Our little guy had a loose tooth that was driving him to distraction for about a week and a half. I think I mentioned that he was placing his mouth on the banister, the side of the tub, any surface that, in his mind, could help take the tooth out. He'd come over to us and say "Baby tooth, please!" before grabbing our fingers and sticking them into his mouth.
On Saturday he stood in front of the full-length mirror and wiggles and wiggled until FINALLY it came out! Then he held it in his palm and studied it.
When I took him to school this morning, all of his teachers (including his teacher from last year) asked about his tooth, then looked into his mouth. Very cute!
Last night I heard my daughter laughing, really hard. I went upstairs and found her spinning in circles; making herself dizzy and completely cracking herself up.
They're so damn adorable!!!!!
If I do say so myself.
Ahem.
In other news, I've decided to take a yoga teacher training course in the fall. A lot of my clients ask if I teach yoga, and it's something I've wanted to do for a long time. I think I have more confidence because of Pilates, and I've learned A LOT over the past few months.
The course in intensive; 200 hours over 5 months. And I'll get to spend some quality time in San Francisco, which is always a plus. And the best part, we get FREE, UNLIMITED yoga classes for the duration!
Woo-hoo!
It'll also give me more options. I'm losing another class, which isn't a huge deal. But I'd like to have a bit more versatility.
Finally, the SAG awards. Watched them last night. Hubby and I are both members of SAG, and we get to vote. (Hence the free DVDs and movie passes this time of year. Except we only got one DVD. Bummer.) I usually find the awards shows a bit silly, but these are more fun and laid back.
OK, they're still silly, but some of it was fun. (Like Meryl Streep. And Steve Carrell. And Will Arnett. And Amy Poehler. And Tina Fey.)
OK. That's all I've got. I'm gonna go read me some Barbara Bretton. Happy endings: Yay!
Monday, January 26, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Guilt, Lifetime Network, and Various Other Stuff
There's a great guest post over on MizFit today by Fitness Fig. She writes about guilt and food, and whether guilt is a good motivator for weight loss. (I say "Hell, no!") Check it (and the comments) out, if you have a chance.
On 2 other blogs, they write about a new series on Lifetime called "Drop Dead Diva." It's basically a smart vs. pretty kind of thing. And the actress they've cast to play the overweight, supposedly unattractive wallflower is a gorgeous goddess named Brooke Elliot. 'Cause that's Hollywood's version of "ugly."
Yeah.
This morning I woke up, stepped on the scale (which I almost NEVER do), saw the number and...didn't freak out! It's high. WAAAAAAAAAAY higher than I'd like. But I did not freak. And that's a good thing!
In "Overcoming Overeating," which I'm reading s-l-o-w-l-y, they talk about Change. ( Seems appropriate about now, lol!) Change your thinking to change your behavior. Kinda like Cognitive Therapy, in some ways.
I've changed my thinking and behavior A LOT in the past 6 years. It's what has helped me get rid of my panic attacks. But I never applied it to my body image.
The idea is this: we look at ourselves in the mirror and, almost unconsciously, a negative thought pops into out heads. We've been doing this for so long we hardly notice the negative thoughts. They're automatic. They make us feel badly. I don't know about you, but sometimes when I feel crappy, I eat.
So, if I start paying attention and putting a stop to those negative thoughts (which, yes, is a long an sometimes difficult process), I can feel GOOD about myself, and then I won't reach for food for comfort. Also, I need to be able to feel my feelings, rather than bury them. And to realize that they won't kill me.
Beyond that, I know that overeating, eating when I'm not hungry, etc. is a symptom of a larger problem. I need to pay attention to what's going on when I reach for food.
Yes, I want to lose weight, but it's not just physical weight. There's a whole lotta mental and emotional weight there, too.
In the meantime, I'm starting to realize what a hot little chickadee I am!!!!!!
On 2 other blogs, they write about a new series on Lifetime called "Drop Dead Diva." It's basically a smart vs. pretty kind of thing. And the actress they've cast to play the overweight, supposedly unattractive wallflower is a gorgeous goddess named Brooke Elliot. 'Cause that's Hollywood's version of "ugly."
Yeah.
This morning I woke up, stepped on the scale (which I almost NEVER do), saw the number and...didn't freak out! It's high. WAAAAAAAAAAY higher than I'd like. But I did not freak. And that's a good thing!
In "Overcoming Overeating," which I'm reading s-l-o-w-l-y, they talk about Change. ( Seems appropriate about now, lol!) Change your thinking to change your behavior. Kinda like Cognitive Therapy, in some ways.
I've changed my thinking and behavior A LOT in the past 6 years. It's what has helped me get rid of my panic attacks. But I never applied it to my body image.
The idea is this: we look at ourselves in the mirror and, almost unconsciously, a negative thought pops into out heads. We've been doing this for so long we hardly notice the negative thoughts. They're automatic. They make us feel badly. I don't know about you, but sometimes when I feel crappy, I eat.
