I got to do something special tonight. I helped a friend celebritate a special occasion.
That was really nice. Thank you for letting me celebrate with you.
May 19, 2005
Wha Happened?
It's Thursday already. Wow.
The week is going by fast, probably because I took Monday off from work.
My maid of honor bridesmaids have ordered their dresses. So, that's one more thing off the checklist. Also, we selected a flower girl and ring bearer.
Right now, we are considering hiring a Long Island dee jay who actually drove from Patchogue to our apartment in Astoria (a considerable schlep) to make his pitch. He showed us a DVD of a party that just looked like so much fun and he is really enthusiastic. He can pipe music into the sanctuary for the ceremony and we're considering a pianist for our cocktail hour.
The scale is continuing to cooperate. With all my setbacks which probably weren't really setbacks, my weight loss is actually on schedule. I'm amazed this is working. I should make my goal weight by the time of the wedding.
Yahoo!!
The week is going by fast, probably because I took Monday off from work.
My maid of honor bridesmaids have ordered their dresses. So, that's one more thing off the checklist. Also, we selected a flower girl and ring bearer.
Right now, we are considering hiring a Long Island dee jay who actually drove from Patchogue to our apartment in Astoria (a considerable schlep) to make his pitch. He showed us a DVD of a party that just looked like so much fun and he is really enthusiastic. He can pipe music into the sanctuary for the ceremony and we're considering a pianist for our cocktail hour.
The scale is continuing to cooperate. With all my setbacks which probably weren't really setbacks, my weight loss is actually on schedule. I'm amazed this is working. I should make my goal weight by the time of the wedding.
Yahoo!!
May 18, 2005
May 17, 2005
Dulles Int'l Airport
Jon and I spent two days in DC. We flew in Sunday morning and flew back last night.
On Sunday, we left NY from LaGuardia at 7 in the morning and arrived at Ronald Reagan Airport around 8. That was easy. We checked into the hotel and spent the day, walking around, looking at the White House, visiting the National Archives, and looking through the National Gallery and National Museum of Natural History. We were staying near the White House and walked everywhere. We walked for 6 straight hours and the only time we rode the Metro was to get from the airport to the hotel. It was a great day.
On Monday, we visited the Renwick Gallery, the Corcoran and the mall. We walked around the WWII memorial and enjoyed it this time. Last year, when we went it was 97 degrees and way too hot to really appreciate the memorial. This year it was a cool and breezy 70 something degrees. Much better time of year to visit. We walked along the Reflecting Pool toward the Lincoln Monument and took a closer look at the Korean War Memorial.
Then we started back. We picked up our bags from the hotel, took the Orange line to West Falls Church and a shuttle to the airport. That was easy. Dulles was difficult. There were people everywhere crowding and pushing. We found a line, checked in but it tooka while to figure out what was going on. Of course, our ticket counter was the furthest away from where we were dropped off. Then we waited on a confusing security line. There were 6 or 7 lines that all wrapped around each other and somehow, airport security employees were able to manage them and direct everyone.
After we went through confusing security we had to take a shuttle bus to our departure gate.
Long story short, I was pooped by the time we boarded our plane, which taxied for half an hour before taking off. Arriving at JFK seemed easy after all that work.
But we made it back and we had a good time and it all that travelling was worth it because DC is a great place to visit.
On Sunday, we left NY from LaGuardia at 7 in the morning and arrived at Ronald Reagan Airport around 8. That was easy. We checked into the hotel and spent the day, walking around, looking at the White House, visiting the National Archives, and looking through the National Gallery and National Museum of Natural History. We were staying near the White House and walked everywhere. We walked for 6 straight hours and the only time we rode the Metro was to get from the airport to the hotel. It was a great day.
On Monday, we visited the Renwick Gallery, the Corcoran and the mall. We walked around the WWII memorial and enjoyed it this time. Last year, when we went it was 97 degrees and way too hot to really appreciate the memorial. This year it was a cool and breezy 70 something degrees. Much better time of year to visit. We walked along the Reflecting Pool toward the Lincoln Monument and took a closer look at the Korean War Memorial.
