The First Four
What are the first four things you think of when I say Martin Luther King Jr
I have a dream
equality
died way too young
courage
Saturday, January 17, 2004
Friday, January 16, 2004
The Friday Five
1. What does it say in the signature line of your emails? I don't use signature lines in 2 of my 3 main emails. The one I do have is: A kind act, a kind deed. Kindness grows, plant the seed. http://theraokgroup.com
2. Did you have a senior quote in your high school yearbook? What was it? If you haven't graduated yet, what would you like your quote to be? Yes. It was a line from "Philadelphia Freedom" by Elton John. "The less I say the more my work gets done." I used that because I was voted shyest girl in my class ... and because I loved Elton John.
3. If you had vanity plates on your car, what would they read? If you already have them, what do they say? At one time I wanted SBU 82, but now I don't know what I want. I do think about it though ... just haven't come up with anything I like.
4. Have you received any gifts with messages engraved upon them? What did the inscription say? Yes. "Merry Christmas, Love T."
5. What would you like your epitaph to be? I don't want one. But if I had to pick one I'd say "-30-" ... For anyone who doesn't know, in the journalism world -30- means "The End."
1. What does it say in the signature line of your emails? I don't use signature lines in 2 of my 3 main emails. The one I do have is: A kind act, a kind deed. Kindness grows, plant the seed. http://theraokgroup.com
2. Did you have a senior quote in your high school yearbook? What was it? If you haven't graduated yet, what would you like your quote to be? Yes. It was a line from "Philadelphia Freedom" by Elton John. "The less I say the more my work gets done." I used that because I was voted shyest girl in my class ... and because I loved Elton John.
3. If you had vanity plates on your car, what would they read? If you already have them, what do they say? At one time I wanted SBU 82, but now I don't know what I want. I do think about it though ... just haven't come up with anything I like.
4. Have you received any gifts with messages engraved upon them? What did the inscription say? Yes. "Merry Christmas, Love T."
5. What would you like your epitaph to be? I don't want one. But if I had to pick one I'd say "-30-" ... For anyone who doesn't know, in the journalism world -30- means "The End."
Party!
Obviously, the advantages of attending a highly ranked party school are under rated. As proof of this I submit these graduates of St. Bonaventure University.
Pulitzer Prize winner Dan Barry, who was my editor when we both worked for the university's Convex magazine. Aside from his award-winning newspaper work, he is also an editor of A Nation Challenged: A Visual History of 9/11 and Its Aftermath.
Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Bob Lanier
Current Cleveland Cavaliers point guard JR Bremer
Award winning NBC News correspondent Victoria Corderi
Neil Cavuto of The Fox News Channel.
I'm sure there are more notable Bona grads, but these are the few that came to me right away. Proof, I say, that attending a party school isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Obviously, the advantages of attending a highly ranked party school are under rated. As proof of this I submit these graduates of St. Bonaventure University.
Pulitzer Prize winner Dan Barry, who was my editor when we both worked for the university's Convex magazine. Aside from his award-winning newspaper work, he is also an editor of A Nation Challenged: A Visual History of 9/11 and Its Aftermath.
Pro Basketball Hall of Famer Bob Lanier
Current Cleveland Cavaliers point guard JR Bremer
Award winning NBC News correspondent Victoria Corderi
Neil Cavuto of The Fox News Channel.
I'm sure there are more notable Bona grads, but these are the few that came to me right away. Proof, I say, that attending a party school isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Thursday, January 15, 2004
Chick Chat
Questions For Jan. 13th
Junk Food Junkies
1. Coke or Pepsi?: It used to be Diet Coke but since I started Atkins I drink only water and flavored decaf coffee.
2. What's your comfort food?: I don't need comfort food anymore. I just realized that as I read this question. Wow! lol It used to be any kind of potatoes (including chips), Doritos and macaroni & cheese.
3. Chocolate: White/Milk/Dark?:Dark, please. But I do like white on Easter.
4. Favorite Chips?:It used to be Troyer Farms (local brand) barbecue. I haven't had chips since August though, and I don't miss them, although I would like to try the new guacamole Doritos. Someday. Maybe. Then again, maybe not. We'll see.
5. What food do you crave the most?: I really don't have cravings anymore except ... well, you know. Then, it's chocolate. Thank God for Atkins peanut butter cups!
Questions For Jan. 13th
Junk Food Junkies
1. Coke or Pepsi?: It used to be Diet Coke but since I started Atkins I drink only water and flavored decaf coffee.
2. What's your comfort food?: I don't need comfort food anymore. I just realized that as I read this question. Wow! lol It used to be any kind of potatoes (including chips), Doritos and macaroni & cheese.
