Wednesday, December 29, 2004
A gym master in total
Hysterical review of the Total Gym infomercial with Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley.
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
surprisingly, a calming effect...
Me: I'm definitely going to come by after the office party
Me: I can't believe you guys are moving tomorrow
C: cool!
Me: you're crazy
C: yes
C: it's too much to deal with; I'm going nuts
Me: hey, at least half your family isn't in and out of the hospital. It could be worse
Me: I haven't sent christmas cards yet; I feel very guilty
C: ug. that's literally the LAST thing on my mind
Me: well, considering everything that's going on
Me: and, since my mother is convinced that my grandmother won't make it until christmas, you want to get stuff out to her as soon as possible, you know?
C: wow
Me: you do know everything that's going on, right?
C: sorry, no
Me: (Insert summary of all the stuff you've already read about below, which C had missed while he was buying a HOUSE in the SUBURBS!)
C: well, I had the most terrifying experience of my life two days ago, but it's completely inconsequential and crass compared to these troubles
Me: no, no, no
Me: my family shit does not diminish your stuff. I tell you so you know, not to make you feel guilty or sorry for me
C: it really does, I've been getting so stressed and terrified, you're really actually calming me down telling me this stuff
Me: terrified? what's up?
C: you wouldn't believe it.
Me: well, I'm glad to know that
C: so I go to the bank to get 10K in certified checks for the closing.....
Me: right
C: (as any good story starts...)
Me: hee
Me: it was a dark and stormy bank
C: yes
C: then, on the way home, I see some boxes
C: boxes! I say
Me: yay, free packing materials!
C: that's good, I need some boxes!
Me: I did that when I moved, went to office buildings and got empty computer boxes
C: that's totally how we're doing this
Me: it's the best way
C: so I pick up the boxes and go on my merry way home
C: I get home
C: throw down the boxes
C: go to the computer
C: and, wait,
C: hang on...
C: where are the 10K in checks?
Me: arghhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!
C: ("boxes!")
C: new rule: when carrying around $10,000... FOCUS.
Me: oh, dear god
Me: where did you leave them?
C: you don't want to hear the play by play of my twenty minutes of SHEER TERROR?
Me: yes, yes I do
C: the tearing apart of the apartment?
Me: but I don't want to actually FEEL the terror, as I can't take it right now
Me: so I want to take a peek at the last page first
C: the retracing of the steps back to the grocery store?
C: heh
C: it all ends fine, at least in this universe
Me: you know, buying your first home is indeed one of the most stressful things you can do. a major purchase like that throws all your systems into overdrive
C: so I look in the boxes for the fourth time
C: about to call the cops or something
C: first time- shook the box
C: 2nd time- looked in the boxes
C: 3rd time- physically felt through the boxes
C: so you can imagine the level of SHEER TERROR at this point
Me: yes, I'm feeling it
Me: you tell a good story
C: thanks
C: it's so hard to get people to sit still and listen
Me: hee
C: anyway,
C: fourth time, I'm unfolding all the flaps and shit, ready to take them apart
C: and
C: voila
Me: stuck in a flap?!
C: bingo
Me: C, I hate to say this
Me: but don't you have pockets? or a messenger bag or something?
C: I'm a ditz, I know
C: I had them in a nice folder!
C: I thought I was being all professional!
Me: hee
Me: that's what you get for trying to be professional!
C: indeed
Me: next thing I know, you'll go and cut your hair or something crazy like that
Me: I can't take it, C
Me: please don't tell me you're not drinking tonight so you won't have a hangover for the move tomorrow!
C: hahahaha, no
C: I'll probably still be drunk for the move
Me: good idea
Me: I can't believe you guys are moving tomorrow
C: cool!