So, if I start paying attention and putting a stop to those negative thoughts (which, yes, is a long an sometimes difficult process), I can feel GOOD about myself, and then I won't reach for food for comfort. Also, I need to be able to feel my feelings, rather than bury them. And to realize that they won't kill me.
Beyond that, I know that overeating, eating when I'm not hungry, etc. is a symptom of a larger problem. I need to pay attention to what's going on when I reach for food.
Yes, I want to lose weight, but it's not just physical weight. There's a whole lotta mental and emotional weight there, too.
In the meantime, I'm starting to realize what a hot little chickadee I am!!!!!!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Just...Wow!
Yesterday was amazing! I'm not gonna get all political up in here, but it was an incredible event.
40 years ago my parents stood near the Lincoln Memorial and listened to Martin Luther King Jr. give his "I Have a Dream" speech. They were young reporters covering the event, but they were also supporters. Yesterday my mom watched the first African-American president take the oath of office, not far from where Dr. King spoke, from the comfy confines of a nice warm house in Northern California.
Dad, wherever he is, was also watching. I'd like to think he and Dr. King were watching together, along with everyone who fought for this moment but didn't live to see it happen.
On a different note, I'd also like to point out something Meg Cabot wrote about on her blog. If I may quote:
"Do you know what I'm really excited about?
Little girls! Moving into the White House!
There are going to be play dates! And slumber parties! Light As a Feather/Stiff As a Board in the Lincoln Bedroom! It's going to be SUPERFUN!!!"
So cool! And the Bush twins showed the Obama girls, on their first visit to the White House, the best banister to slide down. (The Bush girls were only 7 when their grandad took office.)
Add a puppy to the mix, and you have change in the White House. (Maybe changing the carpets, lol!)
So yes, I'm excited. In many ways, on so many levels. In fact, I'm so excited I may need a nap! (Good thing I got my blood drawn yesterday for that thyroid test, lol!)
Take care, everyone.
40 years ago my parents stood near the Lincoln Memorial and listened to Martin Luther King Jr. give his "I Have a Dream" speech. They were young reporters covering the event, but they were also supporters. Yesterday my mom watched the first African-American president take the oath of office, not far from where Dr. King spoke, from the comfy confines of a nice warm house in Northern California.
Dad, wherever he is, was also watching. I'd like to think he and Dr. King were watching together, along with everyone who fought for this moment but didn't live to see it happen.
On a different note, I'd also like to point out something Meg Cabot wrote about on her blog. If I may quote:
"Do you know what I'm really excited about?
Little girls! Moving into the White House!
There are going to be play dates! And slumber parties! Light As a Feather/Stiff As a Board in the Lincoln Bedroom! It's going to be SUPERFUN!!!"
So cool! And the Bush twins showed the Obama girls, on their first visit to the White House, the best banister to slide down. (The Bush girls were only 7 when their grandad took office.)
Add a puppy to the mix, and you have change in the White House. (Maybe changing the carpets, lol!)
So yes, I'm excited. In many ways, on so many levels. In fact, I'm so excited I may need a nap! (Good thing I got my blood drawn yesterday for that thyroid test, lol!)
Take care, everyone.
Monday, January 19, 2009
I Wanna Be a Kid Again!!!!!!
You know how you spend so much of your childhood waiting to grow up? 'Cause then no one can tell you what to do, or make you eat your broccoli, or tell you not to ride your bike at breakneck speeds down steep hills 'cause even though your brother does it, he's older and more coordinated and far less likely to actually break his neck?
OK, maybe that last one was just me.
Then of course, you DO grow up and you realize it's not all it's cracked up to be. Maybe you don't have to eat all your broccoli, but people still tell you what to do, and now you're too scared to ride your bike at breakneck speed, etc., because your health plan, if you have one, has a HUGE deductible and you simply can't afford to get hurt or sick.
Plus, you have to do things like go to work, pay bills, eat fiber-rich cereal, and get annual exams (see post below. No pun intended. Yikes!).
So, growing up isn't always what it's cracked up to be. However, having kids is the perfect excuse to act like one yourself!
Case in point: today we went to Chrissy Field, which is right on the Bay. There's even a beach, which we took the kids (and the dog, and my mother) to. I spent quite a bit of tome playing "I'm gonna getcha" with my son, and it was really fun!
Then I saw a kid with a Big Wheel.
Oh man, did I LOVE my Big Wheel when I was a kid! It had been my brother's, but I didn't care. I would get on that thing and go as fast as I possibly could (which, if I do say so myself, was pretty darn fast!) And it occurred to me that...
I WANT ONE!!!!!
A Big WHeel!
And I want a hoppity horse, and a hula hoop!
OK, we actually have a hula hoop. What I want is the ability to use it again! 'Cause I tried it recently and, well, I totally suck.
Sale with jumping rope. As a kid, I could jump rope for hours. For a while, it was my main source of transportation: I didn't walk or run down the street, I skipped rope.
Now? If I want to jump rope during a workout, I have to do it minus the actual rope. Otherwise I get tangled up and fall over.
Pathetic, really.
