sleepy sunday
I actually slept in this morning. Until 8:36 a.m. This is practically unheard of for me. I must have still be really tired from whatever I had at the end of the week. Yikes.
Yesterday ended up being pretty busy. We had a bunch of errands that needed doing including: 1 trip each to No Frills and Costco and 2 trips to Rona. We also had to go to my mum's to get a composter (they had 2 but are downsizing to just one). I even got a bit of gardening done in the late afternoon.
I was kind of beat by the end of the day but it was a good "hey we got stuff done" kind of tired so that wasn't too bad. We also had a fantabulous barbecue last night (lobster tails, shrimp and mussels --yum!!).
I suspect that today is going to continue much the same way it started out, lazy. I have a bunch of laundry to do and the bathroom needs to be scrubbed but I just might take a break today. We'll see!
Sunday, May 30, 2004
Saturday, May 29, 2004
better and better
It got very cold here last night. The temperature made for great sleeping but I didn't sleep in. I guess I got up early because I of all the sleep I got yesterday.
Today I am feeling MUCH better. It is a good thing that I ended up being home yesterday as Mark sprained his ankle at work and I had to help him out. We're both feeling a lot better. Last night we just moped around the house feeling yucky and that seems to have done us both a world of good. We also managed to watch (finally) Finding Nemo late yesterday afternoon so that was fun. As Disney-crack goes, the Pixar stuff is always great.
I'm not sure what exactly we'll be doing today. A lot of it will depend on how Mark's foot is. It wasn't swollen last night (I'd bandaged it up pretty good) so hopefully it'll not be too bad today. We have some errands to do today but nothing that can't wait until tomorrow.
ewww...I can smell skunk coming in through the bedroom window. Someone's dog must have been sprayed. Oh well, at least the sun's shining today. Happy Saturday everyone!!
It got very cold here last night. The temperature made for great sleeping but I didn't sleep in. I guess I got up early because I of all the sleep I got yesterday.
Today I am feeling MUCH better. It is a good thing that I ended up being home yesterday as Mark sprained his ankle at work and I had to help him out. We're both feeling a lot better. Last night we just moped around the house feeling yucky and that seems to have done us both a world of good. We also managed to watch (finally) Finding Nemo late yesterday afternoon so that was fun. As Disney-crack goes, the Pixar stuff is always great.
I'm not sure what exactly we'll be doing today. A lot of it will depend on how Mark's foot is. It wasn't swollen last night (I'd bandaged it up pretty good) so hopefully it'll not be too bad today. We have some errands to do today but nothing that can't wait until tomorrow.
ewww...I can smell skunk coming in through the bedroom window. Someone's dog must have been sprayed. Oh well, at least the sun's shining today. Happy Saturday everyone!!
Friday, May 28, 2004
happy weekend?
I've felt like hammered crap for a couple of days now. I had a killer sore throat and a headache that wouldn't quit. Yesterday, I left work at noon and crashed for the entire afternoon. This morning, I didn't make it in to work and slept the morning away. Fortunately, I'm feeling marginally better right now. I can't tell if I have a bad bug or this is allergies kicking my butt.
Whatever it is, hopefully it'll disappear so I can enjoy some of the weekend.
I've felt like hammered crap for a couple of days now. I had a killer sore throat and a headache that wouldn't quit. Yesterday, I left work at noon and crashed for the entire afternoon. This morning, I didn't make it in to work and slept the morning away. Fortunately, I'm feeling marginally better right now. I can't tell if I have a bad bug or this is allergies kicking my butt.
Whatever it is, hopefully it'll disappear so I can enjoy some of the weekend.
Wednesday, May 26, 2004
Tuesday, May 25, 2004
settling down
I'm starting to see a light at the end of tunnel at work. It seems like all of this transition madness is starting to wrap up and, with any luck, I'll be starting my new job (properly) in a week or so.
The work I have been doing has been a lot of fun and really satisfying and I will really miss it. Still, I am looking forward to the challenge of the new job. It's going to be quite different from what I have been doing but similar at the same time (same department -- different unit). I don't know if I'll be able to take any proper vacation this summer though. Things are kind of up in the air until we get our program planning done.
Finally, everything seems to be getting sorted out, at home and at work...as much as anything ever get sorted out anyway. Let's face it, a little drama is a good thing once in a while, it only drives you crazy when there is too much of it!!
I'm starting to see a light at the end of tunnel at work. It seems like all of this transition madness is starting to wrap up and, with any luck, I'll be starting my new job (properly) in a week or so.
The work I have been doing has been a lot of fun and really satisfying and I will really miss it. Still, I am looking forward to the challenge of the new job. It's going to be quite different from what I have been doing but similar at the same time (same department -- different unit). I don't know if I'll be able to take any proper vacation this summer though. Things are kind of up in the air until we get our program planning done.
Finally, everything seems to be getting sorted out, at home and at work...as much as anything ever get sorted out anyway. Let's face it, a little drama is a good thing once in a while, it only drives you crazy when there is too much of it!!
Monday, May 24, 2004
out of the box
We got SOOOO much done around the house this weekend, it's insane. I know it was a long weekend and I know that we were planning on not doing anything at all but, it didn't work out that way.
All of Joe's stuff is now unpacked and put away, everything, even the kitchen stuff. Unpacked, washed, put away, all pictures on the wall, everything. Done. He's got his new furniture and the only thing left that he needs is some new bedding. yay!!
We even put the new coat and shoe rack together that we got at Ikea last weekend. It's up in our front foyer and it looks terrific. It make the area look a lot bigger than it actually is, I'm so happy with the way it turned out.
It feels so good to have those big boxes cleared out of our computer room / office. Our next big project is to get our shed purchased and set up so that we can clear out the office and turn it into a decent looking room (rather than the basement storage room that it looks like now).
At least the rain kept us in the house and working on stuff instead of outside, in the sunshine, puttering in the garden. I guess there was a silver lining to that big huge cloud that hung over our neighbourhood all weekend!!
We got SOOOO much done around the house this weekend, it's insane. I know it was a long weekend and I know that we were planning on not doing anything at all but, it didn't work out that way.
