I have been reading, just not posting.

I really wanted to start reading again but for pleasure and not for posting. There was so much pressure I think to read a book and just post up my thoughts about what I read that I honestly didn't enjoy it anymore. Where was the fun? It was lost on me to be honest. I disengaged with Goodreads, this (what has become a bookie blog) and following writers and reviewers on the social media circut (expect my beloved Jenny Lawson and Chuck Palahniuk if I am going to be completely honest). But I have been reading a few galleys over the last couple of weeks that have really knocked my socks off and for different reasons.

  Anne Frank on Tour and Other Stories by George Thomas Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyed this creative collection of short (some very short) stories. I requested via netgalley as a jumping off point to start reading again this summer after a short respite from reading to review.
What a nice way to get back in the saddle.

The author really captured the voices of each of his characters which was a delight and unexpected. The titular character had the same voice as I recall reading from her diaries back many long years ago. The other characters from Putin to Dolly Parton to Elvis are all covered here and with seemingly great care to not disrupt their professional spirit.

This is an easy read and a fun journey into what could be, could have been and what a character can be in a short story.

I really enjoyed it and it was a great reminder that a terrifically told story doesn't have to be a huge diatribe. It can be a few paragraphs for the point of the story to be made. What a treat.

What I really loved about this collection of short stories is each chapter/story was really completely different than the previous or next story. Each character 100% had their own voice. I know that it's hard to do. I didn't imagine that I would have liked this small collection as much as I did. I usually read a chapter a night before I go to bed and since many of the stories were very short (with no losss to the story itself mind you... another achievement) this made for a nice pre-sleep ritual. I raced through this book and enjoyed each character that I encountered.

The second review copy I received approval for this summer was - 

I am currently reading this and will remove the cover art and post up with the link like above when I am done. BUT ... I had never heard of the band Speedball Baby (and only today even googled them and listened to a song or two).  I have never heard of this author.. 

 BUT the prologue was written by Exene who I do know and do love... so I didn't think she would leave me stranded. And whoa so far (I am about 1/2 way through) I am not disappointed. 

Road diaries can be a slog but this book doesn't read like that in the least.  It is a joy ride.  Now I have to qualify that this is not a fun story but it reads like a novel, is really well written and I believe really does capture that moment in time where bands were signed and sent out on the road to make it.  

I am truly impressed and very very much engaged in this story.  When I go outside during office breaks during the week I sneak in a couple of pages to live vicariously and keep the action going on the author's adventures.  That is saying something.  

I am about halfway in.  Part of the holiday weekend goals is to finish so I can post up the remainder of the "review".  

PS the music is fun a.f. and the book in it's way is too. 

More to come on that bb's. 

Additionally - I do post up my thoughts and comments on Goodreads because that is the place that Netgalley directs you to. I am super duper grateful to each publisher that provides me with a galley to read in advance of publishing.  I am not going to deny that every time I get a book in that way (and when I buy on my own...) I am more than gitty to share my opinions. But with galley books the publishers want to see it somewhere... and the Goodreads platform is sadly the option of choice I suppose. 

I was listening to a podcast this week while walking my dog in the morning and heard in passing something about Elizabeth Gilbert, book reviewers and 1 star reviews cancelling a book before it even published. 

I went back and gave it a second listen because it's really important. 

Here is the pod if you are so inclined (PS this book sounds freaking great, I am adding it to my want to read list by the way:  Into It with Sam Sanders: Brandon Taylor Wants to Bring Gatekeeping Back to Book Criticism and a link to the Washington Post article (at this time there is no paywall but  popup for subscription) that they are talking about in this podcast.  I am personally not a fan of Goodreads anymore, or was I really ever. But it's how publishers in alot of cases find reviews of value I suppose. 

I only post up my commentary on books that I actually read, but honey, bb, kiddos I am more than a book reader.  I would love someplace to post thoughts, commentary, ideas other than a single threaded outdated platform.  So I think (and right now it's just a thought...) about starting a substack because that seems to be the platform of the moment. It certainly isn't here (talking about outdated platforms) for much longer I don't think.  

I will have the same amount of subscribers there as here I am sure ... lol it's like 1 person maybe... but change is afoot.  

  

Oh sweet baby Jeebus. I had plans.... oh did I have plans. Plans to clean out some (ok at least one drawer in my dresser tonite). Not for any other reason that I need the space for stuff I have hidden all over the place in nooks and crannies that are overflowing with this junk. But I have sat in front of the tv. This should come as no shock to anyone that knows me. I think honestly I might have to turn the tv off right now (it is 9:15) and get to work. It is only one drawer after all. It isn't like I have to pack up the entire house into four boxes and everything else must go right? Right.

