Well, our Thanksgiving dinner went well. Beyond well, actually--it was great. Thankfully, Ben (Dad2.0) volunteered to handle the turkey and dressing and that just left me with...well, everything else. The food turned out great and I wasn't a bit overwhelmed, although it was a far cry from the quiet/relaxing evening I had planned.
Amy was still too sick to come on Thursday, but Tommy and the boys and the rest of the family were all there (sans Timmy, who is working in CT and Nicole (+ family), who had dinner at their home). It was sooo great to have everyone sitting together at one table, enjoying one another's company, sharing good conversation, laughter, food, and...
Germs.
Fast forward about 12 hours and you'll find a virtually useless Bonnie sleeping for literally 40 of the following 48 hours (on this particular Thanksgiving, I was most thankful for the invention of promethazen).
Both Friday and Sat are a blur (I did manage to get some *very* early Black Friday shopping in, beginning at 10pm on Thursday, before the onset, but I missed my (larger) family Thanksgiving feast on Sat afternoon), and Sunday was spent cleaning up the house and putting up Christmas decor. Part of the Christmas decor. I ran out of steam very early on in that process. But, as I have an extremely busy week/weekend coming up, I have got to get finished tonight and tomorrow night.
Searching
...
For
...
Motivation
Also, for those of you not in the tri-state area, We got our first snow yesterday! My house looks beautiful covered in snow. Absolutely stunning. I thought the kids would be out of school today (and let the kiddo stay up late, thinking such), but surprisingly, they didn't cancel it. Hmmm.
Though most of the snow had begun melting by this morning, I was more than a bit thankful for the garage/remote start/heated seat combination on my way into work. I feel like royalty. Or a rockstar.
Either way, it's good stuff.
Warm, cozy, good stuff.
Enjoy your eve folks...plenty more to say but (as always) not nearly enough time to say it as thoroughly or articulately as I'd like.
Maybe some day...
(++)
Tuesday, November 29
Monday, November 28
Christmas in Dixie
...or at least from the window of the local Fox & Hound at the Southaven Mall. :)
PS It got a lot thicker than this as the night progressed!
Wednesday, November 23
...And Then There Was One
Great News!
Both Mom and Amy are sick. Not run-of-the-mill sick, but vomiting on a regular basis sick.
And Melissa works tonight.
Which means...
I have to cook Thanksgiving dinner. For everyone. All by myself.
A turkey and a ham.
All the sides.
All the aps.
All the desserts.
Oh.My.Goodness.
I
, sire O cpi;dm
t
[I guess my elbows did the above while my co-workers were giving turkey-cooking advice...you would be surprised at the amount of turkey-cooking advice one can muster up if soliciting.]
As I was saying...I could handle the turkey. Or the ham. Or probably even both. But for it to be handed to me less than a day beforehand (and all the ingredients have not even been bought and the ones that have are displaced at both my Mom's and Amy's), well, that is a challenge. Yes, my laid back disposition (hey, my house is clean and dinner for tonight is already in the crock pot!) has turned into a frantic how-am-I-going-to-get-this-done.
Inhale. Exhale.
Raw poultry. Gross.
Inhale. Exhale.
Kiera's boyfriend is about to be put to use.
Inhale. Exhale.
[heavy sigh]
I will let ya know how it goes. Although I'm fairly certain, stressed as I am, it is going to be just fine. It may not be my preference to handle it all, but it certainly isn't beyond my capabilities.
Exhale.
Both Mom and Amy are sick. Not run-of-the-mill sick, but vomiting on a regular basis sick.
And Melissa works tonight.
Which means...
I have to cook Thanksgiving dinner. For everyone. All by myself.
A turkey and a ham.
All the sides.
All the aps.
All the desserts.
Oh.My.Goodness.
I
, sire O cpi;dm
t
[I guess my elbows did the above while my co-workers were giving turkey-cooking advice...you would be surprised at the amount of turkey-cooking advice one can muster up if soliciting.]
As I was saying...I could handle the turkey. Or the ham. Or probably even both. But for it to be handed to me less than a day beforehand (and all the ingredients have not even been bought and the ones that have are displaced at both my Mom's and Amy's), well, that is a challenge. Yes, my laid back disposition (hey, my house is clean and dinner for tonight is already in the crock pot!) has turned into a frantic how-am-I-going-to-get-this-done.
Inhale. Exhale.
Raw poultry. Gross.
Inhale. Exhale.
Kiera's boyfriend is about to be put to use.
Inhale. Exhale.
