Saturday, December 22, 2007

Wo Ist Yanet?

Janet ist in Deutchland! Frohe Weihnachten!

Friday, December 21, 2007

Smoothing Bumps for Boomers - New York Times

Smoothing Bumps for Boomers - New York Times
I am ready for this class now.

On my way



I am getting ready, tying up loose ends, doing a lot of work, and making lists. There is so much to get done, and I am glad we are not leaving tonight. I mastered how to say "Merry Christmas" in German this week. I will just repeat it over and over.

A funny thing is when I discuss Paris with people who have been there, they tend to all advise me to eat a chocolate croissant. At least 3 people on seperate occasions have gone out of their way to tell me that. So I shall have a chocolate croisssant. I am prepared for its lifechanging effect!

My main goal this week is avoiding illness from the stinkers I see. This is a major challenge. One of my parents called to say her child had a fever, but she could give him motrin and come out (into the pool nonetheless). Wow, am I glad she asked instead of showing up. I have developed OCD this week (more than usual), and I have been treating kids at arms length.

It will be interesting to travel somewhere more expensive than NY. I am accustomed to feeling like food, etc are bargains elsewhere. I will be rooting for the lowly dollar for the next week. We do have some Euros here, but we have to figure out how we are going to do money out there.

So, I will have a blue Christmas without all of you! Here are some scenes from past celebrations.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Snow Miser - Heat Miser

I ended up watching the best claymation (OK, maybe a tie with Rudolf) tonight. It is such a non-sequitor that I associate the heat and cold miser with Christmas in the first place. The stories in claymation are strange, but they are so familiar that it is OK somehow. My new favorite part is when all of the manipulative little girls in the world sing "Blue Christmas" and draw sad Christmas scenes to make Santa get up while ill to deliver the greedy little beotches some toys. So sing along and enjoy.

Detroit Revival Vies with Auto Industry's Decline - New York Times

Detroit Revival Vies with Auto Industry's Decline - New York Times

Monday, December 17, 2007



OK, Here is one of Mike's pictures. I just could not resist. To be fair, I included one of mine. Mike commented that if you block my upper half out, it looks like a pair of adult legs standing next to Pat. I suppose nobody would believe our age spread at that time.

Why we need a house

As you all know, we are house hunting. My desperation always rises when it is laundry night, or some house problem is occuring that my landlady will freak out about. We bought a new range, because the idea of her dealing with it and her stress level was too much for us. All of the little things are just getting to me.

She just got back to town last week after being at her second home for a month. I immediately realized when she parked her car in the garage that her month-long repair to her fuel system failed. Diesel fumes filled the garage. I enter our apartment through the garage. Our kitchen opens up into the garage, and our room is about 10 feet away. Needless to say, I do not want to be breathing diesel fumes all night. She did not believe me when I told her about the car (I suppose after all of that time and money you want to believe they fixed it), but it was easy to prove. After about a week of the car being in and out of the garage, I think she brought it in to the dealer. After work, the garage had a new funk, like diesel mixed with a bouquet or urine. The floor had white looking powder. Mike discovered an empty jug of...drum roll please.... AMMONIA!!!!. I can not comprehend why you think that would help matters. I guess she never took any chemistry in school. So at 10 PM, Mike was out pouring kitty litter on the mess and praying he could adequately clean it up.
So that 5-7,000 a month mortgage is looking so attractive now.

Sunday, December 16, 2007

Time's running out.....

I have been insanely productive the last few weeks. Crossing things off my list, paying bills, paying taxes (on time), doing my paperwork, vacation planning, Christmas shopping, and so on. I watched part of all of the Lord of the Rings this weekend, but I burned out on sword fighting after watching Gladiator too. That is Mike's fantasy weekend. I just do not want to spend a ton of money before we go to Europe and suffer the lowly value of the dollar over there.

Mike's family pics scanned nicely and easily were downloaded into the digital picture frame we are giving his aunt for her birthday. We had to get an adapter too, and that took some thought. It worked out really well. I told Mike that I did not post any pictures, but I was dying to do it. Maybe he will let me post a cool old picture anyways. I love going through people's pictures. It is funny how pictures look the same from our childhoods due to the fashions and type of cameras used.

I was stressed out first about the lodging (it appears our hotel is open) and transportation. The transportation ended up being quite time-consuming and complicated. We are renting a car from Frankfurt and returning it to Paris (we will get rid of the car the day we arrive to France to make things less complicated) For a while, we considered renting a car and then taking the train. I got so many prices quoted for either option, and finally got a reasonable offer on Friday just to rent. I have not really driven a manual much, so Mike thinks I should learn on the rental car so I am ready to test drive my Maserati (I got a second invitation in the mail a couple of days ago). So an manual eurobox on the Autobahn! Yahoo!

Our French ability sucks! I hope I get to hang out with Mike Castle at least one day there. We went through my French cookbook last night and wrote down what sounded good. I am just going to buy a beret, wear a knotted red scarf around my neck, and say, "Oolay Voolay Voooo". People keep giving us recommendations, but Mike and I just hear "Ooolay vooolay vooooooooo". It is annoying, because I usually deal with Spanish (I have some background there) or now German (which is not too bad, really) reasonably well. I get to speak my crappy Spanish on the job at times, and it really can get me through things pretty well. I just can not understand drunk people in Spanish or those who talk really fast. So we grabbed a phrasebook tonight and hopefully it will help. I am getting more comfortable not being able to communicate. I treated a little girl for 2 years who was Japanese. Her mother spoke barely any English, and the girl went to a Japanese language school. It was fine suprisingly, and the little girl started picking up English from me during sessions. She would speak Japanese, I would respond in English, but it was amazingly appropriate. She was really cute, because she would sing her little kid songs in Japanese (usually about butterflies and dragonflies).