So what do I think am I going to do first? Do I hit the dvd drawer/movie drawer? Do I work on the jewelry maddness I have happening consistantly all over the place? What about the makeup shinanegans in the bathroom closet drawer? How about the socks and tights situation of crazy I got going? If I planned it right and did what I was supposed to do I would have had them all done by now. Oh slacker me, I have to turn on the tv, watch some documentary (half assed I must admit) on some 50s documentarian that I thought might be interesting (it wasn't and I don't even remember the name and I just watched it...oy) or Sunday Morning from last week (hello super not so secret design crush Jonathan Adler and your husband Simon Doonan) or how about 10 episodes of Robot Chicken. Yeah not so productive.

But the weekend is almost here. I can maybe attack the crap then. I need an interventionist to come in and shake me to my core I think. Yes my nick name is Zoe and I am addicted to the tv and the internet, I am officially addicted to ... Comcast. Do they offer a nice retreatie rehab center for that? Where is my Promises Recovery Center for that? I want to know. I wonder if my health plan will cover it? What would that coverage rider be called.... Multi Media infatuationistis?

Ah but the tv is turned off. I am about to hit "publish" and get on with it already. Baby steps. They say the first step is admitting you have a problem.

No more email or reader feeds or steevoh for me for the next three hours. Promise. It can't be that hard can it?

Wish me luck and hopefully my clutter will diminished as a result. Lets hope.

So this time of year so many media outlets blast their readers with end of year lists, I read them with great interest to see if they match my tastes.  Its amazing to see people wrap up a year in 10 or less lines or blurbs.  Is that not the most interesting thing? To wrap up a full year in 10 items or less?  Its like the express lane of events and I don't know seriously if I can wrap one year up in 10 lines or less.  So much has happened, I have seen and experienced so much its hard to imagine putting it down all compressed like others seem to find so easily to do.

But... because I am not one to ever miss any opportunities to try something new here goes and in NO specific order.  I am limiting myself to 12 items one for each month, the highlights and maybe lowlights!

January 2008: my favorite post of the month, the WGA was striking and tv sucked so I watched alot of movies. I enjoyed the concept of finding old friends on MySpace (not really).  I also got poked.

February 2008: I paid off my car, and my favorite post of the month, Valentine made me laugh about potatoes. I found an episode of The Simpsons which was great. and it snowed.

March 2008: My favorite post of the month (the video edition!). I got to meet (sorta) Mick Jones (at least get my picture taken with him).  Toured some hotels.

April  2008: My favorite post of the month. Went manual. Bought a good camera.  Caught up with old friends.  Got over my "car thing".  Went to Loveland.

May 2008: My favorite post of the month. Made inappropriate comments about Elliot Spitzer and Levitra with my Dad.  Obcessed about Tom Waits tickets. I baked pecan pies.

June 2008:  My favorite post of the month. The Fluid reunited.  Started to edit video again. Traveled for pleasure and it was.  Had a great lunch with my bro at Il Postino.  Saw Tom Waits and loved every minute.

July 2008: My favorite post of the month. Bonus Video. Had a birthday.  Almost fainted. Traveled for pleasure and work.  Had mind erasers the "zoe way". Found graffiti nice.

August 2008: My favorite post of the month. Remembered how much Roscos rules.  Had a great time at shows. Got to go to some cool Democratic National Convention events. Found the Diane Arbus' at our DAM.

September 2008: My favorite post of the month. Hiked Red Rocks.  Ate at Frasca. Enjoyed shopping.  Loved Nick Cave.

October 2008: My favorite post of the month.  Had some fun at shows.  Got a really bad cold.  Enjoyed mirrors.

November 2008: My favorite post of the month. Made it past the day.  Voted. Didn't enjoy the  DIFF as much this year. Watched Democracy in action.

December 2008: My favorite post of the month.  Didn't feel the joy of the holiday season.  Made myself proud for being strong.  Played with my new camera.  Saw some great shows.


So there it is.

Got my haircut and was talked out of getting it all cut off, not long enough to donate yet even though I really wanted to. Glad I didn't do it now.  Thanks Stacy for talking me down.

I must be ok...

Because this morning when I opened my reader and read through postsecret I didn't cry.

so I got this really weird email this morning asking to use one of my photos as an accent to a story about a young lady that sold 17thousand boxes of girl scout cookies (good for her!). So here it is. Interesting. Not particularly my best photo ever but thanks for wanting it I suppose.

Also one of the headers in my Gmail just now was for a Big Lewbowski costume. Um really? A bathrobe, bowling ball, a white russian and shower shoes... how hard is that? I wish it would come up again, I should have clicked the link. OK here it is:Big Lebowski Costume - 80sTees.com - Go as "The Dude" this year with an exclusive replica Bowling shirt. Retarded.

I have spent most of the last couple hours on the MySpace (Dev you will be so proud of me...) came across a ton of people from back in the day. Really really funny. Some that I didn't know were alive anymore and some people that I hardly could bear to not click "add to friends" but I don't know the protocol for doing that for real people (that might not remember me at all) and are not bands or artistic / cultural institutions. And I thought my day today was going to be boring and miserable since it is my Friday sorta.... wrongo. Who knew. Kinda drinking the MySpace Kool-Aid right now. And finally remembered Brother Rat. It would have driven me crazy.

