October 01, 2003
Just Click On
esc
Sometimes the city becomes too overbearing for me and I feel the need for speed in bolting out of its environs. Without thinking twice about it, I departed said premises and decided to hop on the train yesterday. I haven't visited my mother in quite a while, and thought it was the perfect afternoon to do so. Leaving everything else behind (laptop, etc.) was painless; though I enjoy catching up electronically via blogs and email, I like taking breaks from it also. I guess it's the equivalent of hitting your mental escape key.
shift
Visiting my mom puts my brain into another sphere. I shift to an entirely different category when I'm there; the "my family" category. Ever since my dad died, I've become over-protective of my mother. I guess it's that underlying fear -- the "she will be next" -- the final blow in losing both my parents forever that makes me this way. It's the reason I flew out of my apartment and to her house last summer when she was in the hospital. It's why I stayed 3 1/2 months to take care of her. I'm always concerned about how mom is doing, both mentally and physically, what the condition of the house/yard/etc. is, does any work need to be done, anything I can help do for her while I am there. Basically, it becomes a 'take care of mom' visit. Spoil her rotten, do whatever I can do that makes her day a bit different, keep her company.
return/enter
And it's funny when you see your mom instantly revert back into being your mom again. The minute I arrive, she goes into full-blown mother mode and asks me if I had eaten before I got on the train, what did I want for dinner, how is work going for me, how is "so-and-so" whom she never seems to stop asking about. {Sometimes mom asks the wrong questions, but that's a mom for you.} Then there's that uncanny sixth sense a mother has. She immediately knows when something is up, she becomes a psychic right before your very eyes, reading between the lines and understanding, without you even uttering a word, what the hell is going on and what isn't happening. A mom can call you on your shit, any day of the week and at any time. This works by telephone also. Just an edge in your voice and she catches it. My mother amazes me. The minute you walk in her door is the minute she puts on her mom hat. It will never change. It will always be that way. Mom is a mom and she'll always be a mom, first and foremost.
tab
I think about all the moms I know. There's my own mom, there are my friends who are moms, there are my blogging pals who are moms. Then there are the dads who may as well be moms, those who do all the things a mom does except give birth. My friend Donald sent me a photograph today of his daughter Bethany. He's a good example of a dad/mom. Then there are my female friends who, like me, don't and can't have children. I guess we live vicariously through our friends and relatives who have kids. It's not an easy position to be in, especially if you'd like children of your own and because you're physically incapable, you just can't pull it off. Sure you can adopt; it's a lovely thought to be able to provide love and a home to a child, it's just not the same thing. If you adopt, that child may be yours but it never really IS yours. That child has a birth mother, and that is something you can never be or duplicate, and sometimes that fact really bothers me.
ctrl
But this entry was not written to say feel sorry for me because I can't do this, it was more of my own roundabout way of saying how much I admire and sometimes envy those who are parents. I try not to dwell too much on the topic for obvious reasons, but every so often it pops into my head, and even though it wasn't in the cards for me, it doesn't stop me from being excited for those who are pregnant, or those who have kids (and admittedly, sometimes I prefer being around their kids instead of them) or those who want to tell me about what's happening with their children. I'd never want that to change. I would hope that just because I don't have/ can't have kids of my own that it won't stop those who do have them from interracting with me. I would hate that, because it would really break my heart. A friend did do this to me a long time ago. He had a party at his house and invited all his close friends, with the exception of me. The reason? Because all them had kids, and he felt that I would be bored being around all those kids and parents talking about their children. I was furious. I said, "isn't that presumptuous of you to think that just because I don't have kids means that I would be bored being around yours and everyone else's ... and you call yourself a friend?" I went on, "Please don't assume that because I don't have children I don't want to spend time with "OUR" friends who do have kids. Next time I would hope you'd ask me how I felt about it before making a decision that really is mine to make." Sure, it was ultimately his decision to invite all our other friends and not me, but it was more painful to me to be excluded because I didn't have kids than being unable to have them. Go figure.
--> end
And why the carrying on about all of this? I don't know. Blame it on my mom. :-)
Widgets
One must love fun things. Via Mad Musings of Me who found it on Dearie Me who found it ... etc.
