No News Good News?

I didn’t watch the Super Bowl, Jenny Sanford’s primetime interview, Tim Tebow’s commercial, or any coverage of the Tea Party Convention in Nashville. I tolerated 5 minutes, give or take, of Glenn Beck on Saturday, but watched a full hour of 15 Bodacious Bathrooms on FLVNG Sunday afternoon.

Political debates now, especially liberals versus conservatives, are more awful than they were during the Bush 2 years. I hoped, upon Obama’s innauguration, that would stop and a more cooperative era would begin. Go ahead, call me naive. I certainly feel that way.

I don’t support any wingnut (phrase compliments of John Avalon) theories on Obama being an illegitimate president because of the debate about the geographic location of his birth. The left claimed incessantly that W stole the White House until his second term and solid defeat of John Kerry. I am proud that Sarah Palin has not retreated from the national arena and is regrouping, not because I like her politics, but because she is showing backbone.

It may be the media that gets a makeover in the next few years, rather than the American political landscape. People can always be counted on for passionate outbursts, but I am tired of media outlets stirring that pot. Go back to reporting news, not speculation. Or is it too late for that?

Big Love: Season 3

Season 3 has renewed my interest in Big Love. (And sparked a desire to re-watch Seasons 1 and 2.)

Big Love requires effort on the part of the viewer. That is, every line uttered by a character is important and you must pay attention. The episodes (an hour long) sometimes feel like feature-length movies. Watching, however, never feels like work.

I’ve come to deeply care about the Hendrickson’s. (They are different, but more likable than the Botwin’s on Weeds. Even Nicky.) Their story, as it unfolds, is fascinating. I can’t imagine where the series will go.

Between HBO and Showtime, it’s hard for me to judge which produces the best shows. I have watched more HBO series, but love some Showtime offerings, too. Since I started watching cable shows, I cannot be bothered with regular broadcast programs, except for an occasional viewing of a Grey’s Anatomy rerun or Glee. Here is a list of my cable favorites:

The Wire
Weeds
The Sopranos
Entourage
Californication
Big Love
Sex and the City

Suite Francaise

Been trying to finish it, but the experience feels like a college reading assignment. Might be my book club choice. Would likely generate some discussion. Might possibly trigger a protest, too. (Due to the general heaviness of the subject matter and the amount of time required to read it. I, at least, have NOT found Suite Francaise to be quick or easy.) Good it is, though.

list

Here’s a list of some stuff I thought I lost for good but that have been returned to me:
sense of humor
ability to focus
(which leads to)
reading – only books I read in 2008 were for book club and some of those weren’t finished. And I am an avid reader.
snow ski
get the job done

Finally, last night, I ran at a good pace from the back corner of my neighborhood, up the hill, to the gate. Sweat on my face never felt so good. So I turned around and did it again. Just because I could.

Is entertainment that closely resembles real life too depressing to watch?

Weeds is one of my favorite shows. I started watching it because Mary-Louise Parker was the lead and I’d been a fan of hers since Fried Green Tomatoes. I stuck with the show because it’s just damn good–acting, writing, storyline. After 5 seasons of watching (and purchasing dvd’s), I’ve decided that the drug-dealing story headline is just the entertainment piece of it. Weeds is actually the most accurate portrayal of recent American life on television that I have seen.

Caricatures and generalizations of individuals and groups are in every episode (and sometimes an entire season)–my English teachers would have counted off for both of those faux paus, but in the case of Weeds, they work. Christians are judgemental, over-indulged rascists and xeno phobes, attending mega-churches with unclear stances in droves, high on OxyContin and diet Coke, liberals criticize America and everyone else, rarely cracking smiles, with sour outlooks that a truckload of lithium couldn’t brighten, African Americans look for easy money, legal or not, and the only thing Hispanics can do is clean houses (oh, and for every 20 of them living in one home, 19 are illegal.) The comfortable (or wealthy) suburb dwellers closet their less-than-mainstream behaviors. Their one commonality besides sending their kids to the same school? They ALL have some freak behavior or another.

