Feeling the pinch

Since I live alone and my cooking consists of slitting the top crust of the pot pie before I put it in the microwave, I haven't much noticed how food prices have risen. Until yesterday.

Every time I go to the grocery or drug store, I pick up something that costs $1 or less and put it in the bag for the local food pantry. This way I collect a big bag of non-perishables without placing a strain on my budget. If I'm in a hurry or don't feel like roaming the aisles for a bargain, I have some old faithfuls that I would grab because -- on sale or not -- they were never more than $1. Specifically generic tomato soup or storebrand spaghetti. Hey! Now both products are over $1! (I ended up with Rice-a-Roni, reduced this week from $1.69 to $1.00.) For me, it really isn't that big a deal. But it got me worrying …

I understand that packaged foods travel by truck or rail and now fuel costs more. But this is so sad. More of our neighbors need help from the food pantry, yet it will be harder for local families to contribute groceries because their food dollar doesn't go as far as it used to.

Good for what ails me

I miss my best friend something fierce …
I am vaguely yet naggingly uncomfortable about my current client project because I can't trust the dillweed I'm stuck working with …
My former boss is healing slowly, so slowly that he actually said he'd "prefer the cancer" to the painful and tenacious stomach malady he's dealing with …
I feel ridiculously sad that "Big Russ" and Luke Russert will have to spend Father's Day without Tim Russert …
my head feels all stuffy …
I am distinctly not happy with the way my mid-month finances are going …

So I'm coping by curling up on the sofa with a big bowl of breakfast cereal, watching the Cubs. Sure, Soriano is hurt again. OK, so Gallagher gave up three runs in the first. What of it? This glorious team is never completely out of the running. We've gone from a hopeless 3-0 at the end of the first to an extremely winnable 3-1 at the end of the fifth.

I feel sorry for everyone who doesn't have a team.

I didn't even know him!

I feel so incredibly bad about Tim Russert's passing. He was a serious journalist and he held to his standards. He also loved what he did and who he covered. He understood that journalism provides a rough draft for historians, as evidenced by this exhibit he did (and that I enjoyed) for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield, IL. As described by Springfield's State Journal Register:

"His videotaped likeness can be seen on a regular basis at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, where he appears in the Campaign 1860 exhibit, which features Russert hosting a Meet the Press-style discussion of the candidates in the presidential race of 1860."

My Sunday mornings will never be the same, because if it's Sunday, it's Meet the Press.

Well, excuse the begeesus out of ME, your highness

By the imperious behavior he's been exhibiting, this must be the true identity of the art director I'm currently saddled with -- I mean, collaborating with. And here I thought he was just some guy named Chuck with lots of tattoos who wears black all the time. Sorry. My mistake.

I need a drink.

THURSDAY THIRTEEN #71 -- June Is Adopt-a-Cat Month!

THIRTEEN REASONS TO
ADOPT A CAT
FROM A SHELTER …

… rather buying your next feline companion from a pet store, a breeder, or through an ad in the paper.

I got these 13 facts from the Humane Society of the United States and the American Humane Society. Check their websites for even more information about their good works -- and the importance of pet adoption. Then visit Petfinder (I've perpetually got the link there at the right) if you decide to add a feline to your household.

1) Between 6 and 8 million dogs and cats are turned in at animal shelters each year

2) Half (3 or 4 million) are euthanized

3) That doesn’t include all the cats that are abandoned or let to run free, and end up starving, freezing, being hit by cars, and suffering other fates too cruel to contemplate.

4) By adopting from an animal shelter, you are literally saving lives. Not only the cat you bring home, but also the cat who can replace yours in the shelter and will therefore also enjoy a shot at a happy, indoor life.

5) Shelters routinely examine the cats and kittens and get to know their personalities a bit BEFORE they are put up for adoption. So you can be confident that your new family member is healthy.

6) Shelter cats are a bargain. They already come spayed/neutered and have their shots, saving their new owners a lot of money. Many shelters also include food, toys or a litter box with the adoption fee. Breeders and those who are willing to give their cats away “free to good homes” seldom offer such a good deal.

7) Many shelters include microchipping with the adoption fee. Really, it's one-stop shopping! How economical and convenient is that?

8) You’ll have a trusted resource for pet information. The animal shelter where you adopt your cat will usually be happy to help you for years to come, providing the names of vets in your area, education about claw clipping vs. declawing, tips for choosing a vacation cat-sitter, etc.

9) Shelters give seniors a break. Both senior cats and senior citizens. Hundreds of shelters all over the country participate in programs like Pets for People, which adopts adult cats to senior citizens at a reduced cost.

10) Shelters provide a vital neighborhood service and they deserve your support. Cats who are allowed to roam can frighten birds, kill rabbits, destroy plants, and defecate wherever they please. Of course, it’s just cats doing what cats do and they should not be blamed – yet homeless, abandoned cats can be a nuisance and a health hazard. Shelters help get these poor cats off the streets, out of alleys and away from your garden.

