Monday, November 16, 2009

HOLY CAKE CUTENESS, BATMAN!


leopard print bag
Originally uploaded by CAKE Chester
Oh, how I adore cute cakes.

Actually, not so much the cake part. But the sculpting, shaping, frosting, fonting (?), accessorizing, and general cute-ing-up of the cake makes me werry, werry happy!

That's all.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

My new addiction . . .

No, it's not the eating of the cupcakes. It's looking at pictures of them.

I stumbled on the website Cakewrecks.com and have found a new reason to live - and troll the net.

There are bazillion cupcake sites - meaning there are bazillion little shops that specialize in only cupcakes. Yes. Only. Cupcakes.

Check out the following:

cupcakestakethecake.com
bakerella.com
ditsydaisie.com
(and all of their links)

You'll be touched by the artistry, creativity, and basic temptiness/ation of these creations. And if you're delusional like me, you'll say,
"Pffft. I could do that."

Naturally, since I don't have a history of baking - or cooking, for that matter - I've obviously decided that I would be a perfect maker of cupcakes. So I begged for a mixer for my birthday. And not just any mixer, may I add. I begged for the best. And after much cajoling and whining, Mark told me to "go ahead and order what you want."

So in 2 weeks, I will open a brand new KitchenAid mixer, already wrapped in gift paper and delivered by UPS from Amazon.com. Of course, it will be accompanied by a sweet card from my supportive spouse, who has learned after 27 years of marriage that reasoning does not work.

Let's see:
Great husband.
Wonderful kids.
Lovely home.
KitchenAid & pictures of cupcakes.

Life doesn't get any better than this.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Scott's Surgery



It's OVER!

For the past 6 months, Scott has been anxiously awaiting jaw surgery. I, on the other hand, have just been anxious.

He's been in braces for about 9 years, but he still had a severe underbite - only his back teeth touched, and he had to "chew" with his tongue. Every few months he's had x-rays taken to find out if he'd stopped growing - finally at the age of 22, he's full-sized!

So 9 days ago, Dr. Felice O'Ryan and Dr. Hendrickson performed the surgery at Kaiser Hospital in Oakland, California. The surgery was supposed to take 4 or 5 hours, but was completed in 3 1/2 because everything went smoothly and 'picture perfect.' When we were allowed to see him after he got out of recovery a couple hours later, he was alert and not in any pain. That's partly because of the meds, but mostly because the nerves in the jaw are cut during the operation.


















I spent the night on a cot next to him in the hospital, but he was able to get up, move around, and gently brush his teeth by morning, and was released at about noon the next day.








We were warned that there would be horrible bruising, but the only visable sign that he had surgery is that his cheeks are swollen - he frequently wears huge ice packs. He is frustrated because he is always quite tired and naps a lot, but otherwise, he's doing so much better than we'd expected. And I was able to avoid the fetal position completely!

His jaws have to be wired for 14 days, and he's only able to drink fluids. He learned the hard way that jell-o is too thick to make it through the wires & ended up looking as though his entire mouth had been bloodied. Cherry teeth.

Post date May: I was absolutely over the moon that the thing I had worried about for 5 years didn't happen - we had been warned that he might be nauseated and would vomit while the wires were on. I thought that they would send a pair of wire-cutters home with us, but we were assured that he could spew the vomit between the wires and not choke to death. Mommy might have passed out, but Scott would have been just fine. But luckily, there was no vomiting, no spewing through wires, and no smelling salts for me!


Monday, August 24, 2009

Strudel Stress Management


Toaster Strudel Art 2
Originally uploaded by Cloud2296

The realtors are coming to look at the house on Thursday.

There is a bucketload of stuff to do.
But I am too stinkin' overwhelmed to clean/straighten/fix.

So I am eating.
And checking facebook.
And playing Mah Jong Medley.
And eating.

Being in denial sure packs on the pounds.






Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Paint Wrist


Paint Cans in La Paz
Originally uploaded by thinklia
The outside of the house is done:

Stucco Walls: Green
Garage Door: Darker Green
Trim: Chocolate Brown
Door: Bright Red
Equals: Mint Chocolate Chip with a Cherry on Top House

The 'computer room' is done:

Slick Dark Green 'accent' wall
Cowboy Painting & Paraphernalia
Dad's Recliner
Gramma & Grampa's Indian Print
Equals: A real 'room' rather than a garbage can.