Me: you're crazy
C: yes
C: it's too much to deal with; I'm going nuts
Me: hey, at least half your family isn't in and out of the hospital. It could be worse
Me: I haven't sent christmas cards yet; I feel very guilty
C: ug. that's literally the LAST thing on my mind
Me: well, considering everything that's going on
Me: and, since my mother is convinced that my grandmother won't make it until christmas, you want to get stuff out to her as soon as possible, you know?
C: wow
Me: you do know everything that's going on, right?
C: sorry, no
Me: (Insert summary of all the stuff you've already read about below, which C had missed while he was buying a HOUSE in the SUBURBS!)
C: well, I had the most terrifying experience of my life two days ago, but it's completely inconsequential and crass compared to these troubles
Me: no, no, no
Me: my family shit does not diminish your stuff. I tell you so you know, not to make you feel guilty or sorry for me
C: it really does, I've been getting so stressed and terrified, you're really actually calming me down telling me this stuff
Me: terrified? what's up?
C: you wouldn't believe it.
Me: well, I'm glad to know that
C: so I go to the bank to get 10K in certified checks for the closing.....
Me: right
C: (as any good story starts...)
Me: hee
Me: it was a dark and stormy bank
C: yes
C: then, on the way home, I see some boxes
C: boxes! I say
Me: yay, free packing materials!
C: that's good, I need some boxes!
Me: I did that when I moved, went to office buildings and got empty computer boxes
C: that's totally how we're doing this
Me: it's the best way
C: so I pick up the boxes and go on my merry way home
C: I get home
C: throw down the boxes
C: go to the computer
C: and, wait,
C: hang on...
C: where are the 10K in checks?
Me: arghhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!
C: ("boxes!")
C: new rule: when carrying around $10,000... FOCUS.
Me: oh, dear god
Me: where did you leave them?
C: you don't want to hear the play by play of my twenty minutes of SHEER TERROR?
Me: yes, yes I do
C: the tearing apart of the apartment?
Me: but I don't want to actually FEEL the terror, as I can't take it right now
Me: so I want to take a peek at the last page first
C: the retracing of the steps back to the grocery store?
C: heh
C: it all ends fine, at least in this universe
Me: you know, buying your first home is indeed one of the most stressful things you can do. a major purchase like that throws all your systems into overdrive
C: so I look in the boxes for the fourth time
C: about to call the cops or something
C: first time- shook the box
C: 2nd time- looked in the boxes
C: 3rd time- physically felt through the boxes
C: so you can imagine the level of SHEER TERROR at this point
Me: yes, I'm feeling it
Me: you tell a good story
C: thanks
C: it's so hard to get people to sit still and listen
Me: hee
C: anyway,
C: fourth time, I'm unfolding all the flaps and shit, ready to take them apart
C: and
C: voila
Me: stuck in a flap?!
C: bingo
Me: C, I hate to say this
Me: but don't you have pockets? or a messenger bag or something?
C: I'm a ditz, I know
C: I had them in a nice folder!
C: I thought I was being all professional!
Me: hee
Me: that's what you get for trying to be professional!
C: indeed
Me: next thing I know, you'll go and cut your hair or something crazy like that
Me: I can't take it, C
Me: please don't tell me you're not drinking tonight so you won't have a hangover for the move tomorrow!
C: hahahaha, no
C: I'll probably still be drunk for the move
Me: good idea
Monday, December 13, 2004
The Silver Lining
I'm not calling the family situation Cancerpalooza anymore, since it's gone way beyond cancer at this point. Suggestions welcome.
When I last updated my faithful readers, Mum was going in for her second surgery, and I was leaving on a jet plane for Chicago. Here's the latest:
Mum is having a rough time recovering from the second surgery. In the end it was, surprisingly, more invasive than the first, and they found a tangerine-sized fibroid tumor while they were in there. But they've tested everything again, and she has been declared cancer-free! Also, when they tested her ovaries, they found that her o's have been producing too much estrogen her whole life, which can (and did) cause endometrial cancer, which can (and did) cause fertility problems (hello Miracle Baby!), and which can, but hopefully will not, slightly increase the risk for breast cancer. They're gone now, so they'd better stop with the mischief!
