It's 11:27 a.m. on Sunday, July 4.
I am slightly buzzed from a Bloody Mary made from Ugly Dog vodka (distilled less than 2 miles from where I'm sitting right now) and home-canned-by-me Bloody Mary mix.
The sun is shining.
There is a lovely breeze.
The lake is full of water skiers, sailors, and cruisin' pontoon boats.
I am in the company of excellent friends.
It is a perfect summer day.
Content-ness level: about a zillion on a scale of 1 to 10.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Saturday cruisin'
I just spent a gorgeous Saturday afternoon doing this, while riding in this:
This 2007 SRT Magnum was modified/painted/whatever by West Coast Customs. My friend PC owns it. It's a ton of fun to ride around in but there's not a lot of headroom in the back seat [S, the lucky dog, got to drive it all day, PC rode shot-gun - I got the back seat] so with it's super-sporty suspension, I spent most of the day hunched over so as not to bang my head on the chopped roof.
(By the way, you don't know what fun is until you get two hetero males blasting this song with the hatch-gate open while cruising down the road.)
(S is addicted to Lady Gaga.)
(No, I'm not lying.)
Friday, June 18, 2010
Friday night conversations
S: Monday is the Summer Solstice. Do you know what that means?
Me: It's the longest day of the year.
S: Yes, but do you know what that means?
Me: It's the first day of Summer.
S: Yes, but do you know what that means?
Me: Um....that there will be sunlight until about 10:30.
S: Yes, but do you know what that means?
Me: ???
S: The days are only going to get shorter. We're that much closer to cold and fucking snow.
Jesus. The pessimism rolling off him was palpable.
Me: It's the longest day of the year.
S: Yes, but do you know what that means?
Me: It's the first day of Summer.
S: Yes, but do you know what that means?
Me: Um....that there will be sunlight until about 10:30.
S: Yes, but do you know what that means?
Me: ???
S: The days are only going to get shorter. We're that much closer to cold and fucking snow.
Jesus. The pessimism rolling off him was palpable.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
An old favorite revisited
(I love the suit and the pink shirt. And the shoes. He's got great shoes.)
Shine
David Gray
I can see it in your eyes
What I know in my heart is true
That our love it has faded
Like the summer run through
So we'll walk down the shoreline
One last time together
Feel the wind blow our wanderin' hearts
Like a feather
But who knows what's waiting
In the wings of time
Dry your eyes
We’re gonna go where we can shine
Don't be hiding in sorrow
Or clinging to the past
With your beauty so precious
And the season so fast
No matter how cold the horizon appear
Or how far the first night
When I held you near
We’re gonna rise from these ashes like a bird of flame
Take my hand
We're gonna go where we can shine
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na
Shine
For all that we struggle
For all we pretend
You know it don't come down to nothing
Except love in the end
And ours is a road that is strewn with goodbyes
But as it unfolds, as it all unwinds
Remember your soul is the one thing
You can't compromise
Step out of the shadow
We're gonna go where we can shine
We're gonna go where we can shine
We're gonna go where we can shine
(And look, and look and look and look)
Through the windows of midnight
Moonfoam and silver
Monday, June 7, 2010
Flipped
SQUEEEEEEEE!!!
I scoured the trailer for a glimpse of S's Impala. Didn't see it but who cares?! I can't wait to see this movie.
I scoured the trailer for a glimpse of S's Impala. Didn't see it but who cares?! I can't wait to see this movie.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Mini-break
Am house- and dog-sitting for my folks who are out of town this weekend.
As a home owner, it seems a bit weird to abandon my own house for the one I grew up in.
But the little small-town girl in me?
Loves it.
PS - my folks have cable TV. There's so much to choose from, I don't know what I want to watch! Who knew that so much choice would be paralyzing? Right now it's Jonathan Ross on BBC America - he has the most adorable lisp ever.
As a home owner, it seems a bit weird to abandon my own house for the one I grew up in.
But the little small-town girl in me?