I did not have much shopping to do (just money for nephews) and most of it was internet based. I finished Christmas cards tonight. It struck me why I have not been talking to anyone. I just do not have much to say. The last 9 months have consisted of saying, "We are staying out here and looking slowly for a house". Otherwise I go to work, go to the gym, and lie around the house. So I wrote we are staying out here and looking for a house a bunch of times and called it a day. I am sure nobody wants a form letter from me. I suppose you just get the painful day to day version on this forum!

I just pray this week that I stay healthy. I need to get a mask on the way to work tommorrow. Too many kids coughed in my face last week.

Use your noodle

Memory - Aging - Medicine & Health - New York Times
Some suprising findings.

Saturday, December 15, 2007

aquaholic



My plant has a serious drinking problem. I picked up this rosemary topiary for the holidays (and to use for some fresh herbs). The instructions said that you need to water it a lot, but you could put it in a bowl of water if you wanted to ensure it got enough water. Every time I would check the bowl, it would be bone dry. So I put it in a serving-sized bowl. It sucks it dry really fast. So today at noon I refilled the thirsty plant's bowl, and I will take another picture tommorrow morning.

Thursday, December 13, 2007

A Christmas Carol

Tis the time of year when you hear all of the Christmas music nearly everywhere. Last weekend while out to dinner, they were playing contemporary Christmas music (with artists like Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson, and God knows who else). They had the Barbara Streisand "Jingle Bells" in the rotation as well. That has got to be the worst cover of a Christmas song ever! Sue and I like to sing that song to each other the last few years (it inevitably appears on one of our voicemails).

I really do not like contemporary Christmas songs. I have no interest in hearing my favorite artists belt out their own compositions or the classics. I just do not like it. I think I figured out why recently.

Christmas is about tradition and nostalgia. You find yourself looking for the same standard traditions of your childhood. For me it was making sugar cookies with icing and decorations. It is trying to find the elusive thumbprint recipe that we lost. I would love to taste them again! It is getting a live tree with an angel on the top (we never had a star). No flashing lights and plenty of greens on the mantle. Christmas is celebrated on Christmas eve, and Santa was never a big deal.
We always went for a drive to look at the lights after church.

Growing up we listened to the same albums year after year. They were compilation records of various artists of the 50s and 60s. So I expect Bing Crosby to sing White Christmas and Johnny Mathis for Chestnuts. Anyone else singing them seems a little wrong for some reason. Let it Snow was covered by Steve and Edie Gormet. I forget what song Mitch Miller did on the album. Mike's parents broke out their Perry Como Christmas album. It was close to my experience, but just not right. It was right for Mike though! I will rake my memory for a more accurate song line-up. I am sure Pat will remember though!

Mom update

Here is an email I got today in case you have not had time to check.

Hi Everyone! Paris was wonderful; I think it's the most beautiful city I've ever been in. We had a lot of drizzle, but got lucky on our full day there and had sunshine for 4 hours! We wandered into a lovely little church on our way to Notre Dame and attended a Latin high mass with incense and Gregorian Chant. Loved Notre Dame but couldn't see half. Walked the Champs Elysee, etc. It went by too fast....Cairo is an entirely different experience. I've never seen such traffic in my life, and the air pollution is beyond belief. But I love the people - they are so friendly. The pyramids are amazing. We had a private tour guide who is an Egyptologist, so he really gave us an education. We leave tomorrow morning at 3:00 a.m. for Aswan to begin our cruise. They tell us that the air is clear and fresh there. We're tired but still enjoying the sights. No time for more but just to let you know we are safe and having a real adventure! Love, Mom

Let it Snow!!!!!!!!!

The first Nor'easter is coming!! Wish me luck and a ton of snow today!
11:30 Update The sky opened up and it is snowing really hard! Yahoo!

Update: It turned almost immediately to sleet? What? I can not ski on that crap!

Monday, December 10, 2007

What's happenin'

When I hear the phrase above, the theme music starts going with the funky music and thoughts of Shirley, Roj, Re Run, and Dee.

Just been busy and being somewhat responsible for once. I want to get everything done before we leave for Europe. We got together with Mike's family yesterday, and now we have been scanning some pictures from the old days to give to his aunt. I would really love to post some, but I fear in may lead to marital problems. They are all pretty cool, especially the really old pics with people in traditional dress.

Saturday, December 08, 2007

The 53 Places to Go in 2008 - New York Times

The 53 Places to Go in 2008 - New York Times

I have been to these places to go on the list:
1. Lisbon (although not to be avant-garde). I did enjoy it, but my feet were constantly dirty there from wearing sandals on the street. Check out the azulejos (one of the Portugese words I remember)
2. Prague
Unfortunately it sounds like it is getting too expensive! I loved it and still regret not buying some photographs of the city when I was there.
3. San Francisco
I love the city!!! It is a lot of fun and very scenic.
4. DETROIT!
I doubt if there will be a sudden surge of tourists, but the Diego Rivera mural is fantastic and my favorite there. Their write up did not tell me what to do there though.
5. San Diego
I was 5, but it may count
6. New York City
That's right! Please come visit 'cause I get excited to have visitors!