[heavy sigh]
I will let ya know how it goes. Although I'm fairly certain, stressed as I am, it is going to be just fine. It may not be my preference to handle it all, but it certainly isn't beyond my capabilities.
Exhale.
Tuesday, November 22
The Anti-Christmas (Pre 11/25) Effort...all in Vain
Although I am keeping with my promise to not exploit the Christmas season prior to Thanksgiving's being celebrated, there are certain elements to the upcoming season that cannot be avoided. For example, I cannot help but enjoy the decorations the city of Southaven (and some of the families in our neighborhood) have already put up; I cannot help but begin contemplating Christmas lists and shopping and black Friday because I have to get a plan together mere hours after the consumption of turkey; I cannot help but enjoy Christmas music already because the station we listen to at work is playing it. All day. Every day. 24/7.
And on that last note, the following:
5 Worst Holiday Songs Ever
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the blogspot community nor those of the population at large.
And on that last note, the following:
5 Worst Holiday Songs Ever
- Hippopotamus Christmas Song
- Dominique the Donkey
- Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree (Miley Cirus version)
- Dogs Barking to Jingle Bells
- A Soldier's Silent Night
- Silent Night (Temptations Version)
- All I Want for Christmas (Mariah Carey)
- Carol of the Bells
- Christmas in Killarney
- My Favorite Things (Julie Andrews)
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the blogspot community nor those of the population at large.
Thursday, November 17
Clarification of the last two blogs
Not that anyone affected by my prior two posts deserves an explanation, but for the record those two blogs ("Warm & Fuzzy" and "Entrepreneurial Spirit") were archived a while back and were inadvertently posted as new blogs yesterday.
My taking them down does should not be seen an indication that they are no longer applicable, only that I have no desire to wake a sleeping monster.
That is all.
You may now return to your regularly scheduled life.
My taking them down does should not be seen an indication that they are no longer applicable, only that I have no desire to wake a sleeping monster.
That is all.
You may now return to your regularly scheduled life.
Getting in the Thanksgiving spirit
Yesterday I had a moment of slight panic when I realized that
Thanksgiving is only one week away!
Normally I just show up with rolls and sodas (not because I can't cook but because I have so little free time to prepare anything of substance), but this year's Thanksgiving dinner is going to be at my new home, which means there is much planning, preparing and (yes) cooking expected on my part.
So I shot my mom an email (informal, I know, but again: it was a moment of panic) laying out the plans for next Thursday. And last night I cleaned my house pretty thoroughly. In theory, we'll keep it clean into next week and all we'll need to focus on is the cooking. Yes, I know that won't actually happen, hence the "in theory."
Here's a little something to put you in the spirit of Thanksgiving if you, like me until yesterday, aren't quite there yet:
It'd be better if they could have dressed real turkeys up as MC Hammer (and crew) and taught them to dance like that, but what can I say: I'm ambitious!
Thanksgiving is only one week away!
Normally I just show up with rolls and sodas (not because I can't cook but because I have so little free time to prepare anything of substance), but this year's Thanksgiving dinner is going to be at my new home, which means there is much planning, preparing and (yes) cooking expected on my part.
So I shot my mom an email (informal, I know, but again: it was a moment of panic) laying out the plans for next Thursday. And last night I cleaned my house pretty thoroughly. In theory, we'll keep it clean into next week and all we'll need to focus on is the cooking. Yes, I know that won't actually happen, hence the "in theory."
Here's a little something to put you in the spirit of Thanksgiving if you, like me until yesterday, aren't quite there yet:
It'd be better if they could have dressed real turkeys up as MC Hammer (and crew) and taught them to dance like that, but what can I say: I'm ambitious!
Wednesday, November 16
Lawdy, son
Have I mentioned my recent obsession with Luke Bryan?
I think I may have touched on it here:
http://southavensupermom.blogspot.com/2011/08/cmt-ramblings.html
Well, I suppose it's as close as I get to an obsession with a celebrity, which is both mild and rare.
Here's the short list:
Moving on to some sort of point...
At the thank-you dinner I did for everyone who helped me move (at a restaurant called Big League), there were table tents with information about the Luke Bryan concert. My sisters and I were there discussing the beauty that is Luke Bryan and Tommy, true to form, wasn't the least concerned about the conversation (I know some girls think jealousy equates to love, but I am not one of them and absolutely adore that Tommy is so completely laid back about those things). I will admit I was pushing the bar just to see if I could get at least a raised brow, but nothing!
Sooo at his birthday dinner, when it should have been all about him, Tommy tells me he got me a surprise: three tickets to see Luke Bryan! (One for me and one for each of my sisters; Kiera has absolutely no desire to go to any country music concert other than Garth and probably Lady A.) What an amazing boyfriend, right?
