Tuesday Night Mix Tape

Tonight is a TV free night. I don't need clutter or mindless chatter; I need comfort and blankets and big, fluffy pillows. I need to nurture myself with Walt Whitman and then Nora Roberts. I am a well rounded reader. It seems I have a touch of the latest stomach bug and was in misery the entire day. The cramping has stopped, and I was able to eat a small dinner of applesauce pancakes with an apple/cranberry topping. I thought all was good until I began to try and relax.

With my comfort food security level up several notches, I sat down and turned on my Itunes and hit my Genius Mix, where they mix up your songs for you. Well, this mix must be the depressing/ex boyfriend/ex husband blend. I had no idea that my music was this depressing. Not only that, but every sentimental song from old mix tapes/Cd's of significant others were thrown in for good measure. There is always something there to remind blared before Sarah began to sing about possession. Tori Amos prevailed with three songs reminding me that even though I wasn't perfect, I would still look it if I could play the piano like her, or at least sit and grind on the piano like her. I couldn't turn it off. I sat here in a stupor wondering what new boyfriend or insecurity would show up next when everything was redeemed with just a few catchy lines. I was no longer a single mom wondering where did it go wrong or where did it go right. I was eight again, on my back porch, with a UK blue eight track player and Blondie was telling me all about life, and it is still good.

Saturday at the Park

I didn't make it to my usual Six Word Saturday because Thing Two and I had a last minute adventure. My school's soccer team had two spare tickets to the LA Galaxy and Columbus Crew soccer game last night, and not only did they give them to me, but I don't have to pay for them now. One of my co-workers also gave me a ride and away we went into the gloomy rain.

Well, it was really gloomy because Beckham wasn't coming. Dang. I would have loved to see him play, shirtless of course. The man is just amazing, but I am partial to the Crew since they are the closest thing I have to a home team. I LOVE pro soccer, and I was just so happy to be there among the faithful. The energy of the crowd swept over us and carried us away with them. I swear this could seriously become an addiction, and if I lived closer, I would so have season tickets.

Thing One didn't want to go because it was the middle school's homecoming. Yes, she pried away for independence, but I think my little soccer player regretted not going, judging by her messages. Thing Two, well, he was just happy to have an adventure, and this was his first trip to Ohio. He is a positive person, and he was truly just happy to be there.

Reflections from Watching Grey's

Okay, it was sad to see George die, but I think it was even sadder to see Martha Plimpton playing a middle aged mom. It is just a reminder that The Goonies are now grown-up and so am I. Let's now raise a glass to our mortality. Here is to you, Martha:

Giggle, giggle

I was told this week that I have sex appeal. No real blog here, just a snicker and a snort. I would brag, but I cannot write anything that doesn't result in me shaking my head in wonder and giggling.

It Is Time for Six Word Saturday!!!

Find Cate and Six Word Saturday:



Day filled with family and friends.




Soccer game for daughter, fall festival, and then we will wrap it up at a friend's house who is having a party for all ages. It is going to be a long day but in a good way. Tomorrow I will worry about cleaning and paperwork.

Today's Words of Wisdom

I read the term self-reverence today in a magazine, and I was really struck by it. It isn't funny how we seem to fail to take care of the person we should love the most. I am now planning to be more self-reverent. For years I have put myself down because I didn't think I was worthy of good things. I allowed myself to feel shame for things outside of my control. This is self-loathing, and it is much easier to practice. It is lazy. Self-reverence is going to take work. I have already changed my diet for better health. I am now making sure to incorporate more exercise into my day. I joined a book club. I am enlarging my social circles. I am allowing myself to just be goofy with my kids. I am realizing it isn't selfish to want to be pretty or pretty things. Self-reverence. Yes, it is now a practice I want to preach.

Makes Me Laugh

http://www.hulu.com/watch/95620/the-jay-leno-show-cheaters

Observations from the Couch

Patrick Swayze dying corresponds with my sick headache. Coincidence, I think not. I am truly heartsick over his death, and I am already looking forward to the onslaught of weekend movies, Ghost to Dirty Dancing to Road House. He proved a man who dances in sexy.

Also, did you watch Jay Leno last night? I wasn't going to since I am not a huge fan, but when he spoofed Cheaters with Joey Greco last night, I laughed until I cried. Cheaters is truly one of my guilty pleasures, and watching it come to live for Jay and his soul mate was worth tuning into NBC. Will I watch again? Depends. I cannot making a nightly commitment. It is the same show, just with a different time slot. I guess it if ain't broken, don't fix it. It is happier fare than watching Law and Order and Dateline every night. I am not chained to my television, and I don't think this will convince me to start.

Oh, one more thing, Kanye's silence was golden.

This Just Makes Me Wonder:

There is a really sweet wedding announcement today from the New York Times where an older couple find love, but there is something in it that made me wonder about perceptions and expectations. She is 60 and he talked about how accomplished she is and wonders why she has never married. Yep, she should be married because she is so great. She does sound like an amazing woman, but I guess many are still buying into "a truth universally acknowledged". Women who are smart and accomplished must want to be married. I married because I bought into the romance of life. It wasn't because we were such wonderful people. I think I know what he meant by his rather nice comment. She is such a catch, and he is just wondering why she had never been caught. I think that maybe she is accomplished due to her lack of marriages. She has been able to grow into the woman she is intended to be because she was able to nurture herself. I am not anti marriage. I hope one day to share my life with somebody; however, you give a part of your soul away with marriage. Sometimes, without realizing it, you forget who you really are. I think this marriage has a better chance for success just because she is aware of herself. Some problems in my marriage were due to my lack of awareness of who I really was. I became what he perceived me to be. I was young and lacked the self-confidence to be myself. In a way, my divorce saved my life. It saved me.
Oh, if you do go to the New York Times, check out the lead story. They are in their 80's and found love after being apart over 70 years. I love it! Inspires me to remember that love doesn't need a timeline.

