Flight 1450 Canceled

We have been VERY much looking forward to a relaxing, cozy trip to Fort Collins to see Mia, Brooks and Piper. We scheduled our flight to fly in advance of most of the Xmas travelers. We pulled out our warm attire. We did NOT count on Mother Nature's holiday gift. I have no kind words for MN today. Our flight was canceled before we even got up this morning - we could NOT get through to reservations...we actually went to the airport to talk to a human being. I must admit, that the deepest recesses of my soul feared this yesterday when Mia said they were expecting 8 inches. But Mia and whatever weather forecast she heard greatly underestimated the power of this storm. Today NBC is reporting that this is the worst storm they have seen in three years and the Governor of Colorado has declared a state of emergency - which means he could call up the National Guard if he wants.

I want the National Guard at the damn United Airlines desk - either answering phones or training the retards that work the counter at the airport. Who could only tell us to call reservations...we tried to explain that after 3 hours of trying that number made us decide that it might be more efficient to go down there. To which they blankly stared at us and said: "try the number" at this point, I asked if THEY had tried the number because its extremely efficient at the busy signal and the auto disconnect. I asked them to call it with me - they called security. I advised them to call the manager too and see who got there first. For the record, it was the cop - but he didn't even approach us since we hadn't done anything wrong, except talk in a snitty tone (who ME?!) to a retard. We did finally talk to a manager - who was actually great. I told him that it was awesome to talk to a person. We wished him a Merry Christmas and we left.

Anyway. We're home. Maybe we will go next week. Maybe I shall start making an annual pilgrimage in the summer..and let Mia send us pictures like these on days when we aren't scheduled to fly.

From the ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME files

World's Tallest Man Saves the Life of Dolphins
Ok - first of all -have you seen this story about the world's tallest man saving two dolphins in China?! I KNOW - it sounds like the start of a bad joke...but as they say: truth is stranger than fiction...the "long and short of it" (ha ha!!) is that because his arms are so long, he was able to reach into the bellys of these dolphins and pull out the plastic that was making them sick. I swear to GOD I am not making this up. Nuts.

Witchcraft is contagious
Here is one that ticked me off: According to the American Library Association, Harry Potter books have been challenged (that means someone thinks they are unfit to be in a library) 115 times since 2000. That makes them THE MOST CHALLENGED BOOKS IN THE 21st CENTURY. Yep. I mean why not, right? If your a proponent of restricting free speech, why not start with imaginative and mystical stories like Harry Potter? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! People, have you read these blasphemous tomes? PLEASE. But, we can thank the Christian Right ONE more time for their assurances to all of this will lead to witchcraft, and then, THEN, we will all have to live through something akin to the Salem Witch hunts all over again...and good, LORD was that a messy time. How about we all just take a deep breath and worry about something important?

Two Pronged Attempt to Rid Us of Our Evils
This one is so rich, I can't even comment - even I am left speechless. In Missouri, a special (state) house committee was formed to address the issue of the state's increasing immigrant population. Guess what they discovered?The have found the source of all evil: abortion. This group of Rhodes Scholars blamed much of their state's acquiescence to illegal immigration on the fact that since Roe v. Wade in 1973, 80,000 potential Missourians have been aborted, thus helping to create job vacancies for aliens. Yah. We can thank Missouri for its continued willingness to vote and allow the open mindedness of their local politicians to seep into our national landscape.

Bunch'a Scrouges
I was reading the paper the other day...there was a letter to the editor. Actually, it was a rant to the editor about all these insensitive and unaware losers who put up lots of Christmas lights on their homes and waste energy and add to global warming. This was only a couple of weeks after WalMart changed their minds about "banning Christmas" in their stores. This week in Riverside, CA a city worker told a group of carolers to stop singing at an event where Olympian skater Sasha Cohen was performing. The city worker told the carolers that Sasha Cohen might be offended. What is NEXT? I mean, c'mon. I learned earlier this year, that my soon-to-be niece Paige, can't refer to Halloween at school, they have a little "fall festival" each year, because some people fine Halloween offensive. She asked me: "Why would anyone be offended by Halloween?!" I seriously had no answer at the time (I now know it was the same people who object to Harry books..). How sad - there are children growing up today who will never know the joy of feeling sick to their stomachs at school Halloween and Christmas parties...because in their schools these holidays don't exist...holidays that are really all about children..but a bunch of adults decided that these holidays are offensive. Ugh. What's next?! Birthdays?

And that, is all the weird news that completely threw me off this week.

Light Rail Relief?!

I am and was a full supporter of the light rail expansion in Phoenix area. I also always vote for more freeways too...because I can see the difference that the creation of SR51, SR101 and the SR143..and because we can barely make roads fast enough, I really wanted the light rail. While it makes sense that the first phase of the light rail enhance the development of ASU with providing students a direct route...I would love to see more of it (hello, Voters...are you listening?!!! Are you REGISTERED?) Take a look at where light rail is approved to go already...and where someday, about 20 years from now, we might approve it. Do you people have ANY idea of how much space this DOESN'T cover? The irony is that the fastest growing areas, are the outlying areas, the people who do the most driving..and light rail isn't even on the radar there....nothing out by the stadium...nothing in Chandler/Mesa/Gilbert and nothing for downtown Scottsdale, let alone North Scottsdale...or the new shopping mall (with a Nordstroms and other "shi shi" stores) at 56th St, north of the 101.
What'a bummer.
Pretty soon, walking will be the fastest way to get somewhere....including L.A.

I'm a Super Hero...and so are you!

You are Green Lantern
Hot-headed.You have strong will power and a good imagination.

Green Lantern		85%
Supergirl		83%
Wonder Woman		83%
Spider-Man		70%
Iron Man		65%
Hulk		65%
Catwoman		60%
The Flash		55%
Robin		35%
Superman		35%
Batman		15%

Which Super Hero Are YOU?! Click Here!!

ROCK the Vote

Hopefully you voted today...KNOCK ON WOOD that lots of people did. If you ever thought your vote didn't count, this election is the one where you will see your vote hard at work.

Virtually all the states had propositions ranging from Gay Marriage and Domestic Benefits, to legalization of Marijuna (while further criminalizing smoking, by the way) and because the Supreme Court voiced its opinion on eminent domain - lots of states had propositions on that issue....its truly an exciting time to be voting. Honest to GOD, I say that without a twinge of irony...this is the stuff of our day-to-day lives, people..it is why your vote counts...and making your vote count 20X over is why it is so important to vote your beliefs for House and Senate representatives. I hate to get on my soap box, but honest to god, when you wear your "I voted" sticker and people say "Oh?! Was there an election today?" It really makes you want to just poke yourself in the neck with an extremely sharp object.

Arizona had some highlights: we voted on a proposition that would entitle all people who vote to participate in a 1Million Dollar Lottery. Its an effort to get people to the polls. I don't really think it will increase voter participation...after all, voting really isn't any harder than buying a lottery ticket, and people STILL don't. In Arizona, we can vote early, by mail-in ballot and we register when we renew our car registration...and people STILL don't vote. Consequently, since I vote for every election in which I am eligible, I voted for it - I'm thinking I might just be a millionaire in my life yet. My odds are WAY better there than at my local convienence store. As for the argument....I know...stupid voters do none of us any good...but I'm still betting that uneducated voters are too lazy to vote. Keep your fingers crossed for me and my million bucks...my next investment step is to go on "Deal or No Deal"...

We also elected a Democrat Governor again. I mean after a couple of Republican crooks, a governor more concerned with balancing her hair-do than the budgte and one who was actually IMPEACHED, we decided to stick once again with this lady-who looks like she might be able to beat the Cardinals at their own game - who balanced our budget and made education a priority (AZ is right up there with Alabama in terms of education), our leader for 4 more years...it didn't make the news where you live because we all knew that even if she got hit by a bus she STILL would have beat "Len "What's His Name" Munsil".

