agents." Any kind you need. Human trafficking at it's very highest end. And the magic? The agents don't remember who they were, or what they've done. Every job gets wiped from memory.

Looking for the Dollhouse is FBI agent Paul Ballard (actor Tahmoh Penikett from Battlestar Galactica). He not only can't convince his superiors that the Dollhouse even exists, he's pissing them off in the process of searching for it. And confusing the heck out of viewers in the meantime.

The main agent in this story is Echo, played by Eliza Dushku. The first episode's "mission" was a hostage negotiator. The agent has to get the client's kidnapped child back safely. Eliza Dushku was way too polished, too perky, to be convincing as an experienced hostage negotiator. She bounced and flounced around - NOT calm-inducing at all. My personal pet peeve? She looked WAAAAY too young to be in that type of a role. She looked like a kid playing dress-up in the suit, glasses, and pulled-back-into-a-bun hair. They would've done better keeping her signing-away-her-life, little-rough-around-the-edges look from the beginning of the episode. Another peeve? With as many asthmatics in this country, ya think they'd research how to use an inhaler... It's not like disarming a bomb, people! I do have to say, though, she does a great freshly-wiped, blank look.

I'll probably give this another try. But if episode two is similar to this, I'll give it up. There's better things to do with my time. 'sides, the end where they show these agents crawling into bunks in the FLOOR, with a "cover" sliding over them, is really, really, creepy! Ugh!

Viva cello!

2009-02-14T07:49:00.005-06:00

It's been quite a while, but I made it (finally!) to another performance by the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra last night. The program for the evening:

* Ode for Orchestra by Lukas Foss
* Concerto in B minor for Cello and Orchestra, Opus 104 by Antonin Dvorak
* Symphony No. 6 “Fantaisies symphoniques,” H. 343 by Bohuslav Martinu

Soloist for the cello concerto was Joseph Johnson, Principal Cellist of the MSO.

What can I say, other than we have some really awesome musicians in our very own symphony orchestra? Robert Levine, Principal Viola, played a wonderful Sancho Panza to Yo-Yo Ma's Don Quixote last May in a performance of Strauss' Don Quixote. I've already blogged about my impression of Todd Levy, Principal Clarinet. And while I've yet to treat myself to a highlight of Frank Almond's "fiddling" skills (lol!), I know I'll be impressed. And I'll be there on May 1st.

Now, I'm no expert by any means. I know who my favorite composers are, but don't know every piece they composed, or even the name of every piece I like. I can appreciate the technical difficulty of a piece, and marvel at the fluidity of the performer in using his instrument to make it sing to you. I believe that good music should, at the very minimum, touch the soul.

And Joe Johnson made his cello sing. Dvorak's always been one of my favorite composers, but I'm almost embarrassed to say that it's solely because I love his New World symphony (#9). His cello concerto reinforces his place on my list of favorites. Welcome to Milwaukee, Joe. We hope you'll stay a while. =)

One more thing - I hope that tonight's performance is to a full house. Music like this shouldn't have empty seats.

Official Journal Sentinel review.
More on Lukas Foss.
More on the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's 50th anniversary season.

O.M.F.G.

2009-02-06T21:41:00.001-06:00

(watching Battlestar Galactica)

More Monty Python...

2009-02-06T09:06:00.001-06:00

After the Mr. found that other Monty Python video on YouTube, I had to go see what else was out there... This is hilarious! Michaelangelo and the Pope:

Stupid for the day...

2009-02-04T09:00:00.003-06:00

Hilarity.

Reuters: A thief drills into a bank's lavatory instead of the vault. Wonder what he'll get?

Executive pay cap?

2009-02-04T08:56:00.002-06:00

Reuters: President Obama eyes limiting executive pay at bailed-out companies, to $500,000. I say yay. And if they make decisions to spend our taxpayer dollars on stupid things like a $35,000 bathroom remodel (for the office, no less), then I say we take it out of their pay. So there.

Steelers vs. Cardinals...

