Triumphs, Adventures, and Random Freakouts

30 Day TV meme, Day 3-7 (Sorry for the delays!)

2010-07-05T10:10:00.000-07:00

Day 03-Your Favorite New Show
Well, That would have to be Breaking Bad, again. I am completely hooked on watching it, and as said before, I am freaking out about next season. Walter White is a BADASS!

Day 04-Your Favorite Show Ever

Hands down-Frasier. My parents used to let me watch Cheers (a close contender for favorite) with them when I was little and I loved the dry dynamic of Frasier and Lilith. When Frasier first premiered I was hooked. David Hyde Pierce remains my longest crush (besides David Bowie) and I still love watching the re-runs.

Day 05-A Show You Hate

Oh man, I can only choose ONE? I would have to say The Bachelor/Bachelorette or any show similar to the whole hookup game. I find it tragic that a show that trivializes relationships and marriage (especially when so many people in our country who are in long term, committed relationships are not allowed the freedom of marriage) is so popular. Seriously America, WTF? I truly loathe this show and everything it represents.

Day 06-Favorite Episode of Your Favorite TV show

I'd have to say any episode of Frasier when Lilith shows up-hilarity often ensues.

Day 07-Least Favorite Episode of Your Favorite TV Show

Season Finale of Frasier. It was a total letdown for me and I don't feel like they wrapped things up as well as they could have.

Day 01 - A show that should never have been canceled
Day 02 - A show that you wish more people were watching
Day 03 - Your favorite new show (aired this TV season)
Day 04 - Your favorite show ever
Day 05 - A show you hate
Day 06 - Favorite episode of your favorite TV show
Day 07 - Least favorite episode of your favorite TV show
Day 08 - A show everyone should watch
Day 09 - Best scene ever
Day 10 - A show you thought you wouldn't like but ended up loving
Day 11 - A show that disappointed you
Day 12 - An episode you've watched more than 5 times
Day 13 - Favorite childhood show
Day 14 - Favorite male character
Day 15 - Favorite female character
Day 16 - Your guilty pleasure show
Day 17 - Favorite mini series
Day 18 - Favorite title sequence
Day 19 - Best TV show cast
Day 20 - Favorite kiss
Day 21 - Favorite ship
Day 22 - Favorite series finale
Day 23 - Most annoying character
Day 24 - Best quote
Day 25 - A show you plan on watching (old or new)
Day 26 - OMG WTF? Season finale
Day 27 - Best pilot episode
Day 28 - First TV show obsession
Day 29 - Current TV show obsession
Day 30 - Saddest character death

30 Day TV meme, Day 2

2010-07-05T10:09:00.000-07:00

Day 02 - A show that you wish more people were watching
Another show I have Nick to thank for-Breaking Bad. Oh. Mah. GAWD. I never got into TV dramas-The Sporanos was a mystery to me and the Dr. shows (ER, Grey's Anatomy, House, blah blah blah) never did anything to grab my attention. But Breaking bad-wow, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I wish more shows were this good!

I nabbed a good synopsis for ya'll that doesn't have a spoiler:

A struggling high school chemistry teacher, Walter White (Bryan Cranston), is diagnosed with terminal stage threelung cancer, and resorts to selling drugs to provide for his pregnant wife and handicapped son. On a ride along with his DEA agent brother-in-law Hank (Dean Norris), he sees a former student of his, Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), fleeing the scene of a meth lab. He contacts Jesse and devises a scheme to cook and distribute methamphetamine in order to pay for his treatment and leave his family financially stable.

Perhaps it is because I was laid off and had to face the question of how to support my son that this show really grabbed me. I can easily relate to Walter as he struggles to provide for the people he loves while covering up his illness. Hell, I am willing to bet a whole lot of people can relate to that stress in today's economic situation. Anyhow, I don't want to give much away-season three just ended so go rent the first three seasons and hang on for season four! WOO!