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

european vacation

Vacation

We are getting closer to hammering out our vacation plans for Christmas. Of course we have amazing timing going to Europe when the dollar is at a historic low. One of the last times I was there, our nice hotel was $30 (although we usually just stayed in youth hostels). It seems like hotels are automatically 100 a night minimum no matter where you go (at least here in the Northeast). When we went to Newport once, we planned on camping. We decided to get a motel when it was really storming. We were on the RI coast in the middle of nowhere (with empty hotels), and they were asking 150 dollars (for a crappy old place). We ended up driving home. Germany may be an issue. Everything in Europe essentially shuts down for the holidays. We booked our hotel online (it is where Mike's aunt is having her bday party on the 26th) and I got a call from them that they are closed. We may not have much of a choice where we stay. I am starting to make some progress for Paris. Our next decision is whether we rent a car. It is pretty damn expensive too, but I am not sure we will be driving around enough for it to be worth it. We were thinking about renting in Germany and turning the car in when we get to Paris. We do not want the car when we are there or we may look like the European vacation driving scene. Maybe Mike can visit and I can take the econobox for a spin on the autobahn. Ja Ja!!!!!!!!!!

I finished my German lessons in the car, but I need a basic French crash course. Mike told me I should be in charge of French. Neither of us took French, and I can not hear words in there. I suck at French. German is not too bad. Some of it I can figure out. I really think I could pick it up if I moved there, but I would have to purge my basic Spanish out of there.

I have been busy at work, and I do not want anything hanging over my head before I leave. I think I need to buy a mask and goggles for work. I got sneezed on in the pool a bunch of times today. I am picking up new pool clients, and that caseload is getting pretty full. I just discharged on case on land and dropped another client, and I think I may replace them in the water. I am in the pool now on Monday nights and Wednesdays. I get energized by seeing the kids on Monday night after my regular day. It is actually fun and stimulating to my brain. Maybe they can start to pay me in Euros.

So as you can imagine, I have not starting Christmas shopping yet. No gifts within Mike's family due to the trip, but I need to start on my family. So let me know what you'all want.

Priceless

No Shirts at Improv Everywhere#more-177#more-177

Heroes

1. I did not know that Hiro had that in him. I would be curious to see how he did that to Adam.
2. How could they kill Nikki. She is the super-hot hero. I am wondering who is coming back to life after a cheerleader blood transfusion.
3. Siler could not have gotten away like that, but they need to make him a villian again. Molly and Mohinder should have run away and Maya should have just cried him to death.
4. I knew Nathan was going to get his arse shot. Was it Bob or Noah Bennett. They showed a dude walking away.

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Monday, December 03, 2007

Stay together for the kids and the Earth

Divorce Squanders Earth's Resources - Yahoo! News

Risky Business

This movie was on yesterday afternoon. I have never seen the whole movie before, and I still did not yesterday either. I do not know why this is such a famous scene. It is not at all sexy, and his dancing gets really stupid (they never show him jumping around on the sofa like a spaz). Is this why they are so many gay rumors?
I have never seen a movie with so much wind noise EVER!! There is wind indoors and out. By the way, doing it on a train is not sexy either.

Sunday, December 02, 2007

Winter


I have grown to love winter. Mike brought that out of me many years ago. It is necessary to ski when you are with him, and thankfully I love it. I just love looking forward to each season and the changes they bring (all beautiful). Last week when my mom and John were in town, I hoped the leaves would stay up for them to see the colors around here. Due to an unusual fall, they did get to see the area with some fall color and we enjoyed some 60 degree weather.

I was up late last night, because I went to a work holiday party. It is for my new job that I started in September. Work get-togethers are always different for me in the last few years. I used to work in hospitals where you spend a lot of time working together and gossiping in the staff room (instead of doing your paperwork). Most in my profession are women, and the bunch tends to be on the outgoing side of things. For the last 3 years I have been doing contract work in schools and in people's homes. So I am rather isolated out there. I do have contact with teachers on a regular basis, but not much with other therapists. That is the downer with my job, and I missed bouncing ideas and having more eyes look over patients with me. I usually only know about 2-3 people well at these parties, and I always think I will leave early. I forget that the therapy crowd will talk to anyone, and it is easy to slide into a comfortable rhythm. The weird thing is that in the last hospital I worked in, it was really clicky. I sat at the lunch table, and nobody would try to include me in socializing (until the clicky people all quit). It was really strange since I had rotated around at UM for 4 years and never had trouble getting to know new colleagues. I digress......
So last night, Mike and I went to my work party. I knew a former colleague from the hospital I used to work at here in NY, and the PT who hired me (who I do not even see frequently to boot). The other therapist who hired me is really an acquaintance since I have met her twice total. It ended up being a lot of fun, so that gives me a good indication about my future with them. So it was fun to get to know everyone a little last night. They even made Mike dance which was funny too.
So, not enough snow to ski on, but it gives me hope we will have a real winter this year.

The State News: Female runners, divers have lower bone density

The State News: Female runners, divers have lower bone density
I did not realize all those hours in the pool could really affect density! I guess I need to start on my supplements.

Friday, November 30, 2007

Better Than Ezra - Love Is Stronger Than Death

I think I will learn this song. I forgot how much I loved it, and I listened to it tonight. I did get to see BTE perform this version the last time I saw them. It is cool when a band you love covers something else you really love well. BTE always puts on a great show. The chords are easy too.

My Lovin'

This one's for Pat! I know you want to belt it out.

Seed: The Listener

Seed: The Listener
This is the next book I want to read.

XXX Elmo

Fisher-Price - Tickle Me Elmo T.M.X. eXtra special edition - Top Secret (2007) :15 (USA) | Adland
I saw this ad, and it really looks like Elmo is doing something dirty. Of course the pixelation does not help either.

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

The 10 Best Books of 2007 - New York Times

The 10 Best Books of 2007 - New York TimesHave you read any of them?