Dad had to have a cardioversion on December 7 to shock his heart into a regular rhythm. This caused him to go into congestive heart failure on the 9th. He went to the ER, spent a few days in the hospital, got one of his meds switched. Now he's in this oddly unstable condition until they figure out the proper dosage of the new meds, which leaves him with fluctuating blood pressure and other unsettling feelings. AND he can't travel while they're observing him, so the Christmas trip to Chicago is off. Thank God, because I really didn't want them travelling while Mum was recovering, but she felt obligated. Now the choice is taken out of their hands. And as a bonus, they get to go to Denise's wedding! Mum would never choose the wedding over her parents, but I know she'd been disappointed to miss it.
Nonna was released from the hospital and sent home, where they'd set up a hospital bed in the dining room and hired a day nurse. On Friday, December 10th, while Mum was out picking Dad up to bring him home from the cardiac unit, my uncle calls her to say that he's driving from the office to the hospital, but he doesn't think he'll make it there before Nonna dies.
Right.
Just what Mum needs, right?
And I got out of a meeting to find a similar message on my voice mail.
Nonna had been vomiting and delirious, and she couldn't breathe. The nurse thought it was really bad, and she was rushed to the ER. Turns out she had a pulmonary blood clot, which they're treating. She's still in the hospital, and should be home again soon.
And my uncle told my poor mother, as if she doesn't have enough to deal with, that now that she's not coming to Chicago until December 28th, he doesn't think he'll be able to take it, and he's going to have a nervous breakdown.
Right.
How DARE he?!?! She doesn't have enough to deal with? It's not like she's going on vacation instead of coming out to help. Anyway, for years she's been trying to get my grandparents to move to Boston and live with her, so she could help take care of them, and they've always refused beause they like their freedom and their own space. In fact, my grandfather wants her to buy a condo near him and move to Chicago to help him out, as long as she doesn't live with him and cramp his style.
Can you imagine? If this is the family she came from, it's a miracle my mother is anywhere in the general vicinity of sane.
I told my mother to bring Dad's medical records with her when they go to Chicago after Christmas, so that if anyone questions her reasons for not coming sooner she can rub them in their faces. Also, I reminded her that when Dad's mother was in and out of the hospital during her final months, he had a heart attack. So if her brother ever brings up the threat of nervous collapse again, she should mention dad's heart attack. So he has something to strive for.
When I last updated my faithful readers, Mum was going in for her second surgery, and I was leaving on a jet plane for Chicago. Here's the latest:
Mum is having a rough time recovering from the second surgery. In the end it was, surprisingly, more invasive than the first, and they found a tangerine-sized fibroid tumor while they were in there. But they've tested everything again, and she has been declared cancer-free! Also, when they tested her ovaries, they found that her o's have been producing too much estrogen her whole life, which can (and did) cause endometrial cancer, which can (and did) cause fertility problems (hello Miracle Baby!), and which can, but hopefully will not, slightly increase the risk for breast cancer. They're gone now, so they'd better stop with the mischief!
Dad had to have a cardioversion on December 7 to shock his heart into a regular rhythm. This caused him to go into congestive heart failure on the 9th. He went to the ER, spent a few days in the hospital, got one of his meds switched. Now he's in this oddly unstable condition until they figure out the proper dosage of the new meds, which leaves him with fluctuating blood pressure and other unsettling feelings. AND he can't travel while they're observing him, so the Christmas trip to Chicago is off. Thank God, because I really didn't want them travelling while Mum was recovering, but she felt obligated. Now the choice is taken out of their hands. And as a bonus, they get to go to Denise's wedding! Mum would never choose the wedding over her parents, but I know she'd been disappointed to miss it.