Yes, it’s pretty dark. Watching the show, from my Christian perspective, the characters are all looking for redemption, salvation, from issues big and small, but without the hope of God’s intervention. Their resulting stress levels are off the charts, but ultimately their own doing.

What I respect about the writers and cast of Weeds is that they’re not afraid to push the envelope and take the program to places that other shows wouldn’t dare touch for fear of causing offense. Parodying the emergent church, while presenting some legitimate criticisms of it? Showcasing personal flaws that prominent members of any community would try desperately to bury to maintain their percieved status?

Somehow, Weeds portrays America without being depressing or incredibly demeaning. Despite the darkness, I find something funny (usually dialog or some situation) in each episode. I do not agree with all of the political, social, and religious viewpoints presented, but I don’t need to run from them either. They can’t influence my opinions. It’s just a damn television show.

Gonna end on a dark note, though. Perhaps most accurately and sadly, the ultimate price for the adult character’s narcisism, insecurity, sins, etc is paid by the children. That’s the important message coming out of the show, but could never be a selling tagline. A suburban mom dealing pot to make ends meet makes for better entertainment.

End of a topsy-turvy week. There were highs, lows, unexpected problems. I wish I could say it was all handled with dignity, but that wouldn’t be true. I am so ashamed of my attitude, a bad one, that invaded yesterday afternoon and is persisting 24 hours later. What occurred isn’t important, they were small things. I am saddened by the manner in which I let negativity and fear take root. I haven’t felt this way since I was seriously, seriously depressed. I am scared–I can’t call anyone, of course. God knows, the people who care about me have been through enough. I dont even know where to begin.

So, the weekend hasn’t gotten off to the start I planned (trip to Greenville for some shopping and a visit to the Fresh Market for Movie Night treats.) What I’m telling myself is that God has other plans for me this weekend. I am SO thankful friends are coming over tomorrow night. It gives me something to look forward to and a reason to get up tomorrow morning.

Idealogical Arrogance

Hate it. Absolutely hate it. Can’t really abide those guilty of it.

I followed the election in Massachusetts yesterday with interest and the feeling that its’ results would be contested. I was shocked when one of my friends recieved a text last night during book club stating that Scott Brown was the projected winner.

So, I’m going to say it. And this may come as a shock to some of my friends. I am grateful, capital G, that Martha Coakley did not win Kennedy’s seat.

(There is something else I need to say. I hope that Kennedy’s memory and accomplishments will be honored. Love him or hate him, he was iconic in government. To say the least.)

Back to my gratitude. Obama promised political unity during his campaign, but it has yet to appear in any form in our political landscape. Healthcare reform was the latest casualty of division and greed. I have hoped that healthcare could be reformed–honestly, efficiently, and cautiously. As per our political system, when news began breaking of under-the-table dealing and bullshit, it was like, hello, this feels disappointingly familiar and what, Mr. President, are you doing about it?

I attempted to read portions of the actual healthcare bill–it was about as boring to me as Mr. Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. (Something I need and want to read, but just can’t get through yet.) Instead of sorting through the bill itself, I resorted to various news and media outlets to describe WHAT exactly this “reform” compromised. Some of those projected things were good, some of them not so much. The constant, though, was the speed with which the Democratic party wanted to push the bill through and the lack of quality information made available to the American public. Suddenly, the government didn’t feel like our own. There was a frightening, justifiable feeling that some know-it-all, evil-agenda’ed Democrats were actually trying to jack our lives, money, and healthcare for what THEY felt like we needed. Because they knew everything. We, the citizens, were just ignorant little people in need of guidance. From them.

So, I am happy that this Senate Seat is back in the hands of the people of Massachusetts rather than being “a given” for the Democrats or any other party. What a great wake-up call for idealogical arrogance!

