Thursday, June 26, 2008

Because I say so

What do you get when you cross a lunch time trip to Target with your bloaty, emotionally charged mood swings while in the throes of your period?

1. Californication on DVD. David Duchnoney is half naked, witty,and a writer.
2. Carefree panty-liners.
3. OPI Nail polish in Cherry, Cherry Bada Bing.
4. A 10 package box of 94% Fat free Kettle Korn popcorn.
5. A mint musketeer chocolate bar.

I already have the midol in case you were wondering.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Old Man and the Sea

Happy Birthday to the man I used to call Daddy Quinlan.

Now, I call him dad. And he is a dad in that sense.

Checking to make sure I've got gas money to get back and forth, making sure I know where I'm going, and if not happy to give me directions, offers dating advice like, "Plumbers need love too.
And he bought me a corsage because my prom date was a dead-beat.

Took me on excursions. Like the time we went fishing. We had to get up super early. Our first fishing trip, I hooked my pole into my dad's back and he coached me on the fine art of removal using his large fishing knife. In my defense, I was only eight.

Worried about my taking a sick day when I'm sick. He's not quite familiar with the corporate environment I roam around in during the week.

Helped me fix or purchase various cars. We finally got it right on the last one. A.It still runs great and B. It's all paid off.

Paid lots of his own money to send me to school in Atlanta so I could get paid to sit in my cubicle and write a birthday blog to him that I know he won't read.

The computer is a skill he's learning. And getting better. We used to have tech support phone calls to ease the confusion for him.

Rumor has it, my dad used to carry me every where when I was a child.

I'm to big to be carried in the literal sense of the word but I still am grateful every day that my dad is here.

Present and accounted for. He's been sick for almost 5 years now.

But he presses on. And so do I.

And really, on a birthday you can't ask for more than a life that keeps bringing you surprises, kids that love you, trips to Las Vegas Casions, and an baseball game, can you?

I love you dad.

Happy Birthday.

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Birthday Re-Cap

Contrary to my Gemini nature, I have to make this brief.

Monday was a milestone birthday and I'm happy to say I passed it with very little trauma. Mostly because of all the support, friendship and love from my friends and family.

My day:

Slept in till 8am.

Realized I had no coffee cream or Splenda so I threw on some clothes and ran to the local grocery. Also picked up fresh blueberries for my grape nuts that I promptly ate upon my return home.

After that I watched an episode of 90210 Season 4 from Netflix. Awesomeness.
And enjoyed some bonding time with my sofa.

Nevada showed up with a gift and champagne and OJ. We had a birthday toast, drank Mimosa's and chatted. We walked up to the nail salon to get pedicures. I had my first pedicure by a man. A little strange but ok.

Walked back to my house and headed out to go shopping. I'm in love with Ann Taylor Loft. They are like Banana Republic. Good quality clothes that are classic and will look good next year.

Here a miracle happened. I bought a two piece swimsuit, a tankini type with a halter style neckline. Shows off just the right amount of cleavage.

Came back to my house where we promptly inhaled our lunch of cheese-sticks and roast beef sandwiches. (Birthdays are calorie free)

Nevada had to get going after lunch and I attempted to do a little cleaning, which really turned into more lounging on my part.

Time to get ready for dinner. Spruced myself up, and donned my new dress with the little hummingbirds all over it, and my new sparkly sandals. WHOO HOO.

Meanwhile, fielding phone calls and messages from folks full of good cheer for me.

Rachel picked me up at 6:45 and we headed out for my birthday dinner at O'Mara's.

A nice Irish and family friendly restaurant. I was met by Connie and Lisa. Amy, and Becky joined us a few moments later.

Lots of laughing, wine and good food followed. Including an incident where we accidently forced our bus boy to pause and become our photographer.

And of course I had to finish the evening off with a piece of homemade carrot cake.

Nice gifts to boot, but more importantly, I was surrounded by smart, funny and warm hearted friends on my birthday.

Thank you. I love you all.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

Sometimes I feel Like a Girl

Today is lunch with Becky and her daughter Lucie. I'm excited to meet Lucie, as of yet I've only dreamed of her and I've seen her in photos.

It's nice knowing that on a beautiful sunny day I won't be stuck in the office all afternoon. This is the sort of amazing day we get every now and then in Michigan.

Even better, this afternoon I'm getting my hair cut. Hooray! Nothing says summer quite like a new look to keep things fresh.