Add a URL to the end of this line:
http://iconmovies.co.uk/brightyoungthings/splendidiser.php?url=
Like so:
http://iconmovies.co.uk/brightyoungthings/splendidiser.php?url=http://www.squipper.com/weblog/
Now read the text.
Tech Recs
An inquiry to those of you who use Windows/PCs ... the niece, aka the legal eagle, has asked what she should get: Palm Pilot (though she doesn't like them), Blackberry, or what ... basically she's looking for something that will keep her calendar (and being able to send/ receive email would be a nice add-on too.) She would like the ability to sync the device to her PC. As this is well outside the scope of my knowledge base, any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!
For Beautiful Skin ...
... just urinate?
Here's a little fact I never heard before and am still stunned by. While visiting mom yesterday, she told me about an article she read about a television star who has really, really beautiful skin. The woman was constantly asked how she had such gorgeous skin for a woman her age (I'm guessing she's in her late 50s or so.) The woman said she has a German friend who is in her 60s and has beautiful skin. When she asked what her beauty regimen was, the German friend told her she uses her own urine on her face. Gross! What a repulsive thought. According to the article, the younger woman began blotting her face every morning with her own freshly produced urine. The reason? It's all about the uric acid. And, to make things even more, er, interesting, there is also the fact that many high-end beauty products contact CAT URINE ... (eww) ... so why use cat urine when you can use your own?
Personally, I think this is pushing one's vanity a bit too far ...
October 02, 2003
Blogger Boobie-Thon
Two female bloggers have teamed up to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
The Second Annual Blogger Boobie-Thon blog features photographs of bare-breasted women (requires pay-per-boobie donation of $50 to view) or covered boobies photographs. The Boobie-Thon lasts throughout the month of October.
Rules for submitting a photograph can be found here.
Mr. Helpful decided the idea was a splendid one, and in the spirit of fair play, has created his very own "Mr. Helpful Dickython" that features a web page full of dicks. He writes:
... gratuitous boobage for a good cause.
Last year they raised $1250. Good on them!
This whole thing gave me an idea and, as most of you know by now, an idea in the hands of Mr. Helpful is a formidable thing indeed.
In today's "everything is equal" society, why should men have all the fun? Dont women deserve eye candy too? Someone needs to stand up for the rights of women everywhere and, in this case, that someone shall be me.
Everyone can participate, even men, although I must say if you are male and not a homosexual then a click on the link below will generate an automatic email message to your parents, your boss, your significant other AND your parish priest notifying them that you clicked on a dick.
October 03, 2003
Summer: It's SO Over
Time to chop some more wood for the fireplace. It's all my fault too. I was sick and tired of the heat and humidity and wanted cooler temperatures. While on a road trip yesterday afternoon, I saw rain in the middle of sunshine-filled skies and later on, snow!
Freaky weather and it's cold. The wool sweaters aren't even out of storage yet, and I'm already wearing turtlenecks and piling on the clothes. It's waaaaay too early in Autumn for this ... I'm just not ready!
October 05, 2003
Intercourse, of Course
It was just one of those verrrry long weekends. An intercourse weekend ... wasn't it. I'm exhausted! What a workout it was ... ;-)
Ken of the Nether Regions
And speaking of inter courses ...
Ken, a former colleague and undyingly devoted friend, bon vivant and confidant, is visiting from the other coast. He arrived on the right coast this past Friday... and so the adventure begins. He'll kill me for writing that as the title but actually, no, he'll laugh, and quite a bit. He'll laugh that hearty, make-everyone-else laugh that he has. Now that he's on the East Coast, we're inching closer to each other, and amazingly enough, we were actually in the same US state today, though neither of us were in New York. Small world, isn't it. He was on one side of the state and I was on the other. By Wednesday we're destined to meet up in person, and I get to see the newly- shorn rock-n-roll hairstyle he's sporting. It's always great fun and a lot of laughs when Ken comes a-visiting! Our conversation via mobile:
Me: "Ken, this is a quickie"
Ken: "Cynnnnnnnnnth-i-a...where are you?"
Me: "I'm at a Wal-Mart ... the only place with a cell connection"
Ken: "Wal-Mart?"
