What Do You Think?

Red Riding Hood or Unabomber?

Thursday

Lots to do today, so I will keep this brief. Trying to get back to my usual steadfast morning gym routine. Score 1 for me. I did it this morning.

My goal is to go for the next 15 or 16 days in a row, because that's how long my gym membership is paid up until then. My plan is by then to have my momentum back. I'll be armed and ready for the new gym.

Mad Men Season Finale on Sunday didn't disappoint. It was quite good actually. But, I will say no more in case you haven't had the chance to catch it.

Still reading, Lean Mean 13 from Janet Evanovich.

Supposed to go to a networking party tonight, which usually just means I visit whomever came with me, but we'll see how it unfolds.

I'm out.

Whirl Weekend

What a whirlwind weekend.

A concert in Ann Arbor on Friday. A folk singer that my cousin Shannon introduced me to, named Melissa Ferrick. Good show. Some funny banter. I really enjoy when musicans seem to appreciate the crowd they are playing for. It makes it so much warmer to watch.

Then a family wedding on Saturday, for my cousin John. Such a great guy. I'm so happy for him. His new wife, Amanda has a son, Dakota and John is now a dad.

Couldn't ask for a better one. John lost his dad when he was just a baby, but I'm sure his dad would be so proud of the man, his son has become.

The wedding was quite a party, but when there's a shuttle bus and no worries about drinking, all you have to worry about is your liver.

I'm always humbled and honored to be part of such a large, loving family so full of Irish pride that it's truly amazing.

We are blessed, despite recent sad events. We shall heal and grow stronger still.
We are family.

Apples to Apples

The good news?

I ate an apple with my lunch.

The Bad news?

It had Carmel and nuts all over it.

But, in the grand scheme of things, it's still better than a slab of cheesecake.

Misc. Musings

Can't wait for the weekend and it's only Tuesday. Heading up north on Friday with Connie, for some relaxation. And it'll give me the perfect venue to deliver my mom's birthday present.

On the off chance that she's reading this, I won't mention what I got her. But I'm sure she's gonna love it.

Feeling very sleepy today. Although I did drag myself out of bed this morning and headed to the gym. I'm trying hard to get back to my morning routine. Going walking after work too. Figured it couldn't hurt to get some extra exercise.

Trying to start a revision of a story I started a while back. I'm inspired again, after quitting my writer's group. It feels liberating in a way. It's back on me to get myself writing.

And I find emotional pain a good source of inspiration. No excuses left. Not even a dog to eat my homework.

UScan-We All Do

Does anyone else think that those automatic check out machines at the grocery store, are handy but sad?

Let me explain. Personally, I find them useful and quick. But I have to wonder if the cashiers feel the same way? Now, they don't really ring you up, but are still forced to stand by and watch you do it.

I'd imagine it was a boring job before that somehow managed to get just a little more coma inducing.

And a side note: If you don't know how to use said machine, you sir should go wait in line for a human. I don't want to wait half an hour for you to figure it out.

Cool Hand Indeed

Butch: You know, when I was a kid, I always thought I'd grow up to be a hero.
Sundance Kid: Well, it's too late now.
Butch Cassidy: What'd you say that for? You didn't have to say something like that.


I was at a post funeral luncheon at the Elks club for my Uncle Joe when I learned about the death of Paul Newman. And even though we never met, I loved him.

I was first introduced to Paul Newman shortly after my parents divorced. My dad took me and my brothers on Sundays. And what do you do, with three kids? Watch Paul Newman movies of course. He was a man's man. And a woman's man. One look at him in his heyday and that's pretty clear.

But what I love about him, had little to do with his good looks. I loved to watch him act. He's one of the great ones. Able to act in a character role, and his adherence to privacy allowed the movie viewer to believe whatever role he was immersed in. Even in roles like Hud, where the main character was let's face it, a bastard, when played by Paul Newman, he was still like able.

And in an age where Hollywood marriages last about as long as a trip to the local drive thru, it was amazing he was married to the same woman for 50 years.

Long before charity seemed like a publicity stunt, he decided to give back and never sought out publicity unless it was benefiting other people.

An amazing actor and a great philanthropist, he will be missed. He represented all that was good in the world and we are all better for having him in it.
Butch Cassidy: Then you jump first.
Sundance Kid: No, I said.
Butch Cassidy: What's the matter with you?
Sundance Kid: I can't swim.
Butch Cassidy: Are you crazy? The fall will probably kill you.