2009-02-01T21:26:00.002-06:00

Wow. What a game, and down to the nail-biter last 2 minutes, too! Whew! I feel bad for the Cardinals. The look on the players' faces when Pittsburgh scored that last touchdown... =(

Commercials - Too many Buds, and not even all the Clydesdales ones were good. I liked the Coke commercial where the people turned into their avatars... And the one with the bugs. The Career Builder repeat-of-each-day commercial got annoying the 3rd time "groundhog day" came around. And that's all I remember. Because the Mr. is demo-ing Resident Evil & those darn zombies are just annoying. Blech.

How much is too much?

2009-02-01T08:28:00.003-06:00

My little man is 5, and will be 6 in March. He's currently in school from 8-3:30 Mondays through Fridays, and takes piano and swim lessons for extra-curricular activities. He has friends who're doing karate, and has expressed an interest. But how many activities is too much?

He already has reading homework daily (he brings home 2 or 3 books to read) that we have to sign off on. And piano practice, which he doesn't do daily, but gets close to every other day. And swim is once a week.

In the spring, he'll be signed up for soccer. Summer is t-ball. Fall is soccer again. We don't do swim lessons in the summer because for some goofy reason the YMCA here only has morning lessons?!?!

And in addition, we go to plays at First Stage Children's Theater, and afternoons at the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's KinderKonzerts.

*sigh* I guess my real question is, how much should I let the little man do, without worrying about how much carting-around is involved?

America's Best Dance Crew...

2009-01-29T21:29:00.002-06:00

Somehow the Mr. got hooked on watching MTV's America's Best Dance Crew. This is actually kinda fun. They're doing Britney songs right now, and Quest Crew's performance was way out there. Totally Awesome! =)

Monty Python calls YouTubers out!

2009-01-27T22:34:00.002-06:00

You can now get Monty Python on YouTube. Like, the real stuff, from the real dudes themselves. Check this out:

Ok, so it's been out there for a while. This is what I have the Mr. around for. To show me all the entertainment available on YouTube!

Air and Simple Gifts by John Williams...

2009-01-22T21:05:00.007-06:00

Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Anthony McGill, and Gabriela Montero perform at Barack Obama's inauguration. What a beautiful piece of music...

& I can't wait, but I'll be at the Milwaukee Symphony tomorrow night for Romantic Journeys:

Vasily Petrenko, conductor
Louis Lortie, piano
Weber - Overture to Euryanthe
Chopin - Concerto No. 1 in E minor for Piano and Orchestra
Rimsky-Korsakov - Scheherazade

Cold days...

2009-01-15T08:33:00.004-06:00

If you live anywhere that gets four seasons, where winter can be a lingering presence, you've heard of snow days. Well, have you heard of cold days? It's where schools are closed because it's cold out.

"That's wimpy," you say? Well, consider that the high for today is 1 below, the low is 13 below. And it's 8:35 a.m. and the current windchill is 33 below. As in below zero Fahrenheit.

I'm almost happy the little man has to stay home today. It means I don't have to go outside. Yippee!

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog...

2009-01-11T10:05:00.008-06:00

OMG! I'm laughing my a$$ off right now! I'm a little late to the party (eh, I'm married with a kid and a full-time job, so what else is new??), so I'm sure some (or, all!) of you have seen this before...

This Joss Whedon production starts Neil Patrick Harris as Dr. Horrible, Nathan Fillion as Captain Hammer, and Felicia Day as Penny.

Thursday's Thoughts...

2009-01-09T13:04:00.005-06:00

Thursday's Thoughts is a new weekly meme that asks random questions... I know today's Friday, but hey, if I was on time for one of these, you'd fall over in shock & surprise. =P

This week's is officially a 2-week meme:
If you could ask that one famous Hollywood Star ONE question…
what would it be?

Continue...
I'd ask Audrey Hepburn - out of all the leading men you've had, who was your favorite & why? Ok, so that's two questions. =P I'm apparently not having much luck conforming these days...

IT jobs are "sexy"...

2009-01-09T09:37:00.004-06:00

According to MSN's 10 Sexy Careers You Never Thought Of, IT's #5 on the list of 10 careers that have more sex appeal than you probably realize...

Is it really? I wouldn't call IT "sexy." More like "necessary." After all, somebody has to get these id10t errors taken care of. =P & it's not like there's a whole lot of eye-candy walking around, either. Even when you put 'em in something other than jeans & a t-shirt.

And the countdown begins...

2009-01-08T18:19:00.001-06:00

Need I say more?

