Something happened today that has put me in quite the funk.
I looked at a picture I took of myself with my phone.
And I did not like what I see.
The image in the picture did NOT jibe with the one in the mirror, and certainly not with the one in my head.
And because I know I often see what I want to see, rather than what is actually there, I showed the picture to Hubby and asked if that is what I look like.
He said. "Not really. Well, kind of. In the morning, yeah."
And it just went downhill from there.
He tried to make me feel better, he really did, but saying things like "There are just a few wrinkles and gray hairs" and "we're all getting older" did NOT help, because, although we are the same age (and, in fact, he's a few months older), he does not have ANY wrinkles or gray hair. At 44, he could still pass for early 30's. On stage he still looks like he's in his 20's. He's barely gained an ounce since we met 18 years ago.
It was bad enough that I'm currently 40 pounds heavier than I was then (although, to be fair, I WAS anorexic...), but I don't want to look 20 years older than him, to boot.
It was bad enough knowing that, as a mom in my 40's, I'm basically invisible to society. But to have completely lost whatever looks I had, at (not quite) 44, is a huge blow.
I look at pictures from just 5 years ago, and I have aged A LOT. Heck, even from 2 years ago. Gulp.
Granted, these past few years have been eventful. Continuing, of course, to raise our 2 autistic children, losing my dad to cancer, my mom getting cancer (which is in complete remission, thank G-d), losing our home, moving in with the in-laws, and now facing pre-adolescence with both kids.
Add to that the lack, for a long time, of any kind of creative or social outlet, and it's not very surprising that I now look the way I do.
But it's making me ridiculously sad.
I was never all that confident about my appearance. But there were a few good years in there. And when I look at these recent photos, I don't see the person I feel like I am. I see someone old and tired and worn. Yes, I'm frequently tired (the whole 2 kids thing), and I joke about not getting any younger, but I don't FEEL old.
I'm NOT old.
I just LOOK old.
I always told myself I'd age gracefully. Which is easy to say when you're 29 and dewy. When you're 44 and look like you're older, it's a lot harder to accept.
So, what to do? Botox and surgery are absolutely out. I want to look natural, thankyouverymuch, and I'd like to be able to move my face.
Juice fast?
I've got the juicer.
But I kinda like chewing stuff.
High raw vegan diet? Drink even more water (and spend even more time running to the bathroom) than I currently do? Cut out all caffeine (The Horror!)? I don't smoke or drink, so I can't cut those out.
I honestly don't know.
Hubby said the reason he has no wrinkles is because he uses moisturizer. Well, so do I. But I have to be careful, because I STILL break out like I'm 15.
Plus, now I'm getting facial hair!!!!!
How is this at all fair?!?!?!
Why am I hairy AND wrinkly AND pimply AND fat?!?!?!?! Can't I have ONE good thing, looks-wise?
I'm also trying to remember the last time I had a real night out with friends.
And I think it's been about 13 years.
13.
YEARS.
???????????????????
Surely that is not what I intended?!
Obviously I have got to make some changes. I've got to start doing some things once in a while that are mine. And not just to make money, either. Yes, the yoga helps, A LOT, but so many things have been left by the wayside.
Like that improv class I was going to start taking. A year and a half ago.
That never happened.
Maybe it's time it did.
Just for me, for fun, while the kids are in school.
Because I used to do comedy improv, and I LOVED it. And, to toot my own horn here a bit again, I was pretty darn good at it.
Maybe it's time to start working those muscles once more.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Friday, May 17, 2013
An Ode to Talent and Hard Work.
Yes, I saw "Star Trek" today! And I enjoyed it immensely, even in 3-D. Actually, the 3-D was pretty cool at times. It's better in movies that were shot with 3-D in mind, and not when it's tacked on at the last minute. Still not my preferred way of watching, but it was the only option available.