The most disapointing thing about election in AZ this year was two things: the particularly nasty nature of some of the propositions (hateful and anti-choice), and the especially nasty campaigning (thanks to our incumbents in the Senate (Kyl) and the House (Hayworth) who were apparently feeling the heat. I was also personally disappointed the Senator McCain, who I have greatly admired, bowed to right-wing nuts and endorsed the prop against Domestic Benefits. I can forgive him for endorsing Kyl - I mean, after all, he is considered the front runner for the Republican nominee in '08 - and really, he has to stroke the Republicans until then...but a local prop and a hateful, short-sited one at that...I was personally exceptionally disappointed. I'm a little bummed at how much he is bending under the pressure of right-wingers to get the nomination...I mean, we loved him because he was a MAVERICK. A HERO (military and political). Can we get that McCain back for the next couple of years?

Anyway - Thank local Arizonan Steve Benson's commentary on voting for today's entertaining cartoon. I don't always agree with our local Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoonist, but I agree with him here.

In Celebration of All Things Beautiful

Welcome Sydney Kamea Griffiths. Born October 28th.
Beautiful, perfect daughter of Kimberly and Brian Griffiths (many of you saw Kim and proud Daddy Brian glowing at our engagement party).

Take a moment to think about all things beautiful and pure in your own lives.

Priceless Wedding Advice

I have gotten ALOT of advice about weddings as of late...and most of it is pretty mundane - but I got some tonight that was just TOO RICH not to pass on. Soda came flying out of my mouth and my nose...as all I could do was imagine having to find out how deadly well-intentioned and innocent "quick fixes" can be.

All identifying information has been changed to protect the innocent. .

Allow me to set the scene: the discussion is about heat in April in Phoenix, and the fact that it CAN get quite warm in April in Phoenix. My (nameless) friend asked: "is your dress strapless?" and I innocently said "yes, why?" We talked for a minute about why its MUCH better to have sleeveless as opposed to the showcase for sweat stains that a long sleeve dress in heat could be..and then she said... I never saw this coming..I swear:

"well, you'll be fine. Just don't put powder on - as I did - and make gravy."

Excellent advice. Most excellent I have had all day.

There is nothing I could possibly add that would make that any funnier to me.

Football Weekend Through a Woman's Eyes

Having a steady man in your life has a nice perk, rediscovered this weekend: Football.

I genuinely like football, but I fiercely hate the Cardinals, which made it all the sweeter when Jeff's team, the Raiders (I know, bunch of THUGS), (0-5) beat the AZ Cardinals(1-4), making both teams 1-5. Stellar records there for both teams. Not the NFL football highlight for anyone. Anyway, all of us in Arizona are SO glad that we got that brand new stadium in the middle of a corn field, with dirt parking lots for this FANTASTIC team (and thier FANTASIC owner). And if you don't know...the AZ Cardinals used to play in Sun Devil Stadium..they(Bidwell clan) HATED that - they felt it was beneath them...never mind its hosted more championships (with the Fiesta Bowl AND the Superbowl) than the AZ Cardinals have ever even played in during thier long boring history. For the record, the tax payers helped pay for the new stadium....so the Bidwells got a sponsor for the stadium...who? PHOENIX (insert expletive here) COLLEGE! Yah! They had to get away from the miserable embarassment of playing in a college stadium..so they could rename one (that WE paid for) the name of ANOTHER (for-profit) college. Ah, yes. It's mighty rich indeed. I hate the Cardinals.

HOWEVER....Jeff ALSO attended ASU...so we go to ASU games and I get my football fix. Jeff is more of a fan than I, in the sense that he can actually name the past 4 quarterbacks...and my commentary is usually limited to the fact that the ASU dance team appears to have different songs in thier own heads..leaving me to wonder if they even have a future in stripping...ANYWAY...Football, we are talking about FOOTBALL. WELL - ASU(4-3) WON THIS WEEKEND. Exciting it was - even though it was against lowly Stanford (0-5), who are last place in the Pac-10..but sweet it was because it was also homecoming (how many homecoming games get scheduled around the Stanford schedule??). It was exciting because it was the first winning game that Jeff and I have been to in sometime...also made even better by the fact that it was NOT 100+ degrees outside.

Several games last year we sat in the nosebleeds (read: row 800), sitting in the sun the entire game; at one game I got a tan that literally lasted 2 months so deep it was. Last year's last straw was when we ran out of water (as in the entire stadium) before the 2nd quarter was over...leaving me to scream "WHO IS RUNNING THIS OPERATION? FEMA?!!!!) Kind of brutal in Phoenix (still not sure why we can't catch a break and get some night games..). We had to leave the stadium to go get water and HUGE cups of ice. ANYway, this year we didn't go all out for season tickets, but I did buy tickets to all the PAC-10 games...and I was SO TOTALLY jazzed. And here is why:
1) our seats get shade by the 2nd half: this is highly prized, as only about 1/8th of the entire stadium gets shade at all!
2) our seats are in row 24
3) our seats are across from the student section (read: fun to watch, but not sit near).
4) our seats are VERY close to a large variety of concessions (including water!!)
5) our seats are close to the bathrooms!!! (WEEEEEEEEEEEEE)
6) our seats are close to the entrance (and exit!!)
7) the sun is at our BACK the entire game (as opposed to facing it for 4 quarters)
Here is why Jeff doesn't like our seats:
1) they aren't on the 50 yard line
2) they aren't in loge seating

I mean, people...do NOT accuse ME of being high maintenence! I buy all these tickets, and give it some thought and everything...and he doesn't like our seats. Next year, I am buying him 50 yardline tickets...TO THE CARDINALS. Actually, I think I will save the money and just buy 1 - no one will go with him anyway.

I FEEL LIKE ESCAPING - thank god for AVATARS!!

Wedding Scratching Post "Part Un"

OK - I swore this wasn't going to be the scratching post for my wedding...unfortunately for all of you (or the one of you) who read this particular post and possibly for all others that follow...I have GOT to vent. For the record: I also SWORE I didn't want any drama attached to my wedding...and that possibility has been eliminated as well...so I say "what the hell...throw caution to the wind!!"

Remember last post that said life has taken over my life? What I neglected to tell you, was that the way I have chosen to deal with this is to be very, VERY disciplined with my time (thus, lack of blogging)...in other words, to work when I need to work, to schedule meetings so I miss very little work, to plan ahead and make sure I can be where I need to be, or not do it at all. What this means is that when things change in my schedule, I find it VERY hard to be gracious...as I am working VERY hard to make sure everything gets done..for work, for wedding...for workouts (see posting re: time sucks) including my real life...which includes friends (or those I will have left after planning a wedding).

SO...in between the wedding planning chaos...I have decided that I could really use a wedding planner for the day-of and to possibly get me through the stress of that last week when details seem to be piling up (as if they aren't already)....and a particular planner came highly recommended, and described to be as approachable in cost and personality. Sounds like MY KIND of girl...I was trying to limit the phone tag, so I thought that I would spend some time with her, and if she wasn't in the budget or I didn't like her, I would go elsewhere. Please allow me to preface... I really didn't want to hire a wedding planner so that I could complicate my life even further with phone tag and canceled appointments... Well...wedding season in AZ is pretty much October and April...suffice to say..she is a little busy..none the less..we played phone tag for well over a week....when we finally connected, we agreed to meet - 2 weeks later (that would be tomorrow). TODAY - she left me a message with a long message about how she would like to reschedule, blah, blah blah....UGH...this came 5 minutes after Jeff canceled the regularly scheduled Thursday night date (which is in a couple of hours). LET ME CLARIFY: Anyone who tells a bride that during this time it is "all about her" really means that its about her as long as it fits into everyone else's timeframe and conveience. No one cuts any slack. Its like "what's the big deal? I'm busy too!" THIS IS WHY BRIDEZILLA WAS BORN, people..this is IT.

