I try to keep my weekends free from "real world" distractions like my day job and the news, so Monday mornings are always a shock because I'm at work and learning about what happened in the world at large. Usually by Monday afternoon I've seen enough to get all angry and angsty. Here are some news bits that have my feathers ruffled today.... and no, I don't just read the New York Times, but today all the best/worst ones are from there.
from The Push to ‘Otherize’ Obama by Nicholas D. Kristof
What is happening, I think, is this: religious prejudice is becoming a proxy for racial prejudice. In public at least, it’s not acceptable to express reservations about a candidate’s skin color, so discomfort about race is sublimated into concerns about whether Mr. Obama is sufficiently Christian.
The result is this campaign to “otherize” Mr. Obama. Nobody needs to point out that he is black, but there’s a persistent effort to exaggerate other differences, to de-Americanize him.
(Just imagine for a moment if it were the black candidate in this election, rather than the white candidate, who was born in Central America, was an indifferent churchgoer, had graduated near the bottom of his university class, had dumped his first wife, had regularly displayed an explosive and profane temper, and had referred to the Pakistani-Iraqi border ...)
for those that loved The West Wing, a dream scene meeting between Obama and fictional President Bartlett by Aaron Sorkin
BARTLETT: GET ANGRIER! Call them liars, because that’s what they are. Sarah Palin didn’t say “thanks but no thanks” to the Bridge to Nowhere. She just said “Thanks.” You were raised by a single mother on food stamps — where does a guy with eight houses who was legacied into Annapolis get off calling you an elitist? And by the way, if you do nothing else, take that word back. Elite is a good word, it means well above average. I’d ask them what their problem is with excellence. While you’re at it, I want the word “patriot” back. McCain can say that the transcendent issue of our time is the spread of Islamic fanaticism or he can choose a running mate who doesn’t know the Bush doctrine from the Monroe Doctrine, but he can’t do both at the same time and call it patriotic. They have to lie — the truth isn’t their friend right now. Get angry. Mock them mercilessly; they’ve earned it. McCain decried agents of intolerance, then chose a running mate who had to ask if she was allowed to ban books from a public library. It’s not bad enough she thinks the planet Earth was created in six days 6,000 years ago complete with a man, a woman and a talking snake, she wants schools to teach the rest of our kids to deny geology, anthropology, archaeology and common sense too? It’s not bad enough she’s forcing her own daughter into a loveless marriage to a teenage hood, she wants the rest of us to guide our daughters in that direction too? It’s not enough that a woman shouldn’t have the right to choose, it should be the law of the land that she has to carry and deliver her rapist’s baby too? I don’t know whether or not Governor Palin has the tenacity of a pit bull, but I know for sure she’s got the qualifications of one. And you’re worried about seeming angry? You could eat their lunch, make them cry and tell their mamas about it and God himself would call it restrained. There are times when you are simply required to be impolite. There are times when condescension is called for!
from Truthiness Stages a Comeback by Frank Rich
For better or worse, the candidacy of Barack Obama, a senator-come-lately, must be evaluated on his judgment, ideas and potential to lead. McCain, by contrast, has been chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, where he claims to have overseen “every part of our economy.” He didn’t, thank heavens, but he does have a long and relevant economic record that begins with the Keating Five scandal of 1989 and extends to this campaign, where his fiscal policies bear the fingerprints of Phil Gramm and Carly Fiorina. It’s not the résumé that a presidential candidate wants to advertise as America faces its worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. That’s why the main thrust of the McCain campaign has been to cover up his history of economic malpractice.
from Pact on Debates Will Let McCain and Obama Spar by Patrick Healy
At the insistence of the McCain campaign, the Oct. 2 debate between the Republican nominee for vice president, Gov. Sarah Palin, and her Democratic rival, Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr., will have shorter question-and-answer segments than those for the presidential nominees, the advisers said. There will also be much less opportunity for free-wheeling, direct exchanges between the running mates.
McCain advisers said they had been concerned that a loose format could leave Ms. Palin, a relatively inexperienced debater, at a disadvantage and largely on the defensive.
…
McCain advisers said they were only somewhat concerned about Ms. Palin’s debating skills compared with those of Mr. Biden, who has served six terms in the Senate, or about his chances of tripping her up. Instead, they say, they wanted Ms. Palin to have opportunities to present Mr. McCain’s positions, rather than spending time talking about her experience or playing defense.
Ahhh.... good stuff.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Flash back, flash forward
Here's a general update cuz I got lots going on.... and at the same time very little.
-I can't believe I agreed to get into my Gorey Stories get-up again. Creative Loafing wants something splashy for the cover of the arts section for their Best of the Bay issue. Hey, I'm flattered they want me (and I have a sneaking suspicion I'll be netting that Best Costumer award again), but the thought of that hair/makeup process is giving me the willies. Not to mention having to track down all that stuff tonight. Oh well.... fame has a price.... and I'm all about shameless self promotion.
-In the span of one week I closed Embedded, struck the show and did the costumes for Blackbird which opens on Thursday. Only 3 contemporary costumes for that one, but it's amazing how much I sweat those things.
-I've already started memorizing for History of the Devil. It's not a lot, but I want to get that part out of the way so I can just play and enjoy the great cast and director.
-I'm 3 weeks without pins in my arm, and the rehab is going slow. Last week I had a check-up and the doc said I had 40-50% of normal strength, flexibility, range of motion, etc. He said that I was doing fine, but it seems to be taking forever!
