Miscellaneous Moments

Rest in Peace Soul Train King

2012-02-01T20:53:00.023-05:00

Don Cornelius, the creator of the first nationally-televised music/dance show to spotlight black performers died at age 75. Apparently, it was suicide. It was a sad ending to a life filled with valuable contributions. I do not think it is overstating it to say that Soul Train bridged a gap between the races. If you were a child of the 1970s or 1980s, you probably grew up watching various R&B artists croon their latest hits and shake their hips. It was a Saturday afternoon musical treat for everyone. Cornelius would intro and interview the stars in his signature silky smooth baritone. He personified cool. But one of my favorite parts of the show was the Soul Train dance line. The dancers had style and took their routines seriously as you can see in the videos:

If you would like to revisit more Soul Train moments, hear interviews about its creation from Cornelius and comments from various recording artists about its impact, check out the 3-DVD set released in 2010, The Best of Soul Train.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

2011-12-29T15:56:00.002-05:00

While this review promises to be brief, let me assure you the movie was not. It was nearly 3 hours and trust me it felt like it. In the interest of full disclosure, I should tell you that I thought the book was too long by about 200 pages, and although I finished the book, I did not think it was great. So why did I go to the movie, you might ask? I thought the movie would boil the book down into something palatable and time-appropriate for an audience of non-readers who would never waste hours of their lives reading the book. The story is about a journalist, Mikael Blomkvist , who is sued after writing an expose on a tycoon. The tycoon wins the lawsuit and it is a public embarrassment for Mikael. While he is deciding what to do with his life now that his reputation has been damaged, he is approached by Henrik Vanger, a wealthy industrialist. Vanger asks Mikael to help him solve a decades-old mystery in his family. Mikael agrees, but after working on the case for several days realizes he needs a research assistant. It is suggested that he contact Lisbeth Salander, the researcher who did the background check on Mikael for Vanger.

The audience already has met Lisbeth as her tale has been running concurrently with Mikael's during the film. Lisbeth is a tough, solitary soul who lives by her own rules until she encounters a predator. I thought the sexual violence would have to be tamed down a bit from the book for the film to qualify for that "R" rating, but alas no such luck. I found myself shielding my eyes from the disturbing images.

I believe Rooney Mara as Lisbeth and Daniel Craig do well in their respective roles. Mara goes above and beyond in a role that could either kill her burgeoning career or skyrocket it to the next level. But despite the acting prowess of Mara and Craig, two hours in, I really didn't care whether the Vanger mystery was solved or Blomqvist's reputation was restored. Of course, that might have been because, I knew the answers to both.

Sade Still Captivates Concertgoers

2011-07-10T23:00:00.005-04:00

The music of Sade is smooth, alluring and enchanting just as the band's lead singer, Helen "Sade" Adu. I went to a Sade concert in the mid-90s and enjoyed it but this time in Indianapolis was better. If I had only one word to describe it, I'd pick mesmerizing. Sade is someone who doesn't have great range as a vocalist and yet she is able to convey emotion in her songs effortlessly. She also isn't known for her skills as a dancer and yet concertgoers appeared hypnotized by her every move.

Music has changed tremendously in their absence, but the London-based Sade has stayed true to their roots. They performed songs from the older albums as well as the most recent release of all new songs, Soldier of Love. The show also featured the use of video and special effects, some with just the lead singer and others with her bandmates. Regarding her wardrobe, it was right on target....she went from a menswear black and white look with stiletto ankle boots to a white flowing dress with a red and pink bra as an accent. At the start of the concert, her raven hair was pulled back in the tight ponytail for which she is known, then set free later in loose cascading curls. She spoke only to introduce songs, express gratitude to the audience and introduce her companions on stage with a tidbit about each one. She concluded the segment with "this is us".

As the end of the concert neared and I peered out the suite window at the almost-capacity crowd, it occurred to me that Sade knows their brand and their audience. My expectations were high, but Sade exceeded them.

Bibliophiles Who Adore Fashion Take Note

2011-06-28T00:00:00.006-04:00

An Indiana-area fashionista has a style guide being released soon. That in itself is good news for those who think the Midwest is a fashion wasteland. Of course, we who live here know that isn't the case. What's even better though is that the author, Jessica Quirk, is giving away 10 copies. Visit her page for details on how to enter to win:

http://whatiwore.tumblr.com/post/6764542061/what-i-wore-book-giveaway.