Regarding the wedding planner...I am meeting with another....I...I'm not sure what to do about the fiance.

Colbert, Steinem and Fonda

HILARIOUS! Hysterical irony.

I'm BAAAAAAAACK!

bAnd only ONE person!! ONE person missed me. To that one person, let me say this: your daughter is perfect and she has AMAZING parents..

On to ME! I haven't been here in sometime due to several constraints on my time...they are, in order of time-suck:
1) Work
2) Wedding
3) Working Out
A word about each in the order of appearance above:
1) nutty...busiest time of year and nutty, nutty, nutty. FREAKING NUTTY
2) Do you REALIZE how time consuming it is to plan a wedding!? WHOLLY WHITE WEDDING batman! I bet I spend 20 hours a MONTH doing this.
3) Are you FREAKING KIDDING ME?! You want me to do WHAT?! This nut case (in this context my trainer) wants me to work out twice a day..yah. He suggested that..OUTLOUD. I didn't even TRY and promise him THAT would happen.

What I am getting at here people, is that life has taken over my life. There is not as much time for Project Runway (this season's brainless TV favorite from the view of MY couch)..and I am not seeing NEAR enough of the people who don't read this blog (aka friends) and really..I mean....its NUTS.

Anyway - I wanted to share some interesting things I have come across recently:
www.jimhjelm.com
www.billlevkoff.com
www.barijay.com

Fascinating. Aren't they?

See why my mind is mush? Did someone say something about North Korea? What was it that I heard?
Anyway....of to plan the wedding. The honeymoon isn't in North Korea, although I hear its BEAUTIFUL in May.

Another Entry From the "I'm so old" Category

You have probably seen the emails that float around each year about how a particular class of students (graduating seniors, or incoming college freshman) experience our culture and how many things that are consider cultural turning points that the majority of people alive remember are barely recalled by this generation, and conversely, how items of everyday existence for these kids are baffling to many of us.

Did you know that it is an actual annual study?! Me neither. I just figured some clever person floated that email every year...well...that's pretty much the case, but its more official. Its called the Beloit College Mindset List and its just been released for the college graduating class of 2010. Its a fun read and really puts it into perspective. My favorite: they grew up getting lost in "big box" stores! Poor kids!

These kids share something with me: they only remember two presidents. George W. Bush was voted out of office when they were 4 years old. For most of my coming of age years, we only had two presidents too: Ronald Reagen and George W. Bush; and George W. Bush was in the White House the entire time. Think about it...I was really WOWED when a Democrate took office. There had ALWAYS been a Republican there as far as I could remember. One of my first political memories is the release of the hostages from Iran...and most people's opinion of the timing of their release.

Take a few minutes to connect to that link. It migjt make you feel old. But maybe it will also remind you of when you were a college freshman and how you experienced the world then. Maybe, just maybe it will make you feel young again for just a minute.

Thank GOD its Friday

So you know its going to be a long week when your first concious thought is "Thank GOD its Friday." and your second concious thought is "Oh. Damn. Its Monday." Yep, that's how my day began. Then, I left my razor on the counter, so while I was all sudsy, I had to jump out of the "steamy-and-not-nearly-long-enough-not-Friday-morning shower." Next I had Monday-itis which in my case is a clear diagnoses of not being able to focus - I struggled through the day and survived it.

I guess tomorrow will be better...seeing that its one day closer to Friday.

Enjoy your Tuesday.

Wedding Characters Arrive

WOW - So I had two realizations this week: I have SO much to do....and while I keep thinking time is on my side..I'm feeling a little panicky. I guess I have felt this way about every 6 weeks since we started this journey. So that makes about twice since we got engaged. So, considering I haven't gone absolutely BRIDEZILLA yet I think I am holding it together quite nicely. Indeed.



I DID have an "event planner" moment this week. One of those moments where finally the creative juices are stirring...and you go "DUH!! That would AWESOME!" The first time I had that moment was when I saw that you can buy doggie tuxes..and I begged, BEGGED Jeff to let Rudy walk down the aisle. He put his foot down. So I thought I would appeal to my Mom. She was absolutely NO help what-so-ever - I felt completely abondoned by the love of my life...and my OWN flesh and blood. I mean...really? Right? Ok. So I let it go. This one, which I will not reveal,...I will work and work and find a "Great Idea!" anywhere I can get it. Here's why: its completely appropriate, not to mention beautiful..not a budget buster...and UNIQUE. AND - everyone but my Mom and Jeff keep reminding me that it is MY day. Huh. Is it that they fear if they give an inch, I shall take the proverbial mile? Is it that they are trying to put-off the Bridezilla moments and don't want to put such a wildly nutty idea into my head? Well..I'm not giving it up. Nope. I'm not. Its not a Bridezilla moment...its a LEO moment (notice both characters have claws, by the way). Its a "why I went into sales" moment...its a "My Daddy gave me my way 1 too many times" moment...its a "I didn't hear that two letter word" moment. In short...its a totally "T" moment. Game On. And considering that no-one ever reads this blog...its a moment that I feel safe to express into the depths of oblivion. So - I shall update you on my progess...after all...its a marathon not a sprint. But damn - its a fast moving marathon. Which is quicker...a Leo or a Bridezilla?

MTV Turns 25 This Week

Feeling old yet? Yep. Me too. I remember MTV in bits and spots...Mom and Dad wouldn't let us have cable..so I would go to my friend Amy's...and stare at the cool people in cool clothes, dancing in a cool way..and oh, there was music too. I remember seeing Tom Petty and thinking "he is the ugliest man alive!!" I mean there is a man for whom MTV really didn't do any favors. Mark Goodman (remember him? One of the first VJ's) says the Madonna-MTV relationship was very symbiotic...they both benefited immensely.. Same goes for Michael Jackson...as a child of the '80's I would DEFINATELY have to agree...MTV very heavily influenced the cool factor of both of those two iconic entertainers!

Do you realize thier average viewer today is 20? They don't even REMEMBER "Like a Virgin" or "Thriller" and they certianly don't know who the hell Mark Goodman is...and even more to the point...they don't even remember MTV. You know what I mean..the REAL MTV without "Real World" "Brittney and Kevin Chaos" (or whatever it was called)...they don't know why it was called MUSIC TELEVISION!! Do you realize that?!

THEN:
Music..videos
NOW:
Celebrity TV

THEN:
Micheal Jackson makes history in '83 by being first black musician on MTV
NOW:
TRY and find a music channel without a black guy. Go ahead..I dare you to try.

THEN:
"Like a Virgin" is a scandelous song title and video
NOW:
Oh, how we long for our innocence

THEN:
Mark Goodman = HOT
NOW
Damien (who knows his last name)=DORK.

THEN:
Blondie
NOW:
Pussy Cat Dolls

It all leads to this:
THEN:
MTV breaking entertainment and social ground
NOW:
Desperately trying to keep up with the "crazy kids" of today

Here's more of "then and now" for you, straight off the MTV site, music of then and now

"Betch'a wish your MTV was hot like me...Betcha wish your MTV was nasty like me...."

Today's Advice

Brainstorm.
Forget.
Laugh. Giggle.

Rules,
Schmools
Express....?!$@&*
Don't Not...

Today's wisdom: spend 45 seconds a day on the following site:

www.mrpicassohead.com

Here's my version of Taracasso (click link)

This is your special treat for visiting my blog today.
THANK YOU.