Me: "Yup. Lack of cell towers in my area"
Me: "By the way, [insert blah blah blah here] I just wanted to puke."
Ken: "I feel the same way. I ate a pound of Italian pastries last night, and I'm feeling it today"
Me: "I'm sure those pastries were bigger than your entire body"
Ken: "Most likely"
Ken, of "oh, my!" -- "that's an OUTRAGE!" -- and "nether regions" -- I can't wait to see him!
ION ...
Blame it on someone - but don't blame it on me. I plead technical incompetence. I blame someone fucking with my account ... I blame it on the moon. Blame, blame, blame. I can get in, then I can't. If I can't access my blog, it means I can't access my MT in order to respond to comments, etc. Since last week, Friday, access has been sporadic at best. If I haven't responded to a comment or an email please don't take offense (I firmly believe that if you take the time to write me either, I have the decency to respond, not like the mindset of some other folks' all-about-me, blog-o-ego.) Anyway, look for a response RSN ... I'm not ignoring you!
October 07, 2003
Al is Naked
Outside of a stunningly beautiful redesign of his blog, Al has an amusing writeup today about what it's really like living where he does: way the hell upstate New York -- where cable television is not available, bagels don't exist and he can go outside naked to fetch his morning paper. Note to Al: this would be a really good time to enable the comments function. :-)
October 08, 2003
Holger Wants a Big One
... powerbook, that is.
And speaking of Holger, he celebrates birthday No. 33 tomorrow. We will celebrate his birthday two times: first, when I arrive in Berlin in a few weeks and then again in November while we're in Belgium. Holger has been a terrific and wonderful friend to me for many, many years now and I consider myself quite fortunate to have such a terrific person in my life. He is smart, talented, and, as Zoe put it, a damn good looking boy. We love you Holger!!!
October 09, 2003
Happy Birthday Holger!
My very best wishes to you for a fabulous, wonderful day. Have fun! xxxooo
Class with a Capital "C"
Wendy over at All Seasons has been maintaining a blog for a few months now. In a recent post addressed to those who visit her blog, she writes the following:
"As Thanksgiving approaches, I want tell my new friends how thankful I am for what their presence adds to my life. This is a group of talented, interesting, strong, supportive women. Your lives, stories and posts are just fabulous - and I feel enriched daily from our connections!"
Wendy's post says quite a bit about the type of person she is and reflects a sincere, honest and genuine individual. It reminds me that saying "thank you" - whether it is someone reading your blog or posting a comment or writing you an email - is something we all should do. Too often I've taken it all for granted: something more important to do, too busy, forgetful. Though Wendy is thanking those of us who read her blog, comment and send email to her, I thank her for reminding me to express my thanks.
With that in mind, first let me thank Wendy for her post, then thank the rest of you who stop by and read what I write, post your comments and send your emails. I am grateful for the effort you make, and I know your time is limited; all the more reason to state again how much I appreciate all of you. Thank you!
October 10, 2003
Oh, Joy.
I've been called upon to do my civic duty and serve on a jury. The phone-a-thon begins the day I return from Europe. One wonders how I can move that to the next day, as I can't very well see myself phoning from the plane. Hmm... I suppose that could work, though I could forget to do it ...
In Other News ...
Email seems to be working again. This is a good thing.
New Addition
I've added a new area to the blog as a place to deposit more useless brain fodder. It can be found under the "Stories" section and is titled Scratching the Surface. I wanted a place to post longer entries, and though I tried to do this by creating a new template in MT, it didn't work. Anyway, I posted a recap of my day with friends Ken and Tony and our trip to the zoo. Check it out when you've got a second!
October 12, 2003
Zoe Bartered Her Butt
Zoe bartered her butt today in exchange for a check from the Twat so she could purchase a Scaryduck mug. The exposure (see Zoe's blog for the photo) is classic. She's really outdone herself this time!
October 14, 2003
This and That
Memory Lane
A very moving story posted by Joanie at Da Goddess.
Ailments of Web Users
Impotence: a power cut.
This and other amusing conditions suffered by web users can be found at Diamond Geezer.