I thought there was a financial implosion going on?

2009-01-08T18:10:00.002-06:00

Seriously. That's what I thought. & I thought the next thing to go up in flames was the credit card industry. So color me surprised when I received a letter from American Express. Upping my credit limit. By $7000. Are they nuts?

It's not like they make money off of me. Ok, maybe a little. But not from me. I don't carry a balance, so there's no interest. I don't pay late, so there's no fee. But I also don't even use 25% of my existing limit, so why pick me for this largess?

Been a little distracted...

2009-01-08T17:59:00.003-06:00

Between books, I meant to blog here more often this year, too. However, I've gotten distracted.

Sorry for the blurry pic - me & my cell phone camera don't always get along like apple pie & ice cream. I love Audrey Hepburn, & just couldn't help myself when this puzzle showed up at Christmas. =)

Happy 2009, everyone!

2008-12-31T12:05:00.001-06:00

Just a quick note to wish everyone a very happy new year. May you succeed at all your resolutions, and have a happy, healthy, year. =)

I only have one real resolution for 2009, and it is to actually review the books I read. If I can get around to reviewing 50% of 'em, I'll be happy. Swing by drey's library to keep me honest, will ya?

What about you? What resolutions, if any, are you making for the new year? Do you think you'll be able to keep them? Don't hold back - dish!

sigh Such needless tragedy...

2008-12-30T08:53:00.002-06:00

MSNBC: A man in Idaho has been charged with second-degree murder and felony injury to a child. All because he just wasn't thinking. Who would let their children walk in 27-degree to -5-degree weather?

I'm Carbon-neutral for a day!

2008-12-25T17:44:00.004-06:00

I saw this at Dragonfly Soars! and thought it would be a good one to share...

First come, first serve for 5 people ~ Brighter Planet will donate a day's worth of carbon offsets in your name. Just click on the image to get there. The only thing asked for in return is that you consider conserving during the holidays. See here for examples/ideas.

Tomorrow the little man will be making paper. He got a paper-recycling kit for Christmas, so we'll be taking all the wrapping paper from his Christmas gifts, and making our own recycled paper. =)

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T12:31:00.002-06:00

To everyone ~ Merry Christmas. Safe travels, happy homecomings, and peace & love to all.

'tis the frozen tundra, indeed!

2008-12-21T15:25:00.002-06:00

It's freezing outside! Current temp -3 degrees, -26 windchill. & I had another adventure with the snow-covered driveway.

Last Thursday, our washing machine breathed its last. It's probably about time - it came with the house when we bought it almost 8 years ago, & who knows how long its been here before then? Anyway. Last Thursday was the little man's school holiday concert. While watching the classes file into the gym, the Mr. looks at me & says "I knew there was a reason those pants were on top of the dresser - they're short! We'll have to do laundry." So what does he do when he gets home that evening? Throw in a full load of the little man's clothes. Into a washer that decided after filling with water & agitating everything a little, that it's time. To go wherever washers go.

So the Mr. was ticked, to say the least. Now there's a full load of wet, soapy clothes. Which he puts into a Rubbermaid container (gotta love those things!) and dumps into the tub. And so I spent the hours of 8:45 to 10:45pm rinsing out soap from a full load of clothes. In the tub.

Continue...
After which, I went online. Stuck here on Friday, I browsed around for a new set (had to buy both - my current is a stacked apartment-size unit). I settled on the LG Steam Washer & Dryer set. Yesterday, I stopped by Sears to check it out. Wanted to make sure that it'll work in my (little) laundry closet. Why didn't I buy then? Because the Mr. was home sick with the flu. Fever, chills, etc. Completely unable to focus on anything. I don't like to drop a couple grand on anything without at least a discussion. That he'll remember.

This morning, he felt & looked a little better. So I gave him the details, looked up the best price online, and got ready to head out to get it. And promptly got the truck stuck in the snowdrifts on my driveway. So stuck that I had to climb out the passenger side. *sigh* Anyone want to remind me why I live in Wisconsin, again?

The Starter Wife - season finale...

