Texas Ranger: I'm gonna come at you like a spider monkey!
Yesterday I watched Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (the stupid italics won't work tonight!). It is completely ignorant, yet ridiculously funny. If you want to laugh at something mindless and dumb, I highly recommend this flick. On Saturday night, we watched The Guardian with Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher. Definitely NOT funny, but still good. I loved my movie weekend!
Monday, January 29, 2007
Saturday, January 27, 2007
WHY?
Most journalists are restless voyeurs who see the warts on the world, the imperfections of people and places. Gloom is their game, the spectacle their passion, normality their nemesis. ~ Gay Talese
My plans for this morning were to sleep in. I have yet to determine whether I accomplished my goal or not. I am usually up around 6 so sleeping until after 7 is later than normal, but nothing luxuriously decadent. To me, sleeping in is anything later than 9 and then lying in bed to watch junk on tv or read a book. Since I awoke at 7 something and then checked the sickening number of unread emails in my inbox, I hardly qualify this as sleeping in. It also gave me no excuse to miss exercise class for yet another Saturday. The cold temperature wasn't even a good enough excuse. I really enjoyed going back to class and chatting with Jazzy and Ethel. During class discussion arose about my blog. We explained to another class attendee what the blog was and reminisced about some people unknown to us who have posted comments here. The classmate asked, "Why do you do that?"...as if this were a bad thing. Of course that started making me think,"Why DO I post this stuff about my personal life that ANYONE can read?" Am I some kind of freak, inviting the voyeurs of the world to examine my life? Am I some weirdo exhibitionist? I think the most basic answer is that I have always expressed myself best with written words. Formal writing is not enjoyable to me but informal writing is an outlet for my thoughts. It is a way I can clear my brain. Additionally, I believe that writing deserves an audience. It is not nearly as effective when it is kept secret. I choose this avenue of sharing my writing because people can CHOOSE to read it or not. If I wrote all this crap out and then emailed it to my friends, I would feel as though I was force-feeding them my drivel (no, GP...that's not how I feel about your email). Blogging keeps me in touch with friends and family. Unfortunately life is so busy that I cannot always speak with everyone as much as I would like (believe me...I am more of a talker than a writer). I believe that this is a way to keep everyone abreast of what I am up to.....this way, I have time to share all the really obnoxious stuff I refuse to post when I see or speak to someone. Blogging isn't for everyone, but it satisfies my desire to write and share. THAT'S WHY!!!
My plans for this morning were to sleep in. I have yet to determine whether I accomplished my goal or not. I am usually up around 6 so sleeping until after 7 is later than normal, but nothing luxuriously decadent. To me, sleeping in is anything later than 9 and then lying in bed to watch junk on tv or read a book. Since I awoke at 7 something and then checked the sickening number of unread emails in my inbox, I hardly qualify this as sleeping in. It also gave me no excuse to miss exercise class for yet another Saturday. The cold temperature wasn't even a good enough excuse. I really enjoyed going back to class and chatting with Jazzy and Ethel. During class discussion arose about my blog. We explained to another class attendee what the blog was and reminisced about some people unknown to us who have posted comments here. The classmate asked, "Why do you do that?"...as if this were a bad thing. Of course that started making me think,"Why DO I post this stuff about my personal life that ANYONE can read?" Am I some kind of freak, inviting the voyeurs of the world to examine my life? Am I some weirdo exhibitionist? I think the most basic answer is that I have always expressed myself best with written words. Formal writing is not enjoyable to me but informal writing is an outlet for my thoughts. It is a way I can clear my brain. Additionally, I believe that writing deserves an audience. It is not nearly as effective when it is kept secret. I choose this avenue of sharing my writing because people can CHOOSE to read it or not. If I wrote all this crap out and then emailed it to my friends, I would feel as though I was force-feeding them my drivel (no, GP...that's not how I feel about your email). Blogging keeps me in touch with friends and family. Unfortunately life is so busy that I cannot always speak with everyone as much as I would like (believe me...I am more of a talker than a writer). I believe that this is a way to keep everyone abreast of what I am up to.....this way, I have time to share all the really obnoxious stuff I refuse to post when I see or speak to someone. Blogging isn't for everyone, but it satisfies my desire to write and share. THAT'S WHY!!!
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Hark the Sound of TARHEEL Voices?!
Hark the sound of Tar Heel voices
Ringing clear and true
Singing Carolina's praises
Chanting NCU
Hail to the brightest star of all
Clear it radiance shine
Carolina priceless gem
Receive all praises thine ~ UNC fans at the Dean Dome last night!!!!!!