I'll add to that list:
Constipation: when your IP address doesn't resolve
Agita: what you feel when you get the message "the attempt to access URL ---- failed"
BWI: posting blog entries or leaving comments while intoxicated
I Confess
Via Burnt Toast: an anonymous confessional where you can deposit good, bad and ugly truths.
October 15, 2003
Early Morning Fodder
Sleep? What's That?
History repeats itself. I know I posted something to that effect back in January. Or February. Or March. Or April. Sheesh.
Uh oh. It's baaaaaack. The 2 a.m. wake-up. ARGH! And here I thought the coast was clear and I was back to normal sleep patterns. I've not had the sleep problem for 4+ months now, so why is it rearing its ugly head again? Beats me. I've got nothing stuck in my craw ... oh wait. Well perhaps subconsciously there's something stuck in my craw, and usually I can dislodge said craw-stuck-thing if I address it and deal with it, etc. Under the circumstances, however, that's just not a realistic possibility. I've a feeling that if this sleep difficulty continues, I'll be headed for the nearest over-the-counter remedy. Since I don't partake in pills to fix every little thing (except for when I have sinus problems, which I've managed to ween myself off of unless absolutely necessary) I shy away from that type of solution. And I used to have a sleep aid that someone gave me but it left and now resides in Potter's Field. (That was a nice way of saying that I donated it to the NYC Department of Sanitation. See what happens when I don't get enough sleep? The evil twin wakes up.) And since I've been extremely active these last months, I should be exhausted enough to sleep soundly. So ... WTF? I don't know. But until I do, I amuse myself by writing here. So fasten your seatbelts ladies and gentlemen. There's a lot to read in this post. Watch out, here it comes! ;-)
conferrin' with the flowers
Consultin' with the rain.
And my head I'd be scratchin'
while my thoughts were busy hatchin'
If I only had a brain.
Bad Boys, Bad Boys,
Whatcha Gonna Do?
I noticed that some of my favorite male commentary has been missing lately, so I thought I'd just stroll right by and say howdy by way of some song lyrics. Steve in California -- I have no idea what his preferred type of music is (not that I know Al's either, but the tune I selected for him is fitting) I'll just start with Al (Fulton Chain) and Greg (Mr. Helpful). Here ya go guys. Greg, I know you'll know the song, without my having to point out the group that sings it :-)
For Al
Green Acres is the place for me.
Farm livin' is the life I need.
Land spreadin' out so far and wide.
Keep Manhattan, just give me that countryside.
For Greg
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
But that was just a dream
That was just a dream
In trouble or in pain.
With the thoughts you'll be thinkin'
you could be another Lincoln
If you only had a brain.
Don the Swoon Boy
And speaking of boys ...
While at a reunion of former colleagues last week, Ken (my zoo partner) introduced me to Don Jamieson, who had stopped by to say hello to Ken. Don knew Ken from their days at MTV. According to Ken, Don is quite successful with his own show on cable TV (which I've never seen) and is mentioned frequently on the Howard Stern radio show (nevermind my adding a link to the HS site. I'm sure all the boys know where to find it.) Anyway, what struck me about Don (celeb status does not impress me) was his personality. He was simply a gosh-darn nice kind of guy. Well okay, he was damned good looking too. Let me repeat that: DAMNED GOOD LOOKING. Here are a couple of photos I took of Don last week (apologies to Ken for cutting you out of these. I just couldn't help myself!):
Anyway, though I can state how DGL Don is, there's no need to fear that I'll become a groupie; but he's certainly welcome to become one of mine. (hahaha) I can hear Ken now: "OH, MY Cynthia. I can't believe you POSTED that!" Note to Ken: all in good, harmless fun. ;-) Oh and I almost forgot to mention Don's S/O Heather ... she was really really cool and we got along quite well. So there!
the ocean's near the shore.
I could think of things I never thunk before.
And then I'd sit, and think some more.
It's Not Better, It's Just Different
Learning to Laugh at Yourself
One of the reasons why Zoe of My Boyfriend is a Twat and I get along so well is because we both have a self-deprecating sense of humor. It is quite easy for me to make fun of myself, and call me crazy, but I enjoy it. I would much prefer to go through the rest of my life as someone who doesn't take it all so seriously (though that's not to say that there aren't things that I don't take seriously -- there are many) -- than to be someone who is so wrapped up in presenting an image of perfection 24/7. I mean, think of the stress of always being on stage, constantly performing ... and for whom?