Loves it.
PS - my folks have cable TV. There's so much to choose from, I don't know what I want to watch! Who knew that so much choice would be paralyzing? Right now it's Jonathan Ross on BBC America - he has the most adorable lisp ever.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Memorial Day
The following is made possible by those who defend, who fight, and who sometimes don't come back:
As I type this, I am, quite literally, sitting lake-side with my dog padding around the shallows looking for the fish that always seem to be just out of his reach. This is his favorite game. Yesterday he caught a turtle. (Turtle was fine...just scared.)
S has just gone to refill our coffee cups, the sun is shining, and there are several fishermen out, trawling 'round the lake.
Swans, out floating in the middle of the lake, have their heads submerged, looking for whatever it is that swans eat. Every once in a while, we'll see one of their heads pop up for a few seconds before disappearing again.
The garden gnome, with his solar-powered light-up hat, is standing guard over the pontoon.
Canada geese, a couple of them, just flew in, honking their arrival. A couple of fluffy goslings are paddling past, following their mother. If you're quiet, you can hear her honking and beeping at her babies. I wonder if she's scolding them or encouraging them.
The peace has been shattered. The first water-skier of the day has appeared. In a few moments, the wake will reach us and will gently splash against the shore under the deck we're sitting on.
There's a parade in town at 10 today. Must go get ready so we can leave soon to get a parking spot.
Happy Memorial Day, you lot.
As I type this, I am, quite literally, sitting lake-side with my dog padding around the shallows looking for the fish that always seem to be just out of his reach. This is his favorite game. Yesterday he caught a turtle. (Turtle was fine...just scared.)
S has just gone to refill our coffee cups, the sun is shining, and there are several fishermen out, trawling 'round the lake.
Swans, out floating in the middle of the lake, have their heads submerged, looking for whatever it is that swans eat. Every once in a while, we'll see one of their heads pop up for a few seconds before disappearing again.
The garden gnome, with his solar-powered light-up hat, is standing guard over the pontoon.
Canada geese, a couple of them, just flew in, honking their arrival. A couple of fluffy goslings are paddling past, following their mother. If you're quiet, you can hear her honking and beeping at her babies. I wonder if she's scolding them or encouraging them.
The peace has been shattered. The first water-skier of the day has appeared. In a few moments, the wake will reach us and will gently splash against the shore under the deck we're sitting on.
There's a parade in town at 10 today. Must go get ready so we can leave soon to get a parking spot.
Happy Memorial Day, you lot.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Post 223
Softball tonight, you lot.
We won. 9-4.
I actually scored from first base because the other team kept over-throwing trying to get me out. So I kept running. It was really all very thrilling.
I've heard many "you are excellent at first base" comments from my teammates so I guess I'm doing something right.
Thanks, Lou, for the batting tips. I stepped into the ball more tonight than on previous nights and the results were excellent. While I was still hitting to Short, I was able to place it over their head...to land just outside the infield! :)
We won. 9-4.
I actually scored from first base because the other team kept over-throwing trying to get me out. So I kept running. It was really all very thrilling.
I've heard many "you are excellent at first base" comments from my teammates so I guess I'm doing something right.
Thanks, Lou, for the batting tips. I stepped into the ball more tonight than on previous nights and the results were excellent. While I was still hitting to Short, I was able to place it over their head...to land just outside the infield! :)
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Post 222
I've been a bit fuzzy-headed for the past few days.
Totally tuned in to me and what's going on in my life.
I've not been spending quality time with anyone. Not even S.
Who? Appears to be willing to give me time to lick my unemployed wounds and give me the space I need to get a fucking grip.
To all who commented on my last post? I thank you. Your words of support have helped and I appreciate you taking the time to let me know you're out there. To those of you I dumped on in emails (you know who you are)? An extra special thanks for letting me vent and offering further words of encouragement.
