BEAUTIFUL DAY!

Just blew into town, Palm Springs, and didn't make it to the beach today on account of rain. Nonetheless I am so happy to be out of town and it helps being in PS because the weather here is absolutely lovely. Sun is muted through some cloud coverage however no rain and NO SWEAT plus we have a patio to a beautiful green yard which is right next to the ADULT pool.

Got to love wireless and this hotel actually supplied internet anyway - but it's still pretty damn cool. Okay so I'm new to the whole laptop convenience factor.

Well, heading into the shower to get ready for dinner and paaaarrttttyyyy. So I'll be blogging atcha later.

A declaration long overdue

I talked to you this afternoon; you said you didn't have very much to do
I said I'd be here - so come on over, come on in, come on by baby
Headlights on my front lawn. I guess it didn't take you very long to decide
To come on over, come on in, come inside. There's just something 'bout the way -
The way you talk to me; you give just what I need
Standing at the edge of this cliff, gravity being what it is,
I'm afraid that I might stumble 'cause I've never been this high.
I'm so carried away by this place and the simple beauty of your face.
Then the walls start to crumble and I'm helpless to fight.
I would never try to slow down the wind for it just has to be what it is.
And asking me not to love you is like asking Niagra not to fall.
I can't worry my heart with what if, oh maybe I should just give in
and wrap myself around you and let you take me down.
I’ve tried so not to give in. I’ve said to myself this affair never will go so well.
But why should I try to resist, when baby I know damn well -
Don’t you know you fool, you never can win. Use your mentality, wake up to reality.
But each time I do, just the thought of you makes me stop before I begin;
’Cause I’ve got you under my skin.
These walls keep a secret that only we know.
But how long can they keep it cause we're two lovers who lose control.
If walls could talk they would say "I want you more" they would say,
"Hey, never felt like this before" and that you would always be the one for me.
Just two people making memories too good to tell. If walls had eyes, my...
they would see the love inside; they would see me in your arms in ecstasy.
And with every move they'd know I love you so.
I'll paint my mood in shades of blue, paint my soul to be with you.
I'll sketch your lips in shaded tones. Draw your mouth to my own.
I'll paint a sun to warm your heart and that's the colour of my love.

and counting..

I'm just sayin...

"V" Another rant ~

I'm sure there's going to be much buzz about this movie - politically thrown about like a rag doll. Regardless if you're a lefty or righty there's one point of the film that's relevent on either side,
"Government should fear the people more than the people fear government."

The movie was enjoyable, although if you read my blog at all you know I am quite liberal so I guess that's why I did? At least according to some conservative sites. Many of them are bashing the hell out of Vendetta. There is a likeness to current politics and Bush, yes. However, the larger comparison is made with Hitler and WWII so I guess you can pull from it whatever it is you're looking for.

My personal take on the flick is that government(anywhere) can manipulate the public to believing what it wants. It's called "SPIN" and it was exampled in the movie Wag the Dog which was about Clinton's administration. Which, I again, enjoyed the movie.

I think ALL government has way too much power whether (parties) it be democrat or republican. This film showed a glimpse of history (WWII) and with current media politics, we would have the potential to repeat it, as the saying goes. Whether or not it would ever happen, who knows. Fear has been used in the past as a tactic to control, and still does via the news regarding Iraq and Iran and Afghanistan and the white house just keeps feeding us.

I'm not paranoid at all, but you watch enough Manchurian Candidate, Wag the Dog, Contact, Enemy of the State, and V and it's not far fetched how the government CAN control what we see and do and know. Civil Liberties are stripped more and more in the name of fighting terrorism. The constitution is being 'paused' to preserve the safety of our country (let alone the sanctity of marriage-another post-) so when you watch these movies including the latest; Hollywood isn't crying and whining on behalf of all liberals about the wicked republican regime...especially when you lump Wag the Dog in the mix. It's about GOVERNMENT as a whole having too much control - outside of voting do we have any say on what happens, really?