Faced the scale showdown and lived to tell about it. I lost a small amount but it's really not about that. It's about not gaining. And keeping on this journey for the long haul.

And it's about wearing a girly dress that I wouldn't have been able to fit into or even have the confidence to wear a few months ago.

Monday, June 09, 2008

Heart-Breaker

Scenario: Fancy shopping mall in Troy inside Macy's.

Me: Walking to the bathroom. Near the Men's Department.

There is a handsome and nicely dressed man holding hands with a beautiful blond child wearing a sundress.

Enter a beautifully blond woman in a sundress. She starts moving quickly in her strappy heeled sandals while crouching down and talking to the child:

"It's Mommy. Mommy's here honey."

Cut to Handsome husband looking at his wife adoringly and saying:
"Hello Sweetheart."

He then kisses her while their pretty daughter smiles on.

And at that moment I was overcome with an equal mix of awe, sadness, joy and wonder.

I want to be some body's sweetheart.

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

Grace is Gone

Watched a good movie last night, titled you guessed it, Grace is Gone.

Starring my boyfriend, John Cusack.

Short synopsis, he's a dad taking care of his two daughters while his wife is serving in Iraq.

Can I tell you it was intense? And sad? But powerful. I've been thinking about it off and on all day and I don't think it's all because of Mr. Cusack. He was a bit dowdy in this role, but he sure could play a convincing father.

I really liked the fact that the movie didn't wrap up all tidy at the end. It was an audience winner at Sundance for drama.

If you're a fan of John Cusack or just good movies that don't have the Rock in them, don't miss this one. It just came out on dvd. I watched it on Netflix.

Tuesday, June 03, 2008

D Day

David Sedaris's new book came out today. I've been stalking this release for months. It was snowy and cold and I thought, just wait. One day, it'll be almost summer and you'll be reading David's new book. You like how I say David as if we're friends?

I read everything he writes and have actually met him at a reading, so in a way I do feel like we're friends. We had a brief conversation about his new computer and why you can't eat Cheetos while using it,and about his dad.

In my opinion a good writer makes you feel welcome. Lets you into their world and invites you to take a seat. And he does.

His new book is titled, Engulfed in Flames. I can't wait to start reading.

He's one of a handful of writers that I'll actually spend the money to buy the hard back copy on day its released into the book wild. And it was technically free, since I was using up a gift card from Christmas.

And since I had a few dollars left over, I bought myself a 4 piece box of Godiva chocolate. A good read always tastes better with a snack.

As long as the snack isn't in the ETO family:

Cheeto
Frito
Dororito
Taquito

Monday, June 02, 2008

Table for One

I need work friends. I used to have some. But between company lay-offs and people leaving on their own accord, I find myself alone. In an office full of people. But you understand what I mean. No friends to come in and chat with about the weekend.

True, I got a few casual friends, but we haven't broken out much past the polite and into the real.

Consequently, this makes me shop or wander around during my lunch break. I can't think of anything more depressing than sitting in here alone on a beautiful sunny day, perched in front of my computer.

In some ways it's nice. I tend to get my errands done during the day now leaving me time at night to meet a friend for dinner or go for a long walk.

The funny thing is, I used to enjoy my solitary lunches. They were a nice escape from the chaos. And I'm one of those people who genuinely enjoys my own company. But, it's nice to share a sandwich now and then, don't you think?

Sunday, June 01, 2008

SEX and The City

Readers who haven't seen the movie yet, may wish to stop reading now.

As a loyal SCTC watcher, I was pleased with the movie. I can't imagine the immense pressure the whole movie was under and part of the reason I wanted to see it as soon as possible after its release was so I wouldn't get caught up in the swells of the hype.

Both me and the movie succeeded. There were hot men, hot shoes, and clothes to be sure. But for me, the show and the movie have always at its heart been about friendship between women.

That to me was the true love story. Friends that have been there for every major milestone in your life but also are so involved in your daily life, you can discuss mundane things like which shampoo works best or what you might make for dinner.

And as the four women move throughout their lives, there's no doubt that they'll always be there for each other.

Strong women need other women. I don't think it makes them weak to admit such things.

Bad days get better when you've got a friend's shoulder to cry on, and happy news is best shared.

To all my friends, single and married:

thank you for helping me live this life, for believing the best of me, for encouraging me, for listening, and for always showing up.

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Annie Put Down the Gun

I was eight years old the first time I ever saw a professional Broadway show. And what did I see?