2006 Best Places to Live..and Love

Well, the words out...according to CNNMoney.com Scottsdale is #7 on the top places to live..taking into account such things as life-style and weather (notable in the article: 3 months of the year) and it certianly wasn't picked for its super affordable life-style (note the 300K fixer-upper in South Scottsdale)..but its "easy" to get a job here (almost 100% employment)...and, the night life is of course mentioned, as is the greenbelt. Not mentioned that is AWESOME about living here: The Mcdowell Mountians (I never knew what purple mountian majesty meant before I moved here)...Resorts (hey, the locals can enjoy too!) and great dining and shopping and of course, the proximity to things Phoenix: Camelback Mountain, Best Pizza in the Country (according to noted food critics) Pizzario Bianco and some fun-to-watch sports teams: Diamondbacks and Suns!

Also on the list: Shout Out to Fort Collins which is where Mia lives! Not mentioned in that article: proximity to AWESOME skiing and the Fat Tire Brewery!

Not at ALL on the list: Green Bay. Huh.

News of the Day

First, let me thank everyone for the overwhelming response to my last posting where I invited everyone to participate in an interesting ethical conundrum.

So I wanted to talk about the news of the day, as appears on CNN..and which I actually read. FIRST OF ALL: Where is Suri? I mean forget about Iraq, Korea and bombings in India. I mean where is Suri Cruise?! Why haven't we seen her? GAG! I did however watch the video...which goes into this long mysterious story about her birth certificate being filed 20 days after her birth and how signed it, BLAH BLAH BLAH. I mean there is no mystery...Tom Cruise is a freak and he still has his daughter wrapped in a cocoon - literally.

On to Futbol which I have never watched before-but since Jeff is a soccer fantatic (hey,not everyone can be interesting ALL the time) I watched (that is a loose term for napped) most of the final on Sunday. And for those of you who didn't see it...a famous French Soccer player (Zidane) HEADBUTTED an Italian player during the freaking final. Now all that chat is WHY? What did the Italian say to him to make him absolutely snap? The rumor has been that the Italian called him an Arab terrorist. The Italian player (Matterazi) today came out to say he DID insult Zidane, but he catagorically denies calling him a terrorist: "I'm not cultured and I don't even know what an Islamic terrorist is."

WHAT?! Clearly this guy does NOT read the CNN page.

Vote on Today's Ethical Dilemma

In this month's Chronical of Philanthropy, a feature article asked the question about what a major university should do with its unspent $1 Million donation. The donation was made with donated Enron stock long before the collapse of Enron. Since the Enron collapse, many people affiliated with the university have called for the return of the money. Obviously the article was published before yesterday's news of Kenneth Lay's passing.

A special note: DeLay himself, twice since his arrest, asked the university to redirect the funds; once to Katrina victims and once to pay for impending legal fees. Both times the university declined; contractually, it had every right to do so.

So today's ethical connundrum: Does the passing of Ken DeLay complicate the ethical issue faced by the University? What do YOU think the University should do?

Here's an article: Kenneth DeLay's Last Financial Fiasco
Here's another with an interesting suggestion: Other Uses For the Money

IF AT LEAST TWO PEOPLE RESPOND..I WILL POST MY THOUGHTS ON THE ISSUE (this is a promise, not a threat, smart alecks!)

Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

Mindless Summer Chatter

Meet me in Summer 'o6 Avatar form...wishing for both a pool and cooler weather (in the form of Penguins) to escape this Arizona summer. I mean..it is SO damn hot here this year..June was the hottest in history-although we escaped breaking the hottest day on record (120 in June '90). I changed my hair slightly blonder for summer too..but the Avatar doesn't QUITE get it right.

I'm looking forward to a trip to Green Bay in a couple of weeks...to see family and get out of this weather. I think it feesl hotter because it was so gorgeous in Montreal..even though it rained all the time while I was there.

Hope its cool where you are!

Notes From Montreal

I have been a visitor in Montreal for two days now, but everyone I meet treats me like an old friend. The first welcome I had was Olympic Stadium, which was litup as if it were expecting the flame to return at any moment. From the sky it was beautiful.

The city (what I have seen of it) is completely enchanting. There is an old-world elegance, combined with modern conveinences, the people are the well-documented and friendly Canadians with beautiful French ways.

I have taken the metro to the Palaise de Congress (Convention Center - sounds so much more beautiful in French) for the past two days..and today I navigated the underground world of the Metro while I was lost. I got off at the right station, but I took a wrong turn and ended up...I don't know where, but an underground mall. There is an entire city, and even culture underneath this city. Its easy to navigate (even for moi, directionally challenged and despite the last story) and I personally feel triumphant for venturing beyond the world of taxis. Speaking of taxis, I did take one from the airport..and anyone who has ever traveled with me knows, I delight in talking with the drivers..here...my driver, Costas, was Greek(not the usual eastern European, or Middle Eastern) and consistent with Canadian folklore, so friendly. He is a Raiders fan (like Jeff) and a former semi pro Soccer player (also like Jeff) who had me laughing all the way to the hotel, and already missing Jeff.

I digress...I stumbled upon this hip area tonight, I think its called St. Catherines...the closest comparison I can make is a hipper Mill Avenue. It was young and vibrant and diverse. There was everything from cool boutiques, to inexpensive cafes to strip joints. It felt very alive there. Whenever I am in a city alone, I imagine what I would be doing if I were with friends or family. If I had been here with the girls, we would eat and shop our way through St. Catherines. The city is alive with romance, I can imagine Jeff and I wandering...just to see what we found.

Tonight, my client canceled dinner at the last minute..so I found a small Thai restuarant, the girl who waited on me spoke French, Thai and more English than I speak of either. The place was empty when I walked in, save for a couple who was clearly visiting from the USA. Within only a couple of minutes though, several large groups from Malaysia walked in and the entire place jumped with thier excited chatter. (I know they were from Malaysia, because I saw them at the convention today - they almost robbed me of my entire stock of Debry Ducks). I felt better when I saw them come in, with a local guide no-less...and then, my food came and even though I had plenty..I am left wanting more.

The city is also VERY clean. Even the Metro (apparently the Metro boasts some beautiful stations: none of which are mine, but you should see some of them! Again..even the Metro is polite, in an elegant French-Canadian way. While its a big city and the people have that big-city stare, they don't run you down or shove, and when you say "excuse' moi" they smile and say "bon" as if they are thanking you for excusing yourself. I feel very safe as well. Safer than most cities I have been in. I think part of it is that it is definately a walking city. There really isn't any congestion on the streets, because everyone is walking. Its so totally different from Phoenix in another way too: its HUMID! Oh! I can feel the humidity everywhere, in in the Palais de Congress...and especially in the Metro and today in my hotel room when yesterday's snack (potato chips) were soft in the bag.

Also! This week is Jazz Festival (Etta James and BB King are playing) and Canada Day is Saturday, so the street where my hotel is will be closed for a parade!! Also, this city LOVES F1 racing, from what I can see, Ferrari is the local favorite (even though Jacque Villanueve races for BMW). Also - because the World Cup is going on, everyone is waving the flag of the country for whom they are fans. Its like being in Europe, without the 10 hour flight....

Unfortunately, I am here for work, alone. So there is MUCH of the city that I would like to see, but I know I won't. Although, after I breakdown the booth on Saturday, I have promised myself a walking tour of Old Montreal, which I am assured is beautiful if only for its architechture. I want to come back here one day, with people who would love seeing it and exploring it with me. It's a fabulous city full of friends.

Thought for the Day

GOT MILK?

Piper Marlee Ramsey Does.

Ode to Father's Day

Its been three years since I had a reason to celebrate Father's Day...but gratefully, the celebration of all things "Daddy" is still with me...for some reason or another this week caught me pulling down the box of items that contains all the cards I received from people when my Dad passed. I kept them because many of them contained amazing wisdom and I felt that by keeping that wisdom with me - it would somehow be contained within me (you decide) but all of the cards contained exceptional kindness. If you sent me a card during that time - its still with me...and I cried as I re-read it this week. Also in the box are the cards that I gave my Dad over the last couple of years (yes, rat-packness runs in the family) which HE kept. There were Father's Day cards, and "just because" cards and truly grateful "thank you" cards. They all said the same thing: I admire you, I love you. And, I still do.