-This looming presidential election is getting me very excited/riled up. I've wanted Obama from the start. I was feeling feisty before McCain made his VP selection, and now I am getting more rabid by the day. Sorry, don't get the Palin thing. The more I learn about her, the more terrified I am by those who support her. She reminds me of a cross between Earl's ex-wife on My Name is Earl and Karen from Will and Grace. Now, I'm not sure I ever saw a complete episode of either one of those shows, but I've seen enough to make the comparison. Honestly, I think she's a joke. But I calm myself a little Jon Stewert and some Daily Show action every morning.
-Sleep has become some sort of elusive end of the rainbow thing for me. I'm going on a week of the "can't fall asleep for hours" kind of insomnia. Not bad on the weekends when I can get up whenever, but it makes work days a kind of living death. Nice. All of this right on the heels of getting an appointment with a pulmonologist to see if I have some sort of sleep disorder. Very nice.
-Work is painfully boring. I actually prefer when we have projects piled up and deadlines looming.... 8 hours is a long time when you have nothing new, and have already gone through all those "when I get time" projects. And you can only go through and delete old emails and files so many times. One of my core beliefs is "If I'm not actively doing something, I might as well be sleeping." Hey, maybe I've got narcolepsy.... wouldn't that be a topic of conversation?
-I lack motivation in free time. Sure I could clean the house, cook things, organize stuff.... but once I get home from work and force myself to workout for an hour, the only thing I seem motivated to do is grab the needlepoint and indulge my obsession with past seasons of 24. One of the 12 steps is realizing you are powerless over your addiction, right? OK, I'm powerless when confronted with Jack Bauer. But, watching a show based on government conspiracies during an election year is dangerous. Maybe that's why I'm having problems sleeping.
Wow.
That is one disjointed line of rambling.
I blame the insomnia created by the over saturation of my idle brain from both the media and Hollywood and my feelings of physical inadequacy since I cannot yet use my left hand completely. Oh... and the humidity. The humidity is always to blame.
-I can't believe I agreed to get into my Gorey Stories get-up again. Creative Loafing wants something splashy for the cover of the arts section for their Best of the Bay issue. Hey, I'm flattered they want me (and I have a sneaking suspicion I'll be netting that Best Costumer award again), but the thought of that hair/makeup process is giving me the willies. Not to mention having to track down all that stuff tonight. Oh well.... fame has a price.... and I'm all about shameless self promotion.
-In the span of one week I closed Embedded, struck the show and did the costumes for Blackbird which opens on Thursday. Only 3 contemporary costumes for that one, but it's amazing how much I sweat those things.
-I've already started memorizing for History of the Devil. It's not a lot, but I want to get that part out of the way so I can just play and enjoy the great cast and director.
-I'm 3 weeks without pins in my arm, and the rehab is going slow. Last week I had a check-up and the doc said I had 40-50% of normal strength, flexibility, range of motion, etc. He said that I was doing fine, but it seems to be taking forever!
-This looming presidential election is getting me very excited/riled up. I've wanted Obama from the start. I was feeling feisty before McCain made his VP selection, and now I am getting more rabid by the day. Sorry, don't get the Palin thing. The more I learn about her, the more terrified I am by those who support her. She reminds me of a cross between Earl's ex-wife on My Name is Earl and Karen from Will and Grace. Now, I'm not sure I ever saw a complete episode of either one of those shows, but I've seen enough to make the comparison. Honestly, I think she's a joke. But I calm myself a little Jon Stewert and some Daily Show action every morning.
-Sleep has become some sort of elusive end of the rainbow thing for me. I'm going on a week of the "can't fall asleep for hours" kind of insomnia. Not bad on the weekends when I can get up whenever, but it makes work days a kind of living death. Nice. All of this right on the heels of getting an appointment with a pulmonologist to see if I have some sort of sleep disorder. Very nice.
-Work is painfully boring. I actually prefer when we have projects piled up and deadlines looming.... 8 hours is a long time when you have nothing new, and have already gone through all those "when I get time" projects. And you can only go through and delete old emails and files so many times. One of my core beliefs is "If I'm not actively doing something, I might as well be sleeping." Hey, maybe I've got narcolepsy.... wouldn't that be a topic of conversation?
-I lack motivation in free time. Sure I could clean the house, cook things, organize stuff.... but once I get home from work and force myself to workout for an hour, the only thing I seem motivated to do is grab the needlepoint and indulge my obsession with past seasons of 24. One of the 12 steps is realizing you are powerless over your addiction, right? OK, I'm powerless when confronted with Jack Bauer. But, watching a show based on government conspiracies during an election year is dangerous. Maybe that's why I'm having problems sleeping.
Wow.
That is one disjointed line of rambling.
I blame the insomnia created by the over saturation of my idle brain from both the media and Hollywood and my feelings of physical inadequacy since I cannot yet use my left hand completely. Oh... and the humidity. The humidity is always to blame.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Future lookin' bright
I've been up late the last couple of nights watching coverage of the DNC, and every night I've been more excited and positive. Michelle Obama's bio piece was great, Hillary's speech and subsequent performance at roll call gave me a thrill (especially considering I can't stand the sound of her voice). Bill Clinton managed to suck it up with his trademark charm and fire. Biden played his role as "the big stick" well... and I'm starting to like him. And Obama's speech last night? Absolutely inspiring. I've loved his eloquent orations in the past, but this one was firmly rooted in practical language which made the speech even more profound. One of the reasons I like him is because he doesn't come from a wealthy, affluent family.... he's not part of a political dynasty. He's an educated, cultured person from simple roots.
Now, I've been waiting all morning for McCain to steal focus with his VP selection. And he certainly got my attention... by stepping on his own crank.
