while she was drifting...

For a laugh

2011-07-06T11:46:00.000-04:00

This has me laughing so hard today, the gifs are killing me. Love it.

Happy Anniversary!

2011-03-07T14:09:00.001-05:00

Five days late. Ugh, I didn't even remember to post this on the actual date of one year. Here's to perhaps more posting, but probably not (who am I kidding?) in the next year! Happy 1 year and 5 days of existence to the blog I haven't posted to in over five months. A song just for you.

I have to find a new route to work

2010-09-27T10:54:00.000-04:00

I'm weirded out right now. I was walking to work this morning and a guy who lives on the cross street to mine, pulls out of his driveway after I walked past.

Then I noticed the cell phone over his shoulder and I wonder "Did that guy just take a picture of me!?" I could be wrong by why would he have his phone hanging out the window and pointing at me? He had the phone in his right hand, crossed over himself and out the driver's side window. Why?

My first thought was, OMG, he's going to upload that to some site where they make fun of fat ugly people and I will be mocked. Criticized. Belittled. Because that's how my mind works. My second thought was, do I look good today? Maybe he thinks I'm hot (HAHAHAHA) Next thought was, what does any of that matter, why would random, sort of neighbor guy take my picture. Weirdo.

What do you think, paranoia? I'd probably agree with you.

On another note, I'm feeling a little better today. Hopefully I will kick this sinus/respiratory thing this week.

Super Bug

2010-09-24T09:44:00.000-04:00

This blog is only six months old and this is probably my third or fourth time saying this, but here I go again - I'm sorry for being a crummy blogger. You see, I'm still sick. Like, since late July sick. I begin my fourth round of antibiotics today, something stronger for what appears to be a drug resistant bacteria. I'm a lucky girl.

This is seriously kicking my ass. I'm so tired and rundown, I can barely think. My sinuses and lungs are so clogged, I can't breathe. All my energy goes to getting up, getting dressed and trying to look alert at work since I don't feel alert. I started a jewelry class this week for my 40 before I'm 40 list, and went to a Phillies game for Rick's company picnic and I'm paying for it. My normally fast-paced gait has turned into a lopsided shuffle. I'm in bad shape.

So, you see, trying to recount my life in some mildy amusing anecdotes isn't happening. I can't even think of anything remotely funny or interesting to say. I'm kind of sleep walking through everything. I have ridiculous stories I want to tell you guys, but if I did it now, it would come out in two sentences and two boring ones at that. I guess I could just whine here everyday. Would that be alright?

I ain't too proud to beg - stick with me. I have fun things coming up, I need to be healthy for them and I want to be able to recount my adventures here. This stronger antibiotic better work. Next weekend I have a trip to New York planned, the next I'll be going to two concerts, the next I'll be heading north to Easton, PA for a brewfest with good friends I haven't seen in forever. I'm sure hijinks and mayhem will ensue, I need to be 100%. Or at least somewhere approaching that.

Stay well peeps.

Retro Monday - Far Gone and Out

2010-09-20T19:38:00.000-04:00

I first heard this song on an episode of the The Real World, the first season. You know, the good one in New York in 1992. I believe Eric and Julie were running around the city having fun, with this song as the soundtrack. Why, why, why do I remember that? My brain is filled with useless things.

Do you ever have that feeling, when you hear a song and you know you'll just love it forever? For me, this is one of those songs. The lyrics don't really mean anything to me (which I'm very big on), I just love the sound and how I feel when I hear it. Anyway, this was my introduction to the Scottish band The Jesus & Mary Chain. I ran out and bought the album "Honey's Dead" and it was put on heavy rotation, the whole thing is good. It was usually the CD I listened to while getting ready to go out on the weekends My hair was still permed and poofy, so this took some time, along with proper application of black liquid eyeliner.

So go poof your hair, apply your black eyeliner and get moving!!

The Jesus & Mary Chain |MTV Music

the cuteness will kill you

2010-09-14T18:25:00.000-04:00

Saw this on Petunia Face's blog and had to share.

How adorable is that kid?! She made me smile on an otherwise crummy day. Yes, I realize it's a commercial, but it's a good one.

Wouldn't life be great if we all that kind of an energy and ability to dance with total abandon? I would also prefer life to have fun choreographed dance numbers, but that's just me.

I'm off to turn the music up and shake it.

Retro Monday - The raddest jeans you've ever seen. And the supernatural.

2010-09-13T22:27:00.002-04:00

The year was 1986, I was a sophomore in high school and obviously very cool. You can tell by my fake Ray-Bans, a sure sign of my awesomeness. What about those pants you ask? That's right, you are feasting your eyes on...floral jeans. You know you want 'em. You can pick up these or these or these. If only I'd saved mine to sell at a huge markup on the internet.

I just have to say again. Floral. Jeans.

I wish I had been wearing what I usually wore with these magical pants, which would be a baby blue, deep v, large knit, acrylic sweater. With a white tank top underneath of course. And big, baby blue gemstone drop earrings. Don't forget white and baby blue scrunchy socks with my white high top Reeboks. I had that garanimal shit down pat! I really did love that outfit. My best friend Althea, had the same pair of jeans and we used to wear them on the same day. OMG, we were cool.

So, has anyone noticed, what the heck is that above my head? Did my hair fly up? Is that some shadow? I am now convinced it's a ghost holding the sickle of death. I always thought that house was haunted! Do I have some ghost attached to me? Is it following me through life and creating bad energy. That could totally happen because I saw it once on an episode of Ghost Whisperer (or as Rick calls it, Boob Whisperer starring Jennifer Boob Hewitt). Great. Now I need her to come and see the ghost and talk it over to the other side and deliver some message to me about something in which the ghost will say all kinds of stuff and she will translate in to three words.

Ugh. Happy Monday.

Just when I think I'm out, they pull me back in!

2010-09-11T20:47:00.000-04:00

I stopped watching Project Runway in season 6 for some reason. I skipped season 7 and I'm fully on board for season 8. Why did I stop? I don't know. I'm glad I'm back into it, the drama is delicious and Tim Gunn is fabulous.

If you like Project Runway and think Gretchen is a total tool, this is right up your alley, enjoy!

40 things before I'm 40

2010-09-09T21:32:00.001-04:00

A little ambitious, considering that my 40th birthday is a little less than 4 months away.

I've talked about my life list before, which has inspired me to get moving, get out and really live I decided that maybe I could do a mini list of things that will make leading up to my 40th birthday more fun. You know, instead of the "oh my god, I'm old" type of thinking that may go on. I want to end my 30's with a sense of pride, accomplishment, and excitement for what comes next.

On this list are things big and small, silly and serious.

So here it is, the 40 things I want to do before I'm 40:

Donate blood
Get a bright colored winter coat
Listen to new music
Finish decorating the guest bedroom/my office
Lose 20 lbs.
Frame and hang at least one of my Pearl Jam Posters
Organize my photos
Learn how to make jewelry
Read five books
Eat vegetarian at least two days a week.
Try a new recipe every week
Eat at four restaurants I've never been to
Make Rick's 40th Birthday super special
Make breakfast in bed one rainy Sunday, snuggle with my honey
Establish a better weekday morning routine
Make going to the gym a regular thing
Treat myself to a massage, pedicure or facial
Bake bread
Stargaze
Meet Stone Gossard
Take one weekend day off, don't do anything but read and watch movies all day with no regret
Take silly photos in a photo booth
Begin knitting a scarf. Finishing would be good too.
Experiment with the "good" camera, learn how to shoot photos in manual
Ride my scooter
Get a basket for my bicycle
Ride my bicycle to work
Get together with old friends
Write, write, write
Dance
Play cards with my girlfriends
Go away for a weekend to somewhere I've never been
Buy lottery tickets
Start playing my guitar again
Be nice to myself
Get a new tattoo
Make festive garlands
Take a bubble bath
Get my 365 day photo project going again
Write a letter to myself, to be opened on the eve of my 50th birthday

What's on your life list?

It was no day at the beach

2010-09-03T21:33:00.000-04:00

I love where I live for the most part. The worst thing for me is not living near the water. I grew up on an island, where it was possible to go the beach any time you want. Now, it's a bit of a production. I am quite fortunate that getting to the ocean means only about a two hour journey. Except of course last Friday, where I had the beach trip from hell. You see, last Friday on the most perfect day we had this summer, I hopped in the car at 8:30 a.m., got a frappuccino and took off for sun and relaxation. It was going to be the best day ever! Do you ever feel like you should lower your expectations so that you are surprised when stuff is fun? I feel like I should.

So this is how my day took shape:

I'm sipping my drink, listening to the radio, cruising along when traffic came to a complete stop. Ruh roh. And so it begins. There was a very bad accident up ahead. You're right, here is where I should stop whining., I know. They actually had to close the road and funnel us off. I will say this, Delaware is on point with this stuff. They had a detour set up, staff giving people directions and everything. Way to go Delaware! Sitting in traffic sucks and I wouldn't have even cared except that I had to leave the beach by 2:30 at the latest. I had to be back home by 5:00 for a dinner reservation that it took months to make. Yes, I'm dumb.

So, I finally get to the beach after noon, where I see that everyone had the same idea, because there is not a spot to be had! Umbrellas as far as the eye can see.

This photo does the scene no justice. It was packed. I didn't even try to get near the water because I didn't want to waste the time. Since my beach time was cut short, I wanted to get in the water right away.

I love how much warmer the water is at the end of the summer. It felt great for about thirty seconds because, wow, the surf was pretty rough. I was trying to get out far enough to get past the waves and I didn't quite make it. I got walloped by a big wave and thrown into a mess of swirling water, sand, and panic. I was tossed around and pulled in every direction. My sunglasses flew off when the water smacked me in the head, an offering to the sea since I couldn't find them. Let's be honest, I didn't try too hard because my top was riding up and my bottoms are a little too big so they were falling down. This of course exposed my pasty white belly that hasn't seen the sun since 1973. I was covered in sand and my hair was insane. But hey, I'm alive! I didn't drown in two feet of water! Yeah, not embarrassing at all. So, I get up and pray that no one is recording this for the next funny thing on YouTube. I've looked, I haven't seen anything yet. Seriously, it's my worst nightmare that I would become known for something stupid. I mean something stupid besides my blog. I tried to look nonchalant while adjusting my suit, made sure it was covering all the right places, and then I casually strolled (meaning walked as quickly as possible) back to my beach chair.

I did enjoy chilling, reading magazines, feeling the awesome breeze. I just let all that traffic and near drowning go. What a perfect beach day.

All too soon, it was time to go. I got my shirt on but waited to put my shorts on since my legs were pretty sandy, I needed to rinse off at the shower at the beach entrance. There were three shower heads to choose from, one full body, one half, and one just for feet. I chose the middle one. Gaaahhhhh! What the eff? The middle button made the top shower go off in my face and drenched the only shirt I have with me. I attempted to ignore the people laughing at me. Crap, did they have a camera out?

Drenched, I shuffled back to my car. In the midst of putting everything in my car, I somehow lost my headphones. Dammit. I wouldn't be pissed, but I just bought this cool little thing to wrap the cord around.

Thankfully I made it home in two hours. Whew. And dinner was wonderful.

'Til the next I make an ass of myself...which will probably be in five minutes.

Retro Monday - Dream All Day

2010-08-31T22:18:00.000-04:00

Hey, look everyone, it's Retro Monday again.

Shhhh, don't tell anyone it's actually Tuesday.

I love this song. Looking for the video on YouTube, I realized I'd never actually seen the video before, how is that possible? Perhaps I didn't watch as much MTV as I thought. This song reminds me of my first year away at college. After high school, I went to community college for a few years, then bit the bullet and headed 500 miles away to a university is southwest Virginia. I would always walk from my apartment to class with my Walkman on. Yes, I said Walkman. Because I went to college in the ancient year of 1993. Yes, I made mix tapes. For myself. Because I'm cool like that. This song evokes memories of walking in the warm sunshine, new friends, and finally living away from home in my own apartment. Freedom, sweet freedom.