The concert is tomorrow night and since Melissa is working (now working nights at Fed Ex in addition to days at Wendy's), I'm taking my darling friend, Stephanie, in her place.
I am hoping that Stephanie will give Lea a ride home from the show as I fully plan on eloping with Luke!
Mmmkay, well maybe not, but a girl can dream. :)
I think I may have touched on it here:
http://southavensupermom.blogspot.com/2011/08/cmt-ramblings.html
Well, I suppose it's as close as I get to an obsession with a celebrity, which is both mild and rare.
Here's the short list:
- Jordan Knight
- Kevin Costner
- John Cusack (this one lasted the longest)
- John Krasinski
- Luke Bryan
Moving on to some sort of point...
At the thank-you dinner I did for everyone who helped me move (at a restaurant called Big League), there were table tents with information about the Luke Bryan concert. My sisters and I were there discussing the beauty that is Luke Bryan and Tommy, true to form, wasn't the least concerned about the conversation (I know some girls think jealousy equates to love, but I am not one of them and absolutely adore that Tommy is so completely laid back about those things). I will admit I was pushing the bar just to see if I could get at least a raised brow, but nothing!
Sooo at his birthday dinner, when it should have been all about him, Tommy tells me he got me a surprise: three tickets to see Luke Bryan! (One for me and one for each of my sisters; Kiera has absolutely no desire to go to any country music concert other than Garth and probably Lady A.) What an amazing boyfriend, right?
The concert is tomorrow night and since Melissa is working (now working nights at Fed Ex in addition to days at Wendy's), I'm taking my darling friend, Stephanie, in her place.
I am hoping that Stephanie will give Lea a ride home from the show as I fully plan on eloping with Luke!
Mmmkay, well maybe not, but a girl can dream. :)
Hump Day Vent
Here is the actual "support" chat between me and an AT&T CSR a few minutes ago:
On another note, what is up with the Kim Kardashian petition going around on FB? This further solidifies my contempt for people due to the general level of stupidity they exhibit. If you don't want to watch Kim Kardashian, then don't. I have managed to go my entire life without watching a single episode of "Keeping Up." I didn't need a petition to do so. It amazes me that we can't get people to sign petitions on things like world-wide genocide (Hey-if it doesn't affect Americans, who cares, right?), but they will happily seek out and sign the anti-Kardashian petition.
Also, while I'm a rant:
Could the occupiers please go home already?
I'm tired of hearing about them.
Aside from that, they don't even have a goal. At least the Korean War protesters (whom I've heard them compared to) had a goal: bring the troops home. These people are just causing mayhem and making themselves look ridiculous. I'm sure the initial group had good intentions (although still no clear goal other than (I suppose) awareness), but they should have begun screening the nut jobs that hopped on the bandwagon and started causing all the problems. Now they all look like a bunch of loons.
98% of Americans want more than they have?
Nay, 100% of Americans want more than they have.
And guess what: You aren't going to get it by camping out in a city park.
Pack your shit up, go home and get a job.
[Yes, I realize as a liberal I am supposed to follow the herd of mindless sheep and occupy something myself, but I am very much fiscally conservative, hence the opposition.]
:) No, I'm not upset. Just venting a little. (:
Enjoy your eve!
Bonnie: There isn't another link. I will have to try a different browser, I suppose (I have already tried logging out). Thanks, anyway.This is comical to me. At one point I thought: is she even reading what I'm typing?" I considered typing something random like, "Baby elephants make me happy" to see when and if she would even mention it.
Dolores: Did you want me to stand by? If I can give you a number to order by phone.
Bonnie: No I need to be able to look at the phones and compare. I'll either have to get it figured out online or go into a store.
Bonnie: It wont even give me an option to see other phone options at this point.
Dolores: What about ordering by phone?
Bonnie: No, I'd have to be able to see the phones and their features in order to be able to pick a phone out to order it by phone.
Dolores: To purchase over the phone, please call the AT&T Sales department at 1-888-333-6651. I'd hate to see you frustrated even more.
Bonnie: Ok, thanks
Bonnie: but I'm not purchasing by phone since I won't be able to pick a phone out over the phone.
Dolores: You're most welcome! Enjoy the new phones.
On another note, what is up with the Kim Kardashian petition going around on FB? This further solidifies my contempt for people due to the general level of stupidity they exhibit. If you don't want to watch Kim Kardashian, then don't. I have managed to go my entire life without watching a single episode of "Keeping Up." I didn't need a petition to do so. It amazes me that we can't get people to sign petitions on things like world-wide genocide (Hey-if it doesn't affect Americans, who cares, right?), but they will happily seek out and sign the anti-Kardashian petition.