Sid's garage sale headboard is almost done:

Puttied holes & cracks
Sanded sticky-out splinters
White accidental 'primer' layer
Second coat is finished
Equals: Sore knees and wrist & a vow to use spray paint 'next time.'

The house we pick out better look exactly the way we want, cuz I don't want to do this again.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Whadda Ya See?

I was just trolling along on Flickr and came across this design.

I thought it was a cat.

I still think it's a cat.

I mean, I can't see ANYTHING else.

Does this mean something?

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Rest In Peace, Michael




Yesterday was the memorial service and burial of Michael Jackson.

He had many faces - literally and figuratively.

The little boy with the big voice, fronting his brothers' band The Jackson 5. His sad, sincere singing would make us fall in love with a rat named Ben.

The teenager with the mile-high afro and dance moves in sync with Diana Ross and Cher.

The young man who began to look just a tiny bit effeminate: the first nose job, the smooth, short curled hair. And the lighter skin.

And then there was Thriller! And Michael Jackson became the King of Pop. He introduced a dance style and a backwards "moon" walk to screaming, crying fans who would eagerly practice not only his clothing styles (including the iconic white sequined glove) but his famous moves.

His life became a circus as rumors of skin lightening swirled, and it seemed as though he had truly lost his way when his face began to take on strange and hideous changes. The results of his many plastic surgeries left him with a tiny, toy nose; a cleft chin; womanly eyebrows. Combined with red lipstick, Kohl-rimmed eyes and penciled eyebrows, the face became truly clownish. Michael, and Michael's life became a joke - tabloid fodder.

He was acquitted of molestation charges, but the little-boy Michael who opened his home, Neverland, and shared his bed with children because it was nurturing and loving was now a monster.


But a week ago, all was forgotten and forgiven as Michael Jackson left this world. Suddenly he was remembered for his music, love of life, and kindness. And people were singing, crying, and copying their idol's famous moves as they listened to his music piped across the loud speakers of the world.

And we realized we were too late with our love and respect.



Saturday, June 27, 2009

Dear Sarah & Jed


Dear Sarah & Jed,

Today is your wedding day. Sarah, I feel as though one of my own little girls has grown up. I'm not only thrilled for you, but I'm proud of your - well, your life!

Your dad asked me to give you two some words of wisdom. As you know, I'm never at a loss for words, so his request was a walk on the wild side. But I've given it some thought, and here are a few of the things that have made Mark and my 26 year marriage one of learning, growth, and joy.

1. This one is not in the #1 position by accident:
Remember that even though you are very much alike, the two of you come from very different places. They are places mostly created by the opinions, habits and folklore of generations of ancestors - i.e. strangers to you. Neither place is 'absolute.' Liking Miracle Whip instead of Mayo is not a moral failing.

2. You can live on lentils.

3. Always check the seat/lid position before you go.

4. Don't tell him to put the cap on the toothpaste unless you put your socks in the hamper .

5. Love doesn't conquer all, but it means the world while you get whatever help you might need.

6. Don't ever, ever, EVER involve your families in your disagreements. Did I say ever?

7. If he tells you not to buy him clothes, don't. Even if he looks hot in them, he won't wear the brown Dockers.

8. Although it looks as though your friends' marriages are perfect, they have some pretty tough times, too.

9. Don't assume. Even after 25 years, that one can bite you in the butt.

10. Tough times teach you more than the trips to Disneyland.


Best wishes for a wonderful eternity.
The Underwoods Love you.

Patty


"A Special Memory"
photo taken in Las Vegas uploaded by purpletwinkle flckr.com





Thursday, June 25, 2009

Smells, Scents, and Odors.


IMG_6805.jpg
Originally uploaded by Arkie G
I was trying to come up with something to write about. Suddenly I thought about my habit of smelling my socks when I take them off. Okay, I know it's weird and gross, but it somehow makes me think I'm staying in tune - with what I don't know.

Since I didn't think talking about how my feet smell would be very interesting, I started to think about smells in general. Smells such as Coffee. Grass.

Then there are the scents that sort of give a gift. A little extra blessing from Heaven that when combined paint a picture - tell a story.

