Sunday in the Park with George

Ok, there was no George. I don’t know who George is…It just sounded better than "Sunday in the Park with Google". Which is a more apropos title for my post today.

Flaked out on dinner Sunday night to enjoy some Row-Time at the park with little Sake To Me.

Actually, I am at a loss for topics today so I will post more random pictures. OK. Not so random. Everyone has been doing a variation of this. For yet another take on Google Image fun.. try googling a SENTENCE, one word at a time! haha.

1. The place you grew up. A little bit of here and there throughout my formative years. I could’ve put SF and called it a day; but I thought I would mix it up with Bay Area. My mistake. BORING.

2. The place you live now. OK. This is much better.“HERKEWLES! HERKEWLES! Oh my little Herkewles!” Trust me, this is a much better picture that the actual ‘burb/town I live in right now. Mythic, yes?

3. Your name. ALRIGHT. Now THAT’s what I’m talking about. Everyone needs a little nudity to brighten their day! ... Gee, how did that picture of me get on the internet? HAHAHA! Riiiight.

4. Your grandmother’s name. I really don’t have anything to say about this. Probably should’ve skipped this one.

5. Your favorite food. I have too many of those to pick one. Growing up around here, you get so spoiled with all the delicious restaurants. However, sopressata was on the mind. MMMMMmmm sopressata. I always enjoy a good salami.. … QUIET in the peanut gallery!

6. Your favorite drink. Why did my mind jump to liquor? Oh well. I have always been a vodka girl. Although, my preference is not normally Absolut. I guess I could’ve been more specific with Vanilla Stoli, but oh well.

7. Your favorite song. I like this image, simple. This Charming Man – The Smiths. Here’s a song from my teen years that ALWAYS put a smile on my face. It still does to this day. From the opening riff to the line, “I would go out tonight, but I haven’t got a stitch to wear!” Story of my life.

8. Your favorite smell. This has been edited. All you need to know is... Google gave me this.

9. Your favorite shoes. It would’ve been far too tempting to google Manolo. But I went with Tyler; for the lemon yellow Richard Tyler slingbacks I had on at the time of the Googling. That’s right, you heard me. Lemon yellow.

10. Favorite number. Haha! Looks like I missed a good party from the 27th.

I’m not cool and didn’t piece it all together into a montage like MS did for a composite Google image. Can someone advise on an expedient way to do this? And yes, I went with the FIRST image.... GOSH!

Burn THIS

A certain someone has requested that I include more sex, violence, and current issue rantings and ravings in my blog. Evidently a PG-13 Row is an uninteresting Row. Although I am not opposed to the first two, I did intend for this to be a PG-13 blog as I have family, old friends and colleagues, and some old teachers reading. (At least, I think they're reading. I'm not really sure!) There is a TMI issue at hand. But I will try to honor at least some of JS's request.. and introduce some news topics. Or as someone once said.. "I've got to keep up on my current events"....

*ahem*....

Good gracious. Are we back to this again??! Let it be known that I do NOT condone a fucking Constitutional Amendment to ban flag burning. (There goes my PG-13 rating.) Dont' get me wrong.. I wouldn't personally go out and do this. But I happen to value my actual freedoms over the symbol that represents them.


WASHINGTON - The House on Wednesday approved a constitutional amendment that would give Congress the power to ban desecration of the American flag, a measure that for the first time stands a chance of passing the Senate as well.

By a 286-130 vote — eight more than needed — House members approved the amendment after a debate over whether such a ban would uphold or run afoul of the Constitution's free-speech protections.

Approval of two-thirds of the lawmakers present was required to send the bill on to the Senate, where activists on both sides say it stands the best chance of passage in years. If the amendment is approved in that chamber by a two-thirds vote, it would then move to the states for ratification.

Supporters said the measure reflected patriotism that deepened after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and they accused detractors of being out of touch with public sentiment.

"Ask the men and women who stood on top of the (World) Trade Center," said Rep. Randy (Duke) Cunningham, R-Calif. "Ask them and they will tell you: pass this amendment."

But Rep. Jerrold Nadler (news, bio, voting record), D-N.Y., said, "If the flag needs protection at all, it needs protection from members of Congress who value the symbol more than the freedoms that the flag represents."

Interesting how a Rep from California is speaking for the people of NY and how the Rep from NY is actually speaking with his brain rather than out of his ASS!

Who's Your Daddy?

It wasn't the parting of the Red Sea... but the small miracle I hoped for on Friday happened later on that evening. I had been in the foulest of foul moods.. *Taking deep hits of my lavendar pillow from Provence to keep me grounded*... But more often that not, when I am at wit's end and about to give up on all matters around me... my Father came to my rescue.
Yep. He had extended an invitation to the 18th Annual Lobster Feed.... and can I clarify for you? This is a 4 course all-you-can-eat event and I didn't want to go. But after 8 hours of inner crankmeister turmoil, I needed a martini, STAT. So I brought my girl Yuri, she tied on her bib, and we proceeded to brace for the eating fest.



