Monthly Archives: January 2009

Whatever

25 Random Things About Me

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So, I’ve been tagged in Facebook by several friends for this 25 Random Things list…   but I really don’t like to encourage Facebook use, so I’m responding here :)   

If you read my blog, consider yourself tagged, and post your 25 Random things on your blog.  If you don’t have a blog, feel free to post them here!

  1. I have no middle name
  2. I love frogs and started collected them in grade-school – long before they became “in”
  3. My hair was platinum blonde as a child.  Dark brown now.  I dyed it dark purple once.
  4. I traveled to Acapulco, Mexico on a 6 man plane when I was 15.
  5. On that trip, I threw up over the Grand Canyon on the way down – and experienced “Montezuma’s Revenge” on the trip back.  (no bathroom on a 6 man plane…)
  6. I did voice over work, and also appeared as an extra in a horrible B-movie called “The Varrow Mission“
  7. My favorite places are Princeville/Hanalei Kauai, and Seattle area.   And speaking of Seattle, I LOVE living in the northwest.  Love it, love it, love it.
  8. KittyI love cats.  But have unfortunately developed allergies to them the past few years.  Not so fond of dogs (Harley excepted).
  9. I have never laughed harder than with my friend Michelle.   And I’ve never done dumber things and found them as hysterical as with Michelle. As an example, see the “umbrella tree incident.”
  10. I will not drink milk.  Yuck.
  11. I have lost 49 lbs since August 15th. 
  12. I love being in recording studios.  I’ve often thought I’d like to be a backup singer.
  13. I love wandering around Home Depot (though rarely buy anything) – it’s such a creative energy place…. so many projects just waiting to be started!
  14. I’m so happy to have escaped Mormonism and organized religion.  (Wish I’d done so many years ago)
  15. Flowers make me happy.  Giddy.  I adore my little garden.
  16. I am not a fan of Facebook…. though I use it because it is the only way to connect with some friends.   …but I DO like the “growing things” application (see #16 above). So send me one.
  17. I know I can always count on my sister – any time I need her.  Whether it’s to laugh, cry, travel to Hawaii, or technical support.
  18. I’m very proud of my brilliant son, Brandon,  who left for Panama today for a 6 week vacation with his family.
  19. Hanale Bay and Bali HaiI’m spontaneous. I can be made aware of incredible airfare to Kauai in the early afternoon, make arrangements and buy the tickets before the day is over.
  20. In other words, I’m going to spend my birthday in Kauai this year – with my sister and our delightful daughters! 
  21. I have an unnatural attraction to all things sparkly, shimmery, metallic, opalescent or iridescent.
  22. I played synthesizer in a pit orchestra for several musicals… and got paid for it.
  23. I hate wearing a bra (though I need to – and do so in public).
  24. The first R-Rated movie I saw was “Life of Brian” in 1979.  Had to view it at the U of U campus, as none of the local theatres would show it.  (I’ve seen many R shows since then)
  25. I’m a geek (think accounting, computer nerd, x-files, star trek, Stargate SG1).  But only partially, because I’m also an artist. 
Recipes, Reminiscing

Low-Brow & Nostalgic

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The discussion on Erica’s blog yesterday reminded me of an open face sandwich I loved as a teenager…. and am, sadly, craving at the moment.  I say sadly because I’m on a particrularly restrictive diet for the next few weeks and cannot run out to the store and buy the ingredients to make one.   Perhaps you can make one and eat it on my behalf.

   

Melted Cheese and Bologna

  • 1 slice toast
  • 1 slice Oscar Meyer beef bologna
  • 1 slice Kraft American Cheese
  • Miracle Whip (not mayo)

Lightly toast the bread. Cover with Miracle Whip. Add the bologna and top with cheese. Slide into a toaster oven or under a broiler and broil until the cheese melts and just starts to bubble. Let cool slightly before eating or the hot cheese will stick to the roof of your mouth.

I supposed you could solve the hot cheese issue by making two at a time, then putting them together so there is bread on both sides….