The lyrics are a little bit of downer, but in 1993, that's how it was. And we liked it!

retro monday - bikini edition

2010-08-23T21:12:00.000-04:00

Trying another new thing!

Every Monday I'll post a photo or song or video or memory from my life way back when.

I'm fairly certain this is the only photo ever taken of me in a bikini.

I'm also fairly certain that this is only the time I've ever worn one.

You see, I'm crying because I know I'll never wear one again! What a downer. No, I'm crying because my brother was probably picking on me and I'm two, that's kinda what two year olds do, right? Don't cry teeny Michelle, you look so cute in your little green swimsuit. Have fun now! Go back in the sprinkler and punch your brother for good measure.

Remember running through the sprinkler and lazy summer days? Ah, youth.

Here's to the last bit of summer, let's make it good.

michelle: 0, arrogant lady doc: 0, van door: 1. we have clear winner.

2010-08-18T20:49:00.000-04:00

WARNING - expletive laden. More so than usual.

I get sick a lot with sinus, allergy and asthma stuff. I am also a fantastic klutz. Here I present to you one of the great moments in my klutzy medical history.

I work for a local university in an academic dept. However, my first job here over thirteen years ago was in the post office. Every few weeks my rotation would put me out on campus delivering mail. One day, I attempted to pull my work van door shut, something I'd done countless times. On this day, I must have been a little too close and more uncoordinated than usual because I pulled that van door down my schnoz. Right on the bridge, between my eyes. YEEEEOOOOOUUUUCCCCHHHH!

I recall standing there stunned for a second as all the little capillaries in my nose unleashed. I actually had blood shooting out of my face. It would have been pretty cool had it not been so terrifying. I had to run into the closest building to get some paper towels. I'm sure I was quite a sight with my hand covering my face, blood shooting out between my fingers.

After what seemed like forever, I get to the ER. First I had to visit the occupational health center, where I'm mandated to go. They took one look at me, after I waited for an hour, and determined I needed stitches, so off to the ER I went. The triage nurse gets my info and proceeds to attach a giant wad of dripping wet gauze to my nose with some seriously heavy duty tape. Never mind my allergy to adhesives, those long diagonal welts across each cheek are going to look really great with my busted nose and black eyes. I spent the next few hours being stared at in the waiting room. I was wearing a long sleeved grey t-shirt, black shorts, sneakers, and copious amounts of my own blood. I think this Paint version of the incident sums it up pretty well.

Aaaaaahhhhhh, Iiiiiii''mmmmmm bleeeeeeeeeediiiiiiinnnnnggggg!

It was raining a bit that day, so I'm also wet and cold. Finally I was moved to a curtained area with a bed and a blanket. A very arrogant lady doc comes in and asks how I injured myself. I tell her that I pulled a door down onto my nose and she decides that now is the time to make fun of me and my lack of coordination. And laugh in my face. Thanks doc, just fix my fucking nose please. My face hurts (insert comment from Rick "I'll say, it's hurting me!" Oh hehe haha. Shut up Rick). I'm cold, I'm covered in blood and I already feel like a jackass, thank you very much. She decides that instead of stitches, she will use Dermabond, you know, medical crazy glue. I'm all for it, I don't want any stitches, there isn't a thick layer of skin where my cut is anyway. She makes a few passes across my wound with the glue. She's about to go for another round but then drops a big glob of glue in the corner of my left eye. WTF? What was that about someone being uncoordinated doc? HUH?

Can you guess what that genius did next? Instead of wiping it up toward my nose (logical, right?) she wipes it across my entire eyelid! Do they teach doctors to have zero common sense in med school? She had just been telling me that the glue would stay on my wound in water and will not come off for a few weeks. Terrific. So Dr. Asshole had to pry my eye open. The glue was stuck to my eyelids and worse, my eyelashes. Once she pried my eye open (which didn't tickle), she inquires with a sunny disposition, "how is that?" Just peachy, expect for all the fucking glue in my eye! There were huge pieces covering all my eyelashes and when I would blink, my eye would get stuck. She then says, "oh that will all come off in a few days." Well if that happens, how is it going to keep my wound closed? I would have done a better job myself at home with my own tube of crazy glue. Instead, I continued to pick pieces out of my eyelashes for the next week. Cursing that woman out every time I did.

Here's a photographic reenactment (Sadly, I didn't think to take a picture back then) of how I looked and felt after my trip to the ER.

Hey Arrogant Asshole Doctor Lady - suck it!

boy crazy

2010-08-13T09:25:00.000-04:00

The other day while driving home from the supermarket I stumbled upon a song from my youth, it was on the oldies station. "Too Much Time on My Hands" by Styx. I know what you're saying, "OMG. Styx? Mr. Roboto, blech." I agree, that was crap. However, this is a really good song and it's sung by Tommy Shaw and that's about the only way I'm gonna like a Styx song. I had a big crush on Tommy Shaw back in the day. Obviously, I've been crushing on rockstars for a very long time. It probably started years before that when I faced the age old dilemma of Lennon or. McCartney. I don't think I ever chose, I refuse to limit myself! I probably watched MTV round the clock to see this video, which I'm sure was on constantly. Back then, they only had about five videos on rotation.

Once I got home I had to watch. Feast your eyes and ears peeps.

Oh my. Well, that was....interesting. I suppose at 10, I was into guys with little dutch boy haircuts. Who also happened to be wearing a blue jumpsuit.

Haircut and jumpsuit aside (he really did have the best outfit of any guy in the band, you must agree), I just went on a total bender, watching video after video on YouTube. "Girls with Guns", does anyone remember that? Great song. What about "High Enough" from Damn Yankees? I used to say it was my guilty pleasure song. But I'm here to say, I don't feel guilty. I LOVE IT! I will not be shamed! Also, Tommy looks damn fine in the video. His hair all long and flowing, earring in both ears, black RayBan aviators. Sigh.... I would've embedded the video if I had been allowed, here is the link instead. Watch it and enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43hCGNzCXZQ

So, who did you have a crush on when you were 10?

i'm complaining

2010-08-09T22:40:00.000-04:00

Again.

Do you remember playing that game when you were a kid? The one where you would spin round and round until you became so dizzy you would fall down into a mass of laughter and confusion?

I have that feeling right now, minus the fun and giggling.

I'm constantly plagued by sinus infections, but the one I have now, this one could win some kind of award. Best mucus production! Most nasally voice! Most dizzying and headache inducing! Kleenex is making a fortune off me, what with their ultra-soft tissues. I'm a Kleenex devotee. No other tissue will do.

I've been sick for almost two weeks. I zipped through a z-pack and started a stronger antibiotics today. I usually hold out on the antibiotics in case I have something viral, but I knew this bad boy was something special from the start.

I thought I was getting better and perhaps overdid it late last week and this weekend. In hindsight a rock concert, a day walking around Philadelphia, and a day of chores, laundry, and gardening were not the best choices. Silly me. Today I feel so dizzy, I can barely focus. My head feels like a giant balloon, tethered to my head by a tiny string. How is it possible to feel like this and also feel like I have planet sitting on top of my head, pushing me down? Can someone explain please?

I was going to post a video of me whining and blowing my nose so you can get the full effect, but I like you too much to do that. I don't actually have video of me doing that either, in case you were wondering.

I know this means I will probably have to succumb to the final torture my ENT prescribed. That would be the neti pot. I avoid this because of that whole drowning feeling it induces. However, it's the last thing I haven't done consistently, I guess I need to give it a shot.

I'm going to be optimistic here and hope this clears up soon. Here's to clear sinuses and happy days to come!

it was time for a change

2010-08-09T00:04:00.001-04:00

Looking a little different today.

Felt like updating, mostly to make the blog easier to read. I thought a black background looked cool, but it's hard on the eyes. I'm also the kind of person who likes to move furniture around and reorganize, so it was time for something to change.

Hope you like the new layout!

oh HELL yeah!

2010-08-06T15:59:00.008-04:00

Kings of Leon at the Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden, NJ last night.

Had a great time with my girlfriends, even though it was disgustingly hot out.

My favorite moment of the night was when Caleb told everyone he needed help and to sing along, right before they played Sex on Fire (their first big hit in the U.S). Whitney and I just happened to be looking at the screen which was focused in on his face. The crowd was really loud and just belted it out, for a second he smiled. It appeared to be a smile of disbelief, like no matter how many times it happens, he still can't believe 25,000 people are singing his song. I love that.

Of course I enjoyed dancing like a lunatic and - yes, I'm going to say it and you can't stop me - rocking out!

Happy Weekend! Go listen to Kings of Leon, you won't be sorry.

Check out my photos from the concert on my flickr stream in the right hand column.

life list fail

2010-08-05T08:45:00.001-04:00

Anyone remember when I started my 365 day photo project? I planned to take a picture of myself, every day, in the same spot. Put it all together in a video at the end and marvel at how awesome I did a year from now. I began the project on June 1st, set up my tripod in our finished basement and eagerly snapped away. On July 4th, I took my last photo, having missed four days in June, knowing that I was going to miss more than that in July.

Why it didn't work and what I learned:

I'm a pajamas type of girl. I like to come home and get right in those jammies if I don't have anywhere to go that night. Comfort is key. Having the camera set up in the basement, I would completely forget to stay dressed so I could take a picture. Sometimes I wouldn't go downstairs until later at night or not at all. When I realized that I neglected my photo, I would either have to run back up to the bedroom and get dressed all over again, or just take one of me as is. Hair up in a ponytail. No makeup. Sans brassiere. Which means, if I show these pictures to anyone, I have to learn how to photoshop a bar across that area so as not to o-ffend anyone's delicate sensibilities. Or, so I'm not completely embarrassed! Whoa nelly, who knew some of my t-shirts were that sheer? Thankfully, now I do.
I need to decide what I want the project to be about. I was trying to make this a lot of things under one umbrella and I need to simplify. I'm hoping to get in better shape and lose weight. I'm also interested in developing some style - think "From Schlubby to Fabulous!" So, which will it be? Embarrassing front and side shots of me in in some body conscious work-out gear a la The Biggest Loser to show progress or lack thereof. Photos of me in what I wore that day? Or what I'm wearing to bed? You know, that would probably be the most successful. The first week, I attempted to keep a log of what I wore and my mood that day. I like the idea that I will know those things at the end of the project, but it all just became too cumbersome. Before doing this again, I'm going to have a better plan of what I'm really trying to accomplish and what I want the end result to be.
It is impossible to take a decent photo in a basement with no natural light. I did the set up there because it was easy and there was open space. I considered posing outside, but didn't want to deal with weather. It's probably the only way to get a good photo though, you know without that overblown flash look. When I start this up again, I will take the photos outside. Unless of course I'm doing the whole this is just for body changes, then I guess it doesn't matter. Oh my god, I'm annoying myself. Be decisive! Simplify! You should see how I can make unwrapping a piece of gum the most complicated thing you've ever seen!
Taking a photo every day in what I wear shows just how little range I currently have. It definitely made me think, you wear this same exact outfit once a week, practically the same day every week - you need to mix it up!
As opposed to looking in a mirror, by looking at a picture, you can definitely tell what works on you and what doesn't. From style blogs I've read, the key is flattering. I'm getting an idea of what I look better in, so that's pretty helpful. One of my friends thought it was hilarious that I seem to be channeling Cher in Clueless, with her pictures and computer program for picking out outfits. If only I had the rotating closet of really expensive clothes.