There is quite a bit I could brag and carry on about myself; and Zoe, she's a brilliantly witty and talented writer, but we simply don't go on and on and on about ourselves. We do, but in a different way. As a friend once said, "it's not better, it's just different." Besides, those with the good fortune to know all there is to know about me are the ones who can appreciate my humor the most. There isn't a self-serving, selfish bone in my body, and I'm damn proud of that. I don't screw people over, I don't use them, I am honest to a fault. And that's about as close to bragging as you'll ever get from me. :-)
my head all full of stuffin'
My heart all full of pain.
I would dance and be merry,
life would be a ding-a-derry,
If I only had a brain.
And life would indeed be merry if I only got some sleep. [wink]
Sticks and Stones
When someone calls you a "dumb fuck" and that person has a British accent, to me it's the equivalent of hearing "what a lovely dress you're wearing." A British accent is music to the ears, as opposed to the rough and tumble American accent where saying "dumb fuck" means that someone is about to kick your ass. Anyway, because we're two wild and crazy chicks, Zoe called me a "dumb fuck" and I called her a "bitch" in return. She actually made me laugh out loud, even though the topic of our email conversation was not amusing. It is obvious we have a tremendous amount of respect for one another. Just wait until she meets me when I'm in Belgium and she sees that I am a good 6 inches taller than she is (that puny little squirt) -- but then knowing her, she'll probably kick me in the shin and send me wailing down the street.
Little bitch person. ;-)
October 16, 2003
Odds and Ends
Things in Common
Bush says that he has much in common with Schwarzenegger. He's right. They're both actors and terminators. - Reuters.
Yeast and Beans
Steve (Little Tiny Lies) on whyYeast Sucks and These Beans Have Made Me Their Bitch.
Enchanting
"We reluctantly stepped away from one another. I went to smooth my dress down after the dance and to my horror found ..." - Kat (Mostly Fluff)
Minus a Title
Thanks Al !! :-)
First We Take Manhattan
- Leonard Cohen
They sentenced me to twenty years of boredom
For trying to change the system from within
I'm coming now, I'm coming to reward them
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin
I'm guided by a signal in the heavens
I'm guided by this birthmark on my skin
I'm guided by the beauty of our weapons
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin
I'd really like to live beside you, baby
I love your body and your spirit and your clothes
But you see that line there moving through the station?
I told you, I told you, told you, I was one of those
Ah you loved me as a loser, but now you're worried that I just might win
You know the way to stop me, but you don't have the discipline
How many nights I prayed for this, to let my work begin
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin
I don't like your fashion business mister
And I don't like these drugs that keep you thin
I don't like what happened to my sister
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin
I'd really like to live beside you, baby ...
And I thank you for those items that you sent me
The monkey and the plywood violin
I practiced every night, now I'm ready
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin
I am guided
Ah remember me, I used to live for music
Remember me, I brought your groceries in
Well it's Father's Day and everybody's wounded
First we take Manhattan, then we take Berlin
October 17, 2003
Vermin at Al's
"A mouse every now and then I can handle -- I mean, we try and keep the house relatively (relative to a Bombay alley, at least) clean but we're busy and have three kids under twelve living here. But this mouse -- this furry little ball of lice infested filth -- decided to set up housekeeping in the stove while I was making dinner. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if the cat wasn't drunk all the time."
Pot for Medicinal Purposes
This story, No Breakthrough for Medical Pot from WIRED News, reminds me of a discussion I had recently with my mother. We were talking about smoking pot for medicinal purposes -- in order to relieve the pain and nausea suffered by some cancer patients. When my own father had terminal cancer he didn't suffer from pain and nausea. Even though I couldn't imagine my dad smoking a blunt, if he had endured pain and nausea I would have made sure he had what he needed, regardless of the laws here. My mother disagreed with me, as she feels that if the chemo and subsequent drugs given to cancer patients are administered properly (as they were with my dad) that there should be no discomfort. I couldn't argue the point as far as my dad was concerned. He never complained of pain and nausea.