After the jumprope, I learned how to cartwheel. And to hang from my knees on the jungle gym. I think i spent more time upside-down as a kid than right-side up. I can still do a cartwheel, but now I get dizzy.
I want my kid abilities back! To run for hours and not get tired! To ride my bike anywhere and everywhere I wanted! To cartwheel down the street!
*Sigh.*
Sometimes being a grownup really stinks.
OK, maybe that last one was just me.
Then of course, you DO grow up and you realize it's not all it's cracked up to be. Maybe you don't have to eat all your broccoli, but people still tell you what to do, and now you're too scared to ride your bike at breakneck speed, etc., because your health plan, if you have one, has a HUGE deductible and you simply can't afford to get hurt or sick.
Plus, you have to do things like go to work, pay bills, eat fiber-rich cereal, and get annual exams (see post below. No pun intended. Yikes!).
So, growing up isn't always what it's cracked up to be. However, having kids is the perfect excuse to act like one yourself!
Case in point: today we went to Chrissy Field, which is right on the Bay. There's even a beach, which we took the kids (and the dog, and my mother) to. I spent quite a bit of tome playing "I'm gonna getcha" with my son, and it was really fun!
Then I saw a kid with a Big Wheel.
Oh man, did I LOVE my Big Wheel when I was a kid! It had been my brother's, but I didn't care. I would get on that thing and go as fast as I possibly could (which, if I do say so myself, was pretty darn fast!) And it occurred to me that...
I WANT ONE!!!!!
A Big WHeel!
And I want a hoppity horse, and a hula hoop!
OK, we actually have a hula hoop. What I want is the ability to use it again! 'Cause I tried it recently and, well, I totally suck.
Sale with jumping rope. As a kid, I could jump rope for hours. For a while, it was my main source of transportation: I didn't walk or run down the street, I skipped rope.
Now? If I want to jump rope during a workout, I have to do it minus the actual rope. Otherwise I get tangled up and fall over.
Pathetic, really.
After the jumprope, I learned how to cartwheel. And to hang from my knees on the jungle gym. I think i spent more time upside-down as a kid than right-side up. I can still do a cartwheel, but now I get dizzy.
I want my kid abilities back! To run for hours and not get tired! To ride my bike anywhere and everywhere I wanted! To cartwheel down the street!
*Sigh.*
Sometimes being a grownup really stinks.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
On Heroes, Days off, and The Dreaded Annual.
Capt. Chelsey B. Sullenberger III. Known as "Sully" to friends. And his crew. And the passengers who helped each other off the plane after it landed in the Hudson. And the ferries and tour boats who came to the rescue. And, of course, the rescue workers.
Yup.
They rock.
Which is putting it mildly.
(Note to the airlines: STOP trying to push the "older" (as in over 50), experienced pilots into retirement! If that plane had been piloted by a younger, less-experienced pilot, there's a good chance that everyone on said plane would be dead, and we'd all be talking about the tragedy over Manhattan rather than the miracle on the Hudson.)
Today is my first day off since Jan. 4th. I'm tired. I've done more Pilates in the past two weeks than I've done in the past 6 months. OK, not really, but it feels like it. The workshop was amazing, and I learned A LOT, but I'm exhasuted and sore, lol!
And to top it off, yesterday, after teaching two classes, I had to go in for my annual exam. Yeah. THAT one. At the gynocologist. (Hubby dropped me off. As I was leaving the car he said "Don't forget to open wide!" then started cackling as he drove away.)
It's actually not too bad. Definitely easier than it was before I had kids, if ya know what I mean. Less painful. I'll leave it at that.
But I have a thyroid test scheduled. I mentioned my recent weight gain to my doc, and she asked if I was feeling tired a lot (yup!), and said I should get it checked out, just in case.
In a way, part of me is hoping it IS a thyroid issue. Because at least then I'll know what I'm dealing with, and can do something about it. I REALLY want to get my energy back! The weight gain bothers me, yes, but I'm so freakin' exhausted ALL THE TIME. And I don't think it's just from taking care of my kids. (Really, I shouldn't blame them for EVERYTHING!)
I've been sleeping well. A good 8 hours every night. Then I need a nap. And that's just not right.
Bottom line, I'm tired of being tired. I'm 39. Fine, I'm not 18, but I'm not 90, either! Right now, I feel...old.
Yup.
They rock.
Which is putting it mildly.
(Note to the airlines: STOP trying to push the "older" (as in over 50), experienced pilots into retirement! If that plane had been piloted by a younger, less-experienced pilot, there's a good chance that everyone on said plane would be dead, and we'd all be talking about the tragedy over Manhattan rather than the miracle on the Hudson.)
Today is my first day off since Jan. 4th. I'm tired. I've done more Pilates in the past two weeks than I've done in the past 6 months. OK, not really, but it feels like it. The workshop was amazing, and I learned A LOT, but I'm exhasuted and sore, lol!