2008-12-19T11:49:00.006-06:00

I heart Debra Messing, and got snagged on The Starter Wife when my mom watched it while visiting. So now the season's over, here's the itsy-bitsy recap. Mr. Creepy's no more - Molly dumped him at Lou's wedding. Kenny's dating the acress who'll be playing Molly in her movie. Liz is moving because Devon got traded. Rodney & Felix are a public couple. Joan is on the lam.

& I was remiss in my original post - this is Season 1, not 2.

Oh, and now that Mr. Creepy's out, can we keep the yummy detective? Molly deserves some yummy goodness!

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas...

2008-12-19T11:21:00.007-06:00

It's so pretty outside - it's been snowing for 12+ hours. And the stuff's still coming down. Light, fluffy, white snow.

I loved this song - growing up in a tropical country, our Christmas was never, nor could it ever be, white. Now that I've had the privilege of experiencing white Christmases for 18 years, I still love the song, but not for the longing that used to accompany it. I guess as I've grown up, I now know to be careful what I wish for, eh? =)

Continue...

My driveway, covered in snow this morning. We were outside for 30 minutes and barely got a 2-foot swatch of driveway un-snowed.

My mailbox. Well, at least the streets are getting plowed.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2008-12-17T09:29:00.004-06:00

& I'm ready for it to stop! There's 4-5" of snow on my driveway this morning. From last night. So I know what's waiting for me when I get home today - shoveling, then getting the little man ready and heading out to swim lessons, then coming home & getting dinner ready. All between 4 and 6:30. Yikes!

And it gets better - it's supposed to snow again on Thursday, through the night into Friday. Expected snowfall of up to 12" by noon on Friday. Holy cow. I think I'm going to go & cry now...

ps - J.Kaye, you're welcome to some of this snow! Now, if I could figure out how to get it to you, without stopping life down south...

U.S. household debt falls...

2008-12-11T18:20:00.002-06:00

... wait for it...

For the first time, like, EVER! Ok, so maybe that's exaggerating. But according to this MSNBC report, household debt levels have fallen for the first time since records have been compiled in over 50 years. Wow. And to think, I wondered how people could get into so much trouble financially.

The report also says that mortgage debt dropped at an annual rate of 2.4 percent in the third quarter. I wonder if this is a result of people losing their homes, and defaulting on their mortgages?

I am so much a product of my upbringing, that I just don't fathom how people can make decisions that aren't financially sound. I understand that sometimes life kicks you in the solar plexus, but if things are just chugging merrily along, you shouldn't be in financial strain. Or am I just an optimist?

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

2008-12-09T16:47:00.002-06:00

It's snowing again. My driveway had 4" of snow this morning when we woke up. And when the little man & I got home this afternoon, there was 6" of snow. On a driveway that slopes downhill. Where the plow pushes up a nice pile of snow at the end of my driveway as it goes by, about 12" high. Which makes it really difficult to get into the driveway.

So I do what the Mr. suggested. Do a drive-by and open the garage door. Go around the block. Take a "running start" and at least get into the driveway. & keep going till (a) I get into the garage, or (b) I get stuck in the driveway.

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Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out that way. I turn into my driveway, and spin almost into the ditch, the car not quite kissing my mailbox. And it's stuck. With the back end hanging out in the street. Great.

Now I have to get the little man out of the car and into the house. And get my car out before the plow comes by again. So we trudge up the driveway into the garage & house. And while he puts on his bibs so he can go outside and build a snow fort - yes, the little man likes snow - I start shoveling a path to the car. Have I mentioned how much I love this weather?

Then, out of the blue, a neighbor shows up and starts his snow-blower. And clears up half my driveway. And pushes my car out of the ditch. And then clears up the other half of my driveway. If he wasn't married (& I wasn't either), I'd kiss him! 45 minutes later, the neighbor is helping the lady across the street, the car is in the garage, and little man & I are inside the house making hot chocolate to warm up. Phew. Now, no repeats!

Amazon's daily mp3 giveaway...

2008-12-06T22:52:00.008-06:00

Amazon is giving away one free holiday mp3 every day in December, until Christmas. Click here to grab 'em!

