You Can't Handle The Truthiness

Neighbor Naughtiness

2010-05-20T20:26:00.001-05:00

Thanks to the heirloom seeds that were planted in the fall, the sink harvest was good this year.

Hobbit Friday

2010-04-30T17:41:00.002-05:00

This entry comes courtesy of Pokey. Pokey commutes to work, and some of the hobbits he comes in contact with… makes me REALLY wish I could take the bus to work.

Hobbit Friday

2010-04-24T09:17:00.002-05:00

A day late… but, since I just got tickets for their November 5th show here in Columbus, I bring you Muse!

Great music and Hobbit Yumminess! Two great tastes that taste great together!

A New Feature

2010-04-23T17:25:00.001-05:00

I’ve been inspired to write again. By checking out my environment, I’ve decided to add a new feature to the ranks of Haiku Tuesday and Hobbit Friday.

This one is called - “Neighbor Naughtiness”

My next door neighbor is a hoarder. So, to kick off the new feature, I bring you “Hoarding for the Cure”

I THINK that is small unusable pieces of pink foam insulation. But you just don’t know with her. And I’m sure I’ll be able to take another photo of that same bucket with those same contents near the same spot 9 months from now when it’s covered with snow.

Checking In

2010-01-24T22:10:00.001-05:00

Hey all. Not sure if anyone ever reads this anymore. I know it has been forever since I posted anything.

This post is coming from Windows Live Writer on my laptop. Just set it up, so this is kind of a test post. Maybe if I have this at my fingertips, so to speak, on my laptop, I’ll start doing this again.

I know there has been PLENTY to blog about recently, what with the Supremely Stupid Court deciding that corporations have more human rights than humans, and with the congressional dems proving once and for all that they neither have spines or cojones. So maybe I’ll be back on here again.

Stop The Insanity

2009-07-05T21:18:00.004-05:00

One of my biggest pet peeves is the use of the word "literally". I work with someone who uses it, incorrectly, very frequently. Why do people insist on using "literally", when they really mean "really" or "very" or even "really very"?

And now Meg Stapleton, the spokesperson for that brilliant user of the English language Sarah Palin, made this statement:

"The world is literally her oyster."

Really??? The world is now an oyster? A shelled creature filled with delectable meat and occasionally a valuable pearl? Really?

Stupid is as stupid does.

Is Palin Paling?

2009-07-03T16:36:00.002-05:00

Sarah Palin announced today that not only will she NOT be running for reelection as ~~High Priestess~~ governor of Alaska in 2010, but she will be stepping down from the office by the end of this month.

So now I'm wondering, Why? My first thought was so she could spend all of her time criticizing President Obama and set herself up for a run for Prez herself in 2012. But is showing you can't follow through on a commitment you made to the people of Alaska 3 years ago the way to convince people you're up for the top job in the country? Or maybe she's gittin while the gittins good, knowing that when she does complete her first term, Alaska will be far worse off than when she took office.

Or, maybe, just maybe, there's something else brewing, ala Mark Sanford, John Ensign, or any of the other Family Values Republicans, and she thinks if she's gone it'll blow over before it makes national news.

Or maybe, as I suspect, she's just an out and out certifiable nutjob.

Biggest Failed Advertising Taglines

2009-07-01T20:59:00.001-05:00

"Now with 25% less Bio-Waste!"

"With a name like Smegma, it has to be good!"

... more to come...

Alfred Hitchcock May Have Been on to Something

2009-05-21T19:18:00.002-05:00

This drama is unfolding on my street, just 4 or 5 houses down.

Farewell, Bea

2009-04-25T20:34:00.001-05:00

You brought so much laughter to my life. Now your death has brought much sadness.

May you rest in peace.

Add Georgia

2009-04-16T21:21:00.001-05:00

They really need to just get over it.

PLEASE!

2009-04-16T10:46:00.001-05:00

Go ahead Texas - PLEASE do it.

And take Alabama and Mississippi with you. It'll lower my federal tax bill not having to carry your sorry asses anymore.

The Talking Points Are Getting a Little Watery

2009-04-15T20:40:00.001-05:00

He is because he is... this guy is a real brain surgeon.

Hobbit Friday

2009-04-10T16:51:00.003-05:00

Yes, it's been a lonnnnnnggggggg time since I posted ANYTHING. And what better way to get back in the saddle than a Hobbit!

This is Dave Gipson, lead singer of a band here in good ole Cowtown, named "Home Again".

And according to Pokey, "height = short".

He can come home again here anytime.

IT'S OVER!!!

2009-01-20T20:37:00.002-05:00

Say it with me...

Former President George W. Bush.

Oh, doesn't it feel good to say that?

Pokey and I took a bottle of prosecco to our neighbors tonight so we could all toast the end of our national nightmare, and to our new President.

Oh.... how happy my heart is today...

From the Department of Duh!

2009-01-04T18:06:00.001-05:00

Big newsflash here.

Terminology

2009-01-03T23:33:00.002-05:00

Today at lunch, I had a conundrum occur to me.

Everyone knows that a group of gay men is called a "faggle".

What do you call a group of lesbians?

The best thing I could come up with was "school", as in "Look! I see a school of lesbians!"