And to top it off, yesterday, after teaching two classes, I had to go in for my annual exam. Yeah. THAT one. At the gynocologist. (Hubby dropped me off. As I was leaving the car he said "Don't forget to open wide!" then started cackling as he drove away.)
It's actually not too bad. Definitely easier than it was before I had kids, if ya know what I mean. Less painful. I'll leave it at that.
But I have a thyroid test scheduled. I mentioned my recent weight gain to my doc, and she asked if I was feeling tired a lot (yup!), and said I should get it checked out, just in case.
In a way, part of me is hoping it IS a thyroid issue. Because at least then I'll know what I'm dealing with, and can do something about it. I REALLY want to get my energy back! The weight gain bothers me, yes, but I'm so freakin' exhausted ALL THE TIME. And I don't think it's just from taking care of my kids. (Really, I shouldn't blame them for EVERYTHING!)
I've been sleeping well. A good 8 hours every night. Then I need a nap. And that's just not right.
Bottom line, I'm tired of being tired. I'm 39. Fine, I'm not 18, but I'm not 90, either! Right now, I feel...old.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Renewal
The past couple of days have felt like spring.
Literally, in that it was in the mid-70's yesterday (how the heck that happened, I don't know!), and figuratively, in the sense that yesterday I woke up, went out into the beautiful sunrise, and felt that it was the beginning of something good.
Our daughter seems to be getting back to her old self; waking up happy, getting on the bus, putting herself to bed at night, etc. She's also responding REALLY well to her occupational therapy. She's feeding herself with utensils (which is HUGE!), and she's making really great eye contact, as well as communicating SO well!!!!
And our son! Last night Hubby said "He always smiles like he's up to something." And it's so true! I get the feeling he knows something we don't, or is planning to do something he knows he's not supposed to do, lol!
He is SO MUCH calmer than he was 2 years ago. The difference his therapy and the right classroom has made in him is incredible. I'm so proud of both of them! They really are amazing kids.
My mother has been in Hawaii for the past week. She was supposed to fly back today, but has extended her stay until Friday. She's going off on her own, having adventures. Yesterday my sister-in-law dropped her off at Haunama Bay and she went snorkling for 4 hours. Today she's going kayaking. She's seen dolphins, swam next to a sea turtle, and is having the time of her life.
They say that Hawaii is one of the chakras of the world. And my SIL says my mom looks healthier now than when she arrived. I think she's healing. I think being surrounded by all that beauty is helping her through her grief.
And the dog is feeling better, after our trip to the vet last week. With the kids. Which was an Event.
So this week is feeling more like the new year than the actual new year did.
And an amzing thing has happened: For the first time in a LOOOONG time I feel optimistic about my body. I've been reading "Overcoming Overeating," a book I've had for a long time, but haven't read until now.
I think maybe I wasn't ready for it until now. Because now it's like every word has been written just for me. Everything speaks to me. And it's so good to know that other people feel the way i do, and that there is hope!
I'm not tempted by diets. I'm not looking to drop "10 pounds in 5 days!" (ergh!), and I'm not berating myself for looking the way I do.
I feel lighter. Like a burden has been lifted. And it has; the burden of body-hatred is lifting. Finally. After more than 30 years.
Last night, after dinner, I thought to myself "do I want more food?" And I didn't. I was fine. I didn't feel any urgent need to run back into the kitchen and stuff more food in my face. I could acknowledge that I was lonely (Hubby was at school), tired, and even a little bored. The kids weren't acting up, lol!
Later, I did have a little snack. 'Cause I was hungry. And PMS-ing. And it was OK.
And, on a completely different note, have you noticed that the president-elect's choice of dog is getting more attention than his cabinet picks? It's pretty funny: "And my choice for Secretary of-" "Yeah yeah yeah, alright. What kind of dog are you gonna get?"
But, after all, it IS a very important decision!
The latest news is that the choice is between a labradoodle and a Portuguese water dog. Bith good choices, IMHO.
Literally, in that it was in the mid-70's yesterday (how the heck that happened, I don't know!), and figuratively, in the sense that yesterday I woke up, went out into the beautiful sunrise, and felt that it was the beginning of something good.
Our daughter seems to be getting back to her old self; waking up happy, getting on the bus, putting herself to bed at night, etc. She's also responding REALLY well to her occupational therapy. She's feeding herself with utensils (which is HUGE!), and she's making really great eye contact, as well as communicating SO well!!!!
And our son! Last night Hubby said "He always smiles like he's up to something." And it's so true! I get the feeling he knows something we don't, or is planning to do something he knows he's not supposed to do, lol!
He is SO MUCH calmer than he was 2 years ago. The difference his therapy and the right classroom has made in him is incredible. I'm so proud of both of them! They really are amazing kids.
My mother has been in Hawaii for the past week. She was supposed to fly back today, but has extended her stay until Friday. She's going off on her own, having adventures. Yesterday my sister-in-law dropped her off at Haunama Bay and she went snorkling for 4 hours. Today she's going kayaking. She's seen dolphins, swam next to a sea turtle, and is having the time of her life.