Then we started back. We picked up our bags from the hotel, took the Orange line to West Falls Church and a shuttle to the airport. That was easy. Dulles was difficult. There were people everywhere crowding and pushing. We found a line, checked in but it tooka while to figure out what was going on. Of course, our ticket counter was the furthest away from where we were dropped off. Then we waited on a confusing security line. There were 6 or 7 lines that all wrapped around each other and somehow, airport security employees were able to manage them and direct everyone.
After we went through confusing security we had to take a shuttle bus to our departure gate.
Long story short, I was pooped by the time we boarded our plane, which taxied for half an hour before taking off. Arriving at JFK seemed easy after all that work.
But we made it back and we had a good time and it all that travelling was worth it because DC is a great place to visit.
May 14, 2005
Dave Chappelle
Dave Chappelle is taking some kind of sabbatical, postponing the third season of his hit show on Comedy Central. What I find hard to believe is that he's 31 years old. I thought for shizzle he was older. I know that he's alive and okay because the article I linked to above and several news stories that I've heard put him in South Africa. He's been working pretty hard for a long time. He's always been funny. The LA Times article said that he's been in 12 pilots that have failed and that finally he's had some success with the Chappelle show on Comedy Central.
My guess is that after struggling for so long, a great success like his probably came with a cost. It was a shock to his system and he needs some time to come to terms with it.
I'm sure after a few months of rest and relaxation . . .
My guess is that after struggling for so long, a great success like his probably came with a cost. It was a shock to his system and he needs some time to come to terms with it.
I'm sure after a few months of rest and relaxation . . .
Baby Story a Hoax?
Upon going back to the news story at the below link, I found that it's been pulled.My friend and I have been going back and forth on the possibility that the news story about the 12-year-old Maryland girl that looks like a baby is a hoax.
Here is the result of the search I found on my friend's site, which pulled more results than mine, which is why I'm using it. Her search found 56 links to news websites that printed the same article. All 56 links have been taken down. If you go to any of the above you will find the article is not available.
Jon and I have been searching this morning for any other mention of this girl and her strange syndrome which, according to yesterday's article, only she suffers from.
There is nothing. . .
Here is the result of the search I found on my friend's site, which pulled more results than mine, which is why I'm using it. Her search found 56 links to news websites that printed the same article. All 56 links have been taken down. If you go to any of the above you will find the article is not available.
Jon and I have been searching this morning for any other mention of this girl and her strange syndrome which, according to yesterday's article, only she suffers from.
There is nothing. . .
May 13, 2005
A Strange Story Indeed
I found this story on Drudge's front cover and found it sad and compelling so I want to share it with you here.
The story is about a 12 year old girl who hasn't aged since she was a baby. She looks like a toddler and seems to be stuck in time and developmentally speaking she hasnt' come very far at all - her skills match those of a toddler.
As far as anyone knows, according to the article, this girl is the only person in the world suffering from this strange ailment.
She is in poor health and professionals attribute the love and support that she receives from her family with her ability to thrive
The story is about a 12 year old girl who hasn't aged since she was a baby. She looks like a toddler and seems to be stuck in time and developmentally speaking she hasnt' come very far at all - her skills match those of a toddler.
As far as anyone knows, according to the article, this girl is the only person in the world suffering from this strange ailment.
She is in poor health and professionals attribute the love and support that she receives from her family with her ability to thrive
My Brother
Yes. It is true. My brother is the author of NYC MTA STINKS!! He is as irate about the subways as I am if not more so. I was inconvenienced on the subway this morning, but I'm saving that story for his website as I have been given writing privileges.
Today is Friday the 13th. I hope everybody packed an extra vile of holy water this mornign to fend off the evil demons, bad omens and oncoming wickedness.