Did Clinton get fired? Impeached sure but did that truly do anything? Petitions are being circulated to impeach Bush for crimes against the constitution, civil liberties, lying about WMD's etc. Even IF he is found guilty and /or impeached will anything truly happen? We all already know the answer to these questions and this shows that it just comes back to the fact that our government has NO FEAR of the people. We don't fear them either, yet.

Hm? Perhaps I'm more anarchist than Democrat...

Meme from Leesa

1. How many keys are on your keychain? 8
2. What curse word do you use the most? god damnit
3. Do you own an iPod? no
4. Who on your Myspace "Top 8" do you talk to most? I don't have Myspace.
5. What time is your alarm clock set for? Use my cell for Friday am only (7:02).
6. How many suitcases do you own? Lost count, tons!
7. Do you wear flip-flops even when it's cold outside?. Never, hurt my feet.
8. Where do you buy your groceries from? Either Sprouts or Frys.
9. Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture? Take it.
10. What was the last movie you watched? V for Vendetta (Excellent).
11. Do any of your friends have children? Not mine directly but my partner's (our friends) do.
12. If you won the lottery, what's the first thing you would buy? It would take a while but
probably pay off my cars and bills, etc. first. Then divy out money to family etc.
13. Has anyone ever called you lazy? Nope, never.
14. Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep faster? Used to but now I crash in
sheer exhaustion.
15. What CD is currently in your CD player? Personal mix incl: Blige, Fixx, Seal, Foreigner, etc.
16. Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk? Regular skim. Chocolate was always too sweet.
17. Has anyone told you a secret this week? Hm...no?
18. When was the last time someone hit on you? A couple months back at a convenience store.
19. What did you have for dinner? Last night? Shake n Bake porkchop and Caesar salad
20. Do you wear hoodies often? Rarely.
21. Can you whistle? Very well and ALL the time.
22. Have you ever participated in a protest? Yes, a few.
23. Who was the last person to call you? Partner only moments ago.
24. What is your favorite ride at an amusement park? Gotta be the rollercoaster.
25. Do you think people talk about you behind your back? Hope so or else I'm not doing it right.
26. What area code are you in right now? 602.
27. Did you watch cartoons as a child? Yes.
28. How big is your local mall? Average? Two floors w/ 4 major dept. stores.
29. How many siblings do you have? 2 sisters and 1 brother + step brothers.
30. Are you shy around the opposite sex? No, but I'm an introvert so quiet in gen. to everyone.
31. What is your biggest regret? Not to sell the Spitfire, miss that car.
32. Have you ever had Jamba Juice? Yes.
33.When was the last time you laughed so hard your sides hurt? Over a farting cartoon pig last
week on VH-1. My partner looked at me like I was nuts but I couldn't breathe to explain.
34. What movie do you know every line to? Several but mostly Joe vs the Volcano.
35. Do you own any band t-shirts? Yes, used to collect at each show but got expensive.
36. When was your last plane ride? Last summer .
37. How many chairs are at your dining room table? 6.
38. What is your favorite salad dressing? Ceaser.
39. Do you read for fun? Yes.
40. Can you speak any languages other than English? Not really. Two yrs French (C average)
41. Do you do your own dishes? Yes, unless kids are home and they clear after dinner.
42. What color is your bedroom painted? Dark brown accent walls and off-white.
43. Have you ever cried in public? Don't think so...vet office last week doesn't count!
44. Do you have a desktop computer or a laptop? Both.
45. Which do you make: wishes or plans? First one and if that doesn't work, the other.
46. Are you always trying to learn new things? Hope so.
47. Are you currently wanting any piercings or tattoos? No, squeamish.
48. Do you believe that the guy should pay on the first date? Whoever asked, pays.
49. Can you skip rocks?. Yes.
50. Have you ever been to Jamaica? On the list, but not yet.
51. If you could be anyone in the world, who would you be? Anais Nin or Ayn Rand (for a day)
52. How many pairs of shoes do you own? Bunch, just donated about 5? Should donate more...
53. Do you love your job? Trick question, next. Actually, job 2 is quite enjoyable.
54. Has someone you loved died in the last year? Fortunately no.
55. What to snack on at the movie theatres? Nachos or popcorn.
56. Who was your favorite teacher? Wow, have a few in various locations (Tardy, Gallego,
Trowbridge, and Dahlman)
57. Have you ever dated someone out of your race? No.
58. What is the weather like?. Warm, clear and 70-something now.
59. Would you ever date someone covered in tattoos? May already have.
60. Do you have an online journal? Guess this is it.
61. What was your favorite class in high school? Criminal Justice and Photography.
62. Does your closest Starbucks have a drive-thru? No
63. Do you eat breakfast daily? Try to but do not always succeed.
64. What was the last thing to scare you? Finding lump on Ally's hind leg.
65. What is your favorite fruit? Pineapple and watermelon.
66. Do you pay attention to calories on the back of packages? No
67. Are you picky about spelling and grammar? Yes!
68. What was the last thing you ate? Currently snacking on strawberries and grapes.
69. Do you get along better with the same or opposite sex? Opposite, usually.
70. What did you dress up as for your first Halloween? Don't recall first but first I recall,
it was Wonder Woman (6?).
71. Do you like mustard? No.
72. Would you ever sky dive? Used to want to but now I'm mortal.
73 Do you sleep on your side, tummy, or back? Stomach usually, sometimes back.
74. What character from a movie most reminds you of yourself? Clarice
75. Do you enjoy giving hugs? Only to those I want.
76. Would you consider yourself to be fashionable? Absolutely NOT.
77. Do you own a digital camera? Yes, two!!
78. What celebrities have you been compared to? Kristy McNichol.
79. Does it annoy you when someone says they'll call but never do? Depends on who it is.
80. Are you a jealous person? Not usually. Special circumstances it has happened.
81. Do you ever feel guilty after eating meat? I have.
82. If you were born the opposite sex, what would your name have been? Enrico Gaetano III.