They say that Hawaii is one of the chakras of the world. And my SIL says my mom looks healthier now than when she arrived. I think she's healing. I think being surrounded by all that beauty is helping her through her grief.
And the dog is feeling better, after our trip to the vet last week. With the kids. Which was an Event.
So this week is feeling more like the new year than the actual new year did.
And an amzing thing has happened: For the first time in a LOOOONG time I feel optimistic about my body. I've been reading "Overcoming Overeating," a book I've had for a long time, but haven't read until now.
I think maybe I wasn't ready for it until now. Because now it's like every word has been written just for me. Everything speaks to me. And it's so good to know that other people feel the way i do, and that there is hope!
I'm not tempted by diets. I'm not looking to drop "10 pounds in 5 days!" (ergh!), and I'm not berating myself for looking the way I do.
I feel lighter. Like a burden has been lifted. And it has; the burden of body-hatred is lifting. Finally. After more than 30 years.
Last night, after dinner, I thought to myself "do I want more food?" And I didn't. I was fine. I didn't feel any urgent need to run back into the kitchen and stuff more food in my face. I could acknowledge that I was lonely (Hubby was at school), tired, and even a little bored. The kids weren't acting up, lol!
Later, I did have a little snack. 'Cause I was hungry. And PMS-ing. And it was OK.
And, on a completely different note, have you noticed that the president-elect's choice of dog is getting more attention than his cabinet picks? It's pretty funny: "And my choice for Secretary of-" "Yeah yeah yeah, alright. What kind of dog are you gonna get?"
But, after all, it IS a very important decision!
The latest news is that the choice is between a labradoodle and a Portuguese water dog. Bith good choices, IMHO.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
PilatesPalooza
Today I start another Pilates certification workshop. It's Reformer 3, the most advanced Reformer workshop this particular group offered. It'll be fun, but I do wonder if I'll be able to do all the exercises, lol!
And it is a LONG weekend! I think this will be the last one for a while. Because, after this, I have to start my personal trainer certification. Because at the gyms where I work, Pilates on the Reformer is considered personal training, rather than group fitness. Plus, I've been teaching private and semi-private Pilates trainings, so I really need to get certified.
How the heck did this happen? Less than a year ago I was a stay-at-home mom, now I'm going for a personal trainer cert?
Cool!
Never thought I'd see the day when I could call myself a "fitness professional!"
Now, if I could just figure out my left and right sides!
And it is a LONG weekend! I think this will be the last one for a while. Because, after this, I have to start my personal trainer certification. Because at the gyms where I work, Pilates on the Reformer is considered personal training, rather than group fitness. Plus, I've been teaching private and semi-private Pilates trainings, so I really need to get certified.
How the heck did this happen? Less than a year ago I was a stay-at-home mom, now I'm going for a personal trainer cert?
Cool!
Never thought I'd see the day when I could call myself a "fitness professional!"
Now, if I could just figure out my left and right sides!
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
NOW I'm Pissed!!!!!
Two things happened this morning that have got me seriously steamed. And it's only 8:30!!!!
First, I came downstairs to the dulcet tones of Ann Coulter on the morning tunes. And by "dulcet tones" I mean "nails on a chalkboard."
Sorry, but I despise that person. She may be booksmart, but in other ways she's an idiot. Today she said that many of society's problems stem from single motherhood. Right. Last year she said Jews should be Christians, because Christians are "complete," while Jews are not. OK. And, of course, there was her famous quote about the 911 widows, "I've never seen a group of women who enjoyed wodowhood so much." Yeah. Whatev, assh**e! Oh, and she's worried about Obama because his middle name is Hussein. She said we'd never elect a candidate whose middle name was "Hitler." OK. But guess what? Hussein is a common name in other parts of the world. (That's right, Ms. Coulter, there ARE other parts of the world!) That's kinda like saying we shouldn't elect someone with the middle name "Smith." Sorry, but the implication here is that she believes he's a terrorist.
Sorry for the language. I know she aims to be outrageous and succeeds, but I still hate her. I'm not sure why she gets under my skin so much. I can watch Bill 'Riley (if I must) without wanting to throttle him. Much. But he's so arrogant and idiotic that it's hard for me to take him seriously. (Plus, he has said himself that it's an act!)
But Ms. Coulter? I guess it's because, for all her antics and outrageousness, I think she honestly believes what she says. In the 90's she said that all Muslim-Americans should either convert to Christianity or be killed. And on a deep level, I think she meant it. I think she truly believes that Jews are "incomplete."
And I gotta say, her defensiveness, when anyone dares to challenge her (which they do when she appears anywhere other than Fox No-News Network) is just plain grating.
Look, I believe in and support her right to speak and to publish her books. I have the right not to listen or read. I don't read her books, and I should know better than to listen to her when she speaks. I'm not trying to stifle others' voices. I'm just trying to figure out my reaction to them. And I've learned that when certain people talk, I need to stop listening.
[BTW, I have a similar reaction to Keith Olberman (sp?). I liked him on ESPN, but MAN! Talk about arrogant and annoying! If he's on, I have to leave. My hatred is non-partisan lol!]