The weather finally cleared and we actually had a glorious view of this City o' Mine... I drank it all in along with the Martini that had not left my grip since I walked in. The all you can eat lobster arrived.. (one friggin' WHOLE lobster after we already had clams and caesar salad) and this is when I felt the flash of peace. As I stared out among the bits of clouds, and the setting sun beamed across the waters of the Bay, everything seemed so right.




I forgot about Iraq, I forgot about how creepy MJ still is, I forgot about my own disapointments and realized that I'm a big fucking dolt for not remembering how lucky and blessed I am. Whatever fears and doubts I have of my future will be met head on.. I will fail. I will succeed. But most of all .. I will survive. Seems All You Can Eat Lobster makes warriors of us all....




**********
You may have noticed I snuck in a little reference for my Pop... My preface to the Happy Father's Day shoutout I'm about to give. It's Sunday and I would like to wish all you cool Baby's Daddy's out there a BRILLANT FATHER's DAY. I salute you all and wish I could give you the biggest kiss I have to give. I don't mean to discount Mother/Child relationships AT ALL, but I do adore watching a child interacting with their Dad Perhaps it is the close relationship I have with my Father... when I see it in men my age.. it makes my heart melt. A man I still care deeply about was the most wonderful man when he with his daughter. That I will ALWAYS remember about him.

My own father is no angel. Like any other person, I can write a novel about the issues I have with him. But, as many of my friends can attest, my Dad FUCKING KICKS ASS(eloquent, eh?)! He is generous of heart and always has his home open to my friends. He enjoys a good vodka on the rocks, and often encourages my cohorts and I do the same. He gets too far involved while watching sports and has been known to "pace the sidelines" more than Mike Ditka. He gets carried away while listening to his iPod Shuffle on BART and starts singing with his headphones on. He makes a MEAN steak tartar. He calls me the day after my birthday EVERY YEAR.
"Hey Row..."
"Hi Pop."
"Happy Birthday!"
"Aww. Thanks Pop!! .. Uh, you know it was yesterday, right?"
"....... ...... FUCK!"
He's been a metrosexual long before Queer Eye made it ok. I can't walk thru a dept store without him disappearing in the fragrance dept.,.. "DAD! What did you do? You smell like a French Whorehouse!" He ran his first 10K at the age of 60. And he always comes up with a little gem when you least expect it:
Seated first row behind Visitors Dugout at the Giants game:
Row: "Bonds is on deck."
E: "I cani't believe we couldn't get anybody on base."
Dad(leans in): "Soooo. ... what.. is.. a Little Bow Wow?"
Row: "DAD! I told you to stop watching the MTV!"


So here's to you my Papa. I love you beyond what any words can say. Forever and ever, your Daimui.

The Interview (aka "This saves me from thinking of my own topic to blog about.")

Interview Chain where I get to pretend someone wants to hear my thoughts and opinions! LOL! These were the instructions:
1. Leave me a comment saying, 'Interview me'.
2. I will respond by asking you five questions. I get to pick the questions. (MUA HA HA)
3. Only respond if you are willing to answer ANY question that is asked of you (THEMS the rules)
4. Update your Blog with the answers to the questions.
5. Include this explanation and an offer to interview someone else in the same post.
6. When others comment asking to be interviewed, you will ask them five questions.

And without further ado...
5 Questions:
1. If you were a runway model, what would be your favorite thing to parade around in? >>> Ooooh, it would be a toss up between a big lovely swishy Oscar de la Renta gown. Because it would be so girly girl and something I would never in a million years be able to afford. OR, it would be something uber fierce by Tom Ford that I would be incredibly sexy in and I could stomp down that runway with my supermodel walk.

2. What are your thoughts on licking whipped cream off someone? (that was my topic for michaelsean today)>>>> Hmm. I'm not sure if I HAVE any thoughts about it. I have found in the past that the implementation of food with sex has its rewards. I'm sure it has spiced up many an evening in people's bedrooms.. or kitchens! But as I am not actually a big whipped cream fan in general, I prefer chocolate or raspberry jam maybe. Ooooh yeah.. Haha. Sometimes the mess is more trouble than it's worth.. I guess.. it's fun enough.. but I dont' crave it. It's not something that could turn me at the sheer mention of it. Seems almost a bit cliche actually...