Tonight I went past the house. The house where we were most a family - laughed the most, cried the most, celebrated the most...the house on Helena..its also the house my Dad passed away in. I sat there - I talked with my Dad-I asked him to be thankful for all the beautiful things in my life. I thanked him for his spirit which is still with me. I wished he were here to send me off on the next journey of my life: marriage with my soul mate.

I miss my Dad. Terribly. Everyday. I rejoice that I still miss him. I pick the scab once in awhile to remind myself of my incredible good fortune. My Dad would be proud of my life today. He would say " I never thought it would be any different." But that's the thing: he knew it even when I didn't. He would be proud and excited for me that my future Father-in-Law is a man who I am honored to call "Dad" and would have been thrilled to share that title with a man who so wonderfully deserved such an honorific title. And he would have loved Jeff. He would have known why I love Jeff.

My Dad would have reveled in being a Grandfather..and Piper would have followed in a line of "his ladies" in which his world revolved.

All things beautiful are remembered once a year: love. parents. life. If we are really fortunate, we remember them more than once a year...and we celebrate them when we have them. My good fate has allowed me so much joy in my life, how can I NOT celebrate Father's Day. I hope you will all have the same joy in your hearts on Sunday -whether you are celebrating your father, a father figure or your own fatherhood.

Love,
-T.

Madonna Review

So - tonight was the night! Let me first say that Madonna did not disappoint and our seats were pretty awesome. Madonna had the usual (hot, gorgeous) dancers, numerous disco balls, and of course, what would a Madonna concert be without a cross making an appearance? I have to say though that I would prefer that Madonna stay out of the trend of making political statements through live performances...I mean, when I went to see U2 - I knew I would be signing up for Bono's "ONE" showcase, and really - I wouldn't expect anything else. But MADONNA? I mean, she drops to the floor in a gigantic disco, rocks the stage with a song from "Confessions" drops straight into "Like a Virgin" while riding a horse saddle-ala-carousel in a manner that let's just say, doesn't suggest virginity. She is awesome to watch, that amazing athletic dance queen. All the more amazing that its clear she DOES actually sing her songs (thanks to the 82+degrees tempature that she insists on to save her voice.) This is the point in the show where she shows up on a cross...as I said...I expected something along those lines....Then she takes us all down a notch with songs I can't recall because I was too busy gaping at the 12' screens showcasing starving children in Africa, dead dolphins, world chaos ala volcanos all the while watching a count of soon-to-be parentless children (12 million for those who are counting along with Madonna) and then some web links to foundations she feels address these very important issues. And they ARE important issues, but the thing is - this is the show that was supposed to turn the world into one giant dance floor...are you on a downer yet? I was a little, I have to say...this montage was follow by a couple of mellow songs...immediately followed by a totally ironic and KICKING disco montage complete with white suit ala John Travolta and the entire Saturday Night Live disco dance ---I mean, it was HILARIOUS..and ironic and fun. At this point, as an audience we who have paid through the nose are admonished for not dancing enough. Huh? Give me a minute Madge, its 90 degrees in here and I have just come back from some pretty depressing 12' images. The rest of the show from there totally picked up and included "Lucky Star" complete with a lighted cape! Lots of tunes from Confessions....and then...no encore. Nope. I guess PHX didnt get down enough. I mean she has released 11 albums, it wasn't for lack of material. THAT was a bit of a bummer. The show was 2 hours...another 15 minutes in our now approaching 100 degree arena would have been nice touch.
Now - don't get me wrong - I'm glad I went. She's 47 for god's sake, she hasn't been here since "Like a Virgin" tour and I am getting harder and harder pressed to pay through the nose to drive out the Glendale "Hell Hole" arena. The show was a spectacular of sound and sight. She sounds AWESOME and I got to be 12 again for a few minutes. And indeed - I was 12 again. To the point of jumping up and down like a little girl when Jeff caught me a gold balloon dropped from the ceiling (this is a tradition for us, if it drops from the sky at a concert/show - Jeff catches it for his beloved). Not so sure thought that I would have BROUGHT my 12 y/o like many other did...it was quite an impact seeing her act it all out on stage while dropping the "F-bomb" at every turn...I wasn't offended, but I wouldn't want to explain it all to my daughter, I will tell you that!
Here's a couple of reviews for your reading pleasure:
Entertainment Weekly

Chicago Sun Times

Daily Mail (UK)

As for me - its another thing that was on my list of things to do before I'm 30. Now that I am 33, it was long over due. Glad I did it. I'm putting looking as good as Madonna on my list of things to do before I'm 40!!

YAH-HOO!!

Good news announced today: Kim is moving back to Phoenix from Boston! Her husband has completed dental school and they plan on staying here for a couple of years! AS A BONUS: that means that I will get to meet "Baby Griffiths" soon after "it" is born.

Kim is already packing and I am already getting her a "virgin" margarita!

SEE YOU SOON!

Bride-zilla Update

It was a wedding weekend. I mean, wedding planning weekend. No - we did not elope. Although it was discussed.

On Saturday - it was 112 (yes, degrees) and Jeff and I ran around town looking at potential reception sites..GOD it was hot. Jeff was a great sport...and we confirmed that there will NOT be a wedding in PHX in June. Anyway we are very close to a decision..and as soon as we set a date, everyone will get a "save the date" card. You will know the date ALMOST as soon as we do!

On Sunday - Mom and I went to a wedding tradeshow. YEP - Its NUTS that a former event planner, let alone one who has to attend FAR too many tradeshows as part of her job, WILLINGLY chose to attend this debacle. Stick with me here, because the description of this day is RICH. First of all, let me state: I could NOT be more excited to be marrying Jeff..I'm luckier than I deserve to be with this man...and I can't believe that he feels the same. You see, its getting married to Jeff, more than planning a wedding, that I am excited about. If I could just blink my eyes and have everyone I love there, standing witness while I promised my love to Jeff, that would be awesome. That is not to be - so wedding tradeshow I go.
WHAT A FREAK'N SCENE: Some attendees left their manners at the door..I was literally almost knocked on my feet twice by VERY determined attendees. I wonder if Emily Post has a book about attending wedding tradeshows? Meanwhile, I am trying to avoid further injury from a papercut from some flyer that is being shoved into your hand by an exhibitor who believes that is an acceptable marketing strategy. Then there were these women there who were literally STILL jumping up and down about being engaged..leaving me wondering, "Did they get engaged HERE?!". There is TONS of cake samples (like we need cake when a white dress is in our futures), although I have to say, someone DID have the grace to tell me that there was frosting on my face (he he)!! You could listen to a Frank Sinatra wanna be crooning at you while you walked by - he wasn't so good - it was a little embarrassing to witness the real-life version of the "Wedding Singer". I DID get a "future Mrs. Coomans" shirt made in Rhinestones..its a special order so it will here in a couple of weeks...Mom bought for me and Jeff nearly collapsed with joy when I told him. (Hey, I told you - if Madonna can do it, so can I.) Mom came with me...God Bless her, MOTB responsibilies this is not one...and she was a great sport about it.

So after being engaged for an entire 2 weeks this is what I have learned:
1) all men who get engaged are shocked to learn that planning a wedding happens immediately and that there is no rest for the weary.
2) all married women want to plan YOUR wedding (because they had so much fun planning thiers?!)
3) I swear to god, its OK to ask me about something other than the wedding.
4) I'm still not used to referring to Jeff as my fiance, I got some good advice: "boyfriend who I am going to marry."
5) everyone is as terrified as I am about Bride-zilla possibilities and has told me to watch the show on TV. Hm.