That was my dad's case. However, for other people, I feel strongly that AIDS and cancer patients should be able to smoke pot if they need to without also enduring the legal ramifications. If it offers them the relief they need, then what's the problem? I have a hard time determining who would suffer from this, other than those who are anti-everything in this country.
From the WIRED News story:
"Despite great advances in treatment, severe pain and nausea continue to plague AIDS and cancer patients, especially in terminal stages of the illnesses. Advocates and critics disagree over whether marijuana offers relief that isn't available from legal drugs. The goal of the research is to gather enough data to convince doctors and regulators that marijuana is beneficial, said Dr. Donald Abrams, who studies the drug at the University of California at San Francisco. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies are exploring ways to provide the benefits of marijuana without making patients high, although Abrams doesn't see anything wrong with terminally ill people getting stoned "if it's not interfering with their ability to do what they need to do."
Anyway, that's my two cents on that topic.
October 18, 2003
Bump You Up
Pogo @ Dearie Me on the comfy seat.
October 20, 2003
The Science of CorrespondingMark, a guest blogger over at Troubled Diva, serves up a brilliant post on the topic of correspondence.
Yelp
Ouch ... whimperwhimperwhimper ... argh... grrr... yelp.... sniffle... I must have done something terribly wicked this morning (all that sex can wreak havoc on one's body!) because my neck/upper back is just totally wacked out. After 5 miles of rapid walking earlier today, I thought I could walk it off. Nope. Now I am hunched over a bit, and not wanting to do a damn thing (including typing.)
We'll see how I do the rest of the day. Maybe I'll be back here, maybe I won't. Right now there are a few folks who have asked for my help on some things, so pardon me while I do that. Oh and I'm trying to find my sense of humor as well, since I am supposed to board a plane on Thursday. Please feel free to leave many comments, preferably with all the jokes you can muster up. Maybe that will help; if not, at least I'll get a good laugh. (Thanks in advance.)
Ouch. (insert weepy face here)
October 21, 2003
Getting to Know You
Chris @ Utter Wonder, mastermind behind the infamous list of A-list bloggers, is at it again, only this time he will critique photos of bloggers. He writes: " ... the way I like to get to know just how my favorite bloggers are in real life is through the photos of themselves they include on their blogs. It's fascinating placing a face with the words that spew out of it. Not every blogger does it, but those who do are brave and courageous for displaying their mugs for all the blogosphere to see."
There Goes the Nabe
Hey Al, Check it Out
The November issue of InStyle magazine features The Point @ Saranac Lake, New York as its highlighted "getaway." I have to admit, the place does look quite fetching; rustic and romantic and clearly a destination for us outdoorsy types. Of course you can visit this joint if you have $1200-$2500 to spend per night. If not, I'm sure there's a Holiday Inn somewhere in that neck o' the woods.
Overnighters
When I have to fly, I prefer to do my international jetsetting from point A to point B overnight. I suppose I like the idea that I wake up in the city where I need to be. However, this overnight excursion is not ideal if you'd like to step off the plane looking fresh as a daisy. In this case, one steps off the plane looking as wilted as a cornfield in the middle of the winter. Be that as it may, I ponder.
A few alterations to the silver tube transporting me from A to B can help make this travel experience much more appealing. For instance, how about some beds? I need my beauty rest, as do the rest of my fellow passengers. Why should the cattle have to herd together and eat, sleep and drool on one another? Why can't we all just spread our own wings and recline comfortably? Must I lose a kneecap or two each time the buckaroo in front of me wants to recline? And I PAID for this seat? Oh, the insanity of it all.
As I wrote, I ponder.
Then there is the idea of attire for this overnighter. If you go camping, you're not going to wear your work attire for that excursion, right? You'll choose something less expensive than Prada, such as a pair of jeans from Wal-Mart or perhaps a quilted shirt from LL Bean. You'll leave the Manolos at home and opt for hiking boots. (Well I'd do this, though I know some women just won't go camping, period.) So the thought of attire popped into my little dustbunny brain, because if we're flying overnight, shouldn't we be doing it in jammies?