So what is it, I've wondered, that makes me and tens of thousands of others so crazy about Benedict Cumberbatch? I've said it before, but it bears repeating, I think; in my case, it's because he's AMAZINGLY good! Whenever I see him perform, I come away inspired.
And that almost never happens. At least, it hasn't in a very long time, not on this level.
It's like seeing a great work of art, or hearing an inspirational speaker. It lifts me up and makes me feel fulfilled. I believe that's what art is supposed to do, at its best.
I also feel a bit humbled. If I do say so myself, I got to be pretty good back when I was acting. But never THAT good! I understand, at least to a point, how much work goes on before he steps on stage or in front of the camera, and, as an audience member, I appreciate the time and care he takes with each role. It makes me feel respected, that the work is important and he respects it and us.
And after so many years of so much mediocrity in L.A., seeing greatness is a huge relief, lol! And I do believe he is, and will be, one of the greats.
(BTW, Zachary Quinto is pretty brilliant, as well.)
So, that's my 2 cents. I've been thinking about it all day, and just wanted to get it down on paper...well, you know what I mean. It's now nearly 10 PM on Friday night, and way past my bed time.
Nighty-night!
So what is it, I've wondered, that makes me and tens of thousands of others so crazy about Benedict Cumberbatch? I've said it before, but it bears repeating, I think; in my case, it's because he's AMAZINGLY good! Whenever I see him perform, I come away inspired.
And that almost never happens. At least, it hasn't in a very long time, not on this level.
It's like seeing a great work of art, or hearing an inspirational speaker. It lifts me up and makes me feel fulfilled. I believe that's what art is supposed to do, at its best.
I also feel a bit humbled. If I do say so myself, I got to be pretty good back when I was acting. But never THAT good! I understand, at least to a point, how much work goes on before he steps on stage or in front of the camera, and, as an audience member, I appreciate the time and care he takes with each role. It makes me feel respected, that the work is important and he respects it and us.
And after so many years of so much mediocrity in L.A., seeing greatness is a huge relief, lol! And I do believe he is, and will be, one of the greats.
(BTW, Zachary Quinto is pretty brilliant, as well.)
So, that's my 2 cents. I've been thinking about it all day, and just wanted to get it down on paper...well, you know what I mean. It's now nearly 10 PM on Friday night, and way past my bed time.
Nighty-night!
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
My Evil Plan is Working, Mwahahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Got Hubby hooked on "Sherlock." I showed him the first episode, "A Study in Pink," on Saturday, and we've watched one episode a night since. 2 left: "The Hounds of Baskerville," one of my personal faves, and (gulp) "The Reichenbach Fall." Girding my loins for that one again.
But the new episodes are being filmed as I type this. Probably literally. And, apparently, PBS is in talks with the BBC to show it here at the same time it's shown in the U.K.
Which would mean we wouldn't have to wait an extra 4 months, and risk all those spoilers.
He's also been watching "Doctor Who" with me sometimes.
YES!!!!!
On Friday I'm going to the first showing of "Star Trek: ID" at our local multiplex.
So it's been a good geek week.
As for real life, well, that's been a bit harder. Usually the case, isn't it?
Our living situation is rough. There's simply no denying it anymore. The only thing to be done is to alter my reactions and my perspective. At least until we can afford to move, and who knows how long that will be?
The most important thing I need to remember is that it's not about me. It's COMPLETELY, utterly, totally about THEM. As I've noted before, it's impossible to please people who are only happy when they're either complaining or lording it over someone else. Trying to please them, as I have done for far too many years, only leads to heartache, frustration, and the Urge To Destroy.
I have gotten the message: After 18 years, I am still not really "Family." Not to them. I am the conduit for their first 2 grandchildren, and that's about it. That's how it feels, anyway. In their minds I do almost nothing right.
So, OK. Fine. At least I know. And I'll keep doing what I'm doing, and not feel badly about it anymore.