Day 01 - A show that should never have been canceled
Day 02 - A show that you wish more people were watching
Day 03 - Your favorite new show (aired this TV season)
Day 04 - Your favorite show ever
Day 05 - A show you hate
Day 06 - Favorite episode of your favorite TV show
Day 07 - Least favorite episode of your favorite TV show
Day 08 - A show everyone should watch
Day 09 - Best scene ever
Day 10 - A show you thought you wouldn't like but ended up loving
Day 11 - A show that disappointed you
Day 12 - An episode you've watched more than 5 times
Day 13 - Favorite childhood show
Day 14 - Favorite male character
Day 15 - Favorite female character
Day 16 - Your guilty pleasure show
Day 17 - Favorite mini series
Day 18 - Favorite title sequence
Day 19 - Best TV show cast
Day 20 - Favorite kiss
Day 21 - Favorite ship
Day 22 - Favorite series finale
Day 23 - Most annoying character
Day 24 - Best quote
Day 25 - A show you plan on watching (old or new)
Day 26 - OMG WTF? Season finale
Day 27 - Best pilot episode
Day 28 - First TV show obsession
Day 29 - Current TV show obsession
Day 30 - Saddest character death

2010-07-05T10:08:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July, f-list! Over the years I have downplayed any real celebration of the 4th, but this year we went up to Nick's Grandparents house in Gold Run and participated in the parade. We rode around the block twice, and the parade ended in a giant water fight, started by the fire dept when they pulled out the truck hoses and blasted the kids. It was SO much fun! After the parade we headed back to the house to BBQ up some kebabs and chicken. Nick's mom brought up potato salad and corn on the cob, and Nick's mom and I made ice cream with fresh fruit that I brought up. I got very nostalgic for the celebrations I had a a little girl, when on the the 4th of July I would watch the musical 1776 with my mom and dad in the morning, then we'd go over to my grandma's house for BBQ and fireworks. Tonight we'll just watch any fireworks that will be over the lake, (if there are any, Place Country is always worried about fire danger) but as we drove home I started to think about all the things I love about America. Some of them are pretty big, others are kinda dorky and small. So, in honor of this nation, I am going to list five things I love about the good ol' USA.

Ahem.

1. The freedom to make fun of the government without fear of being killed or thrown in jail.

2. Free water in restaurants and public water fountains. Ya'll go to India or even parts of Europe and see what it's like being charged for water and extra for ice! It sucks! And it could get you totally sick!

3. The grand diversity of our nation-geographically and culturally, especially in my native state of CA. We have mountains, desert, surf and a rainforest! How is that not totally awesome???

4. Bucket Of God Damn Chicken. WORD.

5. Personal choice for so many things that aren't a choice at all for people in other countries. Dudes, I get we have a long way to go for equal rights and all, but in many, MANY places so many simple choices are taken away completely, or you can be locked up or killed by your family or government for daring to make your own personal choices. I am pretty sure that we will come around, and a lot sooner than those other places-if they ever consent to do so. Let me know :)

So there.

30 Days of TV Meme

2010-06-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

Between my divorce and meeting Nick, I really did not watch a whole lot of TV. Nick has been catching me up on several good series (and some bad series-I'm looking at YOU, Lost!) and one in particular has been a lot of fun to watch.

Day 01 - A show that should never have been canceled
I am talking about Arrested Development, of course. I vaguely remember when it came out, but at the time I didn't own a TV so no shows for me. When Nick kept quoting it and I kept looking at him with a puzzled look on his face, he insisted I watch it. We have already burned through seasons 1 and 2, and sometime this week we will start season 3. I am NOT looking forward to the end-why is it that Fox keeps canceling the good stuff?

So there.