Bike The Drive, Chicago

2011-06-01T21:41:00.016-04:00

Apparently, every year Lakeshore Drive is closed to traffic so double-digit thousand cyclists can ride on it. I decided 2011 was the year I'd be one of these cyclists. So I asked friend C.S. to join me and off to Chicago we went. I decided to rent a bicycle rather than bring mine, because it was easier. Shortly before renting, I found out that some Chicago bike shops rent to another yearly event held there and worldwide.

Who would want to ride naked? There are certain appendages that definitely are not meant for that. I cannot go into detail here about uncovered body parts, but there are websites that do:

http://www.worldnakedbikeride.org/ and http://chicagonakedride.org/. Trust me, you will not see anything appealing there. Basically finding this out meant I had to wipe the bike down with disinfectant before riding.

The ride itself was enjoyable despite the rainy, foggy and chilly weather. After 3.5 hours on my bike and having been awake since 5 a.m., I was tired. I went the wrong way on State Street and ended up biking in downtown Chicago traffic...that was crazy. Clearly, I am not a skilled enough cyclist for that.

At one point, I had to move to the sidewalk temporarily where I nearly ran down a pedestrian. I heard the words "Dad, watch out!" before coming to a stop inches away from him. I apologized profusely. Thankfully, the family did not curse me out. Then, to cap off my afternoon, I got drenched on the way back to returning the bike.

Would I do it again? Of course, and maybe next time the weather will be better.

Should I Remove This Facebook Friend?

2011-03-08T20:01:00.011-05:00

I've been wondering about this question recently. I have guidelines about who I friend: I don't friend anyone I dislike or don't know. My philosophy is if I would not want to associate with you in the "real world" why the hell would I allow you the opportunity to read what goes on in my sometimes fabulous and sometimes mundane life. However, once I've added someone, I usually don't remove them.

That brings me to my current dilemma. There is someone I'd really like to remove. I do not believe this friend (a former teacher of mine and when I knew him, a personable guy) will be posting on his wall anymore. If he does it would qualify as a supernatural act or miracle depending on one's perspective. As you've probably figured out, this facebook friend is dead.

I asked a few folks at my workplace their opinions. Most said I should not remove him. One person stated quite convincingly that if I remove him, he might haunt me. I'm not saying I believe in ghosts, but when a potential haunting was mentioned, I thought why chance it? So what do you (the few readers of this blog) think I should do?

Why Can't I Just Buy A Car Like Normal Folks?

2011-01-31T22:34:00.009-05:00

That is the question that's been in my head for weeks. I peruse webpages filled with cars until my eyes start to blur, then I go roam the back parking lots of car dealerships in 20 degree weather (cause I want to see what they have in a tangible way without salesperson interaction). This always works, no one comes out to bother me.

I stand there shivering until I have all the info. I think I need and then I walk quickly back to my car, taking care to avoid the slick patches of ice. I wonder how I ever bought my current car, a 1999 compact Chevy coupe. And yes, I bought it new. It was the first car I'd ever purchased, but my circumstances were different. I recall having to rent a car for a weekend to be able to drive to various dealerships to look at cars. I did not feel as much pressure then because a)I had only two choices that I liked, could afford, and had low % financing and b)I already had donated my hand-me-down Chrysler LeBaron to a worthwhile organization and watched with sadness as they towed it away.

This time is different. I have my car and although it has issues (air conditioner failure and an intermittent electrical system glitch) it still runs. Therein lies my hesitancy. I guess a big part of me doesn't believe you should purchase a new expensive item if the old, at-one-time-expensive item is still working. I know that I am in the minority with this thinking. I believe that is primarily because many people use acquisitions like cars to define who they are or boost their self esteem.

My favorite car was a 1971 Cutlass Oldsmobile with a 350 Rocket engine and a sweet Alpine car audio system. It also had a heater that occasionally didn't work, an intermittent roof leak, and floorboards that had rusted to the point that it was possible at any moment I might have to power my car using the same method as Fred Flintstone. As much as I loved that car, I knew when it was time to retire it. I had two cars at that point, and trying to keep them both while living in a downtown apartment was no easy task. So when someone offered to buy the Olds, I jumped at the chance. It helped that the person I sold it to was a fan of classic cars. I knew it would have a good home.

So back to the present. I've looked at and test driven Nissans, Chevys, and one brand/car that I won't share (because I am all about the top secret). Who knows, if I fully commit to this process, I might end up with a car that I will love as much as the Olds.

The Best of 2010

2011-01-03T20:56:00.022-05:00

OK, I'm nearly three days behind on this, but I thought it might be interesting to reflect on some of my positives of 2010. They are as follows:

Cupcakes-2010 was when the cupcake craze that has been in the big cities for years decided to arise in Indy. Many cupcakeries opened to join local establishment, The Flying Cupcake. My favorite entry into the market is Gigi's Cupcakes, a franchise with Nashville, TN roots. Gigi's are the epitome of sugary goodness. I like them so much, I buy them for my very good friends.

