Just when I'm in danger of feeling good about myself ...

… I see Kelly Ripa. I don't watch Regis & Kelly, but I am aware that she has 3 young children, a really hot husband (Mark Consuelos), and a great body. I see her on commercials for Wisk and home appliances. She always looks terrific in a natural, girl next door kinda way, even though she clearly has a busy life.

I'm a pudge who was too lazy to work out today. Today I cleaned my tiny kitchen and yesterday it was my teeny-tiny bathroom and was feeling virtuous. Then I saw that I still haven't replaced the shelf paper under the sink, even though I bought the new stuff at Ace Hardware back on July 14 (the receipt is still in the bag). My living room, bedroom and den are all messes.

Kelly Ripa is busier than I am and yet maintains her looks and her life. Kelly Ripa's house is clean. Kelly Ripa works out. I bet even when her hair is in the in-between growing out stage my hair is in, she knows how to blow it out so it still looks sleek.

I hate Kelly Ripa. Almost as much as I hate me.

Today Peggy Noonan didn't annoy me!

This morning on Meet the Press, Ms. Noonan wasn't patronizing nor partisan nor pedantic. Instead, she was another "p" word, "patriotic." She was the voice of calm, of concern, and of consequence. She explained why she feared that John McCain was going to go the "scorched earth" route against Barack Obama, that Obama would then have to respond in kind, and how we would all suffer. She was impressive, not annoying, which is why I am giving her book a plug.

If that angry Noonan lover Steve is still lurking, I'm sorry but this is illustrated with her book cover, so there's no reason to defend her accessories or her lip gloss. Tee hee.

Sunday Stealing -- The Aging Meme

At a certain age women should: cover up the weathered décolletage.

At a certain age men should: make peace with the receding hairline and give up the artful combing.

When I was a kid I thought I would: dye my hair blonde. (Didn't understand that it would make my skin look sallow.)

Now that I am older I wish: I had saved and flossed more.

You know you are too old to party when: the boys who ask you to dance are exactly that -- boys.

You know you are too young to retire when: you have only 53% of the money you need to maintain your lifestyle!

When I was in high school I listened to the music of: The Beatles

Nowadays I find I like the music of: The Beatles.

On my last birthday I: was miserable, because I shared the momentous occasion with Thanksgiving.

On my next birthday I want to: have a better time.

The best birthday present I ever got was: flowers from former coworkers, delivered to my new office. It was so thoughtful and the timing was perfect! (I have received many terrific gifts over the years, this was just the first one to pop into my head.)

The first time I felt grown up was: when my dad died.

The last time I felt like a kid was: when the Cubs clinched the division title.

When I read Saving Graces, by the inspiring Elizabeth Edwards, it changed my life.
Last year was: OK

Next year I hope: to see the beginning of the Obama Administration.

For more information, or to play yourself, click here.

This wasn't the year

Right now, at this very moment, being a Cub fan hurts like hell. It's hard to watch the team with the best record in the NL not hit, not field, and pitch badly.

But this was a terrific season. I love Lou. I learned how to pronounce "Kosuke Fukudome." I watched Geovany Soto decisively take over the catcher's role. I saw Reed Johnson make the catch of the year. And we were the Division Champions for the second year in a row. That was certainly very cool. As Fred Astaire sang, "They can't take that away from me."

As for the World Series … Maybe next year.

Don't vote

Watch this video: Don't Vote (It was produced by young Leo here)

Then register to vote (find out how at http://maps.google.com/vote ), and pass this information along to your friends.

Fellow bloggers, will you help to get out the word? Tag five of your friends and ask them to share this information about the “don’t vote” meme.

I was tagged for this by BookMama, and I really tried to download the video, but I couldn't! Forgive me.

Now for the tags …
Kwizgiver
Snarkypants
Philly Transplant
Jenny McB
Cupcake