Day 02 - A show that you wish more people were watching
Day 03 - Your favorite new show (aired this TV season)
Day 04 - Your favorite show ever
Day 05 - A show you hate
Day 06 - Favorite episode of your favorite TV show
Day 07 - Least favorite episode of your favorite TV show
Day 08 - A show everyone should watch
Day 09 - Best scene ever
Day 10 - A show you thought you wouldn't like but ended up loving
Day 11 - A show that disappointed you
Day 12 - An episode you've watched more than 5 times
Day 13 - Favorite childhood show
Day 14 - Favorite male character
Day 15 - Favorite female character
Day 16 - Your guilty pleasure show
Day 17 - Favorite mini series
Day 18 - Favorite title sequence
Day 19 - Best TV show cast
Day 20 - Favorite kiss
Day 21 - Favorite ship
Day 22 - Favorite series finale
Day 23 - Most annoying character
Day 24 - Best quote
Day 25 - A show you plan on watching (old or new)
Day 26 - OMG WTF? Season finale
Day 27 - Best pilot episode
Day 28 - First TV show obsession
Day 29 - Current TV show obsession
Day 30 - Saddest character death

2010-06-28T23:01:00.000-07:00

The 100 degree genuine summer weather has hit NorCal and I think it's here to stay. We aren't supposed to get any lower than the high 80's this week, so I am looking forward to the lake warming up and the snow in the mountains melting for some awesome rapids on the river.

The peaches on the tree in the backyard are getting big! They are in-between the size of a golf ball and a baseball, hooray! I plan on making peach ice cream and peach cobbler for my birthday in late July, it would be great if I could use my own fruit. Or my mom's fruit. Whatever.

I have a mere five weeks of summer school, then I have a bit of a break before fall semester starts up again. In the meantime, Nick and I got tickets to see Spamalot on the 10th-I am SO excited! I am not sure what I will be doing on my break between semesters, other than I will head to the gulf coast and help out in whatever way I can to clean up the oil mess. I used to work as a nanny for the senior vice president of Audubon centers, so she has been a great resource in helping me get my volunteer on :)

Anyhow, it's horribly hot out-it's only 2:30 and I wish it were later so things would cool down. Oh well, I am sure once I adjust to the heat I'll be out enjoying the warmth!

So there.

Scenes From A Marriage

2010-06-25T20:29:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite films of all time is Scenes From A Marriage, a Swedish TV drama (think The Sporanos or Angels in America) from 1973 about the disintegration of a marriage between Johan and Marianne, a couple living in Sweden. I watched the series for the first time after I was divorced. There were several areas that have touched me and will remain with me for the rest of my life.

One scene in particular has always resonated with me. The main characters have another couple over for supper, and it is revealed that they are on the brink of divorce. Part of the monologue (by Peter, in regards to his verbally abusive, soon-to-be-ex-wife, Katarina) is terribly tragic:

"August Strindberg once said "could there be anything more terrifying than a husband and wife who hate each other?" What do you say? Child abuse could possibly be worse. But then again, Katarina and I are children. Deep down, Katarina is a little girl who cries because no one comforts her when she falls. And in the opposite corner, I'm a little boy who cries because Katarina can't love me."

I see this sort of predicament happen to many married couples. I was mentally and physically abused by my ex husband, but psychological abuse is often the favored form of abuse these days. Anything and everything is used as an excuse for their accountability to their commitment and responsibility to marriage and family-even acting like a tantrumy child and blaming "alleged" mental instability issues on the rapid disintegration of their own commitment to their marriage. Speaking as someone who has had bipolar disorder for well over a decade, this pitiful excuse is bullshit. Abuse is abuse is abuse, and you cannot blame your mental health on your choice to abuse your family. It's a load of crap and those of us who do have mental diseases see right through this shallow bullshit. Perhaps if people realized that a marriage isn't something for children and that they ARE NOT children, they would respect their marriage more, and truly if they had a spine and any sense of real maturity, they would seek help for their mental instability and counsel for their marriage. After all, thirty-something is a ridiculous age to start behaving like a spoiled, bratty, petulant child. Especially in a marriage.

Just sayin'...

2010-06-03T08:25:00.001-07:00

This week has been pretty good so far, I'm glad it seems short because of the holiday.

