File Under: Remember
December 1 is World AIDS Day. I can go on about it, but what I would rather do is refer you to Dan's post about it, here. He put it much more eloquently than I could.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Homecoming
File Under: Happy Days and Nights
Yesterday Matthew returned home after 10 days of travel. In his line of work, he travels often. He has made it clear that this is actually a slow season for him and I should start getting used to the idea that he'll be gone a lot next year. I don't know if I'll ever get used to it but I definitely feel like he's worth waiting for and the homecomings sure are nice.
This was a special event though, because we finally got to celebrate his 40th birthday. I had a present waiting for him and even Z sent over a card for him. He liked that, a lot. I cooked dinner - I made proscuitto/spinach/ricotta ravioli and a tossed salad. And I baked him a coconut cake which was beautiful (I promise it was, I just forgot to take a picture of it). I made pomegranate cosmopolitans, too.
We visited, ate dinner, watched Christmas movies on Lifetime - "A Diva's Christmas Carol" and "White Christmas," before going to bed. He was in a lot of pain because he twisted his back at the airport. I told him that it sucks turning 40. LOL
This morning, I made breakfast. I made whole wheat pancakes with a strawberry sauce and applewood smoked bacon.
I think he's happy to be home. I know I'm glad he is.
Yesterday Matthew returned home after 10 days of travel. In his line of work, he travels often. He has made it clear that this is actually a slow season for him and I should start getting used to the idea that he'll be gone a lot next year. I don't know if I'll ever get used to it but I definitely feel like he's worth waiting for and the homecomings sure are nice.
This was a special event though, because we finally got to celebrate his 40th birthday. I had a present waiting for him and even Z sent over a card for him. He liked that, a lot. I cooked dinner - I made proscuitto/spinach/ricotta ravioli and a tossed salad. And I baked him a coconut cake which was beautiful (I promise it was, I just forgot to take a picture of it). I made pomegranate cosmopolitans, too.
We visited, ate dinner, watched Christmas movies on Lifetime - "A Diva's Christmas Carol" and "White Christmas," before going to bed. He was in a lot of pain because he twisted his back at the airport. I told him that it sucks turning 40. LOL
This morning, I made breakfast. I made whole wheat pancakes with a strawberry sauce and applewood smoked bacon.
I think he's happy to be home. I know I'm glad he is.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
File Under: Turkey Day
(photo credit: I don't know, but my friend Mark posted it on our message board, QTS, so thanks goes to Marky Mark for this)
Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Dancing With the Stars - The Finale
File Under: Television Obsessions
The Finale:
All of the previously eliminated contestants came back, most danced, others just visited and reminisced. That was the first hour of the show.
Warren and Kym were the first to do their final dance. They re-did their Hustle and were scored 27/30, bringing their two-day total to 80/90
Lance and Lacey were next, dancing their nautical-themed Jitterbug. This is the dance where Lance lost his shoe but kept going. We’ll see if the footwear remains on tonight. Yup, shoe stayed on. This time the number had a few more tricks. It was great. Score 28/30, bringing their two-day total to 81/90.
Brooke and Derek were last to dance, they’re redoing their Viennese Waltz. Seems to me they went safe by choosing this dance. It’s a beautiful dance though. Nothing new about this go-round. It made Carianne cry. The other two were also happy. Oh look, her fiancée is in the audience crying. Their score, 30/30, bringing their two-day total to 88/90.
First one out…Lance and Lacey! DAMN!
Miley Cirus. Bleh
Tonight’s champions are…Brooke and Derek!
A well-deserved win. YAY! I would not have been sad for them if it had been Lance and Lacey, but I’d have been really shocked if it had been Warren and Kym.
Another season of DWTS draws to a close.
Season 8 begins in March! Stay tuned…
The Finale:
All of the previously eliminated contestants came back, most danced, others just visited and reminisced. That was the first hour of the show.
Warren and Kym were the first to do their final dance. They re-did their Hustle and were scored 27/30, bringing their two-day total to 80/90
Lance and Lacey were next, dancing their nautical-themed Jitterbug. This is the dance where Lance lost his shoe but kept going. We’ll see if the footwear remains on tonight. Yup, shoe stayed on. This time the number had a few more tricks. It was great. Score 28/30, bringing their two-day total to 81/90.