As of today, five days post-termination (gah, what a horrible word) (and it was a termination. If they were to call me back from lay-off, I would not go. I really did hate it there.), I'm starting to form a plan. I don't have many details yet, but I have realized that it is important to continue on, to move forward, to not let this beat me.
I take after my dad in that regard. He's an eternal optimist and he has faith that his daughter will rise above and continue onward. And he did not frown, balk, or otherwise discourage when I said that the police academy might be where I end up. He mentioned that he had a ton of fun when he volunteered for the county's Mounted Division (he had a Palomino named Scout) and that I should not discount policing as a career.
Mom, on the other hand, is in full-on freak-out mode and until she calms down about all this, I find I'm tending to tune her out a bit. I hope that's not mean. I'm trying to cope, ya know?
Totally tuned in to me and what's going on in my life.
I've not been spending quality time with anyone. Not even S.
Who? Appears to be willing to give me time to lick my unemployed wounds and give me the space I need to get a fucking grip.
To all who commented on my last post? I thank you. Your words of support have helped and I appreciate you taking the time to let me know you're out there. To those of you I dumped on in emails (you know who you are)? An extra special thanks for letting me vent and offering further words of encouragement.
As of today, five days post-termination (gah, what a horrible word) (and it was a termination. If they were to call me back from lay-off, I would not go. I really did hate it there.), I'm starting to form a plan. I don't have many details yet, but I have realized that it is important to continue on, to move forward, to not let this beat me.
I take after my dad in that regard. He's an eternal optimist and he has faith that his daughter will rise above and continue onward. And he did not frown, balk, or otherwise discourage when I said that the police academy might be where I end up. He mentioned that he had a ton of fun when he volunteered for the county's Mounted Division (he had a Palomino named Scout) and that I should not discount policing as a career.
Mom, on the other hand, is in full-on freak-out mode and until she calms down about all this, I find I'm tending to tune her out a bit. I hope that's not mean. I'm trying to cope, ya know?
Friday, May 21, 2010
Strife? Not so much, actually.
Tuesday, 5/18:
Was my parent's 42nd wedding anniversary. I stopped at the flower shop where I worked many, many years ago and bought them some flowers. While I was at the flower shop, I told the lady that I had worked in that particular shop during the early 90's and that it was always one of my favorite jobs. She asked me about what I was doing now and when I mentioned that I was employed as an office worker, but not too happy with it, she said, "I'll be thinking about you...hoping that a change comes your way soon. It's so important to love what you do." She's one of those people who always know the exact, right thing to say. It boosted my spirits to have made a brief connection with someone who knew about unhappiness in your job.
Thursday, 5/20:
I got Let Go. Became unemployed.
Friday, 5/21:
The relief I had this morning upon waking up and NOT having to go to work there? Immense. Sure I'm freaking out about how I'll pay my mortgage, how I'll afford COBRA. Where I'll find a career I hopefully love (I do live in Michigan, people. The job market here sucks.). But you know what? The weight is gone. That horrible, awful, crushing weight of unhappiness in my job has vanished. Sure, I'm scared shitless but I'm breathing so much easier today. I don't have to deal with my boss anymore (he was a right git, that one), nor the office politics that I'd been separating myself from for the past few years -- effectively making me an outsider looking in - and let me tell you, my former co-workers? PETTY.
So here's to moving on. Moving up. Picking up steam and plowing ahead. And seriously thanking the Flower Lady for sending thoughts of change my way.
Was my parent's 42nd wedding anniversary. I stopped at the flower shop where I worked many, many years ago and bought them some flowers. While I was at the flower shop, I told the lady that I had worked in that particular shop during the early 90's and that it was always one of my favorite jobs. She asked me about what I was doing now and when I mentioned that I was employed as an office worker, but not too happy with it, she said, "I'll be thinking about you...hoping that a change comes your way soon. It's so important to love what you do." She's one of those people who always know the exact, right thing to say. It boosted my spirits to have made a brief connection with someone who knew about unhappiness in your job.
Thursday, 5/20:
I got Let Go. Became unemployed.