Save the Noggin Bike ride- What can I say? This September ride was challenging and inspiring at the same time. Challenging because I was able to ride 28 miles without any friends accompanying me. Inspiring.... because of the people I met . One participant, who I'll call SA, had just learned to ride a bike again after an injury that had occurred a year earlier. She and others said they felt the need to donate money and ride as a way to give back to the Brain Injury Association of Indiana, an organization that helped them . It was the most difficult athletic endeavor I ever attempted and completed, but by far the most worthwhile.

Solider of Love (Sade)- This was my favorite album of 2010. Sade hasn't changed despite a near 10-year absence from recording. The new tunes were as jazzy and smooth as ever. I could listen to them multiple times and never tire of them. My choice for runner-up would be the soundtrack from the movie Burlesque, and for happiest, bubbliest album... Katy Perry's Teenage Dream.

For Colored Girls- I am usually not a fan of Tyler Perry-produced projects, but I enjoyed this because of the monologues (when do you see those in film?) and the talented actresses of color who decided to be a part of this film. Despite some weakness in the script, Phylicia Rashad, Anika Noni Rose, Thandie Newton, Whoopi Goldberg, Loretta Devine, Kimberly Elise, and Kerry Washington gave it their all.

Kindle-The best gift I never thought I needed, and yes now I love it. Finding engaging books to download that are being offered for free is like a literary treasure hunt.

Farewell To The First Lady of Blue-Eyed Soul

2010-12-28T20:45:00.006-05:00

In my youth, I listened to Teena Marie. Teena was a white girl who sang R&B at a time when white girls did not touch that genre...even if they had the passion and ability for it. I can remember listening to her albums filled with music and lyrics written by her, this too was an oddity in an era overrun with artists who were content to record only material written by others. Teena, also known as Lady Tee and Ivory Queen of Soul, was a protege, lover and friend of master of funk Rick James. The only similarity I saw between the two in terms of their musical expression was in their energy. Rick was cool (after all, he was the "superfreak") but I don't believe he ever had Teena's depth.

After hearing of her death at age 54, I brought up Teena's name in conversation and found that some folks I know had never heard of her. I attributed this either to their youth or that they had never explored the genre that Teena seemed to love and to which she remained devoted throughout her career. I am including some videos for those who are interested in being introduced to some of her songs. Videos might take a few seconds to appear.

Someone Stole The Trek!

2010-11-16T15:36:00.010-05:00

That was my first thought when I pulled into my driveway last night to see my garage door open. The fear that went through my body was indescribable. Before I even did a check of my possessions, I knew it was gone. I didn't know how long the door had been open or how it had been opened...but I knew my beloved bicycle that I had for less than six months was a casualty. It took me a minute to turn off the motor and spring out of the car (yes spring) to see the empty spot that the Trek had called home. My body was shaking as I turned on the garage light hoping somehow that my eyes had deceived me and that it was still there. It wasn't. I called my mom, texted a friend and did everything I could to keep from bawling.

One of my best friends had the wisdom to insist that I call DK, a guy who is knowledgeable about nearly everything, and have him determine whether the open door was the cause of human tampering or mechanical malfunction. It turns out it was a mechanical malfunction so basically the person who acquired my bike simply walked into my garage and rode the bike out. It was the ultimate crime of opportunity.

I had a friend stay with the repair guy today while I put my detective skills, gained from reading an abundance of mystery novels, to work. I began my quest to find my bike. I drove through my subdivision examining every house as best I could while rolling past. My neighborhood has low crime stats so I did not see this action as risky. Then I decided to check out a nearby apartment complex. I rode through noticing an abundance of children's bikes and BMX bikes on apartment balconies, but alas no Trek.

Then I turned into another section of the complex and pulled up to a guy parking my bike outside of an apartment. Seriously, HE and IT were right in front of me! At this point I had two options, call the police or do as my friend had suggested and simply ask for it back. She assured me that this method had worked numerous times during her youth (presumably when another neighborhood teen had taken one of her belongings). I thought about how this guy did not appear to be a teen boy who had grabbed The Trek just for fun. He was a grown man. I stopped the car and rolled down the window several inches.