(Please forgive the grammar and typos. This was written in a hurry.)

Letting Go

Book Club is meeting tonight to discuss The Help. I am looking forward to this discussion–I enjoyed the book, and that is saying something since I do not read much fiction.

The club is 5 (maybe 6) years old. I know we started in May, but can’t remember if it was in 2005 or 2006. A book club was something I always wanted to be a part of, but not just any club. Rules, etiquette, some sort of official leadership, membership dues didn’t appeal to me. My grandmother’s book club was like that. She enjoyed it, but I knew that kind of literary socializing wasn’t for me.

My group has gained and lost members, had good meetings and so-so meetings, road tripped together, celebrated accomplishments, babies (although not my selection for GSE, which was/is a sore spot for me), and, for the most part, enjoyed each other’s company and ideas. That’s just my perspective and may not reflect the opinions of the other members.

We’re at a crossroads right now. And if the enjoyment of each other’s company and the sharing of our ideas is not happening for the other ladies, my hope is that some changes will be made. I am all for brining in new members and setting up a few not-set-in-stone by any means rules.

Friendship is precious. And it shouldn’t be occasional.

A few words about The Help:

Made me (even more) ashamed of some recent Southern history, angry at women in groups, hypocrites, and assholes, grateful to not have come of age in the early 60s, glad to have gracefully exited a local-ball-throwing club because it just wasn’t my cup ‘o tea, convinced that some people should not marry or reproduce under any circumstances, tear up at accounts of love/sacrifice/loyalty between employers and their help, laugh out loud at the revelation of the Terrible Awful Thing, realize that there are people not worthy of friendship, but some who are, and hope that lots and lots of people will read it.

The Hurt Locker; The Other Man

The Hurt Locker: I didn’t love it. I mean, it was alright. War movies about Iraq aren’t going to be like typical war movies because the war itself isn’t typical. I’m not sorry I watched it–could have used more character development, particularly so the ending would make sense. Possible spoiler and insight into main character: Would I rather chose which detonator wire to cut or stand in a grocery store and attempt to select cereal? In either case, if I choose incorrectly, people will be mad at me.

The Other Man: Great cast, middling story. I almost wanted to throw my show at the TV. The story had some of The Reader’s angst and Oh-my-gosh-I-get-it-now revelations, but just wasn’t that enjoyable. At least it was short! (The Other Man was written by Bernard Schlink, author of The Reader.)

At home now: Big Love, Season 3. I sure hope I’m not judged by the things I watch. Could there be anything more terrible?

streeeeeeeeeeeeetch

I cheated on stretching last night before going out to run. I only did 4 on the list (out of 12.) Doing those 4 stretches made a big difference in how I felt during the run, so how great would it be to do all 12? I’ll let you know when I actually do them. Tonight is a rest night–brisk walk and some yoga. By “rest”, I don’t mean “sittingonassdoingnothing” but rather “some less intense activity.”

I picked up The Help yesterday–Julie made a parking lot drop so I didn’t have to wait for the library’s copy. I’m excited– everything I’ve heard about it has been really good. It’s been a long time since I read a real Southern novel. The last one was Bastard Out of Carolina. (Rather brutal, but could not put it down.)

cp25k

I’m not what one would classify as an active alumna of my 1st college. I’ve never attended a reunion although I’ve been to several alumni chapter meetings. Anyway, I do follow the current events of the school and have become interested in the Couch Potato to 5K program that is about to start.

Running has always intriqued me, but I have never been a regular runner. And I’ve only participated in 1 5K. One thing I am impressed by at College 1 is the Wellness program that started several years ago. Having one while I attended would have been great and prevented my dining-hall french fries related weight gain. Moving on.

I don’t consider myself to be a couch potato and am in the best shape I’ve been in for a long time, but that doesn’t mean that I couldn’t or shouldn’t get in better shape. I’ve chosen running and in keeping with my non-active alumna habits, I am conducting my own Couch Potato to 5K program. My program needs a new name, though.