Also, while I'm a rant:
Could the occupiers please go home already?
I'm tired of hearing about them.
Aside from that, they don't even have a goal. At least the Korean War protesters (whom I've heard them compared to) had a goal: bring the troops home. These people are just causing mayhem and making themselves look ridiculous. I'm sure the initial group had good intentions (although still no clear goal other than (I suppose) awareness), but they should have begun screening the nut jobs that hopped on the bandwagon and started causing all the problems. Now they all look like a bunch of loons.
98% of Americans want more than they have?
Nay, 100% of Americans want more than they have.
And guess what: You aren't going to get it by camping out in a city park.
Pack your shit up, go home and get a job.
[Yes, I realize as a liberal I am supposed to follow the herd of mindless sheep and occupy something myself, but I am very much fiscally conservative, hence the opposition.]
:) No, I'm not upset. Just venting a little. (:
Enjoy your eve!
Monday, November 14
Memphis Miles is a Success
As everyone knows from my shamelessly plugging it for the last several months, Memphis Miles for Myeloma walk/run was successfully carried out on Saturday.
I had been asking Jana for weeks what I could do to help with the last minute preparations, but she seemed to have it under control. I was a bit worried. Jana is an expert at these types of fundraisers, but with her going back to work, planning my house warming party, being under the weather AND the Memphis Miles walk, I just didn't know where she would find the time.
Evidently Jana doesn't sleep.
Because every aspect of the event was marvelously carried out.
There were danishes, fresh fruit and coffee upon arrival. One would visit the registration table to confirm their presence (or sign up for those who hadn't done so online) and pay their registration fee + any other donations they had collected. There were also several tables set up by the sponsors of the event, offering all kinds of goodies from stress balls (definitely needed that) to portable radios, popcorn to potholders (Mom loves these freebie tables) and our exclusive Memphis Miles bag (reusable!) with plenty of goodies and a beautiful note from Jana to her fanclub! :)
After the mingling and registration (Kiera and I were supposed to do the welcoming and directing, but it was so cold that everyone in my group, consisting of me, Kiera, my mom, Lea, Theresia and Tina, took turns), Jana did a small speech, welcomed Mark Lutrell (the Shelby County mayor) and had the Father from her church lead us in prayer. Then it was 2.75 mile walk (easy peasy) and back to the welcome center for music (DJ!) and more mingling. After everyone left and we cleaned up, Kiera and I joined Jana and a few friends for a picnic. The food was wonderful, but the weather was completely unagreeable and we ended up spending more time wrestling with our food than eating it (think: windy Chicago autumn). Next year, Jana said, we're going to McAlister's!
While we didn't reach Jana's $25K goal, we did raise quite a bit of money for the MMRF. And, perhaps more importantly, we were able to raise awareness to MM and reach out to others in the community whose lives have been affected by MM. Leading up to the walk, Jana was able to use a variety of media outlets to spread word of the event. On Thursday, she was on with ABC 24 news and, at the event, she met a mother and teenage son who had seen Jana and her promo for Memphis Miles on television. The mother said she had lost her husband to MM last year and the walk made her feel like she had a place of belonging and a way to memorialize her late husband.
[As an aside, let me say that Jana was a natural both on the television and the radio. She didn't appear to be the least bit nervous and was articulate and charming--I think she missed her calling!]
I've already begun brainstorming for next year's event (as has Jana). With a little experience under our belts, word out on the street and a good bit of the work already done for future years (logo created; signs made; vendors, volunteers and sponsor lists created), next year should be even bigger and better!
Thanks to everyone who showed up (on my end) and those who donated online. It's great to have such a wonderful, supportive and kind-hearted group of friends in this little 2.75 we call life.
No need to wait for the next Memphis Miles; we can continue to spread the word throughout the year.
Just remember:
Powerful thinking advances the cure.
I had been asking Jana for weeks what I could do to help with the last minute preparations, but she seemed to have it under control. I was a bit worried. Jana is an expert at these types of fundraisers, but with her going back to work, planning my house warming party, being under the weather AND the Memphis Miles walk, I just didn't know where she would find the time.
Evidently Jana doesn't sleep.
Because every aspect of the event was marvelously carried out.