11) Having a cat reduces your blood pressure and can help prevent heart disease.

12) Cats are more independent and more flexible than dogs when it comes to the schedule of a busy owner.

13) I have only ever shared my home with rescued cats, and there is no way anyone can convince me that an expensive, purebred kitty would be any more loving or lovable than my feline roommates have been.

SORRY, EVERYONE! I WAS COMPLETELY SWAMPED AT
WORK AND COULDN'T VISIT ANY OF YOUR TT's.
THIS GAL IS A BAD GAL AND IS ALL-APOLOGETIC.

Leave your link in comments and I'll add you here:
1)

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May God Bless the Coolest Guy in the Universe

This sad news is from the LA Times …

Paul Newman is reportedly very ill with cancer

According to reports, Paul Newman, 83 and a former chain-smoker, has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.

The acclaimed actor is said to have been diagnosed at New York’s Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, where he is currently receiving outpatient treatment and is under a leading New York oncologist's care. One of the few to know about Newman's illness is his "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" costar and good pal, Robert Redford.

As well as being an acclaimed actor, Newman is also the founder of Newman's Own, which offers spaghetti sauce and salad dressing. The company donates all its earning to charity, with earnings reaching more than $100 million since its creation.

Newman has made major contributions to those less fortunate, including being on the board of directors for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, an organization that creates camps for terminally ill children.

No confirmation from the hospital or from Newman's camp.

Tuesday Tunes

"Too Darn Hot," as Cole Porter wrote so let's go with a bit of word association this week.

Remember tell us the first artist/song/album etc that comes to mind when you see the following words

jazz: Chicago's own Judy Roberts

cool: "Get cool, boy!" from West Side Story

swing: "You tell me that you've heard every sound there is, and your bird can swing," "And Your Bird Can Sing," The Beatles

club: Culture Club

street: The E Street Band

thank: "Thank You, Girl," The Beatles

rose: "Second Hand Rose," Streisand

party: "Tonight we're gonna party like it's 1999," Prince

sex: "Why Don't We Do It in the Road," The Beatles

water: "Smoke on the Water," Deep Purple

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

Kiss & Tell -- TMI Tuesday #1

It's my first time. Be gentle.

1. If you're in love with your partner, does it make the sex better?
Yes. Corny though that sounds. Although I have learned that if you enjoy sex with someone you're NOT in love with, God doesn't strike you dead, watches don't run backward, and the sun still sets in the west.

2. What is the most expensive sex toy you've ever purchased?
I paid about $20. But the most expensive sex toy I own was a gift. (Sigh. MasterCard was right; some things really are priceless.) I haven't used that one since we broke up. I can be very sentimental about sex.

3. If you knew ahead of time you would not have an orgasm, would you still have sex?
Depends on him. Am I in love? If I'm in love, it's always fun, even if it's not ideal. (See Question #1.)

4. What celebrity would you most like to have sex with if given the chance?
I have quite the active fantasy life, so I have two answers at the ready: Bruce or Bruce. Willis or Springsteen. Willis because anyone who is that confident and comfortable in his own skin simply HAS to be good in bed. Springsteen because he has both a great bod and the soul of poet, and I wonder if it's different with a poet.

5. Have you ever had sex while an audience watched?
My first answer was, "No! Of course not!" And then I remembered something and decided to amend it to, "Well, kinda sorta." A boyfriend/coworker and I were rather swept away at a conference happy hour and ducked out into the hall. We thought we were alone and private but discovered too late that we were facing the hotel employees' break room. He reasoned that hotel employees see that sort of thing all the time. He liked the idea of an audience but I didn't. I tried hard not to look over there because it would distract me, so I don't know for sure if anyone saw.

To play along yourself, and maybe even answer the Bonus Question (I chickened out), click here.

Manic Monday #11

What is your ideal age? I was happiest, strongest (emotionally and physically), and in the best health at 35.

What is your best excuse for being late? That the trash bag broke on my way to the dumpster and I had to clean up the mess I left in the common hallway (I live in a condo building). It's a very good excuse and I've used it more than once. Of course, it was only true one of those times I used it …

If you had to give yourself a nickname what would it be? Wanton Vixen. I'd also love the opportunity to live up to it.

To play along yourself, or to read more answers, visit manicmondaymeme.blogspot.com.

Way to go, Woody!

Jason Marquis got the win, but Kerry Wood got the save tonight in LA. He started a little slow this season, and there were some (but never, ever this gal) who questioned whether he could successfully move from starter to closer. He's a proud pro with something to prove, and he works hard at proving it every time he picks up that glove. I just love watching him!

Not happy here!

If I haven't been moving a lot, my left heel hurts when I stand up. I know what this means.