Turkey Part 2






So, as I am sitting here trying to recover from my cold, I will fill in more holiday details.
As I said before, we were working the first day Mom and John were here. They did venture out of the house and take a walk around the neighborhood. They checked out Stinky Yellow (a house we are looking at around the corner) and wandered around the yard there. That was OK since the owners are long gone. Wednesday night we went to the Opera. It was fantastic (the set, the music, everything!). We took the train in to the city since that tends to be a busy night, and everything was bustling. The Opera was not over until 11:30, and we took our time back to Grand Central. We did not get home until 1:30, because we missed the express train home and had to take a local (I swear I always miss the express, probably due to the fact that I do not know the schedule!).

I think I chronicled the T-day fiasco. It was OK in the end. Friday we went to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. Mike and I have never been to the statue before. It was windy and cold, so we froze our arses off waiting for the ferries to come. We had to go through serious airport security before boarding the ferries. Mike brought his new trusty thermos for coffee, and the security lady slowly opened it up at arm's length. I suppose she was following procedure, and he was glad they did not take away his precious. It was crazy to think of all of the people they processed through Ellis island in a day. They only did not accept 2% of the people that came through there. I will never complain at an airport again! We got amazing city views after we visited the statue.

Sat I was out of commission, so Mike took Mom and John around the area. They got to drive by some houses we are considering, and they visited an art museum down the street (which got a thumbs up). They returned, and we dined on NY style pizza and played dominoes (until I wilted like a daisy). Mike is a trooper for trying to navigate some of the area. I am the designated navigator.

Sunday I thought I was better, so I went to the city with the crew. We wandered by the luxurious window displays, admired Rockefeller center, and went to the Top of the Rock. The Top of the Rock just was opened after several years in the last year or so. It was great, because we reserved tickets and did not have to stand in line (or on line for you new yorkers). I wanted to get the daytime to night timing, so we went about 3:45. Mike, Mom, and John probably thought I was being a spaz, because I wanted to stay to watch the city lights come on, but we got an extra treat of a full moon rising. The first time I came to NY, Mike took me to the Empire about the same time of day, and it was really cool seeing the city 2 ways. It was worth the wait. We wandered around Times Square, and ate dinner. The rest of the trip was lying around and driving to the airport. Here are some more pics from Top of the Rock. I like it better than the Empire.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

The Office - Andy Singing Collection

I love the eclectic compilation. I dig the Indigo Girls, Cranberries, and Cardigans!

Heroes and some bitchin'

First of all, Heroes
1. Siler is so damn creepy. I still do not get how he can get his powers back. What is he going to do, fight Suresh man to man? Suresh is a wimp though, so he does not have much of a chance.
2. Peter on the dark side unwittingly? Or is Peter like the Suresh with super powers. Can he beat Adam?
3. Where is Noah Bennett anyways? He is not at the company since Bob and Elle think he is dead.
4. I have a feeling Jessica will be back really soon.

I am sick of being sick. I do not have time for it, and I am weary of napping, drinking juice, and watching trashy TV. I can not read or do useful work right now, so it is not productive being home either. Wahhhhhh!!!!!

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Top of the City






We hit Rockefeller, holiday windows, Times Square, and The Top of the Rock today.

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Holiday Hi jinks





We spent Thanksgiving with my sister-in-law and her husband's family. He usually puts on an elaborate holiday extranvaganza, and they go crazy getting ready. After we got out of the opera at 11:45, I had a message from them asking us to come 1/2 early. We were planning on going over there at about 1, but we had not even discussed a time with them at all. I called them back at about 12:15 to ask when they needed us. Now I will tell you that our hosts are night owls. I would feel bad about calling at 10 AM, but would not hesitate to dial the phone at 1 AM. Her husband got on and told me dinner was at 6:30, so please come at 5. I asked him to repeat this about 3 times, and offered to come at 4:30. He told me that was too early. Mike, Mom, and John witnessed our discussion and my frequent "what time? 5????" to him. We all thought it was weird that dinner was so late, but that's what I heard and confirmed.

We got up on Thursday and ate a leisurely breakfast. We went for a walk in the Rockefeller preserve (in the unseasonable 60 degree weather). We wanted to go for coffee, but the shop was closed. We sat around watching high school football. Mom and John were about to take naps. The phone rings at 1:30. It is Mike's sister. She asked me if we went to the parade. I told her what we were doing. She then told me everyone was over, and she was checking on us. Dinner was at 2:30. We primped quickly and bolted out of the door. We got there at 3:30 and had our dinner (we asked them to go ahead without us, and it was fine 'cause there were about 25 people spread around the house and not at a big table). I felt bad since I was the one who called. But I asked and repeated the time over and over and over! 12:30 does not sound like 5 at all! Turns out, he did not remember talking to me. He was really tired and fell asleep on the couch. He wondered why I never called back last night! So, I made arrangements with him, and he talked to me in his sleep! I have done the same thing myself. When I was in my 20s, I flew home on a red eye flight and came home to crash. Weeks later, my mom yelled at me for signing her up for a class at her church. Why would I do that? Turns out I answered the phone and talked to some lady from the church. The lady told mom that I "sounded weird". We had a good laugh about it, and it was fine in the end.

We took our visitors to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty yesterday. We were the tired and huddled masses waiting for our ferries in the cold. The immigration museum was really cool (Mom did not cry though). I guess I am not a New Yorker since I have been to the statue though.

Today, I am staying around while the others wander about. Of course I have my new tradition during either Christmas or Thanksgiving. I have one of the myriad of colds that I have been fighting against all fall.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Happy Thanksgiving

Hey all,
Just been hangin' with Mom and John and celebrating the holiday. They got in Tues afternoon, and I got them and finished working for the rest of the afternoon. Wed I worked a short day, and we went to the Metropolitan Opera. We saw Marriage of Figuro, and the production was fantastic. The performance was amazing, and that opera was a lot of fun. We did not get home until 1:30 last night. We hit Rockefeller this morning and had a good hike in the warm weather. So we are settling in well.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Heroes

I guess we should cherish the next few episodes since it may really be it for a long time due to the writer's strike!