Bad News

2008-12-29T21:44:00.002-05:00

I just learned something quite disturbing. I just found out that Pokey might be gay.

Take this quiz to see if the man in your life is gay.

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-28T21:23:00.002-05:00

After all, we are still officially within the 12 Days of Christmas.

Nothing gets me in the spirit of the holiday more than hearing one of the traditional carols. And the way this one is presented, I know you'll be in the spirit too!

Haiku Tuesday

2008-12-23T17:46:00.001-05:00

Sick again today.
I have holiday blues too.
A winning combo!

Reemerging

2008-12-21T22:36:00.002-05:00

It's been a while since I've posted. So for this event, here's a blast from the past.

Do you remember this???

(Sorry - embedding the video wasn't permitted)

There Really Needs to Be Online Psychotherapy

2008-11-15T15:37:00.001-05:00

Some people really need to get a "first" life.

How I Spent My Saturday

2008-10-11T19:36:00.001-05:00

Painting.

Simple Facts

2008-10-06T21:34:00.001-05:00

Does the chart on the left look like the work of a "Maverick?" Or just another Republicant taking care of their wealthy friends and screwing the middle class?

Being Patriotic

2008-10-04T23:39:00.002-05:00

No, I didn't wear a flag lapel pin today.

Pokey and I went to Vets Memorial, and participated in the "Absentee In Person/Early Voting" that is now going on in Ohio.

It was more organized than most normal voting activities are. And there were a LOT of people there. And the ballot was so easy to follow that you would absolutely have to be an idiot to screw it up.

And when I was filling in the circle (with black ink) next to Barack Obama's name, I got a surge of excitement. Excitement at ending 8 years of mismanagement. And excitement at hopefully helping to create history.

This is how it went

2008-10-03T23:24:00.002-05:00

For those of you who watched... and those of you who didn't...

this was Sarah Palin's strategy in the debate.

*** Update - I had a bad link before...

Starting a New Job

2008-09-28T20:00:00.001-05:00

Well, not really. But tomorrow WILL be my first day working for a new company.

Last Friday was my last day working for Wendy's International, Inc.
Tomorrow will be my first day working for the Wendy's/Arby's Group.

Let the games begin.

Playing Catchup

2008-09-28T19:32:00.002-05:00

I have been so bad lately, reading my online buds' blogs, as well as keeping up with my own. And it isn't like I don't have anything to write about. We have a kitchen renovation going on (see a reverse photo-progression here), and I'm in rehearsals for The Full Monty.

But for those who know me, you know that the political contest this year is never out of my mind. But instead of going on with my own thoughts, I'll let Newsweek's Fareed Zakaria do the talking for me today.

Trust me... I have a LOT to say too!

One Day More

2008-09-15T19:08:00.001-05:00

The perfect video for a political junkie who is also a Broadway Show Queen.

Like Me.

The Lights Are On But Nobody's Home

2008-09-15T18:08:00.002-05:00

In the aftermath of the remnants of Hurricane Ike, there are many areas of Columbus without power. Including my office. And I only found that out AFTER I had driven in to work.

So, after returning home, and changing into comfy clothes, I lugged my laptop to the Kafe to work for a while, since they had power and wireless, and of course, lots of caffeine on hand - and no dogs.

This morning, an older man walked in to the brightly lit cafe, with music pumping from the speakers, the neon "Open" and "Books" signs lit up, and people on their laptops. And he walks up to the counter, and asks "Do you have power?"

Honestly - how stupid can one person be?

Mexico City - Dia Siete

2008-09-05T23:43:00.002-05:00

Today we scooted around the city. We first hit the Templo Mayor site, which is a pre-Aztec temple complex museum. It was amazing. We then went to Garibaldi square, because we had heard that it had mariachi bands and other fun stuff. But when we emerged from the metro station, all we saw were street vendors with pirated DVDs and food items of questionable origin. We turned around, got back on the metro, and headed to the Zona Rosa. This is a really cool area, very hopping and active. Zone Rosa means "pink zone". And the subway line that goes there is coded pink on the maps. And the area is, how can I say it... GAY! It was almost culture shock going from the areas where we have been spending most of our time, to an area where guys were walking hand in hand, or sitting on park benches almost having sex with their clothes on. Yes, I plan on going back there on our next trip down. :-)

And now tonight is our last night. We're mostly packed. And one of Beth's drivers will be here at 11 am to pick us up for the trip to the airport. I'm sad to be leaving, but actually looking forward to getting home too. I'll have more photos in the next day or 2, when I have my reliable Internet connection at home.

Mexico City - Dia Seis

2008-09-05T01:16:00.004-05:00

Wow, have we been doing the sightseeing! Yesterday, we visited the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadelupe. I expected a couple of churches. Instead, there was an entire complex of chapels, cathedrals, and the grand basilica, as well as beautiful gardens. We spent much more time there than we had imagined we would. From there, we went to the Centro Historico, where the Cathedral Metropolitana and the building that houses the national government are located. Very scenic, and very historic.

Today, we made it to Teotihuacan. The only term I can think of to describe it is surreal. Standing on the first platform of the Pyramid of the Moon, and looking down the Avenue of the Dead with the Pyramid of the Sun there too - it was like something from a sci-fi movie. Here is a photo of me and Pokey, holding Gumby and Pokey.