I'm not asking them to love me. I don't particularly need them to. As long as MY family, Hubby and the kids, are OK, then we're good. Yes, it's a pain in the a** dealing with everything else, but it's not going to break my heart or crush me. The situation will often piss me off well and good, but that's the extent of it, and I can live with that.
On a COMPLETELY different note, I'm finding lately that I want to do yoga and cardio, and that's pretty much it, workout-wise. I KNOW lifting weights is good for us, and I know it can get me into shape.
But I just don't wanna! WAH WAH WAH!!!!!!!!!!!
So I'm taking a wee break from it. Just for a couple of weeks. Then I'll come back to it.
(And that's a wee as in SMALL break. Not a bathroom break.)
Maybe I can take some time before the summer school vacation (cue blood-curdling screams!) to channel all this energy, rage, etc. into some creative stuff. Especially the writing.
Maybe I could write a good old-fashioned murder mystery, lol!
Laters!
But the new episodes are being filmed as I type this. Probably literally. And, apparently, PBS is in talks with the BBC to show it here at the same time it's shown in the U.K.
Which would mean we wouldn't have to wait an extra 4 months, and risk all those spoilers.
He's also been watching "Doctor Who" with me sometimes.
YES!!!!!
On Friday I'm going to the first showing of "Star Trek: ID" at our local multiplex.
So it's been a good geek week.
As for real life, well, that's been a bit harder. Usually the case, isn't it?
Our living situation is rough. There's simply no denying it anymore. The only thing to be done is to alter my reactions and my perspective. At least until we can afford to move, and who knows how long that will be?
The most important thing I need to remember is that it's not about me. It's COMPLETELY, utterly, totally about THEM. As I've noted before, it's impossible to please people who are only happy when they're either complaining or lording it over someone else. Trying to please them, as I have done for far too many years, only leads to heartache, frustration, and the Urge To Destroy.
I have gotten the message: After 18 years, I am still not really "Family." Not to them. I am the conduit for their first 2 grandchildren, and that's about it. That's how it feels, anyway. In their minds I do almost nothing right.
So, OK. Fine. At least I know. And I'll keep doing what I'm doing, and not feel badly about it anymore.
I'm not asking them to love me. I don't particularly need them to. As long as MY family, Hubby and the kids, are OK, then we're good. Yes, it's a pain in the a** dealing with everything else, but it's not going to break my heart or crush me. The situation will often piss me off well and good, but that's the extent of it, and I can live with that.
On a COMPLETELY different note, I'm finding lately that I want to do yoga and cardio, and that's pretty much it, workout-wise. I KNOW lifting weights is good for us, and I know it can get me into shape.
But I just don't wanna! WAH WAH WAH!!!!!!!!!!!
So I'm taking a wee break from it. Just for a couple of weeks. Then I'll come back to it.
(And that's a wee as in SMALL break. Not a bathroom break.)
Maybe I can take some time before the summer school vacation (cue blood-curdling screams!) to channel all this energy, rage, etc. into some creative stuff. Especially the writing.
Maybe I could write a good old-fashioned murder mystery, lol!
Laters!
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Juice!!!!!!!!
I bought a juicer on Thursday.
And Life Has Not Been The Same Since!
OK, that's a bit overly-dramatic, but I've been buying produce and juicing like a madwoman since. I even managed to get to the farmer's market yesterday, which I'd been meaning to do ever since we moved here last June.
I bought a book of recipes, but have ended up liking my own improvised creations better. This morning it was carrots, spinach, pineapple, apple, and blackberries.
It was delish!
Now, I know that juicing isn't quite as good for the bod as eating the whole fruit or veg or even blending it into a smoothie, but we eat lots of salads and raw produce, anyway. And I'm hoping LG & WG will drink some when they see me throw some watermelon in.
The nice thing is, my in-laws drank some of my beet/carrot/blueberry/apple concoction yesterday, and even made their own creation. Then THEY went out and bought some produce to make juices & smoothies. Yay!