Don't Be That Guy

Fun with Joe

I'm Sorry

Dear Uncle Joe,

I'm so sorry that you had to leave us on Saturday. I've seen your kids and Nancy. They are sad, strong, and we had some laughs on Sunday. Sugar Bear and I visited.

My dad called to tell me that you were gone.

You've been a wonderful uncle and god-father to me, and I can't even begin to fathom how much I'll miss you. I loved watching you and my dad. Loved when you called him Tubby, and got him in line. I'm thankful you had each other to help each other when you both got cancer. I'm happy that my dad had somebody that truly understood how much it sucked.

I'm hopeful that you're with Butch, Hope and Bill, Gary and Carol. And that you guys are having a drink and playing music. I'm looking forward to gathering on Saturday to honor your life. Me and all your other nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters.

Thank you for all that you did for each of us.

We will honor you, love you, and cherish you.

Today and every day.

I love you-

Kook

Joe and Tubby

You chose your friends. But you don't choose your family. But sometimes you're lucky enough to have a family that feels instead like a bunch of friends?

I'm lucky enough to have that sort of family. One large extended family that I truly enjoy. And one of them, My Uncle Joe who is also my Godfather is very sick with cancer right now.

And it is fucking unfair and horrible. And what else can I say? I feel awful for my aunt and for my four awesome cousins who call him dad. Growing up with my Uncle Joe was a trip like no other. And the only thing I can really relate it to, is growing up with my dad. I'd say the two of them are the most similar in their sense of humor and depth of carrying.

And they both share the Vietnam experierence. And cancer. WTF? Uncle Joe used to make us have GI parties where we'd basically all clean up the house, but he somehow convinced us that it was fun. And he calls my dad Tubby, his childhood nickname, but my dad is sadly way too thin these days.

But they've always been there for each other and I know no matter where the other one travels, they will still be together.

If you've got any prayers or well wishes, please send em our way. We're not ready for our soliders to march on.

5 Years Already

Today marks the 5th Anniversary of the death of the great musical icon, Mr. Johnny Cash.

You can listen to his radio show, hosted by his friend Bill Miller.

http://www.johnnycashradio.com

5 years ago today, I was home from Atlanta for the weekend, to celebrate my best friend Connie's wedding, and I graduated from Portfolio Center the following weekend.

Full of a giant case full of giant size ads, that I dragged around till I landed my first job as a copywriter.

To all my fellow PC Alum, especially my writer class. Many memories of the Clairmont Lounge, the Waffle House, and of course Central City Tavern.

It wouldn't have been the same without you guys.

Yeah

The new 90210? Why did I even try? To say I watched it, is a stretch. It was on and occasionally, I looked toward the moving light and sound that is the marvel invention of television, but I have no idea what was happening. Nor did I care.

I'll just go back to my fond memories of the original. I'm not in high school like I was during the original run. It seems, "I'm just not into it."

No sleep again last night. Makes me feel surly and crazy. It's stress-related. I have high hopes for tonight's bed regime.

Tonight, I'll be making my last batch of Glop, that veggie heavy dish my Grandma Gotshall invented. I've got to do something with all the vegetables I bought at the produce stand this weekend.

Purple Violets, Wine and Lake Michigan

Weekend in Leelanau was grand. Beach, wine, other assorted libations, relaxation.

Finished the new David Sedaris book: Engulfed in Flames. I enjoyed it. He fits like an old shoe and it's comforting to read him. He makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. My favorite story in the collection was about a crossword puzzle and a fellow passenger on a plane ride. To see how they all tie together, read his book.

That being said, my favorite Sedaris is still Naked and Me Talk Pretty One Day. Genius, both of them.

Watched, Dan in Real Life with Steve Carrell. It was a sweet story and a good one to watch up north in my opinion.

Yesterday when I got home, after I unpacked, I watched Purple Violets, the new Ed Burns.

I've got one word for you about Ed Burns: Yummy.

Seriously. This movie isn't for everyone, but I personally enjoy his films. They're always some aspect of human behavior or relationship that is focused on. Usually smaller budget and he wrote, directed, produced and starred in.

Go Eddie go.

Pep Talk

Sometimes, my biggest fear is ending up like Eleanor Rigby.