And by the way mentioning F's band to Mr Potato Man aparantly made him really jealous and get super cranky. Big baby. You are on a completely different continent schmo get over it. Besides, and I asked him this, what would your girlfriend think. That really made him go all inactive on chat. So sad. And yet really so funny.

heeee

Because I got home early....

Because I am going through my reader....

Because I really do think Australians are completely bonkers....

Because I really do love you....

Click this.....

thank you Neatorama....

MileHive.com....launchie goodness!

I got an email today... great big honkin' deal right? Wait.... so the email is promoting something... oh just get on with it already.... I know I know... it was from my friend who is contributing to content to an online newsmagazine. I go, thinking... huh... could be meat could be cake... OH MA Gaw.. really..... it is CUPCAKES. Cupcakes, it is so nice.

MileHive.com

The site is gorge. And I am not just saying that because it is being run and contributed to by people that I know and do think are brilliant and talented, but because well, look at it. It is. Clean. It is not at all junked up with ads and riff raff, they seem to respect their readers enough to have them see ads on the sidebar and at the bottom of the pages, not all over and with popunders that miserably float allover the screen that you can't get rid of. Its clean. With information and critique that you the dear reader might actually find interesting because you too are brilliant and talented.

I only wish the mainstream media in Denver would have gotten this ticket to the clue bus. I stopped going to Westword online, and the local Denver news outlets because it was impossible to read an article with out being assaulted with ads. I don't need to be frustrated by a website when I am just trying to gather information about the world in which I live and work. This is clean fresh and run by people's opinions that I find interesting. Go MileHive.com! I wish you great success and look to seing more from you.

Buh Buh Bye Blueprint Magazine

So Martha Stewart OmniMedia is shuttering Blueprint. You really had so much promise. All I know is from the very beginning I sent in more than one subscription card. I wanted to subscribe. Bad. And I never got anything back. Each month (ok really each every other month) I had to go to barns and noble or borders and pay full price for the mag. It wasn't really all that frustrating because I was already there probably, but those damn subscription cards floating to floor taunted me, mocked me as if I wasn't good enough for dear Martha's hipster mag gals. It was annoying. Every issue I picked up I sent in a card with the number of the request on it.

Finally the rates for the subscription went down online to match the cards (from $16.00 to $12.00 for the annual six issues) so I signed up online. I should have known something was up because it took a week to get confirmation of that transaction. Sad. I was going to wait until the begining of the year to charge my subscription. Glad that I did, because I would have been really annoyed should I have paid to now have to dicker about the remainder of the subscription. And don't you know that I got a bill in the mail the day after my online confirmation happened. Tacky. If they treated everyone that subscribed or wanted to subscribe it explains why their numbers were so sucky and they had to quit publishing the magazine. I don't suspect to know anything about publishing but I do know that Vanity Fair wants my money so bad they are willing to sell me a five year subscription which they "don't ever get a request for". Fine, here's my credit card... they have the staying power I think. My money is on Vanity Fair. And their website doesn't use flash which I can't access because my sucky IT department here at work doesn't let up upgrade bupkes on our systems. The IE on this system is so lame I get run time errors on everything and I can't update with out having IT come here to my desk, because they are completely retarded. Sorry I didn't mean to go there just now.

Anyways, I suppose I can thank those in the decision seat for saving me $12.00.

I have been very very good today. I didn't save any online files that I came upon like I normally would have. I am really really proud of myself for not right clicking and saving the pictures to my hard drive. Proud... so proud I am. I didn't even bookmark the site I found them on. I don't need it/them. It's burned into my memory enough as it is. Its absolutely just what I needed actually. Helping to pull that bandaid off so to speak. Rip it off my arm taking with it the litle hairs of memory as well. Its all soooo very very very good. Seriously, how good is today?

In cleaning today I found cds that I didn't even remember buying. And they are really good cds too. I know that I moved them from under my old tv and into the shelves but really exciting because I have music ...new music.

I decided I am going to buy a new camera in the new year. I bought my Canon at least 4 years ago after my Sony was stolen at a work event and my Exlim about 6 months after that. The technology has changed a tad and I really think I am ready to upgrade. I am not sure if I want another small point and shoot (Lumix would probably be my choice) or go full on SLR (this Nikon is teenie tiny and probably what I would get).

I am really pysched about the opportunity to rediscover stuff I have spent my money on.

Oh and G... let P have the tea, I am ok with it. Besides I know how good real English tea really is. Let him have it already!

ANDDDD... so glad that I didn't try and drive to New Mexico today. The weather was really bad and my friend that works in Albajerkie said that the news was that there were a bunch of accidents so really super glad I didn't get in the middle of all that. So spent the day cleaning and watching Woot and getting through a book. I took the time off today to clean, read, write cards and watch Woot. It was terrific.

ah yes...

