MySpace...

I'm now addicted.

Anyone have a page?

Know When To Fold 'Em

Know when to walk away,
Know when to run.

Oh, Kenny Rogers. Where were you this weekend when I gambled away what I put aside for something else, save $6? If you only whispered those sweet lyrics into my ear when I was ahead, I would have walked away and cashed out. Because you are the true Gambler.

Foxwoods Casino is a little over an hour away. A stone's throw. No matter how far deep into the middle of nowhere they build, it will always be too easily accessible.

I lost, my husband won. And I was bitter. Bitter because I should of said "No, not this weekend," when he asked me to go. Plans were made in advance, so as much as I would love to, I can't blame my losses over the excitement from the spontaneity of this trip. I was looking forward to it and simply couldn't wait.

I go to the casino maybe 4 times a year, with Christmas Eve being one of those times. Christmas Eve at a casino means less smoky and less populated, which are always a plus. I always take the same amount of money, as well as whatever is in my wallet at the time. I would never use a casino ATM. That's just asking for trouble. Instead of money, whomever puts in their ATM card and password should receive a receipt naming the location of the nearest Gamblers Anonymous meeting.

I usually walk away happy, winning something or atleast breaking even. Not this time.

Next time it will be different.

Please Pass The Jello

I hate the dentist. Yes, I know that 'hate' is a very strong word, but I hate the dentist.

My first time with this new dentist, he replaced some fillings. They were over 15 years old and were due to be replaced. Take the silver out, put the white in. After he stuck the novocaine needle into my gums, I began to sweat. And my hands started to shake. It must be the epinephrine, he said, I guess you have a bad reaction to it. I wondered if I could have nitrous oxide the next time. Even though that mask was uncomfortable, I used to have mini-hallucinations when they gave it to me when I was younger. A calm, floating feeling. His voice snapped me out of the memory. No more epinephrine for you, he promised. He replaced one filling and I was on my way. Next time he'll replace the top tooth on the other side. Then I'll be done.

The second appt. I asked for the gas. Not for this, he said. Besides, I'm not going to use epinephrine on you today. It'll be something much milder. He was right, whatever he used wasn't too bad. He replaced that filling, and as soon as I was about to tell him that I'll see him for my 6-month cleaning, he announced that next time he'll do the bottom. "I thought you were done," I begged. Done with the top. I can't do it all in one appointment, he replied. Of course.

Third time is not the charm. My last appointment. I went in and was told that he was very behind schedule and could I wait 45 minutes? I lied and told them that I had somewhere to be at 8:00. It was 6:30. "If that's a problem, I can reschedule." I had no problem going home and putting this off longer. The receptionist came back and said that he would take me in 10 minutes, and I'll definitely be home by 8.

Ten minutes later, I went in and sat on the chair, more relaxed. It was the last appointment and I knew that I would be getting the milder sedative. He gave me the novocaine and I started to get a little shaky again. I looked at him concerned. Must be the epinephrine again, he said. If I could feel my tongue, I would have complained. He put a damp towel on my head and left the room while I relaxed. He then apologized for the delay, but he's bouncing between appointments. He excused himself again, but not before putting in a video of aquatic life. That should relax you more, he said, before heading off to Unlucky Patient #2.

He was in and out throughout my visit, and yes, maybe had I waited the 45 minutes, I would have had his undivided attention. But I knew the faster I was in, the faster I get out. I have to hand it to him because miraculously, I was home a few minutes after 8:00.

As I sat with a towel on my forehead, no feeling in my gums, and watching sharks look for food and scuba divers examine seaweed, I pondered why I was there in the first place.

Junk food. Junk food at 10 years old led to cavities that led to the fillings. Forget childhood obesity. The real reason to avoid eating loads of sugar when you're a child is to avoid sitting in a dentists chair when you're 30 watching fish swim.

Because I Can

I've decided to take and post pictures to go along with my neighbor debacle. If they see me and complain (and the devilish side of me hopes they do), I'll just let them know that I'm taking pictures of the trees in my yard and if their dog just happens to be in my yard at the time, then so be it.

Happy Father's Day!

I get strange looks from a few people when I tell them that we're having the family over for a barbecue on Father's Day.