Changing channels. Cool Shirt?

I really like the Nike t-shirt logoed with Every damn day. Just do it. I’ve never bought one because of the word damn. Writing or speaking cuss words is one thing, wearing them another. I don’t know why I am more bothered by the last than the first two.

epl.everywhere

I picked a trendy topic this morning!

EPL

Not an easy-to-read essay by any stretch.

Like many other Eat, Pray, Love readers, I wondered how life continued for Liz after the memoir ended. Overall, I was a fan of the book. I appreciated her honesty and openess about life on her own–few enjoy saying the words I am lonely to themselves let alone to a whole bunch of people. And no one wants to sound pitiful.

The Bali section disappointed me a little, simply because the ending

seemed

too neat and happy. I even had moments where the word sellout entered my mind. Give up your spiritual and emotional growth for a man you met in Bali? Really! Some quest. (I must admit–if I met a man in Bali I clicked with … let’s say my actions might mirror hers.) My own judgemental (or was it jealous?) moments aside, the story was good. Peoples lives are their own and I wouldn’t appreciate someone calling my happy ending inauthentic or too neat if it was genuine to me.

Above all, Elizabeth Gilbert is a likeable person. From my EPL blog post several years ago, I wrote that she’s the type of person you would have margaritas and a good converstaion with. I stand by that assertion today.

I don’t know if I will read Committed, Liz Gilbert’s new book and EPL follow-up. There was a time when absolutely under no circumstances would I touch anything like that and skip any book club meeting that ventured into said territory. Not so these days. God teaches me things in situations or subjects where, heading in, I know I will be uncomfortable. I’m trying to seek out such situations or, at least, not to avoid them when they appear in my path.

Rock on, Liz.

Finally!

CNN.com article by Drew Westen

I don’t like the title of the essay, but it contains some good information.

Reads/Viewing

The Kids are All Right: Started it last night and couldn’t put it down. I’m a little less than halfway finished. It’s a memoir, and there are a slew of them being published right now, but the style – each of the four Welch siblings writes a chapter in their individual and distinct voices – is fresh. It may be my selection for book club. I’ll have a better idea of possible discussion topics when I finish reading it. But I’m not worried. And I may be looking for a new book club anyway.

Comeback 2.0: I am a Lance fan. This book is a must-have for any Lance fan. So, of course, I bought it. It’s on my coffee table now. When I am done looking at it – pictures, brief descriptions of each by Lance – I will move it to the Lance section of my book case.

District 9: I wanted to see it this summer, but chose (500) Days of Summer instead (because (500) wasn’t playing at home yet.) A very good movie, thought provoking, but one that would have been better served by a big screen. Wish I had considered that this summer.

It’s Complicated: The reviews were mixed, but Mom and I enjoyed it. Meryl was great and even Alec B. was charming in an overweight, slovenly, middle-aged man kind of way. At least he didn’t fancy himself a “catch” simply because he drove a Porsche and had some extra cash.

Next up:
Sherlock Holmes
Nine
Up in the Air

I am looking forward to what 2010 will bring in movies and books. (I didn’t include music because most “new” music to me has already been around for several years!)

do.over

Last Wednesday, I went skiing for the first time in over two years and had an amazing time. The skiing was great and I met some nice people on the chairlift and at the lodge, etc. Mid-day, riding to the summit, I realized I have been granted a do-over. It was one of those moments of realization that leaves you warm, smiling, and feeling completely grateful. I’m resuming all of the activities I enjoyed–skiing, weekend trips, museum visits, and movies–with a healthy body and mind, minus the drama and confusion that consumed my life for the last 7 years. That was my Christmas gift, the best one I could have received.

This was one of the nicest Christmas seasons. Seriously.