All of Joe's stuff is now unpacked and put away, everything, even the kitchen stuff. Unpacked, washed, put away, all pictures on the wall, everything. Done. He's got his new furniture and the only thing left that he needs is some new bedding. yay!!
We even put the new coat and shoe rack together that we got at Ikea last weekend. It's up in our front foyer and it looks terrific. It make the area look a lot bigger than it actually is, I'm so happy with the way it turned out.
It feels so good to have those big boxes cleared out of our computer room / office. Our next big project is to get our shed purchased and set up so that we can clear out the office and turn it into a decent looking room (rather than the basement storage room that it looks like now).
At least the rain kept us in the house and working on stuff instead of outside, in the sunshine, puttering in the garden. I guess there was a silver lining to that big huge cloud that hung over our neighbourhood all weekend!!
Sunday, May 23, 2004
raining again
...or rather still. It's been just rotten all weekend so far. Cold and rainy and generally yucky.
We ran around like fools on Friday night, rushing to get the lawn cut before the house was completely hidden by lawn. It's a good thing we did too because I don't know when else we would have done it.
Yesterday was a running errands and getting stuff done around the house day. I expect that today will be more of the getting stuff done variety. We shall see. Hopefully we'll squeeze in some vegging time along the way. Last night we watched some movies and did very little and that felt good.
We also barbecued in between rain storms, a day late, for Joe's birthday. Originally we were to have my folks' over too but Joe wasn't feeling all that great so we just had dinner for the 3 of us. It was really nice although, we were just sitting down to eat when the skies open up and it poured all over the patio. Good thing we weren't eating outside!
Anyway, hopefully the sun will shine on us today *fingers crossed*
...or rather still. It's been just rotten all weekend so far. Cold and rainy and generally yucky.
We ran around like fools on Friday night, rushing to get the lawn cut before the house was completely hidden by lawn. It's a good thing we did too because I don't know when else we would have done it.
Yesterday was a running errands and getting stuff done around the house day. I expect that today will be more of the getting stuff done variety. We shall see. Hopefully we'll squeeze in some vegging time along the way. Last night we watched some movies and did very little and that felt good.
We also barbecued in between rain storms, a day late, for Joe's birthday. Originally we were to have my folks' over too but Joe wasn't feeling all that great so we just had dinner for the 3 of us. It was really nice although, we were just sitting down to eat when the skies open up and it poured all over the patio. Good thing we weren't eating outside!
Anyway, hopefully the sun will shine on us today *fingers crossed*
Friday, May 21, 2004
happy weekend folks
through no fault of my own I have not had much time to write this week. I wish I had some time to read for fun, or to write funny and thoughtful posts for this page. Unfortunately, I've barely had time to sneeze this week, much less squeeze anything else in.
It's a long weekend here, this weekend. I'll have 3 whole days off and, it's supposed to rain for all of them. The downside of the rain is that we'll likely not get into the garden this weekend. The upside of the rain is that I'll likely have some time to read for leisure, to write for fun and to watch some DVD's that we've collected over the past couple of weeks.
I'm sooooooooooooo looking forward to it.
through no fault of my own I have not had much time to write this week. I wish I had some time to read for fun, or to write funny and thoughtful posts for this page. Unfortunately, I've barely had time to sneeze this week, much less squeeze anything else in.
It's a long weekend here, this weekend. I'll have 3 whole days off and, it's supposed to rain for all of them. The downside of the rain is that we'll likely not get into the garden this weekend. The upside of the rain is that I'll likely have some time to read for leisure, to write for fun and to watch some DVD's that we've collected over the past couple of weeks.
I'm sooooooooooooo looking forward to it.
Tuesday, May 18, 2004
I was saddened, but not totally surprised to hear about this. He was a fabulous actor. I loved him when I watched all those old Doris Day / Rock Hudson movies. He was one of a kind!
'Odd Couple' Star Tony Randall Dies at 84
By CHRISTY LEMIRE, AP Entertainment Writer
NEW YORK - Tony Randall, who served as a fussy foil for Rock Hudson and Doris Day, David Letterman and Johnny Carson and, most famously, Jack Klugman on "The Odd Couple," has died at 84 after a long illness.
Randall, who had been hospitalized since December when he developed pneumonia after heart bypass surgery, died in his sleep Monday night at NYU Medical Center. His wife, Heather Harlan Randall — who had made him a father for the first time at age 77 — was by his side.
The dedicated theater advocate entered the hospital after starring in a revival of Luigi Pirandello's play "Right You Are," the 20th production of the National Actors Theatre, which Randall founded.
Broadway's marquee lights were being dimmed in his honor Tuesday night.
Day remembered him Tuesday as being "so brilliant, funny, sweet and dear, that it was as if God had given him everything." Randall played the fussbudget pal in Hudson-Day movies such as 1959's "Pillow Talk" and 1961's "Lover Come Back."
"He was the funniest man in movies and on television, and nothing was as much fun as working with him," the 80-year-old actress said from Carmel, Calif. "I'm so glad that his last few years with his wife and children were so happy. I loved him very much and miss him already."
"Tony Randall's passion for live theatre was unmatched," Jed Bernstein, president of the League of American Theatres and Producers, said in a statement. "He was a vociferous advocate for the proposition that serious plays are the lifeblood of our culture."
He was best-known, though, for playing fastidious photographer Felix Unger opposite Klugman's Oscar Madison on "The Odd Couple," the sitcom based on Neil Simon's play and movie.
After Randall's death, Klugman canceled the remaining Milwaukee performances of "An Evening With Jack Klugman," his one-man show scheduled to run through Sunday, and flew to New York.
Last year, Randall told AP Radio that, thanks to reruns, it was no surprise most people knew him as Felix Unger.
"It's on all the time," he said. "People on the street say, `Hello, Felix' to me, except for those who say, `Hello, Oscar.'"
"The Odd Couple" ran from 1970-75, but Randall won an Emmy only after it had been canceled. At the awards ceremony he quipped: "I'm so happy I won. Now if I only had a job."
The show's charm sprang from Felix's chemistry and conflict with Oscar, the sloppy sportswriter he's forced to share an apartment with after both men get divorced.
Klugman told AP Radio in 1993: "We are so apparently different, but in our approach to work, how we feel about acting, we're so close. I'm not afraid to ask him anything and he's not afraid to ask me anything."