The list so far -
1 - Why Can't it Be Christmas All Year - Rosie Thomas
2 - Elf's Lament - Barenaked Ladies with Michael Buble
3 - Angels We Have Heard on High - Sixpence None the Richer
4 - Last Christmas - Leigh Nash
5 - The Gift of Sacrifice - Maren Ord
6 - Love Came Down at Christmas - Jars of Clay
7 - Warm Me Up - Elliott Yamin
8 - Messengers of Christmas - Mannheim Steamroller
9 - Greensleeves - Vince Guaraldi
10 - Our December - Thriving Ivory
11 - Medley - Bela Fleck & the Flecktones
12 - Christ is Come - Big Daddy Weave
13 - O Tannenbaum - Trio West
14 - Joy to the World - Symphony Brass of Chicago
15 - A Child is Born - Benny Carter & Hank Jones
16 - Angels We Have Heard on High - The Brian Setzer Orchestra
17 - Lady December - The Sweptaways
18 - Born in a Cave - Holler, Wild Rose!

I'll update this list as the days go by. Albums for each song above, follows below.
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Baby, it's COLD out there...

2008-12-06T21:10:00.004-06:00

Last night, the Mr. decided that we had to go and get our Christmas tree. Because it was supposed to snow today. So, at 7:00-ish, we bundled up and headed out. Into the cold dark yonder. All 19-degrees cold of it. At least, I think it was about 19 degrees. It sure felt colder when the wind blew. An hour later, we were home, and I was frozen completely solid. I'm getting way too old for this weather!

The little man, of course, didn't seem to notice the cold. Even when his cheeks were as red as cherries. He was just excited that we had a Christmas tree, that was just decorated tonight. Oh, to be as hardy as a kid!

Another half-million lost jobs...

2008-12-05T10:10:00.002-06:00

Reuters: Employers cut 533,000 jobs in November, the highest job loss number in 34 years. The unemployment rate is at its highest since 1993.

Reuters: Record-high late mortgage payments and foreclosures. Partly due to job losses, which is now affecting those with good credit, who had traditional 30-year fixed mortgages.

Reuters: Treasury officials say their billions-of-dollars bailout plan has been successful so far.

So, am I just not getting it when I ask myself, which of these is not like the other?

Xbox Live 12-month Gold Subscription...

2008-12-05T09:56:00.002-06:00

Amazon currently has a 13-month Xbox Live Gold membership/subscription for $38.99. This is an $11.00 savings over the regular price for a 12-month membership. Go here to check it out. Make sure to select the "12+1 Months" subscription term to see the price.

The coolest cake ever!

2008-12-01T15:42:00.000-06:00

My friends K & D recently got married out of state, and then had a very casual "reception thingamajig" at K's parents' house. His mom baked the cake, which I totally, completely, LOVED!!! And it was yummy, to boot!

"Making" holiday decorations...

2008-11-30T22:35:00.004-06:00

The little man is an I-Want-er, as in "I want to" followed by whatever thought makes it to the tongue & out the mouth... Lately it's been "I want to make a gingerbread house," which brought out all kinds of dread in this mama, who's so NOT craftsy!

And the Mr. rides to the rescue!
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With a ready-made gingerbread house kit, complete with gumdrops et al...

So, without further ado, the naked house (getting a roof from the little man), and the finished decoration. Wreath courtesy of yours truly, who's amazed that it stayed on.

Pandora internet radio...

2008-11-30T22:04:00.005-06:00

Our friends J & L were over this evening, to hang out before we all have to go back to being responsible adults tomorrow... While they were here, L told me to check out Pandora internet radio. It's a site where you can create "stations" based on an artist, and they'll pick similar types of music from other artists for you to listen to.

For example, I created a station for Death Cab for Cutie, and they played Photobooth, Yellow (Coldplay), Nothing Better (the Postal Service), Chocolate (Snow Patrol), All is Full of Love, Know Your Onion! (the Shins), Clocks (Coldplay), Perfect Situation (Weezer), and so on and so forth. You can create multiple stations, and listen to any of 'em, depending on your mood. There's also a Quick Mix function that lets you mix up multiple stations.

Kind of a fun way of finding new music!

It's snowing, it's snowing...

2008-11-30T21:24:00.001-06:00

...
this mama is crying
cuz tomorrow will come
and i'll have to shovel in the morning!

(or take the day off! yeah, right...)

the Happy Elf...

2008-11-30T07:45:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, I took the Mr. and the little man to see Harry Connick Jr.'s the Happy Elf, at Milwaukee's First Stage Children's Theater.