3. Chocolate: White/Milk/Dark?:Dark, please. But I do like white on Easter.
4. Favorite Chips?:It used to be Troyer Farms (local brand) barbecue. I haven't had chips since August though, and I don't miss them, although I would like to try the new guacamole Doritos. Someday. Maybe. Then again, maybe not. We'll see.
5. What food do you crave the most?: I really don't have cravings anymore except ... well, you know. Then, it's chocolate. Thank God for Atkins peanut butter cups!
Monday, January 12, 2004
Nervous but Excited
I've been asked by a local group to be its guest speaker next month. I'm really nervous because I've never done anything like that before. But I'm flattered and excited because they asked me.
I'm also excited because I'm hoping the speaking engagement (*giggle* I have a speaking engagement) will boost sales of my book, as well as generate interest in book number two.
Ever since I was asked to do this I've been practicing in front of the bathroom mirror. I'm getting better, I think. Thirty more days of practice should have me ready. I hope it gets rid of my nerves ... and keeps me from shaking uncontrollably while I'm talking.
I keep telling myself this is good practice for when I'm on Oprah.
I've been asked by a local group to be its guest speaker next month. I'm really nervous because I've never done anything like that before. But I'm flattered and excited because they asked me.
I'm also excited because I'm hoping the speaking engagement (*giggle* I have a speaking engagement) will boost sales of my book, as well as generate interest in book number two.
Ever since I was asked to do this I've been practicing in front of the bathroom mirror. I'm getting better, I think. Thirty more days of practice should have me ready. I hope it gets rid of my nerves ... and keeps me from shaking uncontrollably while I'm talking.
I keep telling myself this is good practice for when I'm on Oprah.
Transitions
There have been quite a few times during the several months I've been my mother's primary caregiver that I've felt I am the parent and she is the child. But this morning I realized it really happened. I've turned into my mother. I actually uttered these words: "How many times do I have to tell you?" Ugh!
The question wasn't a result of me telling her to wash the dishes or clean her room or let the cat out. It wasn't anything similar to what I used to do (or not do) to evoke those words from her. So, what happened? Well, I told her five or six times over the last few days what my plans were for this morning. After each time, she asked if I would go to the pharmacy and pick up a couple of things for her. I said I would. This morning, we had the same conversation. I was so frustrated that I had to say it.
But it was more than just that one thing. It happens all the time. I mean all the time. Having any kind of meaningful conversation is very difficult. It's more than frustrating. It's sad to see her mind deteriorating. I know it's frustrating and sad for her, too. That's why I feel so bad for saying what I said.
I'm sure we'll both get over it ... eventually.
There have been quite a few times during the several months I've been my mother's primary caregiver that I've felt I am the parent and she is the child. But this morning I realized it really happened. I've turned into my mother. I actually uttered these words: "How many times do I have to tell you?" Ugh!
The question wasn't a result of me telling her to wash the dishes or clean her room or let the cat out. It wasn't anything similar to what I used to do (or not do) to evoke those words from her. So, what happened? Well, I told her five or six times over the last few days what my plans were for this morning. After each time, she asked if I would go to the pharmacy and pick up a couple of things for her. I said I would. This morning, we had the same conversation. I was so frustrated that I had to say it.
But it was more than just that one thing. It happens all the time. I mean all the time. Having any kind of meaningful conversation is very difficult. It's more than frustrating. It's sad to see her mind deteriorating. I know it's frustrating and sad for her, too. That's why I feel so bad for saying what I said.
I'm sure we'll both get over it ... eventually.
Sunday, January 11, 2004
I discovered Chick Chat while visiting her and her.
Questions For Jan. 6th
Beefcake!
1. Tom Cruise /or/ Brad Pitt?: Neither. But if I have to pick one of them, I guess I'd pick ... um ... Well, Brad Pitt because he's friends with George Clooney & maybe he could arrange an intro.
2. Fav male body part (keep it clean!)?: Butt. If it's good.
3. Sexiest Rocker?: Pat Monahan
4. Favorite movie star hottie?: George Clooney
5. What man would you take to a deserted island w/ you?: Great Smile Guy
Questions For Jan. 6th
Beefcake!
1. Tom Cruise /or/ Brad Pitt?: Neither. But if I have to pick one of them, I guess I'd pick ... um ... Well, Brad Pitt because he's friends with George Clooney & maybe he could arrange an intro.