Friday, 5/21:
The relief I had this morning upon waking up and NOT having to go to work there? Immense. Sure I'm freaking out about how I'll pay my mortgage, how I'll afford COBRA. Where I'll find a career I hopefully love (I do live in Michigan, people. The job market here sucks.). But you know what? The weight is gone. That horrible, awful, crushing weight of unhappiness in my job has vanished. Sure, I'm scared shitless but I'm breathing so much easier today. I don't have to deal with my boss anymore (he was a right git, that one), nor the office politics that I'd been separating myself from for the past few years -- effectively making me an outsider looking in - and let me tell you, my former co-workers? PETTY.
So here's to moving on. Moving up. Picking up steam and plowing ahead. And seriously thanking the Flower Lady for sending thoughts of change my way.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Softball and Rusty Skillz
Two months ago, I called the local Rec center and put my name on their "looking for a team" softball recruiting list. A week or so later, I got chosen (based solely on a phone call but I'm not complaining!).
I was up front with Coach. Said I hadn't played in years (but didn't specify that it was well over 25 years ago that I played softball with any sort of regularity - we're talking middle school summer leagues, folks) but that I'd love to play if they could deal with my Rusty Skillz.
First practice, Coach was considering me for right field. For grins, he put me at first to see what I could do there. I can catch and have pretty good hand-eye coordination, and I'm not intimidated by my shortstop or my third-baseman (Cuz those boys can bring the heat [as S would say]). The position stuck - I play first and I love it.
We had our first league game last night. We lost 12-6. I wasn't expecting to beat this team...we scrimmaged with them several times and they are good (so good, in fact, that I think they should move up to one of the more competitive leagues). We, on the other hand, have a sloppy outfield defense - two outfielders who can't catch and when we're facing power hitters, that sucks. But our infield defense is pretty good so that's a point in our favor. We've got a couple of excellent hitters but I'm not one of them...yet. I hit it straight to the short stop every time.
My Rusty Skillz are getting polished up, and man, I had FUN last night.
I was up front with Coach. Said I hadn't played in years (but didn't specify that it was well over 25 years ago that I played softball with any sort of regularity - we're talking middle school summer leagues, folks) but that I'd love to play if they could deal with my Rusty Skillz.
First practice, Coach was considering me for right field. For grins, he put me at first to see what I could do there. I can catch and have pretty good hand-eye coordination, and I'm not intimidated by my shortstop or my third-baseman (Cuz those boys can bring the heat [as S would say]). The position stuck - I play first and I love it.
We had our first league game last night. We lost 12-6. I wasn't expecting to beat this team...we scrimmaged with them several times and they are good (so good, in fact, that I think they should move up to one of the more competitive leagues). We, on the other hand, have a sloppy outfield defense - two outfielders who can't catch and when we're facing power hitters, that sucks. But our infield defense is pretty good so that's a point in our favor. We've got a couple of excellent hitters but I'm not one of them...yet. I hit it straight to the short stop every time.
My Rusty Skillz are getting polished up, and man, I had FUN last night.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Confessional
I'm failing in/falling short of/losing sight of/ignoring/blowing off my goal to read 40 books this year.
I'm just not that into it. I can't be arsed to bother.
Especially not after I caught the Torchwood bug.
Instead, I'm spending a hell of a lot of time here.
(Yes, I have discovered Fan Fiction.)
Right now I'm so absorbed in the stories of other Torchwood fans that my reading goal is the last thing on my mind.
In my defense, I am reading a TON of longer fics on that site. I'm sure I've read at least three full-length novels worth of FanFic. (One story alone is well over 75 chapters long...and I'm on my second reading of it as it was that yummy.) (Shut up. I told you. I. Am. Obsessed.)
Also? I've ordered three of the Torchwood books and one of the radio plays from Amazon.
Can anyone say FanGirl?
GAH!
Here's another clip for those of you interested:
I'm just not that into it. I can't be arsed to bother.
Especially not after I caught the Torchwood bug.