The story is about Eubie, an irrepresibly happy elf working in Santa's workshop, who gets in trouble and is relegated to reviewing the Naughty and Nice list. While there, he discovers that ALL of the children of Bluesville are on the Naughty list. "Unbelievable!" says Eubie. And off he goes to rectify the situation, so that the children would get a visit from Santa on Christmas Eve.

The little man had fun watching the performance - this was his first musical. The Mr.'s verdict? Very cute. We were up in the balcony, in section 6. The view was good, for the cheap seats. =D

The Happy Elf runs Nov. 28 through Dec. 24. Go check it out!

Music and lyrics by Harry Connick, Jr. Book by Andrew Fishman. Directed by John Rando.

The Guild is hysterical!

2008-11-28T20:13:00.003-06:00

So, I like console games. We have the Xbox 360. And the Mr. likes to surf the Live Marketplace. Well, he just found The Guild, a spoof on the lives of a group of gamers who play an online game together. Go check this out for some hysterical laughs!

Black Friday crowds lethal for Walmart worker...

2008-11-28T19:48:00.003-06:00

Reuters: Crowds at a Long Island Walmart just couldn't wait to get their hands on the store's Black Friday deals. They stormed the store when it opened at 5:00 a.m., and trampled a man. To death. What the heck? What does Walmart have that would be worth a man's life? Were these people even aware they were walking ON a man?

I really feel bad for the poor guy. After all, he's only a temp. Working a job on the busiest day of the retail calendar. This is so NOT worth it...

BTT on drey's library...

2008-11-28T10:32:00.003-06:00

This week's Booking through Thursday is posted on drey's library. Because it's Thanksgiving, and it's not just about books, I'm cross-posting it here:

Today is Thanksgiving here in the U.S.

Now, you may have noticed that the global economy isn’t exactly doing well. There’s war. Starvation. All sorts of bad, scary things going on.

So–just for today–how about sharing 7 things that you’re thankful for?

This can be about books, sure–authors you appreciate, books you love, an ode to your public library–but also, how about other things, too? Because in times like these, with bills piling up and disaster seemingly lurking around every corner, it’s more important than ever to stop and take stock of the things we’re grateful for. Family. Friends. Good health (I hope). Coffee and tea. Turkey. Sunshine. Wagging tails. Curling up with a good book.

So, how about it? Spread a little positive thinking and tell the world what there is to be thankful for.
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Here's my 7:

Family. My family at home, whom I miss terribly, especially around the holidays. My family here - the Mr. and the little man, and the Mr.'s extended family. I am thankful for everyone's good health and happiness.
Friends. With my own family so far away, my friends have been my substitute family for a very long time. Who have been there in good times and in bad. For laughter and tears, celebrations and consolation.
I am thankful that I still have a job, as does the Mr. Especially in today's economy.
Books good enough to curl up with on a cold evening. With a mug of hot cocoa (or two) as the perfect accompaniment.
Movies that produce warm-fuzzies, that the little man can watch with.
Evenings at the symphony, where I share my delight in rediscovering my love of classical music, with my girlfriends.
The flowers in my garden in spring. The leaves changing color in fall. God's presence in the beauty that surrounds us every single day.

Happy Thanksgiving, all!

Oh, the gumption!

2008-11-24T12:21:00.004-06:00

I was going to blog last week about the Big 3's visit to Washington D.C. to ask for handouts to save the auto industry. But I didn't, because I couldn't believe the gall.

Then I saw the following in a Newsweek article (Who's Watching the Money, online):

... And when CEOs do emerge, it's to ask the taxpayers for help, as the chief executives of Ford, General Motors and Chrysler did last week. In occasionally brutal House and Senate hearings, the leaders of these massive enterprises begged for $25 billion in short-term aid while acting as if the screw-ups on the watch weren't their fault, and without offering plans as to how such aid would allow them to dig out of their deep ditch. It didn't help that each had flown into town on his own corporate jet. When asked if he'd consider slashing his compensation to a symbolic dollar, Ford CEO Alan Mulally (2007 compensation: $21.7 million) responded, "No, I think I'm OK where I am." ...

Continue...