Didn't take as long as I thought it would...fun.

concerts and music - catching up

I was reading some posts tonight to keep tabs and after reading one that listed attended concerts and the other I read listing top songs being currently played (thoroughly played) I thought I'd combine the two and list my top ten favorite concerts and my current ten most played recent songs (those I am diggin' right now).

Concerts (in no particular order):
1. Equality Rocks 2000 Rally

(Chaka, G. Michael, Pet Shop, Etheridge, Garth, Latifah, etc.)

2. Sarah McLachlan
3. Indigo Girls
4. Tina Turner
5. Anita Baker
6. Melissa Etheridge
7. Tori Amos
8. BoDeans
9. The Cure
10. Fleetwood Mac

Favorite current playlist (again, no particular order):
1. Escape (Journey)
2. I Go Back (Chesney)
3. Take Me As I Am (Blige)
4. Precious Things (Amos)
5. Abacab (Genesis)
6. Dreams (BoDeans)
7. Full Moon (Brandy)
8. White Ladder (Gray)
9. Too Marvelous for Words (Sinatra)
10. Difficult Kind (Sheryl Crow)

I've been stuck with a couple of those songs for quite a while but the Blige album is quite awesome and I actually listen to numerous tracks however that one is repeated most. Wow, reflecting back on it-quite a different mix...but that's the idea I suppose.

Anyone care to partake?

Going shopping

Online window shopping and making mental wish list...thought I'd share some things I just came across. Some are costly and others are just not necessary but appreciated.

This first is the Kona Jake which is a most incredible asphalt product.

This is the touring bike, my first choice. It's called the Kona Sutra; just check out those disc brakes!! This one goes for just over a grand (figures) but she sure is pretty. They had a demo going on in Flagstaff last month; missed it. Just heard about it las week and was told of another in the Valley but that was March 3 and/or 4th. Yep, missed that one too! Drat! I don't bike near like I used to. I once lived on a cycle all year round in the mountains, snow, didn't matter. Back then, if I could have afforded it, it would make sense. Now? Eh? Not so much. Ha ha ha. But perhaps that could be the club I was looking for - cycling? Anyway, these are actually the 2005 models.