In the background on the left of us, you can see the Pyramid of the Sun. And yes, we climbed to the top of it. And yes, it is high!

Then tonight, we went to a wonderful Argentinian restaurant. Delicious wine, empanadas, and steaks. And great deserts too. Yummy!

Tomorrow is our last full day here, and I think it'll be a slower-paced day. At least my feet hope so.

Mexico City - Dia Cuatro

2008-09-02T19:53:00.003-05:00

I finally am able to be online. It's amazing how addicted I am to The Internets.

Anyway, we've been very busy helping Beth get her apartment set up. The furniture arrived today. And that was a fun time that will get a blog post all to itself.

Yesterday on our way home, we were on the Periferico in Beth's Pacifica (company car), which is kind of like the outerbelt. And we got a flat tire. Luckily, we were able to pull off and park (for 20 pesos), and Beth was able to get hold of her boss who dispatched a company driver to come and change the tire. So no big deal there. Here we are at the spot where we parked.

I'm hoping that either tomorrow or Thursday we'll be able to make it to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe or some Aztec ruins.

The most surprising thing to me is how much WalMart owns Mexico. I've seen so many WalMarts, Sam's Clubs, and several restaurants that THEY own. Blecch!

Oh well, all for now. I'll try to post some photos later in the week.

Leaving On a Jet Plane

2008-08-29T17:41:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow morning we leave for a week of vacation in Mexico City!

We'll be visiting and staying with our friend Beth, who has just started a 2-year job transfer there. Even though I have pre-flight jitters (did I remember to pack everything I'll want/need), I am very excited. I have never been to Mexico at all, let alone Mexico City, so I'm looking forward to seeing Aztec ruins and the Mexican nightlife. And I hear the water is absolutely delicious!

(and Beth says she works with an adorable hobbit but I won't mention that. much.)

I'm taking my computer - mostly for downloading photos from each day. But if I get any access to the Tubes of the Internets, I'll try to post throughout the week with highlights.

Adios!

Hobbit Friday

2008-08-29T13:06:00.003-05:00

Today' entry is a repeat, but I'm showcasing him in honor of our upcoming trip to Mexico.

Mexican native Gael Garcia Bernal.

He's 5'7".

Yo quiero Gael!

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

2008-08-29T12:54:00.002-05:00

In The Full Monty, I will be playing Dave. As written, Dave is the chronically overweight best friend of the lead male character. I'm striving for simply pleasantly plump.

I am so excited because Dave is such a great part, and he has some killer songs. And of course there's the whole getting naked in public thing that I haven't done ~~for a few months now~~.

We open November 21. Mark your calendars!

Inspired

2008-08-28T22:06:00.002-05:00

I'm sitting here with misty eyes after watching Obama's awesome, inspiring acceptance speech. He makes me want to be better and to work for our nation. And I haven't felt like this about a candidate since 1992.

And the very best part - I really believe that he believes everything he says.

Baring It All

2008-08-28T21:24:00.001-05:00

Yep, I got cast!

Yep, I'll be naked on stage.

Yep, there will be much screaming in the land.

I am so freaking excited at getting cast in The Full Monty!

Billy!!!

2008-08-27T20:30:00.001-05:00

I just got done watching Bill speak to the Dems. I love him again. After this year's primary campaign, I was afraid I never would again.

I'd vote for him all over again.

I just wouldn't accept a cigar from him.

I'm Bored

2008-08-26T21:09:00.002-05:00

So I'm auditioning for a show.

I'm not really bored. But I really am auditioning for a show.

I went Sunday and Monday nights to audition for The Full Monty. I won't know until Thursday if I'm cast. Patience is for losers.

And yes. If I am cast in one of the parts I want, I'll be dropping trou in front of a live audience. And then hearing them scream. And not in a good way.

The Only Way Out

2008-08-19T17:41:00.003-05:00

I may do myself serious bodily harm tonight.

The reason?

Because thanks to our office muzak, my brain's music loop is endlessly playing "Time" by Hootie and The Blow-holes.

Someone please put me out of my misery.

What I Learned at Work Today

2008-08-18T20:14:00.001-05:00

If a co-worker insists on screwing up really badly, in spite of your best efforts to prevent them from doing so, it's best to just get out of their way.

Once I decided to do that today, it was very freeing. I don't have to worry about their crap any more.

Greener

2008-08-17T20:56:00.001-05:00

I needed to go to Lowe's today, to get some picture hooks for our new bathroom mirror.

A couple of years ago, I would have driven there.

3 Months ago, I would have scootered there.

Today, I rode my bike there!

For small errands, biking is the perfect way to go.

The Pig Is Alive and Well

2008-08-04T20:25:00.002-05:00

On my way into work this afternoon (I was off sick this morning with a tummy boo-boo), I was on my scooter, following some guy in a small gray mazda. I happened to notice him staring at the woman in the car on his left (yes, it was a 4 lane road). He kept staring and staring, as if he was waiting for her to finally look at him.

She ended up turning left at that light. And she was replaced with another woman, who he also stared at and stared at. And then it happened. He actually whistled at her. With that "wolf-whistle" thing that you hear in movies when there's a smarmy guy calling attention to a good looking woman. The whistle that replaces the words "I know that you are so out of my league but I'm going to pretend that I'm paying you a compliment by actually noticing you."