Sarah Palin? Dude, a Republican in a dress is still a Republican. She's a gun totin', moose eatin' pro-lifer that just happens to wear a dress. A runner up for Miss Alaska, I found just as many Google hits that had her name associated with McCain as with MILF. After researching her stands on abortion, energy/oil, economics, gay/lesbian rights, religion, etc... she's no different than a Huckabee or a Romney. I've never understood how a woman can be pro-life... I can understand a woman choosing life, but to restrict that choice in others? nuh huh... don't get it.
So let the trial by fire begin.... I can't wait to see how this odd couple crashes and burns in the next few months.
Here's Palin in her evening gown at the Miss Alaska competition in 1984
And here's one that I tittered over...
Now, I've been waiting all morning for McCain to steal focus with his VP selection. And he certainly got my attention... by stepping on his own crank.
Sarah Palin? Dude, a Republican in a dress is still a Republican. She's a gun totin', moose eatin' pro-lifer that just happens to wear a dress. A runner up for Miss Alaska, I found just as many Google hits that had her name associated with McCain as with MILF. After researching her stands on abortion, energy/oil, economics, gay/lesbian rights, religion, etc... she's no different than a Huckabee or a Romney. I've never understood how a woman can be pro-life... I can understand a woman choosing life, but to restrict that choice in others? nuh huh... don't get it.
So let the trial by fire begin.... I can't wait to see how this odd couple crashes and burns in the next few months.
Here's Palin in her evening gown at the Miss Alaska competition in 1984
And here's one that I tittered over...
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
new happenings
My doc removed the pins from my arm today!!! Whoop whoop! This time was sorta bad... same achey, but with some breath sucking moments of EEK thrown in. He wants me to wear my brace when I'm ambulatory (driving, working out, playing with the dogs) since the muscles are very weak and a fall could break it again. I can live with that. I go back in 2 weeks for another look-see, but basically I'm free to slowly start bending, flexing and rotating. I can shower without bagging my arm (after 48 hours to make sure the pin holes are closed) so hopefully the weird scaly skin will go away. But my arm is stupid... I have to play "bad coach" and yell at it to get it to twist.... ahhhh.... let the fun of physical therapy begin.
At just over 2 years old, my dog Grimm is getting in touch with his alpha male. I think he finally figured out that in a smackdown with Wolfgang... Wolfie will LOSE. He's bigger, stronger and faster than the other 2, so he's getting his macho mutt on. This is making for tense moments around the house since Wolfie is doing his best Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo impression. Can't blame him... for all intents and purposes Grimm is emasculating him on a daily basis... which is a hilarious statement given that neither of them has testicles. But Grimm is pushing the boundaries.... he shoves Wolfie out of the way to get the love, he chases Pugsley away from her food bowl just to prove he can (she goes back when he leaves), he steals all the cool toys, a lays in Wolfie's spot on the bed. In addition, he is getting uppity with me. He tries to muscle his way out the door when I'm leaving and when I took him with me to get a cup of coffee... he lept out the car door and fought all my attempts to pull him back in.... just put on the brakes and pulled back... some good Samaritan had to pick him up and put him in the car since I was trying one handed. And he's taken to peeing when we go for a walk.... he NEVER did that! I think he's trying to mark his territory! All of this is very strange behavior from the dog who always gave in to Wolfgang and only had behavior problems of the "energetic" variety. This is the dog who shakes when it thunders and is spooked by a plastic bag blowing in the breeze. I'm going to email my former trainer and do some reading. Now, it's not my place to decide which of my pack is Alpha, but I'm afraid that Grimm and Wolfie might do some damage before this gets resolved.... cuz Wolfie wont back down and Grimm is very big and strong. Maybe that week at kennel changed him.... kinda like prison.
At just over 2 years old, my dog Grimm is getting in touch with his alpha male. I think he finally figured out that in a smackdown with Wolfgang... Wolfie will LOSE. He's bigger, stronger and faster than the other 2, so he's getting his macho mutt on. This is making for tense moments around the house since Wolfie is doing his best Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo impression. Can't blame him... for all intents and purposes Grimm is emasculating him on a daily basis... which is a hilarious statement given that neither of them has testicles. But Grimm is pushing the boundaries.... he shoves Wolfie out of the way to get the love, he chases Pugsley away from her food bowl just to prove he can (she goes back when he leaves), he steals all the cool toys, a lays in Wolfie's spot on the bed. In addition, he is getting uppity with me. He tries to muscle his way out the door when I'm leaving and when I took him with me to get a cup of coffee... he lept out the car door and fought all my attempts to pull him back in.... just put on the brakes and pulled back... some good Samaritan had to pick him up and put him in the car since I was trying one handed. And he's taken to peeing when we go for a walk.... he NEVER did that! I think he's trying to mark his territory! All of this is very strange behavior from the dog who always gave in to Wolfgang and only had behavior problems of the "energetic" variety. This is the dog who shakes when it thunders and is spooked by a plastic bag blowing in the breeze. I'm going to email my former trainer and do some reading. Now, it's not my place to decide which of my pack is Alpha, but I'm afraid that Grimm and Wolfie might do some damage before this gets resolved.... cuz Wolfie wont back down and Grimm is very big and strong. Maybe that week at kennel changed him.... kinda like prison.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Already?
Y'know what I've heard a lot the last couple of days as I count down to pin removal?
"Has it been 8 weeks already?"
Proving that time flies when you don't have a broken arm.
Y'know what I can't wait to NOT hear?
"What did you do?" or worse "Did it hurt?"
Anyone who asks if breaking a bone and then having surgery on it hurt should be curbed.... seriously. What kind of an oxygen thief asks that? But I've heard it.
So, I'm down to 92 hours left....
CANNOT FRICKIN' WAIT
"Has it been 8 weeks already?"
Proving that time flies when you don't have a broken arm.
Y'know what I can't wait to NOT hear?
"What did you do?" or worse "Did it hurt?"
