It's all sort of coincedence but it so happens that I picked Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day last week for a little Holiday get-together with my friends. My caveat? Instead of presents, or cards, or paying for a pricey dinner together, I suggested we all bring supplies, and we would make care packages to send to our Marines in Iraq.
I had been feeling so melancholy and useless, particularly in the wake of James Kims death, I wanted all of us to do something outside of ourselves. And you know, making my Target run for goodies was fun! *La*La and I got socks, hats, snack bars, cards, dice, jr slinkies, jerky, chapstick, kool-aid, Emergen-C, and I even dug up a few Beanie Babies from my collection.
And I couldn't be more proud of everyone's efforts! Despite a few last minute no-shows, my friends pulled through with some awesome loot to send to the troops! I must also thank the US Postal Service for making the packaging process easy.. Call their 1-800# for a military kit all your own! (Priority Mail™ boxes, tape, labels, and customs forms.)
Look at all that stuff!
Here I am working hard. There's my Honey in the back reading. And before you think he's being uber studious, it's a book about Japanese Sex clubs...
This was my first time sending anything to a military address. I hope our packages make it into the hands of needy soldiers. But most of all, I hope our brave men and women just all come home safe.
So here I am. Sitting at my desk quietly crying. I had hoped, along so many others, that the story would have a happy ending. But searchers have found the body of James Kim...
Although their Church Street Apothecary is close to my home, I didn't know Kim or his family. Nevertheless, when I read the breaking news Monday night that the mother was found with their daughters, I sobbed out loud. And I hoped, with everyone else, that Poppa would be found.
We are all crushed, devasted.
Kati, Our prayers are with you. I wish there could be more I could offer... Penelope, Sabine.... You will be proud one day when you understand how hard your Father fought to keep you safe. He's a hero.
I would be hardpressed to tell you the last time I attended a concert that didn't involve Justin Timberlake. .... .... Okay, stop laughing. No...., really, you can stop now. The fact is, I have taken myself out of the live music scene, local otherwise, for quite some time. Blame it on old age, blame it on plain ol' laziness. It became too much of a chore to seek out new acts, shell out $30+ dollars on someone I wasn't really sure I wanted to see live, the standing, the pushing, the inevitable funkified armpit that floated at by nose level, and I had just been disappointed one too many times.
But you know what? All those quibbles were wiped away last night when I rounded up a few of the usual suspects to join me for a night with Imogen Heap. Here's an artist that has stayed on fairly regular rotation on my iTunes, the Warfield theater was a familiar lowkey venue, and I could be fairly assured that there would no hardcore moshpit developing.
This was one of the most enjoyable musical nights out I have had in ages. I'm so bummed some of the gang couldn't make it; all I can say is, you missed a fantastic night. I now worship at the altar of Imogen. Although battling a cold, she soldiered on with a delightful show and won the whole audience over. She came out and introduced her own opening acts(who were impressive in their own right but more on them later) , who does that??? This classically trained pianist was beguiling and charming and I wanted to wear her frilly fushcia petticoats to work! She took time out to highlight the technical gizmos (parrot!) she would be using, she sipped her tea and blew her nose, she even had a Start Over(We shall blame it on forementioned Parrot)! I even wanted to bring her stage design home. .. Illuminated corsets and twinklng christmas lights???.... Give them to me Immy!
(Note here, Kid Beyond beatboxing the drum n bass track to the song. SICK.)
The best part of the evening though was actually arriving in time for the 2 opening nights. Usually, I'm a main event kind of gal.. but the acts Imogen invited to tour with her also happen to be a part of her band and they blew us away. Levi Weaver is a writer of clever melodic tunes along the lines of the new wave of solo balladeers, see Teddy Geiger. "I'm not better, I'm just bitter.".. You said it... Look him up, it's worth it. But the breakthrough of the night, and I'm of sure the tour, has got to be San Francisco's own, Kid Beyond. As Imogen so aptly put it, this man can do incredible things with his mouth. The beatboxer, singer, and live looper knocked us out with his charisma and high voltage talent last night. D just got up in the middle of the show, walked out to the lobby, and bought his CD on the spot for me. He is that mesmerizing. And when he breaks into Nine Inch Nails? You have just GOT to believe....
So all in all, a great night. DeYoung even found us some seats! And as we sat there taking in all the great musical vibes, he voiced something I think we were all feeling. There is nothing quite like Live Music. "It's good for the soul." ... That was never more true than last night. But oh how easy it is for me to forget. So here it is. .. another "note to self"; posted for all to see. Surprise my soul every now and then... There is nourishment to be had.