3. Complete this sentence: "I don't get what the big deal is about _____" >>>>> You are psychic. Honestly, I was JUST thinking about that. And discussing it on the phone with an old friend. What the FUCK is the big deal about Sienna Fucking Miller?? And I think this about her on different levels. The Hot Chick factor. OK fine. She's cute.. Fine, she went topless in Alfie(rumble as the male readers stampede off to watch Alfie).. but her body isn't like.. to die for or anything. Her acting is marginal. And finally, the whole It Girl thing??? She just got referenced AGAIN in a magazine.. for wearing cowboy boots with dresses. WTF??? I call Bullshit. Kate Moss has been doing Bohemian Chic way longer and way better. (OK, now that I have lost all the male readers and probably some of the female ones...)


4. If you had your own NPR show what would you talk about? >>>> ooh tough one. I would talk about Schweaty Balls...

5. Who would play you in a movie? >>> Ming Na... Cuz she has a big head like me. And she's willing to do nude sex scenes.. hahaha

Yada Yada Yada

My little blogspot will take some time to catch on with Friends & Family... So for now, I guess it's okay to get a little personal. (Dim the lights. Have a seat.)

I spent part of my Friday evening apologizing for my behavior to a new friend(If you're reading this.. yes,you. LOL!). I am usually quite good about returning calls and staying in touch; but I had to confess, I didn't do so this time out of fear, pain, and a dash of anxiety. He was a true gentlemen and listened to my admission with no judgement, only some very kind words.

Newsflash: I normally don't do well when people are too nice to me. I don't trust it. (Yes, Yes, Yes. Let us establish right here and now, that I have many issues. Moving on, alright?) Statements like his usually give me ugly face and make me want to run for the hills. Why? Silly rabbit! Because I've heard it all before, with varying amounts of sincerity. And I normally also don't make that kind of confession. I hate it being seen as a sign of presumptiousness (a word?) or a sign of weakness. "Who does this chick think she is? I don't give a rats ass that she didn't call me back."

I am introspective by nature. Combine that with the biggest sense of guilt you could ever imagine, and it means I am constantly berating myself for my mistakes. And constantly trying to find ways to not repeat those mistakes. This hasn't particularly worked well for me because as you may guess... I have trouble forgiving myself and it causes me much anguish. It is difficult for me to muster up compassion for others because I don't have any for myself.

Forward to the only message I think I gleaned from a cheesy self-help book my co-worker lent me... "I understand why you felt that way, but it's over now, you can let go." I let these words sink into my skin recently; and as I did, the tears flowed. (So embarassing! I was on the bus for god's sake!) I am learning to loosen my grip and let go. For me, it involves confronting my faults and weaknesses and upon owning up to them... letting them lie. I don't need to beat myself to a pulp eveytime I make a mistake. It's ok to tell people I fucked up, and just have all parties involved accept it for what it is. It seems so elementary doesn't it? But these little steps are so difficult, they bring me to my knees. My KNEES I tell you!

But it is the journey I remind myself.. The Journey. As everyone and their trained monkeys likes to say.. "An unexamined life ..." yada yada yada.

Monday, Monday

Words I like (mainly because I like the way they sound, partly for their meaning.). Your mission? Add to the list. Or use one(or all!) of my words in a sentence.

Peculiar
Snarky
Deuce
POO. (this one is just fun to say!…..)
Honey
Loquacious
Cheeky
Perpetuity
Brilliant (said with British accent)

Mindless Banter at the House

e: "I don't like supernatural stuff. I'm afraid it makes my own powers come out."
Row: "???!!@#"

Row: "God Damn Jessica Alba is HOT."
e: "Huh? Did you say something? I was too busy looking at Jessica Alba."




It's Friday. Where's my Cristalle Bee-otch??!

Lover-Who?

This Little Music Video That Could has gotten a gazillion hits to be sure... but damnit if it's not one of the funniest bits I've seen in a while. Worth checking out when you've some time(and even when you don't!). VH-1 has caught on too.
Of course, it eventually begs the question: Genius? Or just Too Much Time On Their Hands???

Greetings from My Windy City

What say you Friends? How is everything going you may ask.....
Well,although I enjoy the hustle bustle of SF... today, today I miss Orange County..
WHAT?? Are you nuts?? - Have you been sniffing too much perfume? But it's true. Today the wind gusts in the City are enough to take Dorothy right over the Rainbow. Having just come back from lunch, I am left with an ever lingering sense of the chills.

I miss leaving my old apartment to pass by the peaceful little fountain/pond ..the flowers on the trellis. I'd hear birds singing(and crows/ravens kawing) and the mornings would be so warm already that I would automatically be in a great mood. And I could get dressed for work with essentially only 1 layer of clothing! Today I have 2 layers on, and that's not counting the trench coat.
OH... and I miss beaches that aren't speckled with broken glass and syringes. Beaches that aren't just a place were ocean water and sand coincidentally meet.

Oh fine fine fine. ALL that being said... Orange County doesn't have this..... It was one weekend at the Berkeley Marina.. I call it my Miyazaki Moment.