2. Fav male body part (keep it clean!)?: Butt. If it's good.
3. Sexiest Rocker?: Pat Monahan
4. Favorite movie star hottie?: George Clooney
5. What man would you take to a deserted island w/ you?: Great Smile Guy
Unconscious Mutterings
- Mitchell:: Bill (the president from "Dave," which I watched yesterday)
- Mercury:: NASA
- Cycle:: menstrual
- Engagement:: frightening
- Alternative:: lifestyle
- Gang:: bang
- Emotional:: wreck
- Skinny:: dipping
- Hypochondriac:: my mother
- Insecure:: me
The First Four
What are the first four things you think of when I say
Lawyers
1.Great Smile Guy
2.Lawyer jokes: If a lawyer and IRS agent were drowning and you could only save one of them would read the newspaper or go to lunch? Actually, I usually don't tell lawyer jokes because lawyers don't think they're funny and no one else thinks they're jokes.
3.Money
4.Frivolous lawsuits
What are the first four things you think of when I say
Lawyers
1.Great Smile Guy
2.Lawyer jokes: If a lawyer and IRS agent were drowning and you could only save one of them would read the newspaper or go to lunch? Actually, I usually don't tell lawyer jokes because lawyers don't think they're funny and no one else thinks they're jokes.
3.Money
4.Frivolous lawsuits
Wednesday, January 07, 2004
Wednesday Whatevers
1. Do you prefer today's world or would you prefer the more simplistic past? I like having things like cable TV and computers and DVDs, but sometimes I think about how much simpler life probably was in the 50s. I might not mind putting on a poodle skirt and hanging out at the malt shop with my friends.
2. What does Valentine's Day mean to you? I was trying to think of the best way to say this when I came across Susan's answer. Perfect! The main character in my novels doesn't like Valentine's Day either. I thought about stealing some of her lines & using them here but it might spoil it when/if people read book #3 in my series.
3. What types of books do you like best? Mine. lol Actually, I don't like to read mine. I get too nervous, wondering what other people are thinking when they're reading. Besides, by the time all the editing and proof reading process is finished, I'm sick of it. Anyway, my favorite authors are James Patterson and John Grisham.
1. Do you prefer today's world or would you prefer the more simplistic past? I like having things like cable TV and computers and DVDs, but sometimes I think about how much simpler life probably was in the 50s. I might not mind putting on a poodle skirt and hanging out at the malt shop with my friends.
2. What does Valentine's Day mean to you? I was trying to think of the best way to say this when I came across Susan's answer. Perfect! The main character in my novels doesn't like Valentine's Day either. I thought about stealing some of her lines & using them here but it might spoil it when/if people read book #3 in my series.
3. What types of books do you like best? Mine. lol Actually, I don't like to read mine. I get too nervous, wondering what other people are thinking when they're reading. Besides, by the time all the editing and proof reading process is finished, I'm sick of it. Anyway, my favorite authors are James Patterson and John Grisham.
Tuesday, January 06, 2004
Tuesday is Chooseday
Would you rather:
1. never look healthy OR never feel healthy?
I'm all into appearances these days so I'll say never feel healthy. This could change tomorrow, though.
2. do a mini cheer whenever someone compliments you OR have to jump up and touch the door frame every time you go through a door?
I already do a mini cheer whenever someone compliments me, so I'll pick that.
3. as a man, have hair implants that are totally obvious OR a toupee that is a bad match to your remaining hair?
I'd take the implants, I think.
4. as a woman, be totally flat chested with saucer-sized nipples OR have huge breasts with no nipples?
Uh, LOL. I'll take choice number one. I was going to give an explanation as to why but I'd like to keep this blog PG-rated.
Would you rather:
1. never look healthy OR never feel healthy?
I'm all into appearances these days so I'll say never feel healthy. This could change tomorrow, though.
2. do a mini cheer whenever someone compliments you OR have to jump up and touch the door frame every time you go through a door?
I already do a mini cheer whenever someone compliments me, so I'll pick that.
3. as a man, have hair implants that are totally obvious OR a toupee that is a bad match to your remaining hair?
I'd take the implants, I think.
4. as a woman, be totally flat chested with saucer-sized nipples OR have huge breasts with no nipples?
Uh, LOL. I'll take choice number one. I was going to give an explanation as to why but I'd like to keep this blog PG-rated.
Monday, January 05, 2004
End of an Era
The last Monday Mission
I was in on this from near the beginning. I stopped for a while but felt it was only right to do the last one.