"Tony Randall was a great man, a great talent and a great influence on my life," said Garry Marshall, who produced "The Odd Couple" series. "He taught me how to write, he taught my sister, Penny, how to act, and he taught millions of people how to laugh."
Randall's other famous television persona was as a fixture on late-night talk shows, appearing on Letterman's "Late Night" and "Late Show" more than 100 times. He also had more appearances than any other actor on Carson's "The Tonight Show," according to his publicist, Gary Springer.
"I was lucky enough to know Tony as an actor and friend," Letterman said Tuesday. "Whenever we needed a big laugh, we would bring in Tony. He always made us better for having worked with him. We will miss him very much."
After "The Odd Couple," Randall had two short-lived sitcoms, one of which was "The Tony Randall Show," in which he played a stuffy Philadelphia judge, from 1976-78.
From 1981-83, he played the title role in the sitcom "Love, Sidney," as a single, middle-aged commercial artist helping a female friend care for her young daughter. The show was based on a TV movie in which Sidney was gay; in the TV show, the character's sexual orientation was implied, but never specified.
"People have to remember this was 1981? '82? '83?" said Swoosie Kurtz, his "Love, Sidney" co-star. Being gay "was unacceptable on network television."
Kurtz recalled Randall's sense of humor as being "outrageous. He told the dirtiest jokes, the filthiest jokes, which you would not expect from Felix."
In an effort to bring classic theater back to Broadway, Randall founded and was artistic director of the nonprofit National Actors Theatre in 1991, using $1 million of his own money and $2 million from corporations and foundations. The company's first production was a revival of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible," starring Martin Sheen and Michael York, which hadn't been staged on Broadway in 40 years.
Subsequent performances included "Night Must Fall," "The Gin Game" and "The Sunshine Boys," which reunited Randall with Klugman, in 1998. Randall also appeared in the Tony Award-winning staging of "M. Butterfly."
He also was socially active, lobbying against smoking in public places, marching in Washington against apartheid in the '80s, and helping raise money for AIDS research in the '90s.
Born Leonard Rosenberg on Feb. 26, 1920, Randall was drawn as a teenager to roadshows that came through his hometown of Tulsa, Okla.
He attended Northwestern University before heading to New York at 19, where he made his stage debut in 1941 in "The Circle of Chalk."
After Army service during World War II from 1942-46, he returned to New York, where he appeared on radio and early television. He got his start in movies in 1957.
He was married to his college sweetheart, Florence Randall, for 54 years until she died of cancer in 1992.
In 1995, Randall married Heather Harlan, who was 50 years his junior. He met her through his National Actors Theatre, where she was an intern; then-New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani performed the ceremony.
The couple had two children: 7-year-old Julia Laurette and 5-year-old Jefferson Salvini. Randall told AP Radio that he couldn't believe he'd become a father for the first time in his 70s.
"It's amazing. I haven't heard anyone have a life like that," he said last year. "The most amazing, wonderful things in my life have happened since I was 70. I think that's unique."
In September, during a speech to the National Funeral Directors Association, Randall joked about how he envisioned his own ceremony: President Bush and Vice President Cheney would show up to pay their respects, but they'd be turned away because his family knows he didn't like them.
He said funerals should be planned as a celebration of life — and "a touch of humor doesn't hurt a bit."
'Odd Couple' Star Tony Randall Dies at 84
By CHRISTY LEMIRE, AP Entertainment Writer
NEW YORK - Tony Randall, who served as a fussy foil for Rock Hudson and Doris Day, David Letterman and Johnny Carson and, most famously, Jack Klugman on "The Odd Couple," has died at 84 after a long illness.
Randall, who had been hospitalized since December when he developed pneumonia after heart bypass surgery, died in his sleep Monday night at NYU Medical Center. His wife, Heather Harlan Randall — who had made him a father for the first time at age 77 — was by his side.
The dedicated theater advocate entered the hospital after starring in a revival of Luigi Pirandello's play "Right You Are," the 20th production of the National Actors Theatre, which Randall founded.
Broadway's marquee lights were being dimmed in his honor Tuesday night.
Day remembered him Tuesday as being "so brilliant, funny, sweet and dear, that it was as if God had given him everything." Randall played the fussbudget pal in Hudson-Day movies such as 1959's "Pillow Talk" and 1961's "Lover Come Back."
"He was the funniest man in movies and on television, and nothing was as much fun as working with him," the 80-year-old actress said from Carmel, Calif. "I'm so glad that his last few years with his wife and children were so happy. I loved him very much and miss him already."
"Tony Randall's passion for live theatre was unmatched," Jed Bernstein, president of the League of American Theatres and Producers, said in a statement. "He was a vociferous advocate for the proposition that serious plays are the lifeblood of our culture."
He was best-known, though, for playing fastidious photographer Felix Unger opposite Klugman's Oscar Madison on "The Odd Couple," the sitcom based on Neil Simon's play and movie.
After Randall's death, Klugman canceled the remaining Milwaukee performances of "An Evening With Jack Klugman," his one-man show scheduled to run through Sunday, and flew to New York.
Last year, Randall told AP Radio that, thanks to reruns, it was no surprise most people knew him as Felix Unger.
"It's on all the time," he said. "People on the street say, `Hello, Felix' to me, except for those who say, `Hello, Oscar.'"
"The Odd Couple" ran from 1970-75, but Randall won an Emmy only after it had been canceled. At the awards ceremony he quipped: "I'm so happy I won. Now if I only had a job."
The show's charm sprang from Felix's chemistry and conflict with Oscar, the sloppy sportswriter he's forced to share an apartment with after both men get divorced.
Klugman told AP Radio in 1993: "We are so apparently different, but in our approach to work, how we feel about acting, we're so close. I'm not afraid to ask him anything and he's not afraid to ask me anything."
"Tony Randall was a great man, a great talent and a great influence on my life," said Garry Marshall, who produced "The Odd Couple" series. "He taught me how to write, he taught my sister, Penny, how to act, and he taught millions of people how to laugh."