My family celebrates every holiday together. Every birthday and other gift-giving holiday is a get-together, even if schedules aren't compatible until a month later. My husband and my sister-in-law never did this either, until they joined our family. Before they married into the clan, they were used to cards and a phone call. Now they deal with looking at calendars and finding a day to set aside, asking, "What can I bring?", and preparing for a full day with the family.

Yesterday was our turn to host. This is our 3rd annual Father's Day at my house, and luckily the weather was perfect. Everyone was assigned a food. We supplied the burgers and hot dogs, I made a salad, mom brought chicken wings, mom-in-law brought potato salad and cole slaw, brother brought dessert and sister-in-law brought corn on the cob. Afterwards, the women cleaned up (now that's a tradition I'd like to see changed!), gifts were exchanged, and that was it. It's what I'm used to. And I couldn't imagine it any other way.

I asked two fathers last week what their plans were for Sunday. Mowing the lawn, probably the gym, nothing much. Both were father's of young children, which to me seemed odd. It would make sense to me if they lived far enough away from their kids that celebrating with family wasn't possible, but to be with their kids and not celebrate it in fashion just seems.... unorthodox.

Is celebrating holidays together passe?

Going To Bed Mad

I went to bed mad last night. I know they say you shouldn't, that if there is one rule of marriage, it is not going to bed mad. But I did. I do.

Is the rule applied to everyone? If I am exhausted, the last thing I want to do is stay up and fight, because when I am that tired, I just get more and more annoyed. And the more we repeat ourselves, the less patience I have. Sleep on it, and in the morning, talk it through. That's my rule.

We also have other rules. Never go to bed or leave the house without a kiss. And no matter how mad we are, we never break that rule.

A couple last month from Germany celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary. The secret to a happy marriage, the husband said, is to never go to bed angry. (He passed away last week at 105 years old.)

We have a wonderful marriage, and I couldn't ask for better... And if you ask me, I think going to bed mad once in a while isn't that bad.

Picture of the Week

Check out this pic. Doesn't it look like trick photography?

I bought a telescope last year and ever since then I've been fascinated by astronomy.

I thought it would be cool to have one. One night outside my husband pointed out some formations and mentioned he used to love the subject in school, and so I bought it.

I don't use it too often, but every now and then when the night sky is clear, I'll take it and head to our porch and look up. And it really is an awesome sight.

I Take it Back

So yesterday I posted about how my world was sunny and happy now that the dogs next door are on the other side of the yard. So happy. So relieved...

We had friends over last night and they asked about the situation and I started to tell them about how happy and sunny my world was when Ken mentioned that he saw them in the yard again (leashed), "further in then before." I didn't believe him. Surely he must be joking. He wasn't. And don't call him Shirley!

I didn't believe him until I left for work this morning. As soon as I walked out of the house, the barking started. I looked over, and there he was. Looking at me, with his "Don't threaten the Board of Health on me, bitch" look in his small beady eyes.

The leash wasn't as long as Ken exaggerated, but still over the property line.

If I were rich, I'd want to pay for their house repairs, just because I want to end the frustration. But I'm not even close. So I'll just wait patiently. And when my patience runs out, which will be at some point today, I'll give the Board of Health another phone call.

Random

I went to Waldenbooks to start a gift bag for my father for Father's Day. He loves Rachael Ray so one item that is going in his gift bag is a 30 Minute Meals for Guys cookbook. The clerk who was there looked to be about my age. I asked her if she had any fun retirement gifts, like maybe a "Retirement for Dummies" book. She couldn't find any, but suggested something along a joke theme of getting old. Then she said, "When my mom turned 30, I gave something like that to her." I almost fell. Did she say her mother is 30? How old was this girl? I made a comment about how when I turned 30, a friend wished me a "Happy Anniversary of my 29th birthday" and she said that she wished she thought of that. I left the store picturing her saying, "That girl is the same age as my mom!"

Trading Spouses is hilarious. It's my new summer guilty pleasure.

I haven't followed up with the Board of Health, given that our last conversation didn't go as well as I'd hoped, but since the day she was going to stop over to see the neighbors, the dogs are almost non-existent. When I have seen them, they've been leashed to the side of the trailer, away from our yard. Not the outcome we hoped for since I first made the call to the Fire Inspector, but still a huge improvement to what it was before. Who says you can't fight City Hall?