Nonna was released from the hospital and sent home, where they'd set up a hospital bed in the dining room and hired a day nurse. On Friday, December 10th, while Mum was out picking Dad up to bring him home from the cardiac unit, my uncle calls her to say that he's driving from the office to the hospital, but he doesn't think he'll make it there before Nonna dies.
Right.
Just what Mum needs, right?
And I got out of a meeting to find a similar message on my voice mail.
Nonna had been vomiting and delirious, and she couldn't breathe. The nurse thought it was really bad, and she was rushed to the ER. Turns out she had a pulmonary blood clot, which they're treating. She's still in the hospital, and should be home again soon.
And my uncle told my poor mother, as if she doesn't have enough to deal with, that now that she's not coming to Chicago until December 28th, he doesn't think he'll be able to take it, and he's going to have a nervous breakdown.
Right.
How DARE he?!?! She doesn't have enough to deal with? It's not like she's going on vacation instead of coming out to help. Anyway, for years she's been trying to get my grandparents to move to Boston and live with her, so she could help take care of them, and they've always refused beause they like their freedom and their own space. In fact, my grandfather wants her to buy a condo near him and move to Chicago to help him out, as long as she doesn't live with him and cramp his style.
Can you imagine? If this is the family she came from, it's a miracle my mother is anywhere in the general vicinity of sane.
I told my mother to bring Dad's medical records with her when they go to Chicago after Christmas, so that if anyone questions her reasons for not coming sooner she can rub them in their faces. Also, I reminded her that when Dad's mother was in and out of the hospital during her final months, he had a heart attack. So if her brother ever brings up the threat of nervous collapse again, she should mention dad's heart attack. So he has something to strive for.
Thursday, December 09, 2004
And she rocks, too
Last night I checked out Jodi's gig at the Bitter End. She did this hilarious rif on He's Just Not That Into You, putting four songs together as a four-act play of love and loss, punctuated with quotes from the book.
watching her on stage, I noticed something else. About 15 or so years ago, long before we'd met, Jo and I probably had fairly similar bodies -- type, size, height, etc. Except I couldn't manage to keep mine until 30, and she's looking better than ever at... Well, I'll leave it to her to tell you, because you'd never guess from looking at her. The girl would be smoking at half her age!
watching her on stage, I noticed something else. About 15 or so years ago, long before we'd met, Jo and I probably had fairly similar bodies -- type, size, height, etc. Except I couldn't manage to keep mine until 30, and she's looking better than ever at... Well, I'll leave it to her to tell you, because you'd never guess from looking at her. The girl would be smoking at half her age!
Monday, December 06, 2004
...Man Alive
Jude Law has a disproportionately large head. Regardless, please go see Closer as soon as possible. Jude's character is more whiny brat than sexiest man alive, but Clive Owen makes up for it, and you hate yourself for wanting him even when he's all nasty and smarmy. Dave and I sat in the theater long after the credits were done, jaws still hanging kind of low. Many of the reviews I've read say that the relationships are twisted. Well, maybe I'm messed up then, but I thought it was a very honest portrayal of how people really do feel. Honest in a way that not only movies never show, but people don't want to admit to themselves.
And Julia Roberts was the most sympathetic I've ever seen her in any film. I've never bought her sweetheart shtick; I've found most of her characters to be cold and selfish. But here, she keeps trying to do the right thing, she's torn and conflicted, and you really feel for her. She was the most breathtakingly beautiful I've ever seen her, as well.
And Julia Roberts was the most sympathetic I've ever seen her in any film. I've never bought her sweetheart shtick; I've found most of her characters to be cold and selfish. But here, she keeps trying to do the right thing, she's torn and conflicted, and you really feel for her. She was the most breathtakingly beautiful I've ever seen her, as well.
not enough blarney...
once upon a time, long ago and far away, I went to Dublin and took some pictures. They're finally up online. I was going to blog every day, and keep a detailed record of all the wonderful things I did and learned and saw. But I never did that; I am a bad blogger. If you have any questions about the photos, though, I'd be happy to expound.