1. In the last week, what happened that made you feel loved beyond your wildest dreams? [ from MM 1.0] Remember in St. Elmos's Fire when the Emilio Estevez character talks about the quintessential moments in a man's life? One of them is when "the right girl smiles at you." Well, the right guy smiled at me. I can't even describe what his smile does to me, except that just thinking about it now is making me smile and get tingly all over ... and giggly.
2. What was the last audio CD you paid money for? [ from MM 1.3] "Now That's What I Call Christmas 2." Big waste of money! I think I only like three songs on the whole 2 CD set. But the one I bought before that was Train's "My Private Nation." Love it. Listen to it quite frequently.
3. Has someone you know ever told you they had a terminal illness? What was it like for you when you found out. How did that change your relationship with them?[ from MM 2.45] Yes. My mother had breast cancer. She's still alive several years later, however, and I'm grateful for that. She and I became much closer after that. Actually, I think that's when our relationship began being more of a friendship than a mother/daughter thing.
4. Do you have an accent? Are there any phrases or words you say that tip folks that you aren't from around these parts? [ from MM 2.38] Well, I don't think so but apparently I do. When I lived in California, people knew I wasn't from there. I'm not sure what it is that tipped them off, though. Although people around here generally say "pop" instead of "soda" -- and that's a big tip-off to what part of the country you're from -- I've said soda since I was in college when most of my friends were from the NYC area. Funny thing now is that although I didn't live in California for very long, I picked up a word that I can't seem to get rid of ... y'all.
5. What's the difference between being a Father, and being a Daddy? [ from MM 3.25] A father is a sperm donor. A daddy spends time with his children, teaches them, disciplines them, loves them.
6. What is the most recent thing guilt has motivated you to do? [ from MM 2.50] I really can't think of anything. Must be I've been really good lately. Either that or I have no conscience.
7. How do you feel about tips and tipping? Do you feel obligated to tip even if your service is bad because you know the servers don't get paid much? If you've ever relied on tips for your income, how do you feel when you don't get any?
I tip according to the service ... and I'm a good tipper. I've been known to give as much as 35% for exceptional service. I tip well (at least I think I do) because I worked in a restaurant for a few years. I wasn't a waitress, but had several friends who were and knew how important tips were to them. Having said that, I hate to admit that sometimes if the service is bad -- and I mean really bad. Like the waitress forgets your drink after being told more than once; doesn't ever come back to check on me; gets the order wrong. You get the idea. -- I will leave a penny. Why a penny? If you don't leave anything, she might think I forgot. The penny is a message.
BONUS: Will you still love me for the rest of my life? Let me sleep on it
Baby, baby let me sleep on it. Let me sleep on it And I'll give you my answer in the morning. Let me sleep on it. Wait! I know that's not right, but that was the first thing I thought of when I read it.
Well, mission completed. Congratuations on such a great run!
The last Monday Mission
I was in on this from near the beginning. I stopped for a while but felt it was only right to do the last one.
1. In the last week, what happened that made you feel loved beyond your wildest dreams? [ from MM 1.0] Remember in St. Elmos's Fire when the Emilio Estevez character talks about the quintessential moments in a man's life? One of them is when "the right girl smiles at you." Well, the right guy smiled at me. I can't even describe what his smile does to me, except that just thinking about it now is making me smile and get tingly all over ... and giggly.
2. What was the last audio CD you paid money for? [ from MM 1.3] "Now That's What I Call Christmas 2." Big waste of money! I think I only like three songs on the whole 2 CD set. But the one I bought before that was Train's "My Private Nation." Love it. Listen to it quite frequently.
3. Has someone you know ever told you they had a terminal illness? What was it like for you when you found out. How did that change your relationship with them?[ from MM 2.45] Yes. My mother had breast cancer. She's still alive several years later, however, and I'm grateful for that. She and I became much closer after that. Actually, I think that's when our relationship began being more of a friendship than a mother/daughter thing.
4. Do you have an accent? Are there any phrases or words you say that tip folks that you aren't from around these parts? [ from MM 2.38] Well, I don't think so but apparently I do. When I lived in California, people knew I wasn't from there. I'm not sure what it is that tipped them off, though. Although people around here generally say "pop" instead of "soda" -- and that's a big tip-off to what part of the country you're from -- I've said soda since I was in college when most of my friends were from the NYC area. Funny thing now is that although I didn't live in California for very long, I picked up a word that I can't seem to get rid of ... y'all.