I added Andrew Sullivan's blog to my list of media blogs. He's funny.
Today is Friday the 13th. I hope everybody packed an extra vile of holy water this mornign to fend off the evil demons, bad omens and oncoming wickedness.
I added Andrew Sullivan's blog to my list of media blogs. He's funny.
May 12, 2005
NYC MTA Stinks
Is the title of this blog God's honest truth or is it a fantastic new website by a very frustrated new blogger?
It is both.
Visit NYC MTA STINKS and comment freely. He makes some very good points.
It is both.
Visit NYC MTA STINKS and comment freely. He makes some very good points.
May 08, 2005
Happy Mother's Day
. . . to my mother and my adopted mothers. To my mother especially, I would like to thank you for bringing me into the world because without you, I wouldn't be here. Hopefully, it won't be too long before I'm celebrating Mother's Day with you.
What are WE doing today? Well, since we spent Passover with my family, we're spending Mother's Day with Jon's. We'll be going down to Princeton, meeting his cousins and then joining Jon's mom and aunt for dinner a little bit later.I'm looking forward to seeing Princeton again. It's very pretty down there.
What are WE doing today? Well, since we spent Passover with my family, we're spending Mother's Day with Jon's. We'll be going down to Princeton, meeting his cousins and then joining Jon's mom and aunt for dinner a little bit later.I'm looking forward to seeing Princeton again. It's very pretty down there.
Here's Spit In Your Eye
Now that winter is gone, I was looking forward to a season or two of NO SPITTING. December 21st in the city is not only the beginning of winter, it is also the beginning of SPITTING SEASON. But no. This year, the end of spitting season is overlapping with the beginning of Spring.
What is WRONG with people?
It seems as though men and women alike in Astoria and other parts of the city are so full of spit once the mercury dips below a certain temperature that the spit just flies out of them. And you know it's just not spit, right? It's some horrible substance SPITTERS produce that comes deep from within the most secret places of their lungs. You see it everywhere, if you look closely enough - going up the stairs in very cold winter you can see frozen spittle hanging off every step in front of you. But it's not very cold winter anymore, so I'm confused. Perhaps allergy season is taking ever the responsibilty of SPITTING SEASON from winter.
The absolute worst offender of this crime against being a good neighbour is the person 5 feet in front of you who spits and leaves their mark in your path. Because now not only have you had to suffer the indignity of having to accidentally watch somebody SPIT, but now you have to walk around their spit, making walking in the city even less relaxing than it already was.
Spit and dog piss covered sidewalks are a good reason to adopt the practice of removing your shoes at the entrance way to your apartment or home. I know people who do this and I admire them. I'm really trying to get into the practice but even as I speak my sneakers are at my socked feet awaiting my departure for my early Sunday appointment at the gym.
Here is my plea to spitters every where. JUST SWALLOW IT and spit later when you get home OR YOU CAN SPIT INTO A TISSUE OR NAPKIN AND THROW IT AWAY IN THE GARBAGE. DUH!!!!!!!
We have to live here also. So you and your nasty SPITTING friends should just think about this.
What is WRONG with people?
It seems as though men and women alike in Astoria and other parts of the city are so full of spit once the mercury dips below a certain temperature that the spit just flies out of them. And you know it's just not spit, right? It's some horrible substance SPITTERS produce that comes deep from within the most secret places of their lungs. You see it everywhere, if you look closely enough - going up the stairs in very cold winter you can see frozen spittle hanging off every step in front of you. But it's not very cold winter anymore, so I'm confused. Perhaps allergy season is taking ever the responsibilty of SPITTING SEASON from winter.
The absolute worst offender of this crime against being a good neighbour is the person 5 feet in front of you who spits and leaves their mark in your path. Because now not only have you had to suffer the indignity of having to accidentally watch somebody SPIT, but now you have to walk around their spit, making walking in the city even less relaxing than it already was.