Thursday, November 11, 2004
On the plus side...
Our team, Schoolhouse Rockstars, won Trivia Night on Monday, to the tune of $260, that's $65 for each of us. All the erstwhile teammates who couldn't be bothered to show up, or thought Brooklyn was "too far away" are sorry now...
Cancerpalooza 2004 North American Tour
Having told this story several times in the past few days, I realized that most of you have no idea what's going on with my family. So here's a rough chronological review...
End of September, Mum has a hysterectomy.
A few days before the surgery, Nonna (Mum's mum, in Chicago) falls down, breaks her arm, and is admitted into the hospital.
A few days after that, Nonno (Mum's dad, also in Chicago) totals his car. He's unharmed, and amazed by the wonder of airbags.
Back to Nonna in the hospital -- she tells the doctors that she fell because she can't walk, because she can't feel her feet. They can't find anything wrong with her, and label her a difficult and uncooperative patient, because of course an 87-year-old woman couldn't possibly actually HAVE something wrong with her that they haven't found yet, right?
Nonna keeps insisting there's something wrong (good for her), they do a CAT scan, and find two pinched discs in her back. However, surgery would be too risky, because she's on blood thinners for one thing, so they decide to try to treat it with physical therapy instead.
In October, Mum finds out that they found early-stage endometrial cancer in her removed uterus (this is not why she had the hysterectomy; this is a bonus surprise). As the organ's already out, and it was caught early, her risk is minimal. Still, Mum and the docs decide to remove her ovaries as well, just to be safe, as if it had spread, that's where it would have gone. Mum wants the surgery done immediately, but she's still recovering from the last one, so they schedule a laproscopic procedure for November 19th.
Back in Chicago, Nonna's not being released from the hospital, because they have to figure out what kind of care she'll have at home. While she's there, they find out she's got colorectal cancer. Again, they can't operate, but they're trying to treat it.
And Nonno is turning 90 on November 20th, and we were all supposed to head out to Chicago to celebrate, and stay through Thanksgiving. But now he doesn't want to celebrate while Nonna's in the hospital, and Mum's surgery is the day before, so that plan is off.
Instead, I'm heading out to Chicago from the 20th to the 22nd, just to hang out and keep him company for a few days. Mum would rather I were with him than with her, since I'll see her a few days later anyway.
These are my Cancerpalooza tour dates:
November 12-14 -- Up in Boston to visit with Mum pre-surgery. I will also be leaving the cat up there with her, because she has requested an extended visit with Siena to cheer her up. I'll miss her, but she likes visiting with her grandparents, and I'll get her back at Thanksgiving.
November 20-22 -- In Chicago to visit Nonna and hang out with Nonno, drive him around (since he no longer has a car), but under no circumstances celebrate anything.
November 24-28 -- Back in Boston for Thanksgiving, and to attend to post-operative Mum. And reclaim my baby monkey.
On top of all this, I have a monstrous head cold, Siena was vomiting and is now suffering through a week of special bland food, and I still don't have a date for Denise's wedding. Which is the day after Christmas, but Mum wants to spend Christmas in Chicago because "it might be Nonna's last," but I don't see how I can do that and be a bridesmaid in Boston at the same time.
Keeping my head up, though. And if anyone will be in Boston the day after Christmas, wants to play escort, and knows how to dance, let me know.
End of September, Mum has a hysterectomy.
A few days before the surgery, Nonna (Mum's mum, in Chicago) falls down, breaks her arm, and is admitted into the hospital.
A few days after that, Nonno (Mum's dad, also in Chicago) totals his car. He's unharmed, and amazed by the wonder of airbags.
Back to Nonna in the hospital -- she tells the doctors that she fell because she can't walk, because she can't feel her feet. They can't find anything wrong with her, and label her a difficult and uncooperative patient, because of course an 87-year-old woman couldn't possibly actually HAVE something wrong with her that they haven't found yet, right?