I feel like a moron when I go into a restaurant chain where the menu never changes and cannot for the life of me order a meal intelligently. I ordered a grilled chicken filet pocket from D'Angelo's for lunch and was asked what I wanted on it.
"What comes with it?"
"Whatever you want."
I look at the menu for any vegetables or dressings offered. Nothing.
"How bout lettuce, onion, pickles?"
"Okay. Anything else on it?"
"What else can I get?"
"Anything you want."
So I order everything but mayo and he seemed relieved. It was a really good sandwich.

Meme'd for a Good Cause

Red is doing a profile of me. She got a great idea from another blogger to dedicate various posts to each of her faithful readers. She's done two already. And I've been warned that I'm next. So she sent me this meme as a way of getting more dirt, er, I mean research, for her story.

10 Years Ago, I...
1. was 20 years old
2. was finishing my third year of college
3. hoped to be the next Barbara Walters
4. was three months away from breaking up with the guy I thought I would marry
5. got an A on a paper I wrote about media background checking after I was featured in an article in a NH newspaper about how I went on a few dates with a guy I found out was a fugitive.

5 Years Ago, I...
1. was 25 years old
2. anxiously awaiting the birth of my niece
3. living on my own
4. driving a 1990 Ford Escort that I named, Esky.
5. was working as the lemon law coordinator

Yesterday, I...
1. applied self-tanner for the first time
2. called in to a radio show to voice my opinion of the Michael Jackson absurdity
3. ate pizza for dinner.
4. treated myself to a sushi lunch to help heal the horror of tanning mess
5. helped Dad write a resume for part-time work after he retires

Today, I...
1. applied self-tanner in untanned locations in hopes of evening out
2. got a Toasted Almond flavored iced coffee at Dunkin Donuts and it is DELICIOUS!
3. will clean the house for a barbecue tomorrow night
4. sang aloud in the car on my way to work
5. will have a capet guy over to measure the floor in the basement.

Tomorrow, I will...
1. have friends over for barbecue
2. make a salad for barbecue
3. call my parents
4. play with friends 3 month old daughter
5. buy a Father's Day gift and cards for dad, brother, and father-in-law

5 Snacks I Enjoy:
1. berry mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
2. mixed nuts
3. Chips and salsa
4. Cheese and crackers
5. TCBY frozen yogurt

5 Songs I Know all the Words to, Even Without the Music:
1. Living on a Prayer by Bon Jovi
2. Chatahoochie by Alan Jackson
3. Fast Car by Tracy Chapman
4. In My Life by the Beatles
5. Amazed by Lonestar (it was our wedding song)

5 Things I Would Do With $100,000,000:
1. give generous portions to my brother's family, both sets of parents, and my sister- and brother-in-law.
2. re-do my house and yard
3. Take a cruise
4. put some aside for childrens college funds.
5. Put the rest away in a great savings account.

Top 5 Locations I'd Like to Run Away To:
1. New Zealand
2. Italy
3. England
4. Australia
5. Ireland

5 Bad Habits I Have:
1. Procrastination
2. Laziness
3. I wish I were more outgoing with people I don't know in social settings.
4. I sometimes take things too personally
5. I don't take enough time out for me.

5 Things I like Doing:
1. Hanging out with Ken
2. Hanging out with my niece and hearing about her day in her words
3. Shopping for home decorating stuff
4. Going on spontaneous road trip on a Saturday or Sunday
5. Throwing dinner parties

5 Things I Would Never Wear:
1. thong underwear,
2. leather pants
3. plaid anything
4. fur
5. overalls

5 T.V. Shows I Like:
1. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
2. Judging Amy (even though it just got cancelled)
3. Trading Spaces
4. Unwrapped (it's on the Food Network - very cool show about how certain foods/candies are made)
5. Hope and Faith

5 Movies I Like:
1. Garden State
2. While You Were Sleeping
3. Big (any Tom Hanks film really)
4. Monster's Inc.
5. Beetlejuice

5 Famous People I'd like to Meet:
1. Tom Hanks
2. Elton John
3. David Letterman
4. Helen Thomas (was a White House correspondent)
5. Barbara Walters

5 Biggest Joys at the Moment:
1. my husband
2. my niece and nephew
3. my family (Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister-in-law)
4. My friends
5. Going downstairs and seeing all the beautiful room that I recreated and knowing how much hard work and effort I put into it.