There were danishes, fresh fruit and coffee upon arrival. One would visit the registration table to confirm their presence (or sign up for those who hadn't done so online) and pay their registration fee + any other donations they had collected. There were also several tables set up by the sponsors of the event, offering all kinds of goodies from stress balls (definitely needed that) to portable radios, popcorn to potholders (Mom loves these freebie tables) and our exclusive Memphis Miles bag (reusable!) with plenty of goodies and a beautiful note from Jana to her fanclub! :)
After the mingling and registration (Kiera and I were supposed to do the welcoming and directing, but it was so cold that everyone in my group, consisting of me, Kiera, my mom, Lea, Theresia and Tina, took turns), Jana did a small speech, welcomed Mark Lutrell (the Shelby County mayor) and had the Father from her church lead us in prayer. Then it was 2.75 mile walk (easy peasy) and back to the welcome center for music (DJ!) and more mingling. After everyone left and we cleaned up, Kiera and I joined Jana and a few friends for a picnic. The food was wonderful, but the weather was completely unagreeable and we ended up spending more time wrestling with our food than eating it (think: windy Chicago autumn). Next year, Jana said, we're going to McAlister's!
While we didn't reach Jana's $25K goal, we did raise quite a bit of money for the MMRF. And, perhaps more importantly, we were able to raise awareness to MM and reach out to others in the community whose lives have been affected by MM. Leading up to the walk, Jana was able to use a variety of media outlets to spread word of the event. On Thursday, she was on with ABC 24 news and, at the event, she met a mother and teenage son who had seen Jana and her promo for Memphis Miles on television. The mother said she had lost her husband to MM last year and the walk made her feel like she had a place of belonging and a way to memorialize her late husband.
[As an aside, let me say that Jana was a natural both on the television and the radio. She didn't appear to be the least bit nervous and was articulate and charming--I think she missed her calling!]
I've already begun brainstorming for next year's event (as has Jana). With a little experience under our belts, word out on the street and a good bit of the work already done for future years (logo created; signs made; vendors, volunteers and sponsor lists created), next year should be even bigger and better!
Thanks to everyone who showed up (on my end) and those who donated online. It's great to have such a wonderful, supportive and kind-hearted group of friends in this little 2.75 we call life.
No need to wait for the next Memphis Miles; we can continue to spread the word throughout the year.
Just remember:
Powerful thinking advances the cure.
 |
| Jana and me after the walk |
 |
| One of the many signs leading the way |
 |
| Even Taylor Mae came out in support of MMRF |
 |
| Maroon is the color for MM support, hence the scarves Kiera, Theresia and me |
 |
| The best friends a girl could ask for! |
 |
| The fine folks at El Patio on Austin Peay were nice enough to turn this on and up so I wouldn't miss Jana's TV debut! |
Attention World:
Yes, I know this is stereotypical "southern" behavior, but I promise it's not the norm.
There are so many things wrong with this scenario, I don't even know where to begin!
Police: Woman Stabs Cousin During Fight Over 'Booty Call'
There are so many things wrong with this scenario, I don't even know where to begin!
Police: Woman Stabs Cousin During Fight Over 'Booty Call'
Friday, November 11
House-warming = Break...
or, at least, that is what I told everyone I worked to their wit's ends before Sunday's house-warming party. There were just a very few things I absolutely had to get done beforehand and, while I'm not normally a demanding kind of person (in fact, I usually shy away from asking for anything from anyone), I was definitely an out of character drill sergeant on the days leading up to Sunday.
Did we get it all done? Yes, we did!
Just hours before the party began, I had Tommy moving light fixtures around and Ben installing the new hardware on my sink. Timmy was painting trim work and I was still cleaning. BUT by the time 2:00 rolled around, we were in great shape. In fact, I wasn't stressed at all!
Jana and Jay were hosting the party, and they did an amazing job with the food and layout. I got some wonderful gifts and got to spend some time with my friends and family, which was the most important thing. It was literally perfect. No exaggeration: perfect.
Since a picture's worth a thousand words, I'll let them speak for the party and also finally show my house to the world-at-large. Thanks to everyone who came out and made it such a memorable day.
On second thought--I'm going to put pics of the house in a separate post, otherwise this post will have a million photos in it. :)
Did we get it all done? Yes, we did!
Just hours before the party began, I had Tommy moving light fixtures around and Ben installing the new hardware on my sink. Timmy was painting trim work and I was still cleaning. BUT by the time 2:00 rolled around, we were in great shape. In fact, I wasn't stressed at all!
Jana and Jay were hosting the party, and they did an amazing job with the food and layout. I got some wonderful gifts and got to spend some time with my friends and family, which was the most important thing. It was literally perfect. No exaggeration: perfect.