"Can I have my bike?" The words were out before I knew it. The man professed innocence and mumbled about how he got it from some kid, a response that probably didn't even sound believable to him. I told him I did not care where he got it, I just wanted it back. At some point, tears started flowing. He looked at me like guys tend to do when a female starts crying and said "There is no need for that". He looked perplexed and pondered my request for a few minutes that felt like a half hour . I could see his inner struggle. He finally agreed to let me have the bike. I went to my trunk, grabbed my bike rack and loaded the bike onto my car. Before I finished, he asked if I needed help with it. I declined. He shook my hand and I told him he was a good man and you know what..... I meant it.

'Til We Meet Again.....Next Year

2010-10-25T21:38:00.017-04:00

It is autumn, a season with scenery and traditions I enjoy. However, one aspect that I don't like is that autumn marks the time for putting away wardrobe items no longer needed for searing days and tepid nights. Recently, after a couple of chilly mornings, I realized that my manicured toes needed more shelter than strappy sandals, slides, and Barbie-like wedges could provide. So as I gathered up my footwear, I decided to take a quick photo to bid adieu to my most frequently worn summer shoes.*

Please note the photo does not include athletic shoes or basic flip flops, which I refer to as "shower" or "around the house" shoes.

The Social Network (2010)

2010-10-01T23:16:00.005-04:00

When Nightline, 20/20 or similar news magazine programs feature a profile of the famous, notorious or both, I am glued to the TV. I want to know the specifics of the person..... Why did they do what they did? How did they succeed or fail? What obstacles did they overcome? So give a girl like me a free movie pass to The Social Network (the movie based in part on the phenomenon that is Facebook) and one would figure it would be the ultimate satisfying movie experience for me. But you know what? It wasn't.

That's not to say I disliked the movie. I enjoyed Jesse Eisenberg's portrayal of Mark Zuckerberg. Eisenberg does an effective job showing Zuckerberg's intellect and awkwardness, while hinting at a business acumen hidden beneath his nerdy exterior. Justin Timberlake also provided a good performance as Napster founder Sean Parker, who joins forces with Zuckerberg and Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin. Of course, my opinion of his acting might be influenced by the fact that Timberlake (whom I usually don't find that attractive) looked pretty damn good in this movie.

There was an abundance of dialogue, which is not uncommon for a movie that is in essence a character study. However, where it fell short was that at times it felt like a history lesson, albeit a well-written history lesson. If I wanted someone who knew nothing about the topic to understand the origins and popularity of social networking, I'd suggest they watch this movie. When it is released on DVD, I probably will purchase a copy for my mother so she will understand why I now have the latest news about the kin folk before she does.

Overall, I believe the movie accomplishes what it set out to do. On a five point scale, I'd give it a 3.

The Fates, by Lea Ryan

2010-09-15T22:07:00.002-04:00

Hi! I’m here on the Miscellaneous Moments blog having a moment (sarcastic laughing time). I wanted to write up something a little different than my usual rambling because, well, it’s such a special darn week. And I wanted to write something book related due to the fact that I’m supposed to be promoting my novel.

First, the title – MacDowell Sisters & AnnaBeth. That’s the name of my novel. The link to buy it is forthcoming.

AnnaBeth is the main character in the book. She inherits her grandmother’s mansion, and all sorts of weird things start happening. She starts hanging out with two old ladies named Vestra and Madeline MacDowell who turn out to be witches. However, they aren’t just regular old witches, they’re fates. They control the lives of pretty much everyone in the town of Fosters Branch.

You might notice that the title isn’t AnnaBeth & MacDowell Sisters. There is a reason for that.

I didn’t come up with the concept of fate being a person. In this case, I pulled the idea from Macbeth. Get it? (MacDowell Sisters & AnnaBeth) – (Dowell Sisters & Anna) = Macbeth. The number of witches in Macbeth? Three.

Here’s a bit on Wikipedia if you are interested in reading more. It’s in the Witchcraft and evil section –http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macbeth

Shakespeare didn’t create the fates either. In Greek mythology, they are Moirae – destiny personified. In Roman mythology, they were Parcae. They always seem to work in threes.

So, that’s the deal with fates and the title of the book. Thank you to Moore for letting me take up some space on the blog.