So when I am looking to kill some time here at work and my Google reader isn't making me happy, I will sit and read the blog roll on Westword. For some reason, I am clicking out all these memories. So here you are...

Today, or at least today when I looked, they are running down the previous winners of the Best of Denver. This edition goes back to 1991. It was a simpler time in Denver for sure and a much simpler time for me. And one of my favoritest people ever, Dick Bateman was honored. I was in the throws of film school then. But I had known Dick when my friend MMM worked as an usher at the Continental a few years before that, like probably four years before that. I would go and hang out in the projectionists booth pretty much every night from like 7 until the last reel spooled off the platters and then I would help MMM clean. It was a great year. We would talk about "The Flick" which was the movie theater on Larimer Square (it is now Lime), Stanley Kubrick (long before Eyes Wide Shut came out), Star Wars (he ran that movie when it first came out there and I thought it was a Barbara Streisand film and didn't want to see it and was pissed when my parents made me go), the fire that destroyed the theater, the kiddie movies that ran every tuesday in the summers, and every other contempary movie that was out at the time.

It was just the most amazing film appreciation education that I could have ever recieved. We rued the day everything would go digital and there was no human hand involved. He knew it was coming. He showed me how to thread that 70mm projector, how to splice at the buttons and I was fortunate enough to be invited by him and MMM to see and hear Sony reset the audio in the theater once. Dick Bateman cared about every frame of film that went through that gate and honestly if you saw any movie at the Continental Theater when he was operating the systems you could tell. It was amazing and I am fortunate to have been able to spend time with him back then.

The manager, I can't tell you what his name was, I though do remember EXACTLY what he looked like though, telling me I should just apply for a job and that would justify my being there back in 1988 or 89 after MMM had gone Cali. Welp, no, that didn't happen, I was in school, I had a non-paying but credited PA gig with Viacom and didn't want to be tied down with a McJob, then I did get the McJob waiting tables at The Harv...anyways. The manager didn't like anyone up in the projectionist booth, ever, even Dick to be there... to be honest. They were not pals. But I got clearance from the Projectionist Local Union and he was left out in the cold. It was a treasured time and I learned the difference between someone caring and not when showing a movie. To this day I can tell when they are trying to save bulb life.

Ohter highlights from the list - Anyone else remember The Nixons? I think I have a flyer buried somewhere for a show they had at The Garage opening for Nirvana . I remember to this day Alan (but not his last name, but some guy I was in BBYO with) who booked The Garage calling everyone he knew because they had a guarantee and no tickets had been bought by mid afternoon but then when we showed up it was madness and great. Ah 23 Parrish I miss you. But here is a video from the show...and another one (damn you tube and google are awesome). And that is definately the Garage because the Gothic is a full height stage and no one would be that close unless they were giants. After the show Aeric and Petey and I in the mens bathroom. Probably not the best thing to brag about but PUNK ROCK. It was the 80s and it was 23 Parrish. Sorry Mom.

Funny too, I was just thinking about the Skyline Cafe too the other night. Progress did catch up with it. I was the property manager of a building that my boss and his partner had just bought across the lot after the Skyline burned down early one Sunday morning. Kingpin and I went for a site tour before Hypoxia moved in and ran their raves there...I totally knew what was going on and said they shouldn't have a "party company" in the building,but they wanted the rent, and didn't think it was a big deal, two weekends later they were shut down and had to be evicted. I had to go in and access damage. Not bad, those ravers partied clean.

We talked about Alan (different Alan) being hit by "Jewish Lightning". I think Kingpin was shocked that I was the one that suspected that is what happened to the place and said it. And to this day that is what I think. Its condos now. I had lots of fun in the parking lots and patio there. I don't miss it as much as 23 Parrish though. And who knew Rock Island was closed... huh, I figured it would be open for eternity. Ah the fake ID, a trip, cage dancing, my grandma P's fur coat and the House of Toast... good times (we will forget the Club No No days).

Lots and lots of the things on that list are gone...long gone... The Ticket Bus? Alfalphas on University? Doug Moe? There are plenty others on the list see if you remember any of them.

thank you Westword, for allowing me the joy of time suckage this afternoon... you rule.

I am listening to a co-werker talking about her stuffed animal frogs, telling a another co-werker their names, what they do when we aren't here ... its ludacris. Another is talking about "dallah chickun". The next month is going to be insane. We are grinding to a slow down and the conversations are going to be memorable. The frog lady is now talking about how people wear their hair in newsboys caps. I love my job.

From Latke Soda Pop to Bukowski in two easy steps... betcha didn't think it could be done...