This meme does not require forwarding. So if you want to take it make it your own, be my guest.

A Lighter Shade of Pale

I think one of my best qualities is my ability to laugh at myself. Especially when I do something to make myself look or feel like an idiot.

This is what I did.

This weekend, with the exception of a few errands, I stayed inside. The weather was a disgusting 90 degrees and given the choice, I would choose an air conditioner over sweating my butt off anyday. Besides, my goal this weekend was to finish the basement. Painting, making a bookcase, more painting, cleaning, more painting...

On one of the errands, I picked up a bottle of one of those tan-in-a-bottle things. I've been skeptical before and didn't want my legs to be a streaky mess, so I just let the sun tan my skin naturally. I don't sit at the beach and bake, I usually tan just walking outside. But since I'm getting more cautious of skin damage (*see blog about getting older below*), I decided that a safe healthy glow was the way to go.

I bought Coppertone. It was a foamy pump that dries in 5 minutes after it is applied. Rub into skin in horizontal and vertical motions, the directions read. I did that. Cover the entire area, the directions read. I did that, too. Atleast I thought I did.

The problem with this Coppertone foamy pump is that it goes on clear. And it doesn't show up until later on. While you're at work. And while I was at work, I notice that it's not as even as I thought. There's an area on both legs, right near my ankles. I wish it would look like a sock line, like a straight line going around my leg. But it's a line graph. One part bare as can be. Winter white. While the rest is my nice safe healthy glow. Luckily, I bought the Light/Medium shade, and not the Medium/Dark shade, so even though it's noticeable to a point, I don't look like one of those half moon cookies.

I think the reason I'm so embarrassed is because I knew better. My multi-shade legs are the reasons I never bought it before. I guess I'll go capri the rest of the week.

-------

Oh, and I have no idea what I did or didn't do, but if anyone is a blogger braniac, I'd love your wisdom in getting what is now at the bottom of the page back to the top right side of the page where it rightfully belongs.I would be in awe of you forever.

Thanks.

Another Meme to Amuse Yourself With...

Thanks Red, I was having writer's blog...

Ten Words I Love to Say:
10. Ken
9. "I know" (my niece claims I say this a lot. I never noticed.)
8. "I love you"
7. Yay
6. Oy
5. Whatever

Okay, I can only think of five. I'd have to ask my friends and family what they think I say too much in order to finish this list...

Nine Guiltiest Pleasures
9. Starbucks mint mocha frappucinos
8. Best Week Ever on VH1
7. US Weekly (comes in the mail every Thursday!)
6. MTV
5. White Barn Candles (from Bath and Body Works)
4. Wine.
3. Clinique
2. Dairy Queen
1. Manicures/Pedicures

Eight Favorite Items to Wear:
8. My wedding ring
7. My grandmother's wedding ring
6. My aunt's necklace my uncle gave me after she passed away
5. My other grandmother's wedding band. Too small for my finger so it's on a chain around my neck.
4. A bracelet Ken gave me our first Valentine's Day.
3. Sensi by Armani
2. Truth by Calvin Klein
1. Sandals!

Seven Sexiest Celebrities:
7. Colin Firth
6. Tim McGraw
5. Taye Diggs
4. Matthew McConaghey
3. Mark Ruffalo
2. Chris Martin (Coldplay)
1. Tom Brady (New England Patriots)

Six Most Irritating Celebrities:
6. Tom Cruise
5. Shakira
4. Britney/Kevin
3. Paris/Paris
2. Lindsey Lohan
1. Donald Trump

Five Favourite Things About Summertime:
5. BBQs
4. Baseball
3. Sandals
2. fresh fruit
1. July 4th festivities

Four Books I Have Read Most Recently:
4. The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
3. Haven by Ruth Gruber
2. The Color of Water by James McBride
1. DaVinci Code by Dan Brown

Three Word I Have Been Meaning to Look Up:
(Passing on this category. I usually look it up at that time)

Two Funniest Gifts I Have Ever Received:
2. That Smart Spin thing that's 'As Seen On TV.' Tupperware is organized, and the lids fit all sized containers. It's genius!
1. A CD of all disco. 3:00 at work was downtime, so we renamed it 3:00 Dance Party, and so I got the CD as a going away present when I left that job. I don't think I've listened to it yet. hate disco.