Instead, I'm spending a hell of a lot of time here.
(Yes, I have discovered Fan Fiction.)
Right now I'm so absorbed in the stories of other Torchwood fans that my reading goal is the last thing on my mind.
In my defense, I am reading a TON of longer fics on that site. I'm sure I've read at least three full-length novels worth of FanFic. (One story alone is well over 75 chapters long...and I'm on my second reading of it as it was that yummy.) (Shut up. I told you. I. Am. Obsessed.)
Also? I've ordered three of the Torchwood books and one of the radio plays from Amazon.
Can anyone say FanGirl?
GAH!
Here's another clip for those of you interested:
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Against the laws of the universe...I am dating a wonderful man.
Two Sundays ago (April 25), S called me on my mobile and said, "you need to be at home and ready to go at 4:45 tomorrow. Don't wear jeans."
Me: Um... where are we going?
S: It's a surprise.
Me: ???
S: Seriously. I'm not telling you where we're going.
Me: OK*
Monday evening rolls around. I head home after work, change out of my jeans, and am ready at 4:45, per instructions.
S picks me up and we head to G's house to pick her and A up. I confess to them that I have no clue what's happening. They think this is the greatest thing ever and torment me mercilessly**.
So we hop in the car and head out. I picked up that we were going to Royal Oak and thought we were going to see a concert. (Royal Oak has an awesome venue for intimate concerts.)
Anyway. We get to Royal Oak and S tries to find us a parking spot. Since none of them know exactly where the Royal Oak Music Theater is, we were randomly driving 'round when S makes a turn, and VOILA, there it is:
You can't really tell, but the guy with the white socks? Directly under the marquee? He was wearing a kilt.CRAIG FERGUSON.
S had conspired with G to get CRAIG FERGUSON tickets.
Thereby proving - once again - that I. Am. Dating. A. Wonderful. Man.
Enjoy some Craig:
(I looked for video of his stand-up and while there are a few out there, the camera-phone quality isn't that great.)
*Really. That's what I said. The anticipation of the surprise was DELICIOUS.
**This was my first clue that this was going to be a GREAT evening. G and A wouldn't do anything unless is was top-notch cool.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Inadvertently going one step too far*...
These are my new glasses:
Sleep much? Not me. I'm going to pack for a vacation in those bags.I chose theses frames after they had dilated my pupils so I was all squinty and my vision was blurry. They were the only frames I could actually see on my face, so imagine my surprise when, after I picked them up, I was watching Doctor Who and I saw this:
I have a girly version of Doctor Who's glasses (Image boosted from here).
(I understand there's a new Doctor now. I've not seen any of those episodes yet. So I may be behind the Doctor Who times, but by golly, I'm fine with that because I adore David Tennant as the Doctor.)
*Torchwood, current obsession numero uno, is a spin-off of Doctor Who.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
The obsession continues
The Torchwood obsession is still alive and kicking.
And I've added another: Doctor Who.
Holy shit, people.
I need to be stopped.
And I've added another: Doctor Who.
Holy shit, people.
I need to be stopped.
Monday, April 12, 2010
100 Word Challenge: Portrait
Here's my response to the 100 Word Challenge this week. The prompt is portrait.
Endings and Beginnings
Today was the day his exile and misery would end. For months he had been stumbling through life. Every day he pushed himself to the brink of exhaustion, then pushed himself further so his sleep would be dreamless. But more and more frequently he dreamed anyway. He dreamt about his life before, about what he had lost because of mistakes and stupid pride. His lover's face was prevalent in those dreams. With its portrait-like clarity it would beckon to him with promises of forgiveness, understanding, acceptance, strength, and love. God, he missed that face. It was time to go home.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Vacation Crash and Burn
Vacation plans for April have been canceled for me. S is probably still going to go as the first leg of the trip was a jaunt to visit his website designer. The second bit of the trip was to visit friends who live along the route home.