Anyone who asks if breaking a bone and then having surgery on it hurt should be curbed.... seriously. What kind of an oxygen thief asks that? But I've heard it.
So, I'm down to 92 hours left....
CANNOT FRICKIN' WAIT
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
New charity being created!
So, I'm thinking of starting an online charity or something...
The name should be something like "Katrina apparently needs 6 new porcelain veneers". That is the best name I could come up with... and the only one not loaded with curse words.
Apparently veneers have a lifespan... my 12 year old ones are in the geriatric phase. Here's the bonus... so not only will they continue to deteriorate around the seams leading to maybe more falling off... but the teeth underneath are suffering. Yeah! Would that knowledge have made a difference 12 years ago? Probably not. But it sucks in the here and now.
You should have seen the disappointment on my cutie young doctor's face when I told him to just glue the old one on and not to even start making plans about replacing all of them. You'd have thought I killed his puppy.
Hmmm... maybe that leaping in front of a bus idea should be given another look.
The name should be something like "Katrina apparently needs 6 new porcelain veneers". That is the best name I could come up with... and the only one not loaded with curse words.
Apparently veneers have a lifespan... my 12 year old ones are in the geriatric phase. Here's the bonus... so not only will they continue to deteriorate around the seams leading to maybe more falling off... but the teeth underneath are suffering. Yeah! Would that knowledge have made a difference 12 years ago? Probably not. But it sucks in the here and now.
You should have seen the disappointment on my cutie young doctor's face when I told him to just glue the old one on and not to even start making plans about replacing all of them. You'd have thought I killed his puppy.
Hmmm... maybe that leaping in front of a bus idea should be given another look.
Monday, August 11, 2008
uncle!
So the suck just keeps rolling into my life... I didn't think it was possible, but apparently the universe hasn't quite finished f@%king with me yet. I'm trying to figure out if all this adversity is a)setting me up to truly appreciate the good things when they finally start coming in or b)push me over the edge and force me to throw myself in front of a bus. I'm hoping for the former, but I aint holding my breath.
12 years ago I had porcelain veneers put on my top 6 teeth. It came out of my pocket and was probably the greatest money ever spent. There are very few people who remember my gappy, snaggly teeth, and I've been systematically destroying any photos of that time. Well... one of them came off on Saturday... not one of the center 2, but still...
On seeing one of my real teeth, I nearly had cardiac arrest.... like my hair color, I had convinced myself that "natural" was what I paid for. The silver lining is that the veneer is intact and I didn't swallow it or lose it. I have an appointment on Wednesday to have it glued back on, so I get to feel like Cletus the Slack Jawed
Yokel for 2 more days. Yes, I have dental insurance, but it certainly doesn't cover cosmetic stuff....
And the truly crappy part is that it probably came loose since I broke my arm... I never use my teeth to pry or tear or do anything, but since I am down a functioning hand, I had to resort to using them. Awesome.
Let's just say I'm playing the lottery this week... surely I'm due for some good news, right? If not, I've picked up a bus schedule...
12 years ago I had porcelain veneers put on my top 6 teeth. It came out of my pocket and was probably the greatest money ever spent. There are very few people who remember my gappy, snaggly teeth, and I've been systematically destroying any photos of that time. Well... one of them came off on Saturday... not one of the center 2, but still...
On seeing one of my real teeth, I nearly had cardiac arrest.... like my hair color, I had convinced myself that "natural" was what I paid for. The silver lining is that the veneer is intact and I didn't swallow it or lose it. I have an appointment on Wednesday to have it glued back on, so I get to feel like Cletus the Slack Jawed
Yokel for 2 more days. Yes, I have dental insurance, but it certainly doesn't cover cosmetic stuff....
And the truly crappy part is that it probably came loose since I broke my arm... I never use my teeth to pry or tear or do anything, but since I am down a functioning hand, I had to resort to using them. Awesome.
Let's just say I'm playing the lottery this week... surely I'm due for some good news, right? If not, I've picked up a bus schedule...
Thursday, August 7, 2008
FAIL!
From the folks who brought you i can has cheezburger...
And i has a hotdog...
The all new FAIL BLOG!
More sites to help me avoid work... good stuff
http://icanhascheezburger.com
http://ihasahotdog.com
http://failblog.org/
And i has a hotdog...
The all new FAIL BLOG!
More sites to help me avoid work... good stuff
http://icanhascheezburger.com
http://ihasahotdog.com
http://failblog.org/
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
babies are not as cute as puppies...
but these two aren't bad....
my nephew KOLBY CURTIS
He kinda has that midget Roman Emperor thing going on as he gives a zoo animal the thumbs down. I think he'd like the hyena and the buffalo to go at it Gladiator style.
my newest nephew BRODIE DAVID
As my hair goddess Analisa said all infants look like tiny meatloafs. I have to agree... or maybe baby shaped jello molds.
And it's comments like these that make me think my lack of motherhood is a good.
my nephew KOLBY CURTIS
He kinda has that midget Roman Emperor thing going on as he gives a zoo animal the thumbs down. I think he'd like the hyena and the buffalo to go at it Gladiator style.
my newest nephew BRODIE DAVID
As my hair goddess Analisa said all infants look like tiny meatloafs. I have to agree... or maybe baby shaped jello molds.
And it's comments like these that make me think my lack of motherhood is a good.
you're gonna use pliers?
Had an arm check up today... everything is healing perfectly fine. He decided to take out the two pins that seemed to be constantly irritated. How does this happen? He took hold of my wrist in his left hand and a pair of fancy-schmancy medical pliers in his right and attacked. He pulled, he twisted, and they reluctantly came out. No, there was no pain, but definitely a weird feeling of pressure and a little ache... and very little blood.
