Blogging Away

Well, “Lost” ended last night with an explosive 2-hour season finale. What a great show. I love that cast. Especially the hobbit who loves his heroin. Now, I am depressed that I have to wait until September to find out what happened with the cliffhangers. One reason I love this show is that, even when they explain something, it opens up more questions. I love that about television. Whoo hoo!

My friend Beth and I were discussing Jeff Goldblum the other day. What a great guy. We figured out that in his movies, he always tells the other character(s) that something bad is going to happen if they do something. Look at it….Jurassic Park, Earth Girls Are Easy, The Fly, Igby Goes Down…every time, Jeff is the character that can somehow see all of the bad things that are imminent. Perhaps it’s time to have a Goldblum marathon? Break out some classic gems?

Going to Houston’s tonight for dinner with a friend and then home to pack for the trip to Austin! Yay G&T!

Have a great and safe Memorial Day and try to make it to work on Tuesday, you drunkards!

 

Here is a picture of the man himself; ladies and gentlemen: Jeff Goldblum!

 

 

 

 

 

I am a political junkie. I read whatever I can get my hands on (even if it is Ann Coulter). I make somewhat rational decisions. I consider myself to be incredibly strong in my political beliefs. I can argue intelligently with those who do not share my beliefs (as least I hope I do). But more than anything, I am open to the possibility that I can and have been wrong. This is something that is incredibly hard to admit. I have a HUGE ego. But, yes ladies and gents, I can admit to being wrong; and I can do so without holding a grudge (or at least much of one). I understand that “The World According to Erin” is not the world that everyone lives in. I have had friends, enemies, and all of those in between who show me time and time again that their view point is just as valid as mine — no matter how different it may be. I know that my ideologies do not perfectly fit with the majority of the country; if they did, we would have socialized medicine, no glass ceiling, activist judges, and mandatory world religion classes starting in grade 1. I get it. I really do.

I like the arguing. I like the debate. I thrive on it. Why? It strengthens my position to have the opposing side find the loopholes that I need to work on. Sometimes, it lets me see something from an entirely different angle which, can in fact, lead to me altering my argument. I like the idea of compromise because that is the only way that this country will work. Those who stand on their own side and shout at the others do nothing to help their case and, by negativity, strengthen their opposition.

It is all about compromise. Not compromising your values or beliefs, but realizing that those beliefs are not universal. It’s getting in the room and hashing out the details. It is having political discussions with friends over beers and not holding a grudge when they do not change their minds based on your ideas.It is not raising your voice but opening your mind and really listening.

I find it funny to listen to people on both sides of the aisle talk about their opposition. They speak of them as if they were evil; that they don’t know what the country needs. And, on one hand, they are right….they don’t really know what the country needs. They don’t realize that there isn’t one answer but, rather, a million answers. It is not about being wrong or right — it is about being just and fair and pursuing the principle of equality. It is about listening.

I just wanted to say “thanks” to those Senators of U.S. Congress who genuinely tried to come together for their party, their beliefs, and their country this week. We recognize your efforts and we thank you. You earned your pay this week, as well as added respect. Thanks for knowing that right now, it is about common ground and progress, and not battles.

Here are the 14. The Republicans: John Warner (Virginia),  John McCain (Ariz), Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins (of Maine), Mike DeWine (Ohio), Lindsey O. Graham (S.C.), and Lincoln D. Chafee (R.I.). The Democrats are Robert C. Byrd (W.Va.), Joseph I. Lieberman (Conn.), Ben Nelson (Neb.), Mark Pryor (Ark.), Mary Landrieu (La.), Daniel K. Inouye (Hawaii) and Ken Salazar (Colo.).

So, I was reading in this article about the top ten ways that people get killed (intentionally/not intentionally) at work in an office environment. #3 on the list? A letter opener. I started laughing at that and said…”what idiot leaves their letter opener lying about at work where someone could reach out and stab them?” — I immediately looked up and saw that, indeed,  I am that idiot. My letter opener was sitting in my mug that holds my pens….in my line of work that is the most dangerous place for that to be. I, in fact, am that idiot. I am surprised that I have survived this long! All of you can breathe a sigh of relief now that I have realized the error of my ways and moved the letter opener to the proper cabinet…now, if I could only find a place for my lead-based three-hole-punch…or, #7 on the list.

Tori Amos once sang a song (originally written by the Boomtown Rats) called, “I don’t like Mondays” — never were truer words spoken. This is my song of the week. The reason? No, I am not going to go on a murderous rampage….but….this is one Hell of a week. Things just seem really “intense.” I am just patiently waiting for the weekend. Anybody else feeling that this week is a little off? Anyone feeling that you have to try just a little harder this week, compared to weeks of the past?