My mom took me to see Annie at the Fisher Theater in Detroit. I loved it. And still do.

This past weekend, I got a chance to see it again, more than 20 years later and it resonated as much now as it did then. Say what you will. But Annie is full of hope and optimism despite her troubling life.

I don't expect to get adopted by a Daddy Warbucks...I'm holding out for Sugar Daddy.

Kidding.

But it reminded me that sometimes despite everything, you've just got to believe that tomorrow the sun will shine.

Friday, May 23, 2008

A birthday plus a holiday

It's the first official weekend of flip flops, shorts, bbq's beer and sun. With plenty of sunblock on my pale Irish skin.

Yes, it's that time. Time for me to head up North to Lake Leelanau with friends in tow to take in some wineries, beaches, maybe a meal out or two and mostly just relaxation.

I know we've got my cousin's 25th birthday party which will be a good time to see all the cousins.

I can't believe she's 25. It seems like I was just at Mckenzie's high school graduation party. I remember freaking out about turning 25 because it was close to 30. To ease the transition my best friends Connie and Karlene threw me a surprise party. Complete with my favorite foods that included Sloppy Joes, and California Pizza. We even had a pinata.

Good times. I was late to my own surprise party though because I was looking at pictures of David Duchovney on the Internet.

Not sure if there will be any David at McKenzie's party...I'm just hoping for a piece of cake.

We'll be celebrating another birthday on Sunday. That of my friend Nevada. She's also turning 25. It's the funniest thing. I've known her a few years, and we've enjoyed her 25th birthday a few times now. :) Must be something magical in the water.

She has bravely agreed to make this road trip with me. I'm certain that we'll all have lots to chat about. We're Gemini's for godsake and we just don't shut up.

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

I'll Have What She's Having

Last night's Dinner:

1. Grapenuts with fresh blueberries
2. Glass of White Wine
3. Biscotti


A balanced meal is in the eye of the beholder.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Hanging in Charleston

My weekend was awesome.

Got to Charleston Thursday afternoon and was promptly picked up by Roo. Brian and I then headed toward our weekend beach house which was spectuclar. It was huge and was ocean-front.

It was amazing, like something out of a movie. I stayed with a bunch of people, I didn't know, but it turned out well. Everyone was laid back and friendly.

Got up Friday. Went for a walk on the beach. Played in the waves in the ocean,lost my sunglasses to a giant wave and then went with a few girls to get manicures. Came back got ready for the wedding. IT was beautiful. Danced and drank a bit at the reception. Then we hosted an after party at our house.

Saturday morning woke up with a headache went for a walk on the beach and then had breakfast. After that I had to get ready to go home. Boo hoo.
I loved being at the beach. And it was great to see Roo again after all this time.

I hope him and Ginny have a wonderful life together.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Roo's Getting Married

My first male roommate is tying the proverbial knot on Friday.

Not to me, god no. You ever have one of those friends that you love dearly and the thought of them in other context, well, "just isn't right?" That's me and Roo.

Roo and I met at Portfolio Center in Atlanta. More specifically, the first time we met was at a gas station in Michigan with my dad giving poor Roo the stare down. He was not thrilled with the idea of my male friend.

But I was. Roo was a great roommate and a really cool guy. Sure, he had fridge blindness, didn't unload the dishwasher, or remember to buy paper towel, but he did lots of other things.

Like listen to me cry and have girl melt-downs, drive my drunk self around after a night of drinking, introduced me to a bunch of crazy photographer friends, including his soon to be wife, Ginny, and he used to wait up for me at night if I was out.

We laughed, listened to lots of Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, and we just clicked.

Roo even forgave me when I accidentally almost chocked him to death while we tried to drag his mattress up our two flights of stairs.

Tomorrow morning, I board the plane to take me to South Carolina, to see Roo and Ginny get married.

I'm thrilled that after all these years, we still have things to say and I took a chance, apparently telling Roo within 5 minutes of meeting him via phone, "We should live together."

And I'm glad we did. He was one of the best roommate's I've ever had and I'd bet he'd say the same about me.

Life is funny. Some people stick. Roo and I stuck.

More on the wedding when I return.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Two Dozen

Things I did today:

1. Went to work.
2. Got aches in my shoulders, neck and head.
3. Ate lunch at my desk.
4. Peed about 6 times.
5. Drank lots of water and one Diet Coke from the can.
6. Walked almost 4 miles after work.
7. Used Target's bathroom like a dressing room.
8. Ate Chicken Kabob for dinner.
9. Shopped and smelled lotion.
10. Drank half a glass of wine, as that's what was left in the bottle in the fridge.
11. Read Entertainment Weekly mostly cover to cover in 20 minutes.
12. Cranked up my ipod.