You should see the 2006 frames, very nice. The Lisa series is quite a site and very ergonimically designed for women which is a major plus.

Then I wandered over here and found some more goodies to add to the bag! How about this Tadpole, weighing only 4 lbs. 4oz you can pretty much pack it anywhere. Of course I would prefer it in the mango colour option instead.

I like having bright colors; easier to find camp when heading back from the hike. Without street signs my sense of direction isn't as sharp, lol!

Also a few little accessories to go along for the ride.

NOPE, not them but this is better oooh and these and then finally,

I think this would make a fantastic whoobie!

Here, Here, Sarah!

"Which puts Sarah Waters on the Religious Right's list of the top 50 most threatening people in publishing. All the more reason for those of us across the pond to cheer on her success. "

Great site with an amazing article.

There's some interesting points of view expressed in the comments section as well. Once contends it takes time, talent, and individuals to change the climate of a nation and Ellen and her success was used as a reference point. However, an opposing or rather clarifying view point was given next in that Ellen only succeeds as an asexual host. She is not homosexual on her show in any way. And what's more is the reference to "Don't ask, don't tell" which DOES appear to be relevant not only in the military but our society as a whole. Agree or diagree?

After that it turns into a word war about whose country is more bigoted. Is it the US or the UK...? It's sad that they BOTH are but that's another post. I do tend to agree with the military reference...our society does tend to be "DADT". In my workplace everyone knows my sexual status as well as about my relationship. It isn't outwardly discussed but it is known from those who choose to eavesdrop on my phone conversations etc. There are a few of us (gay and lesbian) at work that are out and are known of at work but do not discuss our home lives to anyone else but each other. It's not for fear any more like it was before we came out. It's just who wants to get into a politcal debate over someone's beliefs and our lives?

To them it may be their morals or principals but it's MY LIFE. It's just a wee bit more personal for me. So, we don't. But if we're at an after hours function or co-workers house warming etc. then we do bring our partners and talk outwardly. It's on OUR time and work isn't a factor. Just as there are some companies that would withhold promotions, good reviews, or even getting hired if this were something exposed and / or discussed in the fashion heterosexuals talk about their families.

Reminds me of something my father and I discussed years ago shortly after I told him. He didn't understand why there were Pride Parades and Festivals. He said, "You don't see me wearing a shirt or saying whoopee I'm a heterosexual!" And I explained to him that it's a given. Everyone is assumed to be heterosexual - as long as our society holds that assumption, Don't ask and don't tell can thrive. There is a judgment made that everyone lives that same way. He still isn't a PFLAG card carrying member or anything but it didn't help him understand it a bit.

There's a new show on, I think Showtime? Anyway, it's called Big Love and it is a new cable series about poligamy. It shows what appears to be a normal (albeit extended) family living day to day and how everyone interacts. This is no different than Queer as Folk or L Word trying to expose and destroy some ignorance/myths about people. There is a dark side to poligamy which I do hope they explore and are honest about but as far as 3+ consenting ADULTS, who cares if they are cool with sharing a husband?

It will be interesting to see what the right has to say about this one.

Yuh-huh, am so!

I do have a wee bit of Irish blood in me but it's so diluted with my other nationalities that this is probably close to my true Irish percentage, LOL!

You're 10% Irish

You're not Irish. Not even a wee bit. Not even on St. Patrick's Day!

How Irish Are You?

Summertime - Streaming

Well we're expected to see 80s by end of the week. Greeeaaat! (SARCASM)

This made me think about my pending book club situation as I am making some headway on Fingersmith. This will inevitably lead me to Night Watch which is already on sale. Then I was catching up my email and noticed on MSN they had a section regarding Springtime books. Now I know it's common to find that summer read, but spring? So as I look over their, albeit brief list, I got to the NY Times best seller list and totally regressed to 15 years ago.