I really want to do this project. Once I figure out what it should be, I will post when I start.

our amateur "foodie" tour of Brooklyn - the last day and final thoughts

2010-07-21T14:35:00.002-04:00

Our last day in Brooklyn was pretty short. We slept in, then checked out of our hotel and we were on our way to our last two food destinations. It was a gray and drizzly day, we were sad to be leaving but super excited to get to the mecca of roast beef sandwiches! If it's two things Rick loves - roast beef and sandwiches. Put 'em together - now you're talkin'! We drove down to Sheepshead Bay for lunch at Brennan & Carr, where the idea for this foodie tour was born. We got into the restaurant and our thought was "wow, this looks way bigger on tv". Everything does though, doesn't it? It was nothing fancy, just a little old neighborhood place. It was kinda like stepping back in time to the 70's actually, which was strangely comforting. We ordered two cokes, two roast beef sandwiches and fries to share. The deal with Brennan and Carr is they serve their sandwich in three different ways. They can dip the beef in the broth, then put it on the roll, or they dip the entire sandwich in the broth. Or you can have it served in the bowl of beef broth. We went with having the sandwich dipped and got more broth on the side. I thought the sandwich might be too wet and slimy having been dipped in the broth, but it was not at all. It just made it moist and juicy. Does anyone else hate the word moist? Let's just go with juicy. The broth cooked the roast beef a little more as the outside were brown, but the inside was pink - just how I like it. I prefer rare over well done any day. The fries were crinkle cut and also good. Salted just right and piping hot. We were in roast beef and french fried heaven! I'm not exaggerating when I say, it was the best roast beef sandwich I've ever had. No, really. I highly recommend this joint, we plan on going back. It was nothing fancy, just good, simple, very tasty food.

Our next stop, L&B Spumoni Gardens - a pizza place in Gravesend to complete our Man vs. Food tour. We took the short drive west, and were there pretty quickly. It would have been faster if I didn't miss a turn, oops. The New York driver in me came out, some speeding around, changing lanes and an illegal u-turn later and off we went. We had just chowed on sandwiches, so we weren't hungry, just wanted to pick up a pizza for later. L&B does pizza a little differently in that they put slices of mozzerella cheese on top of the dough, then the sauce, then parmigiana cheese. We got half of sicilian which smelled delicious, then hopped on the Belt Parkway and headed west. Several hours later, we got home, settled in and had some pizza. I think it's all we ate for days. It was so good. Yummy tomato sauce, easy on the herbs, crust was light fluffy with a good crispiness to the bottom. We would love to go again and try everything else on the menu.

Some things to note:

We stayed at the Marriott Brooklyn Bridge and it was great. I was hoping to stay at one of the boutique hotels close by, but they were too pricey. The staff was pleasant, it was easy to park and retrieve our car with the valet and it was probably one of the quietest hotels I've ever stayed in. Never heard a door slam shut, noise in the hall, shower running and absolutely no noise from outside. Can't wait to stay there again.

This is my first try at writing about food, and I'm stumped how people do it. How many different ways can you say delicious without sounding like you're trying too hard to be a foodie? I need to add some adjectives to my vocabulary, but they would have to be things I would actually say. No foodie tours planned for awhile, I'll have time to brush up.

We absolutely loved what we saw of Brooklyn and can't wait to go back. It's a much bigger place than the small area we had time to visit, there is so much more to see and do, and eat!

So reader....dare I say readers.....where would you go for a little foodie tour? C'mon, someone leave a comment. Now I've done it. I've gotten pathetic and started begging. I'm so ashamed.
So reader(s), where would you go on a foodie tour?

For photos of our Brooklyn trip, look at the Flickr stream in the right hand column.

you should be listening to this band

2010-07-20T17:31:00.000-04:00

I love this band.

I love love love this song. Even if the lyrics are sad and make my heart ache just a little. The music is beautiful and dreamy.

Listen to Band of Horses. That is all.

Oh, and last day in Brooklyn coming up tomorrow. It's not like the trip was 2 months ago or anything. I'm going to win an award for worst blogger ever.

our amateur "foodie" tour of Brooklyn - part 3

2010-07-13T10:35:00.002-04:00

Sunday morning came, we were dehydrated and bloated.  Alcohol, fried food, and salt. It does a body good. We still managed to get ourselves up and out the door for another day of adventure. Our plans included a trip to the Brooklyn Flea, then brunch with an old friend and her girlfriend at Cafe Luluc on Smith Street.

I'd heard about the Brooklyn Flea in a roundabout way reading another blog. Oh Joy was professing her love for these delicious little cupcakes she had from Kumquat Cupcakery. I was intrigued by her description of them, so I checked out the website I was drooling over the flavors. I was most excited to get my hands on the maple bacon. You can get these cupcakes by ordering them for local delivery or at the Brooklyn Flea. I've already talked about how I love thrift stores, so a big flea market sounded like heaven to me. We set out to walk the mile to the old Williamsburg Savings Bank building where the flea is housed on Sundays. It was pretty quiet on the streets, the weather was warm and humid.

We arrived and stepped inside the enormous building. It is gorgeous, I wish I had good photos to show, but i don't.  The ceiling is covered in tiny mosaic tiles and it just sparkles. Next time I go, I will spend more time looking at the building as well as the goods.  There was so much to see, clothes, furniture and what I was really after - old jewelry. Specifically, vintage enamel floral brooches. I've talked about my love of the tv show Glee and I'm a little obsessed with how they dress the character of guidance counselor, Emma Pillsbury. She wears brooches, sweater clips and big necklaces. I scored some very pretty brooches for good prices. We went through boxes of vinyl records, played with some old typewriters, spied all kinds of goodies.

We soon found what we really came for. The cupcakes! To my disappointment, there was no maple bacon! Oh nooooooo! In my naivete about the set up, I didn't realize that they wouldn't have all the flavors there.  Keavy Landreth, the owner, said she brings a few flavors and unfortunately the maple bacon doesn't do well in the heat and humidity. She was wonderful and said to email her the next time I would be around, she make sure to include maple bacon. We bought a dozen of what she had that day, except the Lemon & Lavender since those didn't appeal to Rick and I'm allergic to lavender. What we had - Vanilla, Salted Caramel Dark Chocalate, Red Velvet and Strawberry. We were in such a hurry to dig in, I forgot to take a photo of the full box.  We just started gobbling them up in a frenzy and they were absolutely delicious!   We were divided on our faves, Rick loved the Red Velvet, I loved the Dark Chocolate. I can't wait to go back. I will have my maple bacon cupcake! Or a dozen. At once.

After we explored and made our purchases, we were on our way to brunch. My friend Allison Tray, the owner of Tres Belles Petite Medi-Spa (which I can't wait to try!) in Boerum Hill suggested we meet at Cafe Luluc. We had been friends when were children in elementary school, then managed to reconnect on Facebook awhile back. Knowing that she was in Brooklyn, I sent her a note asking her if she could suggest things that locals do. She came back with great ideas and also invited us to join her for brunch. We had an incredible time! Allison is the same tiny little gal with the huge personality that I remember. She had me laughing and laughing. Her girlfriend Maria is an artist with such a sweet and gentle personality. We were all instantly in love! We all had so much fun that I took no photos. I completely forgot. There are none of us together, none of the food. Besides having so much fun catching up and telling stories and laughing, we ate an amazing meal. The girls told us some of her favorites and from those, I chose the pancakes (which is an odd choice for me, i generally go savory instead of sweet and I don't normally go for pancakes) and a Bellini, Rick got a chicken sandwich and bloody mary.   Allison and Maria had described the pancakes perfectly, they were light and fluffy on the inside, caramelized and crispy on the outside. I'm not kidding, they were the best pancakes I've ever had. The came with fresh fruit and hot maple syrup, I was in heaven. Rick's sandwich was very messy and he says the best chicken sandwich he's ever had (I have no idea what the sandwich included though - my apologies.)  I tasted his Bloody Mary, it was spicy and very tasty. I will absolutely get one of those next time. My only disappointment was that the Bellini was made with peach schnapps instead of peach juice. However, I was drinking champagne and enjoying a great meal with wonderful people so really that disappointement was miniscule.

After brunch we walked over to The Chocolate Room, the ladies insisted we go, they have the best chocolate cupcakes. We ended up not getting the cupcakes, I guess we had our fill a few hours before, but chose the chocolate toffee crisp bar and the peanut butter & jelly bar to eat later. Next time, we will get that cupcake. Allison and Maria had a very busy day ahead, it's no surprise, they are so popular! We were so sad to say goodbye but vowed we would get together again. And possibly move into their apartment with them. Days after we were professing our undying love on Facebook. Watch out ladies, we loved Brooklyn and spending time with you, may just take you up on your offer!

Our only other plan for the rest of the day was to make sure we were back at the hotel in time for the Lost series finale that night. After the ladies left, we visited some more shops on Smith Street including Stinky Bklyn, a cheese shop that was like heaven for Rick, cheese lover that he is. He picked out a favorite after tasting some, I picked up a famed Vosges Bacon Chocolate Bar, I had been wanting to try one for awhile. Next we stopped in The Jake Walk, a bar and another Allison recommendation. We ordered some drinks and the bartender set out a platter of bread, cheese and jam*, he explained they were trying something new for Sunday afternoons, offering up some free cheese plates. We thought the bar had a great, relaxed vibe, and the staff were really friendly. Ricked loved the cheese, I opted just for some bread and jam. They had a great selection of beers and good drink menu. I had a whiskey sour drink, sort of. (Note to self: Dear Michelle, if you plan to write a blog and mention food, take notes on what you ate and drank, take more photos and learn more adjectives. Much love, Me.) The Jake Walk doesn't have a website, or I would look up the exact drink. It was however, cool and refreshing.

After drinks, and an unexpected snack, we were off to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. We grabbed a spot on a bench and took in the view of the Manhattan skyline After relaxing for awhile, we walked, looking in awe at the huge rowhomes that line the promenade. In another life, maybe I'll get to live in one of those, they are gorgeous! We came to the end and we were back in the area where Grimaldi's Pizza is. This time we sat by the waterfront. There was a long line at the Brooklyn ice Cream Factory. We'd heard of the famed ice cream, but didn't feel like standing in line and surprisingly, we weren't hungry. We decided to get a couple of beers and just do some people watching. Eventually we headed back to the hotel to relax and settle in for Lost. We picked up some beers along the way (and by that, I mean, wandered around lost for an hour trying to find a deli/market/anything!!!), then ordered some forgettable takeout for dinner. I won't even talk about the finale for Lost because I'm still pissed.

Sadly (for us), tomorrow is our last day.

*I saw in a NY Mag review that the co-owner of the Jake walk also owns Stinky Bklyn. Ahaaaa...try out good cheese at the restaurant for free, go buy some at the cheese shop.

For photos of our Brooklyn trip, look at the Flickr stream in the right hand column.

our amateur "foodie" tour of Brooklyn - part 2

2010-07-06T21:47:00.004-04:00

After our walk across the bridge, we found the subway (easily this time, but I was familiar with this area) and went back up to midtown for the night's Pearl Jam concert. Dinner was nothing to speak of, but the Pearl Jam concert was amazing. Of course.

Saturday morning arrived and our plan for the day was to go to the Brooklyn Brewery when it opened at noon. That was it. We had no plans for meals and the brewery doesn't serve food. As an insane planner, I'm shocked at myself. This time it worked out great. I guess I should fly by the seat of my pants more? Moving on, we took a cab from our hotel to Williamsburg, got there around 11:00 a.m. so we could walk around and grab a bite to eat. I was using the Yelp and Around Me iPhone apps and every restaurant that was listed as "nearby" was closed. Shit, we needed to create a base for all the beer we were going to consume. We finally found what looked like a main street and little polish place that was open. We had a pretty good breakfast of omelets and home-fries, then we were off to the brewery.