Brooke and Derek were last to dance, they’re redoing their Viennese Waltz. Seems to me they went safe by choosing this dance. It’s a beautiful dance though. Nothing new about this go-round. It made Carianne cry. The other two were also happy. Oh look, her fiancée is in the audience crying. Their score, 30/30, bringing their two-day total to 88/90.
First one out…Lance and Lacey! DAMN!
Miley Cirus. Bleh
Tonight’s champions are…Brooke and Derek!
A well-deserved win. YAY! I would not have been sad for them if it had been Lance and Lacey, but I’d have been really shocked if it had been Warren and Kym.
Another season of DWTS draws to a close.
Season 8 begins in March! Stay tuned…
Monday, November 24, 2008
Dancing With The Stars - Week 10 - The Finals, Night 1
File Under: Television Obsessions
Season 7 is about to draw to a close. Tonight the three finalists dance two final rounds. They are scored by the judges on both and also receive viewer votes. They will dance one more round tomorrow night, and the judges scores will be factored into determining a winner.
They’re starting off the show with a recap of the Stars’ favorite dances from the season, both ballroom and Latin. This is obviously just a time filler. 3 couples and the show is 2 hours long tonight. Go figure.
Brooke and Derek – Favorite ballroom dance, the Quickstep. Favorite Latin Dance, the Paso Doble.
Lance and Lacey – Favorite ballroom dance, the Tango (the goth number). Favorite Latin dance, the Mambo.
Warren and Kym – Favorite ballroom dance, the Viennese Waltz. Favorite Latin dance, the Paso Doble.
Next up is the “Samba Smackdown” where all three couples dance together and then do individual portions of the dance.
Brooke leads, then Lance, then Warren. Brooke and Derek look good. Lots of hips and leg moves. Her Samba roll looked a bit stiff. Lance and Lacey look good. His posture is nice. They did some cute little added thing. Warren came out and did a handstand! He’s moving nicely. She’s not outdancing him so far, he’s doing his share of moves which is good. Not bad. Okay now the group. Hmm…that ending wasn’t needed. LOL Oh well. Len liked Brooke the best, then Lance, then Warren. Bruno commented on Warren’s footwork. Carrie Ann is kissing all their butts but nitpicking little things.
Scores:
Brooke and Derek – 28/30
Lance and Lacey – 26/30
Warren and Kym – 25/30
Finally, it’s the Freestyle. Sometimes these are fun, other timese these are tragic.
Brooke and Derek are doing a “Grease” inspired number, complete with lifts, twirls somersaults and antics on the judges’ podium. Lots of energy. Wow. Bruno compared some of the positions to the kama sutra. LOL Carrie Ann has said that they “brought it!” Len called it the “best free style he’s ever seen. “ Score: 30/30. 58/60 for the night.
Lance and Lacey are doing a hip hop number, no lifts. I’m not sure what to judge here, I’m not sure what to look for as far as moves. It’s good, and they’re in step which is a good sign. Lots of energy. Hope the judges like it. Carrie Ann liked the beginning and the end but was lost on the middle. Len loved it. Bruno was very complementary. Score: 27/30. 53/60 for the night.
Warren and Kym are doing something with lots of lifts. It’s a quick number to “Proud Mary.” Very energetic! Judges all enjoyed it and called Warren a true entertainer, but Carrie Ann spotted a mistake. Score: 28/30. 53/60 for the night.
I’m torn now. I think Brooke and Derek are great and I would love it if they won but I really enjoyed Lance and Lacey. They came a long way and deserve it. Warren and Kym are pure entertainment but I think they’re in 3rd place.
Season 7 is about to draw to a close. Tonight the three finalists dance two final rounds. They are scored by the judges on both and also receive viewer votes. They will dance one more round tomorrow night, and the judges scores will be factored into determining a winner.
They’re starting off the show with a recap of the Stars’ favorite dances from the season, both ballroom and Latin. This is obviously just a time filler. 3 couples and the show is 2 hours long tonight. Go figure.
Brooke and Derek – Favorite ballroom dance, the Quickstep. Favorite Latin Dance, the Paso Doble.
Lance and Lacey – Favorite ballroom dance, the Tango (the goth number). Favorite Latin dance, the Mambo.