Spit and dog piss covered sidewalks are a good reason to adopt the practice of removing your shoes at the entrance way to your apartment or home. I know people who do this and I admire them. I'm really trying to get into the practice but even as I speak my sneakers are at my socked feet awaiting my departure for my early Sunday appointment at the gym.
Here is my plea to spitters every where. JUST SWALLOW IT and spit later when you get home OR YOU CAN SPIT INTO A TISSUE OR NAPKIN AND THROW IT AWAY IN THE GARBAGE. DUH!!!!!!!
We have to live here also. So you and your nasty SPITTING friends should just think about this.
May 06, 2005
The Reviews Are In
The reviews are starting to come in anyway, as Lucas completes the mediocre prequel his exciting Star Wars trilogy.
Variety gives the movie a tepid review but finds it much improved over the first two in movies in the three part prequel.
Variety gives the movie a tepid review but finds it much improved over the first two in movies in the three part prequel.
T.G.I.F.
I'm ready for the weekend. Are you?
I sent my mother an azalea plant for Mother's Day at her office. She received it yesterday. Infinitely more fun than sending someone flowers at home, because everyone loves to receive flowers at work.
I'm worn out and can't think of anything to write.
Oh yeah. My BuffBride workouts on Wed and Frid have been moved to 8pm from 6:30 am , so I'll be going to the gym on Friday nights now. Sorry to all the people out there, who wanted to hang out with on Friday nights but I'll be tied up for a while - actually not too much longer since the program is almost over.
I'm done.
I sent my mother an azalea plant for Mother's Day at her office. She received it yesterday. Infinitely more fun than sending someone flowers at home, because everyone loves to receive flowers at work.
I'm worn out and can't think of anything to write.
Oh yeah. My BuffBride workouts on Wed and Frid have been moved to 8pm from 6:30 am , so I'll be going to the gym on Friday nights now. Sorry to all the people out there, who wanted to hang out with on Friday nights but I'll be tied up for a while - actually not too much longer since the program is almost over.
I'm done.
May 05, 2005
Mitch Hedberg Passed Away. Sad.
I was sad to learn this morning that comedian Mitch Hedberg passed away. He was only 36 years old. You may not have heard of him. I barely knew who he was but I'd seen enough of his comedy on television to appreciate his humor. He was funny, really funny, f-ing hilarious.
He died back in March. The reason I found out is that someone did a search for his obit and it led that person to my page because I posted something about him well OVER a year ago. It is also a little jarring because he is around my age and I probably would have been friends with him in high school had we gone to the same high school.
Rest in peace, Mitch Hedberg. My heart goes out to your family.
He died back in March. The reason I found out is that someone did a search for his obit and it led that person to my page because I posted something about him well OVER a year ago. It is also a little jarring because he is around my age and I probably would have been friends with him in high school had we gone to the same high school.
Rest in peace, Mitch Hedberg. My heart goes out to your family.
May 04, 2005
The Zonkey (Zeedonk)
Last week, I wrote that Jon had a byline but it was only in the early edition. In the late edition, in the place where Jon's headline had previously appeared was a story about a ZONKEY. A pet zebra in Barbados became friendly with a local donkey because her partner had fallen ill. The above Zonkey is the result of this union. When Jon first told me about the story, I thought of The Island of Dr. Moreau. On this fictional island created by H.G. Wells, a mad scientist interbreeds several species, splices their DNA or something to that effect, in order to create entirely new species. I guess zebras and donkeys aren't really that different and it's not the first time in history that zebras have bred with another equinesque animal. It really isn't too much different than blending breeds of dogs in order to create new breeds, like the Peekapoo and the Labradoodle. Maybe the ZONKEY will catch on and soon we all can own one.
May 03, 2005
Yet Another Non-News Story
The big non-news story of the day seems to be that Paula Abdul allegedly had an affair with an American Idol contestant several years back. Whether it's true or not doesn't matter since the judges don't pick the winner - millions and millions of interested home viewers pick the winner - making this in an ABSOLUTE NON-NEWS STORY.