Cinnamon, Clove and Pumpkin.
Old Spice and Cigars.
Campfire and Hotdogs.
Roses and Perfume.
Crayons, Playdough, and Pencil Shavings.

Wet Dog. Tomato Sauce. Skunk.

Monday, June 22, 2009

" A Nice Place to Visit "


The Twilight Zone
Originally uploaded by ipwallpapers
There's nothing like a 1960's episode of The Twilight Zone. Especially one that features a smiling, gratuitous Sebastian Cabot who comes to the aid of a hoodlum who is shot by the cops.

Taken to a beautiful mansion by the portly Cabot, who is impeccably dressed in an immaculate white suit, the hoodlum (played by Larry Blyden) is at first incredulous, then leeringly overjoyed.

First, he's presented with new clothes ~ "Hey, Fats, your man knew my specs!" then a sumptuous meal, which he quickly assumes is poisoned. When reassured by Fats, who then prompts him to recall that he was shot by the police, he is surprised that even after his unsavory life, he has been welcomed into Heavenly bliss.

Soon, though, when his every whim is granted ~ 'dolls' and cars, gambling tables and parties ~ he becomes bored with his perfect life. Every pull of the one armed bandit is rewarded with buckets of quarters, every pool shot sinks all of the balls.

Complaining to Fats, he asks if it wouldn't just be possible if he could arrange a bank heist. Fats assures him that it would be just fine. Which bank would he like to rob? What kind of getaway car would he like? Frustrated, Byden says, "I'm sick of everything going my way! Now that I know how boring it is here, I wanna go to the other place! I don't care if it isn't Heaven!"

And Fats leans back and laughingly roars, "Why Mr. Jones. Whatever made you think you were in Heaven?"

I know that this was supposed to be about Hell....

But this episode made me grateful that Heavenly Father doesn't give me everything I want, and that His plan is that each of us can learn by our own choices and consequences. Otherwise this life would truly be a Hell on earth.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Take THAT, buddy!

I'm home alone.

Mark, Sid, Scott & Stephanie have gone off to Utah for various nefarious purposes. I thought it would be really fun to be alone. I thought I'd eat junk, go to a couple of movies, read late into the night, and sleep in without guilt.

Instead, I'm terrified of the night. When I went to bed last night - after eating junk and reading as late as I could manage - I was too scared to turn the lights out, so I left one on in the upstairs bathroom.

I also "slept" with my cell phone, our land line handset, and pepper spray on the bed beside me. Every sound totally freaked me out, and I truly, literally, had little panic attacks every time the house settled.

So I decided to be proactive and plan what I would do if an intruder intruded. Oh, the pepper spray is a wonderful reassurance - until I think about how I'D get away with pepper spray 'smoke' floating around me. I mean, clearly, it'll knock out the bad guy. But it's not like it disperses with perfection. And I wouldn't be so tough that it wouldn't affect ME. What if it knocked me down, too? And we both recovered at the same time? Breathe, Patty, breathe.

And when you consider that you can hide while you're phoning 911, you have to remember that the phone makes a little beep every time you press a button. So here I'd be laying in the bathtub with the curtain pulled closed (nobody would look there cuz they'd be looking in the closet or under the bed) and the guy would hear 'beep beep beep' and know I'd called 911. So....where would he go??? Uh, not the closet!

I could always lock myself in Sid or Scott's bedroom, but I'd have to knock over a dresser or something and pull it over to block the door. But the bathroom opens into each of their rooms, so I'd have to block that door, too. Or block both of the kids' doors and lock myself in the bathroom. But the bathroom window is too small to get out of. Plus it's a 2 story drop. There's just no damn way to win.

This is what I go through every night - family here or not, actually.

I'm sleeping on the couch tonight. Really.

With the pepper spray, and both phones.

Friday, June 12, 2009

After the Bath

I just think this is beautiful.

Edgar Degas is one of my favorite artist/sculptors. We were blessed to see many of his works at the Muse d'Orsay in Paris a few years ago and it's impossible to choose either a favorite work or media. His paintings are so skilled and detailed that it seems possible to reach out and touch the fluffy tutus on his lovely ballerinas.

The sculpture of the Little Dancer of Fourteen Years is lifelike that she looks ready to step back onto the stage.

And I just sounded like Wikipedia.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Kick it OUT, already!