We are still in Chapel Hill and having an awesome time. The fact that a water pipe to the condo has broken and we have no water has yet to damper our fun! The ride out here was great - sans the fear that I felt when the 'service engine light' blinked for a bit when I was driving over 70 (yes, the limit WAS 70). The noise level, at times, was a bit loud but certainly tolerable. Dean (as in Dean Smith) - Ethel's son - rode with Daughter, Girlfriend, and me. At one point we had on the XM, an MP3 player (attached to Girlfriend's ears - but loud enough so I could detect noise), and 1 if not 2 iPOD's going (one of which was attached to a speaker so Dean and Daughter could hear it. OH! I also forgot about the walkie talkies...that added even more noise and fun!
While we were unpacking Girlfriend's friend from school (Sob Story - whose family has a condo in the same development) came over. Girlfriend went to his place and then over to Granville Towers to play basketball. Ethel and I unpacked, making beds and getting everything in order. Then she and I went to purchase some drinks and snacks. The liquor store that we knew and loved is now a Boston Market. What's up with that?! So, we did what most normal girls would do: spend our "liqior store time" in "shop mode". We ran into Stein Mart for a quick peek (uh-huh). I came out with two cool bargains: a new comforter for the bed (75% off...$112 dollars off the original price....bringing the cost down to no more than $40!!!) and a pillow that has a speaker so I can listen to the tv (or iPOD) without disturbing Hubby. When we are in the living room I complain that the tv is too loud and when we are in the bedroom he complains that the tv is too loud. Odd. The pillow was 75% off too.....LESS THAN $10!!!! YAY! We then rushed into the store to buy milk and drinks so we could get back to get ready for dinner at the Carolina Brewery. YUM! Daughter and I had some pizza. Hers was regular variety and mine was Roma tomato and fresh basil. Girlfriend said her turkey wrap was good, too. The appletinis were delicious!!!!
ONTO THE BEST PART: THE GAME. There is nothing like being in the Dome among all that Carolina Blue and the cheering and the sheer excitement of it all!!!!! We saw it all: slams, 3-pointers, and VICTORY! Watching Daughter cheer with her face just glowing was incredible! Towards the beginning (while I was screaming and yelling) she actually told me she didn't know me (I guess that's the tween thing), but after a few minutes she was right there with me. She was mezmerized by the cheerleaders and the High Kicking Heels and the ram. The Carolina students all decked out in their blue with colored faces, etc. also captivated her. Today for the girls game she wants to do her face....we'll see about that. I could have cried if I had let myself.....all I could think (well, not all) is "study hard and this could be your life for four wonderful years. During the course of the game I kept my eye on Girlfriend, too. Yes, the Duke fan who taught Son to say horrible things like, "Yay, Duke." I don't think that will happen again. By the end of the game she was yelling and up on her feet rallying for the Heels! She even commented that she thought she was going to be a fan for this year...we all know that once you've gotten that feeling, it's there forever - DUH! She ate ice cream with blue sprinkles, wanted a pom pom, AND requested that we buy a shirt for her for the girl's game. Ethel sealed Girlfriend's fate by buying her a shirt BEFORE we even left the Dome. On the back it has Roy's Rules: 1. We play. 2. You lose. 3. You go home. As soon as she got back to the condo she had it on EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO NEED TO BLEND ANYMORE!!!! Yes, folks, I think Ethel and I have lured one away from the Dark Side. Score for us! OH! I forgot another highlight! Carolina read my blog after the game had started and called during the game! It was great to hear from her DURING THE GAME!!!!!! Yes, GP, we thought of you too...Ethel even had the phone in hand to call....but seeing as it was 9:45 and we only had your home number (didn't want to wake Little Heel) and work number (like you'd have been THERE)...we decided against it in case you were at the Grille.
Now I am going to join Ethel downstairs so we can get ready to hit Bruegger's AND Panera. It is already a fabulous day!
Ringing clear and true
Singing Carolina's praises
Chanting NCU
Hail to the brightest star of all
Clear it radiance shine
Carolina priceless gem
Receive all praises thine ~ UNC fans at the Dean Dome last night!!!!!!