School starts next week, I'll be going to classes wed-fri. I'm actually excited because I feel so lazy! I'll be taking introduction to photography and photoshop, death and dying (thanatology) and introduction to mortuary business. The photo class is actually at Sierra, so I'll be in Rocklin on Wednesdays with my friend Jess. We decided to take as many photography classes as we can, when we can so someday we can be photographers together. It's a hobby we've both enjoyed since we were in HS and we have had a lot of fun getting back into it since I came back to CA. My dad was a photography teacher at El Camino HS in Sacramento for 35 years so I picked up the hobby when I was a kid. Jess and I became friends in Jr. High and she really got into photography in HS and college but put it aside when she had her kids.

Anyhow, it's exciting to be doing something I love with a good friend.

Oh! Last night I discovered my new favorite place for *good* sushi. Tabs and I were skyping and we both started feeding each others' craving for sushi (We know. We are addicts. Don't judge us.) and she suggested a place I've never heard of out in Rancho Cordova. I am super picky about sushi, and I have my favorite places so I was a little bit wary. Ok, I totally didn't believe her. Sushi places are a dime a dozen on the west coast, and a lot of them suck. When I was living in the PI, I ate sushi almost every day at a small sushi bar across the street from my apartment. The owners were japanese, didn't speak English, and everything they made was fresh and delicious. I swear I was their best customer. They knew who I was and the husband would wave and start making tasty treats for me. When I got back to the US (NY in particular) all the sushi seemed bland and pretty much...blah. It's a lot better out west, but you still have to be pretty careful.

Anyhow, I digress. I am glad I was proven wrong, because last night I was a complete piggy. Nick and I shared edamame as an appetizer, four (HUGE) rolls, red bean ice cream and oranges drizzled in plum wine for dessert. So. Stinkin'. Good. I ate so much I felt lethargic and slightly drunk. I am sorely tempted to go back for lunch so I can try their hot pots and udon. I am kicking myself for not taking pictures, so I feel justified in returning so I can get some good pics and throw them up on the blog. Or maybe I can get their lunch rolls because they are half off. Oooooh! Decisions, decisions!

Fast week, delicious surprises-love it. I hope it continues like this for the rest of the week and beyond.

So there.

2010-05-30T10:57:00.000-07:00

This week has been pretty frantic, with too many last-minute changes.

My good friend Larissa from Kansas City was supposed to come visit me for the holiday weekend but had to cancel plans last minute.

I found out on Thursday night that one of my oldest friends, Millie, is quite suddenly moving to Seattle to help care for her mom (who was stricken with ovarian cancer) at a cancer treatment clinic permanently; she is leaving on Tuesday.

School starts next week and I still haven't gotten my books.

Because I was helping Millie pack up her things and rescue a feral cat trapped in her parents' garage, I missed a needle felting class I wanted to go to with Tabitha.

The Top Kill AND the Junk Shot failed. I hope anyone who wanted to see the gulf coast did so already. We are so fucked.

Nick and I got into a...something when I had Millie and another old friend, Mike over for dinner last night to say goodbye.

Nick and I are still getting to know each others' friends. I have met his friends on several occasions-the NYE party at James and Annie's house, Nick's 30th birthday, b2b, a few work parties and Travis's 30th birthday last weekend. Last night when Mike and Millie were over Nick was completely disengaged from the conversation and started browsing the net on his droid phone. It was a bit...rude and hurtful. I understand he was really tired, and he doesn't know my friends very well but I also felt sad and disappointed that he could not be bothered to engage himself in the conversation and try to get to know my friends a little better. I expressed my disappointment and he apologized but I am still not sure what to think.

However, today is a good day so far-it's beautiful weather, not a cloud in the sky and I can hear the boats with the jet skiers having fun. Maybe later Nick and I will take Rodent for a walk on the lake. I'm glad the week is over and I have a holiday tomorrow to start off the new week without any sudden changes. I don't mind spontaneity, but after everything that's happened this week I feel like...Oof!

2010-05-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

I love living in California again. it's been close to eight months, and at the end of July I'll be turning 30. I am back in school and on track to becoming a Funeral Director. Wicked.

I used to blog a LOT of livejournal, but this is easier. I think I'll do so more often :)

2008-12-30T11:36:00.000-08:00

Listen to a Chinese Opera without wincing. I realize it's very cultural and all that, but the sounds that are made as "singing"...DAMN.