Not bad. Just very surreal to see a thick steel pin being pried out of your arm like a nail.
The best part? The rest come out on the 19th... 11 a.m.... and I cannot wait! Oh all the things I'll do... like flex my wrist and rotate my radius and ulna... probably with much work and a fair amount of pain :)
Not bad. Just very surreal to see a thick steel pin being pried out of your arm like a nail.
The best part? The rest come out on the 19th... 11 a.m.... and I cannot wait! Oh all the things I'll do... like flex my wrist and rotate my radius and ulna... probably with much work and a fair amount of pain :)
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
It's not fair!
So... I love dogs. Love them more than people most of the time. I love their faces and their floppy ears and... well just about everything. And those who take in the strays and the hard luck cases? Heroes. Because it isn't easy. My friends and I pride ourselves on saving the mutts of the world.
Today I get smacked upside the head with man's absolute cruelty.... one of my coworkers fosters daschunds for a rescue group. She had 16 in her home and has been getting calls from owners who want to surrender their doxies (usually for selfish... "it's inconvenient" reasons). Then she gets a pup like Ariel...
Sweet, crazy dog....
Today I get smacked upside the head with man's absolute cruelty.... one of my coworkers fosters daschunds for a rescue group. She had 16 in her home and has been getting calls from owners who want to surrender their doxies (usually for selfish... "it's inconvenient" reasons). Then she gets a pup like Ariel...
Her owner just let her out to fend for herself. ??????? Yeah, obviously that worked out really well! I just don't get it. I understand that not everyone feels about their pets the way I do, I get that. But how in the world could you just abandon a creature that has depended on you for everything? How could you live with yourself?
So on the heels of hearing all about this baby this morning, I learn that my best friends David and Summer had to put their dog Petunia (aka Toots) to sleep. She was one of those abused, abandoned dogs that got rescued... probably by the best puppy parents I know. They did everything for this sweetheart... more than I think I could have done... but it wasn't enough to undo whatever was done to her. Petunia could be sweet, and loyal and a big goof (playing fetch with sour oranges was my favorite). Unfortunately she had violent fits. Some bad ones... but D&S tried to solve the problems... correction, meds, "counseling"... they even gave up Pugsley to me because they knew if they didn't keep Petunia, no one would have her. Well.. she caused some serious damage this weekend... and there was no alternative but to put her down. It was the best thing, and she's scampering madly in doggie valhala right now, but it doesn't change the fact that it sucks. Here was a dog that wanted so much to be good... but she had something broken in her and no amount of love, attention or money could make it better. And my friends are probably going mad with guilt right now... and some worthless piece of skin who booted their dog to the curb is probably feeling nothing, except relief that they got rid of that little problem.
It just hurts, y'know?
Here's a picture of Petunia... in case you need another tug at the heart.
Sweet, crazy dog....
I haven't posted anything in a while, because typing with one hand is tedious, but I'll give it a try...
The arm seems to continue healing. My next check-up is in 2 days and I'm anxious to see what the x-rays have to show. Everyday I have more dexterity and strength in the portion of my hand I can use, but I'm scared of how much work it will take to get the rest working again. I also wonder if I'll ever get over the feeling that it could just snap again at any moment.
My Colorado vacation was wonderful... lots of family, food and nice sunshine. I'm still agog at how big and mobile Kolby has gotten... especially compared to his cousin, Brodie. My hair person described infants as cute, people shaped meatloafs.... kinda true, that. But it was neat to spend a little time with one that small. The best thing about those 2 little boys? Seeing so much love and adoration from their parents... quite overwhelming for someone like me. And the little ones just keep coming... my sister Natalie is expecting... and I'm sure she's tired of my psychic vibes encouraging her "blueberry" to be a little girl. I can't help it... I wanna make dresses! I'm constantly proud of my dad and "momica" who have raised 5 children and who are still in love. Today is their anniversary, and if he's not rescuing drunk bicyclists or selling a jet plane, and if she's not cooking a feast or quilting something beautiful, I'm sure they are enjoying that love.
I came back to costume world, and after hitting army/navy surplus, several thrift stores and the fabric shops... I'm well on my way. I even conquered my fear of sewing stretchy fabrics... basically I just do what my sewing machine tells me to do. If I had known it was going to be that easy, I would have made the plunge earlier. Silly girl, the sewing machine is smarter than you are, get over it. The show, Embedded, is in great shape. I saw a run on Saturday and it is almost there... just needs the next week and a half to cook.
As to entertainment.... I finished Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross... very good. Historical Fiction about a girl who lived as a man and became Pope in the 9th century. Really. Check it out... it will make you salute your inner "girl power" flag. I fell in love with Sarah McLachlan's Afterglow Live.... I adore live stuff and this one rocks. Saw In Bruge by writer/director Martin McDonnagh (one of my favorite playwrights). Very violent, very black Irish humor.
So... there's the update... only took twice as long with only one hand typing.
The arm seems to continue healing. My next check-up is in 2 days and I'm anxious to see what the x-rays have to show. Everyday I have more dexterity and strength in the portion of my hand I can use, but I'm scared of how much work it will take to get the rest working again. I also wonder if I'll ever get over the feeling that it could just snap again at any moment.
My Colorado vacation was wonderful... lots of family, food and nice sunshine. I'm still agog at how big and mobile Kolby has gotten... especially compared to his cousin, Brodie. My hair person described infants as cute, people shaped meatloafs.... kinda true, that. But it was neat to spend a little time with one that small. The best thing about those 2 little boys? Seeing so much love and adoration from their parents... quite overwhelming for someone like me. And the little ones just keep coming... my sister Natalie is expecting... and I'm sure she's tired of my psychic vibes encouraging her "blueberry" to be a little girl. I can't help it... I wanna make dresses! I'm constantly proud of my dad and "momica" who have raised 5 children and who are still in love. Today is their anniversary, and if he's not rescuing drunk bicyclists or selling a jet plane, and if she's not cooking a feast or quilting something beautiful, I'm sure they are enjoying that love.