1. Mohinder is blowin' my mind. I thought he was really trusting Bob, but maybe he secretly fixed Noah somewhere else. I still think he is a dumbass, but I am confused. He is dumb for trusting Bob, but Noah has been quite a dick lately too.

2. I guess we have to get used the Claire's boyfriend. They did not finish him off. How come he was OK after falling?

3. Parkman is getting power hungry eh?

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Big Sonic Broadcast

When I was living in Detroit, Sunday night meant listening to Big Sonic Heaven with Darren Ravell. Big Sonic Heaven was always on late (9-12?). I listened to it when it was dark and the weekend is almost over. I will always remind me of driving from the airport from weekend visits when Mike and I lived 650 miles apart. I was either sad to be dropping him off or to be returning home from a nice visit. It always matched my melancholy mood. Since Big Sonic Heaven is kaput, we have a new Sunday night tradition. I know I mentioned it here one time, but it was a long time ago. We always end up listening to the "Big Broadcast" on one of the local NPR stations. We are usually driving in the dark from my in-law's house (since we tend to visit on Sunday nights)when we hear it. It is Old Timey music (to borrow from Old Brother, Where Art Thou?) that is played by a really anal retentive DJ. The DJ is funny 'cause he loves to give all the stats on the songs he played. He likes to mention when he last played the song (often that can stretch back 20 years!). It just occurred to me tonight that the 2 shows have a common quality. One is ethereal and lost in time, but so is the Big Broadcast. You hear distant voices (sometimes thinly) reaching from the past. I suppose that is a reason why I like it too. I like to guess how the song will go. Many of the lyrics tend to be somewhat predictable.

http://www.wfuv.org/programs/bigbroadcast.html

Success

Mom, do not worry. We have a fully operational shower. Mike the Plumber was able to make it work. I did look up some plumbers (just in case), and a few lived our neighborhood. I think we need to change professions so we can afford it here. My arm is getting better, but I am turning into a Benadryl zombie in the process.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Water emergency

My mom is coming Tuesday, and our shower broke. It has had a little drip for a while, but I came home from work to a steady flow. We went to my favorite store, Home Depot, and bought some new parts and crossed our fingers. The problem appears to be greater than us. Who knows how old the parts are? The last time Mom came, our toilet broke days before. We were joking about having her and John hose off in the backyard or come to the Y to take showers. The last time we were joking about dumping a half gallon of water to flush or going out back. The last time our landlady was out of town, as today. So I sense a pattern. I hope they do not have this effect on the house we buy.

On another note, my arm broke out in a rash Thurs. night. I went to the doctor for it yesterday, and he made fun of me. He walked in and asked me if I was Scottish (in reference to a red plaid headband I was wearing). What the hell?

Friday, November 16, 2007

Not much of a Suprise

Officials find 'undercurrent of racial intolerance' at CMU
I attended this college for grad school, and I heard the most God-awful and ignorant things coming out the mouths of some classmates. When our class was given a presentation about trying to increase the diversity in our profession (by increasing awareness of the profession in schools, etc), somebody in my class actually stated. "Isn't that giving false hope?" I was mortified. One of my classmates assumed another friend of mine recieved a scholarship for being in a minority, rather than academic merit. Needless to say, my friend's scholarship was based on academic achievement. My impression while I went there was that many people were from rural areas and had never encountered anybody of another race. Needless to say, I went home many weekends.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Who's fighting the war?

WNYC - The Leonard Lopate Show: The War on Cancer (November 15, 2007)

I heard this for about 20 minutes today, and it is fascinating. It is worth a listen when you have time.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Left of Center

I discovered something disturbing tonight. I was watching an old Simpsons where Ned Flanders opens the Leftoriumin Springfield Mall. I discovered that along with Ned, many of Springfield's residents are also left-handed. These were my shocking discoveries.

Monty Burns
Moe
Barney

Later in the show, the store was full of other residents. I am not sure I am proud to share this trait with these particular characters. I will not mention everyone in the store since I can not confirm hand preference. These are not what you would expect on a list of noted lefties like this one:

Gerald Ford
Ronald Reagan
George H.W. Bush
Bill Clinton
Alexander the Great
Napoleon
Joan of Arc
Henry Ford
Helen Keller
Cathy Guisewite
Richard Simmons
Fidel Castro
Wink Martindale

OK, the list was really huge, but I thought some of them were interesting. I think it is pretty cool that one of my childhood obsessions was a leftie. I can not believe I did not know that! See if you can spot the childhood obsession. The other one has to do with my confirmation.

Platinum Janet

I am so high rollin'. The first piece of evidence I received was in the mail today. It was inviting me to test drive a Maserati. Then I opened my email, and here was the message beckoning me

Please find your free issue of Gold Investor Weekly

Wow, do I feel exclusive! I have no idea that I fit the Maserati demographic. I suppose I should stop going to Target, the laundromat, and eating a bagged lunch. I deserve better.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Heroes

Not too many questions since they were going to answer them tonight.
1. I was wondering why the Haitian was there until the final scene.
2. Do you think the new guy (Kenzei) is bad 'cause Hiro screwed things up? Or is he actually good? I can not tell.
3. Nicki, what a ho-ah.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

Fall at Rockefeller





Here are some images from our walk tonight.

Friday, November 09, 2007

Anniversary and Happy Birthday



This week was my 18th Anniversary of being an Aunt, or in other words, Jim is now 18! I decided to include a blast from the distant past in honor of his birthday. Here are 2 pages from my scrapbook (circa 1989). The other ones include alcoholic beverages and outrageous behavior. These just have strange behavior. Do you like my Aunt Janet pose? Also, check out P's hair!