Nonna keeps insisting there's something wrong (good for her), they do a CAT scan, and find two pinched discs in her back. However, surgery would be too risky, because she's on blood thinners for one thing, so they decide to try to treat it with physical therapy instead.
In October, Mum finds out that they found early-stage endometrial cancer in her removed uterus (this is not why she had the hysterectomy; this is a bonus surprise). As the organ's already out, and it was caught early, her risk is minimal. Still, Mum and the docs decide to remove her ovaries as well, just to be safe, as if it had spread, that's where it would have gone. Mum wants the surgery done immediately, but she's still recovering from the last one, so they schedule a laproscopic procedure for November 19th.
Back in Chicago, Nonna's not being released from the hospital, because they have to figure out what kind of care she'll have at home. While she's there, they find out she's got colorectal cancer. Again, they can't operate, but they're trying to treat it.
And Nonno is turning 90 on November 20th, and we were all supposed to head out to Chicago to celebrate, and stay through Thanksgiving. But now he doesn't want to celebrate while Nonna's in the hospital, and Mum's surgery is the day before, so that plan is off.
Instead, I'm heading out to Chicago from the 20th to the 22nd, just to hang out and keep him company for a few days. Mum would rather I were with him than with her, since I'll see her a few days later anyway.
These are my Cancerpalooza tour dates:
November 12-14 -- Up in Boston to visit with Mum pre-surgery. I will also be leaving the cat up there with her, because she has requested an extended visit with Siena to cheer her up. I'll miss her, but she likes visiting with her grandparents, and I'll get her back at Thanksgiving.
November 20-22 -- In Chicago to visit Nonna and hang out with Nonno, drive him around (since he no longer has a car), but under no circumstances celebrate anything.
November 24-28 -- Back in Boston for Thanksgiving, and to attend to post-operative Mum. And reclaim my baby monkey.
On top of all this, I have a monstrous head cold, Siena was vomiting and is now suffering through a week of special bland food, and I still don't have a date for Denise's wedding. Which is the day after Christmas, but Mum wants to spend Christmas in Chicago because "it might be Nonna's last," but I don't see how I can do that and be a bridesmaid in Boston at the same time.
Keeping my head up, though. And if anyone will be in Boston the day after Christmas, wants to play escort, and knows how to dance, let me know.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Siena the Supermodel
Me: I've been eyeing this stool, just for some randomness
T: it's a must-have for every household.
Me: clearly. I am tempted
T: I thought you just bought a coffee table?
Me: I was just given a coffeee table, and I love it. But this is a stool, like to put your feet up on.
T: oh, well, in that case, as I said, it's a must-have.
Me: or upon which to perch Siena and take pictures of the wild jungle cat
T: exactly.
Me: Siena insists that "Rio" be played at all her photo sessions
T: well, that does go with her long curly locks.
Me: except for when she's feeling hungry, hungry like the wolf
T: she must be excited that Duran Duran just came out with a new album
Me: yes, yes she is
T: well, now i know what to get her for Christmas.
Me: she snuck out at midnight with my purse, and went down to Tower
T: she's so sneaky.
Me: also, she's really good at hailing a cab, and at forging my signature.
T: it's a must-have for every household.
Me: clearly. I am tempted
T: I thought you just bought a coffee table?
Me: I was just given a coffeee table, and I love it. But this is a stool, like to put your feet up on.
T: oh, well, in that case, as I said, it's a must-have.
Me: or upon which to perch Siena and take pictures of the wild jungle cat
T: exactly.
Me: Siena insists that "Rio" be played at all her photo sessions
T: well, that does go with her long curly locks.
Me: except for when she's feeling hungry, hungry like the wolf
T: she must be excited that Duran Duran just came out with a new album
Me: yes, yes she is
T: well, now i know what to get her for Christmas.