I finally got around to treating myself to a chick flick last night.. The Lake House. The one where Sandra Bullock is from the future, writing letters to Keanu Reeves who is from 2 years in the past. And somehow they fall in love. blah blah BLAH blah.
... I guess it was harmless enough. Two attractive people pining away for one another. Occasionally locking lips. But watching Keanu trying to emote is like watching me trying to ride a horse. Its best you just close your eyes, cringe, and hope for the best. .... Overall, I liked this movie better when it was called Back to the Future.
........ I also spent a lot of time worrying about the characters fucking up the Space Time Continuum. Am I unromantic? Or just a nerd?
I don't care what you say. My blog is educational. I mean, I was there. I helped someone out when, on a Saturday night at 11:16pm, they needed to know.... tossing salad-does it taste like shit?
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It seems so little left of life(in a Big City anyway) can be left up to spontaneity anymore. No new theatrical releases on the fly. Get togethers with friends are like trying to coordinate a G8 summit. Last minute getaways are best left to your travel agent who has the computer power of HAL:2001. You can't decide on a run 4 days out. (No running bandits my a&&!) Bars are taking reservations now?? And of course I have to book my haircuts with Alex 3 months prior! When I saw him a few Sundays ago, he asked, "so why are you back already?" "Don't test me Alex! How the hell am I supposed to know what my hair looks like 3 months ahead?"
Its enough to send you over the Calendar Cliff. Thankfully, one can still get a delicious scoop of Butter Pecan and Comforting Snuggles from my Honey on a Saturday Night
You may have caught the references in some recent posts .. But have you noticed? It's that time of year... There is a crispness in the air, the sun shines with a different intensity (if it shines at all!), and a few of us get a little stir crazy. Oh yes, the Fall Marathon Season is in full stride.
In much of the USA, fall is the best time of year to run a marathon. The crisp, cool air is ideal for training after a long, hot summer. The training miles and long runs come easier; you just feel better while running. ~Let me switch gears just slightly as I also include 5k/10k runs in this post.~ I have completed numerous 10Ks, 12Ks and even two half-marathons but I have yet to complete a full marathon. As it was, 13 miles was the furthest I had ever pushed my body and to date it's the hardest thing I have ever done. Indeed, after a big running year in '05, I think I subconsciously took a minor sabbactical from running. Somehow, somewhere I lost my motivation. Just going 4 miles once a week has been a physical (and mental!) challenge.
But as I watched my friend Van finish her first half marathon, whilst pregnant!, and Lance Armstrong finish his first marathon sub 3:00(2:59:36!!) , I found my motivation again. And although a full marathon may or may not be in the cards.. (after all, if Armstrong says the 26.2 miles "was without a doubt the hardest physical thing [he has] ever done", you think twice before committing) I'm ready to lace up the running shoes again.
I've checked my www.active.com schedule and I'm excited by all the runs listed. There are 3Ks, 5Ks, 10Ks, 12Ks, and oh yes... a Turkey Trot on Ocean Beach! I'm hoping my rediscovered drive is not shortlived; a lot of this "get up and go" could get up and leavee when faced with a 5am wake-up call in 45 degree weather. But I resolve that I'm just going to take it.. ... wait for it.... wait... One Step At a Time..... *rimshot*
So here's to Running Season and the Pounding of the pavement! May your legs remain strong and your laces stay tied.
I just heard Gwen Stefani's new single, Wind It Up... and she has gone ahead and bastardized a song from one of my favorite movies of all time! Was it really necessary to co-opt The Lonely Goatherd for her stupid lame pop song??? Was pilfering from Zorba the Greek Fiddler on the Roof not enough? It sounds horrible! I love you Gwen, but what happened to song writing!!!???? Oh wait, you don't really do that a whole lot anymore do you? I hope the rest of the album doesn't consist of spelling lessons again... "B-R-O-C-C-O-L-I!". I know you've got it in you. Enough is Enough! .....
............
Who am I kidding? I'm a lemming. Give me another 2 weeks; I'll probably LOVE it.
By no means could I ever be mistaken for being a political pundit. And lord knows neither of my 2(!) readers come here to find out about my analysis on the financial impact of a cigarette tax. But as I stepped out my door this morning, I was, as I am every 2 years, exhilerated by the prospect of Election Day. Putting aside our day to day cynicsm of politics and politicians (Voter fraud? Seducing Pages?), I am always thrilled at the sight of Democracy at work.
Because here in a stranger's garage I was adding my voice to the future. Excuse me, that's Future, with a capitol F. I step up to voting station and go head on with my ballot. My ticket to Democracy. ..We hear it time and time again; the shpiel about spreading democracy across the globe. We hear all the time people fighting, dying, to have a say in their government. And here in America ,I feared more people would vote for their favorite Dancing Star tonight than their Senator.