THE RETURN OF THE DREADED PLANTAR FASCIITIS!!!

Aka "heel spurs." Caused by my having incredibly flat feet. I battled it once before, in the summer of 1999. In those days, a combination of cortisone shots and ultrasound therapy was required. Since then I have sworn off heels altogether and in warm weather wear only Birkenstocks or other sandals with reinforced heels.

I hope that I've caught it early enough that I can treat it on my own with Advil, ice and calf exercises. If not, I predict that this summer, a very grumpy gal will be spending way too much time reading back issues of Redbook in her podiatrist's office.

Happy Birthday, Baby!

I checked at USPS.com and my best friend's birthday gift arrived at his house yesterday! I believe he and his family were already gone for the weekend, so it will be there when he returns tonight. His actual birthday is Thursday, and I hope he waits to open it, but I also didn't want him to think I'd forgotten.

This book should be great for him because (1) he appreciates good hootch and (2) his neighbors in Boulder are also Austin transplants and this should help him entertain, and help the two couples to bond. I know he's been more than a little lonely out there. I am hoping the husband of this couple will be his "bromance."

I also have a personalized cutting board, a cookbook and a chef's mitt that's covered with yellow signs that read, "CAUTION! Men cooking." But that stuff was too big to mail. He has to come to town to get those.

I love birthdays!

Is it OK if I never move from this spot?

It's already hot and humid outside, but in here it's 75 glorious, climate-controlled degrees. USA is running back-to-back episodes of Law & Order: SVU and I love watching Elliott and Olivia solve crimes and resist falling in love. I have a strong urge to never, ever move from this spot on the sofa.

I must take a shower, of course. And I should go to CVS to pick up my prescription and a six pack (there's only one can of brew in the frig -- more will be needed for the Cubs/Dodgers game tonight at 7:00). And I promised, PROMISED myself I'd do my floor exercises on those summer days (like this one) when it's too hot, too humid, or too stormy to go out for my 10,000 steps.

But it is Sunday, the day of rest. I wouldn't want to overdo it. So yes, shower (no, make that a bubble bath) … beer run … leg lifts and Elliott and Olivia sounds about right. I can accomplish all that.

My Hero!

Yesterday, when I got home from work, it was obvious that my through-the-wall air conditioner wasn't working well. It was really just a 10,000 BTU fan. I called around and was told by most HVAC services that they only repair central systems. AARGH!

I didn't want to just buy a new one. First, replacing it would cost $575. Secondly, I didn't believe THAT MUCH was wrong with it -- it's only about 3 years old and the motor was clearly still OK. And lastly, buying a new one and having it installed would take at least a week and a day off work and dammit, it's hot in here!

One of the very last listings in the Yellow Pages was for a service that also repaired window and through-the-wall units. The guy who answered was soooo rude and abrupt. He was, however, willing to come over the next morning (today, Saturday), pick it up, service it and have it reinstalled the same day. I was suffering, so I took Mr. Rude up on it.

He was 2 hours late getting here. I called his cell to confirm that we were indeed on and he said, "yeah, uh-huh," as though nothing was amiss. No apology, no explanation. I was really starting to dislike him.

Then I met him. Very polite, very patient with his young apprentice, and not bad looking. While we were chatting, it was obvious that he was squeezing me in among his regularly scheduled jobs because he knew how uncomfortable weather like this can be. He's really a champ, he just has the world's worst phone manners.

He was as good as his word -- he repaired and reinstalled my unit before today was over. It was about 9:30 PM, but it was still Saturday. And it was only $150. I know you're not expected to tip repairmen and certainly not owners, but I added $20 because he didn't have to go the extra mile for me -- a total stranger.

Isn't it nice when something starts out bad but ends so well?

My dream team can inspire ANYONE

Richard Lewis just announced the Cubs and Dodger line-ups on Fox and extemporaneously added that, "if the Cubs win [the World Series] after 100 years, I'm quitting therapy."

Row 4, Row 4, Row 4!

I pulled whatever slender strings are within my reach and used my meager influence to get the best seats for my nephew's first-ever Cub game. Next month we will be in the fourth row behind the dugout! I am so excited I cannot stand it!

He said, "cool," because he's never been in the park and doesn't realize that he will be closer to the action than more than 30,000 people. He'll get it when we enter The Friendly Confines, though. His face will be something to see.

I must remember to bring a disposable camera so he can take his own pictures of the field.

I still can't shake it

It was 40 years ago today that Robert F. Kennedy died and it still saddens me.

Bobby Kennedy represents hope, immediacy and the capacity of people to change. As a prosecutor and campaign manager, Bobby was a tough SOB who saw the world in black and white. You were either for him (and his family) or you were against. You were good or you were bad. If you were "bad," by his lights, he was very comfortable contributing to your demise.