It was just around noon, the doors were wide open and there was no wait. We bought our tokens for beer and headed into the main room where the bar was. There are big round tables with chairs and picnic tables with benches and most were quite full already. Another place where you sit with strangers - fun! We grabbed a couple of beers, took a spot at a picnic table and waited for our friend Patrick to arrive, and for the tour to start. We talked with a couple from Seattle who were exploring Manhattan and Brooklyn, we exchanged tips on places to go, things to see and do. An announcement was made for a tour, so they got up and some people from Brooklyn sat down with us. There were great, it was young couple and their friend and they thought it was cool that we were doing a little foodie tour. They seemed really proud of where they were from, it was fun talking with them.

Soon, Patrick arrived and another tour started. What we discovered about the tour - it isn't so much a tour, but more of a you walk into another room where they keep the tanks and a guide gives you the history and some anecdotes. Our guide was funny and it was cool to learn about he brewery. Wish it had been more of "tour", but it was enjoyable nonetheless. Afterward, we found a new table closer to the bar and set out to try all the beers on tap. I wish I could give you great descriptions of what I drank. I have no flipping idea. I had to go back to the webpage to look at what they have. I know I enjoyed the Weisse. I vaguely remember some type of honey beer? Like a wine beer or something? I asked Rick, he doesn't remember either.

We were there for hours catching up with Pat and having a great time. And drinking beer. It was like a big party, you can order in food, you can bring your own food, bring games to play. We drank and drank and drank. I don't know when we left. Maybe around 5:00 p.m.? This is me fully admitting that I was too tanked to remember much. I know there was tasty beer, a lot of laughter, and a guy who sat at our table, who brought his toddler with him. I've heard about stroller/parent issues in the trendy spots in Brooklyn but lo and behold I got to witness it myself! Well, not really, this guy didn't look like a hipster, but perhaps I'm too old/nerdy/lived in the country too long to properly spot a hipster? I think he may have just been an alcoholic. Either way, I thought it was weird environment for a kid. If you want to drink with your kid around, you can do it like they did in the old days...at home!

Directly across the street from the brewery is Beacon's Closet, a thrift store. I was dying to go in there, I love thrift stores, consignment stores, etc. Unfortunately, once I got in, I realized that thrift shopping and being really drunk don't mix. It was crowded and hot and I couldn't focus. Dammit! I had to go outside and sit on the curb and chill. What a bummer for me. Rick however picked up some new shoes. Planning ahead for next time - go to Beacon's closet first, then drink beer.

We didn't have plans for dinner and Patrick suggested going to a place in Park Slope It was featured on Man vs. Food and several other travel/food shows and somehow we completely forgot about adding it to our list. Thank goodness for Patrick! We went to The Chip Shop. YOU MUST GO. It's a tiny little restaurant where the British chef deep fries everything. Well, not everything, but almost everything. It was decadent and effing delicious. I ordered the standard cod and chips, Rick had the chicken finger sandwich and Pat had chicken curry and chips. It may have been my level of drunkenness (furthered by more drinking there), but everything was unbelievably tasty. The food didn't taste greasy. It was crispy, salty, and so, so good. The guys had beers and I tried another hard cider, one I hadn't heard off - Blackthorn. An aside, I'm used to drinking Woodchuck which I now think is way too sweet. Blackthorn, Magner's and Strongbow make great ciders that are dry, crisp and really refreshing. Of course, there was no way we were leaving the restaurant without dessert. We were all stuffed, but couldn't walk away. I debated. Deep Fried Twinkie vs. Deep Fried Mars bar. Rick went for the Twix, Pat, the Reese's Peanut Cups. Solid choices. I too went the chocolate route and was not disappointed. Have you ever had a batter dipped, deep fried candy bar? No? You're missing out. I'm serious. It's like, how can you make a candy bar better? Batter it, fry it and douse it with some powdered sugar. It takes the richness to a whole new level. I think the only way to make that better would be to somehow include a crispy slice of bacon in there. Wonder if they would do that....

You're wondering- "why do you remember the food and not the beer?" First, I have photos of the food, no photos of the names of the beer. Really, the photos help. Second, we tried a bunch of different beers, only a few foods.

After our beer gluttony and fried food gluttony, we decided to call it a day. I don't know about Pat, but Rick and I were good for nothing at that point. We waddled over to a cab and went back to our hotel for the evening. Resting up for the marathon of walking we would do the next day.

A special message for my dear Patrick - NAVY! It was wonderful to spend the day with you! love you-xoxo

For photos of our Brooklyn trip, look at the Flickr stream in the right hand column.

the Brooklyn Bridge

2010-07-01T14:12:00.005-04:00

People walk across the bridge everyday. In all kinds of weather, in good times and in bad times. I'm sure most people think nothing of it. For me, it just was something I really wanted to do.

We had a perfect day, the weather was gorgeous, with blue skies and sunshine. If you know me well, you know I'm a planner. Rick and I did read a little blurb on the internet about how to walk across the bridge. Lame? A little. But, it was really helpful! If you don't know to stay out of the bike lane, you are seriously taking your life in your hands. Bike messengers, who probably don't even have brakes on their bikes, will mow you down! They have a job to do, stay out the way! Once you know that, it's funny to watch tourists wander into the bike lane and almost get pummeled. Yes, I'm that mean.

The Brooklyn Bridge is a beautiful structure, the cables can be mesmerizing and if you stare too long, a little headache inducing. The views on both sides were incredible. To the north, the Williamsburg bridge and most of the Manhattan skyline. To the south, the South Street Seaport and lower Manhattan. We took our time, just strolled along and enjoyed the breeze, the views. It was a time where I really tried to just soak it all in. That's not usually how my mind works. I'm usually 10 steps ahead planning the next thing. It was a nice change to just be in the moment.

For photos of our Brooklyn trip, look at the Flickr stream in the right hand column.

Looking through the photos of the bridge - look at the cool blue building with rooftop gardens and red and white striped water tower. I am obsessed with this building and I want to live there.
My updated life list.

our amateur "foodie" tour of Brooklyn - part 1

2010-06-30T17:31:00.010-04:00

How our tour of eats was born. When Pearl Jam announced their concerts in March, I bought tickets to both shows in New York City for the end of May. I always go to the NYC shows, this was nothing new. Meanwhile, Rick and I had been watching the show Man vs. Food and he was dreaming of a roast beef sandwich the host, Adam Richman, had eaten in his hometown - Brooklyn. We decided since the concerts were on Thursday and Friday, we'd make a weekend of it, stay in Brooklyn and go get that sandwich! It evolved into going to all the places Adam Richman mentioned in that episode, and a whole lot more.

Our first adventure involved us trying to get a slice of pizza at the famed Grimaldi's under the Brooklyn Bridge soon after we arrived in on Thursday afternoon. It wasn't too far from our hotel and we had time before we needed to get into Manhattan. We found it, and discovered - no slices and a decent sized line waiting to get in. OK, we'll just wait and see what happens. The line didn't move at all for a while, so we just decided to get going.

We hopped on the subway and we were off to Manhattan. That makes it sound like we just skipped over and jumped right on in 5 minutes. Nooooope. Sweet jebus, we could not find the damn subway. We had a map, directions from the concierge and my iphone with a subway map app and a GPS. What the? It was a warm day, Rick and I were hungry, thirsty and about to kill each other, then thankfully we found it. Whew. It was almost ugly. Almost.

We met our concert going friends at an irish pub on 8th Avenue at 33rd, (across the street from the Garden) called Tir na nOg. We weren't going to eat near the Garden/Penn Station area because the general concensus was that the restaurants would be overly crowded and not very good. We were pleasantly surprised. Rick and I shared a Scotch Egg which was ok. We first tried one last year locally and loved it. A hardboiled egg, wrapped in sausage and deep fried. Yum. I had the Tuna Sashimi and Soba Noodle Salad, it was delicious. Fresh, really flavorful, not too heavy on the ginger (which I'm not a huge fan of). Good amount of kick with lime and wasabi. At an irish pub? Rick had corned beef and cabbage spring rolls. At first, I was hesitant to try them, but they were soooo good. Salty corned beef, with crispy cabbage wrapped in rice dough, then fried. I would order them the next time, but I don't see them on the online menu. Maybe they were a special? If you go and they have them, get them. You won't be disappointed. I have no photos of this stuff, and the food was not in Brooklyn, but it was delicious so I thought it worth mentioning.

The next day, we planned better and left ourselves plenty of time for a pizza at Grimaldi's and a walk across the bridge. The line this time was soooo much longer, we just laughed about it. We waited and waited and waited. Visited the one shop of crap stuff that was next to it. Looked at the street art and dreamed of delicious dough, sauce and cheese. We finally got to the front and we were in! The place is pretty small and you are seated at long tables with other patrons. I actually like this, I think it's fun. Haha, this reminds me of the time my friend and I totally ruined a date for this couple because they were unfortunate enough to be seated with us at a table for four at a noodle place in Union Square, after we spent 8 hours at McSorley's sharing a table with polish construction workers and matching them drink for drink. They were buying. It would have been rude not too. Memories........ for another time.

We perused the menu ordered Brooklyn sodas, a standard plain pizza and the meal was on. Rick has been talking about coal brick-oven pizza for awhile, we were both excited to finally dig in. So, you know how it goes with hype, what can live up to it? For us, Grimaldi's lived up to the hype. The pizza was thin, crispy, flavorful, and delicious! The tomatoes in the sauce tasted fresh, there was fresh mozzarella which is so much better than rubbery goo. The best part for us, there was not an overwhelming amount of spice on the pie, like oregano. We hate oregano. Our meal was completely satisfying.

With bellies full and the sun shining, the next part of the trip - a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.

For photos of our Brooklyn trip, look at the Flickr stream in the right hand column.

stupid things rick does

2010-06-25T10:41:00.020-04:00

Now now, just calm down. Creating a post and category called "stupid things rick does" was all his idea. I'm just giving him what he wants.

Yesterday's stupid event - he stood up under something and cracked his melon but good! He works on computers and sometimes has to crawl around under a desk and work with wires. I think that's what he does, I don't really know. He talks about computers and to me it sounds like the teacher from the Peanuts cartoon. I just kind of blank out and nod my head.

I have never met a person who hits their head more than my beloved. I'm serious, he hits his head constantly. I have my theories on why this happens. He's about 5' 4", but seems to have no realization of his size. You know how some 200 lb dogs try to sit on your lap because they think they are tiny? Rick has the opposite problem. He must think he can fit under anything. Is it because he is bald and he doesn't have hair to cushion the blow? Does hair act as antennae, warning you of impending danger, so you move your head? Will we ever know?

Feast your eyes on that. That's the worst gash he's ever had and it sits in the middle of a big egg shaped lump. Poor guy. (7/1 update: he has most painfully and inadvertently ripped the scab off. So where he once had a lump and an ugly red scab, he now has a dent. Upgrade?)

He's really lucky to have me because I'm very supportive. When he got home and showed me, I laughed my ass off. Then I said he should probably wear a helmet at all times since this is such a regular occurrence.

I asked him if he developed any neck muscles as infant to support his giant pumpkin head because he doesn't seem to be able to keep from hitting things with it, it's just lolling around up there on his shoulders, knocking into everything in it's path.

A little background - we've had conversations over the years about who has the bigger pumpkin/basketball head. Of course, this is in between conversations about literature and art. Anyway, he seems to think my head is really big. Bigger than his. I disagree.

This morning his co-workers sent him this photo.

Big pumpkin = Rick's head. Case closed.

a musical interlude

2010-06-23T18:42:00.005-04:00

I'm working on Brooklyn Adventures. Now I'm hyping it like it's going to be all kinds of awesome. Expect very little. I beg of you.

In the meantime, ladies, this one is for you. Well, some of you guys may enjoy as well.