FYI — here are the origins of the song - On 29 January 1979, 16-year-old Brenda Ann Spencer opened fire on children arriving at Cleveland Elementary School in San Diego from her house across the street, killing two men and wounding eight students and a police officer. Principal Burton Wragg was attempting to rescue children in the line of fire when he was shot and killed, and custodian Mike Suchar was slain attempting to aid Wragg. Spencer used a rifle her father had given her as a gift. As to what impelled her into this form of murderous madness, she told a reporter,”I don’t like Mondays. This livens up the day.”

Here are the lyrics

I Don’t Like Mondays

The silicon chip inside her head
Gets switched to overload.
And nobody’s gonna go to school today,
She’s going to make them stay at home.
And daddy doesn’t understand it,
He always said she was as good as gold.
And he can see no reason
‘Cause there are no reasons
What reason do you need to be shown?

Tell me why?
I don’t like Mondays.
Tell me why?
I don’t like Mondays.
Tell me why?
I don’t like Mondays.
I want to shoot
The whole day down.

The telex machine is kept so clean
As it types to a waiting world.
And mother feels so shocked,
Father’s world is rocked,
And their thoughts turn to
Their own little girl.
Sweet 16 ain’t so peachy keen,
No, it ain’t so neat to admit defeat.
They can see no reasons
‘Cause there are no reasons
What reason do you need to be shown?

Tell me why?
I don’t like Mondays.
Tell me why?
I don’t like Mondays.
Tell me why?
I don’t like Mondays.
I want to shoot
The whole day down.

All the playing’s stopped in the playground now
She wants to play with her toys a while.
And school’s out early and soon we’ll be learning
And the lesson today is how to die.
And then the bullhorn crackles,
And the captain crackles,
With the problems and the how’s and why’s.
And he can see no reasons
‘Cause there are no reasons
What reason do you need to die?

Tell me why?
I don’t like Mondays.
Tell me why?
I don’t like Mondays.
Tell me why?
I don’t like Mondays.
I want to shoot
The whole day down.

Sorry, had to title it like I did…”Sith” Rocked!

So, this was a great weekend in the state of AZ. I saw “Revenge of the Sith” — which was so much better than eps. 1 and 2! Great flick. It took all of my energy not to turn around and march into the theater to see it again Go see it with the other hordes of people. It is well worth it.

Speaking of Hayden Christensen, I came across this Canadian TV show on WAM! over the weekend. “Higher Ground” is what I would like to call a “My so-called life” meets the “Facts of Life” meets your basic after-school special — but in a cool way. Pretty good show….good enough for me to put off housework and devote multiple hours to the marathon that they were having on TV. I love you, Canadian television! Remember “Flash Forward” or “You can’t do that on television?” – I miss good Canadian shows.

Got Mitch (my car) his first oil change on Saturday. I love the people at Mark Mitsubishi. They are cute. They are efficient. They are friendly. What more could you ask for from car salesmen? A good deal? Dream on…

Got my house spic and span (God, I sound like my Mother) for the alleged guests that should be arriving in the next week or so I say alleged until I see them pull up. Alleged.

Going to Austin, TX for the holiday weekend to see the family. Always such a nice time…always such a drunk time. I brought my friend, Jeff, with me to my cousin’s wedding last year. He had a good time and he said that, “we like to eat almost as much as we like to drink” — which is true. Bring on the 7-layer dip! Bring on the chili-con-queso! Bring on the gin and tonic. Bring on the the Wild Turkey for my Aunt Kathy! Glorious, glorious family. I really do “heart” them….wow…that takes me back….Amanda/Kacey…are you listening? That just totally came out! Wow, happy nostalgia day to me!

Have a great one, kiddies!

So, I was interviewing this guy for one of the collector positions and he showed up wearing a t-shirt and….HAMMER PANTS. My immediate thought was, “Wow, did I go back in the time machine to 1991 when these things were cool?” — Fortunately, this was not true. I found myself wanting to hum “Too Legit to Quit” while he spoke of his lack of experience. This guy was awful.

On other fronts, I am going to clean and pack for my trip next week over the weekend. This may sound awful, but it will be so relaxing to not have to worry about anything when I get back. I may go see a movie tomorrow night with a few friends….not sure, though.

Yesterday was a bad day at work…..bad, bad day. I am getting the feeling that it may have been that way for everyone. Sorry to those of you who thought that yesterday sucked.

I have been talking a lot lately about “decisions” with people – the ones that have been made, the ones that should be made, and the ones we know we will never make. I have come to accept the notion that nothing is “black or white,”  but, rather, infused with shades of gray. I also have come to the realization that, most of the time, we put those shades of gray into the problem by ourselves because we need the haze that it brings…the nuances. Not much more that I want to say about this issue at this time…

 

Have a great weekend and here is a funny picture to make you happy: “Call me now!” — She was such a quack!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Having a crap-filled day, so I wanted to make a list of all of the things that make me happy right now so that I can enjoy peace. Focus on the good, negate the bad. “Lost” is on tonight, so I am a happy camper. Here is my list. Feel free to add what makes you happy today.