And I find myself ranting. $21.7 million in 2007. For a guy who rides in a corporate jet to ask for a taxpayer handout. Because he f'ed up in (not) leading his company by making decisions based on sound business processes, I'm now supposed to save his company. While he's making 314.5 times my salary. Dude! Why on earth would I WANT to do that?

I'm getting sick and tired of these guys making 100s of times over the average American family, who can't figure out how to not run a company into the ground, blame the unions, the economy, the gas prices, the cheap steel overseas, and everything else they blame things on for the current state of their business, come and ask the government to save their a$$es, but hey, don't ask them to give anything up! After all, they're entitled to their inflated salaries, and egos to boot. And they can't show you that inflated ego if they don't make that inflated salary. Even when they don't deserve it.

AARRRRGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHH! Enough. Go away now. Don't let that door hit you on your expensive-designer-label-suited behind. Go join the rest of the people who've lost their jobs. Maybe then you'll understand the ramifications of your not-so-stellar decision-making and leadership.

Snow!

2008-11-24T09:07:00.003-06:00

I am so not ready to see what I woke up to this morning... What's up with all the grey??

Snow on my driveway!

Down the street:

Blog updates...

2008-11-23T20:49:00.004-06:00

I am going to try & move all book and reading-related posts to a new blog - drey's library, so please forgive me if things are kinda funky here for a bit. I will also be moving all book giveaway content, but will leave the ones already linked back, here. Thanks for your patience, and as always, feel free to leave comments!

Twilight mania! Bitten by Books giveaway...

2008-11-23T20:01:00.006-06:00

** moved to drey's library **

For all of you Twilight fans out there... Bitten by Books is giving away the hardcover boxed set of the Twilight saga. See here for more information.

There's lots of ways to enter the contest, which ends Dec. 7th, so head on over & check it out.

Peeking Between the Pages book(s) giveaway!

2008-11-23T09:09:00.015-06:00

** moved to drey's library **

Peeking Between the Pages is giving away all nine books from CBS' web series Novel Adventures to one lucky winner. Go here for rules, and register by November 30!

The books are:

Free blogging course!

2008-11-21T19:41:00.002-06:00

Being a new (-ish) blogger, this post from J.Kaye's Book Blog caught my eye:

I'm evaluating a multi-media course on blogging from the folks at Simpleology. For a while, they're letting you snag it for free if you post about it on your blog.

It covers:

The best blogging techniques.
How to get traffic to your blog.
How to turn your blog into money.

I'll let you know what I think once I've had a chance to check it out. Meanwhile, go grab yours while it's still free.

A Kingdom for Keflings - a game for your Xbox 360 avatar...

2008-11-21T17:59:00.005-06:00

As part of the New Xbox Experience, there is now a new interface, and ... wait for it... AVATARS!! There's so many things to be said about avatars, etc. but someone else can, and already has, blogged about that.

This post is about A Kingdom for Keflings, an Xbox LIVE Arcade game where your avatar is a giant who's helping lilliputian people build their kingdom. It's very easy to play - you get blueprints to build from, which tell you what pieces you'll need to produce from workshops and how they have to be put together to produce the building. Houses produce more Keflings, who can be put to work harvesting raw materials. Work your way through the map of blueprints to get to the end. When I get there, I'll tell you what it is!

Continue...

For now, I just wanted to say that this is a very fun game, especially when you have a kid (or multiple kids), around. There's no blood. No guns. No shooting, bleeding, screaming, etc. Definitely "G" rated. Makes this mom of a pre-schooler happy.

After watching the Mr., the little man just had to create his own avatar. And play this game. So far he's doing alright, for a 5.5-year-old... He has trouble figuring out what the icons are on the blueprints. And he's not so slick at managing his resources (i.e. Keflings). And his avatar/giant tends to wander around and get lost. But I think Lego Star Wars now has competition in the category of the little man's favorite console game. =)

More of my hard-earned $$ being frittered away...

2008-11-21T14:21:00.004-06:00

Reuters: House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi pledged support for a U.S. stimulus package and aid for sputtering carmakers.

Can we stop giving whatever reserves we might still have left, away? Where does the handout line end? First it was the banks & brokerages. Now it's the automakers. Who's next - the airlines? And why are we bailing out companies who can't figure out how to cut expenses by trimming executive compensation? After all, if you trim one CEO's hugely-inflated salary & options by 50%, that'll probably make more of a difference to your bottom line than cutting 10,000 jobs. And you'll still be able to sell whatever those 10,000 people are making, thus bringing in revenue.