And all the pulp, so far, has gone into their garden.
I feel like such a hippie! Living in (what can feel like) a commune, walking to the farmer's market, juicing, composting...
Of course, we then had sushi delivered for dinner. So, not so much with the hippie thing, I guess.
We've also been dog-sitting. Which is weird, because he lives with us. But My S-I-L et famille are in Sacramento this weekend, so Chopper has been sleeping upstairs with us.
Which he's been doing more of, anyway.
I have to say, I don't know what I would've done without him after losing Luna. Sometimes you just need to snuggle with a pet, and a 70-pound pit bull who thinks he's a lap dog is JUST the ticket!
Plus, he's just such a sweet boy. He's one of those dogs who will always be a puppy, no matter how old he gets.
Let's see, what other news? The tapping continues to amaze me. I find myself becoming more and more comfortable in my skin. Yesterday I wore a sundress that, previously, had made me feel very self-conscious: A reminder of the 20 pounds I have yet to lose, and LOTS of cleavage. But it was hotter than Hades and I wasn't gonna wear long pants. My one pair of shorts was in the laundry, so I put the dress on. And felt, if not perfectly comfortable, a lot less awkward.
And Hubby loves it.
For obvious reasons, lol!
I'm learning to not only appreciate my body, but to actually enjoy being in it. Tomorrow is yoga, and that makes me ridiculously happy!
I also watched a bit of a press conference for the new "Star Trek" film (Less than 2 weeks!!!!!!) and was reminded that those actors worked HARD to look like that. Those Starfleet uniforms are pretty unforgiving. They all had trainers and nutritionists and little packets of food & snacks they kept on set (no craft services for them, apparently). It's NOT easy to get into that kind of shape, and I don't have to berate myself anymore for not looking like that. If someone wanted to hire me to be in the movie, then yes, I WOULD get a trainer and a nutritionist and work that hard. But that's not gonna happen. That part of my life is over.
And I must say I loved hearing Benedict Cumberbatch say "Now I know how girls feel. Dieting is shite!"
Yes.
Yes it is.
Anyway, today we're going to do a Costco run. I think Costco is just so inherently American: a GIGANTIC box store, taking up loads of space in suburbia, filled with extra-large supplies of Everything You Could Possibly Need, Plus All The Stuff You Never Knew You Wanted.
And food samples. Around every corner.
But, hey, we can make one trip and not have to buy toilet paper or Pull-Ups again for MONTHS! :)
And you know what else they have there?
Produce.
Which can be thrown into a juicer.
So we've come full circle.
Ba Da BOOM!!!!!!!!
Peace out.
And Life Has Not Been The Same Since!
OK, that's a bit overly-dramatic, but I've been buying produce and juicing like a madwoman since. I even managed to get to the farmer's market yesterday, which I'd been meaning to do ever since we moved here last June.
I bought a book of recipes, but have ended up liking my own improvised creations better. This morning it was carrots, spinach, pineapple, apple, and blackberries.
It was delish!
Now, I know that juicing isn't quite as good for the bod as eating the whole fruit or veg or even blending it into a smoothie, but we eat lots of salads and raw produce, anyway. And I'm hoping LG & WG will drink some when they see me throw some watermelon in.
The nice thing is, my in-laws drank some of my beet/carrot/blueberry/apple concoction yesterday, and even made their own creation. Then THEY went out and bought some produce to make juices & smoothies. Yay!
And all the pulp, so far, has gone into their garden.
I feel like such a hippie! Living in (what can feel like) a commune, walking to the farmer's market, juicing, composting...
Of course, we then had sushi delivered for dinner. So, not so much with the hippie thing, I guess.
We've also been dog-sitting. Which is weird, because he lives with us. But My S-I-L et famille are in Sacramento this weekend, so Chopper has been sleeping upstairs with us.
Which he's been doing more of, anyway.