It Is Time for Six Words Saturday!!!!!

Stop by Cate's blog and try this for yourself:






Time for soccer games and festivals!

This May Be Interesting: My Reality Show Update

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20303396,00.html


Ellen!!!! Ellen is replacing Paula on America Idol. Since I am the only woman in America who doesn't watch the show, this may actually push me toward an episode or two. Love her!!!!! She is going to be the people's vote, and that might be a nice contrast between Simon, Randy, and whatever her name is.

I am more into Dancing with the Stars, and I am already to tango across my living room while booing Carrie Ann. That girl can just be cruel. I expect it from Len. I respect it from Len, but Carrie Ann just gushes over whatever man she is feeling for the season. Join me on Monday nights. Bring your favorite pj's and chocolate. Good times, good times.

Much Ado About...Nothing

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32723625/ns/politics-white_house/

I cannot understand the big deal about Obama's speech to the students of America. It has turned reasonable parents into foaming dogs of war. Students are being kept home today so they will not be exposed to the socialist propaganda of the President. What? The speech isn't brainwashing children in the evil ways of liberalism. It is a pep talk, and one that every student needs. It is about taking responsibility. It is urging students to stay in school. It is urging students to become the best they can be. Even Republican Newt said it was an excellent speech, and on the Today show he urged parents to allow their students to hear it. So what all the hub bub, Bub?

Also, what are we teaching our children when we don't allow them to witness events? That tolerance is only allowed within our own belief system? That if we disagree politically we cannot find common ground? Oh, I know, it is okay to prejudge. Children will parrot our beliefs, and I often stop and wonder how I want my children to present me to the world. I hope and pray they show that I believe in having all the facts. I believe we need to listen and debate instead of spouting off preconceived doctrines. I don't agree with Obama on everything, but I will separate the man and mission. I did the same for George Bush. I disagreed on much of his policies, but I disagreed with respect. That is what I hope they parrot to the world.

This entire mess reminds me that silly purple kangaroo on "Horton Hears a Hoo"; however, we can't always hide our children to the world so they are not exposed to diffrent viewpoints. I think the speech is an amazing way to introduce a positive academic dialogue at home. Watch it as well and discuss it respectfully with your students. Voice your concerns and ask your students their opinions. It is okay to disagree, but model how to disagree with respect. Education begins at home.

Now, can somebody help me off this soapbox?

Sunday, Sunday

I personally have a love/hate relationship with Sunday. It seems an odd day when we seem to embrace the idea of rest, but the ghost of Monday Present is standing just in the corner of our eyes, reminding us that this is only a brief respite from the work day stress and worry. Today is also the 30th anniversary of CBS Sunday Morning, a show that I watch every week and enjoy with my chai tea, but I despised it as a kid because of my dad's obsession with the news. I now notice how my own kids scatter when I turn it on. It is my weekend news, satire, and entertainment. It is part of my Sunday comfort and part of my Sunday religion. I cannot leave or get ready for church until the show is over. I refuse to be rushed on Sunday mornings; I may be late but not rushed.

In honor of this achievement, I want to post my favorite Sunday songs. They all seem to explore the fine line between Saturday night and Sunday morning:







And I think we are all looking for a Sunday kind of Love

A New Six Word Saturday!

Make sure you check out Cate and her site:



Excited about the weekend. Let's play!

Rants and Raves: This Week in Review

Rants

I may be wrong, but I think the press is going way too far in the case of Jaycee Dugard. The majority of news shows seem to be looking at dollar signs instead of what is best for this family. The morning shows begin each day with questions about her survival, and they almost seem disappointed when specialist say they are doing well, or they will do well, or even with the hard road ahead, they may have productive lives. They keep turning and twisting answers until they have the negative outcome that sells. Another news show reported the family is having to move often due to the constant threat of reporters. Paparazzi are stalking for pictures, and I think there will be a special level of Hell for them. Where is the humanity? Do we really need to see what they look like? There is a morbid fascination, and I am sure it will be huge when they are outed, but we should not allow curiosity to further damage the victims. Yes, it will take years, and yes, it is beyond horrible, now back off and give them a moment to come to grips with what is happening.

Raves

Jason Bateman is back!!! To be honest, I never knew he left. I love him in everything with his name on it, from The Hogan Family, The Sweetest Thing, Juno, and certainly, Arrested Development. He is one of the actors I want to find on my deserted island, and I hope he kicks Bradley Cooper's butt at the box office.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32663585/ns/entertainment-movies/

Da, Da, Da

I wore my spring/fall suit today. It is tan with chocolate brown accents, and the jacket belts. I wore my ruffled collar blouse underneath with eggplant heels, and I felt organized and productive. Clinton Kelly isn't lying when he says that clothes affect your self-esteem. Students in every class had comments to say because they do not miss a thing. They even notice when I change earrings. I want to share two that made me smile:

"Hey, Ms. ____________, you look like a lawyer!"


"Wow, you look nice today. You look like a dectective."


Okay, I now have my future figured out. If this teaching thing doesn't work, I think I will audition for Law and Order.