My mom sent me a DVD collection of the Peking Opera. I believe she got it for pledging a donation to PBS or something, because she cannot possibly have listened to this and sent it on as a gift. Well...unless she's mad at me. I might have done something to piss her off, which would explain her giving me a collection of costumes, makeup, and absolutely amazing sounds made by the performers. It's very much like watching a car accident. In slow motion. And Dolby digital surround sound. I am almost certain that it's not ancient at all, and they came up with this a a means of torturing spies during the cold war.

I will try to explain - Car alarm...cat at a groomer's...children being murdered...train wreck...none of these can properly explain some of the chilling sounds made by the performing artists during a Chinese Opera. I admit it's quite a talent to make these noises, I am certain that Jim Carey is green with envy over some of the noises produced and combined with the facial expressions...wowza. I just cannot get over the alien sounds...my ignorant western ears are in pain!

I wish I could learn to appreciate this ancient art, but I am drowning in ignorance. What do you all think? Love it? Hate it? Just. Don't. Get it?

Holiday Half-Time

2008-12-30T11:34:00.000-08:00

Whew.

So for a quiet Christmas at home things sure have been busy. We have a new roof leak to deal with that sprung up last week; Steve is on the roof as we speak with the guy who is making the repair, so we will be 750 clams poorer. I'm glad we didn't overindulge with gifts this year, bleh.

Christmas Eve was spent at our neighbor's house, where they have an annual party. Rita made ham, turkey and all the fixings, we ate like pigs. Towards the later part of the evening we all ended up in the basement (finished with a tiki bar, pool table and entertainment corner) playing "Left-Right-Center" when we ran out of Corona. Steve ran up to the gas station on the corner and ran into his brother Fred and his wife Suzanne who were dropping off Christmas cookies for us! Steve brought them back to the party where Rita heaped food onto plates for them, and they joined in the games. Afterwards they followed us the quarter-mile back to our house where we ate cookies, caught up, and drank hot buttered rum. They didn't leave until almost 2am and it was an awesome surprise to spend Christmas eve with them.

Christmas day was quiet, Sam got a good amount of loot from us, Santa, his dad and grandparents. I got Steve some nice sweaters, the Sunrise Earth DVD set, Frasier Fir scented candles from Thymes, (I got them for him last year as a joke gift-it was really more for me but he liked the smell so much he actually requested it again) and I filled his stocking with his favorite candy (M&M's and Resses' Peanut Butter Cups). Steve got me a gorgeous wool coat from Victoria's Secret, it has big buttons and and a really smart collar. He also got me a gift certificate for Borders so I can go get the new Dido album, a mortar and pestle for grinding spices, a cute wool hat, ear warmers, and some fuzzy black gloves. I made out like a bandit, IMO. We had a few friends over for supper; I roasted a turkey that I brined, and then coated with an herb seasoning (let me know if you want the recipe-it ROCKS!), made garlic mashed potatoes, stuffing, warm Brussels sprouts with pancetta and balsamic vinegar, cranberry chutney, and hot rolls. Chuck made an apple pie and traditional Figgy Pudding with Hard sauce. Figgy pudding is something you either love or hate, I happen to like it-especially with hard sauce! It was a pretty laid-back dinner, and we all had a nice time with our friends.

On Friday Steve got called in to go to one of the plants in MA for the day and fix some financial issues, so I stayed home and cleaned house. I was pretty pissed off about this because Steve left in such a hurry he didn't see my purse, car keys and cell phone in the front seat so I was somewhat cut off from civilization, but I got some cleaning done and played Disney Monopoly with Sam so it wasn't such a bad day, but I wish Steve didn't have to go to work.

On Saturday we took almost half of the toys Sam got for Christmas and donated them at St. Josephs for the kids who were in hospital. One of our favorite family TV shows is John and Kate Plus Eight on TLC; Sam loves watching the kids because they are just a little younger than he is. In a recent episode, the family went to St. Jude's hospital and gave a donation and some coloring books and CDs to the sick kids, and Sam decided that next year he wants to donate to St. Jude. I am so proud of him for being concerned for those in need, I hope this is a habit that continues to grow and flourish.