I came back to costume world, and after hitting army/navy surplus, several thrift stores and the fabric shops... I'm well on my way. I even conquered my fear of sewing stretchy fabrics... basically I just do what my sewing machine tells me to do. If I had known it was going to be that easy, I would have made the plunge earlier. Silly girl, the sewing machine is smarter than you are, get over it. The show, Embedded, is in great shape. I saw a run on Saturday and it is almost there... just needs the next week and a half to cook.
As to entertainment.... I finished Pope Joan by Donna Woolfolk Cross... very good. Historical Fiction about a girl who lived as a man and became Pope in the 9th century. Really. Check it out... it will make you salute your inner "girl power" flag. I fell in love with Sarah McLachlan's Afterglow Live.... I adore live stuff and this one rocks. Saw In Bruge by writer/director Martin McDonnagh (one of my favorite playwrights). Very violent, very black Irish humor.
So... there's the update... only took twice as long with only one hand typing.
Friday, June 27, 2008
the good, the bad, the sad....
Last Sunday was a big day... my new nephew Brodie got to meet his super strong mama and proud daddy, one of my heros, George Carlin, died, and I broke my wrist.
So everyone has seen pictures or has met baby Brodie, and we can all enjoy Carlin in books and DVDs, so I'll just update on the large lump of plaster and steel I have lug around.... I think my arm is in there somewhere...
OK... I broke my left radius just above the wrist. In order to make sure the bones heal as straight as possible and to make sure I don't lose any mobility or strength, the doc did a procedure known as trans-ulnar percutaneous pinning... thin steel pins were drilled through my ulna and into the radius in order to fix the bones in place. The pins will stick out of my arm about a half inch, but I can't see them right now because of the HUGE HEAVY dressing. It is in pieces (so it can be opened and the pins checked and cleaned) but the panels are thick plaster wrapped and wrapped from elbow to knuckle. I'll keep this hard cast on for three weeks and they will x-ray again next week... and then 10 days after that. After three weeks, the cast will go away and I'll get a lighter "pin guard" type brace to wear for another 6-7 weeks, but I'll be able to take that one off on my own.
Is it painful? Ummmm yeah. Once the nerve block anesthesia wore off last night, I considered pounding my head against the wall in order to lose consciousness... but the oxycodone finally kicked in and i slept like the dead. Now I'm trying not to go crazy.... I don't like being inactive. In addition to the arm pain, my shoulder aches from whatever they did to me in surgery, and I've got a huge bruise in my armpit from where they had to dig for the nerve. fun fun fun.
I've got movies, a book, and good drugs.
Hey, it could have been worse... it could have been an ankle or my right hand!
So everyone has seen pictures or has met baby Brodie, and we can all enjoy Carlin in books and DVDs, so I'll just update on the large lump of plaster and steel I have lug around.... I think my arm is in there somewhere...
OK... I broke my left radius just above the wrist. In order to make sure the bones heal as straight as possible and to make sure I don't lose any mobility or strength, the doc did a procedure known as trans-ulnar percutaneous pinning... thin steel pins were drilled through my ulna and into the radius in order to fix the bones in place. The pins will stick out of my arm about a half inch, but I can't see them right now because of the HUGE HEAVY dressing. It is in pieces (so it can be opened and the pins checked and cleaned) but the panels are thick plaster wrapped and wrapped from elbow to knuckle. I'll keep this hard cast on for three weeks and they will x-ray again next week... and then 10 days after that. After three weeks, the cast will go away and I'll get a lighter "pin guard" type brace to wear for another 6-7 weeks, but I'll be able to take that one off on my own.
Is it painful? Ummmm yeah. Once the nerve block anesthesia wore off last night, I considered pounding my head against the wall in order to lose consciousness... but the oxycodone finally kicked in and i slept like the dead. Now I'm trying not to go crazy.... I don't like being inactive. In addition to the arm pain, my shoulder aches from whatever they did to me in surgery, and I've got a huge bruise in my armpit from where they had to dig for the nerve. fun fun fun.
I've got movies, a book, and good drugs.
Hey, it could have been worse... it could have been an ankle or my right hand!
Monday, June 16, 2008
After Opening Release
When I'm costuming, the final week or so leading up to opening means my house explodes in a confusion of clothing, fabric, and straight pins. I usually end up spending opening weekend cleaning.... not my favorite task. But it's nice because for the next couple weeks all I have to do is repair and run the wash.
We start auditions this week for our 08-09 season... and this week is full. History of the Devil on Tuesday, Lt. of Inishmore (with Irish Dialect) on Saturday, and Blackbird (stream of consciousness dialogue) on Sunday. I'm planning a "mental health" day for sometime next week to recover.
But I did plenty of entertainment hunting this weekend.... here are my reviews (for what it's worth).
Music:
Live in New York- Jonatha Brooke.
Why isn't this woman more known? I mean seriously. Her rock/folk sound is complemented by lyrics that border on poetry.
The Eraser- Thom Yorke
Lead Singer for Radiohead, this album is more melodious than what is normally done with the band (although I'm a big fan of Radiohead). For anyone who has seen the film The Prestige, the song that plays during the credits (Analyse) is on this album. Quite funky and nice.
Movies:
I like to call this weekend angry Australian actor weekend.... or a salute to Russell Crowe.
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.
Amazing. I love epic "period" films.... this one is on a boat. Very cool.