"All the lonely people. Where do they all belong? Writing the words of the sermon no one will hear."

I said this to a friend in Atlanta once, to which she replied:

"Don't worry. I know at least 3 people that will come to your funeral."

A Little Bit of Something

My need to think about something that isn't MYCO related overwhelms me. Oh, you don't know what I'm talking about?

Consider yourself lucky then. Used up the rest of my gift card today during lunch buying a wireless router. I'm hoping it's as easy to install as the directions claim.

Will let you know. It's only Tuesday and I'm already looking forward to the weekend. Heading up to Lake Leelanau again. I love it there. And one must go when the weather is good.

Purple Violets and Friday Night Lights Season 1, Disc 2 will be at waiting for me tomorrow. And you can see, I haven't solved the media addiction problem. I guess that's what makes me an addict, huh?

But Wait There's More

I'm tweaked out on media over-load this weekend.

For the first time in over three years, I've got cable tv. And my own Internet connection,speedy like lightning. No more slow signal, picked up from a neighbor. No.

All mine. Plus, my Netflix. And I kid you not a pile of free magazines, from a fruitful hunt last week from the media bins at work. Did I mention the piles of books that I own? The ones sitting around in piles?

And there's always more to be had. I'm over-stimulated. Too many channels, too many moving picture options. Let's not forget about Netflix. Started another series. Friday Night Lights. And dammit, it's good too even though it's about football, it's enough about other life stuff that the football is a nice back story, not the whole show.

Currently Reading: Candy Girl. Diablo Cody of Juno fame, startling revealing look about her one year as a stripper. But somehow, it's not seedy and she isn't judgemental in any way.

Now, I can sit on the couch while on my lap-top, surf the Internet, and search for something to watch while reading a few pages of my book or current magazine, (Conde Nast Traveler) on commercial breaks?

What the hell is wrong with me? :)

Gotta go. I can watch the new episode of Mad Men soon.

Mad Men

I love Mad Men. I first started watching this show on Netflix. About half way through the first disc, I knew I had something special and I bought the whole series.

And it was well-worth it. Fascinating to see the origins of the professions in advertising, the complete un-pc world brought to life with meticulous detail. It's truly spectacular.

Don Draper, the Creative Director. Peggy his secretary who dared to push out of that role to become, gasp, a woman copywriter. The scandal.

Pretty soon, I'm going to have to order cable tv because of the whole digital tv cross-over and for the first time in three years, I'll have cable again. But at least I'll also have Mad Men.

Tired of Tired

The night sure is long when you're awake for most of it. And when you finally fall asleep, it's 5:30 am. Good thing you reset your alarm for 8am.

No gym this morning. Perhaps a walk after work. I feel like a zombie. :)

Weekend Wrap Up

Weekend in a nutshell:

Relaxing.

Went to the Milford Memories Festival with Connie. To call it a festival is a stretch really. It's Milford's Main street closed off with art and food booths. But it's a tradition. We enjoyed ourselves.

Saturday I felt like a yuppie poser in training. Got up early. Walked to the Farmers Market with my eco-friendly recycable bag and bought fresh fruits and veggies. Came home, had breakfast and got ready to get my hair cut.

Way to much money later, I've got cute short hair again. Hooray! Then headed off to do a little shopping. I was hunting for part of Shane's birthday gift, but couldn't find what I was looking for. So, I ended up with a new dress for me. Funny how that worked. But it was on sale for $15.00.

By then, the shopping rush was on me and at the next stop, I found a matching purse. Bonus. The whole outfit was $35.00.

After that it was home for dinner. A short visit with Nevada ensued and then I decided to put in Rescue Dawn because I'd had it for a while.

It was too depressing for me. I know it must end ok because the guy lives, but all I could think about was my dad. And how scary and fucked up it must have felt being in the Vietnam War. This wasn't entertainment anymore, so I turned it off.

Yesterday, I actually managed to clean my house. Cleaned under my bathroom cabinet, throwing away old beauty products, not too many, and washed all of my laundry.

Oh and in between this, read a few stories in my new Sedaris book and finished, 10 Big Ones by Janet Evanovich. It was a quick fun perfect summer read. I started the next one in the series last night, because I just wanted a little more of the insanity that is Stephanie Plum.

I find two in a row of those are enough and it's best to come back later. Otherwise, the stories all run together. But I'm loving them all over again.