I guess a big issue for me is that the 24-hour news networks have turned news into talking heads spewing their opinions as fact, and being smarmy in the process. It has turned the news into tabloid fodder.
Seriously, if it weren't for "Sesame Street," baseball, Food Network, and "Doctor Who," I'd get rid of the TV.
Maybe I should anyway. (I found myself watching the last 45 minutes of "The Biggest Loser" last night! Help!)
OK, so the other thing that got to me was a comment on Charlotte's blog. She wrote an amazing, incredibly brave post that will help more people than she can possibly know. And one person, posting anonymously, accussed her of man-bashing.
Why is it that when women speak out, stand up for ourselves, we are bashing an entire gender? There are some men who do horrible things to other people, and some of those people are women. And vice-versa! Are we supposed to keep quiet when someone hurts us in order to spare other peoples' feelings? Excuse me, but what fu**ing century are we living in?!?!?!
HOW DARE that person say that to her?!?! How dare he?!?!?! Yes, I'm asssuming it's a he. I could be wrong, but I doubt it.
Let me also say that I'm married to an amazing man. He gives me hope for the future. Yesterday there was a horrible story about 4 guys (2 of whom are young teens) who taunted, car-jacked, and gang-raped and a young lesbian. My husband got angry, and he was genuinely upset about it. Because he cares about people. Because that kind of crap makes him sick. Because he's a good person.
I believe that the number of good people in this world far outweigh the bad. I also believe that good people do bad things, and vice-versa. As much as we try to simplify our lives and the world around us, we are complicated creatures.
OK. Gotta try and calm down now. My hands are shaking as I type this.
I'm not trying to offend anyone here. But this blog is my outlet, and I needed to get some stuff off my chest.
Maybe I'll go back on YouTube and look at puppies.
First, I came downstairs to the dulcet tones of Ann Coulter on the morning tunes. And by "dulcet tones" I mean "nails on a chalkboard."
Sorry, but I despise that person. She may be booksmart, but in other ways she's an idiot. Today she said that many of society's problems stem from single motherhood. Right. Last year she said Jews should be Christians, because Christians are "complete," while Jews are not. OK. And, of course, there was her famous quote about the 911 widows, "I've never seen a group of women who enjoyed wodowhood so much." Yeah. Whatev, assh**e! Oh, and she's worried about Obama because his middle name is Hussein. She said we'd never elect a candidate whose middle name was "Hitler." OK. But guess what? Hussein is a common name in other parts of the world. (That's right, Ms. Coulter, there ARE other parts of the world!) That's kinda like saying we shouldn't elect someone with the middle name "Smith." Sorry, but the implication here is that she believes he's a terrorist.
Sorry for the language. I know she aims to be outrageous and succeeds, but I still hate her. I'm not sure why she gets under my skin so much. I can watch Bill 'Riley (if I must) without wanting to throttle him. Much. But he's so arrogant and idiotic that it's hard for me to take him seriously. (Plus, he has said himself that it's an act!)
But Ms. Coulter? I guess it's because, for all her antics and outrageousness, I think she honestly believes what she says. In the 90's she said that all Muslim-Americans should either convert to Christianity or be killed. And on a deep level, I think she meant it. I think she truly believes that Jews are "incomplete."
And I gotta say, her defensiveness, when anyone dares to challenge her (which they do when she appears anywhere other than Fox No-News Network) is just plain grating.
Look, I believe in and support her right to speak and to publish her books. I have the right not to listen or read. I don't read her books, and I should know better than to listen to her when she speaks. I'm not trying to stifle others' voices. I'm just trying to figure out my reaction to them. And I've learned that when certain people talk, I need to stop listening.
[BTW, I have a similar reaction to Keith Olberman (sp?). I liked him on ESPN, but MAN! Talk about arrogant and annoying! If he's on, I have to leave. My hatred is non-partisan lol!]
I guess a big issue for me is that the 24-hour news networks have turned news into talking heads spewing their opinions as fact, and being smarmy in the process. It has turned the news into tabloid fodder.
Seriously, if it weren't for "Sesame Street," baseball, Food Network, and "Doctor Who," I'd get rid of the TV.
Maybe I should anyway. (I found myself watching the last 45 minutes of "The Biggest Loser" last night! Help!)
OK, so the other thing that got to me was a comment on Charlotte's blog. She wrote an amazing, incredibly brave post that will help more people than she can possibly know. And one person, posting anonymously, accussed her of man-bashing.
Why is it that when women speak out, stand up for ourselves, we are bashing an entire gender? There are some men who do horrible things to other people, and some of those people are women. And vice-versa! Are we supposed to keep quiet when someone hurts us in order to spare other peoples' feelings? Excuse me, but what fu**ing century are we living in?!?!?!
HOW DARE that person say that to her?!?! How dare he?!?!?! Yes, I'm asssuming it's a he. I could be wrong, but I doubt it.