Thursday, November 08, 2007

What is the world coming to????

Real-Life Pepe Le Pew Rapes Cat | The Onion - America's Finest News Source

Ich bin Yanet

I have been listening to my CDs for German in the car. They are pretty good actually. I can now say "Excuse me" "How are you?" "I understand a little German", "I do not understand German" "I am an American" "You are German" "Where is ___ Street?" "___Street is here"
Mike did teach me Please and Thank You for my first trip. I decided since I can not remember how to say American properly (for a female), I am going to resort to "I am a foreigner". That was one of my first German phrases anyways. If only I had a reason to say the keys are in the onions!

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

Sesame Street - The Ladybugs' Picnic

I remember more than I thought. If only I could remember anything now!

You and me baby ain't nothin' but mammals...

Cognitive Dissonance - Social Psychology - New York Times

Dirty laundry

I bet you thought this would be a juicy post full of scandalous information! I am going to actually write about dirty laundry. As many of you know, Mike and I do not have access to a washer and dryer. Before I moved out here, my flat in Ann Arbor had a washer and dryer. I had not been to the laundromat since college, and I graduated from grad school 10 years ago!
I am always cranky about going there. It just sucks. We have bought underwear, socks, and other articles of clothing to avoid going for a few more days. I can not tell you how many pairs of undwear I own, but I think it is close to 50 pairs. We average one trip a month there, and we bring shitloads of laundry when we go. It tends to be crowded and incredibly annoying to me. We go late at night during the week to avoid the biggest crowds. When you have huge loads, you need the big machines. People tell me I should drop it off and use a service, but I suppose I am kinda a control freak about it. As it was last night, we spent over 20 dollars to do our own, but we washed about 180 pounds of laundry (as measured by the machines).
The past couple of years we have been using a "good" laundromat. It is the newest around and the biggest. They usually have a TV on, and lite rock is piped in. One of the things that bothers me in there is the local lite rock station. We usually time our trip to coincide with a certain radio program where the host reads advice out of women's magazine and calls it "Intelligence for your life". It is not as if they are discussing Proust! http://www.tesh.com
Adding insult to injury, I almost always hear this song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-zBMpJJhXY
Oh well, it still beats when the doowop show was on and it sounded like dogs were howling. We need to buy a house now! I told Mike I will stretch my laundry to the closing date!

Heroes

1. Next week they are going to give us all of the answers? I wanted to sit here and wonder some more!
2. I wonder if Matt's dad is locked up for good. KC, you were right that they would have to battle it out in the nightmare world. I am sure there is more to come.
3. I thought Nicki got Nate with the syringe.
4. Mohinder...........WTF????? Although Mr. Bennett is pretty evil too.
5. We thought Hiro would become Kenzei. I think he will go back so he can become the badass samuri we saw talk to Peter in the subway last season.
6. Nice twist on the mastermind character whose name escapes me right now.
7. I wonder where they are going with Claire's boyfriend. He is up to something.

Sunday, November 04, 2007

NYC trifecta









Today was our third day in the city, and we went to the marathon. Mike was invited to the official finishing banquet and grandstand by a banker who works for the major race sponsor. We usually know somebody to cheer on, but this year none of our friends were running. So the fancy brunch at Tavern on the Green and perfect finish line viewing was a blast since we did not have anyone we knew to lend moral support to during the race.
I always want to run the NY city Marathon when we go, because it is just so damn inspiring! I want to run across the Verazzano bridge with "New York, New York" blaring and the fire boat making a fountain in the water. I want to run through all of the boroughs and use the huge crowd to buoy me when I am sinking. I want to finish in Central Park and run down 1rst Ave to the legendary wall of sound! I want to do it, but I know I would totally wreck my knees training for it. So please athletic friends, run NYC next year so I can cheer you on at least twice during the course and take you out to dinner!
The brunch was elaborate, and they had to set up a massive tent to accommodate everyone there. No donuts and bagels at this shindig. Our seats were amazing. We had a great view of the finishing action. We watched the wheelchairs, women, men, and Lance Armstrong finish. Here are some pics to give you a feel. Check out the finishing shot of the male winner (click on it to see some other cool details of the shot). We saw "da mayor" and possibly one of the guys who was on ER. I took a picture of him, so email me if you want to help me assess. So we will be back to our mundane lives now.

Saturday, November 03, 2007

Friday, November 02, 2007

Socialite

Most of the time, my social life is pretty lame and quiet. Most of our best friends live out of the state (or in another country). The last month or so, things have picked up. It always seems to come in waves for us. We will have absolutely nothing for months, then have social plans all on the same weekend. I guess I need to make a bigger effort out here. Last weekend was spent in Minnesota, so that explains why we were being social :)

This weekend goes like this:

1. Wedding tonight in Brooklyn. My friend Tracey is getting married at 6 at a place right by the Brooklyn Bridge. Location is cool, but logistics will be difficult. Mike and I debated about taking mass transit or just driving. The idea of taking a train into Manhattan, a subway, and possibly a cab (while dressed up) seems unappealing. So does driving during rush hour too! I hope we can be on time, but I am sure a lot of people will be late.

2. Meeting with Mark and Audrey in the city. They are in town for the weekend. Mark wanted to meet at 7 to watch the Olympic marathon trials, but Mike politely declined. Who knows how late we will be up? Plus 2 days of marathon will be too much.