But as the results come in, I am ebullient. The tide has changed, the people have made their choice clear. I may not always agree with the results, but for me, it's always important to know people are out there casting their votes. And hey for the first time, we have a woman Speaker of the House! Go Nancy! You're third in line to the presidency! In the words of the venerated Dan Rather, she ran away with it like a hobo and a sweet potato pie...
Ggggaaa. I had something really cool and quasi poignant to say today about the NYC Marathon. I cried like a little girl during it's airing on tv today. But I'm unfortunately too friggin tired to write anything other than:
(In taunting voice) EEHHH HHHHAAA! Ken Yans lo-ost! Ken Yans lo-ost!
You'd think I'd just ran a marathon! (Hey sometimes, being a spectator at a spectator sport can be so tiring!)
For the first time in I think.. years... I 'm wearing hose today. Ok, opaque black stockings. But you get my drift.... And they are as uncomfortable as I remember them being. F*ck...
Overheard at the office: H: Hey, it's raining! Rowdeezy: Outside?
I'm reaching for my vitamins... but I can't remember if I JUST took them 15 minutes ago. Should I just take a second dose anyway?
I never would have believed it.. but I have actually dressed up for Halloween two years in a row! And lo! I even hosted a Halloween Party! Sure beats past years where I sat at home avoiding horror movies on TNT and eating takeout. Thanks to my peeps for sharing their photos! (I'm still going through the grief cycle with my old Canon Powershot.) And to all the guests, thanks for coming out to share the fun!
Oooops. Sorry. That's the wrong picture...
Oh that's better! Our motley assortment of costumed revelers.
The Lewis Carroll Trio. *chuckle!* I just noticed Sake off to the side intently staring at Leslie's Flamingo! (It's really a dog toy she fastened onto a Swifter.)
And the great costumes just keep coming!
YO BETTY! LOVED this. In fact I'm stealing it for the office Halloween competition. I work in Beauty, what could be more ironic?
All Hail Caesar Salad!!
Sure sign that the party is over when the hostess melts away..
My girl Leslie is a whiz at thinking up party themes. We had decided a few weeks ago we didn't want to pay $30 for some club event. But what was the alternative? After a 20 second "hmmmm".. she responded with, "Got it! Alice in Wonderland Tea Party! Done."
So this Saturday I will be hosting a Tea Party, complete with a slutty cast of characters: Slutty Alice, The Queen of Harlots, and yours truly a Mad Hotter. God help us.
Received my costume on Monday. Eh. Without the cape and hat, it looks like I'm a figure skater. We'll see how it turns out. I still need to find a cheapie Toy Tea Set. It's been harder than I thought! Do little girls not play with tea sets anymore???
Some of the men have been a little more slow with costumes. I told them to come as aWet Blanket. Bwahahaha! Oh, damn I'm funny. The other idea was to just wear all green and get his hands on a Hookah Pipe. Caterpillar. Done! Anyone have any other easy to execute costume ideas for men?
I Googled "whirly twirly" this morning and this was the first image I came across.. Go figure.
The point of today's story is really to say.. hang on folks... lots of blogging to come. I have a jumble of topics all up here.. *taps temple*, but things have been so hectic that I haven't been able to quite settle down to get them all down.
All sorts of activites since September and continuing on through November have had my mind all in a Whirly Twirly. And with the Holiday Season within our Tippy Toe Reach, there will be no relief in sight for some time. So be patient with me!
In a quick sidenote, congrats go out to all the women yesterday who trained so hard to complete 13 and 26 miles at the Nike Women's Marathon.! It's not easy and in some ways one of the hardest things you'll ever do. But in some respects, and this is the best part, you realize halfway through your runners high, that it actually isn't that bad... and that if you can do this.. you can do anything!!! YAAAAY for you Girly Girls 2006, I'm bummed I skipped out this year but I'm so glad I got to see you at the Finish Line. You've inspired me to push on for 2007!
Jeffrey "I Forgot to Shower" Sebilla knocked my socks off with a collection that was full of surprises. Sweet and edgy. I would wear almost every piece! (Yeah, if I lost 50 lbs first.)
Uli "I Forgot to Comb My Hair" Herzner came up with essentially a resort collection that was pretty and wearable.. But did she just repeat a lot of what she has already done the entire season? Pretty much. BORING.
Laura "I Forgot to Thank My Rich Sculptor Husband" Bennett... Trying to break out of the one note designs she conjured up during the season was ambitious with her gowns. We saw high-waisted *yawn*, we saw feathers *snore* but wow! We saw pants! Lovely. But I also saw an entirely extraneous piece of tulle globbed onto a blazer. Huh??