I lived in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania where I went into the city every weekend(read Manhattan) and spent hours between bookstores, record stores, restaurants, and concerts. Every Sunday I would get the paper and turn to the arts and literature section. Pulled out the insert that covered all the new releases and then scanned through the New York Times Best Seller's List and circled every book that I wanted to read which was always a bare minimum of three, usually about five. Then, that next weekend, we'd venture downtown and I'd stack my collection in my arms and check out.

I was probably averaging a book a week. I was insatiable. It was during this time I stumbled into Atlas Shrugged. The path to this book was interesting, at least to me. I was seriously considering a career in forensic science at the time and was planning on attending the local university and then continue my education throught the FBI. I know it sounds a bit out there but I was 19 and it's when you are suppose to have lofty ideals of your future or whatever. Anyway, I was reading like a fiend and had just finished a nonfiction book, Alone with the Devil when my uncle suggested I read Silence of the Lambs next.

As I was finishing the novel, movie talk began and Jodie was pegged as the lead. Which truly was a role written for her, without a doubt. During this same time another book was being buzzed inHollywood also with Jodie's name leading the pack and that was Atlas Shrugged. My aunt had read this in college and thought quite a bit of it and recommended it.

So, went into town one weekend and three weeks later I finished the book that changed my life. I continued to read her other work including her biography. She wasn't necessarily the most noble person but I could understand her point of view and did agree with much of how she viewed society. The form of philosphy(Objectivism) appealed to me then and still holds some water now.

All of this just sort of flashed before me viewing that web page...miss having that desire like that. To want to read. To find time to read. Actually, it wasn't a matter of finding anything at all, it was a priority. And the more I read, the more I wrote. It was inspiring. It gave me a sense of voice and helped with any form of 'blocks' because I would utilize the tone to set myself off on whatever the topic was.

I know this post seems to have meandered and rambled on but I guess this one is a simple stream of consciousness. I've purged. Now I'll go back to my book.

Morphine ahhh,

So I had a most horrible scare this past Friday. While checking my dog over, she was going to be shaved for the warmer upcoming season, I noticed a lump. It had been bleeding and was found just below left of her anal area. Cancer sprung to mind, she is about 12 years old and is my BABY! Tears fought their way out of my head as I left the room, splashed cold water, and babied her thru the weekend deciding what I was willing and able to do in worst case scenerio.

Called the vet on Monday and they checked her out that afternoon. Some blood work and inspection of the lump showed that her thyroid was low and was cause for the odd hair and coat appearance but the lump appeared to be nothing more than a fatty tumor, just tissue and not attached to anything so no alarm. Surgery was planned for the following(today) afternoon. They cleaned her teeth, exercised the tissue and sutured her up. She now has a patch of shaved fur on her rump, left leg, and chest. Looks ridiculous but I'm shaving her the rest of the way this weekend anyway.

Upon picking her up and $800.00 later, she was stoned out of her 'coned' head on morphine, which I opted for so she would feel less pain and have a smoother recovery. It's the least I can do! Now she's at home relaxing and I think starting to feel some discomfort or else she whining while dreaming of her last anxious 24 hours? She's still sort of in zombie mode so I don't know how much pain or discomfort she's in yet. I'm hoping she'll get a decent sleep in tonight and feel more like herself by morning. We go back in a couple of weeks to take out the stitches and then again in two months after she finishes her thyroid meds to check her blood again.

They took out a loose front tooth; didn't get to keep it so no fairy visits! She has a three inch crooked vertical scar on her tush and her tongue is half hanging from her mouth. She looks so beat down. My partner and I just cried in the office when they took her in the back to shave the area and get her blood work up started. We were just so relieved it wasn't cancer. I have been in such a mood for the whole weekend with that weight just sitting on me. I can breathe again today. Furthermore, I felt so proud, proud mama, because the vet said she was in great shape especially at her age and with exception to her coat(it really looks horrible) she was in top form.