Warren and Kym – Favorite ballroom dance, the Viennese Waltz. Favorite Latin dance, the Paso Doble.
Next up is the “Samba Smackdown” where all three couples dance together and then do individual portions of the dance.
Brooke leads, then Lance, then Warren. Brooke and Derek look good. Lots of hips and leg moves. Her Samba roll looked a bit stiff. Lance and Lacey look good. His posture is nice. They did some cute little added thing. Warren came out and did a handstand! He’s moving nicely. She’s not outdancing him so far, he’s doing his share of moves which is good. Not bad. Okay now the group. Hmm…that ending wasn’t needed. LOL Oh well. Len liked Brooke the best, then Lance, then Warren. Bruno commented on Warren’s footwork. Carrie Ann is kissing all their butts but nitpicking little things.
Scores:
Brooke and Derek – 28/30
Lance and Lacey – 26/30
Warren and Kym – 25/30
Finally, it’s the Freestyle. Sometimes these are fun, other timese these are tragic.
Brooke and Derek are doing a “Grease” inspired number, complete with lifts, twirls somersaults and antics on the judges’ podium. Lots of energy. Wow. Bruno compared some of the positions to the kama sutra. LOL Carrie Ann has said that they “brought it!” Len called it the “best free style he’s ever seen. “ Score: 30/30. 58/60 for the night.
Lance and Lacey are doing a hip hop number, no lifts. I’m not sure what to judge here, I’m not sure what to look for as far as moves. It’s good, and they’re in step which is a good sign. Lots of energy. Hope the judges like it. Carrie Ann liked the beginning and the end but was lost on the middle. Len loved it. Bruno was very complementary. Score: 27/30. 53/60 for the night.
Warren and Kym are doing something with lots of lifts. It’s a quick number to “Proud Mary.” Very energetic! Judges all enjoyed it and called Warren a true entertainer, but Carrie Ann spotted a mistake. Score: 28/30. 53/60 for the night.
I’m torn now. I think Brooke and Derek are great and I would love it if they won but I really enjoyed Lance and Lacey. They came a long way and deserve it. Warren and Kym are pure entertainment but I think they’re in 3rd place.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
The Birthday Surprise
File Under: Team QTS!
QTS stands for "Queens Talking Shit," and it's a message board I've belonged to for years. I've got some fantastic friends on that board, we have a good time. We talk about EVERYTHING. We've seen one another through surgeries, mourning, births, new boobs, new jobs and new relationships. Members of the board live in different parts of the world, but mostly we're from the United States.
My friend Linda lives in Alexandria, VA. This happens to be where Matthew has been staying. Knowing it was his birthday, Linda volunteered to be my inside source and get something to Matthew on his birthday, his 4oth.
I sent a parcel with 2 CDs, wrapped with a card, on Wednesday, it arrived Thursday. Now, Linda could give Martha Stewart a run for her money (as could I), without the insider trading stuff. I sent a bit of money for her to use as gratuity at the hotel, as well as for embellishments. In my mind, I pictured a couple cupcakes in a box, to be placed next to the gift and the card. Well, bless her heart, Linda ran with it and with my approval, she included party hats, candles, matches, a votive candle and purchased cupcakes from a swanky little shop near her home. Here's how it all turned out.
The selection of baked goods, at Buzz.
The patrons, enjoying an early afternoon at Buzz.
Oooh, a cute little box. Wonder what's inside...
Mmm....cupcakes! Vanilla with vanilla buttercream frosting, just like I suggested!
Back home, there's the gift and card that I sent, along with the party hats, bag, cupcakes, candles, matches (in the "a great flame" box), coordinating tissue, and gift bag.
The finished product.
At 1 pm my time, I gave my final approval on the package and left for the gym. On my way over to Matthew's apartment (from where I'm typing this), he called to say Thank You, the bag had arrived. It was in his room when he went upstairs. He was very surprised and a bit stunned, I think. He of course said "you didn't have to do that." I said "Duh, but I did anyway, it's your birthday and you're working and I wanted you to have at least a moment where you stopped and smiled, I'm thrilled it happened mid-day since after a long day of work." I then gave all sorts of credit to Linda for making it happen. She added the "WOW" to the presentation.