3. Watching the NYC marathon in style. We usually go every year and watch (regardless of friends racing or not). It is quite the event, and the course is lined the whole way with spectators (up to a million, and believe me this is an accurate estimate!). Mike was invited by a banker friend to get grandstand tickets in the park followed by brunch at the Tavern on the Green. Tavern is something I need to cross off my NYC list, and I am happy to do it on somebody elses dime.

4. Sneaking in a birthday celebration for my mother-in-law.

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Bratwurst museum?

Historian finds oldest recipe for bratwurst - Yahoo! News

Forgot this one...

On the halloween post, I forgot to mention the strangest costume ever worn by a child. We saw a little boy at the mall who was dressed like the pope.

All Hallow's eve

Our living situation does not allow us to participate in Halloween. When I got home last night, or whenever we left the house, we felt like mean adults who do not want to be fun. We ran out to the mall last night, because I needed a dress for 50 degree weather. There were a ton of kids trick or treating in the mall. When did kids start doing that? My best guess was if you live in apartment or bad neighborhood, the mall may make sense. You also do not have to worry about the weather either. Has anyone else seen mall trick or treating?

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Dude

I am still pretty manly. I was called sir again this weekend. I think I am getting a complex.

Heroes

1. I do not like the Irish chick for some reason. Is Peter going to be confused this entire season too?
2. Mr. Bennett is quite a badass. I wonder who is evil?
3. How is Siler going to get his power again? Why does our black-tear crying friend trust him anyways?
4. Mohinder is so dumb. I do not think Nicki's treatment worked by the way.
5. Who is the painter? Peter since Isaac is dead?

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Baptized in the waters of Lake Minnetonka




Just got back from our weekend in Minneapolis. We had a lot of fun catching up with old friends. Here are some pics from Ed's 40th bday party. We went to a cocktail party to celebrate my friend Jessy's marriage(MSU friend from the swim team)on Friday night. It was at a cool hotel that was like a gallery and very modern. Sat we celebrated Ed's 40th in a party bus around Minneapolis. It was a wild night, but no permanent damage resulted.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Spreken zie deutsch?

I am going to Germany for Christmas this year, so I need to learn a little useful German. As many of you know, Mike's German lessons consist of useless sentences and phrases that are not likely to come up in typical conversation. When I was visiting with his family, we went through my entire vocabulary which was much larger than I thought. Unfortunately, I can not use it at all (Unless I get Kaisarschmarren that I happen to enjoy, drop my keys in the onions, or if Kefin stink foichbar). Mike picked up some beginning German CDs from the library tonight. One of them says it will teach me to speak in 8 lessons. I will let you know if it works when I am on my trip. I guess I also need to learn French in 8 lessons too since we are going to Paris for sure!
Aufedersein!

WTF


I got this post card in the mail. The back says, Hello, I'm a 36 year-old male and I love to help people. I've been doing so for nearly 10 years. I travel to my client's home or business, minimal equipment is necessary to start exercising. If you're interested in becoming healthier, stronger, leaner, please contact me. Don't be shy, join my other clients. you won't regret it.
He included email and phone numbers as well as prices for sessions. The grammar and punctuation were transcribed as it appeared on my postcard. He lost major cred with me just based on the picture. 1. It appears to be dated circa 1985 based on the jams he is rockin', the babe's running outfit, and the pastel sweater draped over his shoulders. 2. Why is he shirtless with a sweater draped over his shoulders? It must not be sweater weather so I conclude it is a fashion statement of some sort. 3. Mike thought the card read a lot like a personal ad. I have to agree. 4. How did I get on this joker's mailing list? 5. If this is him in the picture, I doubt he is 36 years old.

Inked

Last night, we were lounging in front of the TV when we passed by a tattoo show. This girl was getting a HUGE roller derby tattoo on her entire thigh. I feel like an old fart, but it seems like a lot of people who are 7-10 years younger than me have tattoos. I know it started to be cool when I was in college. When I was a senior in undergrad, suddenly all of these girls on my team started getting dolphins tattooed on them. I wonder if they still have them. I also knew some guys who went to the Olympics, and they had the rings on their ankles. That is cool with me since they were small and on their ankles (not too show-offy, although I guess tatooing the rings is technically showing off).

I do not have any ink, and I have never had the desire to get a tattoo. I suppose I have never felt strongly enough about anything to get it permanently put on my body. I do not have a problem with tattoos at all, it is just not me. As far as I know, nobody in my family has one either. So it was a hard question to answer when Mike asked me who in my family would be the most likely to get a tattoo. That is a hard question, because I would be shocked if anyone had a tat (except if Pat got one in 1988!). Mike thought that my brother John and my mom would probably be more likely to get one than me. I thought that was an interesting assessment. So here is my wager on the matter. 1. Sue 2. Pat 3. Ann 4. me 5. John 6. Mom
I did not consider nephews, but I think they would all get inked before we do! I think Brian would be the first. Mike said his mom was his vote for his family.

The next question Mike posed was what the tattoos would be. I like the old school, so the mom with a heart or the skull and crossbones would do. For my mom, a plain crucifix would be enough. John could get a peace sign or donkey. Ann could rock a celtic sort of design. Sue would get some type of design. Pat is probably rocking a Slayer tattoo! So that is one way we waste time and precious energy at home after work!

Monday, October 22, 2007

Huts




Hey,
Who is up for a hut trip this winter? C'mon you know who you are!

Heroes

I thought this week was much better. I was not digging the last 2 so much. Nightmare man must have been haunting me this weekend before the Spartan game!
1. Mohinder on the dark side? or just a dumbass?
2. Parkman can develop some mad skillz eh?
3. Who's the new blond chick's daddy? The company head?
4. Why can't Ando read the scrolls? I thought he was literate.