5. What's the difference between being a Father, and being a Daddy? [ from MM 3.25] A father is a sperm donor. A daddy spends time with his children, teaches them, disciplines them, loves them.
6. What is the most recent thing guilt has motivated you to do? [ from MM 2.50] I really can't think of anything. Must be I've been really good lately. Either that or I have no conscience.
7. How do you feel about tips and tipping? Do you feel obligated to tip even if your service is bad because you know the servers don't get paid much? If you've ever relied on tips for your income, how do you feel when you don't get any?
I tip according to the service ... and I'm a good tipper. I've been known to give as much as 35% for exceptional service. I tip well (at least I think I do) because I worked in a restaurant for a few years. I wasn't a waitress, but had several friends who were and knew how important tips were to them. Having said that, I hate to admit that sometimes if the service is bad -- and I mean really bad. Like the waitress forgets your drink after being told more than once; doesn't ever come back to check on me; gets the order wrong. You get the idea. -- I will leave a penny. Why a penny? If you don't leave anything, she might think I forgot. The penny is a message.
BONUS: Will you still love me for the rest of my life? Let me sleep on it
Baby, baby let me sleep on it. Let me sleep on it And I'll give you my answer in the morning. Let me sleep on it. Wait! I know that's not right, but that was the first thing I thought of when I read it.
Well, mission completed. Congratuations on such a great run!
Sunday, January 04, 2004
New meme
Anybody ready for a new meme? If you are, there's one right here. It's similar to Unconscious Mutterings except there's only one topic and you say the first four things that come to mind. (Today, being the first day, however, there are four first fours. From now on, there will just be one per week.)
Here are my first fours for this week:
Sitcoms with one-word titles:
Cheers
Roseanne
Friends
Wings
Movie Musicals:
Moulin Rouge
Chicago
The Sound of Music
A Chorus Line
Bruce Springsteen songs
Rosalita
Born to Run
Thunder Road
Prove it All Night
Blogs I read everyday
electric bugaloo
hoopty
how appealing
trailer trash family
Anybody ready for a new meme? If you are, there's one right here. It's similar to Unconscious Mutterings except there's only one topic and you say the first four things that come to mind. (Today, being the first day, however, there are four first fours. From now on, there will just be one per week.)
Here are my first fours for this week:
Sitcoms with one-word titles:
Cheers
Roseanne
Friends
Wings
Movie Musicals:
Moulin Rouge
Chicago
The Sound of Music
A Chorus Line
Bruce Springsteen songs
Rosalita
Born to Run
Thunder Road
Prove it All Night
Blogs I read everyday
electric bugaloo
hoopty
how appealing
trailer trash family
Unconscious Mutterings
- Vintage:: wine
- Longing:: desire
- Specimen:: urine
- Mock:: ridicule
- Shit:: for brains
- Friday:: five (am I addicted to blogging? Nah!)
- Cruel:: intentions
- Insufficient:: funds
- Pessimistic:: optimistic
- Grin:: and bear it
Book Reviews
My sister sent me these e-mails. The first one is from November. (I saved it because I can be anal sometimes and because sometimes I need a self-esteem boost so I re-read it.) The other came today.
"Tee!!! I got your sisters book! Took forever to get here but only two
hours for me to read it. I couldn't put it down. She has a different
writing style than most which I mean as a compliment! Instead of feeling
like you're reading a book you feel like someone is telling you a story.
Does that make sense? At one point I was tempted to read the last chapter
first because it was killing me not to know who did it!!!!!! And the guy's
ex-wife, one word, bitch!!
I won't give away anymore than that because I fully expect some on this
board will go get it and I don't want to ruin it for them! Tell your sister
it was excellent and ask her when the next one's coming out! Does she have
any plans yet? I'll buy it when it does, she's made a fan here!!!!!! "
"I've got 2 more book reviews for you ...
Cindy from Rome PA, the one that you autographed, loved it. She was
asking about Brafferd County to see if there really was one because she
lives in Bradford County.
Thelma loved it too. She said she really loves murder mysteries and reads a lot of them. She wants to know what happens with Joe's ex-wife and thinks that Joe should get full custody of Kathryn.
They both can't wait until the next one comes out. I wish that they
could send a message to your publisher."
All I can say is "Wow!" It still surprises me when I hear that people actually like Contempt of Court.
I wish they could send a message to my publisher, too. I need all the help I can get.
My sister sent me these e-mails. The first one is from November. (I saved it because I can be anal sometimes and because sometimes I need a self-esteem boost so I re-read it.) The other came today.