L.A. Confidential
One of my favorite movies of all time. Great acting, gritty, dirty and exciting. Kevin Spacey is slick, and that old guy from Babe plays a wonderful bad guy. Nice.
3:10 to Yuma
This flick is billed as a western.... and it is, but it is more than that. Christian Bale plays a poor rancher who agrees to help escort a charming, charismatic outlaw to prison for the money. Crowe as the outlaw is the bad guy, right? Not so much. This film seems to be more about integrity and honor than "shoot 'em up." This one has left me thinking. I like that. And the acting is absolutely incredible. Intense and subtle. I stayed up way too late watching this one.
Books....
I'm re-reading scripts right now... so nothing new.
Wow... I really need to get a social life!
We start auditions this week for our 08-09 season... and this week is full. History of the Devil on Tuesday, Lt. of Inishmore (with Irish Dialect) on Saturday, and Blackbird (stream of consciousness dialogue) on Sunday. I'm planning a "mental health" day for sometime next week to recover.
But I did plenty of entertainment hunting this weekend.... here are my reviews (for what it's worth).
Music:
Live in New York- Jonatha Brooke.
Why isn't this woman more known? I mean seriously. Her rock/folk sound is complemented by lyrics that border on poetry.
The Eraser- Thom Yorke
Lead Singer for Radiohead, this album is more melodious than what is normally done with the band (although I'm a big fan of Radiohead). For anyone who has seen the film The Prestige, the song that plays during the credits (Analyse) is on this album. Quite funky and nice.
Movies:
I like to call this weekend angry Australian actor weekend.... or a salute to Russell Crowe.
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.
Amazing. I love epic "period" films.... this one is on a boat. Very cool.
L.A. Confidential
One of my favorite movies of all time. Great acting, gritty, dirty and exciting. Kevin Spacey is slick, and that old guy from Babe plays a wonderful bad guy. Nice.
3:10 to Yuma
This flick is billed as a western.... and it is, but it is more than that. Christian Bale plays a poor rancher who agrees to help escort a charming, charismatic outlaw to prison for the money. Crowe as the outlaw is the bad guy, right? Not so much. This film seems to be more about integrity and honor than "shoot 'em up." This one has left me thinking. I like that. And the acting is absolutely incredible. Intense and subtle. I stayed up way too late watching this one.
Books....
I'm re-reading scripts right now... so nothing new.
Wow... I really need to get a social life!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
weekend round-up
So we got our first true taste of summer in Tampa this weekend. Temps in the high 80's with a dewpoint of at least 70. Let's just say hot and reeeaaaallllly humid. I found myself retreating into the air conditioning as much as possible. But it also meant I got caught up on some much needed housework, but also a lot of other indoor type activities. So here are my reviews...
READING
(finished) The Raw Shark Texts by Steven Hall... highly recommend. Quick tease... Eric was in a terrible accident. Since then he keeps having blank spots appear in his memory. He finds letters written by himself that help him piece together his memory... only to have the holes reappear. It is filled with literary references and allusions, so book geeks will get a kick out of it. Great story... okay writing. But definitely kept me turning the pages.
(started) Blood Sucking Fiends: A Love Story by Christopher Moore... if you've never read Christopher Moore, go flush yourself. My personal favorite of his so far is Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal. His books are twisted, witty and provoking. Very Carl Hiaasen or Dave Berry. Plot... Jody works in an office and wakes up one morning behind a dumpster and a vampire. She is helped out by a beatnik author from Indiana who works nights at Safeway. I'm only about 1/2 way in, but very fun.
MUSIC
Third by Portishead. Okay... you're either into Portishead or you're not. But this one is AMAZING!!!! The guys put together some mend bending compositions and Beth Gibbons once again hurts you in a good way with her vocals.
MOVIES
I'm a loser... I didn't see these until this weekend. Now I'm peeved that I waited so long
X-Men
X2: X-Men United
X-Men: The Last Stand
Now, I don't think you have to be a comic geek to enjoy these movies. Fun plots, amazing characters and a great combination of real actors and special effects. Real humans are used for a vast majority of the stunts and whatnot instead of just being CGI'd in. Wow. Imagine that. And talk about some heavy hitting actors: Patrick Stewert & Ian McKellan of Royal Shakespeare Co fame, Alan Cummings from Broadway.... and even though I don't find Hugh Jackman to be the most attractive man in film, you give him that crazy spikey Wolverine hair and take his shirt off a couple of times per film... SOLD!
I also indulged in....
Secret Window. Not bad. Kept me entertained. Johnny Depp was his normal, brilliant self... and it was only at the end that I realized it was based on a short story by Stephen King !
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the Earth. Eye candy... between the period costumes, ships on the high seas and Russell Crowe. The plot was fun and engaging, but I think I wasn't in the mood for that one. Maybe I'll try it again.
Basically, it was one of those great weekends that leaves you wanting more. It isn't often that I get the opportunity to do nothing. And I think I needed it.
READING
(finished) The Raw Shark Texts by Steven Hall... highly recommend. Quick tease... Eric was in a terrible accident. Since then he keeps having blank spots appear in his memory. He finds letters written by himself that help him piece together his memory... only to have the holes reappear. It is filled with literary references and allusions, so book geeks will get a kick out of it. Great story... okay writing. But definitely kept me turning the pages.
(started) Blood Sucking Fiends: A Love Story by Christopher Moore... if you've never read Christopher Moore, go flush yourself. My personal favorite of his so far is Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal. His books are twisted, witty and provoking. Very Carl Hiaasen or Dave Berry. Plot... Jody works in an office and wakes up one morning behind a dumpster and a vampire. She is helped out by a beatnik author from Indiana who works nights at Safeway. I'm only about 1/2 way in, but very fun.