Me: she snuck out at midnight with my purse, and went down to Tower
T: she's so sneaky.
Me: also, she's really good at hailing a cab, and at forging my signature.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
PS 321: Countdown to Democracy
When I got to my voting place this morning, the crowds were pretty bad, but not so much as I had feared. The media, however, was out in full force. Vans from NY1 and Fox News were parked out in front, and there were photographers from the NY Times inside.
Fortunately, my district, district 27, had only three or so people in line, so I was in and out in 15 minutes. I think that's because we have a lot of authors, artists, actors, and other types who don't follow a 9-to-5 schedule, and they were probably going to vote once the rush-hour crowds had subsided. One person I did not see while I was there was my across-the-street neighbor, Chuck Schumer, but Gawker did. I know we're a great neighborhood, but I didn't realize we were worthy of so much attention!
Fortunately, my district, district 27, had only three or so people in line, so I was in and out in 15 minutes. I think that's because we have a lot of authors, artists, actors, and other types who don't follow a 9-to-5 schedule, and they were probably going to vote once the rush-hour crowds had subsided. One person I did not see while I was there was my across-the-street neighbor, Chuck Schumer, but Gawker did. I know we're a great neighborhood, but I didn't realize we were worthy of so much attention!
More Portents for Kerry
Our own Jersey Journal is reporting that local psychic Dina Costello has foreseen a Kerry win. Thanks to Barista of Bloomfield Avenue and of course John Shabe.
Monday, November 01, 2004
sushi?
I just saw an ad for Finding Nemo on Ice this morning on the PATH train.
Finding Nemo on Ice? Doesn't that sound like a traumatic visit to the fishmonger's? Who came up with that brilliant idea?
Finding Nemo on Ice? Doesn't that sound like a traumatic visit to the fishmonger's? Who came up with that brilliant idea?
Tecumsah's curse
When the Sox broke the Curse of the Bambino last week, it got me thinking about this other curse: every American president elected in a year ending in zero (every 20 years) will die in office. Which would mean our current president, unless Reagan broke the curse by surviving his assasination attempt. I was kind of amazed that no one had ever mentioned this in regards to the current administration, but even more amazed when I talked about it with my friends over the weekend, and not a one had ever heard of the curse. So now you know.
Redskins predict Kerry win
I'm not a huge follower of football, but I was rooting for the Packers yesterday.
Thursday, October 21, 2004
GO SOX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is why it's so great to be a Red Sox fan. Had the Yanks won last night, it would have been their 40th pennant, and <yawn> no one would have cared. But the Sox win? That made HISTORY!!!
Last night, every non-Yankees fan across the country was rooting for the Sox, and they're going to keep rooting for us all through the Series. We are America's darlings! This is why you keep on believing, year after year, heartbreaking loss after heartbreaking loss (don't even talk to me about last year). Take that, Evil Empire! Who's your Papi?
Tonight it will be the Astros or the Cards, and I really hate Clemens. I hated that arrogant lug when he was playing for the Sox, I didn't care how many strikes he pitched. I hated him more when he went to the Yanks after promising he'd never play against the Sox, and I hate him for "retiring" and still being around to annoy us. So, obviously, I want to Cards to win; I've always liked them anyway.
However....
My downstairs neighbor, who knocked on my door at 12:30 last night to celebrate with me, did point out that if the Astros win, it will be Boston versus Texas, kind of like another big competition we've got going on right now. The political implications would be entertaining, to say the least. But I don't think I could take the added stress. Better to put Houston in its place now, and let all our Boston boys ride on to victory!
Last night, every non-Yankees fan across the country was rooting for the Sox, and they're going to keep rooting for us all through the Series. We are America's darlings! This is why you keep on believing, year after year, heartbreaking loss after heartbreaking loss (don't even talk to me about last year). Take that, Evil Empire! Who's your Papi?