"Tee!!! I got your sisters book! Took forever to get here but only two
hours for me to read it. I couldn't put it down. She has a different
writing style than most which I mean as a compliment! Instead of feeling
like you're reading a book you feel like someone is telling you a story.
Does that make sense? At one point I was tempted to read the last chapter
first because it was killing me not to know who did it!!!!!! And the guy's
ex-wife, one word, bitch!!
I won't give away anymore than that because I fully expect some on this
board will go get it and I don't want to ruin it for them! Tell your sister
it was excellent and ask her when the next one's coming out! Does she have
any plans yet? I'll buy it when it does, she's made a fan here!!!!!! "
"I've got 2 more book reviews for you ...
Cindy from Rome PA, the one that you autographed, loved it. She was
asking about Brafferd County to see if there really was one because she
lives in Bradford County.
Thelma loved it too. She said she really loves murder mysteries and reads a lot of them. She wants to know what happens with Joe's ex-wife and thinks that Joe should get full custody of Kathryn.
They both can't wait until the next one comes out. I wish that they
could send a message to your publisher."
All I can say is "Wow!" It still surprises me when I hear that people actually like Contempt of Court.
I wish they could send a message to my publisher, too. I need all the help I can get.
Saturday, January 03, 2004
Unzipped
I am so lame sometimes. Am I the only person on the planet who has trouble closing Zip Lock bags? I swear that nine times out of ten I just can't do it. Lame, I'm tellin' ya. And it's not just Zip Lock bags. It's the resealable bags that cheese and some other foods come in now, too. Actually, I've pretty much given up on the cheese. I just cover the whole thing in plastic wrap and call it good. But not being able to reseal the bags isn't even the lamest part. The lamest part is that I keep trying, thinking that one of these days I'm going to do it. I stand there with the bag, trying and trying and trying to get it completely sealed. Just when I think I have it, I notice part of it didn't catch. I get depressed. I feel so inadequate. I call myself a lame loser. As if I don't have enough self-esteem problems.
I am so lame sometimes. Am I the only person on the planet who has trouble closing Zip Lock bags? I swear that nine times out of ten I just can't do it. Lame, I'm tellin' ya. And it's not just Zip Lock bags. It's the resealable bags that cheese and some other foods come in now, too. Actually, I've pretty much given up on the cheese. I just cover the whole thing in plastic wrap and call it good. But not being able to reseal the bags isn't even the lamest part. The lamest part is that I keep trying, thinking that one of these days I'm going to do it. I stand there with the bag, trying and trying and trying to get it completely sealed. Just when I think I have it, I notice part of it didn't catch. I get depressed. I feel so inadequate. I call myself a lame loser. As if I don't have enough self-esteem problems.
Friday, January 02, 2004
Nostalgia
After reading Gina's post this morning about how hearing a Springsteen song made her feel, I was going to write something similar because I had some similar feelings. I just kept writing and writing and writing. I think all of that was more for me and not for public viewing. But I will say this:
I was a freshman in college the first time I saw The Boss in concert. Up until then, I was an Elton John fan and owned very few albums (Yes, albums. 33 1/3 on vinyl) of any other artists. All that changed on November 17, 1978, during a three-and-a-half hour concert that rocked. Springsteen was on tour for “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” but played a few songs from the yet-to-be released “The River” as well. And, of course, he played many of his older songs.
Now, when I hear any song he played during the concert I remember college. Remember how you felt during college, especially the first semester of your freshman year? Nothing can beat that. But Springsteen songs bring back memories of all four years.
Springsteen was the soundtrack for my life at college. To me, his songs mean independence, love, loss, freedom and growing up. Maybe it’s the growing up part that makes me nostalgic. Sometimes I don’t feel so grown up, and don’t want to. Then I remember I don’t have much of a choice anymore. It’s not like Great Smile Guy is going to start singing “Tramps like us, baby we were born to run” and whisk me off to some tropical paradise where we don’t have to worry about clients and editors and making a living.
But hey, you never know.
After reading Gina's post this morning about how hearing a Springsteen song made her feel, I was going to write something similar because I had some similar feelings. I just kept writing and writing and writing. I think all of that was more for me and not for public viewing. But I will say this:
I was a freshman in college the first time I saw The Boss in concert. Up until then, I was an Elton John fan and owned very few albums (Yes, albums. 33 1/3 on vinyl) of any other artists. All that changed on November 17, 1978, during a three-and-a-half hour concert that rocked. Springsteen was on tour for “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” but played a few songs from the yet-to-be released “The River” as well. And, of course, he played many of his older songs.