I've been mesmerized by Caleb Followhill's voice for about a year and a half now, since I first heard a Kings of Leon's song which was "Sex on Fire, " check that out too. And "Use Somebody." And "Milk", "Slow Night, So Long", "On Call." Oh, just go and get every KOL album, you won't be disappointed. Not only do I love Caleb's voice, but dammit that boy is gorgeous. He may only be like 28, so what. Being a "cougar" is the things these days, right? Also, they are great musicians and I just love their music in general. And that voice, have you heard a sexier voice than that?

Caleb and his brothers Nathan (drummer) and Jared (bassist) and their cousin Matthew (lead guitarist) certainly did well in the talented and good looking departments. Kudos to their gene pool.

I will be seeing them in concert on August 5th and I can't wait.

this things I believe - an update!

2010-06-22T21:56:00.012-04:00

In the last month I've crossed two more things off my life list. Hooray for progress!

The first being a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge - details coming soon when I begin my Brooklyn Adventures series of posts.

The second, I began a 365 day photo project. I plan on taking a picture of myself every day for the next year. How self involved. There are many reasons I'm doing this:

-I've seen others and I think they are cool.

-I'm hoping to lose weight and get in better shape in the next year and would like photographic evidence of the progress. A video montage at the end will be great and we can all marvel at it.

-I'm really interested in fashion but would currently describe my look as "schlubby." This does not match the definition in any way on Urban Dictionary as I am not male. I love Urban Dictionary, it rocks. I meant it as kind of a carefree, comfy (read: sloppy), jeans and t-shirt kind of look. I'm not thinking up a new word for it now. To the point, I feel my current figure does not allow for wearing the types of things I would like to wear, for example - belts. Right now, I'm trying to divert attention from my middle, not toward it. With my gym membership and an attempt at a better diet, I want to start trying out some new looks and clothes. I tend to like quirky things, though you would never know it by what I wear. I don't want to be the chubby weird lady. Just weird lady would be fine.

My first photo.

It was photobombed* by Monkey! He's thinks he's just so damn cool. I bet he thinks this project is about him. ppffft.

Fine, my little furry friend, this is about you. Yeah, I know, the one with him by himself is cooler. Whatever, when he can start writing incessantly about his favorite band and telling inane stories that are sort of funny, he can have his own blog. Until then, it is mine all mine.

I've already screwed up by forgetting to take a picture of me on Monday, June 14th. I blame it on my horrific sunburn, as I think it actually cooked some useful parts of my brain. I will draw a picture instead I guess. Then I forgot again on the 19th. Hhmm, this isnt going very well. I guess I will be developing my stick figure drawing skills with this too. A skill is a skill I suppose.

A preview of what's to come - I saw this on Petunia Face's blog and couldn't stop saying "douche balloons" (as she put it), it just made me laugh and laugh. My montage will not be as cool as this guy's because I don't tan easily and I don't have a rad collection of boxer shorts.

*Don't know what a photobomb is? Check it.

for the statistician in all of us

2010-06-15T18:28:00.003-04:00

OK, so it's really for the statistician in me. And my friends who love Pearl Jam. Unless you really love Pearl Jam, you're going to skip this post, but don't! Stick around to see how nuts I am that I would compile such data. Like I don't have better things to do with time!

Yes, 34 shows in 12 years. Which to some people is a lot. It also pales in comparison to some folks out there who would laugh at my mere 34 PJ concerts.

I will not bore you with a retelling of my memories of every single one I've gone to. At least not today. I barely have in it in me to get a post up once a week at the rate I'm going. Those will come over time. However, I will bore you with the aforementioned data. Who doesn't love a good spreadsheet, am I right?

Beginning August 28th, 1998 through my most recent show on May 21st, 2010 some facts for ya...

Concerts: 34

Countries: 2 (US and Canada)

States/Provinces: 6
(U.S. - Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia; Canada - Ontario)

Cities: 14
(U.S. - Atlantic City NJ, Boston MA, Bristow VA, Camden, NJ, East Rutherford NJ, Newark NJ, New York NY, Philadelphia PA, Reading PA, Uniondale NY, Washington DC; Canada - Hamilton ON, Kitchener ON, London ON)

Venues: 15
Borgata Events Center, Atlantic City NJ (1)
Continental Airlines Arena, East Rutherford NJ (2)
Copps Coliseum, Hamilton, ON (1)
Fleet Center, Boston, MA (2)
Jiffy Lube Live, Bristow VA (1)
John Labatt Centre, London ON (1)
Madison Square Garden, New York NY (6)
Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale NY (1)
Memorial Auditorium, Kitchener ON (1)
Prudential Center, Newark NJ (1)
Sovereign Center, Reading PA (1)
Susquehanna Bank Center aka Tweeter Center aka Sony Blockbuster Entertainment Center, Camden, NJ (8)
Verizon Center aka MCI Center, Washington DC (2)
Wachovia Center, Philadelphia PA (1)
Wachovia Spectrum aka First Union Spectrum, Philadelphia PA (5)

I've seen Pearl Jam every day of the week, but mostly on Fridays:
Monday: 3
Tuesday: 6
Wednesday: 6
Thursday: 4
Friday: 7
Saturday: 4
Sunday: 4

Number of songs played: approximately 1000

(This is tough one, even with my spreadsheet. I came up with 987 but that does not figure in any pre-sets or songs with the opening bands because I still need to compile that info and I stalled long enough on this. There are also partial songs and long tags to songs which could be considered their own songs, it depends on your opinion.)

Number of openers: 19 (with Release as the winner at 4 times)

Number of closers: 7 (with Yellow Ledbetter winning at 21 times, 5 with the Star Spangled Banner at the end, 1 with Little Wing)

Songs I've heard the most - the top 10 (we have several ties):

10. Jeremy, Porch - 14

9. Save You - 15

8. Animal, Black, Crazy Mary, Rearviewmirror - 16

7. Daughter - 20

6. Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In a Small Town, Yellow Ledbetter - 21

5. Betterman - 22

4. Corduroy, Given To Fly - 23

3. Alive - 27

2. Evenflow - 28

1. Do The Evolution - 29

See, wasn't that fun?!

coming soon...

2010-06-14T09:36:00.005-04:00

more boring posts!

I'm sorry to anyone who has been visiting and seeing nothing new here.

M & M beg for your forgiveness on my behalf.

"Please excuse her lack of posting, for she is lazy. We should know."

My goal is to post at least 3 times a week, if not every weekday. I underestimated how much time this would take up. But, I'm going to make this a priority.

I have much to talk about, besides Pearl Jam. No, really I do! I have traveled to New York a couple of times, met up with old friends whom I had not seen since I was a kid, and checked some things off my life list.

So, come baaaaaccccckkk! I promise, there will be content. I can't promise it will be good, but there will be something here.

we all walk the long road

2010-06-01T21:29:00.002-04:00

For Glen, so sad to hear you've gone. Your sweet nature and smile will never be forgotten.

Pearl Jam - Long Road

and I wished for so long...
I cannot stay
All the precious moments...
Cannot stay
It's not like wings have fallen...
I cannot say
Without you something is missing...
I cannot say

Holding hands of daughters and sons
In their phase they're falling down
Down, down, down

I have wished for so long...
How I wish for you again

Will I walk the long road?
I cannot stay
There's no need to say goodbye

Oh, the friends and family...
All the memories going round
Round, round round...

I have wished for so long...
How I wished for you today

And the wind keeps rollin'
And the sky keeps turning grey
And the sun is set
The sun will rise another day

I have wished for so long...
How I wish for you today

I have wished for so long...
How I wish for you today
Will I walk the long road?
We all walk the long road

my first pearl jam concert

2010-05-27T15:02:00.008-04:00

So, now you know I was a huge fan from the moment I saw the video for Evenflow. In the last post, I said there was one thing I didn't do, it was actually two things I didn't do until 1998 - see them live in concert and join the fan club. Both things I will always regret.

I remember looking at the information for the 10 Club and thinking, "a fan club? that's for kids, whatever." I also remember thinking "that's stupid, just do it" but I didn't. What I didn't realize is that action (or inaction) would ensure that even though I've been a fan since basically the beginning, I would rarely ever get up close in concert which an early 10 Club number affords you. I would also miss out on receiving cool fan club gear. Vitalogy Health Club Starter kit anyone??? I digress...

Without fan club access, Rick, our friend Pat, and I acquired lawn seats for the Pearl Jam show on August 28th, 1998 at the constantly name changing amphitheater just across from Philadelphia in lovely Camden, NJ. Pearl Jam is touring for their 5th album "Yield." I hadn't been to a concert in a few years and didn't have much experience in a GA (general admission - no assigned seats) environment until this show. At least not on this big a venue.

We got fairly close to the front of the lawn and sat down to enjoy the opening bands which were awesome. They were grunge pioneers Mudhoney and punk god Iggy Pop!!! The great thing about going to a Pearl Jam show is that you get really good opening bands as well, but that's another story. I thoroughly enjoyed both and eagerly awaited Pearl Jam taking the stage for the main event. As excitement was building within the crowd, everyone in their seats and on the lawn were standing now. Unfortunately, fights were also breaking out, probably fueled by tailgating all day in the parking lot. People were running and shoving past us, bloodied from fighting. A huge circle of people moshing formed right in front of us. Honestly, it sucked. We figured we'd just tough it out in the same spot.

Pearl Jam soon came out, I was ready to have my mind blown. They opened with one of my favorite songs, "Release." I couldn't see the stage anymore because people in the front of the lawn put people on their shoulders. Why would you do that if you are in the front? Instead of enjoying the stong we ended up running up the hill to get out of the swirling crowd. Who moshes during Release? Really?? It's such a beautiful song, so emotional, so ethereal. What is wrong with people? I was really upset. This was my first show and everything was not going perfectly! I hated the lawn, hated that I couldn't see anything, hated that I waited so long and had such high expectations. Not that Pearl Jam didn't live up to them, they certainly did. However, the people around you have some influence on what type of experience you have. Too many people in close proximity will do that. Anyway, it wasn't all bad, once I calmed down and settled in, it was great show. I heard some of my other favorites that night including "Immortality" and "Porch" and what would become one of my favorite Who covers, "Leaving Here." I could just name most of the setlist, there were so many great songs played that night!

In case you are interested, you can see the whole setlist here: http://pearljam.com/show/blockbuster-music-entertainment-center-aug-28-1998.

Check it - my first Pearl Jam show shirt and my ticket:

With my first Pearl Jam show over and me full of of mixed emotions about it, I went home and filled out the paperwork for the fan club. Yes, it's my own fault. yes, I should have been supporting the band and the fan club for the previous six years. I know! I thought "from now on, I will be in the fan club and take my place in the fan club seats! There will be seats, there will be people around me just as excited to be there as I am, it will be the best thing ever!!!" It has been really great but it's not like you don't encounter obnoxious behavior in the fan club seats. You are, after all, at a rock concert. There are the whistlers, the ones who shove and elbow you, the ones who sing so loud (and out of time or off key) that you can't hear anything else, the ones who are constantly going in and out of the row for beers, the loud cell phone talkers, the incessant texters. Then you go up a level to the annoying seat/row jumpers, the pukers, the ones who pee in cups, or just right on the floor. The ones who get so drunk they do all of these things at the same time and then get into a fight with security while they are being removed. These are all things that my friends or I have witnessed or unfortunately had to stand in the middle of. But, 34 shows over the last 12 years and I still want to go again and again.

I have been fortunate enough to hear Release three more times since that first show and it's always amazing, always my favorite way to begin the concert.

well, you see it started like this...

2010-05-12T10:16:00.009-04:00

Bear with me my one reader, I'm going on week-long Pearl Jam binge. I'll be seeing them in concert 3 times, hopefully 4. So, now seems like the appropriate time to talk about my favorite thing in the world.