Once his brother became President, he was exposed to the nation and the world in a different way and it changed him. He was impressed by the power of the Presidential "bully pulpit" to inspire, he was introduced -- in a very visceral way -- to racism and poverty and their impact on different parts of the country. He learned how superpowers could avert disaster through negotiation. He was involved in the ramp up in Viet Nam.

Then his brother died and the transformation was complete. Bobby now knew that it was a mistake to assume that any of us has time. The Kennedy Brothers were going to act more aggressively on civil rights after the 1964 election. Coulda, woulda, shoulda …

The fragility of life, the arrogance of of long-range planning (as if any of us has power over fate), and inscrutability of God's will, the corrosive nature of regret … coming to terms with these issues made him familiar with anguish and helped the millionaire's son connect to the poor, the disenfranchised and the idealistic as no other politician of the time could.

During the 1968 campaign he spoke his mind. He was both awkward and eloquent. He didn't condescend to his audiences, he challenged them. Can you imagine any candidate today quoting Shakespeare and Aeschylus in his stump speech? The crowds rose to the challenge and were moved by his message. They understood him and responded a real, tactile way. I'm always moved by photos of blacks, Hispanics, blue-collar workers and anti-war activists (really, an amazing constituency) all trying to touch him.

I have outlived Bobby Kennedy, but his capacity to change inspires me. I hope I can, as he did, continue to be a better person.

Greetings from the other side

I believe that my depression is behind me. I know it's not a coincidence that it passed as soon as my period began.

It was awful. I felt isolated, misunderstood and completely unloved. My life was meaningless. I was fat and ugly and would never have sex again. I felt I was always on the verge of tears -- and trust me, I'm no crier.

I have spoken to both my shrink and my GP about this. I think it helps that they are both women and older than I am, so they have already traveled down this Hormone Highway themselves. As my mood darkens, I'm supposed to remind myself this isn't real … it's not my fault … it's hormones. I should carry my Xanax in my purse and remember, it's OK to pop one if I feel "the fury of the broken thunder come to match my raging soul."* My two doctors conferred on what meds to prescribe, and I have to remember that 3 Xanax pills a month won't make me dependent or turn me into Courtney Love. It will just alleviate my suffering.

In addition to Xanax and realistic self-talk, I worked out, avoided sad songs and stressful situations, and reminded myself that as long as I have my doctors and God looking out for me, I'll eventually be fine.

But don't ever let anyone tell you depression isn't serious. That hormones aren't powerful. That you can dismiss someone else's pain with, "It's all in your head." I've come out the other side and I can tell you truly, depression is all-encompassing and MISERABLE.

*From Laura Nyro's 70s classic, "Stoney End." Barbra Streisand's rendition of it sums up how I felt exactly.

Thursday Thirteen #70 -- About legs

THIRTEEN FACTS ABOUT LEGS

Yes, legs. I've been thinking about them a lot lately …

• The Cubs Alfonso Soriano has been steadily recovering from a calf injury earlier in the season. As both outfielder and lead-off man, speed is important to his performance.

• Now that warm weather is here to stay, legs have come out of hibernation. The good news: few things in life are lovelier than the sight of a toned and healthy man in shorts, pedaling his bike or running. The bad news: I have to remember to shave my legs on a regular basis.

Apparently I'm not the only one with legs on the brain. I liberated these 13 facts from the May issue of Allure (the one with Hillary Duff on the cover):

1) In Victorian England, the sight of a woman's ankles was considered pornographic.

2) In 1939, actress Betty Grable's famous legs were insured for $1,000,000 by Lloyd's of London.

3) There are 36 dancers -- and, therefore, 72 legs -- in the Radio City Rockette's kickline.

4) Calf augmentation surgery is rising in popularity. 49% more procedures were performed in 2006 than in 2005.

5) Coco Chanel wore trousers very publicly in Venice because they made it easier for her to climb in and out of a gondola. This act of practicality sparked the slacks trend that continues today.

6) Katharine Hepburn is also frequently credited with making pants acceptable for women.

7) In 1964, miniskirts were introduced on fashion runways.

8) In 1971, Hanes introduced the L'eggs Egg.

9) A university study in Poland revealed that both men and women prefer long-legged mates.

10) 45% of women say they cross their legs almost every time they sit.

11) 70% of men believe a woman looks sexy when she crosses her legs.

12) The second most common place for a woman to have a tattoo is the ankle (#1 is the back).

13) 30% of women believe cellulite is their main leg flaw. (I agree with that.)