Mourning Dove in Nest
Originally uploaded by ladyinpink47
A cute little mourning dove built a nest in our massive cactus. It sat there patiently for weeks. The other day there were suddenly 2 birds in the nest. Turns out one was the alleged 'baby.' It was massive.

Today, the painters' stuff got too close to the nest and they both left. It was about time. I mean, sheesh, mom! Let's just give your nest to your hatchling!?

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Unique is Good


'Hey..what's hanging?'
Originally uploaded by peace1374
We used to have a cool Jackson's chameleon like this one.

Mark & I were in Hawaii and we had been looking around in a tiny little pet store in Lahaina on Oahu. They had the usual assortment of parrots, snakes, goats (yes, goats), and several kinds of lizards. Mark got tired of wandering around and went for a walk while I talked myself into why it was okay to purchase a jungle creature, keep it in a motel for a few days, then fly it across the ocean. And how I would explain it to Mark.

I chose my little friend and forked over my $65. Once he was boxed up (the chameleon, not Mark - he was boxed 'in'), I walked to the park where I surprised my patient spouse with the most bizarre creature we'd ever seen. It took him about 2 minutes to fall for him.

We named him Kili (Kee-lee) and he became one of our most interesting and funny pets ever. He traveled in slow motion with a kind of step-sway forward and back, step-sway forward and back movement. He loved to s-l-o-w-l-y climb up cords and curtains, and found popcorn ceilings to be quite the adventure. He was used to employing his prehensile tail as another hand/arm, so when he was losing his grip or sensing he was in danger, he would wrap his tail tightly around his leg. He'd inevitably fall - but we always caught him or prepared a soft spot for the landing.

He had 2 amazing, protruding eyes - each moved independently and looked like little beady telescopes.

His home was an old bird cage fitted with a big plant and a rabbit water bottle that hung down for him to lick. I also had a little bottle that dripped onto the plant, and I would mist it often with a squirt bottle. We'd take him out every day or so for his fill of meal worms or crickets. Problem was, the meal worms smelled awful, so I'd usually opt for the noisy, nasty crickets. But the crickets would get out of the cage, so we had to put them in a tall box, drop Kili in, and let him go to town. His tongue would zip out about 8 inches and snag a scurrying cricket, then he'd slowly, slowly chomp it down.

He loved to go outside on my hand and catch flies on the side of the house. He tried a Box Elder bug one time - a common and plentiful beetle in Montana. He clearly didn't like it and never, ever forgot what they looked like and never ate another one.

He also liked spending time on the lawn and once in a while I'd sit and read while he lounged in the sun. I came close to losing him a couple of times and spent some frantic minutes searching the area for a patch of green that had legs. Luckily, he couldn't move fast enough to get far. The funniest time was when I found him laying on the line where the sunny lawn met the shadowed. He was half bright green, and half forest green.

He became a favorite - we had friends who would bring thier friends over just to see him. One time, a family we knew purchased one for their teenage son, and I got a phone call from their veterinarian 2 weeks later. Evidently, Johnny's had died and the vet wanted to know how I took care of Kili. Evidently Jackson's are one of the hardest lizards to keep alive, and he was very curious about his habitat and diet. The vet was absolutely stunned to learn that my poor little tropical reptile lived in a bird cage, was fed random bugs outside, chased by the kitten across the top of our curtains, and often popped onto the dusty fake ficus tree in the living room for an hour of 'free play.'

I guess ignorance is bliss.

Kili died nearly 2 years after we got him. The very day Mark & I were in Lahaina, Hawaii.

Monday, April 27, 2009

The Chef Special


Baked potato.
Originally uploaded by oskay
Tonight we had a delightful time having a picnic with some friends:

Natalie & John Familia
Jackie & Mike Curteman and kids
Caryn & Curtis Stapp and kids
Kelly & Dave Lee and . . . uh, yes, kids
Ahhhh, kids. To be young again. Phew.

I spent all day shopping, chopping, and prepping, then FINALLY got going on the actual baking.

My baked potatos turned out great, and after being slopped with 'I Can't Believe It's Not Butter," sour cream, cheese, chives, green onions, bacon bits, and croutons, most people could gag 'em down.

I felt quite proud of myself, and have learned that I'm actually a fantastic little cook.

In reality, it was a really fun night. The men and kids played softball while we women caught up on the latest legal news. Then when we all got together to eat, there were some pretty funny stories - mostly involving falling down and pain.