And I just thought, do guys STILL do that??? I guess the answer is yes.

Men ARE pigs!

Skanks 'R' Us

2008-08-03T16:11:00.002-05:00

Last night, I finally talked Pokey into going to Buca di Beppo. He often makes fun of it (well, I do too, because we both call it Bucket of PooPoo). And I've been there a couple of times, and I actually like the food there - especially the anchovies, which are THE BEST I have ever had. So I got him there.

Anyway, there had to have been 10 or 15 different bachelorette parties come marching through while we were there. And to a one, they were mostly populated with the most whorishly dressed and made up women I have ever seen concentrated in one place. There were so many fake blonds! Most of the groups also had the single token overweight girl who wanted to be just like her anorexic friends.

So, has the Britney Effect really taken hold that strongly in the 20-ish Breeder Society? If so, I feel frightened. Truly frightened.

It's the Little Things

2008-08-02T14:30:00.002-05:00

When we were in Italy in 2005, Pokey and I took a day trip to the city of Bologna. There was a meat and cheese shop there that he wanted to find, and we eventually did find it. Thanks to that trip, I got to try my first bite of mortadella. Yum!

Fast forward to today, when we were doing our weekly shopping at the Whole Foods market, and we stopped at the deli counter because Pokey wanted some prosciutto. I stood back out of the way, but he motioned me to the counter and pointed in the case. And there, in all its glory, was a big log of mortadella!

Granted, this one was produced in California. But still, it is pretty darn good. Imagine the best bologna you ever had (assuming you eat bologna), multiply that by 10, and you're approaching what the Italian variety is like. And can you guess where the name for our bologna comes from?

And if you're wondering what the white spots are - it's pure pork fat. Yum!

Go Green!

2008-07-29T19:02:00.002-05:00

The City of Columbus now has an official program that encourages its citizens to live greener lives.

I first heard about the program on WCBE (90.5 FM) on my way home from work tonight. It's call Columbus GreenSpot, and it's a simple program that allows businesses, home owners, and community organizations to commit to doing just a handful of things differently.

If you are interested in learning more, go to www.columbusgreenspot.org. There you can apply to become an official GreenSpot by choosing the areas that you commit to. For me it was fairly easy, since Pokey and I are already heading in those directions anyway (replacing normal bulbs with compact florescent, reusing grocery bags, buying our food from local sources).

One More Year

2008-07-20T17:38:00.002-05:00

My birthweek celebration is winding down today. Last night, for my actual real birthday, Pokey treated me to dinner at Rigsby's, which is a very respected white tablecloth restaurant in the Short North arts district. He also surprised me with having our friend Bethie join us.

I've only ever eaten at Rigsby's once or twice, but really liked it when I did. Since those times, the restaurant has been reinvented into a Venetian style place, and I knew when I looked at the menu that they knew how to do an Italian restaurant.

The menu had the Antipasti, Primi, and Secondi courses, along with the Contorni (sides) and Formaggi (cheese) sections. Exactly how a restaurant in Italy does it.

Bethie had the salmon crustini and Pokey the mussels for appetizers. I skipped that course, and had a 1/2 order of Cappellini Natasha for my primo course, which they brought while Bethie and Pokey had their appetizers. My pasta was exquisite, thin pasta noodles with salmon, capers, and pepper vodka! And Pokey's mussels were quite tasty. Bethie's had smoked salmon with a horseradish spread that looked quite tasty.

For the main course, Bethie and I both had the seared scallops, and Pokey had the lamb. The scallops were like butter! And Pokey's lamb was quite tasty too.

For dessert, I had the panna cotta with blueberries and stawberries, Bethie had a baked something (by this point I had had a gin drink and a couple of glasses of wine, so I can't quite remember the name of her selection). Pokey, being the cheese whore that he is, ordered the cheese plate for his dessert. One of the selections was a goat cheese with a honey and pear glaze. He took a bite, and bowed his head and almost cried. I took a bite, and closed my eyes and saw stars. Bethie took a bite, and I'm not sure but I think she experienced an orgasm the way she clutched the table. Yes, it was that unbelievably good.

And then, instead of coffee, we finished up with a round of grappa! While Pokey and I enjoyed ours, Bethie wasn't quite sold of the benefits of grappa. I guess it's a taste best acquired in Italia.

So about three hours after our arrival, we left a wonderful meal, and finished the evening up with one more drink at Union Cafe, to be amongst My People.

Pokey, THANK YOU for a wonderful birthday dinner! I love you!

Quote of the Day

2008-07-19T16:17:00.002-05:00

"I think my armpits are becoming their own ecosystems."

- Pokey

Movie Review

2008-07-19T15:56:00.003-05:00

Wow!

Hobbit Friday

2008-07-19T00:42:00.002-05:00

Tonight I'm not celebrating any celebrity hobbit. (hmmm... it seems that "celebrating" and "celebrity" come from the same root...)

No, tonight I'm celebrating my new favorite bar. The "Thirsty Scholar". This bar is an OSU campus hangout. And the Kafe Kerouac crowd went there tonight for karaoke. And I discovered that 90% of the guys there are hobbits. And one of them sang to me during part of his song. mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

So I definitely want to go there every Friday night!