Leave your link in the comments and I'll include you here:
1) Malcolm (who got here FIRST!) has photos of some of the prettiest pretty boys you'll ever see
2) Pussreboots focuses on detective book covers
3) Mamapajama relives this last AI with us
4) Hootin' Ani shares a multimedia tale of woe
5) Tink will introduce you to your very own goddess (mine is feline, naturally)
6) Find out more about Sue with this T/F TT
7) Pjazzypar tosses a spotlight on thirteen women immortalized in song
8) See how many activities Chelle squeezed into her week
9) SJR's link won't open for me! Like the Magic 8 Ball recommends, I'll try again later.
10) Cheerio celebrates summer with photos of the world's largest pool
11) Claudia has 13 items on her "Bucket List"
12) Buck Naked takes us to the zoo
13) Sandy concentrates on Lao-Tzu
14) Wylie shows us what happens to a book AFTER the writing is done
15) Lost Hemisphere takes a closer look at the kids
16) Adelle's TT is beautiful in black and white
17) If Lori ruled the world, here are 13 things we'd never have to deal with again!
18) Random Ramblings takes us back to 1972
19) Alison spills the beans about Alison
20) B Boys Mom shares 13 quotes
21) Kay takes a look at leadership
22) Lucy whets our appetite for pasta
23) Winter rhapsodizes about her favorite un-undead
24) Marcia's TT is most comforting
25) Peter Plum provides bloggers with 13 excuses
26) Surfer Girl shares some literary memories from childhood
27) Lori has an ambitious summer to-do list
28) Chris introduces us to blogs we might not see otherwise

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others' comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

View More Thursday Thirteen Participants



Both my teams won yesterday!

Let's hope they can both maintain their winning ways through Autumn!

Wishing you were here

Friday is the 40th anniversary of Robert Kennedy's death, all the more poignant because it was last night (just days shy of that sad anniversary) that Barack Obama became the presumptive nominee of the Democratic Party … the first African-American to come so close to the office Bobby died seeking.

If Bobby had lived to be a white-haired 80-something elder statesman, last night he'd have been very proud of us as a country, the Democrats as a party, and Barack Obama as an orator. A shy man, he was nevertheless a very compelling public speaker who never spoke down to his audiences. On the night Dr. Martin Luther King was assassinated, it was Bobby who informed the Indianapolis crowd of the tragedy, saying:

"What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence or lawlessness; but love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or they be black."

I believe in Heaven so I believe that somehow he did see Barack Obama deliver that speech last night.

Oh, Good! I Still Can Blame Bartman!

Richard Nixon and Steve Bartman. Those two have been enduring scapegoats for anything that ever has or ever will go wrong. Therefore it was with some regret that I read recently that Moises Alou let Bartman off the hook for infamously interfering with that play in the 2003 series with Marlins, breaking my heart and ruining my life.

Ah, but on this rainy, gloomy day -- with my hair curling every which way, with my feelings of isolation escalating -- I got good news:

Report: Alou says he would have caught Bartman ball

Yes, according to ESPN, I can go back to blaming Bartman!

Serious and stupid, all at once

Hi, I'm a Hormone Hostage. My good mood turned dark this afternoon at about 4:00, and now, hours later, it's no better.

I know it's PMS. I know it's not "real." I know it will pass.

But I miss my best friend. I want to talk to him soooo much. Where are the Cubs? I want the baseball game to start NOW, not two hours from now. Why must they be in San Diego, playing a late night game when I need them to distract and entertain me NOW?

This is depression. It hurts. I hate it. I just want to take a nap … to sleep until this sad, sad feeling goes away. But I must remember, it WILL go away.

My village police officers must have the patience of saints

Recently one of my neighbors with too much time on his hands demanded to know why that beat-up car was parked in my space. I tried to be polite to Walt, as he is a senior citizen and deserves deference, and refrained some saying, "None of your freaking business." I explained that Brian on the 3rd floor rents my parking space, that he has paid in full and in advance, so if there's a car in that space -- beat up or not -- that didn't belong there, I was sure Brian would have done something about it.

Walt insisted he would "get to the bottom of this."

I hid from Walt and avoided him like the plague because I felt this was a matter between me (the owner of the spot) and Brian (the renter of the spot). And if Brian and I are OK with the situation, why should anyone else care? Also, when I checked out the damage to the red car, I got angry. It was smooshed on the driver's side. At no point did Walt express any concern that Brian, our neighbor, might be injured!

Yesterday, whilst folding my bathtowels in our community laundry room, Brian mentioned that Walt really was quite the busy body. Seems the old boy called our local police department to inquire whether the car in my spot was stolen! Walt had the unmitigated chutzpah to tell Brian that he was relieved when the cops assured him it wasn't.

Now since the car had no plates, how could the police possibly know anything about it or its history? My guess is that they told Walt they checked it, but never did. At least I hope that's what happened. As a tax payer (and owner of that parking space), I sincerely hope they have better things to do!