There's this cool thing that happens with my friends and acquaintances. Whenever they hear a Pearl Jam song, see an article in the paper or a magazine, see them on tv, they tell me they think of me. I think that's pretty cool. Of course, it may have something to do with my Pearl Jam obsession. I don't like the word "obsession" in regards to me, probably because of my OCD tendencies it feels like a negative. How about, I'm a really big fan. I love to see them play live and go to as many concerts as I can.

I've always been a music fan. We had records spinning in my house constantly when I was a kid. I grew up listening to the Beatles, Elvis, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, The Who, Neil Young, Linda Ronstadt, the Eagles. As I grew older, I got more into pop and was really into Duran Duran for awhile. Throughout the 80's I listened to new wave, rock, pop, hair bands, alternative. Then, I found the one band that was really for me. I sat down one evening early in 1992 to watch the top 10 videos of the day on MTV. I think it was a show on at 6pm. What I saw would change me from that moment on, it was the video for Evenflow, Pearl Jam's 2nd single. Somehow, I had never heard Alive (their first single) or seen the video for it. I had been pretty heavily into Nirvana in the past year, I don't know that I listened to much else. Although the bands that came from Seattle were all grouped together under the label grunge, they were different. Nirvana had a more punk sound. Soundgarden was heavier, more metal, Alice in Chains was heavy, moody, and had the the gorgeous harmonies between Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell. I love them all. But Pearl Jam rocked and they blew me away. Eddie Vedder, his long wild hair swinging, as he climbed across the lighting rig, he leaned up against the wall above the crowd and jumped in. Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, Jeff Ament, running around like wild men. Dave Abruzzese pouding away on the drums. I had never heard or seen anything like it. The manic energy and the sound were intoxicating. It scared the crap of me. I wanted to be there. I wanted more!

Soon, I was buying any Pearl Jam music I could get my hands on. I was making regular trips to the sadly, now defunct Purple Haze records and spending $40 a pop (in 1992!) on bootlegs - videos and cds. I was taping everything about them off MTV, the videos, the interviews, Unplugged, 120 minutes. It was all about Pearl Jam. The thing I didn't do? Go see them in concert. They didn't play anywhere close to me. They played in New York City, but I was young and sheltered and really afraid to go the city by myself. It seems really silly to me now. Back then I would have never have gone to a concert by myself. I wouldn't have gone to NYC by myself, how times have changed! As I have done both regularly over the years. Anyway, none of my friends were really into them. I don't know why my brother and I didn't go, he liked them too. So, I never saw them perform live, in person until August of 1998.

Check it out for yourself. I still get goosebumps when I watch it!

to be continued...

some questions i'm pondering

2010-05-10T19:24:00.005-04:00

Regarding my trip to Long Island this weekend:

It's really difficult to put makeup on while riding in a car. Do people actually attempt to do this while driving?!

Why would lint rolling my pants 4 times in the span of a 3 hour car ride irritate Rick? Why did that make me want to do it more?

Is it inappropriate to get rip roaring drunk at your goddaughter's 1st communion party (really, it was the party after the party) if her mom does it too? If so, was god punishing me by making me vomit in the wee hours of the morning?

Should I have been surprised and then pissed off to hear an airplane taking off at 7am on a Sunday morning, considering our hotel was next to an airport?

Is not giving your niece your iphone to play with, then showing it to her right before driving off mean?

So, my one reader, what do you think? I'm stumped.

say hello to my current nemesis

2010-05-07T12:46:00.007-04:00

The situation: Monday morning during a rainstorm, a window well filled with water causing a flood in the basement.

The solution: A fully dressed (for work) Rick will take care of the basement, a still in pj's me will go outside and scoop out the well.

The crisis on top of the situation: After one scoop in the water with a bowl, Mr. Snake introduces himself and he is not happy. He's huge, wiggly and hissing at me! I am not only not happy, I'm terrified. I consider my options.

The outcome: I run inside and say to Rick 'there's a snake in the well, I told myself "Michelle, you can do this, face your fears." Then I said fuck my fears!' So Rick had to go out and scoop the well.

Rick actually had to tell me that's what I said since I don't have any recollection, I was that scared!

Say hello to giant, terrifying Mr. Snake!!! You totally would have had the same reaction.

Ok, maybe he didn't hiss either.

He looked way more menacing on Monday morning. Don't judge.

blank

2010-05-07T11:19:00.003-04:00

I'm sorry for the lack of posting, I've couldn't think of anything to say. I'm only a couple months of into this and I got nothing!

I'll post later today about the story of my run in with giant reptile!

ummm, yeah. this will work.

2010-04-22T21:50:00.003-04:00

Since I have no original thoughts today (or ever - beat you to it!), here are the abc's of me.

A. Area code: Actually, I have two, I'm a 484 and a 610. I like to say six-one-O, most peeps around here say six-ten. I'm surprised I haven't been kicked out yet. Ya know, really, I am so five-one-six.

B. Bed size: King. I may be little, but i needs room to stretch!

C. Chore you hate: Any and all. I'd hire a housekeeper if I wasn't too cheap.

D. Dog's name: They are currently going by Bub-rub and 'Lil sis (youtube it, you will not be disappointed).

E. Essential "start of the day" item: If I were allowing myself - an ice cold coke. Since I'm trying to break the caffeine/sugar habit, I'll say a shower.

F. Favorite color: Green.

G. Gold or silver: I prefer Silver, but I'll take a brushed yellow gold if I likes it.

H. Height: Let's say 5'2"

I. Instruments you play: I was attempting to play guitar for awhile, played the violin as a child, right now, no instruments.

J. Job: "Administrative Assistant" is my union title. I work in an academic office for a local university and I am all things to everyone. I'm a receptionist, secretary, file clerk, office manager, budget manager, event planner, tech support, babysitter, mom, etc, etc.

K. Kids: No humans, just of the fur variety.

L. Living arrangements: Me and the hubs in our ranch house with the maniac dogs.

M. Mom's name: Mom, Momma, or Mommy on good days, Mother on not good days.

N. Nickname: MAW (you know like gaping maw!), Mich, Meesh.

O. Overnight hospital stay: Never, unless you count the night I did a sleep study where I found out I snore a little and have pre-sleep apnea. I don't count that though. A shout out to my mom - did I have to stay overnight in the hospital when I fractured my skull as toddler? Oddly, I have no recollection...

P. Pet peeve: see this post. that's just 5. I have so many it's hard to go through the day without one of them being tweaked.

Q. Quote from movie: From Sixteen Candles "Donger's been here for 5 hours and he's got somebody, I live here my whole life and I'm like a disease" From Good Will Hunting: "Do you like apples? Yeah, well I got her number, how do you like them apples?!" Lloyd Dobler's entire monologue in Say Anything about not wanting to buy, sell or process anything.

R. Righty or lefty: Right handed but lefty in my political views.

S. Siblings: 2 bros, I'm the dreaded middle child.

T. Time you wake up: Weekdays, between 7-7:30, which I need to work on, since I have to be to work at 8. Later on the weekends.

U. Underwear: Uh, yeah, I wear underwear! In a variety of colors and styles. Granny Panties for the win!

V. Vegetables you dislike: Beets.

W. Ways or reasons you are late: I never leave myself enough time to get ready, I always think I have plenty of time and then I rush. For work, I just don't want to get out of bed.

X. X-rays: So many beginning when I was a wee toddler. Including dental, feet (specifically my toes and my heels), chest, head, sinuses.

Y. Yummy food you make: I make a mean lasagna, creamy chicken marsala, cupcakes, guacamole. I'm a pretty good cook and baker, I'll try to make just about anything.

Z. Zoo animals you like: Honestly, I wish we didn't keep animals in zoos, seems like it's not fair. But, if I have to choose, I have loved seeing the Polar bears swimming, the penguins bopping around, the monkeys being funny, and the lions and tigers purring. They really should be free in their natural habitat though.

do you know what it feels like for a girl?

2010-04-21T22:03:00.005-04:00

Yes, this is what I wanted to see. I wish they had filmed a full length version. I want them to do that for all of the songs though. All the musical numbers were great, really amazing. But this, I just love this:

g2 @ Yahoo! Video

i'm a material girl

2010-04-20T17:18:00.006-04:00

living in a material world.

In tribute to GLEE's all Madonna episode tonight entitled "The Power of Madonna", a little Madonna love.

I grew up in the 70's and 80's. I was 13 when I first saw the video for Bordeline. Like many other 13 year olds, I had the rubber bracelets and a pair of lace gloves. Come to think of it, my rubber bracelets were rather ghetto as in, most were gaskets that came from the auto parts store where my dad worked. He brought some home for me because he thought I'd like them, awww, that's really sweet pops. Anyway, I watched Madge on MTV with fascination, bought some of her albums. I wouldn't call myself a huge fan or anything, I've never seen her in concert, I just liked her, enjoyed her songs and videos, I was a dancer at the time so I loved that about her. I've listened throughout the years and liked many of her songs.

One of my favorite Madonna songs:

I would have embedded the video if I could, but youtube is not letting me, so here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gLFWRDsx5AI&feature=fvst

Don't tell me love isn't true! I had not heard this song in years, then one day a couple of months ago, it came on in a store. I was thinking, how could I forget about this song?! Even worse, I have the CD, just hadn't listened to it in awhile. I went home, got out the album and loaded it on my ipod. I think this song is one of her best and the video is fantastic. So simple and yet really cool. This may be lame, but I love the way her hat blows off at the beginning and I particularly love the dance sequence that begins around minute 2:30.

This song is next on the album and I really, really love the lyrics. "Strong inside but you don't know it, good little girls they never show it. When you open up your mouth to speak could you be a little weak?" The opening spoken sequence, which I just found out via Google is from the book The Cement Garden by Ian McEwan. I read about it on Wikipedia, super dysfunctional plot line there. Check it out if you dare.

What It Feels Like For A Girl

The official Guy Ritchie directed video for this is a remix of the song which is still good, but I like this slower version.

I saw the list of songs that will be on the show tonight and I'm so happy that What It Feels Like For A Girl is included. I wonder what context it will be used in, who will be singing. I can't wait!

The other songs are:

Express Yourself
Borderline
Vogue
Like A Virgin
4 Minutes
Like A Prayer

If last week's preview of the absolutely genius version of Vogue featuring Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester is any indication, I'm in for a great time. Like A Prayer should be amazing.

Hope everyone enjoys GLEE tonight!

someone pissed in my cheerios

2010-04-13T14:46:00.006-04:00

Wait, I didn't even have breakfast today.

What I'm saying is, I'm in a bad mood. I'm in a funk and have been for days, so I have no delightful tales for you. Instead, it is time for the airing of grievances!

I'm just going to list some of my pet peeves because I feel like complaing. Wah wah wah.

These aren't original or quirky in any way. They are not personal as I don't want to offend those I know and love. At least not on the internet, even though no one is reading this.

These things annoy the ever living crap out of me:

1. Being a complete and total klutz. I currently have several bruises and scrapes on my body from run-ins with cabinets, door jambs, the corner of my desk, etc. etc. I've been living in the same house for 10 years, I still haven't figured out to maneuver in my own environment! What the hell?

2. People who don't use their turn signals. Does it make you cool not to use them? Are you trying to be mysterious? I'm not an effing mind reader and I'd like know where you are going so I can plan my route around you. Like perhaps I'm trying to make a left and you come rambling on down the street towards me and low and behold, you make a right without signaling. Would have been nice to know that dipshit! They are there for a reason, use them. Thanks.

3. People who call my office, disregard how I've answered the phone, then proceed to ask me somthing that has nothing to do with my office. This is my greeting "Pre-Medical Program, Michelle speaking". Caller - "um, do you know what time the jazz ensemble concert will be over?" uh duh? Did I say, School of Music when I picked up. No I did not. Then the caller gets offended when I try to direct them to the right place. That was just yesterday, but others have included, I need to be connected with a patient (because we are apparently a hospital), can you connect me with X department (because now I work the switchboard). Listen people! Before I start answering the phone "911, what's your emergency?" just to test you.