I had some doubts going in–would my family get along, would we connect, would I behave myself? Yes and yes and yes. While I thoroughly enjoyed Christmas, I am ready for the New Year and to see what it has in store.

I’ve been thinking about resolutions for 2010. No decisions have been made yet. My lists tend to be short, this one will be no different.

I hope your Christmas was Merry, too!

Christmas Vacation 2009

Today is my last day at work before Christmas. Let me start by saying how much I love my job. I am respected, work on interesting projects, have great co-workers, and get paid. I also have a flexible schedule. Which is probably the greatest perk of all. Enjoyable work is such a blessing.

So, Christmas. Mom is getting Wicked tickets, Dad’s getting a shirt and a book, David and I aren’t exchanging gifts, and everyone else had Samaritan’s Purse donations made in their names. The gift system is perfect for me. I enjoy giving gifts, but like to give throughout the year. And I despise the If-it-isn’t-perfect-Christmas-is-ruined mentality. (My family doesn’t read this blog, doubt they know where it is, so I’m not giving away any secrets.)

Merry Christmas, Everyone! May 2010 be a wonderful year for all!

think happy thoughts?

Disastrous Saturday. I had bad feelings, too, as I left my home to drive to my parents. So bad, in fact, I considered just calling them to say I have things to do here. Work on my closet project, have some lunch, maybe see a movie, go by Lowes.

Whathadhappenedwas…

The week before, I got a little annoyed at something someone said. It wasn’t to or about me, but left me thinking Seriously? That’s how you think? Pathetic. (Look, I’m no saint.) Rather than forget it and move on, I held onto my annoyance which turned into disgust which became Wait TIll Someone Says Something Dumb and Gets It. On Saturday morning, after 8 minutes of peace and Christmas music on the radio, the discussion on politics started. I hate listening to my family opine about the US political system. Negative, negative, negative. The funny thing is that none of their most dire predictions HAVE EVER FUCKING HAPPENED. See, I’m mad.

Sorry. (Really working on that.)

It’s difficult to find people who can just talk about government frankly and politely. That is why I prefer to read about the latest and greatest in poli-sci rather than listen to some dickhead who thinks he’s right argue with some bitch who thinks she’s right about the state of the country and how the legislature doesn’t do anything.)

By the time I was VERY sorry to have tagged along, it was too late. Frustration took over and kicked being a positive voice of reason out of the moving vehicle. To be honest, it would have been better had I just said I’m sorry, but that is the dumbest thing I have heard in a long time. Let’s talk about something else. Instead, I chose the way of the Ass and let every little thing bother me.

The only person who didn’t enjoy Saturday was me. Because I couldn’t communicate nicely and maturely. So, shame on me. The rest of the weekend, however, was terrific. Fun party with work friends and then a miguk reunion Sunday. There are few people I am genuinely close to. Michelle and Sylvia are on that list. Just being around positive, happy people wanting to enjoy the moment(s) lifted my spirit and changed the course of the weekend.

A Top 10 Finish

South Carolina ranks 8th on a list of the Happiest States. (5 of the top 10 were Southern States (I did not include Florida as a Southern state.)

How?

Well, two scientists used data based on statistics to create an average American with average circumstances. For the full article, go Here. New York and Connecticutt brought up the rear.

Interesting, no? And I’m not making this a north/south thing.

I have noticed over my 31 years as a resident of the Palmetto state that South Carolinians are generally a happy group. Sure, the rest of the nation uses us a punch-line for their jokes and some of our politicians can’t keep their You Lie mouths shut or marriages on track, but those things don’t bother us.

We’re okay. Are you?

peace

Origami Gift to 9/11 Memorial

This brought tears to my eyes.

There are times when I wonder how peace will ever be possible on Earth. And I remind myself, Not in this world, but in the one to come. There are, however, glimpses of the future world all around and simple actions that inspire as well as comfort. Despite the flaws of its’ inhabitants, the world is beautiful.