I wonder what other silly errands citizens send them on …

I am happy

On this bright, but not too hot Sunday, I am taking a moment to acknowledge all I am grateful for at this very moment:

1) The Cubs. I love them. I have always loved them. I always will love them. (Kerry Wood is pitching as I begin this post. I love him particularly if not exclusively.) They bring me joy and break my heart and give me a sense of continuity and community. I feel sorry for people who don't have a similar passion that can lift them from their day-to-day lives.

2) My independence. After watching what my friend Kathy has been struggling with, and the toll it's taking on her, I am pleased and proud and grateful that I can make my bills each month and have a reserve.

3) My health. Oh, time is taking its toll on this ol' Gal. I do not deny that. Scratches and bruises don't heal as quickly as they used to. Pounds don't come off as easily they used to. Let's not forget the high cholesterol and allergies. But after hearing the hospital tales of my mom and my former boss, I realize I'm lucky to have such run-of-the-mill maladies.

4) My cats. Healthy, happy and as individual as snowflakes, they are so cool and I love them so.

5) My friends. A diverse crew, for sure. But mine own. And I realize I'm stronger for knowing them. Especially during the difficult month of May.

Laundry. No, I'm not happy to have loads of wash ahead of me. I'm just psyching myself up for it.

About that battered donkey on the day after

"Republicans fall in line. Democrats fall in love." Chris Matthews

"I am not the member of any organized political party. I am a Democrat." Will Rogers

Back in the winter, back before a single vote was cast, the DNC announced that Michigan and Florida would be stripped of their delegates if they went ahead with their renegade primaries. I live in Illinois, and I heard that announcement. I was also aware that Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards (he was still a factor) all supported this DNC ruling and agreed not to campaign in these states.

How was this Chicago Gal so well-informed about her party's politics? No, Commissioner Gordon didn't call me personally on a bright red phone. I read the paper and watched TV. I saw it in Newsweek and Time.

If I knew about all this before a single vote was cast, certainly the voters of Michigan and Florida had access to this same information. It undoubtedly received even more coverage in their local media. So here's why I'm confused:

1) If the good Dems in Michigan and Florida were all in favor of voting early in violation of DNC rules, and knew their votes effectively wouldn't count, but felt their rebellion was worth it, why are they upset now?

2) Or, if the good Dems in Michigan and Florida were NOT in favor of voting early in violation of DNC rules BECAUSE they knew they their votes wouldn't count, why didn't they do something back in 2007?

Here in Illinois, I know who my party's powerbrokers are. (Sometimes because they are being investigated by Patrick Fitzgerald, but that's another post for another time.) If I knew I was losing my role in the nominating process entirely, and I cared, I would have contacted Mayor Daley and Danny Davis and John Madigan and my senators … Dixon and what's his name? Oh yeah, Obama. And, while I was at it, I would have contacted Clinton and Edwards. (Trust me -- as a campaign worker and contributor to Senator John Kerry's 2004 campaign, they were contacting ME all the time.)

If the electorate doesn't read the papers, doesn't watch TV, doesn't read news magazines, and doesn't get involved, that's their choice. Ignoring what your representatives are doing on your behalf comes at a price. Pay it.

If the electorate does know that their rebellion will have negative ramifications and proceeds with it anyway, that's their choice. Civil disobedience has always come with penalties. Accept them.

So what happened yesterday seems entirely fair to me. More than fair, in fact, because the voters in Michigan and Florida are receiving greater representation than they were promised at the beginning of this process. But I'm happy about that, because Michigan especially can be a very blue state and I want Barack Obama to win in November.

In all, this messy process makes me glad to be a Democrat. It was televised in all it's noisy
glory. Our inner workings were on display, and that's always a good thing.

Yesterday told me a great deal about our candidates. One was willing to live with the ramifications of his agreement regarding these states. One chose to don her Norma Rae facade and fight the consequences of what she agreed to.

The candidate I find most interesting is John Edwards. No, not because of the shiny hair and blue eyes that are set off so nicely when he wears blue ties. Fortunately he didn't appear anywhere yesterday to distract me from the subject at hand with his physicality.

John Edwards had the greatest claim to those "hardworking white Americans" (a phrase Hillary coined that I hate) that the NY Senator won over after he dropped out. If he had stayed in, kept campaigning, I have no doubt many of those good ol' boys would have stayed with the millworkers son, siphoning votes from Hillary. Edwards would never have had enough votes to WIN, but he could have/would have accumulated enough delegates to remain a player all the way to convention in Denver.

Instead, he dropped out. Putting the interests of the party ahead of his own ambition (and no one has ever accused John Edwards of NOT being ambitious). He hoped that by suspending his campaign, the nominating process would go more smoothly, less divisively.

Alas, it didn't work out that way.

She gets me every time

I was channel surfing just now and came upon Olive Hoover as she prepares to do her big "Super Freak" number in the Little Miss Sunshine pageant.