MUSIC
Third by Portishead. Okay... you're either into Portishead or you're not. But this one is AMAZING!!!! The guys put together some mend bending compositions and Beth Gibbons once again hurts you in a good way with her vocals.
MOVIES
I'm a loser... I didn't see these until this weekend. Now I'm peeved that I waited so long
X-Men
X2: X-Men United
X-Men: The Last Stand
Now, I don't think you have to be a comic geek to enjoy these movies. Fun plots, amazing characters and a great combination of real actors and special effects. Real humans are used for a vast majority of the stunts and whatnot instead of just being CGI'd in. Wow. Imagine that. And talk about some heavy hitting actors: Patrick Stewert & Ian McKellan of Royal Shakespeare Co fame, Alan Cummings from Broadway.... and even though I don't find Hugh Jackman to be the most attractive man in film, you give him that crazy spikey Wolverine hair and take his shirt off a couple of times per film... SOLD!
I also indulged in....
Secret Window. Not bad. Kept me entertained. Johnny Depp was his normal, brilliant self... and it was only at the end that I realized it was based on a short story by Stephen King !
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the Earth. Eye candy... between the period costumes, ships on the high seas and Russell Crowe. The plot was fun and engaging, but I think I wasn't in the mood for that one. Maybe I'll try it again.
Basically, it was one of those great weekends that leaves you wanting more. It isn't often that I get the opportunity to do nothing. And I think I needed it.
Friday, May 9, 2008
For mother's day....
I have 2 moms.... and I love them both. They have put up with untold amounts of my craziness... and that aint easy. Since watching my sister-in-law become a mother... and watching the other near her time, I think I've figured out why moms are so special. It's that absence of ego.... they celebrate the successes and failures of their children with them. Of course they take pride and feel disappoinment, but not because it makes them look bad, but because they only want the best.
It's kind of neat to see.
Now, I'm not a mom, and I honestly don't see myself as one. Actors are pretty much the physical embodiment of ego. True, I have my furkids.... and I adore them. But I've heard that children require more work for a longer period of time than a puppy. And I've done puppy. That took almost all my patience and restraint. But it also didn't require self-sacrifice.
I find it very freeing to understand that about myself. I have friends who are childless because of circumstance or situation, but they want to be a mother. I'm happy watching those who deserve to be moms have their wish. And they do a great job. It makes me all warm and fuzzy to see that mutual "face brightening" when mothers are with their children.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
The Good, the Bad & the Hairy
So I will not be onstage in the Rocky Horror Show this fall. I was asked to do the costume design for the show and if I wanted, to be in the chorus. I have a meeting next week to discuss the design, but I politely declined the chorus role. Long rehearsals, lots of performances, for zero pay.... no thanks. Actually, the director will be playing the role she suggested I look at. Funny how things fall out.
The good news is that frees me up to work on shows for my company (which I'd rather be doing anyway). So... perform onstage with Jobsite and design costumes for a visually nifty piece like Rocky? Best of both worlds.
Would I cut all my hair off for a show? Like go totally boy cut/pixie do? That question was asked of me yesterday. And I had to stop and think. Hmmmm.... would I? Honestly, the huge mass o' reddish stuff growing from my head is a "signature" thang about me. Now, I have only ever had short hair once in my life (and all those pictures should be burned, BTW), but I've always wondered. So I told the director that if he wanted me, I'd do it. There are many other factors at play here... but it just really got me wondering... would I be like Samson and lose all my strength? Dunno.... interesting. I had a similar response last year when I was auditioning for a role that required full nudity. Hey, if the director thinks that is best for the show, then whatever. Now, I don't trust all directors everywhere to make those "best for the production" decisions, but there are a couple... and that's kinda nice.
And speaking of cute redheads.... here's a picture of my happy, smiley red dog Pugsley
Y'know... it's hard to be anything but amused when confronted with that face
Friday, May 2, 2008
May day
The last week was spent playing catch up and realizing I have no more excuses for not getting things done. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern closed last Sunday, so no more laundry, curtain speeches and wardrobe duty. Therefore I should have plenty of time to clean my house, do some yard work, and engage in other productive pursuits....
but i don't wanna!
Being involved daily in a show was the perfect hideaway! I've been doing it since the end of January! Now I have to once again be practical and responsible.
I hate being a grown-up. People expect too much of you when you're a grown-up. You're supposed to do your "chores" and eat your vegetables and pay bills on time and blah blah blah.
Blah blah blah is right.
But I do have to sprinkle in some fun stuff with all the domestic duties I must perform this weekend... I need to whip out some costume sketches for Dream Play, continue embroidering a quilt for my soon to be neice/nephew, and curl up with The Raw Shark Text (recommended by my boss).
So that should help get me through the dog washing, epileptic cat drugging, dish scrubing, flooring mopping, and the inevitable dust bunny slaughter that marks the true end of another show.
Wow. Reality is entirely too surreal for me.
but i don't wanna!
Being involved daily in a show was the perfect hideaway! I've been doing it since the end of January! Now I have to once again be practical and responsible.
I hate being a grown-up. People expect too much of you when you're a grown-up. You're supposed to do your "chores" and eat your vegetables and pay bills on time and blah blah blah.
Blah blah blah is right.
But I do have to sprinkle in some fun stuff with all the domestic duties I must perform this weekend... I need to whip out some costume sketches for Dream Play, continue embroidering a quilt for my soon to be neice/nephew, and curl up with The Raw Shark Text (recommended by my boss).
So that should help get me through the dog washing, epileptic cat drugging, dish scrubing, flooring mopping, and the inevitable dust bunny slaughter that marks the true end of another show.
Wow. Reality is entirely too surreal for me.
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