And, oh yeah, at the stroke of midnight, the bar sang Happy Birthday to me. :-)

Two Reactions

2008-07-12T13:35:00.002-05:00

I had 2 immediate reactions when I saw this story on CNN.COM today.

The first reaction was "Of course it's ok - it's been kept in a box attached to a car battery for the last 7 years."

My second reaction was "He has one?"

If you care enough to, you can read the full story here.

I didn't.

GASP!

2008-07-10T17:26:00.003-05:00

When I went to my doctor to discuss my depression, one of the things she asked me was what I was doing to manage my stress. I said, um, nothing. When I went to see her again for a 4-week followup, she again asked, and I again said, um, nothing.

Today when I got home from work, I finally did what I have been putting off.

I went to the basement, and brought up my bike. The bike I haven't ridden for at least 2 years. Maybe 3.

So I got it upstairs, washed most of the dust off, and then used my portable inflator to pump up the tires.

And then I rode. For about 10 minutes.

OMG. I knew I was out of shape. But when I got home, it took me 5 to 10 minutes to catch my breath.

Just confirmation that I really NEED to do this!

My First Sighting

2008-07-06T18:50:00.003-05:00

Last weekend, we installed a hummingbird feeder on our front porch. Tonight, while we were enjoying a tasty dessert that Pokey had prepared, we both saw one buzzing around the feeder. We of course unintentionally scared it off. But I'm very excited that the feeder has been found.

Maybe someday I can get some photos of our new friend.

Hobbit Friday

2008-07-04T22:07:00.002-05:00

Today's entry is Gael Garcia Bernal.

I've been a fan of his since he appeared in "Y Tu Mama Tambien". Even though I've never seen it. Or any of his movies, for that matter. But I WANT to see them. Honest.

Anyway, today I learned he is 5'7". So he is an official hobbit.

Maybe when Pokey and I visit Mexico City in August, I can meet him.

Too Good Not To Share

2008-07-02T18:57:00.001-05:00

This is pretty freakin hysterical.

Hometown Pride

2008-07-01T20:13:00.001-05:00

One more reason why it's great to be from Columbus.

The Latest Change in my Life

2008-06-23T19:07:00.002-05:00

I've talked on here several times about how Pokey and I have been gradually switching to organic foods. After getting a preaching to from a friend of mine yesterday, and then doing some reading today, I have a new lifestyle change I will be starting immediately.

I am going to eliminate aspartame from my diet.

I have heard people poo-poo aspartame for years, and never gave it any attention. But reading some of the reported side effects has me convinced it is something to do. Just one more way to eliminate unnatural "consumables" from my diet.

I went to my doctor about 3 weeks ago to discuss my increased depression, and also to talk about my frequent bouts with fatigue and illness, mostly stomach ailments. All 3 of those are reported side effects of aspartame.

So, I started today. I drank more water at work than I have for months, if not years. It sounds like aspartame detox can take up to 60 days. And, of course, there is withdrawal symptoms, including headaches and joint aches, sometimes severe. But I think it is the right thing to do. And if I do suffer those withdrawal symptoms, it will be proof to me that it IS the right thing to do.

I love pop. Diet soda is going to be the hardest thing for me to give up. So, wish me luck.

The Real Reason

2008-06-22T20:11:00.000-05:00

Hobbit Friday

2008-06-13T13:32:00.002-05:00

Go team!

This is Adrian Mutu, who plays calcio (soccer) for both the Italian Serie A club ACF Fiorentina and the Romania national team.

He is 29.

And 5'1".

And he can kick his ball into my net any time.

Movin On Up

2008-06-04T21:08:00.002-05:00

My dosage that is. I went to my doctor yesterday, to discuss my fatigue, depression, etc. The first thing we're doing is bumping up the dosage on my anti-depresant. She also wants me to figure out a way to mitigate the stress in my life right now. Coincidently, Pokey's doctor has ordered him to bump up his physical activity. So we've started going for quick walks through our neighborhood after dinner.

My doc is really worried about me. I get to go back in 4 weeks, and I think she wants me to be back to my normal bouncy (and occassionally bitchy) self as much as I do.

OK. I admit. More than occassionally.

History

2008-06-03T20:31:00.001-05:00

Tonight, I am intensely proud to be a Democrat!

Takin' Care of Bidness

2008-06-01T17:37:00.003-05:00

I'm still in my funk. But in spite of that, I forced myself to get some things done today.

I did 3 loads of laundry. Pokey and I went to The Tile Shop, to get some marble baseboard for the upstairs bathroom. I installed the marble baseboard, which involved using a power tool (a wet saw). And I finally installed the "floorstat" thermostat for the radiant floor heating in the upstairs bathroom. And it works! Yea me! Too bad we won't be able to enjoy it for another 5 or 6 months. But at least it's done.

All of that, accomplished by 5:30. Not too bad.

I just wish that being able to check those things off my list of to-do's would perk me up a little.

***UPDATE - Add to my list of accomplishments - adding water to my scooter battery, attaching the trickle charger to it for an overnight charge, and then cutting my finger on Pokey's very sharp chef's knife as I was washing dishes.