I adore this little girl. Abigail Breslin is so natural and sincere and reminds me bit of my favorite niece when she was that age. In her every scene, she nearly breaks my heart. Same in Definitely … Maybe.

I wish she could be in every movie.

Unconscious Mutterings #23

I haven't muttered in ages! But tonight I'm jumping back in …

I say ... and you think ... ?

Gossipping :: Good clean fun
Misplaced :: Loyalty
Spaceship :: Jefferson
Ignore :: Look the other way
Bodily :: Function
Tweezers :: Tweezerman (my favorite brand)
Goodnight :: Tonight (An old Paul McCartney song)
Curls :: WavesFaucet :: Sink
Right :: Left

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

Admitting a problem is the first step to solving it

I am such a geek! I'm actually watching the DNC Rules Committee discuss the Michigan and Florida mess!

I started feeling better a little before noon, grabbed my headphones and listened to the Cubs game (we won, naturally) as I ran errands and got my 10,000 steps in.

But I'm home now. Perfectly content to stay on the couch and enjoy the opportunity to peer behind the curtain and see how my party really operates. A beer would make this Saturday pretty damn perfect. I've partied enough this week. I'm happy to indulge my powerful inner geek.

Go, Cubs, Go!

"Hey, Chicago, what do you say? Cubs are gonna win today!"

And, while we're within the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field, we do. We win in routs, we win in extra-inning squeakers, and yesterday, we came from behind to win. At one point my Boys in Blue were down 9-1, and yet, how does that final box score read?

CUBS WIN 10-9!

Too make it even more fabulously cool, among the hitting heroes were Edmonds, Blanco and Hoffpauir (who?). As Lou told it, ''What can I say? We took a few guys out to rest, and the replacements kept battling. I got excited on the bench … it was the loudest I've heard this place. It was almost deafening. It was our day.''

"Our day?" Hell, Lou! Why can't it be OUR YEAR?

Well, that was sure humbling

As I left the matinee of Sex and the City I slipped into yesterday -- taking advantage of the first Friday afternoon off that my agency gives us each summer -- I was feeling very positive about my life.

Yeah, I'm fat. And no, I can't spend money redecorating my home (no matter how much it needs it) while my job appears precarious.

But I was productive this week, getting what I'm confident will be well-received work done for my client. Went to the theater and saw a silly but delightfully dirty musical, Avenue Q. Before the show, we dined at a popular theater district menu and enjoyed a delicious meal off the prix fixe menu (I had steak diane, a martini and a sinful chocolate confection for dessert). The next night, I went to the movies and thoroughly enjoyed beer and a pork sandwich for less than $15 (with tip). I thought about the yin and yang of entertainment and dining available to me in Chicago, and how lucky I am to have friends to enjoy it all with.

Then at about 2:00 AM this morning … and that heavy meat and booze caught up with me because … well, let's just say my overnight hours were unpleasant. As if that wasn't uncool enough, as I was looking for Immodium AD in my medicine chest, I came upon a forlorn, unopened box of condoms that were (sniffle, snob) PAST THE EXPIRATION DATE!

Yes, I feel very sexy this morning.

Loved it, loved it, LOVED IT!

Sex and the City, of course. At more than 2 hours, it's a little long … and Stanford was given so little to do it was almost distracting to have him in the movie at all. But I love these characters and their stories so, it was great to see them again and in new situations.

The movie completely understands its own appeal. It's a celebration of romance and friendship. The romance of city life … the romance of self-actualization and an idealistic belief in life's possibilities … the romance of, well, love and finding The One. While my friends and I will never be as wealthy, nor as well-dressed, nor as well-laid as this quartet, we will always be there for one another. That friendship can motivate us to be better, kinder and more forgiving is a true and powerful idea, and one we don't see onscreen very often.

I would have guessed Miranda

Who's Your Sex and the City Match?

My Result: Carrie

Smart, driven, and the kind of girl that could be the star of any show, it's no surprise you lead the pack. Whether trying out a new hairstyle or mixing and matching your wardrobe, with a look and a lifestyle all your own, you're sure to inspire those around you. You're honest about what you want out of life — even when all you really want is the latest Balenciaga bag or a corner table in a hot new restaurant.

But your playful exterior doesn't fool everyone — deep inside you've got a lot on your mind and it shows. Standing by your friends, working hard, and always staying a step ahead (while, of course, doing it in Manolo Blahniks), isn't exactly easy. So now that everything else is in place, we couldn't help but wonder — is your next great romance right around the corner?

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/jumpto?test=sexandthecityogt&c=50652

Sad in the City

I was sooo happy yesterday! At a few minutes before 5:00, a former coworker of mine (she's now at another agency) called and told me she scored a pair of free passes to the sneak preview of Sex and the City. Did I want to join her? Yes, yes, yes, and yes!