Because Hannukkah has less than 8 days to arrive...and I am down for those 8 Crazy Nights (well not really, I have learned to hate this song, even though me and a room mate drove another roommate completely bat shit crazy talking like Cajun Man when ever we were in the house I sadly can not stand Adam Sandler from SNL). I am going to send you into online shopping bliss with some of the things that I kinda would be amused to receive or maybe you would be (this in no way constitutes a wish list of any kind... just ideas little bubbelahs... just ideas for you):

• Jones Chanukah Soda four pack - Yummmmmie Latke Soda...... (via: link )
• Heros of the Torah juice glasses - Ok I have them, I will write about getting them after later, I am still annoyed I should have ordered them from Fishs Eddy... I probably would have been better off even if they are more expensive that Urban Outfitters.
• Torah Personalities trading cards - because you can never have enough pictures of bearded guys making hand gestures... where is the picture of RUTH? HUH? These guys are not actually in the Torah... maybe I could use them as coasters for my juice glasses.
• Jewtopia - Because one of the authors could be a cousin... could maybe not be...MISHPUCHA!!!!.... and it is actually pretty funny... I have looked at it in Borders so I know
• I Heart Jewish Boys tshirts - OK so maybe my male readers might not be so interested but then again... nothing too new or off the hook funny but this one I thought was clever. AND its a fundraising site for a BBYO region... now I am kvellin'
• No Limit Texas Driedel - I have always wanted to get a craaaazy game of driedel goin' maybe now its a possibility
• Jonathan Adler's Skyline Menorah - not really what I would want (but I think this might be the year I actually do go and buy it for myself!) from his site, but I am working on a theme here...
• and for a true sign of the times Crate and Barrel hooks ya up for the Chanukah Bush but odd CB2
• A subscription to Guilt and Pleasure because even though I buy Heeb I really think I am too old but between them they almost make one Davka which was really great in its day.... (although Guilt and Pleasure is pretty great and far more intelligentsia...sorry Heeb!)
• MahJong Jewelry - but really I would break one up and make it into a keychain which is far more practical for me.
• A Jackie Mason Famous Broadway Cheesecake - because seriously (ok not really) a Kosher, Parve/NonDairy, non actual cheesecake "cheesecake" sounds awful, but for those who want brisket for dinner and keep kosher... look you have a desert option, me? I will take this instead.

A cow erker, just walked up to me... made me turn around and said "thats not my monkey" and walked away. Brilliant. Absolutely completely brilliant. I wish I had thought about that. I am keeping that and spreading its joy.

Really? Bukowski a Sympathizer? Really? Really... you are going to go that route? Good luck selling any house right now, but trying to save some p.o.s. because he slept there? Really? How about making sure that there are seedy dive bars and women to keep those sore souls hashing it out, open... how about making sure that there are always beers available to sad sacks wanting a little courage and fire, how about trying to save what really matters... no one cares where Charles Bukowski slept, people care where he drank and fucked. Sorry but its true. So stupid.

I do have on my list The Pleasures of the Damned though and havent yet picked it up... I am just trying to be good, but that is bad and not in a good way. Years back I loaned someone almost all of my Black Sparrow editions (but one) and NEVER GOT THEM BACK , so this is the only affordable way to get the stuff back I suppose. I have always hoped he would give me the stuff back but we split up before that ever happened so lesson learned, never give someone you don't think you really really love your First Edition Charles Bukowski books and never go with a hippy to a second location. So happy chanukah to me and if the works were writen by a Nazi Sympathizer well then the irony is double I guess.

Just another day, but with 90% less poisoning.

Seriously. How great is today? How great is it to not be poisoned by latent dishsoap crap? First day without a headache in like 10 days. AND I have kept myself relatively busy today and haven't had a cigarette at all. Not even on the drive into the office this morning, it was way too cold to have the window down. And STILL no headache. What a day, what a day. I thought seriously that I would go to Hammonds, but it didn't work out that way. Besides I was hoping to take Thursday and Friday off this week too, but I am going to wait until next week and take Friday off and then Monday off maybe. Then again, that won't happen because I have this strange and twisted sence of responsibility that I have to be here. I am not good at taking time off. Leaving early though... another story completely if I have skipped lunch, I totally feel like I am sticking it to the man, even though I so totally am not.

Oh and how interesting to see this come up into my reader just moments ago. The brand of dishsoap that I was using was NOT Seventh Generation for the record. All I know is I should have never strayed. I have learned my lesson.

Ok I am out before the sun goes completely down. Now that is what I am talkin' about!

So... I am going through my reader and read that Fup, the resident in store cat at Powell's has gone to kitty heaven.  It makes me a little sad because seriously one of the main reasons (other than the really great reviews and reading suggestions) I subscribed to their newsletter for the past almost 8 years (really....) was to read what Fup was up to.  Isn't it so weird that a cat 1,261 miles from my house can get to that soft little spot in my heart? 

 

Here is a great eulogy. 