Yesterday we went to Steve's brother Bob's house where Bob and his wife Paula had a smorgasbord of goodies set out for us to much as we all caught up with each other and watched football. There were at least five giant platters of sweets but I managed to behave myself and only eat two bite-sized chocolate cookies. Go, me! Dinner was sausage and cheese Zitti, home baked Mac'n'Cheese with ham and tomatoes, and classic Lasagna. Delicious! We didn't get home until after 11pm but we had a lot of fun.

So today....Well, Steve's home watching over the repairs to the roof, Sam's playing at a friend's house and I am going to start taking down some of the house decor. I always leave the tree up until New Year's, but some of the table and wall decorations can come down now.

*deep breath*

We both have the rest of the week off, as does Sam so we are thinking of heading to Ithaca. I haven't made any firm New Year's Eve plans, but we have an invite to go to Bambino's in Auburn with the crew. It's likely that's what we will end up doing, but I think first on my list is to have a nap, catch up on some work emails, and maybe sneak in a hot bath somewhere. Tonight we are heading over to East Syracuse to have supper at the Clam Bar with all of Steve's remaining family that's in town. It's been a whirlwind these past few days, but I've had fun...let the rest of the festivities commence!!!

And in other news...

2008-12-20T10:42:00.000-08:00

The snowstorm we got yesterday in central NY was a doozy, but it didn't stop us from going out to May Memorial to see Teada in concert, YAY!

I LOVE Irish folk music, and this group is one of my favorites. They only come to the US from Ireland once a year so we put forth a pretty big effort to go catch them when we can. Chuck, Tom and Kathleen went to the concert as well, and we all bought our own copies of an Irish Christmas CD. Afterwards, we met up at the Dark Horse tavern for some good snacks and a cocktail. I've decided I don't like vodka-or rather, it doesn't like me because after ONE cocktail (vodka dirty martini) several glasses of water, and a full plate of food I felt like crap the next morning.

Anyhow, this weekend is devoted to some last minute shopping if I can find the motivation to actually go to the mall, mailing off cards and packages, baking, tidying up, and enjoying time indoors now that the weather's turned foul. I hope everyone's having a lovely holiday season! Until next time, be good, kids!

sigh

2008-12-20T10:40:00.000-08:00

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081220/ap_on_re_us/gay_marriage_lawsuits

Excerpt:

The Yes on 8 campaign filed a brief arguing that because the new law holds that only marriages between a man and a woman are recognized or valid in California, the state can no longer recognize the existing same-sex unions. The document reveals for the first time that opponents of same-sex marriage will fight in court to undo those unions that already exist.

"Proposition 8's brevity is matched by its clarity. There are no conditional clauses, exceptions, exemptions or exclusions," reads the brief co-written by Kenneth Starr, dean of Pepperdine University's law school and the former independent counsel who investigated President Bill Clinton.

The campaign submitted the document in response to three lawsuits seeking to invalidate Proposition 8, the constitutional amendment adopted last month that overruled the court's decision in May that had legalized gay marriage in the nation's most populous state.

Both Attorney General Jerry Brown, whose office is scheduled to submit its own brief to the court Friday, and gay rights groups maintain that the gay marriage ban may not be applied retroactively.

My comment:

This is absolute *crap.* We do not have ex post facto law in this country for a reason. And now these bigoted asshats want to judicially annul legal marriages?

Okay, you folks who were in favor of Prop 8 -- here's a question for you. Which of *your* rights shall we put to majority vote. Is it okay to judicially annul your marriage because, say, you got married outdoors instead of in a church? Because *that,* people, is the real slippery slope that this represents. Keep your baloney about pedophilia, polygamy and incest -- those are red herrings. The real slippery slope comes when someone can take away your rights because they think you are icky.

There is only one other instance in history which I have been able to find that is comparable: the Nuremberg Laws.