Randall's other famous television persona was as a fixture on late-night talk shows, appearing on Letterman's "Late Night" and "Late Show" more than 100 times. He also had more appearances than any other actor on Carson's "The Tonight Show," according to his publicist, Gary Springer.
"I was lucky enough to know Tony as an actor and friend," Letterman said Tuesday. "Whenever we needed a big laugh, we would bring in Tony. He always made us better for having worked with him. We will miss him very much."
After "The Odd Couple," Randall had two short-lived sitcoms, one of which was "The Tony Randall Show," in which he played a stuffy Philadelphia judge, from 1976-78.
From 1981-83, he played the title role in the sitcom "Love, Sidney," as a single, middle-aged commercial artist helping a female friend care for her young daughter. The show was based on a TV movie in which Sidney was gay; in the TV show, the character's sexual orientation was implied, but never specified.
"People have to remember this was 1981? '82? '83?" said Swoosie Kurtz, his "Love, Sidney" co-star. Being gay "was unacceptable on network television."
Kurtz recalled Randall's sense of humor as being "outrageous. He told the dirtiest jokes, the filthiest jokes, which you would not expect from Felix."
In an effort to bring classic theater back to Broadway, Randall founded and was artistic director of the nonprofit National Actors Theatre in 1991, using $1 million of his own money and $2 million from corporations and foundations. The company's first production was a revival of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible," starring Martin Sheen and Michael York, which hadn't been staged on Broadway in 40 years.
Subsequent performances included "Night Must Fall," "The Gin Game" and "The Sunshine Boys," which reunited Randall with Klugman, in 1998. Randall also appeared in the Tony Award-winning staging of "M. Butterfly."
He also was socially active, lobbying against smoking in public places, marching in Washington against apartheid in the '80s, and helping raise money for AIDS research in the '90s.
Born Leonard Rosenberg on Feb. 26, 1920, Randall was drawn as a teenager to roadshows that came through his hometown of Tulsa, Okla.
He attended Northwestern University before heading to New York at 19, where he made his stage debut in 1941 in "The Circle of Chalk."
After Army service during World War II from 1942-46, he returned to New York, where he appeared on radio and early television. He got his start in movies in 1957.
He was married to his college sweetheart, Florence Randall, for 54 years until she died of cancer in 1992.
In 1995, Randall married Heather Harlan, who was 50 years his junior. He met her through his National Actors Theatre, where she was an intern; then-New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani performed the ceremony.
The couple had two children: 7-year-old Julia Laurette and 5-year-old Jefferson Salvini. Randall told AP Radio that he couldn't believe he'd become a father for the first time in his 70s.
"It's amazing. I haven't heard anyone have a life like that," he said last year. "The most amazing, wonderful things in my life have happened since I was 70. I think that's unique."
In September, during a speech to the National Funeral Directors Association, Randall joked about how he envisioned his own ceremony: President Bush and Vice President Cheney would show up to pay their respects, but they'd be turned away because his family knows he didn't like them.
He said funerals should be planned as a celebration of life — and "a touch of humor doesn't hurt a bit."
Friday, May 14, 2004
happy weekend
Thanks to everyone for all the Happy Birthday wishes, it was really very sweet of you!
I ended up having a very nice day yesterday despite the fact that I was feeling kind of bummed out at the beginning of it. I think that I was overtired and stressed out and just needed a good night's sleep to get over it.
We had a really nice dinner out last night (thanks Joe!) and then got together with my parents afterwards. My mum made me a really nice summer outfit and I was given some cash (always super nice!) so I may go out and buy some new summer clothes with it. I also got some DVD's (season 2 of Will & Grace and the Osbournes 2 1/2). Mark shocked the hell out of me by giving me a FABULOUS new video card for my computer. It's an all in wonder pro 9600 and I can't wait until we get it into the machine and get playing with it. The list of things that it can do is just amazing, including a TiVo type function. It's definitely going to be a lot of fun.
Anyway, we're heading out of town on a road trip tomorrow so I probably won't be around here. Hope you all have a terrific weekend!!
Thanks to everyone for all the Happy Birthday wishes, it was really very sweet of you!
I ended up having a very nice day yesterday despite the fact that I was feeling kind of bummed out at the beginning of it. I think that I was overtired and stressed out and just needed a good night's sleep to get over it.
We had a really nice dinner out last night (thanks Joe!) and then got together with my parents afterwards. My mum made me a really nice summer outfit and I was given some cash (always super nice!) so I may go out and buy some new summer clothes with it. I also got some DVD's (season 2 of Will & Grace and the Osbournes 2 1/2). Mark shocked the hell out of me by giving me a FABULOUS new video card for my computer. It's an all in wonder pro 9600 and I can't wait until we get it into the machine and get playing with it. The list of things that it can do is just amazing, including a TiVo type function. It's definitely going to be a lot of fun.
Anyway, we're heading out of town on a road trip tomorrow so I probably won't be around here. Hope you all have a terrific weekend!!
Thursday, May 13, 2004
happy birthday to me
That's right, it's my birthday.
I'm feeling kind of old this year. I think that everything that's been happening at work over the past 8 months is just wearing on me and I'm pooped. Too pooped almost to enjoy my own birthday. It doesn't help that I have to work today either.
On the up side, I'm being taken out for lunch and dinner today and I've received some really nice cards already.
Other than the fact that it's my birthday, not much is happening around here today. We're probably going to head out of town this weekend for a bit of a break so that will be nice. Not sure if we're going to stay over night but we're definitely hitting the road on Saturday. Despite the high cost of gas, we need a change of scenery for a few hours so wherever we end up will be fine.
Anyway, hope you all have a nice day, I'm gonna try to enjoy it myself!
That's right, it's my birthday.
I'm feeling kind of old this year. I think that everything that's been happening at work over the past 8 months is just wearing on me and I'm pooped. Too pooped almost to enjoy my own birthday. It doesn't help that I have to work today either.
On the up side, I'm being taken out for lunch and dinner today and I've received some really nice cards already.
Other than the fact that it's my birthday, not much is happening around here today. We're probably going to head out of town this weekend for a bit of a break so that will be nice. Not sure if we're going to stay over night but we're definitely hitting the road on Saturday. Despite the high cost of gas, we need a change of scenery for a few hours so wherever we end up will be fine.