My girl and I would hike Camelback Mountain, cruise and hike Jerome, and took visits to Flagstaff to play in the snow. We were both very active when we were younger. She doesn't have the endurance to hike like she used to (same here) but she is still in the pool and chasing down sticks and catching balls. I always wanted to take her to the ocean and when we thought we were looking at a fatal situation we made plans to go to California with her next weekend. Well, we have a reprieve and have resched the trip to this summer instead as we are going to Dianah (as I've prev posted about) at end of the month so that worked out way cool. But I am looking forward to her hitting the waves. Can't wait to see her splashing in the ocean. She's gonna flip!

If you have pets, bookmark this, it was a great site to peruse over to get some information. Nothing beats a visit to your trusted vet's office but for a long weekend or to get some idea of what you may be in contact with...this was a very informative and helpful site to help me prepare for what could have been.

I'm very, VERY fortunate.

Kill your TV!

It's been a long time since I could recite the weekly line up on EACH major television network. I was a child raised in front of the television. Growing up we each had a tv in our room for a total of four colour televisions in our house. Ironically, now I live in a home with only one.

The kids do not have tv in their rooms; they hang with us in the family room and watch whatever we collectively decide to watch. Which I think keeps them from dismissing themselves to Siberia in their own rooms; much as I did as a teen. Keeps the family communicating if only during commercials...LOL!

Anyway, my point on this ramble particularly is, what am I missing? Not so many years ago, I had certain programs I looked forward to and watched regularly. ER, Law and Order and SVU, Ally McBeal, and the Friends, Seinfeld must see tv stuff. Now, I only long for Grey's Anatomy and L Word. That's it, I watch nothing else or care about anything further on the boob tube. Why is this?

I used to live for Family Ties and Magnum P.I.; I couldn't wait for Remington Steele or Cagny and Lacy. I absolutely unplugged the phone and locked my door for Moonlighting and thinking back on this, it's really obvious. Television isn't what it used to be. Reality programming killed the entertainment quality in television. Scripted programming was next to extinct and has just begun recently to make a comeback. If Grey is any indication, they're back with a vengence as much so as Patrick Dempsey (cutie!).

But out of all the programming I indulged upon as a teen, the one I can say I really miss the most and did the most original and fascinating work was Moonlighting. Obviously this is in reference to their first three seasons before the repeating and covering up of behind the scene issues that arose. It was innovative, clever, artistic, new, and twisted. The pairing of Maddie Hayes and David Addison was nothing short of genius. The episodes and their zany meanderings left me laughing my ass off. Every given week they would stumble on a case resolution in error or by
accident and save the day in some funky surprise ending. David's party and laid back nature appealed to my rigid side; urging me to relax and mellow while Maddie's structure and stature spoke to my Type-A 'need to succeed 'mentality. The soundtrack was soulful and current and where else would you hear El Debarge, "You Wear it Well?"

Damn, I really miss that show. Even with the bs programming issued they succumbed to in the end, I was there. Through every painful rerun, or episode run amuck with Agnes, I was watching. But I do recall the gems, dance numberto Mulberry Street, The Taming of the Shrew redux, the veiled woman dressed in black, "Stop that man!", the pie in the face jokes!!!! This was classic and innovative tv all rolled into one. That is what television should be but alas, we now have Fear Factor, Bachelor, and better yet, Crumbs where a woman falls apart because her husband leaves her...YAWN!!

Thank goodness for syndication.

Oscars, briefly

Okay, I was commenting on another's blog regarding the bias of the Oscars and thought, "you know, this is one of those things I really should shout out on my own page" so, here goes.

I was able to see Capote, Brokeback Mountain, and Crash before the award ceremonies. Capote being the latest. I waited a few months after Brokeback's release to avoid the crowd and in the interim, heard MUCH praise for the movie. Now usually this leads to a big build up with a big let down. So when I viewed the movie I was objective in mind going in and somewhat confused on my feelings when I got out.


It is, in a nutshell, a movie about two men who find lust while on a mountain and realize at the end there may be more to it. However, they choose to marry women. I can imagine having to hide ( and did so myself for a brief while) like that but I can't help but notice they dragged others into it. They weren't requirement or even expected to marry in that time. I just thought it was a very selfish and indulgent move on their part.