 

 

 

 

 

First snow day of the year! I think there was like two inches on the lawn this morning when I went out. Nice big fluffy white wet snow. I love it. Branch busting snow.

I have pretty much rearranged the fireplace logs (its gas so they are cement) which finally got the pilot light to stay lit which is magical. It doesn't look as good but the fire has stayed on. I knew that the arrangement of the logs was a problem causing it to stay lit for about 10 minutes and then poof it would go out. Now the fire is getting the oxygen it needs. It is purely for looks as it doesn't really throw much actual heat, but it is a pleasure to have it on. It was one of my "have to haves" when I was looking for a house, its a pleasure to have at my disposal. So as aesthetic as it may be I still love it. If someone wants to come over and roast marshmallows, the fire place is "on".

I am watching Running with Scissors. I still am not all impressed with this story. Didn't enjoy the book at all, not so much loving the movie. Sorry Augusten Burroughs. I loved LOVED "Sellavision" but not much else. Sorry. Although as always Annette Benning is amazing. Jill Clayburg made me want to cry when she gave that kid the book.

I have cleaned up my starred reader items and will work on actually cleaning the house here in a little bit. I don't anticipate leaving at all for the rest of the evening which is great. Which means no jewelry shopping until later this week I suppose.

It's 11 which means I am awake and I don't want to be...

I got through my reader and now all I want to do is crawl into bed. But I have suffered the fool and not done the work that I really need to do tonite, which is prep up a little mini training manual for the new person taking over the job that I have been helping to fill for the last two months. I wanted to work solely on that tonite, but got sidetracked hard with my reader, bravo tv (oh I watched what happens), playing with Herschel and finishing up making envelopes (its like crack... I can't help myself... I put it aside and now I have like a million A6size envelopes... but I saved two issues of Food and Wine, one issue of InStyle and like 10 People's from the trash bin...seriously if the paper is shiny it doesn't recycle...). I should have watched HBO but my dvr'd deliciousness won out. I will never catch up on my Steevoh. And come Fall, I might have to order the second one, just for the two tuners. My gawd. If it comes to that I am in BIG trouble.

I have three days "off" from training the new gal, which is fine, make up time on the training manual dealio I suppose... whatever. She is very sweet and I am more thankfull for her wanting the job for all the right reasons and not just because she doesn't like her team and wants out. I am glad she got the job. I know I am not supposed to say that but I am really glad. She will be a complete ROCK STAR and I think knowing that someone is going to take the burden off of us, even my other coworker was a pleasure to interact with today. Normally she just scares the crap out of me, but today... kinda a joy. Go fig!

If you want links, you will have to go to the side bar and my shared reader links because really I am not partial to building them tonite. I had a crying jag at the end of My Life on the D List, the rerun of Grey's Anatomy from Season One where Mer had to un-intubate a patient and honestly, I am just spent.

I am though really excited that my Dad finally dubbed the record I begged him to a couple of weeks ago. Its a Broadway show called "The Roar of the Greaspaint and the Smell of the Crowd". It has Anthony Newley in it. I LOVED that record when I was a girl. I don't remember it at all. Hopefully he will burn the cd tommorrow and get it to me. I am so excited. He was impressed that the record was in such good shape. Like no scratches, the inner sleeve was intact. Hey ... they taught me to respect their stuff. That is why all their Elvis records, Andy Williams records and all the other great stuff are mint. Because I valued their stuff. Still do. I think I hugged the record when we were going through them. I was so excited. I am also really excited he is going to burn me the Preludes and Fugues Volume One record I bought Mom back when I was working at the record store. He said it wasn't very good but I think he was thinking it was going to be Modern Jazz Quartet, but it is hardcore Bach and delicious and not available anywhere anymore that I could find or I would have bought it. I gave my cd version I found a while back to F which he got in the breakup along with my CBGB tshirt, I wouldn't mind getting those back, but they are long gone. He did send me my Delicious Vinyl tshirt back I think, someone sent me one. Maybe if he read this he could be so kind, he hasn't read this in over a year.

OH! And speaking of CBGB... I was at the grocery store today and there was this guy walking the aisles in a crisp bright black CBGB tshirt. Why you frontin' buddy... fade that sucker before you try and look hip. Sha. He was lookin' the foo. Ok he was looking the aging hipster that he was, but seriously the shirt probably came in the mail yesterday and wasn't even washed. At least the one I had was authentic from someone that said they walked in, bought the shirt, didn't like the band that was playing (this was in the Alice in Chains era when everything sounded the same) and left. It reeked when I opened the package, I had to wash it like four times, just to get the smoke smell out (just like the one from the Double Down in Vegas). Whatever.
I wanted to go and ask him if he even knows what CBGB even stands for. But then I would have just been that girl, being the bitch trying to relive my punk rock-ness. Somewhere I have matches from Max's Kansas City. I should find those. And just use them to light my shabbat candles. That is serious punk rock there baby.

huh...