Anyway, hope you all have a nice day, I'm gonna try to enjoy it myself!
Wednesday, May 12, 2004
turn that frown, upside down
Have you ever been toward the end of a really bad day when all of a sudden it completely turns around? You're tired, crabby, stressed out and generally grumpy and then, on a dime, something happens that makes you want to skip for glee?
I experienced this this evening. I had a shitty day at work. I'm having lots of them lately. For some reason, possibily the set up of my new work space, I don't feel like I'm being very productive lately. By the time Mark picked me up I was really tired and hungry and grumpy. We had to do some errands and then dash home to grab his dad to go out for dinner (we decided that we didn't want to cook or clean up). After dinner, realizing that we were spitting distance from my godson, Matthew, I decided to pop over to his place and drop off his birthday card and gift (he turned 18 today). I wasn't sure that would even be at home so Mark and his dad stayed in the car.
Matthew came to the door and as I wished him a "Happy Birthday" and handed him his card, I could see his great-grandmother sitting in the living room. Immediately, I felt so filled with happiness that I almost started to cry. See, his great-grandmother lives in England. I didn't know that she was visiting (I mean I knew she'd be visiting this spring but I hadn't talked to Matthew's grandmother in several weeks) and I hadn't seen her in almost 10 years. She had not changed one little bit. She was still my lovely adopted English granny. Seeing her totally made all the bad stuff just melt away.
Funny how that happens huh?
Have you ever been toward the end of a really bad day when all of a sudden it completely turns around? You're tired, crabby, stressed out and generally grumpy and then, on a dime, something happens that makes you want to skip for glee?
I experienced this this evening. I had a shitty day at work. I'm having lots of them lately. For some reason, possibily the set up of my new work space, I don't feel like I'm being very productive lately. By the time Mark picked me up I was really tired and hungry and grumpy. We had to do some errands and then dash home to grab his dad to go out for dinner (we decided that we didn't want to cook or clean up). After dinner, realizing that we were spitting distance from my godson, Matthew, I decided to pop over to his place and drop off his birthday card and gift (he turned 18 today). I wasn't sure that would even be at home so Mark and his dad stayed in the car.
Matthew came to the door and as I wished him a "Happy Birthday" and handed him his card, I could see his great-grandmother sitting in the living room. Immediately, I felt so filled with happiness that I almost started to cry. See, his great-grandmother lives in England. I didn't know that she was visiting (I mean I knew she'd be visiting this spring but I hadn't talked to Matthew's grandmother in several weeks) and I hadn't seen her in almost 10 years. She had not changed one little bit. She was still my lovely adopted English granny. Seeing her totally made all the bad stuff just melt away.
Funny how that happens huh?
Tuesday, May 11, 2004
I'm kind of brain dead tonight so in lieu of a proper post, here's this week's TV Tuesday:
1. What show would you like to see brought back for an hour or two episode, to see how the characters are doing now? (This should be a show that it might be possible to do a reunion on.)
I would love to see a reunion of the original cast of Designing Women. Now that I think about it, Julia would probably be "retired" from the business but I imagine that Mary-Jo would still be working. It would be neat to see what happened with Charlene (how many kids she had, what she ended up doing) and Suzanne.
2. Pick a show that could not realistically be brought back for a reunion, because some or all of the cast members are gone. What if they could have done a reunion before it was too late? Name the show you'd most like to see.
Family Affair. I would have loved to seen what happened to the children when they were grown. When I was a kid, it was one of my favourite programs.
3. Which reunion show have you watched and thought "Wow, they should have left that one alone!"
The Brady Bunch Hour. I loved the movies (all of them), but the variety hour was a huge error in judgement on someone's part.
~Bonus~ Which do you prefer- a "reunion" episode of the series, or a "cast reunion" where the actors sit around and talk about the making of the show?
I like a little of both. Maybe a reunion episode with a discussion to follow afterwards. One of the nice things about watching old television programs on DVD is the audio commentary. I love to hear stories about how episodes came about or weird things that occured during the filming.
1. What show would you like to see brought back for an hour or two episode, to see how the characters are doing now? (This should be a show that it might be possible to do a reunion on.)
I would love to see a reunion of the original cast of Designing Women. Now that I think about it, Julia would probably be "retired" from the business but I imagine that Mary-Jo would still be working. It would be neat to see what happened with Charlene (how many kids she had, what she ended up doing) and Suzanne.
2. Pick a show that could not realistically be brought back for a reunion, because some or all of the cast members are gone. What if they could have done a reunion before it was too late? Name the show you'd most like to see.
Family Affair. I would have loved to seen what happened to the children when they were grown. When I was a kid, it was one of my favourite programs.
3. Which reunion show have you watched and thought "Wow, they should have left that one alone!"
The Brady Bunch Hour. I loved the movies (all of them), but the variety hour was a huge error in judgement on someone's part.
~Bonus~ Which do you prefer- a "reunion" episode of the series, or a "cast reunion" where the actors sit around and talk about the making of the show?
I like a little of both. Maybe a reunion episode with a discussion to follow afterwards. One of the nice things about watching old television programs on DVD is the audio commentary. I love to hear stories about how episodes came about or weird things that occured during the filming.
Sunday, May 09, 2004
happy mother's day!
Today was just gorgeous!!!
The sun shone on us, almost all day long so we were actually able to get some work done in the yard. We hadn't yet mowed the lawn so we got that done today. I did the front and Mark did the back. We cut it sort of long so we'll probably have to do it again later this week but at least it'll be easier than if we had tried to cut it short all at once.
We got to see my mum today too. I had picked her up the most gorgeous basket of indoor plants at Costco the other night. It has a lovely wicker basket and about 20 plants in it. She has a greenhouse and a tonne of plants already but some of the things in this basket, she didn't have already so that was kind of neat.
Of course, now, we're both pooped and wishing we could have another couple of days off but that's gonna have to wait for another week. Hopefully next weekend, we won't have to work at all!
Today was just gorgeous!!!
The sun shone on us, almost all day long so we were actually able to get some work done in the yard. We hadn't yet mowed the lawn so we got that done today. I did the front and Mark did the back. We cut it sort of long so we'll probably have to do it again later this week but at least it'll be easier than if we had tried to cut it short all at once.