Now, when I hear any song he played during the concert I remember college. Remember how you felt during college, especially the first semester of your freshman year? Nothing can beat that. But Springsteen songs bring back memories of all four years.
Springsteen was the soundtrack for my life at college. To me, his songs mean independence, love, loss, freedom and growing up. Maybe it’s the growing up part that makes me nostalgic. Sometimes I don’t feel so grown up, and don’t want to. Then I remember I don’t have much of a choice anymore. It’s not like Great Smile Guy is going to start singing “Tramps like us, baby we were born to run” and whisk me off to some tropical paradise where we don’t have to worry about clients and editors and making a living.
But hey, you never know.
For Your Perusal
The Washington Post's list of what's in and out for 2004. While I agree with (or don't get the reference to) most of them, I have to take exception to Jimmy Fallon being out and Jack Black being in. I like Jack Black but not in place of Jimmy Fallon. I was happy, however, to see that Jennifer Garner is out and Mischa Barton is in. Can't stand "Alias." Love "The OC." I was also pleased to see bachelors are out and average Joes are in. Watched part of one episode of "The Bachelor." Hated it. I was obsessed with "Average Joe." I can't believe she didn't pick Adam, but I'll still watch the next one.
The Washington Post's list of what's in and out for 2004. While I agree with (or don't get the reference to) most of them, I have to take exception to Jimmy Fallon being out and Jack Black being in. I like Jack Black but not in place of Jimmy Fallon. I was happy, however, to see that Jennifer Garner is out and Mischa Barton is in. Can't stand "Alias." Love "The OC." I was also pleased to see bachelors are out and average Joes are in. Watched part of one episode of "The Bachelor." Hated it. I was obsessed with "Average Joe." I can't believe she didn't pick Adam, but I'll still watch the next one.
The weird thing about watching a “Twilight Zone” marathon was that I began to feel as if I was actually in the twilight zone. There was a time during the 46-hour extravaganza that I couldn’t change the channel. I was perfectly capable of physically picking up the remote and finding something else to watch, or turning off the television all together, but my brain wouldn’t let me. I was afraid I’d get involved in another show and miss a good episode that I’d forgotten about. For example, I’d completely forgotton about the “To Serve Man” episode. I really like that one. If I’d missed it ... Well, actually I probably wouldn’t have even known I missed it since I forgot about it in the first place. I also missed several episodes while I was sleeping. But that’s beside the point. There’s a point to this? Yes, I think so.
Then again, maybe not. I swear there was a point, but I lost my train of thought because I’m frustrated with my Internet connection, or lack thereof. I’ve been trying to connect for more than an hour to no avail. So my obsessive tendencies have me typing this entry on notepad while intermittently clicking “connect” when I get the message that a connection with the remote computer can’t be established. And yes, for God’s sake, I checked my password! I hate that message! “Check your password and try again.” Like it’s my fault? I’m sure the message is there because some imbeciles can’t connect for just that reason. It’s probably there for the same reason electrical appliances carry the warning “Do not use in the bathtub.”
Ya know -- and I just thought of this -- if someone is stupid enough to use a blow dryer in the shower, let him/her. Don’t we have enough stupid people on the planet without those who don’t know water and electrical appliances don’t make a good combination?
Anyway, back to “The Twilight Zone.” I’m just happy I got to see my favorites. They are the one where the old lady gets mysterious phone calls and it turns out they’re coming from her dead fiance; the one where Donna Douglas is considered ugly; and the one where one of the people in the diner is a Martian but no one knows who it is.
“The one where ...” That reminds me of "Friends." I like that they name the episodes “The One Where Phoebe Gets Engaged” or whatever. Actually, it’s ingenious. I mean, who really knows the titles of each sitcom episode? I suppose some television addicts do, but I sure don’t.
Speaking of “Friends,” there were a few years I couldn’t have cared less about that show but last year I started liking it again. I’m not depressed or anything because it’s ending -- It’s run its course, I think -- but Thursday nights will seem strange without it. Unless a sitcom miracle happens, I’ll probably be watching Countdown w/ Keith Olberman” on Thursdays now, too.
“Countdown,” by far, is my favorite news show. Serious stories are taken seriously, but there’s also irreverance and humor. How can you not find humor in the “terrorists with almanacs” story? Watching a news show that finds humor in it as well is refreshing.