Don't get me wrong.

I really didn't think Liz Claiborne was a real person.

So imagine my surprise when I see her Obituary and her photo.

I want to be the kind of lady that in my later years can get away with the same kind of glasses she is wearing in this photo, those are so the kind of glasses Auntie Pickles is going to wear.

Seriously.

And I am sorry for Liz Claiborne's passing, none the less.

I am watching tonite Sunday Morning. Really honestly this really is a great show. After a busy day today this really is a nice way to relax and wind down. I really really loved this segment. Sometimes I find that the segments, just kind of end, and don't really go anywhere. But this one was better. I am becoming an advocate for recycling. I really do find that almost everything that I use is recyclable. I actively look for packaging that will as well. My condo association won't pay for recycling bins, but the association next to us does, so that is super rad. The playground lady is completely deluded. I am sorry some plank is not fun. But Gehery's design looks AWESOME. I do have a complaint, CBS feeds almost every other one of their shows... Why not Sunday Morning... come on.

I went to a political fundraiser for my friend PoPo's husband that is running for City Council in the city that he lives in. PoPo was wearing this really great jacket that I am actually considering going and getting one tomorrow on my lunch. She gave me permission, so its good to copy and approved. Now I just have to find a coupon in any of the 100s of magazines I have piled up like a crazy lady around the house. The story about bees was amazing. I mean seriously... they showed a baby bee hatching. That is seriously cool. I think today's show was almost perfect.

I wanted to get to the grocery store tonite but my feet totally swelled up on me standing around so I am just going to have to go tomorrow. When I was taking out the recycling, I saw this big honking raccoon and I have to admit it scared the begebus out of me.

On the agenda, other than the grocery shopping is to figure out what to do with my old tv, my entertainment center (which is now thankfully empty... I have WAY too many cds... perhaps I go back to half.com and sell stuff off, I don't know) and what to do about hanging my new tv. Maybe I should subscribe to Organize Magazine to help me out a little bit. This magazine looks like something I would get a lot out of. Add this to my things to do tomorrow, go to Barnes and Noble and find it. And there is a new Guilt and Pleasure out too.

Oh and I really think that I need this for my cube. Thank you google reader and Apartment Therapy LA.


Man am I going to be a busy girl.

Some bulleted thoughts from this weekend...

• TerraCycle Plant Food ----- Because I am in the process of trying to get a green thumb and not just have a green pinkie (I can NOT revive an orchid after its bloomed to save my life) I am learning about fertilizing and general care outside of just watering.  So when I read on TreeHugger that this tiny little company was being sued by Scotts (the link is for a bbs on their website which is buried, but not too far in, which surprised me that it was even there) I had to go and see what it was all about.  So I went to the TerraCycle website and immediately feel in love with their project, their vibe and what they are doing. I am not interested at all in throwing a boat load of chemicals on my herbs which I will eventually cook with if I can get them to grow at all, no thanks. I am not really too into the idea of worm poop either but honestly and I get it... that is what fertilizer really truly is.  So I go and read about the lawsuit being waged against them.  Honestly... I have to say this... and it will come as no big surprise, but, this is exactly one of the reasons why I hate attorneys.  I have a good friend who is one (and I like him) but really for the most part, they can suck it.  No one is making any money here (especially Terracycle which hasn't made a profit yet)  except the fucking attorneys.  I have worked for high power attorneys, sent out their bills, watched their billable hours, looked at their recharges... I promise you Scott's attorneys are making bank and that totally sucks as are the TerraCycles as well... no attorney will work for free (no matter what they say about Pro Bono... its not free, which this case I assure you is not).    So instead of going and buying Scotts plant food or Miracle Gro (yes they are owned by the same conglomerate, as well as Smith and Hawkin...AND believe me I am saying anything bad against Miracle Gro...don't sue me, but about their behaviour, and the fact that they are synthetic and by no means a "natural" product what so ever...that's all... don't sue me) go and support the little guy, the company that is recycling pop bottles and worm poop (I read its actually politely called "castings") to make YOUR plants better.  Its organic, chemicals-that-you-can't-spell free (which is the way I am trying to live my life when I can, its a personal choice right now...I am trying to not eat or drink anything that is made of things I couldn't easily spell... I will excuse Coca-Cola and its fine fine product TaB but that is all I am blatantly allowing), and run by some pretty great young entrepreneurs that need to be given a chance to make it I think.  I am also when I buy my planting soil going to buy the non commercialized brand that my local greenhouse sells.  Baby Steps.  And besides if worse comes to worst I can always print out some lucky bamboo and not have to worry about it at all.  (found via How About Orange , which I have to add is one of my favoritest newest reader adds.)
  