We are still in Chapel Hill and having an awesome time. The fact that a water pipe to the condo has broken and we have no water has yet to damper our fun! The ride out here was great - sans the fear that I felt when the 'service engine light' blinked for a bit when I was driving over 70 (yes, the limit WAS 70). The noise level, at times, was a bit loud but certainly tolerable. Dean (as in Dean Smith) - Ethel's son - rode with Daughter, Girlfriend, and me. At one point we had on the XM, an MP3 player (attached to Girlfriend's ears - but loud enough so I could detect noise), and 1 if not 2 iPOD's going (one of which was attached to a speaker so Dean and Daughter could hear it. OH! I also forgot about the walkie talkies...that added even more noise and fun!
While we were unpacking Girlfriend's friend from school (Sob Story - whose family has a condo in the same development) came over. Girlfriend went to his place and then over to Granville Towers to play basketball. Ethel and I unpacked, making beds and getting everything in order. Then she and I went to purchase some drinks and snacks. The liquor store that we knew and loved is now a Boston Market. What's up with that?! So, we did what most normal girls would do: spend our "liqior store time" in "shop mode". We ran into Stein Mart for a quick peek (uh-huh). I came out with two cool bargains: a new comforter for the bed (75% off...$112 dollars off the original price....bringing the cost down to no more than $40!!!) and a pillow that has a speaker so I can listen to the tv (or iPOD) without disturbing Hubby. When we are in the living room I complain that the tv is too loud and when we are in the bedroom he complains that the tv is too loud. Odd. The pillow was 75% off too.....LESS THAN $10!!!! YAY! We then rushed into the store to buy milk and drinks so we could get back to get ready for dinner at the Carolina Brewery. YUM! Daughter and I had some pizza. Hers was regular variety and mine was Roma tomato and fresh basil. Girlfriend said her turkey wrap was good, too. The appletinis were delicious!!!!
ONTO THE BEST PART: THE GAME. There is nothing like being in the Dome among all that Carolina Blue and the cheering and the sheer excitement of it all!!!!! We saw it all: slams, 3-pointers, and VICTORY! Watching Daughter cheer with her face just glowing was incredible! Towards the beginning (while I was screaming and yelling) she actually told me she didn't know me (I guess that's the tween thing), but after a few minutes she was right there with me. She was mezmerized by the cheerleaders and the High Kicking Heels and the ram. The Carolina students all decked out in their blue with colored faces, etc. also captivated her. Today for the girls game she wants to do her face....we'll see about that. I could have cried if I had let myself.....all I could think (well, not all) is "study hard and this could be your life for four wonderful years. During the course of the game I kept my eye on Girlfriend, too. Yes, the Duke fan who taught Son to say horrible things like, "Yay, Duke." I don't think that will happen again. By the end of the game she was yelling and up on her feet rallying for the Heels! She even commented that she thought she was going to be a fan for this year...we all know that once you've gotten that feeling, it's there forever - DUH! She ate ice cream with blue sprinkles, wanted a pom pom, AND requested that we buy a shirt for her for the girl's game. Ethel sealed Girlfriend's fate by buying her a shirt BEFORE we even left the Dome. On the back it has Roy's Rules: 1. We play. 2. You lose. 3. You go home. As soon as she got back to the condo she had it on EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO NEED TO BLEND ANYMORE!!!! Yes, folks, I think Ethel and I have lured one away from the Dark Side. Score for us! OH! I forgot another highlight! Carolina read my blog after the game had started and called during the game! It was great to hear from her DURING THE GAME!!!!!! Yes, GP, we thought of you too...Ethel even had the phone in hand to call....but seeing as it was 9:45 and we only had your home number (didn't want to wake Little Heel) and work number (like you'd have been THERE)...we decided against it in case you were at the Grille.
Now I am going to join Ethel downstairs so we can get ready to hit Bruegger's AND Panera. It is already a fabulous day!
Saturday, January 20, 2007
The World Revolves Around Basketball
If you think small things don't matter, think of the last game you lost by one point. ~ unknown
First of all, has it really been since December 26th that I have written? Yeesh! What a slacker! Now, on with it!
Let's see. Basketball. So many things to say!!!
On Wednesday of this week Son played his first basketball game. If you have never witnessed 5-6 year old children play basketball, you are missing out! It is the funniest, heart-warming thing EVER! Watching those little ones play with such pride and carefree abandonment is just incredible. If it doesn't lift your spirit, you are as cold-hearted as the Grinch! Son did a good job running and sliding on the floor at each end of the court. His defensive moves were hysterical - hands up, wiggling his butt, scooting around. He even made a basket!!! YAY!