Let me also say that I'm married to an amazing man. He gives me hope for the future. Yesterday there was a horrible story about 4 guys (2 of whom are young teens) who taunted, car-jacked, and gang-raped and a young lesbian. My husband got angry, and he was genuinely upset about it. Because he cares about people. Because that kind of crap makes him sick. Because he's a good person.
I believe that the number of good people in this world far outweigh the bad. I also believe that good people do bad things, and vice-versa. As much as we try to simplify our lives and the world around us, we are complicated creatures.
OK. Gotta try and calm down now. My hands are shaking as I type this.
I'm not trying to offend anyone here. But this blog is my outlet, and I needed to get some stuff off my chest.
Maybe I'll go back on YouTube and look at puppies.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Shallow Al (yssa)
I bought the last issue of "Vanity Fair" (a magazine I almost never read, let alone buy) because there was a cover story on one of my girl-crushes, Tina Fey. And an interesting thing happened: I actually read some of the other, non-entertainment-related articles! And learned a few things!
One of the most interesting is about Wall St. The jobs lost, the money gone down the toilet, the huge investment firms that have lost everything.
When I lived in New York I avoided Wall St. like the plague. In my earnest, early 20's, oh-so-artistic-I-don't-need-anything-but-my-acting way of thinking, the folks on Wall St. represented everything I hated. Greed, snobbery, one-upmanship. (Not realizing that, HELLO!, the acting profession is THE EXACT SAME WAY!!!!!!!)
Then I got older. And (hopefully) a bit wiser. And while I still despise the conspicuous consumption that has defined the past few years, there have been benefits to those of us who are among the not-so-rich.
Because part of that consumption DID trickle down to us. The workers. Caterers, florists, (ahem) personal trainers, hairstylists, and on and on. It wasn't exactly trickle-down economics (we certainly didn't make TONS of money), but at least we got SOMETHIN'.
Now? Not so much. Everyone is cutting back on spending (which I think is a good thing), but the first people to suffer, as always, are the worker bees. Those of us who weren't making 6 figures. Who didn't get huge year-end (or any) bonuses. We're the first ones to be "let go." Our services either no longer needed or, at the very least, scaled back considerably.
Which sucks.
But then I read something like what I read in that VF article, and have to wonder; WTF?!?!?! Here ya go:
"Ordering that $1,950 Cabernet Sauvignon or the $26-per-ounce Wagyu beef was a way of life. 'The culture was that if you didn't spend extravagantly you'd be ridiculed at work,' says a former (Lehman Brothers employee)."
Y'know, most of us graduated from high school at the age of about 18. I guess some people never get over that mentality.
There has GOT to be some kind of middle ground here! Something between look-how-rich-I-am overspending and sorry-but-I'm-too poor-to-give-to-charity-let-alone-get -a-haircut saving, right?
Eventually?
Someday?
Maybe?
One of the most interesting is about Wall St. The jobs lost, the money gone down the toilet, the huge investment firms that have lost everything.
When I lived in New York I avoided Wall St. like the plague. In my earnest, early 20's, oh-so-artistic-I-don't-need-anything-but-my-acting way of thinking, the folks on Wall St. represented everything I hated. Greed, snobbery, one-upmanship. (Not realizing that, HELLO!, the acting profession is THE EXACT SAME WAY!!!!!!!)
Then I got older. And (hopefully) a bit wiser. And while I still despise the conspicuous consumption that has defined the past few years, there have been benefits to those of us who are among the not-so-rich.
Because part of that consumption DID trickle down to us. The workers. Caterers, florists, (ahem) personal trainers, hairstylists, and on and on. It wasn't exactly trickle-down economics (we certainly didn't make TONS of money), but at least we got SOMETHIN'.
Now? Not so much. Everyone is cutting back on spending (which I think is a good thing), but the first people to suffer, as always, are the worker bees. Those of us who weren't making 6 figures. Who didn't get huge year-end (or any) bonuses. We're the first ones to be "let go." Our services either no longer needed or, at the very least, scaled back considerably.
Which sucks.
But then I read something like what I read in that VF article, and have to wonder; WTF?!?!?! Here ya go:
"Ordering that $1,950 Cabernet Sauvignon or the $26-per-ounce Wagyu beef was a way of life. 'The culture was that if you didn't spend extravagantly you'd be ridiculed at work,' says a former (Lehman Brothers employee)."
Y'know, most of us graduated from high school at the age of about 18. I guess some people never get over that mentality.
There has GOT to be some kind of middle ground here! Something between look-how-rich-I-am overspending and sorry-but-I'm-too poor-to-give-to-charity-let-alone-get -a-haircut saving, right?
Eventually?
Someday?
Maybe?
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Ummm...OK, So
We didn't get in. To the Academy of Sciences. Because it was PACKED!. It was raining, the last official day of Christmas vacay, and I guess we should've known better. Not only was the parking lot full, there was no street parking to be had, which was the first clue. Then we drove past and there was a HUGE line of people waiting outside, in the rain, to get in. They were waiting outside because inside it was already filled to capacity. Our little girl doesn't do so well in huge crowds, plus it was, y'know, RAINING, so we decided to come back another day. After vacation.