South/North Smackdown

(I put “South” first for a reason. Throw a little kerosene on the fire!)

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-12-14/how-dixie-lost-its-clout/?cid=hp:beastoriginalsC4

Read the article above and see if you can guess which comments are mine. Shouldn’t be hard.

I don’t dislike Northerners, Southerners, Westerners, Foreigners, Floridians, or Canadians. Generalizations, however, are another story.

IMHO …

Comparing the North and South is the equivalent of comparing apples and oranges–a complete waste.

The North–Southerners are stupid.
The South–Northerners are rude.
The North–They talk funny.
The South–They talk funny.
The North–Their religion is a close cousin of Jihad.
The South–They’re all going to Hell.
The North–The south is polluted.
The South–The north is polluted.
The North–The South ranks first in all things BAD.
The South–The North just doesn’t get it, never has, never will.
The North–Why would anyone want to live in the South?
The South–Why would anyone want to live in the North?

(The above list is a sample of items I have read in print.)

The North and South are just different. That’s all. Neither region requires YOU to live there. However, do visit each at some point and marvel at the differences. Then, cast aside judgemnental fallacies. Don’t get there, throw up your hands, and then declare Well, GOLLY, it’s SO different here than back home.

NO SHIT, really?

I will laugh at you.

(Not all Southerners are mediocre. Not all yankees are assholes. Etc, etc, etc.)

The weekend was a lot of fun. I enjoyed a relaxing Friday afternoon away from work, took an abbreviated-cause-it-was-cold bike ride, and did some shopping at Lowes. My Rotary club had it’s annual Christmas party on Saturday and it was really nice.

The last traces of Effexor have run out of my system and nausea and dizziness are gone. Now, the wait and see begins. I kind of wondered Saturday as I got more and more aggravated at the crowds shopping if I should have waited until after the holiday to taper off of it. (Excessive aggravation and anger are two emotions I have experienced when I’ve stopped using medication.) My first test was on Saturday.

This is not a good time to shop. I know that. And yet I managed to forget it once again and agreed to go shopping with my parents. Target was especially funny. I don’t frequent Target, but I enjoy it from time to time as a Walmart alternative with some interesting brands of cosmetics and household cleaners. (Method, anyone? Stuff works really well! Mother Pucker lip gloss?) Anyway, along with the rest of the county, I went to Target on Saturday. It was fine until the checkout. These two assholes with MORE THAN 10 items got into the Express Lane. My guess is they blatantly disregarded the item limit, thinking surely no one would notice, get pissed, or say anything out loud. Wrong. The two ladies in front of me noticed, got pissed, and every 30 seconds or so let loose with a totally unsubtle SOME people obviously can’t count and THE Nerve while the assholes cast furtive glances over their shoulders as they counted off bills. (Seriously, I stood in line for a good 4 to 5 minutes. They had that much stuff.) I love people who aren’t afraid to utter frustration out loud. It worked because the Express Lane crashers were obviously uncomfortable. I didn’t stick around to see how it played out–I enjoyed the show, but decided I didn’t need my letter holder that badly. In my own asshole-move, I put my merchandise in the gum rack and left rather than taking it back to it’s proper place.

Next came The Mall.

Parents, if you bring a stroller to the mall, be aware that strollers DO NOT have the right-of-way as malls are for Pedestrians. This is especially true if there isn’t an actual human being in your stroller (cause it’s filled with packages.) Old people in scooters, same deal. You need to be courteous.

For me: Jaime, you need to be courteous too. No eye-rolling, mouthing Fuck, or dirty looks when a stroller is blocking the path to the Coach purses. Set an example. And be patient.

I’ll let you know how it goes. Life After Effexor.

UnMedicatedLife

I made the decision to stop taking Effexor, got the reduced strength doses, tapered off, and other than being lightheaded and somewhat nauseous for the last three days, I’m okay. (The dizziness and nausea will pass, hopefully soon.) It was never my intention to spend the rest of my life taking an anti-depressant, although I would never criticize anyone who did. The medications are out there when needed.