Since a picture's worth a thousand words, I'll let them speak for the party and also finally show my house to the world-at-large. Thanks to everyone who came out and made it such a memorable day.
On second thought--I'm going to put pics of the house in a separate post, otherwise this post will have a million photos in it. :)
Bedazzling Sedaris
While the rest of Memphis was buzzing about Zac Brown Band at the Forum, fellow English lit-geek Vanessa and I were buzzing about our evening with David Sedaris at the GPAC. Sedaris brought the same level of wit and humor to the stage that he brings to each of his books, and it was a great night.
We arrived in plenty of time to catch a (very giddy) sneak peak of the book-signing session. And, while I'm not normally a star-stuck kind of girl, Sedaris's presence made me feel like 12 year old at a Bieber concert. We had wonderful seats, which offered a completely unobstructed view of Sedaris (this is normally an issue for me as the tallest person in the room is almost always, without falter, sitting directly in front of me). I could have done without the mumbler beside me (you know, one of those that answers every rhetorical question the speaker asks under his/her breath) and Vanessa probably could have done without the larger than her seat (and therefore spilling into Vanessa's) girl beside her, but otherwise: perfect.
After the show, we stood in line for the book signing and were further impressed by Sedaris. First off, he wasn't a diva at all. He was there signing books immediately after the performance and didn't keep us waiting. He ate his dinner at the book-signing table, which was a little rude, but hey--a man's gotta eat! Also, he spent time talking to everyone who came for a signature. This meant the line moved rather slowly, but after an hour and a half, we were at the front. Face-to-face with Sedaris and discussing what we would do with the extra .50 from our $3 abortion. Yes, you had to be there. Quirky? Oh, I can totally do quirky. Van too. And I've gotta say, we cracked the man up. Not a chuckle, but an all out laughing-still-as-we-made-our-way-to-the-door, woulda-made-Santa-Claus-himself-proud kinda laugh. We figure we might even make tomorrow's "diary" portion of the show.
He wishes Vanessa were his teacher and I bedazzled him.
Or at least that's what he wrote in our books.
I bedazzled Sedaris.
I bedazzled Sedaris
I bedazzled Sedaris
I bedazzled Sedaris.
Any way you put it, it's nothing less than awesome.
Not bad for a Thursday evening. :)
We arrived in plenty of time to catch a (very giddy) sneak peak of the book-signing session. And, while I'm not normally a star-stuck kind of girl, Sedaris's presence made me feel like 12 year old at a Bieber concert. We had wonderful seats, which offered a completely unobstructed view of Sedaris (this is normally an issue for me as the tallest person in the room is almost always, without falter, sitting directly in front of me). I could have done without the mumbler beside me (you know, one of those that answers every rhetorical question the speaker asks under his/her breath) and Vanessa probably could have done without the larger than her seat (and therefore spilling into Vanessa's) girl beside her, but otherwise: perfect.
After the show, we stood in line for the book signing and were further impressed by Sedaris. First off, he wasn't a diva at all. He was there signing books immediately after the performance and didn't keep us waiting. He ate his dinner at the book-signing table, which was a little rude, but hey--a man's gotta eat! Also, he spent time talking to everyone who came for a signature. This meant the line moved rather slowly, but after an hour and a half, we were at the front. Face-to-face with Sedaris and discussing what we would do with the extra .50 from our $3 abortion. Yes, you had to be there. Quirky? Oh, I can totally do quirky. Van too. And I've gotta say, we cracked the man up. Not a chuckle, but an all out laughing-still-as-we-made-our-way-to-the-door, woulda-made-Santa-Claus-himself-proud kinda laugh. We figure we might even make tomorrow's "diary" portion of the show.
He wishes Vanessa were his teacher and I bedazzled him.
Or at least that's what he wrote in our books.
I bedazzled Sedaris.
I bedazzled Sedaris
I bedazzled Sedaris
I bedazzled Sedaris.
Any way you put it, it's nothing less than awesome.
Not bad for a Thursday evening. :)
Wednesday, November 9
Tuesday, November 8
So you have an opinion on Roe v. Wade. Now what about everything else?
In high school, we never sat through one single class of sex education because it would "encourage the behavior" and therefore wasn't allowed. So it was not surprising that, at the tender age of 18, I got pregnant with my daughter. I asked my Dr. to tie my tubes once I had her, certain that she was the only child I wanted, and I was told that I had to be at least 24 or have at least 3 children before it would even be considered. And I remember an uneasy feeling at having someone tell me when I could decide not to have more children. Fourteen years later and I am still a mother of one, but it has taken much effort and many forms of contraception to stay in tune with the plan I had for my family.