IN OTHER NON-NEWS
Now available - 15 pound hamburgers. 10.5 pounds of beef, 25 slices of cheese, a head of lettuce, three tomatoes, two onions, a cup-and-a-half each of mayonnaise, relish, ketchup, mustard and banana peppers - and a bun.
IN OTHER NON-NEWS
Now available - 15 pound hamburgers. 10.5 pounds of beef, 25 slices of cheese, a head of lettuce, three tomatoes, two onions, a cup-and-a-half each of mayonnaise, relish, ketchup, mustard and banana peppers - and a bun.
New Blog Template
As if I don't have enough to do in the morning, I started looking for a new template for this blog. I didn't see anything else I liked. Argh. I guess I'll need to play with this one.
==================================
My bath is waiting for me; my nice, hot morning bath awaits. I am still a little bit achy from Sunday morning's workout. My scale has decided to cooperate once again. I hope my scale is right.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jon and I are starting to meet with DeeJays. Our first appointment is Wednesday morning. I am looking forward to the Wed. am meeting because this group will bring in other professionals to suit your wants. For example, they would bring in a jazz trio for us if we wanted. Then on Thursday night, one of those guys is coming to our house I am not looking forward to this meeting, because this guy in particular is an extremely high pressure salesman who has followed up with me four times, to make sure I got his package, to see where we are, to check what we are eating for dinner - and Jon won't be here and I'll miss Survivor a second week in a row.
=================================
If you haven't noticed, Sarah is back and is posting picures of her Paris adventures. I am particularly fond of the picture that should be entitled "WOMAN ADMIRING DILDO". Because it is just that. That title tells you exactly what you need to know about the picture and so does the picture by the way.
==================================
My bath is waiting for me; my nice, hot morning bath awaits. I am still a little bit achy from Sunday morning's workout. My scale has decided to cooperate once again. I hope my scale is right.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Jon and I are starting to meet with DeeJays. Our first appointment is Wednesday morning. I am looking forward to the Wed. am meeting because this group will bring in other professionals to suit your wants. For example, they would bring in a jazz trio for us if we wanted. Then on Thursday night, one of those guys is coming to our house I am not looking forward to this meeting, because this guy in particular is an extremely high pressure salesman who has followed up with me four times, to make sure I got his package, to see where we are, to check what we are eating for dinner - and Jon won't be here and I'll miss Survivor a second week in a row.
=================================
If you haven't noticed, Sarah is back and is posting picures of her Paris adventures. I am particularly fond of the picture that should be entitled "WOMAN ADMIRING DILDO". Because it is just that. That title tells you exactly what you need to know about the picture and so does the picture by the way.
May 02, 2005
May Day
May is here. That means that we're one month closer to summer, which means that the weird muggy, uncomfortable weather isn't too far behind. Am I alone? Am I the only one that thinks summer in New York City is overrated?
The weekend flew by so quickly because it was full of ANTI-MISANTRHOPIC activities. Saturday morning I performed a clutterdectomy on our apartment. Inspired by TLC's Clean Sweep, I went threw my collections and got rid of stuff. For example. I had about 100 playbills that I collected from Broadway shows I worked when I had a parttime theater job. I only kept the Playbills whose (notice the proper use of the word whose) covers were in color. Those are traditionally used for the first season a play is out and have some value I think. I had so many including about 20 from Chicago, which I was keeping because of the changing casts. I also threw away flute music I haven't looked at in 10 years. That was tough but it was also music that a friend lent me 20 or so years ago and that I never returned. Heck. . .I was only friend with the person for 2 months. There was no emotional or financial investment in that pile of music and I have no idea at all why I was keeping it.Granted, our house isn't any where near as cluttered as the people they feature on Clean Sweep but it still felt good to get started. Next weekend I'll tackle something else - perhaps get rid of some my old CD's that I don't care for anymore.