Yes, I know, it probably sounds disgusting – but really, it’s good and is a nostalgic “comfort food” for me. I think the last time I had one of these was about 6 years ago while on Kauai with my sister. Not particularly Hawaiian…

Here are a few other low brow (or just odd) foods from my youth that I could still eat and enjoy today (but rarely do). 
     

  • Potato chips dipped in Jell-o.
  • Creamed tuna/corn on toast (I know, can you believe it?)
  • Kraft marshmallow creme spread on soda crackers
  • French fries dipped in a Frosty (I still do this regularly)
  • Bread and gravy.   My Grandma made this. 
  • And I’m not sure I would now, but as a kid/teen I LOVED Velveeta.  Made the best, meltiest grilled cheese sandwiches.

Have you ever tried any of these?  What are some of your low-brow, nostolgic comfort foods?

Funny Stuff, Politics / Social Issues

Resumed service

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We apologize for the service interruptionDear World:

We, the United States of America, your top quality supplier of the ideals of liberty and democracy, would like to apologize for our 2001-2008 interruption in service. The technical fault that led to this eight-year service outage has been located, and the software responsible was replaced November 4.

Early tests of the newly installed program were conducted to make sure it was operating correctly before final release. We are pleased to announce that we are fully functional as of January 20. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the outage. We look forward to resuming full service and hope to improve in years to come. We thank you for your patience and understanding,

Sincerely,
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Politics / Social Issues

Music to my ears

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inaug.jpgWhat a great day.  A beautiful day.  A new beginning.   Can you feel it? Can you feel the weight of the past 8 years lifting?

With tears in my eyes, I watched the inauguration of our 44th President… “our present” as my 4 years old granddaughter Kennedy says, and was filled with hope, gratitude and joy. 

It’s hard to believe the hopelessness and despair of the Bush era is over. And despite the mess we’re in economically, and in Iraq, I am so excited about our future.   Obama has a huge task ahead – but he is the man we need to lead us through this…. inspire us to do our part in remaking our country.

And can you believe we get to listen to such an aritculate, intelligent, thoughtful president (with a beautiful speaking voice) for the next 4 years?   We’ve been deprived the past 8 years.  I’m so happy I never had to hear GWBush say “nookulur” again.   As a unapologetic word nerd, I am nearly giddy with anticipation for what ear candy we’ll be enjoying throughout the presidency. 

A few of my favorite passages from his speech:

  • “What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them.”
  • “America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.”
  • “our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please” 
  • “As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals”
  • “To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect.”
  • “we can no longer afford indifference to the suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world’s resources without regard to effect”

I found myself tearing up again as I saw the reaction of the crowds as the first couple walked Pennsylvania Avenue.  I suspect I’ll be teary much of the day.  And doesn’t Michelle have a fabulous sense of style?  Loving watching how colorfully and tastefully she and the girls dress.  Can hardly wait to see what she wears tonight. 

Was there something particular in the day, in President Obama’s speech (he’s our PRESIDENT!!!!!!) that spoke to you today?  Anything that moved you?

Oh – and as another sign of hope – my little hummingbird was back today drinking nectar from my pansies.  I can  hardly believe he survived the last several weeks of bitter cold.

Music / Entertainment, Politics / Social Issues

Off to a great start

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The inaguration is off to a great start.  Are you watching or participating in any of  the festivities?  

The “We Are One” concert is currently being broadcast on HBO, at HBO.com, on local NPR stations and at npr.org (audio only)….

It is a fabulous concert.   Great music, awesome narration and speeches.   James Taylor was just joined by John Legend and Jennifer Nettles for a beautiful version of “Shower the People.”

Oh, and now it’s Josh Groban singing America (My Country Tis of Thee)…. 

This is a concert worth watching.  I believe HBO will be broadcasting encore performances as well.

In the Garden

Tulip Festival Preview

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My bouquetOne of my favorite things about living in the northwest is the abundant supply of affordable, fresh flowers.  Even in the middle of winter…..  