Depression isn’t something I like to talk about because, with the exception of therapists and doctors, most people just don’t understand it. Even some mental health professionals don’t, but they at least are compassionate.

The only thing I will say about it is this: It’s something I’ve dealt with, off and on, for years. The last time I fell, I told myself Never again. If this happens again, it is game over for me. And I meant that. I didn’t want help, I wanted It to stop. No matter what. I am healthy now and relishing in that. I know that a recurrence is possible, but I am not afraid of it. It may happen, it will suck, but it will be dealt with in a positive, life-affirming way. A truly shit time or traumatic event doesn’t ensure the rest of one’s life will be a continuous upswing or give the designation of deserving only good things from that point. The point is, I have learned to deal. And I thank God for that.

mad?

I have been a fan of Viggo Mortensen since A Walk on the Moon. I loved his take on Sarah Palin (on The Daily Beast yesterda.) Viggo and I probably don’t have many similiar beliefs, but we both appreciate opposing viewpoints and consideration of others holding opposite views. He is the first celebrity I have heard say something about her that was quite possibly kind. At the very least decent.

Ms. Palin intriqued me when McCain selected her as a running mate during the last presidential election. I’d never heard of her, knew nothing about her. As national and world interest pointed a collective spotlight and magnifying glass on her and details began to emerge, I’ll admit to having a WTF was McCain thinking reaction. Not because I thought she was a bad person, just that I couldn’t fathom why she would be considered for Vice-President. In the end, I voted for Obama anyway, so it didn’t really matter.

I still get mad, though, when she is treated disrespectfully, either in interviews or in print. (And I will probably read her book. I read Hitchens also, and the two of us have NOTHING in common.)

Pretty much any disrespectful treatment of an individual will make me mad. Case in point, years ago, I joined the NRA. Why? I don’t own a gun now, didn’t then either. Remember Rosie O’Donnell’s talk show? Remember the episode with Tom Selleck and how she talked to him? Rosie pissed me off that day, not because I loved guns, but because of the way she treated Selleck. The NRA collected a year’s worth of membership dues thanks to her rudeness. (I didn’t renew my membership, although I’ve considered rejoining.)

In 2009, the only time thus far that I have yelled at someone and invoked the f-word, was when I saw a friend being bullied by another person. Never in my life have I gotten the attention of others so quickly. I wish I’d handled it differently, but the whole incident was truly a gut reaction. (Plus, we were all tired and hungry. Still doesn’t excuse me.)

So, it was nice to read an intelligent interview with a celebrity on current events and individuals that didn’t sink into liberal vs. conservative bullshit. Hopefully, I will remember diplomacy and kindness and not jumping to incorrect decisions when taking up for others.

Distinctions and Thresholds

(Grief)

No instructions booklet or manual. Just a moment-by-moment (feel free to insert your own measure of time) journey, mostly during waking hours, but occasionally in dreams, too. Grief is like kids and farts, it’s easier to tolerate your own. A popular notion is that putting on a “happy face” makes everything better. Nobody loves a grouch-asshole-downer. My views are as follows. Show too little grief, you risk undermining the affect a departed loved one had on your life. Grieve too much or too long, letting the grief become pathalogical, you risk disgracing their memory (and will alienate friends/loved ones/etc. Or at least cause them to talk about you behind your back, bitching about how you’re a downer or wondering when you will get back to your “old self.”)

What is not usually made clear in the media or books and can only be learned by experience is the true hard time: This is weeks or months after the funeral, when everyone else has moved on, and you know it’s time for you to do the same and cannot. Because you’re still sad and hurting. What then?

Be sad. Let it run it’s course. Miss them, love them, wish they were with you, honor them. Realize that it’s your journey, don’t expect others to be there or become angry with them when they aren’t. It’s okay. I promise, the sadness will pass. Eventually, it will be your turn to be the bystander.