4. Anyone who shakes their legs or taps their fingers incessantly. If i'm having a day, this will push me over the edge! I once told a co-worker that if he didn't stop shaking his leg (which was banging into the table we were sharing and shaking it) that I was going to rip it off and beat him over the head with it. Let that be a warning shakers and tappers!

5. At any intersection with a stop sign where I arrive at the stop sign first, a driver approaches another stop sign within the intersection after I do, then proceeds to wave me on. Oh gee, thanks! Thank you for being so polite and waving me on when I have the goddamned right of way! What will I do at the next intersection when you are not there telling me I'm allowed to go? Of course there will be some other douchebag there doing the same damn idiotic thing, so I'm good.

I'll stop at 5 so I don't seem too whiney. Hey 2 readers out there, comment on what your pet peeves are, I would love to know.

On a high note, GLEE returns tonight. An hour of singing, dancing and snarky goodness should turn my mood around. At least for that hour.

Cheers y'all!

don't be afraid of your freedom

2010-04-09T10:57:00.004-04:00

Here's some music that goes along with the photo of me from yesterday. After high school I started listening to 92.7 WDRE (formerly WLIR and then back again). The music was the same whatever the call letters were, it was "alternative." I have several tapes of songs I would record off the radio. I love those tapes, they are the soundtrack to my life for those years. One of my faves, the Soup Dragons "I'm Free" - enjoy...

this is embarrassing

2010-04-08T22:16:00.005-04:00

So, this is why I have no time to do anything. Because I have a very important appointment. With my big ass couch and my big ass tv.

My mental well being is firmly rooted in my spending countless hours in front of the tv. I'm fully aware that the opposite is true, but it is my escape, my hiding place. The place where I can avoid, procrastinate, and forget about my stuff and be involved in someone else's business.

Let's take a stroll down memory lane. Imagine me in the fall of 1989. I'm 18 and had graduated from high school that summer. I wasn't in college yet and I was working a crappy retail job. So basically, I had no life.

My best friend Whitney and I had been invited to go to the Barefoot Peddler, a local bar/restaurant on a Thursday night. Actually it was a standing invitation for any Thursday night to go and hang out with Tim and Bob, our friends who happened to be a few years older than us. Whitney is all "Let's go!" I said no. Why? Because the Young Riders was on Thursday nights, that's why. Yes, I was going to stay home and watch Stephen Baldwin, many years before he became the bloated, born-again, conservative he is today. He was young, blonde and hot, in a show populated with hotties like Josh Brolin. Stay home and watch hot guys who I could fantasize about, or go out and be ignored by boys like I was in high school. You see the dilemma right? I was watching the show, dammit!

I have evidence of how much I loved that stupid show, Stephen Baldwin, and that I needed some tweezers. I was looking for a picture of me in '89, little did I know what a goldmine I would stumble upon. Feast your eyes on this baby! Look at the pose on my bed with my cat Taz. That awesome wood paneling in my basement bedroom. Pictures of the Young Riders over my bed. Paradise I tell you.

Even my cat was thinking, "Sweet Jebus, this girl needs to go out!!!"

Whit basically had to pull me out of the house. I remember being a little sulky about it, until we got there. Thank you Whit, I will always be grateful since this is the night I was introduced to underage drinking (in an establishment that is) and gin & tonics - still my favorite drink today. I'll take a regular sized one, a double in a hurricane glass (like how we were always served there), in a trough, whatever. Love 'em. That night was the beginning of a several year stint of bar hopping, flirting, dating, hooking up (oh my!) and oh yeah, drinking my face off. Basically, your average young adults life.

I'm an old married lady now, I've gone back to my old ways. I still like to go out for a drink, but most nights you'll find me home hanging out, curled up under a big soft blankie with Rick and the two maniacs for an evening of turning my brain off.

This list of tv programs I watch.

I'm religious about these:

30 Rock

Criminal Minds

Dancing With The Stars

Entourage

Fringe

Glee

Grey's Anatomy

Law & Order

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Lost

Rescue Me

The Office

The United States of Tara

Top Chef

True Blood

Ugly Betty

Weeds

I will watch these if I'm flipping around and find them on:

Ace of Cakes

Celebrity Fit Club

Clean House

Deadliest Catch

Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

Food Network Challenge

Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List

Hoarders

Holmes on Homes

House Hunters

Intervention

Jersey Shore

Man vs. Food

Mythbusters

No Reservations

South Park

The Antonio Treatment

The Daily Show

The Price is Right

The Soup

What Not to Wear

Wheel of Fortune

Who Do You Think You Are?

This doesn't even list the shows I watch on DVD! Yes, I know I have a problem. Like I said yesterday, it's time to cancel cable.

and now back to our regularly scheduled programming

2010-04-07T16:09:00.005-04:00

Yes, that means I'm going to talk about DWTS again suckas!

I kid, I kid. Since the awesome Shannen Doherty was sent packing, there's nothing left to say. Except that Kate lives to "dance" another week. Can you imagine if she makes it to the end. Now that's a freestyle routine I'd like to see. The judges would lose it! Wait, I said I wasn't talking about that anymore. Next issue...

I would talk more about the tv shows I watch but there are other sites that have recaps that are better than I could write and commenters on the message boards that are way funnier. Specifically televisionwithoutpity.com. That's my go-to place for recaps and spoilers and stuff. I love a good spoiler! I love how people get all into it and analyze every detail. I am generally a "go along for the ride" tv watcher. I've tried to figure out Lost and all that, it's too complicated. I like my tv to be what I need. My escape from the reality of everyday life that I find very overwhelming. Which means, I watch a lot of damn tv.

Up tomorrow: a list of the shows I currently watch. I started writing it and it scared the crap out of me. I'm beginning to wonder how my ass hasn't grown into the couch like that lady on the toilet seat. Seriously y'all.

Honey, we need to cancel cable because I need to get a life.

some things never change

2010-04-06T12:49:00.006-04:00

I had an experience last Friday afternoon that has been gnawing away at me. I'm trying to put it in it's rightful place, out of my mind, as it does not deserve any thought from me. Yet, it's still bugging me.

I live a half mile from work, so I walk every day. I will sometimes walk home for lunch as well, which I did last Friday. As I was strolling back with my ipod on, thinking how great it was that there was only a half day of work left, a car with four teenagers or young adults, whatever you want to call them, drove by. I assume they were that young. If not, it would bother me even more. Since I had my ipod on, I couldn't really hear what they were saying as they went past, but I do know it was really loud because it startled me. I started laughing because I was so startled, I took my earbud out and then realized what the noise was. They were barking at me. I looked right at the girl in the backseat who was laughing so hard she could barely contain herself. There was a young man hanging out the passenger window barking and laughing at me. Apparently, I'm a dog.

I was taken aback, wasn't sure what to make of it. I feel like at my age, I should be beyond being affected by this. When I told my husband Rick about it, I made a joke like "barking I don't get, I'm not ugly! I'm fat so if they had oinked that would have made much more sense!" I shouldn't make fun of myself like that either. Like so many others who have been picked on, I've developed that defense mechanism of laughing at myself. I make the joke before anyone else can. Making sure everyone knows that it doesn't hurt. But it does hurt. I've been teased and bullied throughout my life, the bulk of it was in school. As much as you grow up and try to build healthy self esteem, I think that stuff always stays with you. I certainly didn't have it as bad as other kids, my brother suffered far worse than I did. It definitely left scars.

Recently there have been stories in the news about students, young kids who are killing themselves because they are being bullied and teased relentlessly. I can't even imagine what it would be like to be in school today. All of the social media outlets available, so many ways to get to a person beyond what was around when I was in school. I'm not sure I would survive that now, knowing that my bullies had access to Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, etc. It would be an all-out, day and night assault. It breaks my heart every time I read one of these stories. I just never understand why people have the need to be mean, to treat others so poorly.

Somehow, it seems no matter how far I've come, I get transported back there, to that place where I wasn't good enough. Where I developed the sense that somehow I brought this on myself. Where I think that "if I were better looking, if I were skinny, if I were smarter, if I were rich, people would have no reason to make fun of me." Truth is, you can't control what other people think and do. And their need to make others feel bad probably has nothing to do with you at all. There's no way I offended a car full of people I don't know, simply walking down the street. I guess they just felt like making fun of someone, making each other laugh. Maybe they don't know how much there actions can hurt. My hope for them is that someday they grow up and they learn not to be assholes.

If you have ever been the butt of a joke, been picked on, teased, and bullied I feel for you. I'm right there with you. It gets better after school, but there will be instances out of the blue where it happens again. If you let the negative get to you, like I've been doing, you'll get sucked back into that feeling of not being good enough. If you look at the positive, it's a reminder that it doesn't matter what anyone else says or thinks or does, that you know you. They don't, so don't let them get to you.

I try to be a good person everyday and I think of the quote from Plato "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. " You never know what someone else is dealing with, so just chill.

But I've just got to say - If you are a bully, if you feel like picking on people just for the hell of it. Fuck off. You're an asshole.

ooh, pretty!

2010-04-02T09:40:00.004-04:00

Happy Easter Weekend from your friend, the heathen.

that's it, I'm done! i will never watch this show again.

2010-03-31T11:56:00.006-04:00

Until the next episode.

Here is where I get all dramatic and say "I'm done with Dancing With The Stars!!!!" I do this every season when one my favorites gets the boot or doesn't win. It means nothing obviously since I still watch.

I brought this on myself by saying that I hope Kate Gosselin stays for a long time. For shame! Instead of Kate, the most un-self-aware person to grace the dance floor ever, we have lost my beloved Brenda, aka - Shannen Doherty. Your jive was so good!

Damn you voting public! Damn me for getting all up arms about this and not even voting in the first place! And Pam Anderson being in the bottom 2?! What the? She's awesome. Very funny, seemingly down to earth and a good dancer. She must stay. My hopes for next to be gone - Buzz Aldrin (who is now surpassed in creepiness by his wife and her plastic surgery nightmare of a face), Ochocinco, and the Bachelor. If that's not the case, I am so done with this show!

progress

2010-03-30T18:24:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I joined a gym.

I've belonged to other gyms before, but not in a long time. I've been talking about it for months as a way to get healthier, feel better about myself and all that. Up until yesterday it was all me yammering on about it. Yesterday I shut my piehole (mmmm, pie) and did it! I marched in, took the tour and handed over my credit card. Today I went for my assessment. The conclusion - I need to get my ass to the gym and get it there frequently. I won't give you the stats, but let's just say that my Wii fit board, the one that insulted me months ago, now has some serious backup.

On the positive side, besides all the "get healthier" crap is that I crossed it off my list! hooray.

dancing with the stars

2010-03-29T17:37:00.003-04:00

Yes, one of my favorites guilty pleasure shows is back on! It's a little embarrassing, but I LOVE it. Love the routines, the costumes, the melodrama! It has to be said, Tom Bergeron is a great host. He just rolls with it, quips and insults on the fly, he is a very large part of this show, I hope they treat him well. Samantha Harris is gone, hooray! Watching her stumble through interviews was painful. Brooke Burke is ok, but I think Drew Lachey did really well when he filled in a few times, too bad he wasn't the replacement.

Did you catch last week?

My thoughts on the contestants.

Buzz Aldrin - Anyone else get a creepy old dude vibe from him? He seems like he would be very handsy and full of innuendo - yuck. Please let him be the first to go.

Pamela Anderson - Her performance last week was great! She seemed drunk during the interview after her dance - perfect!