Things I didn't do:

1. Kiss anybody hello or goodbye.
2. Throw up my lunch.
3. Eat dessert.
4. Trip. (This is a big deal)
5. Watch any West Wing
6. Cure Cancer
7. Skip town
8. Wait too long in traffic.
9. Go to the zoo.
10. Get a new job.
11. Write the Great American Novel.
12. Cut my hair.

Monday, May 12, 2008

Iron Man

I like Superheros. Or certainly movies about them. And why not? They're usually empowering and fun to watch without taking themselves too seriously. And this weekend, I took in Iron Man with Robert Downey Jr. It was well done and RDJ is a good actor that was believable with just the right amount of arrogance. Note to men: Some confidence is sexy. The kind that lets you just back up into any space or drive like you mean it, good.

Too much arrogance where you tell a woman what to do because you're sure your way is better? Not sexy. But I digress.

Maybe I enjoyed the movie because I went in with no expectation whatsoever and thus, could hardly be disappointed.

My love of Superhero's started early with my two brothers and our Saturday Morning cartoon ritual of eating cereal in front of the TV so we wouldn't miss the Superhero Sleepover. Can't remember the official name, but all of them would hang out in the same Justice League and solve crimes.

The next Superhero love affair will probably be with the Batman Sequel. Christian Bale was a great Batman, and I'll wait for him to swoop in with a good story.

Granted, not all Super hero movies are created equal, but this one was worth the trip.

Friday, May 09, 2008

Boys Gone Wild

I'm coming to you from the foggy depths of my hangover. Witty banter is trying to come to the surface, but it's currently being blocked by too many Blue Moon's, chicken strips, second hand smoke, and an almost bar brawl in which this guy was 3 seconds short of grabbing my ass, when my friend Nevada who is a foot taller and could see the incoming hand, pushed him away at which point, he told her she was being disrespectful.


Bar fighting much like Kung Foo just isn't my forte. I'm somehow always right in the middle. Once in college, I was at a crowded keg party when two guys started fighting, and guy A got so mad he hauled off and hit guy B, but instead of hitting guy B, he punched me right in face.

Fast forward 30 seconds and I'm crawling out of the party on my hands and knees.

Besides some hand to hand combat training that is required when one grows up between two brothers, I just don't have the skills needed to have a proper bar fight.

Guess we can't all be Patrick Swayze in Roadhouse, can we?

Thursday, May 08, 2008

Roof Party

Tonight is the night. We celebrate Rina's departure and move to Chicago. I'll refrain from saying the Windy City but it's right there in my head. Wanting to come out.

Looking forward to seeing lots of old friends from lots of old ad jobs. I can't believe Rina and have been friends over over two years. Day after day in an advertising agency and the time flies by. Maybe cubicles are actually just portals to another land, where time moves at warp speed, but then slows down to crawlspeed when you're working on certain projects.

Alas, let the drinks and memories flow. At least I'll have another person to visit, next time I'm in my neighboring city.

Good Luck Rina!

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Photos of the Emerald Isle

To see Ireland Photos from my trip:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kelwriter/

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Tis Ireland

Dear Blog,

Nice to see you. I know it's been awhile. How have you been? Hope all is well.

Here's what I've been up to. I went to Ireland in early April, and it was wonderful and amazing. I will post some pictures soon, but I just downloaded them this past weekend.

But I loved it. I went with my mom and we got along pretty great the whole trip.
We saw all the usual stuff, Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Mohar, Kilkenny Castle, Powerscourt Waterfall, the Powerscourt Estate, and tons and tons of quaint villages full of pubs, people, and pints. I really felt comfortable and at home there. Maybe it's because I'm Irish, but it was just the people. Amazingly friendly and so upbeat.

Lovely and Brilliant were common phrases out of their mouths in answers to questions. We rented a car with a GPS in it, we'd named Stella. Poor Stella was out of date, and everytime we drove on a road she didn't know, she'd get upset and say, "Recalulating. Recaulating." She did this a lot.

I didn't worry about what I ate, what day or time it was, or if I should have another pint or not. I just did.

I can't wait to go back.

Ireland was indeed lovely and brilliant.