I have to say, I don't know what I would've done without him after losing Luna. Sometimes you just need to snuggle with a pet, and a 70-pound pit bull who thinks he's a lap dog is JUST the ticket!
Plus, he's just such a sweet boy. He's one of those dogs who will always be a puppy, no matter how old he gets.
Let's see, what other news? The tapping continues to amaze me. I find myself becoming more and more comfortable in my skin. Yesterday I wore a sundress that, previously, had made me feel very self-conscious: A reminder of the 20 pounds I have yet to lose, and LOTS of cleavage. But it was hotter than Hades and I wasn't gonna wear long pants. My one pair of shorts was in the laundry, so I put the dress on. And felt, if not perfectly comfortable, a lot less awkward.
And Hubby loves it.
For obvious reasons, lol!
I'm learning to not only appreciate my body, but to actually enjoy being in it. Tomorrow is yoga, and that makes me ridiculously happy!
I also watched a bit of a press conference for the new "Star Trek" film (Less than 2 weeks!!!!!!) and was reminded that those actors worked HARD to look like that. Those Starfleet uniforms are pretty unforgiving. They all had trainers and nutritionists and little packets of food & snacks they kept on set (no craft services for them, apparently). It's NOT easy to get into that kind of shape, and I don't have to berate myself anymore for not looking like that. If someone wanted to hire me to be in the movie, then yes, I WOULD get a trainer and a nutritionist and work that hard. But that's not gonna happen. That part of my life is over.
And I must say I loved hearing Benedict Cumberbatch say "Now I know how girls feel. Dieting is shite!"
Yes.
Yes it is.
Anyway, today we're going to do a Costco run. I think Costco is just so inherently American: a GIGANTIC box store, taking up loads of space in suburbia, filled with extra-large supplies of Everything You Could Possibly Need, Plus All The Stuff You Never Knew You Wanted.
And food samples. Around every corner.
But, hey, we can make one trip and not have to buy toilet paper or Pull-Ups again for MONTHS! :)
And you know what else they have there?
Produce.
Which can be thrown into a juicer.
So we've come full circle.
Ba Da BOOM!!!!!!!!
Peace out.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Feeling MUCH Better
Some days are just...UGH!
And other days are better!
My M-I-L is fine, thank goodness! It's a cyst, but benign. WHEW!
We're gonna buy a juicer. I'd been thinking about it for a while, but this scare has pushed me off the fence. Because even with the best case scenario, we could all use a little more healthy stuff in our bodies. And I think LG might actually get more veggies in him if he can drink them. (I'm not quite as worried about WG, especially after she ate 5 BOWLS of salad last night!!!!!!!!) I've chosen the one we'll get, which many have said is perfect for those of us who are juicing virgins.
I'm not saying I want to convert my meat-and-white-rice-loving in-laws into vegan yogis, but they're already eating more fruits and veggies, and this can only help.
(I WOULD love to get them on a Pilates reformer, but, well, one step at a time.)
I must say that the EFT has, in 4 weeks, helped me attain a much better, different, perspective. My stress levels are down, and feeling the way I did the other day has become a less-common occurrence. I'm even liking my body more, despite the fact that I have yet to lose a pound.
I'm back to my Monday morning alignment-based vinyasa yoga class. I've missed it! That, along with Spin, walking, and lifting heavier weights, is helping me feel better, as well.
The other night Hubby and I had a LOOOONG talk. Just about Stuff. Y'know, Life, the Universe & Everything. We hadn't talked like that in years, and it was GREAT! One of the (many) things we both agree on is that getting out of LA. was the best move we could have made. We still have friends there who, at our age (early to mid-40's) are convinced their Big Break is just around the corner. But Hollywood is mostly a young person's game. As much as I like them, and as talented as they are, the stardom thing just isn't gonna happen if it hasn't by now. But it's SO EASY to get caught up in that mentality, and so many people put their lives on hold, waiting for it. Until they wake up one day and realize most of their life has passed them by.