Michael "I Forgot How to Fit a Woman" Knight was my initial favorite coming out of the block.. I lost some of my faith through the course of hte season and looked forward to his show. With his Safari Huntress theme, I'm not sure I got any of that confidence back. The overall look and feel is HOT, but the fit seems to be off. Some pieces just dont' seem flattering.
I think Jeffrey and Laura had the most confident collection. But Jeffrey is the one that strikes the note of originality with me. He gets my vote.
Who do I think will win?... .. Possible that Laura pulls it out... ... ************************************************************************* Sorry Michael! You will get there! Ta Ta Laura! You bored the judges. Ggggaaa! Who will it be??
Clocky, The Alarm Clock For The Snooze Button Lover. If I hit the snooze button, Clocky® (patent pending) will roll off of the nightstand, fall to the floor, and run around the room, wheel away, bumping mindlessly into objects until it finds a spot to rest. When the alarm sounds again, I've gotta haul ass to look for it. Clocky will find new spots everyday, kind of like a hide-and-seek game.... Due to be released next month, I am so there...
******************************************* The radio(NPR) alarm goes off each morning at 6:52am. I don't seem to hear it. Next, my melodic buzzer goes off next at 7:06am. This one I hear. But I promptly sit up, slap the SNOOZE button and go back to sleep. It goes off again in 10 minutes but I repeat the SNOOZE process. I have recently added the 7:21am TV alarm. Once that kicks off, I usually fumble around under my pillows for the remote. I press a few buttons to get the beeping to stop but I leave the tv on. With the soothing voice of Matt Lauer droning on, I usually float in and out of sleep again. That is, until my alarm clock buzzes again. And sometimes it has to buzz a few more times. I have been finally hauling myself out of bed at around 8am. About 45 minutes after I intend to. And so it goes it each morning..... It's like Groundhog Day.. but not.
I've had boyfriends who I think have broken up with me over this SNOOZE addiction.. What's a girl to do?
There are far bigger tech geeks in the world than me. But, as some of you know.. I'z love my phonez! And with everyone and their mother(and father) gabbing on a Razr nowadays, I feel the need to move on. Not to mention, I can't believe my phone is still functioning after all the abuse its taken(There by the Grace of God...). I'm fairly sure it's on its last Motorolegs.
Codenamed the Motorola Canary, this beauty has now made its official appearance at Verizon Wireless. Ladies and Gentlemen, let me introduce you to the next generation Razr: Motorola krzr . I just got back from Verizon because I needed to have a tactile moment with it.
Verdict?? Hot. HOt. HoT. Its slightly longer, but narrower than its predesessor. The shell looks like some mixture of magnesium and glass, very Terminator. AND, the music player can be controlled by the touch-sensitve buttons you see in the pic. NICE.
Linda, put $10 on Black 27 for me because Momma needs a new phone!!!!!!!!
So many of us have opined over Handsome Gavin's overabundant reliance on slickery hair gel.
But has our dubiously coiffed Mayor recently turned a new leaf? Do my eyes deceive me? Is that Hugh Grant or is that really our Mayor sans Dippity Do? Is this his attempt at being "down with people?" An intentional attempt at placating those who are Hair Product impaired?
No, methinks this is the intitial gubernatorial bid at Newsom 2010. After all, if you're going to be the Governor of the great state of California, you've gotta get serious...
I've never aspired to be the Weekend Warrior party-type. I've just always prided myself on being the City Girl who avoided the Bridge and Tunnel crowd at all cost. "I hate going out on Saturdays!" And I have enough blurry Taco Tuesdays to attest to that.
But I have noticed lately a reluctance to mosy out during the work week, aka school nights. I've caught myself thinking twice when making plans for a weekday. No offense to anyone but I sometimes just want to come home from the office/gym and relax(watch the Lost season premiere, or Jules and Mimi or something). Hell, I want to do that a lot! .... But then 5 years go buy and you have the social skills of badger. You might be up on your Reality TV, but you have no idea that Absolut Vodka now comes in 57 flavors. Your skin looks fabulous from all the Astara masks you've been doing, but there are no cute-guys-who-are-way-too-young-for-you around to admire you.
So where am I going with this? Eff.... I don't know.... I'ts 12:20am and I've been watching Dog Whisperer DVD's most of the evening ..... I need to get out tomorrow night...
Oooops. Sorry. That's the wrong picture...
Oh that's better! Our motley assortment of costumed revelers. 
All Hail Caesar Salad!!