We got to see my mum today too. I had picked her up the most gorgeous basket of indoor plants at Costco the other night. It has a lovely wicker basket and about 20 plants in it. She has a greenhouse and a tonne of plants already but some of the things in this basket, she didn't have already so that was kind of neat.
Of course, now, we're both pooped and wishing we could have another couple of days off but that's gonna have to wait for another week. Hopefully next weekend, we won't have to work at all!
Saturday, May 08, 2004
early rising
Can you even believe that I'm up at this hour??
I have to be at work at 6:30 a.m. and I've been awake since 3 a.m. I'm a little surprised because I don't usually have a difficult time sleeping. I'm sure that I'll be paying for this later on.
Ordinarily, I don't work Saturdays but there is an event going on this weekend that I'm helping out with. It won't be too mentally strenuous but it might end up being a long day. Fortunately, it's not my event, I'm just helping out, so there is less pressure on me.
Anyway, hope you all have a happy weekend!! Think of me while you're sitting around with your feet up, drinking daquaris!!
Can you even believe that I'm up at this hour??
I have to be at work at 6:30 a.m. and I've been awake since 3 a.m. I'm a little surprised because I don't usually have a difficult time sleeping. I'm sure that I'll be paying for this later on.
Ordinarily, I don't work Saturdays but there is an event going on this weekend that I'm helping out with. It won't be too mentally strenuous but it might end up being a long day. Fortunately, it's not my event, I'm just helping out, so there is less pressure on me.
Anyway, hope you all have a happy weekend!! Think of me while you're sitting around with your feet up, drinking daquaris!!
Thursday, May 06, 2004
itchy eyes
My eyes are driving me crazy today. Well, actually, only one eye is bugging me, the right one. It's pretty cold and miserable here lately so I don't think that my allergies are kicking in. Not yet anyway. I'm wondering if there is something in the air in my new office that's getting to me. It is in the basement so I suppose that's a possibility.
Things are settling down a bit at work but I seem to be having difficulty focusing on any one task right now. I keep hopping from one thing to another, not really accomplishing anything fully.
Home is getting settled too. Before he moved, Joe sold his bed, headboard and dresser to a neighbour. He kept the side tables and the armoire. I'm not sure why he did this, he should have gotten rid of the whole thing when he had the chance. We actually moved the armoire as far as the bottom of our stairs. It is huge and ugly and heavy and we really wanted to avoid taking it upstairs. We were pretty sure that it wouldn't fit in the room and it was such a beast that we didn't want to even try. Fortunately, Joe sold it to the guy who bought the rest of the set and it was taken away yesterday.
There are still a few boxes to sort out but I'm working this weekend so they'll have to wait a little while longer. Slowly but surely, everything will sort itself out, both at work and at home. I'd have thought it would have happened sooner than it is happening but I'm feeling better today knowing that there is at least a light at the end of the tunnel.
My eyes are driving me crazy today. Well, actually, only one eye is bugging me, the right one. It's pretty cold and miserable here lately so I don't think that my allergies are kicking in. Not yet anyway. I'm wondering if there is something in the air in my new office that's getting to me. It is in the basement so I suppose that's a possibility.
Things are settling down a bit at work but I seem to be having difficulty focusing on any one task right now. I keep hopping from one thing to another, not really accomplishing anything fully.
Home is getting settled too. Before he moved, Joe sold his bed, headboard and dresser to a neighbour. He kept the side tables and the armoire. I'm not sure why he did this, he should have gotten rid of the whole thing when he had the chance. We actually moved the armoire as far as the bottom of our stairs. It is huge and ugly and heavy and we really wanted to avoid taking it upstairs. We were pretty sure that it wouldn't fit in the room and it was such a beast that we didn't want to even try. Fortunately, Joe sold it to the guy who bought the rest of the set and it was taken away yesterday.
There are still a few boxes to sort out but I'm working this weekend so they'll have to wait a little while longer. Slowly but surely, everything will sort itself out, both at work and at home. I'd have thought it would have happened sooner than it is happening but I'm feeling better today knowing that there is at least a light at the end of the tunnel.
Wednesday, May 05, 2004
I read this when I got up this morning. It makes me angry and amused at the same time. First of all, publicity like this is always great for a movie. Secondly, Michael's not saying anything in his film that folks who actually have a clue didn't know.
Disney Forbidding Distribution of Film That Criticizes Bush
By JIM RUTENBERG
ASHINGTON, May 4 — The Walt Disney Company is blocking its Miramax division from distributing a new documentary by Michael Moore that harshly criticizes President Bush, executives at both Disney and Miramax said Tuesday.
The film, "Fahrenheit 911," links Mr. Bush and prominent Saudis — including the family of Osama bin Laden — and criticizes Mr. Bush's actions before and after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Disney, which bought Miramax more than a decade ago, has a contractual agreement with the Miramax principals, Bob and Harvey Weinstein, allowing it to prevent the company from distributing films under certain circumstances, like an excessive budget or an NC-17 rating.
Executives at Miramax, who became principal investors in Mr. Moore's project last spring, do not believe that this is one of those cases, people involved in the production of the film said. If a compromise is not reached, these people said, the matter could go to mediation, though neither side is said to want to travel that route.
In a statement, Matthew Hiltzik, a spokesman for Miramax, said: "We're discussing the issue with Disney. We're looking at all of our options and look forward to resolving this amicably."
But Disney executives indicated that they would not budge from their position forbidding Miramax to be the distributor of the film in North America. Overseas rights have been sold to a number of companies, executives said.
"We advised both the agent and Miramax in May of 2003 that the film would not be distributed by Miramax," said Zenia Mucha, a company spokeswoman, referring to Mr. Moore's agent. "That decision stands."
Disney came under heavy criticism from conservatives last May after the disclosure that Miramax had agreed to finance the film when Icon Productions, Mel Gibson's company, backed out.
Mr. Moore's agent, Ari Emanuel, said Michael D. Eisner, Disney's chief executive, asked him last spring to pull out of the deal with Miramax. Mr. Emanuel said Mr. Eisner expressed particular concern that it would endanger tax breaks Disney receives for its theme park, hotels and other ventures in Florida, where Mr. Bush's brother, Jeb, is governor.