My Soundtrack

2008-05-31T16:56:00.002-05:00

You can often figure out my mood based on the music I am listening to.

The latest one that I can't seem to hear enough of is Handlebars, by the Flobots. It haunts me.

Here is the video for it.

And then if you want to cleanse your palette after that one, take a look and listen to this video.

Hobbit Friday

2008-05-30T23:17:00.002-05:00

This week's visitor is actor James McAvoy.

He is 5'7". And oh so yummy.

And there are rumors swirling that he will be appearing as Bilbo Baggins in "The Hobbit", which is yet to be filmed. How great is that?

Hat tip to KL for sending this tidbit my way.

An Apple a Day...

2008-05-29T20:44:00.002-05:00

...and a vicodin, and a paxil, and a xanax...

I finally forced myself to call my doctor's office today, and made an appointment to see her next Tuesday (I LOVE my lesbian doctor!). And I'll talk to her about my frequent fatigue, my frequent illnesses, and my frequent depression.

It was really hard for me to make that call. And I don't know why. Pride? Fear? Who knows. I just hope that she and I can figure out what is going on.

I'm a Mess

2008-05-28T22:02:00.002-05:00

I had a mini-meltdown tonight.

The cause?

My scooter wouldn't start. I just got it back Thursday night after not having it for 2 weeks because of a flat tire. I rode it to work Friday. I rode it to work Monday. Tonight, when I tried to ride it to Italian class, it wouldn't start. I think it's the battery. But it sent me over.

I stormed back in the house, threw my keys, yelled a bit. Then I left for class - in my car.

I don't know what is wrong with me. I spend every day either tired, sick, or depressed. Some days with a combo platter.

And I know this affects Pokey. He doesn't deserve having to deal with me like this. Sometimes I wonder if the whole world wouldn't just be better if I just ran away.

First thing I need to do - call my doctor.

Smile!

2008-05-26T20:55:00.002-05:00

I just saw a commercial for Botox Cosmetic. And they actually used the catchphrase, "It's all about freedom of expression."

And here I thought Botox actually resulted in freedom FROM expression. facial expressions, that is.

I'm Sorry

2008-05-26T19:49:00.002-05:00

As in:
1) I'm a sorry ass. I have not been very present online lately, either as a reader or a writer.
2) I apologize for not being very present online lately.

The causes are numerous. Mostly emotional, believe it or not. My oldest and dearest friend, depression, has been staying with us for a bit. I think because mostly my job has just sucked lately. And the impending takeover, and impending possible job loss. So when I get home at night, I just want to hide in my little Cancer crab shell.

But I think I got caught up with a lot of reading tonight. And I'll do my best to do a better job of keeping up.

8 Months

2008-05-20T19:51:00.002-05:00

8 months from today, at noon EST, our long national nightmare will FINALLY be over!

Here's to hoping he goes quietly.

Hobbit Friday

2008-05-16T17:33:00.002-05:00

Today's guest is Jamie Durie. He's the current host of the Victory Garden on PBS.

He's an Aussie.

And 5' 7 3/4".

He can hoe in my garden anytime.

San Francisco

2008-05-10T19:46:00.002-05:00

I'm not sure why, but it seemed like Columbus was hosting a gay men's convention today. Everywhere we went, there were gay guys. And I'm not talking places like Open Book or Union Station bar. I'm talking our regular haunts, like Giant Eagle, Whole Foods, and Wendy's. Bob even said that at the North Market this morning, it was filled with gaity. (I did not accompany him because I was home trying to nurse a hangover).

I know that Columbus is like one of the top ten gay cities in the country. But it just normally doesn't seem like it, like it did today.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Hey Vinnie!

2008-05-04T19:07:00.002-05:00

Eat it!

And I say that in Christian love, of course.

You know the Bible 100%!

Wow! You are awesome! You are a true Biblical scholar, not just a hearer but a personal reader! The books, the characters, the events, the verses - you know it all! You are fantastic!

Ultimate Bible Quiz
Create MySpace Quizzes

Because I Care

2008-05-03T19:37:00.000-05:00

Please read this.

Speechless

2008-05-01T20:24:00.002-05:00

I have been rather quiet lately. Honestly, I haven't felt like I had all that much to say. Either that, or I'm just plain lazy.

Hobbit Friday

2008-04-25T16:20:00.002-05:00

Today's is a tasty entry. He's Johnny Iuzzini. We saw him this week on Top Chef, as a guest judge. He is a pastry chef. And although we don't know his height, we're fairly certain he's a true hobbit.

And as delicious as a cherry tart!

And he even has his own Hobbit web site!

Bring Your Child to Corporate Hell Day

2008-04-24T21:34:00.002-05:00

Today was Bring Your Child to Work Day. The highlight for the young'uns at my place of employment was joining everyone in the lobby meeting to hear how Mommy and Daddy's company is being sold to another company (more on that in another post).

At lunch, I started thinking of some professions that might not be all that appropriate for BYCTWD. And I've kept thinking about it all day.

So, here are some of those professions that might be best to leave the kids at home:

firefighter
active duty soldier deployed in Iraq
prostitute
porn star
undertaker
migrant farm worker - but only because unfortunately EVERY day is BYCTWD.