Headline from Today

Switzerland suprised me. Rather, it was the headline about the Swiss deciding to ban minarets on Islamic mosques. (I read the accompanying article, but not much detail about WHAT led to that decision.) To me, at face value, that vote appeared to be discrimination. What would happen if church steeples were banned?

Law confuses me. That’s why I never went to law school! I will, however, follow this story. The Switzerland I know has always been nuetral.

What’s up with the media?

The Salahi’s – I don’t give a fuck about members of the Need-To-Be-Seen club. And there is one in every town in the US. If you measure your personal worth in terms of the parties or clubs you attend, get a prescription. You’re special because you’re you, dumbass. How much taxpayer money will be wasted in “investigating” this situation? Shit, how much paper will it take to print all of the reports? Forests, get ready.

Tiger Woods – I feel sorry for this man, very sorry. His carefully guarded privacy is gone. And this incident won’t die for a long time thanks to the media.

A recent headline from a local paper stated that members of the SC legislature would not make impeaching Governor Sanford a priority. Well, thank goodness. I mean, given people are losing jobs and opportunities, it seems kind of pointless to skewer a man for skewering an Argentinian woman. Because that’s really what it’s about. I don’t believe that these individuals are suddenly concerned about his spending–had he really been hiking the Appalachian trail, no one would give a damn about his seating preferences in air travel. If the Governor is to be investigated for dishonest spending, it would be great if each member of the legislature was subjected to an audit. Hopefully, there would only be a few guilty of using taxpayer money for their ego trips, but I’m feeling pessimistic today.

Happy Tuesday!

Thanksgiving Recap in 1 Minute

(starting now)

Woke up, slight hangover from Wednesday margaritas, have Diet Coke, head clears, shower, gather bags, gather food, get in car. Listen to Pete and Scarlet on way to parental home. Arrive, sit in kitchen, do crossword puzzle while everyone else gets ready. Depart for Due West, say hi to everyone, help set up food in kitchen, greet kids, say grace, get food, sit down, get more food, stuffed, talk some, have dessert, talk some more. Get kids and go outside for Squidgie game and soccer. Burn off some of meal, still good at soccer dribbling although it’s been years, walk to Mall for kids to ride bikes, scooters, big wheels.

(out of time)

Go back to parent’s house, watch Grey’s Anatomy marathon with Mom. Watch Superstar with David. Bed around 12.

(the end)

What I Want for Christmas

A president who truly celebrates American Culture. The US may be a young nation, but it has its’ own culture which should be embraced.

Declare English as the official language of the United States. (We can study others in school.) Translators are a necessity, but if you want to live in the States, you should really learn the language. If I moved to Nepal, I wouldn’t expect Nepalis to learn English on my behalf.

The writings/videos/rantings of Michael Moore and Glenn Beck to be studied. They are more alike than their followers would care to admit.

Enough, please, with doomsday WE-ALL-’GON-DIE stuff related to the policies of the government. We’re all going to die anyway, that’s a given. The likelihood of governmental actions hastening that are pretty slim.

For President Obama to maintain and cultivate relationships with allies. (Thumbs up on having the first State dinner with India!)

What a great weekend. Seriously.

Friday, I left work early, met Mom, and went to Anderson for some pedicures and shopping. Saturday, picked up Mom in Hodges and drove to Greenville for some more shopping. (We’re trying to knock out all of our Christmas shopping before next weekend.) In the middle of last week, I learned through a local news source on the web downtown was to host some live music on Saturday night. I met a friend and we ventured over there. It was fantastic. Sunday ended up as a day of rest for me–True Blood watching, Vanity Fair reading. I also cooked a kickass stirfry for supper–the first time I ever followed a recipe from start to finish AND enjoyed the results.

My new living arrangement is really agreeing with me.