I live a little over 1 hour south of Mt. Vernon, home to the annual Tulip Festival.   Jealous?   

In March, you can drive around Mt. Vernon and see acres and acres of daffodils. Tulips in April. Iris in May.

I love the northwest.

I love tulips

While at Central Market (great place for natural foods) Tuesday, I noticed a sign announcing the arrival of the Mt. Vernon hothouse tulips, just the day before!  

And there they were…. rows of fresh cut tulips in a rainbow of colors….  for only $4 per 5 stem bunch.   Prices get even lower when they start cutting in the fields.

Obviously, I had to have three bunches. And aren’t they lovely?  Makes spring feel not so far away….

Southwest has airfare on special from Phoenix to Seattle in April………….

Politics / Social Issues

Called to serve

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We are less than one week from the inauguration of President Barack Obama  (I get goosebumps when I say that).  I can hardly wait!

I’ve been impressed with his transition so far, and am loving the tone he is setting. One of his mantras throughout the campaign was that WE can make a difference, WE can change things. If our nation, or society, the world are going to see positive change, WE need to be involved in it – not just leave it to the politicians.

National Day of ServiceIn honor of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, the Obama and Biden families will be participating in community service on Monday the 19th – and have asked the rest of us to join in on this national day of service on Monday. 

All sorts of events being hosted – from litter cleanup, to boxing cans at food banks, to planting gardens, to donating blood, to making sandwiches, and more. I found several great options, but have settled on helping feed the homeless at Tent City 4 in Kirkland.

Click here to find a service opportunity in your area.

Are you going to participate?

Funny Stuff, Whatever

Dreamtime Theatre

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Often when I go to sleep it’s like going to the movies, as I mentioned in a previous post.   Last night’s feature had me waking up laughing….

Now playing in my dreamsMuch of the dream is too convoluted to try and describe here (though it made perfect sense while I was asleep) but there were a couple of scenes worth sharing.

This dream began with me visiting Michelle’s home in Arizona.   There was a big upcoming event she was planning/preparing for – a wedding, I believe.  

In this scene, we were hanging out in her living room, which had an alarmingly 70’s feel to it.  Think brown bricked fireplace, rust colored carpet.   And she had a big flat screen TV sitting in the middle of the floor, which Tim was watching, that had an unusual/interesting feature.  She could slide a row of votive candles into a slot at the bottom, and you could see them glowing through the base of the tv.

Michelle and the blanket catsAll of a sudden, she turned and picked up a blanket and announced (in her “talking to cats” voice), “It’s time for kitties in a blanket….” and proceeded to scoop up two cats (Fatness and one other), cradling them in a blanket  “… to get their Vitamin D!”

As she walked over to the door to take the cats out into the sun, I thought “what the hell is she doing???”… I pointed out, “Um… Michelle, it’s night.  There is no sun.”    Of course we both burst out laughing.  

What makes this particularly funny is that it is something I can totally imagine happening!

In the next scene, Michelle was trying on potential outfits to wear to the formal affair.  She looked rather hot it a china blue stretch-satin number…  it was quite short, form fitting, and had a round cutout in the lower back area.  We all thought it was a very good choice since it showed off her tattoos. 

The blue dressInitially,  it appeared she just had some deep red cursive writing (not sure what it said – something relating to her love for Tim I believe… or perhaps her devpotion to Fatness) along her very, very low back… but then I noticed she also had several larger, graffiti-like tattoos higher up on her back.     So, what did it say, Michelle?

She wasn’t sure she liked the jacquard, champaign colored jacket that went with it, but we noticed the blue perfectly matched the blue dresses that Chris, Sween and Erica were wearing.     I won’t go into the event itself, but suffice it to say that it didn’t go as planned, photographer missed shooting pics of bouquet throwing, desserts ended up on the floor and I kept wishing that Scott Sheffield would return the crystal serving platter I’d lent him, so we could use it for the remaining desserts. But everyone looked awesome in their China blue satin.

So, have you any interesting dreams recently you’d like to share?