The only bad part of the evening was that with the wind-chill, it was -20 degrees and we were freezing. But those baked potatos turned out to be a double treat - the leftovers were great hand warmers!

and the other shoe drops...


old_shoe
Originally uploaded by Ne_Brasil
Friday was the end of a long emotional journey.

A family was in tatters as they watched a husband, father, brother, son - one of the church's and city's Golden Boys - handcuffed and led unrepentant from the courtroom where he had just been sentenced to 6 years in prison for sexual abuse.

A dentist who gave up a lovely wife, 7 dear children, 3 grandchildren - for the thrill of walking on the edge. For pulling shirts open and checking moles. For brushing fingers across breasts to pick up tools. For massaging down necks and over breasts to treat jaw pain.

And Sidney and I walked away from the courthouse - me sobbing. Jubilant yet brokenhearted. And Sidney comforting me as she walked me to the car.

Justice was served, and our abuse was vindicated.

God bless his poor, sweet family. And comfort his victims. And help the prisoner return to us repentant, rehabilitated, and whole.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Garage Cleaning Day!


My Garage
Originally uploaded by Ski Goddess
First off, this is not a photo of me. It is a stranger. A random, barely dressed woman who just happens to be doing the same thing I happened to be doing today. In a garage spookily similar to ours.

But amazingly enough, our garage has been even more packed with "stuff" for the past 6 years. Junk we've accumulated over the happy 26 years of our marriage and children-growing years:

~ photos of every event Mark and I attended, as well as every note and card written to one another for the first year of our marriage.

~ boxes of craft supplies . . . paints, rubber stamps, pens, pencils, markers, paper, every kind of tape invented by man (or woman), stickers, card-making accoutrements, boxes of "sheet protectors", scrapbooks, flocking powder. Yes, flocking powder!

~ virtually every paper, project, sculpture, stuffed animal, book and photo taken of our children during their years of schooling.

~ at least 10 boxes of holiday decorations. A large rotating Christmas tree stand, ornaments that span generations; a Halloween skeleton, a string of light-up bones, witches' cauldrons; Easter candy bowls, bunnies, plastic eggs, plastic egg wreath, as well as other seasonal detritus.

~ 1000 medical books.

~ inexpensive but sentimental paintings and drawings and souvenirs that we have collected from all over the world.

~ blankets and quilts.

~ suitcases, train cases, a wooden oil paint case with a handle and hinges!

~ a large box of hand made cards from our "My Pad or Yours?" rubber stamp club - circa 1998 - 2002.

~ wrapping paper and bows

~ tools and screws and nails and "what's this thing for"s.

~ assorted junk that just ended up in boxes because I didn't know what else to do with it.

~ my late parents' ranch.

It's been years since some of these precious things have even seen the light of day, so in some ways it was like opening Christmas presents .... and throwing them away.

Which was really amazingly wonderful and liberating and made me feel as though I was moving on in some undefinable way.

It was a good day.

Friday, April 24, 2009

I'm a murderer.

I confess.

I got impatient. I got sick of moving their little incubators around so I could clean the counter.

So I pulled each one of the stubborn, boring, slimy seeds out of their mismatched glasses, and threw them away like so much garbage.

No avocados for ME!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

LIFE IS THE PITS.

After losing my dear Leon a little over 26 years ago, I've decided
to try again. Although his life was short, he was a joy, and a real source of pride. In fact, new friends were often taken aback by my passion for him.

So during supper the other night, my guacamole preparations brought me face to face with the option of beginning a new life.

Oh, yes. It's a big commitment. And yes, it's a long gestation period that takes a lot of patience, faith, and hope.

But I jumped right in. I cut 3 seeds out of the avacados, stuck toothpicks in them, and popped 'em into cups of water.

Now we just wait and watch for signs of growth. I can't wait until they start to show, and it won't be long before I can start picking out names.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

He Looked WAAAY Better Before She Hit Him!