The scenery, in the beginning 20 minutes, was beautiful and I've seen it on National Geographic. It was entertaining but I felt it slow and lacking something...I guess any form of empathy for the characters, mainly due to the way they cheated on their families. Only tender moment was the finding of the shirts behind the closet. And again, seeing the shirts on the closet door at the end.

I say this not with bias; I am a liberal lesbian with many gay and lesbian friends in which some enjoyed the movie, a lot. I just didn't find it Oscar worthy, especially against a film such as Crash.

This movie was not only entertaining and done well, but it was important in a politically valid and current way. It did make you think and it made you talk and it made a lot of buzz before Brokeback took more than it's fifteen minutes worth from the media machine. Crash deserved to win, it wasn't an Academy cop out...which, to say so only slights Crash even further because it was a valid and effective picture that was so intertwined in story and so relevant to our culture and so applicable to every single person in our country if not world that it ABSOLUTELY deserved the accolades it received.


It's upsetting to me that some of the gay and lesbian community are being sore losers. I think Brokeback did great things for the community in generating the buzz it did. It offered exposure and did seem to push the envelope and open another door for the 'cause'. But I also think there are better pictures that represent a better image and creative force for the community such as Brother to Brother. We all need to show grace in losing. There is no place for arrogance for anyone.

I'm not going to say bias doesn't exist, and that it doesn't exist even in liberal Hollywood and the Academy. However, I don't believe the award going to Crash was an example of bias, only of merit. If there was any disappoinment, it was in Joaquin not winning the Oscar for his portrayal of Johnny Cash. What an amazing performance. Love Phillip's work and have enjoyed him for years but Capote was an okay movie that was about a manipulative, selfish, and self-centered man. Phillip did a great job playing him but I don't think he pulled you in the same way Phoenix did. That was a shameful loss.

Time waster found at Tess's

last beverage: pink lemonade
last kiss: this afternoon
last movie seen: Supersta this afternoon at home; Capote in the theatre.
last phone call: Angela, ten minutes ago?
last cd played: Tori Amos Live
last bubble bath: October 11, 2003 - Bed and Breakfast in Sedona, AZ
last time you cried: a couple nights ago

8 have you evers:
1. have you ever dated one of your best friends: yep.
2. have you ever skinny dipped: yep
3. have you ever kissed somebody and regretted it: oh yea
4. have you ever fallen in love: Yes
5. have you ever lost someone you loved: Yes.
6. have you ever been depressed: yes.
7. have you ever been drunk and thrown up: Yes. Years ago, on New Years
8. have you ever had a one nighter: yes

7 states you've been to (currently living in AZ) :
1. New York
2. Louisiana
3. Nevada
4. Florida
5. Pennsylvania
6. D.C.
7. Washington State

6 things you've done today:
1. seeded the front lawn
2. bought the house fresh bagels (whew what a line!)
3. took a nap with one of my dogs
4. worked on my blog
5. watched a movie with the kids on the couch
6. made white clam sauce with angel hair for my lunch and dinner

5 favorite things in no order:
1. Partner
2. playing with the kids
3. Going for a drive
4. Our animals (all of them)
5. watching my partner sing and dance

4 people you can tell [almost] anything to:
1. partner
2. Ed
3. Minta
4. Tom

3 wishes:
1. that everyone I care about finds peace and happiness (I know, cheesy but true)
2. purchase my Saab
3. renovate or buy a bigger house

2 things you want to do before you die:
1. take that train ride
2. go to greece

1 thing you regret:
1. Fortunately, I only have small ones but perhaps the largest is selling my Triumph(and cheap!)

Not tagging anyone but it's open for those who care to partake.

Gum anyone?

So this past week I finally bit the bullet and went to the periodontist to take care of the start of gum disease. Much fun was had by all. Actually, she was great. Very personable; even offered to call me at home that eve to ensure I was okay. So now three days later, I'm sitting with packed gums on my upper left and brushing and rinsing three times a day just doesn't seem to kill the death of my breath because I can't touch the packed side. It's fortunate that I can't smell my breath however I am offending my household. For that I have apologized constantly.