Houdini Rudy

Remember that famous escape artist (the David Blaine of his time) named Houdini?! Yah - he apparently has come back in the form of a Jack Russell Terrier named Rudy! That dog that all of you referred to as "SAUSAGE DOG" has lost quite a bit of wieght over the last year and this weekend decided it was time to show off his svelte new physique.
We together visited Jeff this weekend at his house...and Jeff has a doggie door. So when we left on Sunday morning, we made sure the gate was locked and the doggie door was open. Now - anyone who has ever owned a dog (let alone met mine) knows that the joy of ownership is all in the grand "HELLO" when you come home. And when you DON'T get attacked the minute you walk in the door - you immediately begin to wonder what the HECK is going on. As did I when Rudy did not greet us at the door..at all. I was pretty freaked out....I'll tell you people. Fortunately, his friendly demeanor was not missed on Jeff's nieghbors and someone found him and called me immediately! THANK GOD! A near miss to be sure. BUT - once he was home..I needed to know how it could possibly have happened. So tested an impossible theory: that he slipped through the bars on the gate. I mean they are ONLY about 3 inches apart. But that little sh*t got through the bars...he has to squeeze and shimmy - but can you believe it?! If he hadn't lost all that wieght - there is no WAY he could have done it...What's worse - a fat dog..or a very determined skinny one name Rudy. I'm not quite sure...but I just gave him his third doggie treat of the day.

It's Official

You KNOW its for real because it took me over a week to post the news of Jeff's and my engagement. The reason its taken this long..is that the wedding has already taken over my life..I have a GIGANTIC binder already...complete with spreadsheets and comparisons..and ANGST. Let me lay it out for you: I planned events - but NEVER a wedding...for this reason: PSYCHO brides...of which I am on the brink of becoming..already! As a direct result of 3,000 discussions about said wedding, and one not so lovely "disagreement" my fiance' (I'm not used to that yet) is BEGGING me to hire a planner. AND - here's the kicker...I'm starting to see the wisdom...I think we can afford it if we could just get this guest list down.....this guest list, the bane of my existance aleady....as it includes, at least on my side, every single person to whom I have ever said the words "I am never getting married"..in other words, everyone I have ever met. Yah. Its staggering..and let me tell you people...its getting edited. So don't be offended because this affair can only be so grand..if we hope to actually BUY a home when its all over. What's TOTALLY got me freaked (about my own lack of discipline regarding the guest list) is that as it stands right now, Jeff's side of the list (including his 4 siblings, thier spouses and thier children [of which there are 11]) is STILL bigger than Jeff's. So the red pen will have to come out. And if ONE more person tells me "Oh, they won't all come" I'm taking them off the list FIRST...because you see...if I INVITE someone, I WANT them to come...not do the "Elaine dance" for every "No, Thanks" that I get. Yah KNOW?!
So stay tuned for bride-zilla updates and probably the opportunity to vote on a couple of things (like the spring pants, which I never bought). I am THINKING of even posting some wedding dresses...because after all - you'll be SO surprised to see me in white, let alone a DRESS...you'll never remember how you voted!
I'm already a nut job, aren't I? I need a planner so I can keep up the blog.

Mother's Day

A belated posting from Mother's Day when my sister and I surprised my Mom with a visit from her and Piper!




Updates:

1) Piper cut her first tooth on Mother's Day
2) She wants to walk SO badly..she barely even trys to crawl..she just wants to walk.
3) the best news of all: SHE SNORTS!

So to summarize - she is a LEO (like her Aunt T.)...she snorts...(like her Aunt T.) and she wants to walk before she crawls...yep...she is definately related to me!

She is totally awesome!! I can't wait to see her again! Hopefully for her 1st B-day!!

David Blaine and Barak Obama - What Do These Men Have in Common?

So...I was wandering through the halls of Yahoo entertainment images...and I ran across a picture of David Blaine..or was it? I'm not a gigantic fan of David Blaine, so my first comment outloud was "Huh, he looks an awful lot like Barak Obama (of whom I am a fan). The picture I spotted was the one at the left.

So curious about my oh, so smart observation, I did a search for pictures of David Blaine...whereby I found this picture (black suit). huh. I quickly went back to the image I'd found while ambling Yahoo Entertainment photos and realized...I hadn't made any wildly smart observation..Yahoo Entertainment had made a MISTAKE and used a picture of Barak Obama to describe David Blaine's latest failed stunt. I had to SEARCH the internet to find this other picture which most closely resembled David Blaine (white shirt).

Now mistakes happen. But it DID lead me to wonder...HOW IN GOD'S NAME did this happen? What DO these men have in common or not? Well - of course...I have to continue here..its just TOO rich.
1) Both of these men are men of "color" - whatever that means. (Perhaps the source of confusion for the white college intern who made this particular error?!)
2) I bet Barak Obama CAN actually hold his breath (or at least talk for) 9 minutes straight.
3) One you will be seeing alot more of on TV - the other's day's on TV are limited.
4) They both have really short hair.
5) One has a brilliant mind - the other is clearly a brilliant salesman. (Ask ABC which is which).
6) One I actually want to listen to..the other I can barely watch.
7) One of the them clearly has an eye brow stylist.
8) One of them is OFTEN photographed with an American Flag in the background.

So there you have it. I'm open to other comments you might have. In fact - I BEG of you to comment..I'm dying to hear YOUR observations!!

I'll Have A Burritto Instead...Thanks

So - that latest drama to overtake Scottsdale is the announcement that the "Pink Taco" restaurant concept (owned by Harry Morton..boy have THEY stooped) wants some of the VERY pricey space at the new Scottsdale Waterfront. Mayor Mary Manross is appalled and suggesting that a liquor liscense might be a little beyond thier reach. If the name wasn't reason enough to threaten them with a liquorless establishment, I should think the claim that "Phoenix doesn't really have any good Mexican restuarants" WHAT?! OK DUDE - Phoenix may not be the culinary capital of the country..but really..cut me some slack...if we can boast the best PIZZA in the country (Pizzaria Bianco) surely we can get some credit for our awesome Mexican food. For that reason ALONE you are not allowed to open a restuarant in my beloved city.

My Mom read the article. Thank god the article explained the double entrendre of that very sassy name, because in an astonishing role reversal, I found myself a little embarrassed to be discussing anything called the "Pink Taco", let alone an EATING establishment. Now..I also felt very old because I only recently learned (gratefully before my Mom) what that term means...I was mortified because it was AFTER I bought someone a T-shirt from the very tamely named establishment "Dos Gringos", that said "One Hot Taco". After recovering from that humiliation the conversation with my Mom WAAAAAAY too closely followed.
So besides the conversation with Mom...and the T-shirt embarrassment...I don't really CARE if the Pink Taco moves into Scottsdale. People who know what it means...well...they probably won't spend alot of time thinking about it - though...given the reference, I'm not sure it would be my first dining choice. And everyone else will think its a cute name for an over priced Taco joint.
Who do you think explained the meaning of "Pink Taco" to Mayor Manross? Huh.

Number of Millionaires Increases...

So.......today's news features two pieces that are sure to be related.

The first...the number of Millionaires in this country grew to 8.3 million households..up 800,000 families..this calculation is based on NET WORTH and not including the primary residence. WHAT?! Whose stock market is kicking THAT kind of booty...damn IT! Actually, according to the article international investments and "alternative" investments are to be credited with the increase in the rich.

I have another theory: the second "unrelated" piece is sure to tell some of the story...Gas Prices hit $3/gallon..AGAIN. So - for those of you foolish enough (ME) not to by stock in Exxon and the rest...well...congratulations...your moral investing just bought you alot of extra time in the workforce and has once again excluded you from the now not-so-exclusive club of being a millionaire.

Thank you George Bush for making it so attractive for the "rich to get richer" on oil, while reinvesting those funds internationally. Meanwhile refusing to acknowlege global warming (do you know there was a tax deduction for SUV's last year?!) while padding the pockets of Cheney et.al (aka - your chums). Thank you, thank you Mr. Bush..oops - I mean, THANKS A MILLION!!