Is that really where you want to position yourself?

It's all about the parties!

2008-12-12T09:34:00.000-08:00

Steve's office Christmas party is tonight at Pascale's Restaurant and Wine bar; I'm verah excited. The party last year was at the same place, and it was most excellent. I am looking forward to seeing Heather, who is the wife of one of Steve's partners (Greg) and she also sails. In fact, she was at Harbor Fest for Sail Oswego Regatta as crew on Shebeen, so it was fun to wave as we passed each other on the race course. I'm also looking forwad to seeing Rita who is a bookkeeper and her husband Jim, who are also our neighbors down the road; and Kathleen, who is Tom's long time girlfriend. Good times.

Realization Meme (for FUN!)

2008-12-11T06:19:00.000-08:00

I've come to realize that my hair: is finally getting longer and that permanently straightening it was a Very. Big. Mistake.

I've come to realize that my heart: isn't as badly damaged as I thought it would be after surviving a divorce.

I've come to realize that my job: is pretty nice-I'm lucky to work remotely with minimal time in the office.

I've come to realize that when I'm driving: I am much slower than most NY drivers.

I've come to realize that I need: to stop being so critical of myself.

I've come to realize that I've lost: several bad habits, both physically and emotionally and I try hard every day to stay on the right track.

I've come to realize that I don't like it when: I am labeled. Labels are for clothes, not for people.

I've come to realize that money: is not the root of all evil, and it's actually a nice thing to have if it is earned or exchanged with honor and honesty.

I've come to realize that certain people: have really tuned out. And that is a pity.

I've come to realize that I'll always: CARPE DIEM!

I've come to realize that yesterday: is water under the bridge and I need to continue to move forward .

I've come to realize that my mom: is my best friend.

Before I went to sleep last night I realized: that "holy crap, it's December!".

I've come to realize that when I woke up this morning: that cold floors are horrible first thing in the morning.

I've come to realize that right now I am thinking: I need to drink another two glasses of water.

I've come to realize that my dad: is a pretty good friend.

I've come to realize that today: I wish I could hug all of you in person.

I've come to realize that tonight: I am cooking beef something-or-other and spinach and cheese pie-nom!

I've come to realize that I really want: Sam to get better. Poor bug.

I've come to realize that life: is exactly what you make of it.

I've come to realize that my friends: are the stars lighting my path through dark times. I love you all-here in NY, out in CO and CA, and everyone on the f-list.

Happy Holidays

My two cents-sine everyone keeps talking about it.

2008-12-10T08:09:00.000-08:00

Last night on Jon Stewart, he noted to Huck that the religious rights and choosing of religions are protected. The right to choose whom you love and marry, are not.

Stewart: "Marriage has evolved greatly over those five thousand years, from a property arrangement, polygamy. We've redefined it constantly. It used to be that people of different races could not marry. It strikes me as very convenient to go back to the bible and say, 'Hey man, we gotta look at the way they define marriage.'"

Huck: "If we change the definition, we really would have to change it to accommodate all lifestyles. I mean, we'd have to say to the guy in west Texas who had twenty-seven wives 'that's okay'"

Ummm... no, Huckleberry... you don't. I'd settle for a definition of two individuals of the legal age of consent entering into a legal and binding partnership - how's that for a nice, easy to understand, top-level definition? The vast majority of the people who are pushing for equal rights in this arena are not trying to get polygamy accepted as part of the definition of marriage so quit trying to push that on us as a lame excuse as to why you're against updating the definition. Quit saying that people are going to marry animals. Quit quoting marriage as the most sacred institution in this country when the divorce rate is so fucking high. Why don't you admit to the opinion that you believe homosexuality to be a disease, the Devil's Work or a fad or a genetic mutation that the "victims" should either be cured or wiped out?

Huck: "There is a big difference between a person being black and a person practicing a lifestyle."