Can you think of other professions to add to the inappropriate list?

What A Day!

2008-04-20T20:33:00.002-05:00

I skipped the matinee of Arsenic today. I've been to all of the other performances so far, and plan on being at all of them next weekend too. So I just thought I would take today off and stay home. But I stayed busy for the most part.

I did 3 loads of laundry. I cleaned the tub and sink in the downstairs bathroom. I handwashed a small load of dishes. I Brillo'ed the range top. I bagged up a few months worth of The Other Paper for recycling. And sorted through all of the old magazines stacked up in the bathroom, throwing away the ones I knew we were done with. And, in the upstairs bathroom, I finished applying the penetrating sealant to the glass tile on the walls.

Amazing what a double espresso can make me do!

Oh, Dear

2008-04-20T18:12:00.000-05:00

Your Slogan Should Be

Have You Ever had a Bad Time in Gumby?

The Slogan Generator

There really isn't anything more I can add...

Opening Night!

2008-04-12T01:05:00.001-05:00

We played to a sold out house tonight! And it was a good show. My cheeks still hurt from sitting in the director's cubby hole and smiling like a moron for 2 hours.

Now I am going to sleep for a long long time...

Tech Week - Day Five

2008-04-10T23:33:00.002-05:00

Final dress rehearsal went really well. I decided to just watch the show, so I didn't take any notes at all. Maybe it's wrong of me to think, but I decided is there really anything I could tell them on the final night of rehearsal that would make that much difference?

The one thing I learned tonight is that the cast member I was considering forcibly replacing earlier in the week has another issue. I was informed by at least 4 of my cast that he has terminal flatulence. In a dressing room that measures about 4 x 12 and shared by 12 people.

But you know one of the best things about final dress? It's now the stage manager's problem!

If any of my local readers are interested in seeing the show, you can go to the Curtain Players website for info.

Tech Week - Day Four

2008-04-09T22:03:00.002-05:00

A cliche I used last night was "bad cop."

Tonight I used a different cliche - "You guys need an audience."

Yea! After my brief tirade last night, everyone buckled down and tonight the show was tight again. Even as tired as I was, I still laughed. I really do think they've hit a point where the need the feedback only an audience can provide.

One more rehearsal...

Tech Week - Day Three

2008-04-08T22:20:00.003-05:00

Tonight, it was "Bad Cop" night.

From day one, I've encouraged my cast to have fun. And we have. Unfortunately, tonight they were having too much fun. Off stage. It was sloppy tonight. Missed entrances, endless mind farts, whole pieces of business forgotten. A couple of times, I just wanted to leave. Fortunately, the parts of the show that WERE together were great! Some parts were the best they've been.

So, at notes tonight, I started by saying that it was time for me to become Bad Cop. And I laid it on the line, how disappointed I was tonight, how sloppy things were. With that out of the way, I was able to give the notes that I was able to take. And threw some humor in along the way too.

I was disappointed only because I know how good the show has been tonight. I think everyone will pull it back together tomorrow night.

I hope.

Tech Week - Day Two

2008-04-07T22:31:00.002-05:00

So, this morning I officially lost a cast member. His father has taken gravely ill, and he is the one that the rest of his family looks to for strength and guidance. So he is doing what he should be doing. All of us in the cast and crew will miss him.

The good news is that I was able to get a replacement tonight. Yea! And the other good news - the OTHER cast member that I thought I was going to have to fire responded well to the "come to Jesus meeting" I had with him over the phone tonight. His performance tonight was 300% better than it's ever been. Sometimes I guess a threat of replacement DOES work!

Overall, tonight was, how do you say? Oh yes. Rough. It was the first night that the cast could not call for line. And I think that may have been weighing on their minds. But I know based on how they've done prior to tonight that the potential is there for a great show.

I'm pooped...

Tech Week - Day One

2008-04-06T21:27:00.001-05:00

Tech Sunday rehearsal went really well today. The cast did really well considering it was the first time with lights and sound cues. For those of you non-actors, anytime you throw something new in, it has the potential to really screw things up. But overall everyone had good concentration and we only had a couple of rough spots.

The bad news is I may be recasting a part this week... further updates to come...

Vroom, Vroom!

2008-03-31T17:31:00.002-05:00

I started the scooter this evening, for the first time in months.

I tried starting a couple of months ago, and it wouldn't. My friend Mike suggested I just borrow his trickle charger to make sure the battery was fully charged. So I did, and we put it on this past Saturday. Tonight, I headed to the garage, detached the charger, closed the seat lid... and it started!

Yea! After a couple of false starts, I was able to keep it running - and even took a quick spin around the neighborhood. Unfortunately, with rehearsals getting to a critical point, I probably won't be riding to work anytime soon. Besides, it's supposed to be dipping back down to the 20's tomorrow or Wednesday. Not at all pleasant scootering weather.

But soon, oh so soon, I'll be back to enjoying my 60 mpg ride!

I'm (Still) Alive

2008-03-30T21:07:00.003-05:00

Hi all. I know I have been frequently AWOL lately, both in posting and in reading other posts.

I am in fact still alive. I have just been extremely tied up in getting Arsenic and Old Lace up on its feet.