The rest of Saturday was devoted to preparing for our dinner party. We had our friends over and it was lovely. Of course, I went overboard with the food, as usual. I realize now that four people can not possibly consume a 14.5 pound turkey in one sitting. Leftovers were abundant and I won't have to cook for a few nights. Our guests brought us a bottle of wine with a really cute name. Goats Do Roam. Aside from being a great pun the name also sums up how this wine maker discovered the grapes for his wine. Turns out, their goats were left to pick a grape and that's the one Charles Black chose. It was yummy. Between the trytophan and the tannens (sp?) we were all feeling pretty relaxed, so much so that we all last track of the time and ended pretty late. I know one of my guests had to be up early for work. I had to wake up early for the gym. It was nice to have people over.
Sunday, I worked out, relaxed most of the day and had dinner at the Fitzpatrick Hotel in Manhattan with Jon and his friend and wife and wife's dad and wife's cousin. Nice people, glad to have met them but by 8:00 I was done. I abandoned them after dinner and went home to get some rest and to finish up some work I was doing for my office. Jon continued on with the group and had a good time.
How was your weekend?
The weekend flew by so quickly because it was full of ANTI-MISANTRHOPIC activities. Saturday morning I performed a clutterdectomy on our apartment. Inspired by TLC's Clean Sweep, I went threw my collections and got rid of stuff. For example. I had about 100 playbills that I collected from Broadway shows I worked when I had a parttime theater job. I only kept the Playbills whose (notice the proper use of the word whose) covers were in color. Those are traditionally used for the first season a play is out and have some value I think. I had so many including about 20 from Chicago, which I was keeping because of the changing casts. I also threw away flute music I haven't looked at in 10 years. That was tough but it was also music that a friend lent me 20 or so years ago and that I never returned. Heck. . .I was only friend with the person for 2 months. There was no emotional or financial investment in that pile of music and I have no idea at all why I was keeping it.Granted, our house isn't any where near as cluttered as the people they feature on Clean Sweep but it still felt good to get started. Next weekend I'll tackle something else - perhaps get rid of some my old CD's that I don't care for anymore.
The rest of Saturday was devoted to preparing for our dinner party. We had our friends over and it was lovely. Of course, I went overboard with the food, as usual. I realize now that four people can not possibly consume a 14.5 pound turkey in one sitting. Leftovers were abundant and I won't have to cook for a few nights. Our guests brought us a bottle of wine with a really cute name. Goats Do Roam. Aside from being a great pun the name also sums up how this wine maker discovered the grapes for his wine. Turns out, their goats were left to pick a grape and that's the one Charles Black chose. It was yummy. Between the trytophan and the tannens (sp?) we were all feeling pretty relaxed, so much so that we all last track of the time and ended pretty late. I know one of my guests had to be up early for work. I had to wake up early for the gym. It was nice to have people over.
Sunday, I worked out, relaxed most of the day and had dinner at the Fitzpatrick Hotel in Manhattan with Jon and his friend and wife and wife's dad and wife's cousin. Nice people, glad to have met them but by 8:00 I was done. I abandoned them after dinner and went home to get some rest and to finish up some work I was doing for my office. Jon continued on with the group and had a good time.
How was your weekend?
May 01, 2005
English Genius
It's nice to know that my English skills are still up to snuff.
Take the test and see how you do.
Via Vidiot
English Genius
You scored 100% Beginner, 100% Intermediate, 93% Advanced, and 93% Expert!You did so extremely well, even I can't find a word to describe your excellence! You have the uncommon intelligence necessary to understand things that most people don't. You have an extensive vocabulary, and you're not afraid to use it properly! Way to go!
Take the test and see how you do.
Via Vidiot
English Genius
You scored 100% Beginner, 100% Intermediate, 93% Advanced, and 93% Expert!
Thank you so much for taking my test. I hope you enjoyed it!
For the complete Answer Key, visit my blog: http://shortredhead78.blogspot.com/.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)