We had dinner and shared a pitcher of beer and gossiped a while, then I started looking about for our server so we could settle the check. The movie started at 8:00 and I wanted to be line by 7:00. I've been to many a free sneak preview at this very theater and know they overbook and that people are often turned away. It even says on the pass that having a ticket doesn't guarantee a seat.

She scoffed, saying that these passes were given to her by a VENDOR THROUGH WORK, whereas my passes were always just a free perk for being an Entertainment Weekly subscriber, so they HAD to be more exclusive. She had one last beer and we wandered over to the theater, in line by 7:30.

We were in the 8:00 show, alright. The 8:00 showing of Ironman. As soon as we got in line, the usher announced that the free sneak preview of Sex and the City was already full. (Sniffle, sniffle.)

Oh well, Ironman was very entertaining. (I have such a crush on Robert Downey, Jr.'s voice) I enjoyed dinner. And my former coworker remains one of the sweetest people ever. Naturally and effortlessly gorgeous, she is always quick to compliment. ("Your natural haircolor is so pretty! Why did you ever color it?") So in all, it was a nice evening.

But I WILL see Sex and the City before the weekend is over. I MUST!

PS As we left the theater last night at a little after 10:00, a group of girls were already in line, tickets in hand, for the midnight show. I believe that makes Sex and the City the chick-flick equivalent of Star Wars.

It's Titled "Survey Addicts Anonymous"

So clearly Kwizgiver meant it for me!

Do you wear slippers? No

How many pictures are in your living room? 5

Do you wear a bra to bed at night? No

Do you ever watch Brady Bunch reruns? I have

Are you allergic to anything? Bee stings, morphine and erythromycin

When was the last time you called in sick? A week ago Friday (I was celebrating Mammogram Day)

Have you ever been in a car accident? No

What is your favorite snack food? It changes. Currently Cheez-It

Do you think you have a big butt? Everyone thinks I have a big butt

Would you like to look like your mom when you are her age? Sure

Have you ever seen a tornado? No

Do you think Barack Obama is sexy? No (It's the ears; besides, I think it would be ooky to be hot for the President)

If you won a million dollars, what would you buy first? Pay off my mortgage

What time is it right now? 4:59

Are you pregnant? No

Have you ever been pregnant? No

Do you like men who wear pink shirts and flip-flops? Together? At once? I'm reserving judgment till I see it

How many pairs of shoes do you own? 11 fewer than before I dropped those bags off Goodwill last Saturday

Do you think you are a hypocondriac? No

Do you own a dictionary? Yes

Where was the last place you went on vacation? Atlanta

Do you talk about your friends behind their back? Yes

Are you actually fat but are in complete denial about it? Yes

What color is your mouse pad? Don't use one

Does your kitchen have a theme? No

Do you like to mow the yard? I don't have a yard

Are you addicted to using Febreze? Addicted? No. Though I am a frequent/chronic user.

What is your ring size? 9

When was the last time you consumed alcohol? Last night

Do you know someone who gets food stamps? I don't think so

Do you have a basement in your home? No

Are you still in love with 1 of your exes? Yes. I don't stop loving people just because we've moved on.

Any big plans for the summer? No

What is your favorite comfort food? Pasta. Cheesey pasta

Do you prefer broccoli or asparagus? Asparagus

What color are your bedroom walls? Blue

Who do you live with? Joey, Charlotte and Rey

Which Star Wars movie is your favorite? I only saw the first one

How about Harry Potter? Never read the books, never saw the movies

What was the last movie you saw in theatres? I'm seeing SATC tonight!

Did you get the popcorn or the candy? Yes

What is the most romantic text in your inbox? I don't have any

Have you ever played miniature golf on a date? Yes

What's a phrase you overuse? Probably includes the word "fuck"

Where do you buy most of your shoes? I am very fair and spread the wealth

Do you always use good grammer? Usually

Do you have an accent or a speach impediment? I speak with broad, nasal a's and lisp slightly

What did you eat today? QP w/cheese

What do you do at work? Sell shit through the mail

Do you know the rules to any sports? Yes

Do you prefer to watch or play sports? Yes

What is your favorite kind of hat to wear? None

Do you pray? Of course

Who do you pray to? Jesus

What is the closest mountain to your house? I don't know

When is the next time you will move? When I'm drooling and ready to be institutionalized

Isn't there something better you could be doing right now? Yes

Is there anything good on TV? Always!

Does your significant other have a myspace? I don't have one

What is your dream marriage proposal? Hmmmm ... coming up blank here

What are your nicknames and who gave them to you? Most recent ones are from my friend, Chad.

How often do you wear jewelery? Daily

What size engine is in your vehicle? I don't have a vehicle

What do you need to do tomorrow? Groceries and/or laundry

Who do you hope never to see again? Like Beetlejuice, I believe it's better not to say his name

Which friend of yours lives the farthest away? My best friend