No thank you.
I'm sure, when my dad was my age, he didn't believe that more than half his life was already over. That he would have less than 30 years left. None of us knows how much time we have, and I spent too much of mine caring about what other people think and catering to people who either didn't matter to my life or could never be satisfied.
Enough.
All Done.
Time to live my life.
Live well, love m y family, and appreciate what is.
Here
Now.
G'night!
And other days are better!
My M-I-L is fine, thank goodness! It's a cyst, but benign. WHEW!
We're gonna buy a juicer. I'd been thinking about it for a while, but this scare has pushed me off the fence. Because even with the best case scenario, we could all use a little more healthy stuff in our bodies. And I think LG might actually get more veggies in him if he can drink them. (I'm not quite as worried about WG, especially after she ate 5 BOWLS of salad last night!!!!!!!!) I've chosen the one we'll get, which many have said is perfect for those of us who are juicing virgins.
I'm not saying I want to convert my meat-and-white-rice-loving in-laws into vegan yogis, but they're already eating more fruits and veggies, and this can only help.
(I WOULD love to get them on a Pilates reformer, but, well, one step at a time.)
I must say that the EFT has, in 4 weeks, helped me attain a much better, different, perspective. My stress levels are down, and feeling the way I did the other day has become a less-common occurrence. I'm even liking my body more, despite the fact that I have yet to lose a pound.
I'm back to my Monday morning alignment-based vinyasa yoga class. I've missed it! That, along with Spin, walking, and lifting heavier weights, is helping me feel better, as well.
The other night Hubby and I had a LOOOONG talk. Just about Stuff. Y'know, Life, the Universe & Everything. We hadn't talked like that in years, and it was GREAT! One of the (many) things we both agree on is that getting out of LA. was the best move we could have made. We still have friends there who, at our age (early to mid-40's) are convinced their Big Break is just around the corner. But Hollywood is mostly a young person's game. As much as I like them, and as talented as they are, the stardom thing just isn't gonna happen if it hasn't by now. But it's SO EASY to get caught up in that mentality, and so many people put their lives on hold, waiting for it. Until they wake up one day and realize most of their life has passed them by.
No thank you.
I'm sure, when my dad was my age, he didn't believe that more than half his life was already over. That he would have less than 30 years left. None of us knows how much time we have, and I spent too much of mine caring about what other people think and catering to people who either didn't matter to my life or could never be satisfied.
Enough.
All Done.
Time to live my life.
Live well, love m y family, and appreciate what is.
Here
Now.
G'night!
Thursday, April 25, 2013
We're Only Human After All
If you're as old as I am, you may remember those lyrics from the 80's. "Something About You" by Level 42. GREAT song, kind of a one-hit (or, I guess, 2-hit) wonder here in the U.S.
Anyway.
You may have noticed that the world seems to be taking a free fall into Crazyville. Between the bombings, the lockdown in Watertown, MA, the awful explosion in Texas, the thwarted terrorist attack in Canada (thank goodness!), someone hacking into the AP and announcing that the president had been injured, causing stock prices to nosedive, and now certain people (*cough Donald Trump cough*) calling for the suspected Boston bomber to be waterboarded, convicted without a trial, and put to death immediately, it's certainly been an...eventful few days.
Oh, and let's not forget the suspected ricin mailer. An Elvis impersonator (I kid you not) who, at a press conference after his release, talked about his worry for his dog Moo-Cow. (Moo-Cow is fine. She's with Elvis- Wannabee's brother).
Update: This morning we woke up to the news of more accidental explosions (in Alabama) AND the news that my M-I-L might have breast cancer. There was a spot on her mammogram, so she's going back to the doctor tomorrow to get it checked out.