You Might Be A Lucky Staaaar..but I'm The Luckiest By Far

Oh, yah. You know who that is. She's an icon..and before my Dad passed the answer to the question "If you could have lunch with anyone person, dead or alive who would it be?" Madonna. I grew up with her...I remember where I was when I first heard Lucky Star. I thought it was the coolest music I have ever heard, and since then, almost every album she has created has inspired the same awe, at every age. I KNOW - she didn't cure world hunger or stop the spread of AIDS. But she is an amazing artist and woman; she constantly matures and evolves.

I've never been one to be really influenced by famous people I didn't know - but Madonna has totally inspired me every step of the way.. When I was 12 I ran around the mall with those stupid jelly braclets and lace headbands! I was so inspired (or foolishly young) that I actually ran around GREEN BAY (not known for its fashion forwardness) imitating Madonna. Thank god I outgrew that phase. One time, in 8th grade, my Mom found the words of "Papa Don't Preach", which I had written out..and almost collapsed..I think the only thing that kept her from truly losing it is that she KNEW I wasn't pregnant, let alone having sex...none the less...your 12 y/o is writing out the words to a song claiming to keep an illegitimate baby - thank god for Catholic school, which teaches you THAT is the best choice.

Remember that independent, sexually transparent and experimental woman who created an entire coffee table book of herself having sex?! Can you believe she even owns, let alone WEARS a sweatshirt that (in rhinestone sparkles, no less) says "Mrs. Richie" She's totally committed now AND she changes her name!? Are you kidding me?! If Madonna can take the name of her husband, surely I can. I swear to god, at the time, I seriously thought that. OMG - and can you believe it - she is a MOM?! She looks awesome, and she seems like the most into-it and mellow Mom. Again -another transformation. Showing us all how to do Motherhood the cool, hip way.


All that to say this: a life long dream of mine is coming true: I'M GOING TO SEE MADONNA IN CONCERT I swear to god - I'm EXCITED beyond belief. When am I ever again going to be able to spend this ridiculous amount of money on a concert experience again?! I'm dragging Jeff..and he gets super hot boyfriend points for being so cool! He is cooler than Guy Ritchie in my book!! He's such a BABE, my boyfriend, Jeff ("True Blue, Baby, I love you..")..who is going with me to watch Madonna shake her hot ass across a stage for a couple of hours, while his girlfriend screams like the 12 year old she never stopped being.

Swatch Watch - VOTE TODAY!

Happy Spring!
I think Spring has finally arrived in Scottsdale...and I personally am about to celebrate by splurging on some Lilly Pulizter attire. Last summer...pink became a signature color for me and I had so much fun, I've decided to repeat the experience! SO - I'm going to buy these pants, I think...just not sure what crazy print (or not) to select. I want your opinions - feel free to be brutally honest - after all, I expect nothing less from my dear friends and family.

PS - I KNOW these patterns are crazy-I'm channelling Crazy Old Ladies here...imagine what I will be like when I AM a crazy old lady. I'm not gonna wait to wear purple!

Welcome Back, Kermie

When we were all commenting on the Superbowl ads, I threw my vote behind the "Its Easy Being Green" commercial by Ford, featuring Kermit the Frog. Since then, he has continued to appear in print and TV ads. As far as I'm concerned, this is the best comeback since John Travolta, and I didn't have to sit through some brutal Tarantino flick to see him again. Kermit. So lovable and dear - isn't it grand to see him again? And don't you envy all the time that Ms. Piggy gets to spend with him? I do. My only disappointment is that he has chosen to "endorse" Ford. Ford - manufacturer of the Mustang, my beloved car that was a total POS...(in the shop all the time in 2 years I owned it). FORD - whose CEO's crediability was questioned by TIME Magazine when the front covered blared "Would you buy a car from this man?" Ford should have refused to put their CEO on the cover, instead replacing him with Kermie. Because, frankly - I find Kermie so irresitable..I would consider it again.

Welcome back into my heart, Kermie. Its good to see you again.

PS - I cut out your photo and put it on my fridge.

MOM! I'm Boooooooooooored

Every wonder why I gravitated toward sales? Its because I hate being bored. Ever wonder why I change my hair all the time and 500 colors of nail polish? I get bored. Ever wonder why I started a blog? Because sometimes simply watching TV and surfing the net isn't enough multi-tasking...I got bored..and wanted to write. Ever wonder why I like to shop? Its never the same - not boring. Ever wonder why I have had so many jobs? I get bored. Well. Sometimes its because I was working for an idiot. Sometimes its because I wasn't get paid enough. Sometimes its because I was foolish enough to do both. BUT - the overwhelming theme is boredom.
So you get the theme here, right?

Guess what? I'm feeling a little bored lately.
I already got a hair cut.
I did my nails tonight.
I'm writing in my blog. (the one on the internet without participation from its readers - boring.)
I'm NOT going shopping. I'm trying to be strong. I might go browsing at lunch.
There IS more than one village idiot in my office, but generally, I like my job.

I do not know what to do. I already surfed the web tonight and created my "dream vacation" - tonight it was St. Lucia...in case your curious. I also spent alot of "dream money". I'm still bored. I dunno.
Anyone who has any recommendations for boredom is more than welcome to make suggestions.

If your not bored with my whining yet.

MMMMMMM...Shakespear

So - it started with a review in the AZ Rep...not really known as the ultimate cultural reference, but once in awhile, you can dig up a winner if you look closely enough in the A&E section. ANYWAY...this play called MacHomer was a presentation of "that Scottish Play" (I learned this weekend never to refer to MacBeth by its name because its bad luck!?) in the voices from the Simpsons. I mean WHAT A HOOT! Anyway..as soon as I read it I KNEW Jeff had to see it. I bet you don't know this, but Jeff is an English Literature major and my nearest Shakespear expert..he is also a goofy Simpson's Fan.

I, not knowing one whit about Shakespear and only being a moderate fan of the Simpsons thought it would be a little less entertaining to me..but as it turns out - it was hilarious! Its also a one man show...I mean, you have GOT to see this for yourself. The actor, Rick Miller - is a creative genuis, the way that he uses the stage and changes the "sets". Its an energetic, hilarious, 1 hour and 15 minutes. Also - it was worth the drive to Mesa, which I believe is the most staggering endorsement that I can personally give. Jeff and I went there early figuring on a casual dinner at a little cafe that was surely near the new Mesa Arts "complex". Well...ANYWAY they built this really beautiful arts center - but, the culinary community apparently doesn't believe that anyone goes there...because our dining choices were Jack in the Box and Subway. SO...if you head to the Mesa Arts Center - eat first...because let me tell you..the dining choices inside of the center are..hmm sort of along the lines of Homer's ideal dinner...well we opted for a pretzel with cheese for a pre-show nosh..since we had over an 1 1/2 hours to kill before the show.
Anyway - to say that the highlight of the evening was the show shouldn't be interpreted as an underhanded slam of the show - it really was one of a kind - fun, and I would go see it again...I might even be inclined to go see "that Scottish play" should the occasion ever arise..because frankly, Homer as MacBeth will definately NEVER leave me and watching some classical actor screech through MacBeth while I remember the scene through Homer's eyes, might be almost as rich!

Winter Park '06 Pictures

Once again, Duchess Piper stole the show AND our hearts.












T and the boys..Jeff (L) and Brooks (Bro in Law)
We relax by the fireplace with a Corona















(Mama) Mia and Piper Bundle Up for a Walk
















Mom (aka Nana) and Piper Chat About
Apres Ski Fashions.