How I went from “The Twilight Zone” to “Countdown” I’ll never know, but I think I’m finished rambling now.
Then again, maybe not. I swear there was a point, but I lost my train of thought because I’m frustrated with my Internet connection, or lack thereof. I’ve been trying to connect for more than an hour to no avail. So my obsessive tendencies have me typing this entry on notepad while intermittently clicking “connect” when I get the message that a connection with the remote computer can’t be established. And yes, for God’s sake, I checked my password! I hate that message! “Check your password and try again.” Like it’s my fault? I’m sure the message is there because some imbeciles can’t connect for just that reason. It’s probably there for the same reason electrical appliances carry the warning “Do not use in the bathtub.”
Ya know -- and I just thought of this -- if someone is stupid enough to use a blow dryer in the shower, let him/her. Don’t we have enough stupid people on the planet without those who don’t know water and electrical appliances don’t make a good combination?
Anyway, back to “The Twilight Zone.” I’m just happy I got to see my favorites. They are the one where the old lady gets mysterious phone calls and it turns out they’re coming from her dead fiance; the one where Donna Douglas is considered ugly; and the one where one of the people in the diner is a Martian but no one knows who it is.
“The one where ...” That reminds me of "Friends." I like that they name the episodes “The One Where Phoebe Gets Engaged” or whatever. Actually, it’s ingenious. I mean, who really knows the titles of each sitcom episode? I suppose some television addicts do, but I sure don’t.
Speaking of “Friends,” there were a few years I couldn’t have cared less about that show but last year I started liking it again. I’m not depressed or anything because it’s ending -- It’s run its course, I think -- but Thursday nights will seem strange without it. Unless a sitcom miracle happens, I’ll probably be watching Countdown w/ Keith Olberman” on Thursdays now, too.
“Countdown,” by far, is my favorite news show. Serious stories are taken seriously, but there’s also irreverance and humor. How can you not find humor in the “terrorists with almanacs” story? Watching a news show that finds humor in it as well is refreshing.
How I went from “The Twilight Zone” to “Countdown” I’ll never know, but I think I’m finished rambling now.
Thursday, January 01, 2004
But I like it
OK. OK. This layout is basically the same as this one, but I like that layout and I'm comfortable with it. Could be because I haven't blogged in so long that I'm not sick of it yet. Could be I'll be redesigning again soon. Who knows? But, for now, I'm happy and that's all that matters, right?
OK. OK. This layout is basically the same as this one, but I like that layout and I'm comfortable with it. Could be because I haven't blogged in so long that I'm not sick of it yet. Could be I'll be redesigning again soon. Who knows? But, for now, I'm happy and that's all that matters, right?
The Chaser
I'm watching The Twilight Zone marathon on The SciFi Channel. An episode called The Chaser was just on. It starts this way: Robert Shackleforth (George Grizzard), a lovestruck young man cannot get the girl of his dreams, the ravishing Leila (Patricia Barry), to acknowledge his existence. In desperation, Robert pays a visit to the mysterious Professor Daemon (John McIntyre), who gives the young would-be romeo a potion that transforms the icy Leila into Robert's "love slave."
Here's where I get confused: Before long, however, Robert regrets having Leila hanging upon him like a clinging vine ...
I understand the message of the episode and all that but, geez, I wish Great Smile Guy was that nuts about me. I can't see myself having a problem with that. Of course it's possible I feel that way because I went so long without seeing him at all and right now I want to be around him all the time. *sigh*
At the risk of him actually seeing this, I'm going to post it anyway. He must know by now how obsessed I am with him, mustn't he? He should. Everyone else I know knows.
I'm watching The Twilight Zone marathon on The SciFi Channel. An episode called The Chaser was just on. It starts this way: Robert Shackleforth (George Grizzard), a lovestruck young man cannot get the girl of his dreams, the ravishing Leila (Patricia Barry), to acknowledge his existence. In desperation, Robert pays a visit to the mysterious Professor Daemon (John McIntyre), who gives the young would-be romeo a potion that transforms the icy Leila into Robert's "love slave."
Here's where I get confused: Before long, however, Robert regrets having Leila hanging upon him like a clinging vine ...
I understand the message of the episode and all that but, geez, I wish Great Smile Guy was that nuts about me. I can't see myself having a problem with that. Of course it's possible I feel that way because I went so long without seeing him at all and right now I want to be around him all the time. *sigh*
At the risk of him actually seeing this, I'm going to post it anyway. He must know by now how obsessed I am with him, mustn't he? He should. Everyone else I know knows.