PaulMc
Originally uploaded by robiyah69
On this day in 1997, Paul McCartney, a former member of the most successful rock band in history, The Beatles, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his "services to music." The 54-year-old lad from Liverpool became Sir Paul in a centuries-old ceremony of pomp and solemnity at Buckingham Palace in central London. Fans waited outside in a scene reminiscent of Beatlemania of the 1960s. Crowds screamed as McCartney swept through the gates in his chauffeur-driven limousine and he answered with a thumbs-up. McCartney's wife, Linda, who was fighting breast cancer, did not accompany him, but three of their four children were at the palace. "I would have loved the whole family to be here, but when we heard there were only three tickets, we had to draw straws," McCartney said.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Dancing Time!


Molly Dancers
Originally uploaded by Squeezyboy
Well, as those of you who know me might be surprised to learn, I do like to view a bit of television once in a while.

This would be one of those times. Dancing With the Stars is back!

I feel young and spry and ready to spin.

Where can I meet these guys with the hats?

¿QuĂ© dije

Ha!

Acabo de notar que he dicho ¡Feliz Navidad a Barbie en lugar de Happy Birthday (Feliz Cumpliaños).

Sheesh.

Afortunadamente, ella no tiene un cerebro muy pequeño en su cabeza, por lo que desde que me lo envió junto con una foto de su boda, ella piensa que probablemente fue tardía boda deseos.

A veces vale la pena tener un amigo ocasional mudos.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For my English speaking friends, let me explain...

I just noticed that I said Merry Christmas to Barbie instead of Happy Birthday (Feliz Cumpliaños).

Sheesh.

Luckily, she doesn't have a brain in her pretty little head, so since I sent it along with a photo of her wedding, she'll probably think it was belated wedding wishes.

Sometimes it pays to have an occasional dumb friend.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

FELIZ NAVIDAD, BARBIE!


Titian Wedding Party
Originally uploaded by Patrick Q
Dear Barbie,

I was digging around in my flickr scrapbook and just found this picture of you guys' wedding! Can you believe it? It was such a lovely and festive day - yet you both looked as though you were going to the guillotine! So serious for 2 people in love!

Ken was so handsom with his head of fuzzy flocked hair. It's a shame most of it rubbed off after a few short years. His suit was a bit baggy that day, but I'm sure it was just because his dresser was in such a rush to "get him to the church on time." I remember how much we teased him about that silly red cummerbund that he chose to go with the little red bow-tie. He was sure stylin' that day!

And what a beautiful bride you were. I wish we could see those darling shoes you were wearing. I have such fond memories of ALL of your high heels. It's as though you were born with stilettos on ~ you wore them for so many years that you finally turned into one of those women who can't stand with their feet flat!

Didn't little Skipper look so cute in her yellow flower-girl dress? She was such a sweet child, wasn't she? And Midge in her complementary bride's maid dress...what a great friend she was to all of us, huh? It's too bad "they broke the mold" after those two girls were born.

It was nice to see your hair "up" that day instead of in the pony tail. At least you kept your trademark curly bangs. Remember how those came back into style in the late 70's? But wow! That color! That was only one of the many shades of the rainbow your pretty head featured ~ but no matter how lovely they might have been, my favorite was the lovely platinum blond that glowed in the sun.

It's been a great 50 years, my friend.
Happy Birthday to You!
Patty

Here's to Yogi.

Sid and I went to a movie tonight that really disturbed me. It was called "He's Just Not That into You," and it was such a sad/happy/funny/pathetic statement about the morality and confusion in the dating scene today.

On one hand, it was a real eye-opener about the difference between the way girls are conditioned to sort of rationalize boys' words and actions, and what boys and men really mean by them.

The movie begins with a little girl of about 4 building a sand castle in a park, when along comes a little boy who immediately pushes her and repeatedly tells her that she smells like dog poo. She goes to her mommy in tears, and her mother says, "Do you know WHY he did that to you?" and explains that the boy REALLY just likes her and that's how he shows it.

WHAT? I remember that same comforting lesson being taught by MY female relatives any time some boy pushed me or hit me! WOW!

Then, as shown in the movie (and as I recall in my own life) after a break-up, the best friends always said something like:
"He's just insecure about your strength."
"He's not ready for a commitment."
"He just got out of a relationship."
"He's not good enough for you."

That was the first 5 minutes of the movie. My head exploded after minute 10.

One of the main characters was a guy who was helping a sweet & innocently hopeful, semi-desperate, stalker-type girl navigate the dating scene. He pointed out the little things that guys said and did - things that seemed like the guy was interested but were really ways of blowing the girl off. It was amazing. For instance, "Give me a call" meant, I'm NEVER going to contact you.