One Thing I Fear, Yet Find Wildly Intriguing:
1. I'm afraid of heights, but I would love to go skydiving.

I'm only passing this on to the Col, Dr. and Quycksilver, since they're the only ones who don't mind doing them.

Dear Sergei,

I'm not sure if you remember me. We met when I visited Russia as a Student Ambassador back in 1990. Do you remember? My group was walking down the street in Minsk when your group of friends stopped to talk to us about America. You walked with us through the town, and I told you that my grandmother and uncle were both born in Minsk and so it held a special place with me. We exchanged addresses with the hope to keep in touch.

Anyway, my parents are moving in a few months, and in going through old envelopes, they came across a stack of letters that you sent me after I returned home. I loved having you as a pen pal, but unfortunately our correspondence ended too soon when the last letter I received from you was an opened envelope without a letter inside. It was right after the Coup d' Tat and so I thought that maybe you included information in your letter that was not meant to be read. I wrote you after that and never received a response. Doing a search for your name online proved very unsuccessful. There are two people I found. One is in Moscow and the email I sent came back as undeliverable because the account was closed. The second "you" is in his 50's and lives in Michigan.

I would be very interested to know how your life turned out. You were always very interested in science. I remember how you were trying to get into the Polytechnic University but unsure of your chances because of the competitive waitlist. I'm sure you got in and I imagine you are extremely successful in what you do.

Anyway, I just wanted you to know I was thinking of you. Whenever I see my old travelogue or go through pictures of that trip, you always cross my mind.

I hope that life is treating you well,
Jodi

Pitter Patter

My mother-in-law told me that she's already purchased baby stuff for my child. Thing is, I don't have one. What started out as a casual conversation about shopping turned into discussion about how she often goes with her friend Rochelle when Rochelle buys toys for her grandchild. And of course, she can't help but walk out with a bag of goodies of her own. Everything in doubles. One for Ken and me, and one for the also childless sister-in-law and her husband.

Then there is my brother and sister-in-law. "Have kids already so we can empty out our laundry room." Their laundry room consists of a crib, a vibrating seat and toys. All promised to us. All somewhat patiently awaiting their arrival in our home.

My father thinks he hints at it, but subtlety is not his strongest quality. When we went to Vermont in April, we asked if he wanted anything. "Yeah," he replied. "Bring me home a grandson."

My father-in-law and my mother are good. They don't pressure. Friends are good. They tell us to wait. To enjoy our freedom. But I see the looks in their eyes whenever the subject comes up. They want information. When will we start trying? Are we thinking about it? How much freedom does one couple need? When will the time come where I offer you coffee or wine and you decline? Let me bring my baby over so you can see how much fun having one is.

I love kids, don't get me wrong. And I would love to give my niece and nephew a few cousins to play with. And even though the questions made us roll our eyes and laugh at first, the more persistant it gets the more I want to avoid the subject altogether. Which is what I don't want to do. After all, it's a happy, not negative, issue and it shouldn't turn into a topic to run from.

So we change the subject. We smile and repeat the same answer. When we're ready, and no, we're not telling anyone when we're ready and going to start, so please stop asking.

"We were just wondering," they say. "No pressure."

The Awful Truth

I'm getting old.

In the mornings as I blowdry my hair, I notice a few shiny strands peeking out, quickly disappearing as I brush my hair back. Grey hair. They used to be so random. Popping up here and there every once in a while. Now they are more frequent. I sometimes stare in the mirror and run my fingers through to see if I can spot another and pluck it out before it gets too long and noticeable. And I'm not the type to believe that plucking one grows 6 more. If I can grab that single strand, it's coming out.