Tonight started our last full week of rehearsals prior to tech week. I gave myself tomorrow night off, while the stage manager runs the cast through a speed line-through rehearsal.

Next Sunday starts ~~hell~~ tech week. Then we open on April 11!

The cast is doing some great work, and I'm getting excited to see the final product.

So I'll still be a little absent for the next couple of weeks. Then I'll have LOTS of catchup reading to do!

The Conspiracy Continues

2008-03-29T16:50:00.001-05:00

The VRWC (Vast Right Wing Conspiracy) continues to attack Hillary. This time, they are casting doubt on her brave visit to Bosnia.

Watch this recently found footage that proves Hillary's version is the truth!

An Easter Message from ... Me!

2008-03-23T19:30:00.002-05:00

Happy Easter everyone! Even if you are not Christian believers, may you find the peace of renewal on this day and every day.

Pokey and I attended Easter Sunday services at King Avenue UMC this morning. In my mind, it was what an Easter service should be. As the congregation gathered in the sanctuary, the only light was ambient streaming in through the stained glass windows, or creeping in from the adjoining hallways and fellowship hall. The sanctuary was somber and quiet.

When 11:00 arrived, and the service began, the Director of Music Ministry stood before the choir, the bell choir, the brass ensemble, and the timpani. Easter scripture was read by unseen persons over the PA. The instrumentalists began the introduction for the opening hymn. As the instruments played triumphantly, the lights in the sanctuary came on, the white Easter banners were hoisted high into the sanctuary, and we all joined in singing what is probably my favorite hymn, Christ the Lord is Risen Today. It was a glorious moment of worship that brought tears to my eyes a couple of times.

I must say, they know how to make a service exciting there. Pokey and I have been attending since the first Sunday in January. It definitely is a more comfortable space for me as I search out my own Christian-based spirituality. After over 3 years of avoiding church, it is nice to find a place that I feel comfortable in again.

2008-03-22T22:14:00.003-05:00

Tonight as Pokey and I were killing time at the Barnes and Noble, I saw this book on the "dummies" table:

And I just thought, do we REALLY want dummies having sex? And perhaps procreating as a result?

There really are some things that should require licenses.

An Easter Message from the Vice-President

2008-03-22T16:39:00.001-05:00

"RRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrr.... Enjoy the celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord. Or I'll shoot you in the face."

Pre-Easter Ponderings

2008-03-18T20:48:00.001-05:00

In Case You Had Forgotten...

2008-03-17T21:42:00.001-05:00

Gumby and Pokey Say Hi!

2008-03-08T15:00:00.002-05:00

So far, we're gotten 16 inches since late yesterday morning.

Luckily, we can walk to enough place that we don't feel completely snowed in.

I'm having a ball!

Un Doppio to Go, Per Favore

2008-03-08T00:43:00.000-05:00

You Are an Espresso

At your best, you are: straight shooting, ambitious, and energetic

At your worst, you are: anxious and high strung

You drink coffee when: anytime you're not sleeping

Your caffeine addiction level: high

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Hobbit Friday

2008-03-07T23:40:00.002-05:00

This week's entry is Danny Broome.

Danny is the host of a new show on Food TV. He also plays hockey, and is an all around cutey.

Technically, he is a tall hobbit, since he comes in at 5'10.

But he has all the traits of hobbity cuteness.

And it's my blog so I get to make the rules.

I Need a Tuneup

2008-03-02T22:40:00.002-05:00

I think I need to go in to the Gaydar shop to have mine tuned up.

There are a handful of guys at work who recently I would have laid money on being gay. And one by one, I hear about girlfriends, wives, soon-to-be-ex-wives, etc. And some of these guys act way gayer than I do. Today at lunch, there was a little married hobbit with his wife, and Pokey and I both commented on his high GT (gay tendencies).

What the hell is going on?!? I used to have a 99.5% accuracy level on my Gaydar. Lately, I'm hitting about 50%.

Are straight guys REALLY finding their feminine sides? Are metrosexuals taking over the world? Or am I just running into a lot of closet cases?

The next guy who tells me he's straight as he's blowing me, I've really had it!

It's Alive!

2008-03-02T13:31:00.003-05:00

Today at lunch, I saw a real-life version of Smithers, Mr. Burns assistant.

He looked like him. He sounded and talked like him. The only difference was that he was even gayer than Smithers.

Now if I could just find a real-life version of Sally Forth's husband, Greg.

Hobbit Friday

2008-02-29T18:23:00.002-05:00

Today's hobbit is Ed Westwick, one of the young hotties on Gossip Girl.

Ed is 20 years old. I can't find an "official" height for him, but one of the entries I found said 5'7". So that is the one I'm sticking with.

Grrrrrrrr......

One Final Award

2008-02-24T22:00:00.003-05:00

Tonight, Pokey and I attended the Emerald City Players season awards night. The theatre has a "secret" group of judges that viewed the shows in 2007 and then named awards for those shows.

I received an excellance in acting for Greater Tuna! Yea me! My co-star (and hobbit) Nathan also received an excellance in acting award, so it was really great that we both got the same award.

So, now all of the accolades for Greater Tuna are done. It was a great experience, but now it's on to other things.

Like directing Arsenic and Old Lace. And not have a nervous breakdown doing it.