I mean, I've got this wicked flannel full-length robe one of my relations gave me one Christmas, and it's just DYING to be let loose somewhere. It's blue and has clouds or some such nonsense on it, and it is yanked out from underneath other things in my closet ONLY if it's below zero in my apartment. This robe is just itching to find its wings, and where better to let it fly than at JFK International Airport. I can see it now, hopping out of the car at JFK and strolling up to the counter to check my bags in, all the while wearing big fluffy slippers on my feet, this full-length flannel robe and some naughty nothing under it. Maybe I'd take it a step further and throw hair rollers in my hair, and a net over that, of course, just for the full effect. Then I could easily slap some moisturizing cream on my face or an exfoliating mask, preferably a tinted one (say, green) and I'd be ready for bed and boarding.
So I got to wondering. Why is it that when taking these overnight flights, that no one wears their bed clothes? Lack of beds, for starters. Lack of changing rooms, showers, etc. I guess those are good reasons. And who, in their right mind, would want to look at their fellow passengers in that type of attire anyway? Do I really want to see that big guy walking around the plane in his tiny Underoos? I'd venture to guess that if you really wanted to see them in their bed clothes, you could just invite them all over for a party, with the attire stated on the invite as pajamas. And besides the visual horror of seeing your fellow passengers ready for nighty-night, what do you think the chances would be of anyone dressed in their bathrobe and big puffy slippers, face covered in exfoliating mask and hair up in rollers, would actually be granted access to board the plane? I doubt it would happen, and though I hate to admit it, (okay, not really. I love admitting it) I'd enjoy seeing it. I'd get a kick out of the person who would have enough nerve to go to the airport dressed in pajamas. In a way, it does make sense, wearing your pajamas for an overnight flight. But in the real world? Nah.
And if you enjoyed this little ditty, remind me to tell you about the, erm, large German Security woman who felt me up at the airport in Stuttgart. And to be fair and culturally appropriate, how every time I go through security in New York airports, they make me unbutton my jeans...
October 22, 2003
Huh?
Shout-out to Al...
Al, what is shiznit?
Inquiring minds want to know. Fo' shizzle.
:-)
Meanwhile ...
... there I was, minding my own business, when I came across this lovely going away love note on Mr. Helpful's blog:
"Next stop: New York. Everyone's favorite squipster, Cindy, had sex the other night; at least according to her bog. We here at Mr. Helpful are very happy for her. In other squip related news, she is apparently headed to Belgium and other parts unknown. She leaves tomorrow. Have a safe flight and many happy returns!!"
Nice. I'm not even gone yet and already you're writing about my sex life. Not only that, but you also stuck me between a dead guy and a six million dollar comedian/bionic dick eating MickeyD's. Sheesh!
Perhaps you would like to read the following line very carefully:
Now you tell me where I wrote that I had sex. Go ahead, tell me. Whether or not I engaged in the mouse olympics is of no consequence. It's all about interpretation ... ;-)
Stuff
I'm procrastinating today. Though I've accomplished quite a bit, there's still more to take care of before heading out tomorrow. Lots to mention here and not all that much time to get into it, so I'll just forge ahead.
Travelog
I may or may not blog in the next ten days while in Europe. If I don't manage to wing it while there, I'll do a major blog-o-rama when I return in early November. Sounds like I'll be away a long time, but in reality, it's only 10 days. As such, I wanted to leave little love notes to my blogging posse just in case there's no time to do it later.
Other Travelers
Wendy @ allseasons will depart soon for her trip to London. I hope you have a fabulous trip Wendy, and take lots of photos!!
Birthdaze
Paul @ It is Not Within Me to be Silent celebrates his birthday on October 28 (same day as my mom's) -- so Paul, I'm wishing you a Happy Birthday six days early so I don't forget.
Other Posse Notes
Joanie @ Da Goddess has pneumonia. Hang in there, Joanie! Get well real soon and try not to worry ... everything will work out.
Kat @ Mostly Fluff -- I'm leaving you in charge. You're the gatekeeper. Kick ass and take names. Go get 'em!!
The princess of Belgium, the divine Ms. Zoe @ My Boyfriend is a Twat, has her hands full with the upcoming arrival of yours truly and the DGLB ... not to worry Zoe. We're low maintenance and require nothing more than coffee. See you real soon!