Dumpster Divers Go Mainstream In Thrifty Germany - WSJ.com

Dumpster Divers Go Mainstream In Thrifty Germany - WSJ.com

Sunday, October 21, 2007

NYC

Yesterday I went into the city, because we were having a party for one of my friends who is getting married. I did not drive in since the host lived close to Grand Central, so I just caught an express train. I am no longer new to the city, but I still love coming up from the bowels of the station into the Grand Central Terminal. Maybe if I commuted there every day I would get sick of it, but it is just so...grand! When I was walking back to the station, I saw a man squatting in the street with a camera on a tripod. I looked where it was pointing, and I saw the Chrysler building looming above me (and perfectly lit up). So those are 2 simple moments that can happen when you go there, but you can not get it anywhere else.

Now, should I sing some Sinatra?

Friday, October 19, 2007

Little yellow houses for you and me......

Lately our weekends have consisted of hanging out, watching NCAA football (whatever we can actually catch on TV out here, have not been able to see my Spartans for several weeks due to the Big Ten network), and going to open houses. There have been some interesting possibilities lately. I am sure people are skeptical that we are actually going to buy something, but we are taking our time as the prices are dropping in a real way. In our market, that can make a major difference. We end up making up nicknames for the houses to remember them. I try to describe a house with address or neighborhood location, but Mike can never remember it that way. So nicknames work well. Most of our favorite houses happen to be yellow. One of the houses we looked at about 6 weeks ago just got painted yellow. Maybe we will like it better. One of my favorite houses has an identical floor plan to my in-law's house. Here are nicknames so far (good, bad, and ugly).

1rst Yellow
2nd Yellow
Lil' Yellow
Stinky yellow
Park yellow
Build up Greenwich
Greenwich flophouse
Tomato house
Nook house
Deck house
Ed's grandma
Shithole 1
Shithole 2

On another note, Mike just informed me that I woke him up last night mumbling. He thought I was awake and trying to talk to him. Then I said something about number 12, Nebraska. He asked me if I was dreaming about football, and I said yes. Funny! We watched the Southern Florida-Rutgers game last night, so I had football on my mind. I actually rooted for Rutgers, because I think So. Florida was really over-rated. Of course the Spartans are on TV this weekend, and I can not watch it due to a bachelorette party. Those friggin' girls!

Thursday, October 18, 2007

In agreement


I was a little surprised that I did not get any comments on my recent Geek entry. Mike seems to think everyone was being nice to me, but since when does anyone hold back on their abuse? "Leeeeave meee alone!"

That leads me to conclude that you all agree that I am not a classic Geek. I will get back to a Geek I know very well to report on the findings.

I should mention that I have also become very fashion conscious since moving to NY.

On another note, Mike went to the Guggenheim for dinner last night (work event). They took everyone on a tour of the current exhibit, Richard Prince.

http://www.guggenheim.org/exhibitions/exhibition_pages/prince.html

Mike told me it was weird to look at the exhibit with the docent explaining the art, because some of the art was really weird and risque. It felt wrong to stare at it. Most of the exhibit were photographs, and there was a series of half-naked ladies. It actually got worse than half naked ladies, but I will not tell you about that here! So imagine yourself in this PC work environment looking at weird, provocative art, and trying to act scholarly about it. Usually when we see things like that over in the many fine museums we have access to here, we have a lot of fun being unfiltered.

PS I have awesome posture too.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

NOVA | Ghost in Your Genes | PBS

NOVA | Ghost in Your Genes | PBS
This was the first show in our PBS double feature last night. I really thought it was cool, and they found that our behavior now may have impact on future generations! Cool stuff that makes me want to go back to school and work in a lab.

Good, but disturbing watchin'

FRONTLINE: cheney's law: watch the full program online (video) | PBS
I caught this last night, and it explored the Cheney machine.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Pinch Yourself..revealed

Asking price
95,000,000
That is not a misprint!

Whaaatt???

Cheney and Obama are distant cousins: Mrs. Cheney - Yahoo! News

Wait, I need to read this again.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Heroes

1. How will Siler get his powers back? Is that why he is going by Gabriel? What was up with the roach?
2. I am not digging Claire and the boyfriend.
3. What is up with Nathan and the crazy mirror man? Is it turning into a Nicki/Jessica scenario? Jessica was a sister after all.

Breakin' - Turbo's Broom-Dance

This one's for Pat.

Must see movies

Last night, P told me that he watched "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" with M since she had not seen it. That started a discussion about essential teen movies, especially eighties pop culture moments. We came up with a short list, but did we make any serious omissions? It was promising to know that M has NOT seen Street Trash or any of the Tromaville series.

Sixteen Candles
Better off Dead
Breakfast Club
Ferris Bueller's Day Off


Those were the big ones. Here are some more, but not as high caliber.

Pretty in Pink
Weird Science
Valley Girl


Here is a suggestion to understand what we thought was cool growing up in DTW
Purple Rain (Purple Rain is friggin' hilarious, it is really bad with a slammin' sountrack)
Breakin'

We need to come up a with list of great movies of the last 25 years too.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

SNL - Paris Hilton

Geek?

I feel like I am geeky about certain things like physiology, neurology, health topics, nature, endurance sports, and angry female singers. I am the first to admit that I am not at all cool, nor have I ever been. I am not opposed to geeks as well. I am just not, in the classic sense, a geek. I do not like most sci-fi, I suck at math, and I do not like video games. I am not really good at computers either, and I never played Dungeons and Dragons. The renaissance festival people scare me, and I just do not like fantasy movies either. So what does that make me? Is nerd more appropriate? Check the video above to see classic Geeks.

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Pinch Yourself


Here is something a little depressing. On the back of a real estate brochure for our county was this ad. The price is blurred, but care to guess?