Now funding for the clinics that support this type of planning (PP) is being cut because the clinics support a woman's right to choice. So at least once a year I have to visit my PCP and pay upwards of $200 to have a myriad of tests run (only one, a pregnancy test, at all applicable) in order to obtain a Rx for birth control. Birth control which is, by the way, largely available over-the-counter in other developed countries (after all, there is no risk or benefit to "abusing" birth control). I pay for my Rx out of pocket monthly (because many insurance plans are no longer covering their costs), endure its side-effects and hope that (1) I remember to take it at the exact same time each night and (2) I don't accidentally take it with another medication that may render it ineffective. Amazing that we put a man on the moon some fifty years ago and still cannot develop effective birth control. IUD, the morning after-pill and other forms of contraception on are on the verge of being outlawed in states like my own (Mississippi), further restricting my access to quality reproductive healthcare.
So when the system (above) fails a woman and she has an unintended pregnancy, she resorts to her last available measure: an abortion. There, she is met with a group of protesters who call her a whore and a murderer; she endures a costly, painful and time-consuming process and is, at times, left with the guilt and grief of having to make such a decision.
If you took notice only to that last paragraph (whether appalled or pleased), then you are part of the problem. It seems to me that the debate on reproductive healthcare these days focuses on one lone issue: Roe v. Wade. But what about our broken system? Why not focus on other means of birth control so that fewer woman are left in a position to make to make a choice? Why require women to jump through hoops to be responsible for their reproductive health and also be angry when the hoops YOU helped to create result in an unintended pregnancies?
The old "abstinence" lectures are not working. In fact, they never have. Furthermore, why restrict access to available measures to control a situation simply because a person doesn't abstain? I've never heard of a doctor refusing a patient Lipitor because (s)he isn't abstaining from fast food. It's irrelevant.
Far too often I hear things like, "Do the crime, pay the time" or "I did it and now I have to be responsible for my actions" or "I know these consequence could happen and now I have to take it on." But is this really the mentality that we want families to begin with? One of obligation and consequence rather than love and desire to parent? How ready do you think these parents are? We have failed to protect them from the pregnancy and we've failed to prepare them for the ramifications. Yet we judge them. We place a stigma on teen moms that they will carry throughout their lives. We applaud their pro-life mentality and shun them for asking for government assistance because they were not financially prepared. We do not prepare our young men to protect themselves (often leaving it up to the woman) nor do we explain the difficulties of being a young father. We continue to fail them daily.
I encourage you to think about the many flaws in our broken system and how we might ensure more women are not forced to consider that final measure when all else has failed them. I encourage you, rather than spending your time trying to outlaw abortion, to focus on measures that open the door to more wide spread reproductive healthcare availability. I encourage you to talk to your child(ren), explaining that bringing a child into this world and raising it is a tremendous responsibility that cannot be taken lightly. I encourage you to focus on filling all the gaps in so women may plan their families without the burdens currently in place. Until we do this, women will always resort to the last measure as a final desperate means to plan her family--whether it be in your state or another, a doctor's office or an alleyway. Focus on fixing the system rather than blaming one who cannot navigate her way through it. Then, and only then, will women have fair and adequate reproductive healthcare.
Now funding for the clinics that support this type of planning (PP) is being cut because the clinics support a woman's right to choice. So at least once a year I have to visit my PCP and pay upwards of $200 to have a myriad of tests run (only one, a pregnancy test, at all applicable) in order to obtain a Rx for birth control. Birth control which is, by the way, largely available over-the-counter in other developed countries (after all, there is no risk or benefit to "abusing" birth control). I pay for my Rx out of pocket monthly (because many insurance plans are no longer covering their costs), endure its side-effects and hope that (1) I remember to take it at the exact same time each night and (2) I don't accidentally take it with another medication that may render it ineffective. Amazing that we put a man on the moon some fifty years ago and still cannot develop effective birth control. IUD, the morning after-pill and other forms of contraception on are on the verge of being outlawed in states like my own (Mississippi), further restricting my access to quality reproductive healthcare.
So when the system (above) fails a woman and she has an unintended pregnancy, she resorts to her last available measure: an abortion. There, she is met with a group of protesters who call her a whore and a murderer; she endures a costly, painful and time-consuming process and is, at times, left with the guilt and grief of having to make such a decision.
If you took notice only to that last paragraph (whether appalled or pleased), then you are part of the problem. It seems to me that the debate on reproductive healthcare these days focuses on one lone issue: Roe v. Wade. But what about our broken system? Why not focus on other means of birth control so that fewer woman are left in a position to make to make a choice? Why require women to jump through hoops to be responsible for their reproductive health and also be angry when the hoops YOU helped to create result in an unintended pregnancies?