So, our mission was a success. Of course as it was happening, we were talking about it on the message board, so it became a group effort. Kudos to my dear friend Linda for going above and beyond to make a good guy feel great on his birthday, and for making me look like a star. Shout out to "Team QTS" for their involvement and encouragement. They're a great group of friends and I love them so.
QTS stands for "Queens Talking Shit," and it's a message board I've belonged to for years. I've got some fantastic friends on that board, we have a good time. We talk about EVERYTHING. We've seen one another through surgeries, mourning, births, new boobs, new jobs and new relationships. Members of the board live in different parts of the world, but mostly we're from the United States.
My friend Linda lives in Alexandria, VA. This happens to be where Matthew has been staying. Knowing it was his birthday, Linda volunteered to be my inside source and get something to Matthew on his birthday, his 4oth.
I sent a parcel with 2 CDs, wrapped with a card, on Wednesday, it arrived Thursday. Now, Linda could give Martha Stewart a run for her money (as could I), without the insider trading stuff. I sent a bit of money for her to use as gratuity at the hotel, as well as for embellishments. In my mind, I pictured a couple cupcakes in a box, to be placed next to the gift and the card. Well, bless her heart, Linda ran with it and with my approval, she included party hats, candles, matches, a votive candle and purchased cupcakes from a swanky little shop near her home. Here's how it all turned out.
The selection of baked goods, at Buzz.
The patrons, enjoying an early afternoon at Buzz.
Oooh, a cute little box. Wonder what's inside...
Mmm....cupcakes! Vanilla with vanilla buttercream frosting, just like I suggested!
Back home, there's the gift and card that I sent, along with the party hats, bag, cupcakes, candles, matches (in the "a great flame" box), coordinating tissue, and gift bag.
The finished product.
At 1 pm my time, I gave my final approval on the package and left for the gym. On my way over to Matthew's apartment (from where I'm typing this), he called to say Thank You, the bag had arrived. It was in his room when he went upstairs. He was very surprised and a bit stunned, I think. He of course said "you didn't have to do that." I said "Duh, but I did anyway, it's your birthday and you're working and I wanted you to have at least a moment where you stopped and smiled, I'm thrilled it happened mid-day since after a long day of work." I then gave all sorts of credit to Linda for making it happen. She added the "WOW" to the presentation.
So, our mission was a success. Of course as it was happening, we were talking about it on the message board, so it became a group effort. Kudos to my dear friend Linda for going above and beyond to make a good guy feel great on his birthday, and for making me look like a star. Shout out to "Team QTS" for their involvement and encouragement. They're a great group of friends and I love them so.
Shopping with Z
File Under: Family fun
My Mom, whom I often refer to as "Z," goes grocery shopping every Saturday. She takes the car and goes to the local Jewel and shops for the week. She comes home from the store, I unload the car, and then we unpack the bags. During this time she usually complains about people in the store. Today's story is one of the better ones.
According to Z, "Today must have been, bring your scooter to the store day because there were all these people blocking the aisles, getting in my way. One guy had a tag on his that said 'I Count.' He was slumped over in his scooter, not moving and he was in the middle of the aisle. Well I count too, buddy, so get out of my God damned way!"
Whether she actually said that to him, I don't know. Would I put it past her? No.
She went on to say "I do feel bad for those people but the would get a little more compassion out of me if they didn't shop when I was trying to get my shopping done."
Perhaps this will help you all understand a bit better from where I get my odd take on things.
My Mom, whom I often refer to as "Z," goes grocery shopping every Saturday. She takes the car and goes to the local Jewel and shops for the week. She comes home from the store, I unload the car, and then we unpack the bags. During this time she usually complains about people in the store. Today's story is one of the better ones.
According to Z, "Today must have been, bring your scooter to the store day because there were all these people blocking the aisles, getting in my way. One guy had a tag on his that said 'I Count.' He was slumped over in his scooter, not moving and he was in the middle of the aisle. Well I count too, buddy, so get out of my God damned way!"
Whether she actually said that to him, I don't know. Would I put it past her? No.
She went on to say "I do feel bad for those people but the would get a little more compassion out of me if they didn't shop when I was trying to get my shopping done."
Perhaps this will help you all understand a bit better from where I get my odd take on things.
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