Tonight it will be the Astros or the Cards, and I really hate Clemens. I hated that arrogant lug when he was playing for the Sox, I didn't care how many strikes he pitched. I hated him more when he went to the Yanks after promising he'd never play against the Sox, and I hate him for "retiring" and still being around to annoy us. So, obviously, I want to Cards to win; I've always liked them anyway.
However....
My downstairs neighbor, who knocked on my door at 12:30 last night to celebrate with me, did point out that if the Astros win, it will be Boston versus Texas, kind of like another big competition we've got going on right now. The political implications would be entertaining, to say the least. But I don't think I could take the added stress. Better to put Houston in its place now, and let all our Boston boys ride on to victory!
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Ortiz is my Papi
I am so in love with David Ortiz today. He saved the Sox with a gorgeous homer Sunday night, and then he did it again last night, with a tieing homer and a winning single! And he was having such a bad time of it before that single, too. First the ump counted a ball as a strike, which meant a strike out, but he totally didn't swing around. Then, when stealing second, he tagged the bag before Jeter tagged him -- replay after replay after replay, from every angle, proved it -- but he'd already been called out.
My gift to the Sox continues unabated; they only score when I'm watching. Last night, I kept an eye on the score at work until I had to go home. It was 2-1 Sox when I left. As I walked home from the subway station, I heard lots of horn honking and firecrackers going off, and my heart sank. I feared the boys had lost while I wasn't watching. When I got home, I ran upstairs, turned on the tv, saw the score was 4-2 Yanks, but it was only the 8th inning! I hung up my coat, sat down on the couch, and BAM! Ortiz hit a homer. Seriously, just like that. Me and Papi together, we could win this thing. I've cleared my schedule for the rest of the week, so I can keep a close eye on things...
My gift to the Sox continues unabated; they only score when I'm watching. Last night, I kept an eye on the score at work until I had to go home. It was 2-1 Sox when I left. As I walked home from the subway station, I heard lots of horn honking and firecrackers going off, and my heart sank. I feared the boys had lost while I wasn't watching. When I got home, I ran upstairs, turned on the tv, saw the score was 4-2 Yanks, but it was only the 8th inning! I hung up my coat, sat down on the couch, and BAM! Ortiz hit a homer. Seriously, just like that. Me and Papi together, we could win this thing. I've cleared my schedule for the rest of the week, so I can keep a close eye on things...
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
you could've just asked....
Dinner at Ponte Vecchio last night for Vineel's birthday. We were originally supposed to go to Rocco (not Rocco's on 22nd Street, rather the original one in Noho), because Vineel had eaten there before and liked it, but it was closed.
The food was fine, but not great. Standard dishes like gnocchi in pesto and penne alla vodka. Small portions, bad house wine, and really slow and confused service. And it really wasn't any cheaper than Bar Pitti, my favorite place right around the corner, would have been. For dessert, we were going to head over to Otto for olive oil ice cream (rapture), but the waiter wanted to put a candle in something, so we stayed. The zabalione with berries may have made up for the rest of the meal. Light, rich, not at all runny -- possibly the best I've ever had.
The food was fine, but not great. Standard dishes like gnocchi in pesto and penne alla vodka. Small portions, bad house wine, and really slow and confused service. And it really wasn't any cheaper than Bar Pitti, my favorite place right around the corner, would have been. For dessert, we were going to head over to Otto for olive oil ice cream (rapture), but the waiter wanted to put a candle in something, so we stayed. The zabalione with berries may have made up for the rest of the meal. Light, rich, not at all runny -- possibly the best I've ever had.
Friday, September 17, 2004
mmm, vitello tonnato
It's true, I do love a good lobster roll, but vitello tonnato is my absolute favorite dish. Delicate, creamy, caper-tangy, tuna-fishy, and really not that hard to make if you have a food processor and know what you're doing. So why don't more restaurants offer it more often? Get it while you can.
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