Erin’s List:

I have yet to be disappointed with this website. Amazon has never let me down. I order stuff ALL the time from them, and it ALWAYS arrives promptly without any mistakes. Plus…when I am buying something that I am not sure about, then I read the awesome reviews that they people have placed on the site. So helpful! Here is my example. I ordered 3 movies, cat litter, cell phone car charger, and a new book). You don’t pay for shipping on any order over $25. Genius! I love you Amazon.

I love you Krud Kutter – we discovered you in a dollar store and we have loved and nurtured you ever since. I had made Jell-O shots for a party and, as always, the Jell-O had spilled into the fridge and congealed. Getting Jell-O out of a fridge is one thing, but when it has been sitting there for months….it is darn right impossible. We bought the Krud Kutter and hoped for the best. By far the best product of all time. By far. Buy it….it is a little pricey now, but it is all you need.

DVR - Without you, I could not be sane. I love that you will record “Lost” while I watch “Revelations” — you are reliable and efficient. I can ask for nothing more.

Fat Tire – you are the “King” of beers. I love you and your great taste. Honorable mentions: Coors Light — for when I feel a little trashy. Corona — for when I feel trashy and nostalgic. Keystone (cannot find a website) - for when I feel trashy, nostalgic, and broke. Ah….memories of Oklahoma.

I will eat you for dinner….because I love your salad bar and you use good cheese when making a pizza — Barros

Not my Koi Fish Pond — but similar in it’s offer of serenity. I love to reflect by my pond. Love it.

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves: I turned you on this morning at 2:15AM and, once again, I felt a little better. Long live Will Scarlett!

That is all for now…just needed to talk about things that make me happy! Add your list in the comments

 

 

So, NBC just announced their fall schedule….”The West Wing” is moving from Wednesdays to Sundays this fall. It will be opposite “Desperate Housewives”  - Thank God I have DVR! It may be a good move for WW….this will probably be the last season for the show…which makes me sad, but happy at the same time. They just have to pull a strong second in the ratings.

Somewhat related topic. They said that “SCRUBS” would be returning “sometime” next fall, though it is not on the schedule. This is BAD news for SCRUBS fans. They will use is a late-season replacement. Oy! I love that show! Come on, NBC…your ratings have tanked this year, but come on…SCRUBS? Don’t get rid of every good show that you have!

 I have been so stressed lately. No. Wait. Val and I decided that we aren’t stressed or overworked. We just have “shit to do.” That makes it sound less “doom-like” I suppose. After an incredibly hard week I decided that this weekend I would do nothing more than be free. I think that I did a pretty good job of it. Thursday night I went to Target and spent a lot of money. I bought a mirror, which was awesome. Ever since I moved into the guest house (January) I have needed a large mirror for my bathroom. I have gone to plenty of stores and it seems that every mirror that I looked at had a flaw or was $249, which I wasn’t going to spend. Target had a great one for $30. Perfect.

On Friday I had a job interview — which rocked. I will not talk about it any further for fear of placing a curse on the prospect. Needless to say, if I get the job then I will buy all of you a Coke or Mr. Pibb.

Saturday was tubing day! It was the most relaxing thing that I have done in months. Went with some old high school friends and it was so peaceful. I could have done that forever. Really, really good time. I am thinking about going again on Sunday. Hmmm…

Yesterday was pretty good. It was my Mom’s birthday and I think she had a good time until Rick threw a hissy-fit because he was frustrated with the DVD player that he bought my Mom. He left and I fixed it. Enough said. I came home and, literally, sat on my couch for the rest of the day. Read a little more of “Love in the time of Cholera” — really liking it.

The best part of the weekend was that the thought of work rarely crept into my mind. Such a nice feeling. I actually think that I got some rest!

Busy next few weeks. Jarrett is in town tomorrow and I think we are having dinner. I need to make plans to see Brian before he leaves for South Africa. Val and Becca are going to be at my house in a little over a week (Shit, really that soon?) — for a month. Becca will sleep in the dog house, of course….which might make her happy. Excited to have the girls (and eventually the boy) here on my turf. Going to Austin, TX  in less than 2 weeks. Busy girl! Oh well…at least I have the memory of the gentleness of the water and the cold Coors Light in my hand while I blow on a cigarrette to ensure that it dries faster. Ahhh.

Kisses and Hugs

 

Weird day — here is why:

1. Friday the 13th — always heightened sensitivities

2. Payday — whoo hoo!

3. 9 terminations today — oy.

4. Craving guacamole and Cornuts — which I hate

5. Have job interview today — will discuss more if anything comes to fruition.

6. Utter feeling since this morning that someone is watching me…and not in a spiritual way. Ever since I got in the car….am I being tailed by the Feds?

 

Excited for O-fficial “tubin the salt” day tomorrow….but I will burn. Maybe I will post pix.

Still, though, strange things are afoot at the Circle K, strange things indeed. Any one else feel it?