The old "abstinence" lectures are not working. In fact, they never have. Furthermore, why restrict access to available measures to control a situation simply because a person doesn't abstain? I've never heard of a doctor refusing a patient Lipitor because (s)he isn't abstaining from fast food. It's irrelevant.
Far too often I hear things like, "Do the crime, pay the time" or "I did it and now I have to be responsible for my actions" or "I know these consequence could happen and now I have to take it on." But is this really the mentality that we want families to begin with? One of obligation and consequence rather than love and desire to parent? How ready do you think these parents are? We have failed to protect them from the pregnancy and we've failed to prepare them for the ramifications. Yet we judge them. We place a stigma on teen moms that they will carry throughout their lives. We applaud their pro-life mentality and shun them for asking for government assistance because they were not financially prepared. We do not prepare our young men to protect themselves (often leaving it up to the woman) nor do we explain the difficulties of being a young father. We continue to fail them daily.
I encourage you to think about the many flaws in our broken system and how we might ensure more women are not forced to consider that final measure when all else has failed them. I encourage you, rather than spending your time trying to outlaw abortion, to focus on measures that open the door to more wide spread reproductive healthcare availability. I encourage you to talk to your child(ren), explaining that bringing a child into this world and raising it is a tremendous responsibility that cannot be taken lightly. I encourage you to focus on filling all the gaps in so women may plan their families without the burdens currently in place. Until we do this, women will always resort to the last measure as a final desperate means to plan her family--whether it be in your state or another, a doctor's office or an alleyway. Focus on fixing the system rather than blaming one who cannot navigate her way through it. Then, and only then, will women have fair and adequate reproductive healthcare.
Friday, November 4
Thursday, November 3
Random Memory
Last night I (rather randomly) remembered watching Mommy Dearest with my Mom several times over as a young child.
I wonder if she was trying to tell me: See, you don't have it so bad!
[Note to self: Must watch Mommy Dearest with Kiera next time she's being a melodramatic teen.]
I wonder if she was trying to tell me: See, you don't have it so bad!
[Note to self: Must watch Mommy Dearest with Kiera next time she's being a melodramatic teen.]
Wednesday, November 2
It's Getting Hot in Here...
With Election Day right around the corner and an election year right around the corner from that, things are getting pretty politically charged.
I was reading the blog of an activist I follow when I read the following quote, which I think is profound:
If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.
~Desmond Tutu
I have always thought this to be the case, although I doubt I've ever expressed it as articulately.
I hope you will take a moment to reflect upon Tutu's words as we approach election day and vote with your conscious rather than taking an apathetic or (cliche) they-are-all-crooks-anyway approach to the political movement(s) in your area.
Voting is both your right and your duty.
I was reading the blog of an activist I follow when I read the following quote, which I think is profound:
If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.
~Desmond Tutu
I have always thought this to be the case, although I doubt I've ever expressed it as articulately.
I hope you will take a moment to reflect upon Tutu's words as we approach election day and vote with your conscious rather than taking an apathetic or (cliche) they-are-all-crooks-anyway approach to the political movement(s) in your area.
Voting is both your right and your duty.
...And...she's at it again!
Oh, Ann Coulter, will you ever learn?
Did you really tweet
Kim Kardashian inspires slogan for 2012 presidential campaign, [Once] you go half-black, you CAN go back. [???]
And, on the same day, follow that up with an appearance on Fox (the only station worthy of such a poor showing), telling Hannity, "Our blacks are so much better than their blacks." [???]
I mean, come on. Seriously?
Have you been eating paint chips again?
Someone please put a muzzle on that girl.
(You'd think the Republican party would have already thought of this, seeing as how (1) she can't be good for the party's image and (2) they are sooo in favor of intruding on individuals' rights on a daily basis. They must be too busy denying minorities' rights to focus on it at this time.)
Did you really tweet
Kim Kardashian inspires slogan for 2012 presidential campaign, [Once] you go half-black, you CAN go back. [???]
And, on the same day, follow that up with an appearance on Fox (the only station worthy of such a poor showing), telling Hannity, "Our blacks are so much better than their blacks." [???]
I mean, come on. Seriously?
Have you been eating paint chips again?
Someone please put a muzzle on that girl.
(You'd think the Republican party would have already thought of this, seeing as how (1) she can't be good for the party's image and (2) they are sooo in favor of intruding on individuals' rights on a daily basis. They must be too busy denying minorities' rights to focus on it at this time.)
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