While it is my job that is keeping me home, I'm not nearly as disappointed as I thought I'd be at canceling my vacation. I had requested, and was granted, two weekends in a row off from my part-time job. Maybe I'll finally have some time to get work done around my house.
While it is my job that is keeping me home, I'm not nearly as disappointed as I thought I'd be at canceling my vacation. I had requested, and was granted, two weekends in a row off from my part-time job. Maybe I'll finally have some time to get work done around my house.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
I am...
...listening to this station at work. Sure makes the day go faster than the classical station did.
...bummed that my vacation plans will have to be canceled if I can't find alternate dates.
...watching surprisingly little TV. Even my beloved PBS has taken a backseat to life.
...reading surprisingly little. I finished a book last night but it was apparently utterly forgettable as I can't remember the title of it to save my life.
...surprisingly busy. Doing what, I have no idea. I do know that very little is getting done around my house. I've got a yard of leaves to clean up from last fall that must be attended to soon. I'm hoping Saturday.
...glad I went here recently. Saw this, too.
...not commenting on blogs lately. But I'm reading 'em like crazy. My comment mojo has left the building. Sorry folks.
...loving the spring sunshine.
...taking suggestions for inexpensive sunglasses suitable for softball. I don't want to spend $180 on Oakleys. There has got to be an alternative out there.
...bummed that my vacation plans will have to be canceled if I can't find alternate dates.
...watching surprisingly little TV. Even my beloved PBS has taken a backseat to life.
...reading surprisingly little. I finished a book last night but it was apparently utterly forgettable as I can't remember the title of it to save my life.
...surprisingly busy. Doing what, I have no idea. I do know that very little is getting done around my house. I've got a yard of leaves to clean up from last fall that must be attended to soon. I'm hoping Saturday.
...glad I went here recently. Saw this, too.
...not commenting on blogs lately. But I'm reading 'em like crazy. My comment mojo has left the building. Sorry folks.
...loving the spring sunshine.
...taking suggestions for inexpensive sunglasses suitable for softball. I don't want to spend $180 on Oakleys. There has got to be an alternative out there.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Origins
In an effort to determine if I should be celebrating St Patty's day in the American way by hitting pubs and drinking as much green beer as I can, or if I should be celebrating it in the Irish way and taking myself to church, I called my mom for some help with family names. This is what I came up with when I did my 2½ minute surname origin search:
I think I'm going to celebrate in the American, non-Irish way! Except I refuse to drink green beer. Maybe I'll just pick up a bottle of Jameson's and drink it with pals. And S.
Dad doesn't know his grandmother's maiden name but he thinks his sister is working on their family tree. Maybe I'll know soon and maybe his side of my family tree is LOADED with Irish folk.
----------
On another note: skiing was great, I didn't break any bones and I can't wait to go out West and ski the big mountains. Boyne Highlands has an vertical drop of 552 feet. So it's not really a mountain, but it's plenty intimidating for beginners.
----------
GUINNESS CUPCAKES - my new favorite. Recipe here.
- my last name is English (which I knew)
- Mom's maiden name is Irish or Scottish (which I knew but I don't know which country her people are from)
- My paternal grandmother's maiden name is English
- My maternal grandmother's maiden name is English
- my mom's grandmother's maiden name is English (on her mother's side)
- my mom's grandmother's maiden name is German or Irish (on her father's side -- again, I don't know which country her people are from)
I think I'm going to celebrate in the American, non-Irish way! Except I refuse to drink green beer. Maybe I'll just pick up a bottle of Jameson's and drink it with pals. And S.
Dad doesn't know his grandmother's maiden name but he thinks his sister is working on their family tree. Maybe I'll know soon and maybe his side of my family tree is LOADED with Irish folk.
----------
On another note: skiing was great, I didn't break any bones and I can't wait to go out West and ski the big mountains. Boyne Highlands has an vertical drop of 552 feet. So it's not really a mountain, but it's plenty intimidating for beginners.
----------
GUINNESS CUPCAKES - my new favorite. Recipe here.
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