Unfortunately this is something I'll, er...they will be suffering until next Wednesday when I go back to check on the stitching and healing etc.

Then after the month passes I'll be able to get prepped for my crown which seems to have started this whole process in the first place. UGH! I swear I'm not a sickly person, as I was just telling my partner the other day. But something happened in the last year where I am just falling to pieces and quite frankly I'm sooo over it! Put me in a bit of a funk last few days. To walk around with butt breath has me feeling so beyond less than attractive. I can't kiss or even offer dirty talk due to previous mention of breath. I've just felt utterly useless lately.

I've gone through bouts of this before where I feel like a bit of a failure and just not stepping up to the plate or under acheiving for lack of effort. I just can't shake it though...just feel like I'm not doing what I'm suppose to be doing, whatever that is. She thinks I need to get a hobby or do something that will help me become more fulfilled and it would be cool to take a class or something but I really don't have the time or energy to put into it. So I am at a loss, at least for the time being. Which of course just adds to the, "dumb ass go do something with yourself," feeling.

A few months ago I thought about joining a local women's choir. It's once a week that I am actually available to attend, it's not costly to cover expenses involved, they hold concerts at festivals, events, etc. Be great to be active and do something I enjoyed WAAAYY ago as a teen and just have some fun and get to know some people. But the whole committing to attending (can't have more than 3 absences a year) feel like another chore or responsibility. Who needs that?


I attended a book club a few years back and LOVED it. But it's also clear across town and the person who organized it switched hands, content changed a little, and overall just didn't hit the mark for me any longer. It would be great to start another near my home; I wonder how many would participate - I would find that so much fun and it might actually get my butt reading again like I used to. Still haven't finished Fingersmith and Water's new book is released in a couple, no less than a couple of weeks from now. Good thing I 'm back at work tonight. Maybe I'll be able to bust it out this week. LOL!

Well, I've rambled on long enough. Think I'm just going to figure out how I can offer time and maybe start something of my own that isn't too involved or committed; like a red hat ladies club for the thirty-something crowd but without the red hats?! I don't know, I'll fill you's in when I figure it out.

Huge Project

Okay, so my first huge narrative appraisal report was assigned to me and I took a week off from job #2 and postponed my Valentine train trip to work on it so I could turn it in on time. It was 2.5 acres of land with an existing 10 houses however the assignment was to appraise the parcel as if it were vacant today. Problem in doing this was that the land was rezone an R-6. This means that one home per 6000 square feet is allowed whereas other parcels currently for sale in the area or even several many miles from the area are either zone R-43 which is one home per acre or they are already split and built into R-6 subdivisions.
All of the available vacant land parcels were R-43 which gave the subject an adjustment in its favor because as an R-6, it's more valuable. Here's where it got interesting, or should I say, frustrating. How do you find a parcel that was once an R-43 that has been rezoned to an R-6 or even an R-8 to determine it's value and make the according adjustment? Well after an entire weekend of going thru fiche, film, online sites, and Phoenix zoning and planning...good old common sense prevailed. My partner and I know of someone who bought a home that was recently rezoned. Much research was necessary to find the origin of sale and the value, blah blah blah...but, we came up with the figures, percentages, and therefore the adjustment. I know this is probably terribly boring however I love research and actually being able to complete the task was just over the top. Of course in the middle of it I don't think those were words or thoughts I used.

Anyway, the project was completed and awaiting my boss's review to ensure I was on target. Today I got the news that not only was it spot on, but that he's pleased as punch at my work and how quickly I've caught on which only strokes my Type-A, over-acheiving personality. So...while I've been away from blogdom and have only taken time out to read vs. type up anything, now you know. Oh, the client called this afternoon and changed the scope so now there's more research to be done but along with that comes more money more money more money...so I'm quite pleased with that indeed!