So I was going to try and create a humorous, light-hearted post, but I'm just not in the right mindset to do so. I'm scared, sad, and tired. I'm sick of fucking cancer striking seemingly everyone. And, honestly? Sometimes it seems like the world is populated by too many morons and trolls, and I'm tired of them.
I'll get over it. But some days I'm just exhausted, and dealing with all of it just seems like too much. I wonder what the point of it all is.
So I guess it's time for me to watch "Jazz for Cows" on YouTube and cheer myself up.
Peace out.
Anyway.
You may have noticed that the world seems to be taking a free fall into Crazyville. Between the bombings, the lockdown in Watertown, MA, the awful explosion in Texas, the thwarted terrorist attack in Canada (thank goodness!), someone hacking into the AP and announcing that the president had been injured, causing stock prices to nosedive, and now certain people (*cough Donald Trump cough*) calling for the suspected Boston bomber to be waterboarded, convicted without a trial, and put to death immediately, it's certainly been an...eventful few days.
Oh, and let's not forget the suspected ricin mailer. An Elvis impersonator (I kid you not) who, at a press conference after his release, talked about his worry for his dog Moo-Cow. (Moo-Cow is fine. She's with Elvis- Wannabee's brother).
Update: This morning we woke up to the news of more accidental explosions (in Alabama) AND the news that my M-I-L might have breast cancer. There was a spot on her mammogram, so she's going back to the doctor tomorrow to get it checked out.
So I was going to try and create a humorous, light-hearted post, but I'm just not in the right mindset to do so. I'm scared, sad, and tired. I'm sick of fucking cancer striking seemingly everyone. And, honestly? Sometimes it seems like the world is populated by too many morons and trolls, and I'm tired of them.
I'll get over it. But some days I'm just exhausted, and dealing with all of it just seems like too much. I wonder what the point of it all is.
So I guess it's time for me to watch "Jazz for Cows" on YouTube and cheer myself up.
Peace out.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Terrorism FAIL
I'm not even sure what to write. I just feel the need to get something down.
My hometown experienced a terrorist attack today. It hasn't been officially described as such yet, but when someone, or a group of someones, regardless of their beliefs, country of origin, religion, what have you, decide to hurt as many innocent people as possible, that's terrorism. Targeting school kids, college students, marathon runners (many of whom were running for charity), and nearly 1 1/2 million people who showed up merely to cheer on a beloved tradition.
This was a holiday in Massachusetts. Patriot's Day. The Boston Marathon is THE marathon for a lot of runners. People come from every part of the world to take part, and the world's elite runners compete.
When I lived in Boston I would sometimes go to a spot along the route and cheer the runners on. I never went to the finish line because it was too crowded. And it's only grown in popularity since then.
There's plenty of security, but there are no metal detectors. No one checks backpacks, as so many students come to watch (there are about a dozen colleges and universities in the immediate vicinity), and it's always been a relaxed, happy occasion. Schools are closed, as are government offices and banks, the post office, etc. So there are A LOT of people about.
And whoever did this knew that. They targeted all those people. They planned to hurt and KILL as many as possible. 3 are dead, possibly including an 8 year-old boy. Others have life-threatening injuries, while still others have lost limbs. Imagine being a marathon runner and losing a leg.
But...this attack was a failure. It failed because as soon as the first bomb exploded, first responders, volunteers, and doctors began running TOWARDS the sight in order to help the injured. Marathoners who were further away from the finish line immediately changed course, ran to Mass General hospital, and lined up to donate blood. Spectators ripped off their shirts to stop the bleeding of injured people near them, while others picked up complete strangers and carried them to triage tents. Tonight, thousands of Bostonians are going on Facebook and Twitter and opening their homes, offering places for people to stay until they get back to where they live. The good people of Boston proved, once again, that there is more good in the world than evil.
While there are some pointing fingers, most of us are too busy figuring out what we can do to help. Even if it's simply offering up a prayer or a good thought.