New Avatar Feb 06

Hey - it totally looks like me NEW hair cut, which I have for the most part gotten good responses on...its still growing on Jeff (he doesn't like bangs), my boss said it was had shades of Uma Thurman (YAH! WITHOUT THE BODY!!), I think its just an updated version of something I have had more than 5 times in my life: a bob.
I bet NONE of you know this - but I think the style of the '20's is the coolest. I always felt as though I had another life during that time and not just because of the styles (but that's another blog). I guess it kind of looks like Catherine Zeta Jones in Chicago..I haven't really done a bob with so much emphasis on the bangs, but, since I always channel the style of the '20's I feel very cool and timeless while feeling hip.

YAHOO does a yucky job with the backgrounds...so I just stopped trying to find a back ground that reflects AZ's weather and just picked this one. Its cold here (relatively speaking) and I AM wearing a cozy jacket everyday..so here I am. The "new" me.

Ski Winter Park

That's the website address for Winter Park, CO - where we (Mom, Mia, Brooks, Piper, Jeff and I) have all just returned from a most adventersome trip - and SKI WINTER PARK we did...despite a windchill on Saturday of -40. You read that right...I too had to do a double take when I read that. Blessedly, in tradition of famously perfect Colorado skiing, day 2 was a perfect 25 degrees and sunny. Ahh...yes. And yet, I with two pairs of long underwear on was taking NO chances.
Winter Park may forever live in my mind as the place I fell in love with skiing again. I haven't gone in 5 years...part of that is time and part of that was money, but another part of it was the fact that everytime I went, it was in AZ - which is mediocre at BEST. Winter Park reminded me that long, wide runs with an over abundance of snow still exist.
Mia and Brooks are largely responsible for this rediscovery, and I am so grateful. Jeff and I have never been skiing together, and even though he spent the entire trip saying that we should "ride" (snowboard) next time...I know it won't be the last time we hit the slopes together..even if he DOES cross over to the "dark side" and" ride" next time we do it together. I explained that I never will if only for the reason that I am NOT a natural athlete and the only reason I can ski at all is because I started when I was 3.
It was an awesome trip...baby Piper was a total joy - and such a good girl, smiling and squeeling with joy..she is apparently a morning person. Finally, she and Aunt T got to spend some time together. It was awesome. Everytime I see Mia and Brooks I wish I saw them more. And one of the highlights was Mom's continued ability to get into stretch pants and look GREAT coming down the hill. All in all: the weekend was too short, but pure perfection...OK - ALMOST. It would have been better with NO DAYS at -40 degrees (wind chill). But I will forgive Winter Park her weather indiscretions.

Good Night, Dear Friend

Betty Friedan passed away yesterday - at the age of 85 - on her birthday. Friedan is the author of the Feminine Mystique and largely credited with the modern day feminist movement.

Betty suggested that the idea that staying at home for a woman wasn't necessarily as fullfilling as the '50's made it out to be. She encouraged women to seek out thier identities outside of their families. Pretty radical stuff for her day. Plenty of people thought the entire world would collapse if her theories came to life. She made such an impact on our society that her ideas are pretty much the norm today. Women who stay home today do so because it IS what they want to do...not because they have no other social or cultural choices.

Betty made the life that most of my female friends live possible. Betty encouraged all of us to pursue our dreams...no matter what they are - CEO or CEMOM!

Of course, that wasn't her only contribution to the feminist movement, but it was one of the more radical for its time.

Good night, Betty. Thanks for living your dreams, and unlocking the feminist movement for all of us who came after you.

To Blog..or Shoe Shop

I am literally writing here because its either this or internet shoe shopping..I am trying to restrain from the latter part on the internet excercise. After searching for photo to go with blog entry and getting this FAR into the entry without returning to my "shopping cart" I am pretty happy with myself right now. Do I hear a round of applause from the audience?

Let me explain..I play this game with myself on Zappos.com (the BEST internet shoe site) where I put everything I want into my shopping cart - I deny myself NOTHING..then, when I see the total of the shopping cart and I am shocked back into the choice of buying all the shoes I want or selling my house, I am forced to winnow down my choices. I usually make very discerning choices...and keep it to a reasonable cost. The biggest exception to this is in between seasons, when everything is ON SALE - and there are also new styles..whooooo-eeeee! And so, this is how I am having a hard time choosing boots for next season..and the sexiest pair of black shoes (YES - I DO NEED ANOTHER PAIR) I have ever seen. However..one of these choices would be a splurge..both would be shameful.

ANYway...stay with me here...because I need you right now. I need your support. Phew. OK. I have closed the Zappos.com window. I have gotten through it..without spending. Let me tell you how hard that is when the site keeps your CC# on file and you don't even have to get up from the couch to get your CC.

Now that you have taken a tour through my scary little mind...I would appreciate it if you applauded my restraint. Because its either this blog or my bank. Tonight...I choose the blog.

Shoes...shoes....shoes...

Skiing with Piper

So next week - its finally here! Mom, Jeff and I head to CO to see Mia, Brooks and Piper and go skiing together! I'm certain that Piper will learn to ski at an early age (that pic actually looks like her!) Mia and Brooks aren't QUITE ready to strap a pair of skis on her. I asked Momma Mia if there was a way that she could ski with Piper. She demurely said "I don't think so." Then I suggested that she use that "knap sack baby carrier thingy" that I got her..Momma Mia reminded me that hiking with baby and riding a chair lift are really two different situations. Oh, see..I was thinking it was a balance situation and now..I am in sales, so I don't really accept "no" too easily..so I pressed on and said maybe she should wear it in the front? Then Momma Mia firmly put an end to the conversation by saying "NO. I'd rather just ski 2 half days." Hm. Shut DOWN. Well, who would'a thought that Mia's OLDER sister would be preparing her for the day when her very own Leo won't take "no" for an answer. She handled it brilliantly, I must say. I expect, she will handle many other "Mommy Moments" with both her daughter and her sister!

Anyway - expect pictures. Just not of Mia actually skiing with baby Piper. Those are yet to come.

Weekend Report

So - we (Jeff and I) spent some time with Sandra and Adam this weekend. Sandra nominated Jeff and Adam to make she and I dinner - and I must say, Lobster and Steak was an excellent choice..and they did a GREAT job...it was YUMMY!

Adam actually mentioned his visit to my blog, but said my political ranting left him unable to publicly comment on said blog. We always end up arguing politics. The funny thing is, that we really aren't that far apart on what we believe, we just strongly disagree who should carry the torch of our beliefs and represent this country on PA Ave. Anyway - I nominate the gentleman at the left for the '08 election. I think both Adam and I could make peace with this choice...and after all, if Adam and I can agree on politics..then Isreal and Palestine have a chance at peace too.

Sandra and Adam will probably be unable to comment on my blog tonight since they are at the Violent Femmes concert which I wimped out on because I have a long week ahead of me...they have a stressful day at the FBR (Phoenix) Open with Greenskeeper passes to manage tomorrow. I'll be thinking of them while I relive my own Violent Femmes memories: first concert EVER..in 1986 in GB. Imagine my parents response when I asked to go see the Violent Femmes. They had the good humor to see the irony and let me go. Its ironic that its my own self who won't let me go to night. Growing up sucks.

I'm voting Gonzo in '08 - if he's President then going to the Femmes on a Sunday night would be a reality.

BOOOOOR-ING

What's a girl gotta do to get your internet attention? I know ALL of you are online AT LEAST an hour a day (some of you MUCH more than that..yah, you know who you are, and so do I)...so couldn't you use a break from all that internet monotony and read my internal monotony?

I know your busy. Really I do... But REALLY..CAN A GIRL GET A COMMENT OR TWO?! Hmm?! Geesh. Writing the only blog on the internet without interaction is starting to lose its luster. A little love. I mean, really. I'm a Leo...do I need to roar to get your attention? Because I will..oh, yah. I will.

Looking forward to your sassy, loving, hilarious comments about my musings!

Ciao!