Ummm... no, being gay isn't a lifestyle you bigoted, ignorant, asshat. It's about gender preference, it's about who you love, it's not some "fad" or "lifestyle" that you can turn on and off like a switch. It's not some secret kink - it's about the qualities that you are attracted to being in someone who happens to be of the same gender. Have you ever even tried talking to a homosexual about what it's about? Have you ever actually given them a fair chance to explain their preferences?

If people say Gay Marriage is wrong because God and the Bible say marriage means one man and one woman, how come THEIR choice of THEIR religion overshadows someone else's so-called "choice" in behaviour? Assuming of course it is a choice, which i don't think it is?

But even if you think being gay is a choice people make, being religious is also a choice people make...So how come one trumps the other?

If I can have several groups of Jehovah's Witnesses in my house over the course of my life and openly and calmly discuss the differences between our religious beliefs without either of us calling the other wrong or trying to convert the other, you can sure as hell get off your moral high horse and try to do the same with people of a different gender preference. Even for a lot of religious people who believe that being gay is a "choice" and you can just as easily "choose" the correct lifestyle as decreed by God (the God of their choice I might add), it's interesting that their RELIGIOUS choice and rights preclude the rights of someone else. It's a completely circular argument.

As for me, I think being gay is like being blue-eyed. You can wear contacts to hide it, but inside, you're still blue-eyed. In which case, forcing a religiously prescribed choice on someone else who has none is even more of a disservice. And whether or not a person thinks being gay is or is not a choice, I don't think 'God Says So' should be the argument lobbied against Gay Marriage when religion and God are also choices and rights protected equally by the constitution.

Stewart: "Religion is far more of a choice than homosexuality. The protections that we have for religion? We protect religion and talk about a lifestyle choice. That is absolutely a choice. Gay people don't choose to be gay. At what age did you choose not to be gay?"

Game. Set. Match.

Angie's World-Famous December ONLY! Fudge

2008-12-04T06:11:00.000-08:00

I only make this recipe in December, otherwise I'd be swamped with requests for it all winter long. It's super easy, and there are a lot of variations you can try yourself. I'll include some after the base recipe.

Ingredients

1 can (15oz) evaporated milk
1 cup butter, plus 2-4 tablespoons for greasing pans
4 cups of granulated sugar
1 12 oz. package of semi-sweet chocolate chips (use the best kind you can get-the better the chocolate the better the taste)
1 7-10 oz milk chocolate bar, cut into pieces (again, use the best you can find)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup toasted, chopped walnuts
1 jar (7-ish oz) marshmallow fluff

Prep a 13 x 9 pan by lining it with foil and buttering the bottom well.

Butter the sides of a large sauce pan (I use a stock pot) 3/4th the way up the sides. Stirring continuously, heat the butter, evaporated milk, and sugar until it comes to a boil. Continue cooking and stirring CONSTANTLY on medium heat for ten minutes.

Take the pan off the heat and add the rest of your ingredients. Mix well and pour into the 13 x 9 pan. Allow the pan to cool in the fridge for about a half hour, then score it into 1x1 inch pieces, and let it stay in the fridge overnight. It will make 90-ish pieces of fudge.

You can also:

Omit the nuts completely if you hate them or are allergic.

Omit the nuts, and add chopped up candy can and half a teaspoon of mint extract for mint-chocolate fudge.

Use peanut butter chips and peanuts instead of a milk chocolate candy bar and walnuts for peanut butter fudge.

Use toffee chips, with or without the walnuts.

Use your own favorite nut-one of my friends likes to use chopped macadamias.

Use a dark chocolate candy bar and almonds instead of milk chocolate and walnuts, and sprinkle the fudge with toasted coconut for an almond joy fudge.

Just use your imagination, you really can't go wrong. Also, if you use this recipe PLEASE let me know how it turned out-I am always tweaking my recipes so I truly appreciate any feedback!

Ok here we go

2008-12-04T05:46:00.000-08:00

So I haven't figured out how to streamline my LJ blog with this one, I'll try to figure it out later. I'll just pick up here and run with it. If you want the back story, check out:

www.angielabrie.livejournal.com

That will give you all the details, other than that I'm just going to post as usual ;o)

Good times!