My mom was in her office, a couple of miles north of the explosion. She's fine, thank G-d. My friend from school ran the marathon, and had just turned the corner onto Boyleston Street when the first bomb went off. He's OK, too. Thankfully.
I'm looking at the footage and seeing memories. The first ever sci-fi/comic book convention I attended was right around the corner from the explosion. I used to take the train to Copley Square to see movies and shop. Our school took numerous field trips to the BPL (Boston Public Library). I did performances at the church and at the Castle, and spent way more time than I should have window shopping on Newbury Street, and Newbury Comics was one of the few places I could buy "Doctor Who Magazine" back in the 80's.
This was my city. I felt a huge sense of pride being from Boston. Yes, I left in 1994, but it has been, and always will be, a part of me. And tonight I'm both heartbroken and prouder than ever to have grown up in Bahston.
I think President Obama said it perfectly when he called Boston "resilient." It's been through worse and come out strong, and it will again.
And I think that's a huge "F**K YOU" to the terrorists.
Which is just like a Bostonian.
My hometown experienced a terrorist attack today. It hasn't been officially described as such yet, but when someone, or a group of someones, regardless of their beliefs, country of origin, religion, what have you, decide to hurt as many innocent people as possible, that's terrorism. Targeting school kids, college students, marathon runners (many of whom were running for charity), and nearly 1 1/2 million people who showed up merely to cheer on a beloved tradition.
This was a holiday in Massachusetts. Patriot's Day. The Boston Marathon is THE marathon for a lot of runners. People come from every part of the world to take part, and the world's elite runners compete.
When I lived in Boston I would sometimes go to a spot along the route and cheer the runners on. I never went to the finish line because it was too crowded. And it's only grown in popularity since then.
There's plenty of security, but there are no metal detectors. No one checks backpacks, as so many students come to watch (there are about a dozen colleges and universities in the immediate vicinity), and it's always been a relaxed, happy occasion. Schools are closed, as are government offices and banks, the post office, etc. So there are A LOT of people about.
And whoever did this knew that. They targeted all those people. They planned to hurt and KILL as many as possible. 3 are dead, possibly including an 8 year-old boy. Others have life-threatening injuries, while still others have lost limbs. Imagine being a marathon runner and losing a leg.
But...this attack was a failure. It failed because as soon as the first bomb exploded, first responders, volunteers, and doctors began running TOWARDS the sight in order to help the injured. Marathoners who were further away from the finish line immediately changed course, ran to Mass General hospital, and lined up to donate blood. Spectators ripped off their shirts to stop the bleeding of injured people near them, while others picked up complete strangers and carried them to triage tents. Tonight, thousands of Bostonians are going on Facebook and Twitter and opening their homes, offering places for people to stay until they get back to where they live. The good people of Boston proved, once again, that there is more good in the world than evil.
While there are some pointing fingers, most of us are too busy figuring out what we can do to help. Even if it's simply offering up a prayer or a good thought.
My mom was in her office, a couple of miles north of the explosion. She's fine, thank G-d. My friend from school ran the marathon, and had just turned the corner onto Boyleston Street when the first bomb went off. He's OK, too. Thankfully.
I'm looking at the footage and seeing memories. The first ever sci-fi/comic book convention I attended was right around the corner from the explosion. I used to take the train to Copley Square to see movies and shop. Our school took numerous field trips to the BPL (Boston Public Library). I did performances at the church and at the Castle, and spent way more time than I should have window shopping on Newbury Street, and Newbury Comics was one of the few places I could buy "Doctor Who Magazine" back in the 80's.
This was my city. I felt a huge sense of pride being from Boston. Yes, I left in 1994, but it has been, and always will be, a part of me. And tonight I'm both heartbroken and prouder than ever to have grown up in Bahston.
I think President Obama said it perfectly when he called Boston "resilient." It's been through worse and come out strong, and it will again.
And I think that's a huge "F**K YOU" to the terrorists.
Which is just like a Bostonian.
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