My geeky little heart broke a bit. But then rallied when I realized how popular the place is and that made me happy.
So we gave my mom a little tour of the city. Which was fun. The kids were happy (and dry), and the only drawback was that I reallyreallyreally had to pee but there was no place to pull over or park. I was gonna go use one of the restrooms in one of the hotels we passed, but we couldn't get in any the parking lots! It was crazy!
But that's OK. 'Cause I was reminded, once again, that we live near one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And most of the time you can find a bathroom. (One time last year we were in the city and our little guy had to go potty. I ran him across the street to a very nice hotel. The doorman took one look at us and said "Down the hall, on the right." Guess he deals with a lot of that, lol!)
Anyway, I'll keep you posted on the Acad. O' Sciences thing. Meanwhile, it's back to school tomorrow! (Cue "The Hallelujah Chorus!")
My geeky little heart broke a bit. But then rallied when I realized how popular the place is and that made me happy.
So we gave my mom a little tour of the city. Which was fun. The kids were happy (and dry), and the only drawback was that I reallyreallyreally had to pee but there was no place to pull over or park. I was gonna go use one of the restrooms in one of the hotels we passed, but we couldn't get in any the parking lots! It was crazy!
But that's OK. 'Cause I was reminded, once again, that we live near one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And most of the time you can find a bathroom. (One time last year we were in the city and our little guy had to go potty. I ran him across the street to a very nice hotel. The doorman took one look at us and said "Down the hall, on the right." Guess he deals with a lot of that, lol!)
Anyway, I'll keep you posted on the Acad. O' Sciences thing. Meanwhile, it's back to school tomorrow! (Cue "The Hallelujah Chorus!")
Friday, January 2, 2009
Celebrate Good Times, Come On!
(Man, I LOVED that song in 1980!!!!)
Today is my and Hubby's 8th anniversary. (Although we've actually been together for 14 years. Wow. How did we get so old, lol!) Yes, we got married the day after New Year's. In the living room of his folks' house, surrounded by family, close friends, and dogs. Then we went out to dinner, came home to play "House of the Dead" on Playstation, and went to sleep.
Do we know how to party or what?
A few days later we went to Hawaii for our honeymoon.
With his family.
'Cause his sister was graduation from Hawaii Pacific University.
We DID manage to get a hotel room 3 blocks away from where the rest of the family stayed, though. Just a couple of blocks from Waikiki Beach. Overlooking the construction of the new parking lot.
But, hey, who cared? It was HAWAII!!!!! And I'd never been.
Hubby had. He'd actually lived there while filming a TV series back in the early 90's. Just before we met.
And on Tuesday, my mother is flying out to Hawaii. She's never been. In her 71 years. We, unfortunately, are not able to go with her. But she'll be there with my SIL, her hubby and son, and my MIL and FIL. They have a GORGEOUS house there.
Anyway, back to ME.
So how, you ask, will we be celebrating our anniversary?
By taking the kids to the brand-spankin'-new California Academy of Sciences! 'Cause, y'know, THE KIDS wanna go. Not us. It has NOTHING to do with us. We couldn't care less.
Yeah, RIGHT! I'm so excited I can barely wait!!!! A brand-new aquarium! Albino alligators! Coral reef! Rainforest! Completely self-sustaining building! All in the middle of Golden Gate Park!
MAN, I'm a geek!
I'm also off.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Today is my and Hubby's 8th anniversary. (Although we've actually been together for 14 years. Wow. How did we get so old, lol!) Yes, we got married the day after New Year's. In the living room of his folks' house, surrounded by family, close friends, and dogs. Then we went out to dinner, came home to play "House of the Dead" on Playstation, and went to sleep.
Do we know how to party or what?
A few days later we went to Hawaii for our honeymoon.
With his family.
'Cause his sister was graduation from Hawaii Pacific University.
We DID manage to get a hotel room 3 blocks away from where the rest of the family stayed, though. Just a couple of blocks from Waikiki Beach. Overlooking the construction of the new parking lot.
But, hey, who cared? It was HAWAII!!!!! And I'd never been.
Hubby had. He'd actually lived there while filming a TV series back in the early 90's. Just before we met.
And on Tuesday, my mother is flying out to Hawaii. She's never been. In her 71 years. We, unfortunately, are not able to go with her. But she'll be there with my SIL, her hubby and son, and my MIL and FIL. They have a GORGEOUS house there.
Anyway, back to ME.
So how, you ask, will we be celebrating our anniversary?
By taking the kids to the brand-spankin'-new California Academy of Sciences! 'Cause, y'know, THE KIDS wanna go. Not us. It has NOTHING to do with us. We couldn't care less.
Yeah, RIGHT! I'm so excited I can barely wait!!!! A brand-new aquarium! Albino alligators! Coral reef! Rainforest! Completely self-sustaining building! All in the middle of Golden Gate Park!
MAN, I'm a geek!
I'm also off.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
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