• Compact Florescent Bulbs - OK I have been slow to get on the train with this one.  Mostly because I use  remote dimmers all over the house.  So because you (meaning the average consumer out there) couldn't dim a CFL I have not jumped on board.  But I found out recently that they now are being manufactured ( this is the company I got mine from at Lamps Plus...they were awesome, thanks Mark!).  It is probably accomplished in the ballast, I don't know, but I am glad that they are made now.  All I know is that I am thrilled that they make them.  I will never have to buy a light bulb again for this house (other than my small light fixtures by the bed).  The outlay was about 80 bucks for 8 bulbs but in the long run I think that it will be worth it.  I don't really care about that to be quite honest (and they were on sale) but more its about not spending the money on the energy for the other 100 watts, I am happy to use 23 watts thankyouverymuch.  Just remember the bulbs work best if they are left on for 15 minutes or more.  I did not know that and I think its interesting information.  I must add now that I have them in my lamps, I am just a touch disappointed, they don't dim easily and the color they send off is very yellow, which is not a good tone for me.  I am glad I only opened three of the bulbs, because the other ones are going back (and the manager said that as long as I have the packaging - which I do- I can bring the others back, which is very very nice).  And I am getting hopefully that new light fixture in the dining area anyway, so really it would have been a giant waste.  Which is absolutely against the point.

• I need to read more actual books not just websites

• My carpet is filthy

• Photography and picture taking - in general I try and take at least one picture a day (thanks Valentine for the inspiration and the pushing to do it), it might be good it might be crap but I want desperately to be able to justify going out and buying a camera with 7.2 mp (or more).  To have it and take pictures of Herschel is a little nuts.  There are so many great sites out there that I peruse (see above) for inspiration but have yet to go to a museum to look at collected art.  It is completely retarded.  I have a friend who is a legitimate photographer and has legitimate professional photographer friends and I can't bring myself to call him up and say... help me.  I look at the same stuff every day pretty much and I need to stretch my legs and open my eyes to the world around me.  But its hard.  I have been given the luxury of time in the evenings now (no matter how passive aggressive the situation is... I am going to start running with it) and need to take advantage.  I find I like the color of the light in the evenings best, right before the sun goes down its warm which is best.  I want to justify taking pictures and posting them.  I want someone to look at my pictures and say "wow" like I have with so many others. 
  

• Keyboard Shortcuts - I use control C and Control V all the time... Control D? Holy neato... instant book marking joy.  It is the little things sometimes.
  

• Molecular Gastronomy is crazy - and from what this post shows and details...incredibly good  food can be amazingly finely tuned and prepared.  Really Denver needs to find a chef to step up to the plate... sure Radek Cerney has his potato foams and they are good, but there is hardly anything this adventurous locally.  Maybe I could talk the chicks that live upstairs from me that are going to culinary school to consider this as an option... they aren't that adventurous themselves I don't think. At least from what we have talked about they aren't.  Maybe H could consider it...she manages a restaurant...hmmmmm sounds like a nutso plan regardless.
  

• Plarn - Yes it is a made up word, but believe me when I tell you I think you will hear it out and about in the crafty recyclable lexicon.  There are other ways to make plarn besides looping but I like it in its complete simplicity.  Now I just need to learn how to read a pattern and I will be golden.  I mean this is a cute little bag right?  I need to remind those around me to save their store bags and to not throw them away.  If anything it will give me something to do linking those loops together while I am chilling out in the evenings. 
  

These are the major things that I have rattled around this weekend in my brain.  I have read and skimmed through a ton of magazines and can honestly say I am nearly caught up (which is a frightening prospect), I cleaned PART of my carpet (especially the spot where the coffee seems to land constantly... I am a little spillie in the mornings sometimes), cleaned my bathroom, organized some paper chaos and went and bought some supplies to start crocheting. 

Is about noon thirty and I am going to run out to do some errands and take advantage of this day.  At three o'clock where ever you are please don't forget to observe however you can your rememberences, sure this is an additional day off from work, the unofficial start of summer, but also a day to cast a thought to those who have served and are serving to keep our country safe (whether we agree with the politics behind it we have to stand behind those that are enforcing it). 

Doc Martins... its ok by me...

One more post before the weekend starts:

I actually dont hate the ads...

Joe and Sid look great and its ok in retrospect they are shilling for Docs. This has only given Court more ammunition. I just wish I could find one of the posters/adverts to put up behind my couch.

I left the office early today. I wasn't accomplishing anything. Nothing at all. I definately will get more done here at home in the air conditioned chilled air throwing a toy around for little Herschel than sitting at my desk reading Google (not that there is anything wrong with that).

I am also going to try a little experiment this weekend as well, at 6 PM I am turning off all technology in my house save my telephone (my land line) and two of my five cameras. I want to be as "unhooked" as I possibly can so that I can get the most out of the 3 1/2 days "vacation" that I have in front of me. Its going to be really hard for me. I am completely addicted to my email and my reader and my bookmarks. But I have to step away. Steevoh might be lonely but I think he will understand my need to ignore the saved tv programs.

Have a great weekend.