"Michael Eisner asked me not to sell this movie to Harvey Weinstein; that doesn't mean I listened to him," Mr. Emanuel said. "He definitely indicated there were tax incentives he was getting for the Disney corporation and that's why he didn't want me to sell it to Miramax. He didn't want a Disney company involved."
Disney executives deny that accusation, though they said their displeasure over the deal was made clear to Miramax and Mr. Emanuel.
A senior Disney executive elaborated that the company had the right to quash Miramax's distribution of films if it deemed their distribution to be against the interests of the company. The executive said Mr. Moore's film is deemed to be against Disney's interests not because of the company's business dealings with the government but because Disney caters to families of all political stripes and believes Mr. Moore's film, which does not have a release date, could alienate many.
"It's not in the interest of any major corporation to be dragged into a highly charged partisan political battle," this executive said.
Miramax is free to seek another distributor in North America, but such a deal would force it to share profits and be a blow to Harvey Weinstein, a big donor to Democrats.
Mr. Moore, who will present the film at the Cannes film festival this month, criticized Disney's decision in an interview on Tuesday, saying, "At some point the question has to be asked, `Should this be happening in a free and open society where the monied interests essentially call the shots regarding the information that the public is allowed to see?' "
Mr. Moore's films, like "Roger and Me" and "Bowling for Columbine," are often a political lightning rod, as Mr. Moore sets out to skewer what he says are the misguided priorities of conservatives and big business. They have also often performed well at the box office. His most recent movie, "Bowling for Columbine," took in about $22 million in North America for United Artists. His books, like "Stupid White Men," a jeremiad against the Bush administration that has sold more than a million copies, have also been lucrative.
Mr. Moore does not disagree that "Fahrenheit 911" is highly charged, but he took issue with the description of it as partisan. "If this is partisan in any way it is partisan on the side of the poor and working people in this country who provide fodder for this war machine," he said.
Mr. Moore said the film describes financial connections between the Bush family and its associates and prominent Saudi Arabian families that go back three decades. He said it closely explores the government's role in the evacuation of relatives of Mr. bin Laden from the United States immediately after the 2001 attacks. The film includes comments from American soldiers on the ground in Iraq expressing disillusionment with the war, he said.
Mr. Moore once planned to produce the film with Mr. Gibson's company, but "the project wasn't right for Icon," said Alan Nierob, an Icon spokesman, adding that the decision had nothing to do with politics.
Miramax stepped in immediately. The company had distributed Mr. Moore's 1997 film, "The Big One." In return for providing most of the new film's $6 million budget, Miramax was positioned to distribute it.
While Disney's objections were made clear early on, one executive said the Miramax leadership hoped it would be able to prevail upon Disney to sign off on distribution, which would ideally happen this summer, before the election and when political interest is high.
Disney Forbidding Distribution of Film That Criticizes Bush
By JIM RUTENBERG
ASHINGTON, May 4 — The Walt Disney Company is blocking its Miramax division from distributing a new documentary by Michael Moore that harshly criticizes President Bush, executives at both Disney and Miramax said Tuesday.
The film, "Fahrenheit 911," links Mr. Bush and prominent Saudis — including the family of Osama bin Laden — and criticizes Mr. Bush's actions before and after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Disney, which bought Miramax more than a decade ago, has a contractual agreement with the Miramax principals, Bob and Harvey Weinstein, allowing it to prevent the company from distributing films under certain circumstances, like an excessive budget or an NC-17 rating.
Executives at Miramax, who became principal investors in Mr. Moore's project last spring, do not believe that this is one of those cases, people involved in the production of the film said. If a compromise is not reached, these people said, the matter could go to mediation, though neither side is said to want to travel that route.
In a statement, Matthew Hiltzik, a spokesman for Miramax, said: "We're discussing the issue with Disney. We're looking at all of our options and look forward to resolving this amicably."
But Disney executives indicated that they would not budge from their position forbidding Miramax to be the distributor of the film in North America. Overseas rights have been sold to a number of companies, executives said.
"We advised both the agent and Miramax in May of 2003 that the film would not be distributed by Miramax," said Zenia Mucha, a company spokeswoman, referring to Mr. Moore's agent. "That decision stands."
Disney came under heavy criticism from conservatives last May after the disclosure that Miramax had agreed to finance the film when Icon Productions, Mel Gibson's company, backed out.
Mr. Moore's agent, Ari Emanuel, said Michael D. Eisner, Disney's chief executive, asked him last spring to pull out of the deal with Miramax. Mr. Emanuel said Mr. Eisner expressed particular concern that it would endanger tax breaks Disney receives for its theme park, hotels and other ventures in Florida, where Mr. Bush's brother, Jeb, is governor.
"Michael Eisner asked me not to sell this movie to Harvey Weinstein; that doesn't mean I listened to him," Mr. Emanuel said. "He definitely indicated there were tax incentives he was getting for the Disney corporation and that's why he didn't want me to sell it to Miramax. He didn't want a Disney company involved."
Disney executives deny that accusation, though they said their displeasure over the deal was made clear to Miramax and Mr. Emanuel.
A senior Disney executive elaborated that the company had the right to quash Miramax's distribution of films if it deemed their distribution to be against the interests of the company. The executive said Mr. Moore's film is deemed to be against Disney's interests not because of the company's business dealings with the government but because Disney caters to families of all political stripes and believes Mr. Moore's film, which does not have a release date, could alienate many.
"It's not in the interest of any major corporation to be dragged into a highly charged partisan political battle," this executive said.
Miramax is free to seek another distributor in North America, but such a deal would force it to share profits and be a blow to Harvey Weinstein, a big donor to Democrats.
Mr. Moore, who will present the film at the Cannes film festival this month, criticized Disney's decision in an interview on Tuesday, saying, "At some point the question has to be asked, `Should this be happening in a free and open society where the monied interests essentially call the shots regarding the information that the public is allowed to see?' "
Mr. Moore's films, like "Roger and Me" and "Bowling for Columbine," are often a political lightning rod, as Mr. Moore sets out to skewer what he says are the misguided priorities of conservatives and big business. They have also often performed well at the box office. His most recent movie, "Bowling for Columbine," took in about $22 million in North America for United Artists. His books, like "Stupid White Men," a jeremiad against the Bush administration that has sold more than a million copies, have also been lucrative.