Daughter is in the 10-12 year old league again this year. She LOVES the game and has improved so much since last year. She is a bit more aggressive, but still is worried about fouling....to her it's like breaking a rule and getting in trouble. She doesn't want the ref to announce her number and let the other team take shots. Did I mention that she has played since she was 5 and has never fouled? HMMM...that perfection thing - where EVER did she find that trait?! (bah hah) In her third game of the season (last Thurs.) she actually shot twice!!! This is an amazing accomplishment for her and I was so proud! When the game slowed down she met my gaze and I could feel her elation. There's not much better than that!
In a few hours I am off to Chapel Hill for a weekend with Ethel & her family. Daughter and Girlfriend (my niece) are coming with me. We are going to the Georgia Tech game tonight in the DOME! I am so excited to see those boys play!!! Girlfriend is not exactly a Carolina fan, but should enjoy seeing some excellent basketball. Tomorrow we are going to watch the girls play NC State. That should be awesome, too. Of course there will be some shopping involved at some point! Not to mention a walk or two around campus, Bruegger's, Panera, Starbucks, Ben & Jerry's, etc. You must remember where I live in order to understand my euphoria over these places that are part of most people's everyday life. This is the girl that was amazed to see the flavored syrups that could be added to sodas and coffees at 7-11.
ALSO, speaking of basketball.....my friend Carolina used to joke with us in college that she wanted a bunch of children when she "grew up" (no, I'm not referring to height!) - her own little basketball team to quote her directly. Well, it looks as if she is well on her way since her TWINS are due in August! They will join their sister who is presently 9 months old....yes, 3 children UNDER 16 months old. I am thrilled for her and her hubby AND simultaneously glad that it is not me!!! tee hee!
Anyway....sorry for the gap in entries. Guess what? I have either been extremely busy (work, basketball, cleaning etc.) or extremely slothlike (reading, lounging, watching poor tv, etc.). SHOCK! I will try to be better - at least I didn't get any email harassment this time....just a little verbal abuse from Brother. :0)
First of all, has it really been since December 26th that I have written? Yeesh! What a slacker! Now, on with it!
Let's see. Basketball. So many things to say!!!
On Wednesday of this week Son played his first basketball game. If you have never witnessed 5-6 year old children play basketball, you are missing out! It is the funniest, heart-warming thing EVER! Watching those little ones play with such pride and carefree abandonment is just incredible. If it doesn't lift your spirit, you are as cold-hearted as the Grinch! Son did a good job running and sliding on the floor at each end of the court. His defensive moves were hysterical - hands up, wiggling his butt, scooting around. He even made a basket!!! YAY!
Daughter is in the 10-12 year old league again this year. She LOVES the game and has improved so much since last year. She is a bit more aggressive, but still is worried about fouling....to her it's like breaking a rule and getting in trouble. She doesn't want the ref to announce her number and let the other team take shots. Did I mention that she has played since she was 5 and has never fouled? HMMM...that perfection thing - where EVER did she find that trait?! (bah hah) In her third game of the season (last Thurs.) she actually shot twice!!! This is an amazing accomplishment for her and I was so proud! When the game slowed down she met my gaze and I could feel her elation. There's not much better than that!
In a few hours I am off to Chapel Hill for a weekend with Ethel & her family. Daughter and Girlfriend (my niece) are coming with me. We are going to the Georgia Tech game tonight in the DOME! I am so excited to see those boys play!!! Girlfriend is not exactly a Carolina fan, but should enjoy seeing some excellent basketball. Tomorrow we are going to watch the girls play NC State. That should be awesome, too. Of course there will be some shopping involved at some point! Not to mention a walk or two around campus, Bruegger's, Panera, Starbucks, Ben & Jerry's, etc. You must remember where I live in order to understand my euphoria over these places that are part of most people's everyday life. This is the girl that was amazed to see the flavored syrups that could be added to sodas and coffees at 7-11.
ALSO, speaking of basketball.....my friend Carolina used to joke with us in college that she wanted a bunch of children when she "grew up" (no, I'm not referring to height!) - her own little basketball team to quote her directly. Well, it looks as if she is well on her way since her TWINS are due in August! They will join their sister who is presently 9 months old....yes, 3 children UNDER 16 months old. I am thrilled for her and her hubby AND simultaneously glad that it is not me!!! tee hee!
Anyway....sorry for the gap in entries. Guess what? I have either been extremely busy (work, basketball, cleaning etc.) or extremely slothlike (reading, lounging, watching poor tv, etc.). SHOCK! I will try to be better - at least I didn't get any email harassment this time....just a little verbal abuse from Brother. :0)
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