Ok, so this is probably exaggerated. But not by that much...

I'd settle for helping out companies who've helped themselves out before coming to the government looking for more corporate welfare.

Next U.S. Secretary of State: Hillary Clinton...

2008-11-21T14:16:00.002-06:00

Reuters: Clinton accepts Obama Secretary of State offer. An official announcement is expected after the Thanksgiving holiday.

(not quite breaking news...)

Two-for-one in Canada...

2008-11-21T14:02:00.003-06:00

The Canadian Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal by the airline industry against the Canadian Transportation Agency decision that obese people have the right to two seats for the price of one.

Reuters

So, if they can't charge them for two seats, how will they know that they can't sell the other? Don't the airlines already have problems because they sell more seats than they have (I forget what this is called, but I'll update when it comes to mind)?

Is the dude(tte?) who ends up with a seat next to someone who actually needs two, out of luck? "Sorry, but we need your seat..."

Diary of an Eccentric book giveaways...

2008-11-20T21:29:00.009-06:00

** moved to drey's library **

Anna at Diary of an Eccentric is giving away M.J. Rose's The Reincarnationist and The Memorist, to two winners. I've been seeing giveaways for The Memorist on quite a few blogs, hopefully I'll actually win one of them? =)

An interview with author M.J. Rose is also posted on the blog.

Brenda Janowitz's Holiday Book Giveaway...

2008-11-20T19:14:00.010-06:00

** moved to drey's library **

Author Brenda Janowitz is giving away the following books, signed by the authors, on her blog. The winner will be announced on November 25, so don't wait. Go check it out!

Dreyshouse's Typealyzer profile

2008-11-20T18:48:00.009-06:00

Something fun from ReadingAdventures - Typealyzer is a blog analyzer that profiles the blogger based on what they blog about...

I, apparently, am a doer. =)

ESTP - The Doers
The active and play-ful type. They are especially attuned to people and things around them and often full of energy, talking, joking and engaging in physical out-door activities.

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The Doers are happiest with action-filled work which craves their full attention and focus. They might be very impulsive and more keen on starting something new than following it through. They might have a problem with sitting still or remaining inactive for any period of time.

I wonder if this will change the longer you blog? I'll have to re-do this next year & see...

Book Dads giveaway: The Magician's Book

2008-11-19T22:22:00.007-06:00

** moved to drey's library **

Book Dads is giving away three copies of The Magician's Book by Laura Miller. While I'm excited to have found so many giveaways, I'm kinda feeling bad that they're all from one site. Ok, I'll be honest and admit that that fact probably impacts my ability to win all the books I'm entered for...

Contest is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada, and ends on Tuesday, Nov. 25.

See rules and enter the contest here. Good luck!

Book Dads giveaway: The American Journey of Barack Obama

2008-11-19T22:02:00.007-06:00

** moved to drey's library **

In commemoration of the election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States, Book Dads is giving away The American Journey of Barack Obama.

Contest is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada, and ends on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

See rules and enter the contest here. Good luck!

Ah, to be so close to an awesome deal...

2008-11-19T21:34:00.010-06:00

The other night I was just looking around on some of the blogs I follow, and noticed a post for a Britax Marathon in Granite, for $42.99, from Amazon (sold by Target). Being the carseat geek that I am, I just had to go look. Sure enough, there it was. $42.99 with free shipping. I couldn't help myself. My mouse & fingers moved and clicked their way to ordering one.

I figured that even if I couldn't use one myself, I'd be able to find it a good home.

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And then the bubble burst. Slightly less than 24 hours later, I received a "we screwed up and you won't get what you thought you were getting" email from Target's customer service.

I guess they decided they weren't going to honor the amazing price as posted. What I'd like to know is, did they honor it for anyone at all, or did they just say tough luck to everyone?

What took them so long?

2008-11-19T16:30:00.010-06:00

Hugh Jackman is named as People's 2008 Sexiest Man Alive. It sure is about time!

I mean, how could they have taken this long to figure it out? I've only been drooling over him for ever...