Erin Andrews - She's with my man Maks and she danced well. My favorite line from Maks "my one pleasure in life is bitching at people and you're taking it away from me." I love you Maks. No really, I do. Call me.

Shannen Doherty - I am probably the only admitted Brenda Walsh fan out there. I LOVED 90210. I wanted to be Brenda. What does that say about me? She seemed sweet and nervous and she was concerned about her dad (or pimping him to get votes.) Who cares - Brenda FTW!

Kate Gosselin - Oh my. Well, there is always one in the group with so little talent for dancing that it's sad. But this is Kate we're talking about, we like it better this way. She has ZERO personality and all she does is stand there and grin maniacally. When she should have been pointing her toes, her feet stuck out like bricks, loved it! It would be really funny if she stays on for awhile.

Evan Lysacek - I'm firmly on team Johnny Weir. However, he looked pretty good out there. I will give him time to win me over.

Niecy Nash - Oh Deputy Raineesha Williams, how I love thee. Can we have 2 winners? Niecy FTW!!!

Chad Ochocinco - I was all ready to hate him. What, with the dumbass name change and his antics, how could I not? But, he does have some charm and he can dance. We'll see.

Jake Pavelka - I don't watch the Bachelor, he's pretty damn attractive. I can't remember anything about his dance though, must have dozed off.

Nicole Scherzinger - More goofy than I thought she'd be and of course she is an amazing dancer, I really enjoyed watching her. You go Pussy Cat Doll!

Aiden Turner - I don't watch All My Children, and had no idea who this guy was. WOW! Hot and has an accent. I thought he danced better than the judges gave him credit for, I hope he sticks around.

Aaah, Monday and Tuesday nights for the next couple of months will be filled with sparkles and mirrorballs and really bad results show musical guests! I'm in, who's with me?

this things I believe

2010-03-26T11:40:00.005-04:00

Radio DJ: "What was the name of Johnny Calhoun's spoken word album that ruined his career?"

Homer Simpson: "This Things I Believe."

This picture stinks, the album says "These Things I Believe"

What does Homer Simpson mispronouncing the name of that album as the answer to a contest have to to do with my actual topic today? Nothing really. Well sort off, I'll get there.

I know you've heard about bucket lists. I was inspired by Maggie Mason of Mighty Girl and her Mighty Life List to create one. I've been reading her blog for a couple of years and started my list over a year ago. I also prefer to say life list instead of bucket list, I like to think more about really living life as opposed to trying to cram stuff in before I die. Creating one has been a very good exercise for me in an attempt to focus on things I want to do and as a reminder to go out and do them, not to wait.

I'm highly skilled in the art of procrastination. I'm also a big ole, anxiety ridden, scaredy cat. I can always come up with some reason of why I can't do this, won't try that. I'm also a lover of list making. I have so many lists, I have lists of my lists. In marrying my love of lists with really thinking about what's important to me and for me to do, I'm making progress. In the last year I have been surrounded by death and loss. What a better reminder to get out there and make things happen.

Why do I call it "this things I believe"? Rick (a big Simpsons fan) once used that as a title to our weekend to-do list and it stuck. I love it, it makes me laugh, it just seemed appropriate.

Michelle's life list

the good old days

2010-03-25T13:50:00.007-04:00

30 years ago I was diagnosed with asthma. When I struggle with it, like I'm doing now, I'm reminded of that time all those years ago when I continually had bronchitis and was coughing constantly. A lot has changed in 30 years. Medications have gotten much better. Back then I had an over the counter Primatene inhaler, which made me so shaky I would want to jump out of my skin. Then the Marax syrup which never seemed to control my cough. I was awake a lot at night, just hacking away. Not wanting to wake my family, I spent a lot of time on the couch in the living room with the tv. There was no remote control, no cable and all the stations would sign off by playing the national anthem before they went to fuzz. TV in the middle of the night in the late 70's/early 80's was rather limited. Two of my favorites (and by favorites I mean, these were the only shows on!) were the classic Hazel -a sitcom about a bossy live-in maid and the family she works for. It was good for some laughs.
Hazel

Then there was the show that seriously creeped me out, The Millionaire. The tone of the show made me really uncomfortable, but I was bored and miserable, so I watched. An man would entrust his faithful secretary to hand out checks to people so that they would become millionaires. It was game to him, to see what would happen to them, sometimes good, sometimes bad. Probably a little too much for a 9 year old to processs.

Today I have better meds, though occasionally I will spend a sleepless night coughing in front of the tv. This time; remote in hand, hundreds of channels, dvds, the dvr, and of course - the infomerical. My personal fave - the GT Express sandwich maker!!! It makes me want to get rid of every appliance in my kitchen and only cook things into little portable semi-circles.

Life would be so much simpler

As simple as the time when there were only a handful of channels and the tv would stop broadcasting at 3 a.m. and tell you to go to bed.

excuse me while I stick this thing up your nose

2010-03-22T14:38:00.014-04:00

Someone's got a case of the Mondays.....

Back to work today. It's raining again. And I willingly submitted myself to some physical torture. Same old, same old.

Anyone who knows me, knows I've had some interesting injuries and afflictions. I would say not one lone affliction is interesting, more like I have so many weird things going on at once that it becomes bizarre. Rick likes to call me sickly. Isn't he just the sweetest thing?! Here's what's happened today.

I'm a chronic sinus infection sufferer and decided to try out a new ENT this morning, after not seeing one for ten years. The last guy straightened my septum but I wasn't too happy with the results and I didn't go back. The new guy seems cool and is extremely thorough. My ears are good, the throat is showing some acid reflux damage that should heal in time. Then there's the nasal cavity and sinuses. "Everything looks fine" he says. How did he make that that determination? He had to scope me. Have you seen a sinuscope? I didn't before today. I don't remember the first ENT doing this. It's about six inches long and metal. It does not bend. Here, take a look.

The first scope the nurse took out was long and flexible, I was ok with that. Then the doc says "no, that's wrong the one, we need this one." The rigid metal poker! The one that could be used for an ice pick! I was blasted with some decongestant spray and then numbing spray. Once I was sufficiently desensitized and my nose was running like crazy, it was go time. Even with numbness, I could still feel that thing poking around up there. It's several hours later and I still feel it. Is that normal? Phantom scoping pains? I know he's a professional, but should we really be sticking a spike like that into orifices that close to one's brain? I vote no.

While everything looks good, he says I should get a sinus CAT scan just in case. I've never had one of those! Another thing to cross of my life list, along with jab metal stick in my nose. It's called progress people.

happy spring

2010-03-20T16:04:00.002-04:00

it's a sunny warm day, all sorts of things coming back to life

perfect for the first day of spring.
have a good one!

you say apizza, I say a pizza

2010-03-15T17:29:00.008-04:00

I feel like I've been spending a lot of time on the road lately. This past weekend's destination, New Haven, CT.

My friends Michelle, Karrie, and I drove up to see our friend Kristin who happens to be employed by Yale.

Stuff of note:

There isn't much rocking in New Haven while it is pouring rain and Yale is on Spring Break.

The buildings at Yale reminded us of Hogwarts from the Harry Potter series. The Ivy League is fancy yo!

Photo not taken by me, it's from the interwebs. See - fancy!

We spent an inordinate amount of time trying to determine what different names Michelle and I can go by, since it is really confusing to have 2 Michelles around. The result? We've been friends for 13 years and have only come to the conclusion that you can't call either one of us Shelly.

Pizza is called apizza. a-huh?
According to Wikipedia, that's the New Haven style. It is generally baked in a coal oven and consists of crust, tomato sauce and a little grated cheese on top. Here, we call that a tomato pie. You can get other toppings and cheese on your apizza too, so is that New Haven or not? West Chester has a pizza joint called New Haven Style Pizza. Now that I've had apizza, I would have to stay that WC New Haven Style Pizza is not New Haven style. I've always been told it was Greek style. What? Am I the only one confused? Or cares? Probably.

Overall, a weekend of really bad weather, having drinks, watching movies and catching up with friends - good times!

Next plans for New Haven - 2011 Yale/Harvard football game with those crazy Yalies Mike and Tierney. I hereby solemnly promise to make Wills' wieners so Tierney will go.

attachment disorder

2010-03-12T08:57:00.006-05:00

I've discovered I have a little bit of problem.

Yesterday, I forgot my phone. Not just my phone, but my iphone!

I'd left it on the dining room table after neglecting to put in my bag. When I got to work, I realized it. I was like this is ok, I'll be alright. I have the internet at work, no big deal. But this is what I looked like by the end of the day.

MY PRECIOUS!!!!!!!

Even though I knew I didn't have it, I still checked my bag a few more times. That's what people with OCD tendencies do. Maybe I didn't check every pocket. Six times. I'm sure it's here somewhere! But it wasn't. What if I need to use one of my apps, check my notes, calculate a tip, I have 96 apps on there, I will surely need one of them today!

I went all day without my ipod! I missed important phone calls! Ok, it was just one from my husband, Rick, he said hi. I missed three super important text messages! Ok, one was from Rick saying hi. The others were about the announcement of the Pearl Jam tour from my friends and I had already talked to them both on facebook about it.

So, I survived the day. I wasn't taking any chances this morning, making sure I had it before I left. Today it's right where it should be. Within an arms length and shuffling the Beatles on a rainy Friday morning. No calls or texts yet. Haven't touch an app. But they are there if I need them and that's all that matters.

i'm snotty

2010-03-11T14:17:00.004-05:00

a couple of haikus in celebration of my constant illness.

head pounding, cough hack
sinus infection you suck
what could be worse, huh?

snot snot and more snot
bronchial infection too!
i need a tissue

musings on my weekend on Long Island

2010-03-08T20:26:00.013-05:00

I can make it to my destination in a reasonable amount of time without speeding excessively. Who knew?

The Hilton Garden Inn in Westbury has paper thin walls. Unfortunately, we didn't hear anything interesting. However, our neighbors may have been awakened by the mother/daughter snoring competition going on in our room.

It's weird when your mom flirtatiously strikes up a conversation with a pizza delivery guy in the hotel elevator.

A trip home is not complete without food from Ben's. Corned Beef on rye - check. Sour Pickle - check. Dr. Brown's Cream Soda - check. Sodium Nitrate overload - check.

Catching up with your best bud while drinking hot chocolate in front of a cozy fireplace is pretty awesome.

The reason for our trip, my nieces. Two little people, S & A, from halfway around the world who bring joy, laughter and love to our family. And sore arms, what the heck monkeys? Seriously, they climb up you like monkeys! In a display of acrobatic fitness, I managed to knock myself flat on my back while playing with S. Once my brother determined I was ok, he then ran to me with the camera as little A toddled over to pile on with her sis. Can't wait to see those flattering photos.

My mom and I delivered a set of doll beds that belonged to her when she was a child, she passed them on to me when I was little. I repainted them, mom made new bedding and we gave them to the girls. It was really amazing to watch them get excited over the little bunk beds and play with them. And in A's case, attempt to sleep in the bottom bunk.

Overall it was a busy, exhausting, heartwarming (gag, I know), awesome weekend.

The girls tending to their dollies, lovingly wrapping them in tissue paper - awww.

i need to get out of here...♪♫♫♪

2010-03-03T11:24:00.009-05:00

There is much to be done tonight, so I need to get myself in gear.

While I'm cooking, putting away the dishes, painting, laundering, bathing dogs, vacuuming, and taking out the garbage - sing along with the gnome.

This commercial makes me laugh every time I see it.

Who's ready for a change in seasons? Me.

drifting along

2010-03-02T19:42:00.004-05:00

39 years, 1 month, 26 days, 11 hours, 50 minutes old.

In attempt to do something new and at the suggestion of a friend, I'm here.

There is no direction yet, hoping this helps me discover some.

39+ years is a long time to be drifting aimless.

That's going to change.