Al @ Fulton Chain has offered to validate me... I mean, my blog. :-) I sincerely doubt that Al falls into the category of trolling the Web to uncover damsels in technological distress. It's one thing to graciously extend a helping hand to others, just because you're truly a nice person. It's quite another to help someone when it's really self-serving and loaded with ulterior motives. So Al, thanks so much for your validation help and for proving that men can help out without being bottom-dwelling, scum-sucking parasites.
Greg @ Mr. Helpful has recently posted bits from his novel via TypePad. Greg, be a good boy and play nice with the other kids. :-)
Holger @ Pheerce.Net is stuck with me for the next ten days. Poor guy, but he's the very best friend anyone could ever have!
Post(al) Postscript
If I left anyone out of the above posse list, feel free to write me a hateful email for being so dense. I'll gladly add some sort of witty missive to this post.
As I expect to have everything done no later than say 6 p.m. EST today, I may show up again here ... I may not. But there's always tomorrow...because, in the words of Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With the Wind, "after all, tomorrow's another day." :-)
October 26, 2003
Embraceable You
Last week I came across Mark's (LondonMark) blog via his guest duties at Troubled Diva (see my post dated October 20.) Mark has a style of writing that I simply could not pull away from. As I wrote in my email to him, he writes what I think, and for me, it is fairly often that I cannot put those thoughts into words. Mark manages to transcribe thoughts and feelings into wonderfully written entries on his blog. He has a superb and unique style of writing that I truly admire.
With his permission, the following segment is from one of his recent posts titled, "The Art of Embracing."
The Art of Embracing
Friends
What greater love can one have for another than to wrap him in a massive bear hug, ruffle his hair (because you know that it really irritates him) and tell him that you love him. Because he's your friend, because he annoys the hell out of you, because he's seen you up and he's seen you down, been there for the trauma, the terror and the elation. Because you know that you will know each other forever, even if you don't speak for a year or live in separate continents, you know that your friends are the people who will count.
Embracing friendship is easier for some than for others. The constituents of friendship are too many and varied to be defined easily, but everyone instinctively understands them. Whereas some people make friends immediately with those they have just met, others take more time to pronounce their judgement on acquaintances or those whom they have recently met. Is the depth or breadth of the eventual friendships different? Does it matter? Everyone understands that some of the friendships we form are natural and almost unconscious choices. The phrase "I can't imagine us not being friends" is so common as to be ubiquitous.
Of course, the embracing of friends, of taking them to your heart and into rooms of your psyche where others are forbidden to go, can be dangerous. It requires a faith and trust in them which can be hard to give. However open or private a person may be, there is a step to be taken which involves the disclosure of things which you may not want to disclose. While no-one is an open book, there are still pieces of life which everyone keeps to themself, either embarrassed or ashamed by their deeds, choices and thoughts.
Those grubby, imperfect jewels are kept tight in a locked box within us, where we are unwilling to put them on display. Which is precisely why we are afraid and disappointed by the betrayal of friends; "I allowed you in, only you, to hold you close, and yet you remained unmoved by this rare privilege, this denuding, and turned to expose me". Just as you can be betrayed by a kiss, you can be betrayed by a hug.
Partner
This is where words mostly fail.
Thanks Mark!
October 31, 2003
Berlin to Belgium
It's difficult to believe that it's already Friday and my trip is almost over. I've done quite a bit of running around Berlin to various parts of the city; meetings, meetings and more meetings that have resulted in some really terrific and exciting business and opportunities for me. The weather here has gone from sunny to raining, warm to freezing, and now I have a cold. As far as blog writing is concerned, I've written a lot but not posted due to lack of time, but all will be regurgitated in this space when I return next week to NYC.
In the meantime ...
Provided that Holger and I manage to get to Tempelhof Airport by 6 a.m. tomorrow morning, (which will be determined by how hungover he is in the a.m. after tonight's HiFi Cooking event), we'll be headed to Brussels for a day and a half of debauchery with Zoe and company.
Otherwise, we look forward to meeting Zoe tomorrow morning and I look forward to catching up with y'all next week!
p.s. Happy Halloween from Berlin! Trick or treat? ;-)