Mr. Moore does not disagree that "Fahrenheit 911" is highly charged, but he took issue with the description of it as partisan. "If this is partisan in any way it is partisan on the side of the poor and working people in this country who provide fodder for this war machine," he said.
Mr. Moore said the film describes financial connections between the Bush family and its associates and prominent Saudi Arabian families that go back three decades. He said it closely explores the government's role in the evacuation of relatives of Mr. bin Laden from the United States immediately after the 2001 attacks. The film includes comments from American soldiers on the ground in Iraq expressing disillusionment with the war, he said.
Mr. Moore once planned to produce the film with Mr. Gibson's company, but "the project wasn't right for Icon," said Alan Nierob, an Icon spokesman, adding that the decision had nothing to do with politics.
Miramax stepped in immediately. The company had distributed Mr. Moore's 1997 film, "The Big One." In return for providing most of the new film's $6 million budget, Miramax was positioned to distribute it.
While Disney's objections were made clear early on, one executive said the Miramax leadership hoped it would be able to prevail upon Disney to sign off on distribution, which would ideally happen this summer, before the election and when political interest is high.
Tuesday, May 04, 2004
The move is over. I'm not quite settled yet but I'm getting there. I had no idea that I'd be so pooped once it was over. I guess I better get used to being brain dead and exhausted, looks like I'm going to be this way for a while.
TV Tuesday - Week 8 - The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world…
1. Who is/was your favorite TV mom?
Marge Simpson. She's the best!
2. Was she a realistic mother, or more of a TV fantasy type?
I think she's a great mom. She cares about her family, does whatever she can to protect them but shows that once in a while, she needs some time to herself. I guess she's about as realistic a mom as any cartoon character could be.
3. Which TV mom did you find the most unrealistic? Or if you’d rather: creepy – sappy – mean – you choose the adjective, and you name the mom.
Carol Brady. She was just too sickly sweet. Watching her really makes me want to biff her one, and I'm not a violent person at all.
~Bonus~ No disrespect to your dear old mum, but which TV mom did you think it might be neat to have as your own?
Margaret Chenowith. She's really quite fucked up but I think she'd be fun to hang out with.
TV Tuesday - Week 8 - The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world…
1. Who is/was your favorite TV mom?
Marge Simpson. She's the best!
2. Was she a realistic mother, or more of a TV fantasy type?
I think she's a great mom. She cares about her family, does whatever she can to protect them but shows that once in a while, she needs some time to herself. I guess she's about as realistic a mom as any cartoon character could be.
3. Which TV mom did you find the most unrealistic? Or if you’d rather: creepy – sappy – mean – you choose the adjective, and you name the mom.
Carol Brady. She was just too sickly sweet. Watching her really makes me want to biff her one, and I'm not a violent person at all.
~Bonus~ No disrespect to your dear old mum, but which TV mom did you think it might be neat to have as your own?
Margaret Chenowith. She's really quite fucked up but I think she'd be fun to hang out with.
Monday, May 03, 2004
packing up
My office is all packed up and tomorrow (sometime) I'm supposed to move down to the basement. Obviously, as we were packing stuff up all day, not much was accomplished. By the time I got home from work, I was completely braindead. All of this unsettled stuff, both at home and at work is exhausting. Hopefully the move will be as painless as possible!
This week's Monday Madness:
1. Do you collect anything?
Yes. We collect lots of things, too many probably. I collect records and CD's. Mark collects Pig things and we collect Simpsons memorabilia together.
2. How many items do you have in your collection?
I actually have no idea, but that's a good question.
3. What is the most unusual piece in your collection?
Much of my record collection is kind of unusual so that's kind of tough to say.
4. Is there anything you don't collect that you would like to collect?
Goodness no! We're trying to get rid of clutter in our house, I don't want to start adding to it.
My office is all packed up and tomorrow (sometime) I'm supposed to move down to the basement. Obviously, as we were packing stuff up all day, not much was accomplished. By the time I got home from work, I was completely braindead. All of this unsettled stuff, both at home and at work is exhausting. Hopefully the move will be as painless as possible!
This week's Monday Madness:
1. Do you collect anything?
Yes. We collect lots of things, too many probably. I collect records and CD's. Mark collects Pig things and we collect Simpsons memorabilia together.
2. How many items do you have in your collection?
I actually have no idea, but that's a good question.
3. What is the most unusual piece in your collection?
Much of my record collection is kind of unusual so that's kind of tough to say.
4. Is there anything you don't collect that you would like to collect?
Goodness no! We're trying to get rid of clutter in our house, I don't want to start adding to it.
Saturday, May 01, 2004
sunny saturday
It's actually a little hazy right now. It's sticky warm, humid. This is extremely strange as we had snow on the ground on Wednesday morning.
I just got home from almost 3 hours of errands. I didn't think that I'd been gone that long but apparently I was. I think that the nice weather has forced everyone outside and into the garden centres. The traffic was horrible and I'm glad to be home.
By the way, it's officially almost summer because I actually painted my toes yesterday. Anyway...onto yummier things like Pocky:
Chocolate Pocky! You're pretty normal actually.
Pretty blah, but still tasty, and you know how
to have a good time, even if those snobs out
there ARE riding around in their ferraris going
115 mph, chomping on those perverted banana
pocky.
What Kind of Pocky are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
It's actually a little hazy right now. It's sticky warm, humid. This is extremely strange as we had snow on the ground on Wednesday morning.
I just got home from almost 3 hours of errands. I didn't think that I'd been gone that long but apparently I was. I think that the nice weather has forced everyone outside and into the garden centres. The traffic was horrible and I'm glad to be home.
By the way, it's officially almost summer because I actually painted my toes yesterday. Anyway...onto yummier things like Pocky:
Chocolate Pocky! You're pretty normal actually.
Pretty blah, but still tasty, and you know how
to have a good time, even if those snobs out
there ARE riding around in their ferraris going
115 mph, chomping on those perverted banana
pocky.
What Kind of Pocky are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
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