The most hysterical part, tho, was when a guy told the girl that he was "going out of town and wouldn't be able to be in contact for a while." The male 'counselor' says to the girl, "'No way to contact you?' Where's he going, New Guinea? Somewhere they don't have phones?" I mean, I would have believed the guy and waited to hear from him...

But what her friend's advice came down to was, "If he really wants to see you again, he will find a way."

There was one tragic part of the story concerning a married man who met a beautiful girl at a grocery store and started to flirt a bit. Then caught himself and told her he was married, BUT still gave her his work number so she could contact him and get a reference. When she called, he decided it would be okay to meet with her. He did remind her in his office that he was married, BUT also said that he was totally attracted to her and that she was hot.

Then he shows up and takes her Yoga class, and they discuss how it's okay to be friends, even though he can't stop thinking about her. Afterwards, she asks him to go swimming, and he says no (say it with me) because he's a married man, so she strips and jumps in. Because he's such a spot-on fellow, he won't go in with her, BUT it's okay to watch.

Eventually, the guy rationalizes himself into adultery then gets dumped by his mistress- who finally loses respect and hates him because he'd treat his wife so horribly. WHAT? And, of course, a sad, sad divorce follows. Well, at least he got pay back.

But most pathetically, his sweet wife took all this guilt on herself because their lack of intimacy had been because of her. And we're kinda supposed to be a little bit okay with that because she IS a bit of a control-freak, ya know. What? WHAT?

It's so sad to live in a time when it's considered harmless for men to look at other women and flirt a little bit. And when it's a given that they'll most likely stray if their "needs" aren't met. And that their women are partially responsible.

I'm so grateful to be a member of the Savior's church and have the commandments and Temple marriage and covenants. I can't imagine living such a hollow and 'chancy' life. I'm amazed at what a wonderful blessing it is to have a husband who is so loyal and good that he won't even look to see if a girl is 'pretty' when I ask his opinion. I am so thankful to be able to trust him and know that he trusts me - and that no matter what happens to us or between us, and even though it does and WILL take hard work,

we're in it for eternity.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Playing Footsies!

If I had money to spend on unnecessary stuff, I would buy racks and racks of colorful and fun high heels.

But I don't have enough paper money, so I'll have to settle for paper shoes.

Now I wish I could be paper doll.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

What a GREAT name!


Underwood 1
Originally uploaded by freeeestyle

waitress, there's pink glitter in my soup

Ya know what's a funny word?
"Yarn."
Another funny word is sherbet, which is what this yarn looks like.

More of my "who made THAT up?" words are:

morsel
nougat - I mean, even the spelling is bizarre!
yogurt

Actually, I think "morsel" is my favorite, but where in the world do
you find a picture of a morsel? Unless you use a morsel of nougat, but the only way I could think of to do that would be to bust a Baby Ruth bar in two.

Easier to search "yarn."

Ray of Light - Mt. Diablo California

This is what Heaven looks like.





Friday, February 20, 2009

Signing Up...


I was looking at unique vintage signs
and found a wonderful
"Underwood Motel" sign.
Unfortunately, I couldn't figure out a way to get it on
here, so we'll have to settle for this one!




Those ears must be massive when you consider the size of
the business' 'subtitile:
Jerry Reynolds Photography.

What does the guy photograph anyway?
Rabbits?
T.V. Antennas?
Makes you wanna say, Hmmm.


Rabbit Ears
Originally uploaded by Jerry Reynolds

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

It's Spring in February - Welcome Jays!


Blue Jay
Originally uploaded by byard
One of my favorite things in life is the yearly return of the blue jays. They're arrogant, bossy birds that love to squawk their disapproval about - well, everything. They commandeer the bird feeder, and if another bird is within 15 feet and the size of a mouse, they send him scooting away.

Reading the above, I was startled. Could it be that the blue jay reminds me of myself? It's quite a scary thought! Especially that I might be guilty of commandeering food and scaring everyone away.

Hmmm. Maybe I should work toward becoming a duck. Everybody loves a duck.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Happy President's Day!

This is a negative titled "G. Washington's teeth."

I'm assuming they belonged to President George.

Or maybe they were teeth being subject to electroshock therapy.

Either way, they're cool, huh?