More proof I'm aging. I have no patience for traffic. I used to love driving around and sitting in traffic. I remember when we were younger, when we first got our licenses, my friend Andrea and I went out one night and sat in a massive traffic jam. We would open our windows and chat up drivers in the next cars over and it was a blast. I used to leave 30 minutes earlier for plans so I could drive the long way to get to my intended destination. I thought about that today as I was stuck in rush hour. All I wanted to do was get home and plop on the couch.

And who calls the police over music? I used to start my night at 10:30, not end it.

I'm a few months from 31, but somehow I feel much older.

Parenting 101

Want to really screw up your child?

Have them hold a picket sign declaring that homosexuality is the work of the devil. Teach them that protesting diversity by holding up said picket sign is the right way to spread a message.

Young children, maybe 5 or 6 years old. Looking bored out of their mind while standing outside a church with their hands outstretched, holding these signs. Probably not knowing what it means, just believing that it's wrong because mom and dad said so.

Some parents just suck.

The Portuguese Cha-Cha

"Stoughton Police. This call is being recorded."

The music was extremely loud. Ken and I had just gotten back from dinner with his parents. It was 10:30. We could still hear the music no matter what room of the house we went into. Maybe someone was having a party.

11:00. Trying to sleep. This music keeps me awake. Just when I think it's dying down, it starts up again, louder. You have got to be kidding me.

I read the Police and Fire Logs in the local paper and wonder about the person who calls the police over music. I would shake my head and wonder why some people can't just lighten up. Fast forward to now and someone is blaring music in my neighborhood an hour before midnight. Who could be so inconsiderate? Especially since we have to wake up early the next morning. We open the windows trying to follow the sound. Does it sound louder from the back of the house or the side? Or maybe it's coming from the front?

Ken tells the officer that someone is playing music ridiculously loud. It's heard throughout the neighborhood. And now the dogs are barking next door. After a while, the barking seems in tune with the music. I'm embarrassed to be the someone to call the police over music. I don't want them thinking I'm that type of person.

"What's your street, sir?"

Ken tells him.

"Okay, we'll check it out."

11:15. There is a knock at our door. It's the police.

"The Portuguese Music Festival is tonight. That's the sound you hear. It should end at midnight."

No wonder I have a splitting headache this morning.

I've Been Memed!

Not sure what it means, but Red tagged me, and I am it.

The Trio Meme

Three screen-names I have had are:
embrb
wishers
duckee

Three things I like about myself are:
my sense of humor
my eyes
my attitude :-)

Three things I do not like about myself are:
I procrastinate. Big time.
I have three scars on my knee that I wish would go away (from a knee surgery 3 years ago.)
My nose. I think it's too small.

Three things that scare me are:
Reckless drivers.
The potential for another Bush in the White House. (This is my only political comment ever. Maybe.)
Parenthood. (but a good scary)

Three of my everyday essentials are:
COFFEE!
email
Watching/reading the news

Three things I am wearing right now are:
Red capris
a watch
my grandmother's ring

Three of my favorite songs are:
Yellow by Coldplay
Son of a Preacher Man by Dusty Springfield
Free Falling by Tom Petty

Three new things I'd like to try in the next 12 months are:
Installing linoleum.
Road trips!
Starting a business. Possibly. Maybe.

Three things I want in a relationship are:
Not having to repeat myself when the TV is on.
Backubs on demand!
Financial independence!

Two truths and a lie are:
I dated a fugitive.
I've never had the chicken pox.
I tried out for a reality TV show.

Three things I cannot do without are:
Music
Coffee!
Family
(not in that order, mom!)

Three places I'd like to go on vacation are:
Italy
Drive across country and back a different route, without any hotel reservations or itinerary
Ireland

Three kids' names are:
Erika Lynn
Emily Brooke
Michael Ross

Three things I want to do before I die are:
Go parasailing
Be an extra in a movie
Learn to sing

Three celebrity crushes I have had are:
John Cusak (ever since he was Lloyd Dobler)
Tom Hanks (there's just something about him that makes me giddy)
Colin Firth (his eyes... that accent... )

Three people I nominate to complete this exercise are:
Jodi (something to do to take your mind off packing)
Daniel (something to get your mind out of the gutter)
Vavoom (as a reward for quitting smoking :-)

Thanks, Red!