If anyone wants to buy a copy of the book, here is the aforementioned link –

http://www.amazon.com/MacDowell-Sisters-AnnaBeth-Lea-Ryan/dp/1453787399/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1284345371&sr=8-1

Not A Fan of New Routines

2010-09-12T00:11:00.038-04:00

As any reader of this blog already knows, I adore Zumba. It is a way for me to engage my love of dance while getting a great workout. In an effort to keep the class fresh and exciting, Cesar, the instructor likes to add new routines or revise old ones with new steps. Since I don't pick up dance steps as easily as I'd like, new routines occasionally spur frustration especially since I usually am in the front of the class. I try not to miss classes, but sometimes it is unavoidable. When I return, there is ALWAYS something new. For example, in one recent class, I was mirroring the class star (Queen of Zumba, D) when I realized a classic dance move combined with cumbia (traveling the floor) had been inserted into the routine. I believe D has had dance training and this move ignited such intensity in her that she nearly ran (or rather danced) me down. I had to jump out of the way because although I was doing the steps correctly, I was too slow. Imagine my dismay! Here's hoping that I can speed it up next class. Now on a slightly related note and for your viewing pleasure, I have included a Zumba video featuring its founder Beto. The dance is one I have mastered.

Observations During Twilight Eclipse

2010-07-25T22:19:00.001-04:00

Since the Twilight diehards all screened the movie weeks ago, the theatre was virtually empty during the showing that my pal B and I attended. This meant a)we could dissect the movie without interruption from screaming teen girls and b)we could have three-fourths of the theatre to ourselves and discuss our thoughts while there.....stereotypes be damned! So here it goes:

1)Would anyone really believe that Edward and the rest of the Cullens are in high school? (FYI..this thought applies to all of the Twilight movies).

2)How many wigs is Kristin Stewart ("Bella") wearing in this movie and why can't the hair and make-up people make them all either black or dark brown, not both?

3)What's up with Jasper's wig? Also, why does Jasper have a southern accent in his "history" segment, but not as a vampire?

4)The original Victoria was more attractive and a better actress than that famous director's daughter who hijacked the role.

5)Why is Dakota Fanning in these movies? The lackluster role does not do her acting skills justice.

6)This movie is about a half-hour too long.

No One Likes To Be Excluded

2010-07-12T23:59:00.012-04:00

A few years ago, I used to watch the MTV show My Super Sweet 16. Clearly, there was little substance to the show, but it was compelling because of the amounts those wealthy parents would spend on their young charges, and how demanding the teens were. Most expected the lavish party AND a brand new luxury car.

The part of the show that I found the most interesting was the party invitation process. The birthday girls seemed to relish this activity far more than the birthday boys. They scheduled the passing out of the cards in a public forum where the uninvited girls (yes, mostly girls) could be feel the sting of the exclusion. The camera would pan to those who weren't holding invitations, so viewers could witness their disappointment. 'Oh well, sucks to be them", one beaming birthday girl said facing the camera.

At the time, it occurred to me that this is not just a phase of our teen years. I thought about how many events I had attended in adulthood where a friend or someone from my social group had expected to be invited and was excluded or the times I had excluded someone (again usually a female). It is not a kind act. A fact that I believe you only fully realize when you are the one who is excluded.

But what is the alternative? Should you invite someone with whom you don't get along and then end up either ignoring them or arguing with them? That only makes it uncomfortable for the other attendees and if it is a special occasion like a wedding or baby shower, it has event-ruining potential. If you talk about the activity in the person's presence and he or she sees the excitement surrounding it, then what?

I don't know if there is a right or wrong answer to the aforementioned questions. I guess I'm just putting it out there as catharsis, and as something to ponder.

The AGE Issue-Part One

2010-07-05T22:36:00.014-04:00

Recently, I was a guest at a wedding where the groom was 25. The bride who attended grade school and high school with me, is several years older than 25. Let's just say she could play the Lorelai character on the TV series, Gilmore Girls. She is about as slim and attractive as that character, too.

While, I believe it is awesome that my former classmate's beloved is a handsome young man whom she connects with on many levels, it started me to thinking. Why does the age of women have to be such a big deal in our society and more specifically why do I allow it to affect me?

An example... a person guessed me at being six years older than what I am. My response was shock followed by immediately texting my "in the know" acquaintances for eye cream recommendations. I did this even though I don't believe the person guessed me older because of how I look, but rather because of my demeanor and attitude.

Years ago, I decided not to befriend or spend time with any person to whom the term bitter hag could apply. I've decided I need to let go of the age issue or I run the risk of becoming one.

Still Lovin' The Zumba

2010-06-16T23:37:00.012-04:00

What can I say about Zumba? The classes I attend are fun and festive with a real sense of community. I never thought I'd enjoy dancing so much without having to go to da club. No late nights, smoke-filled rooms, makeup or uncomfortable clothes are required to participate in Zumba. You show up, briefly greet a few of the other devotees and then bust a move (check out my old school slang, y'all).

My experience is best when I have the steps down and am surrounded by those at my skill level and above. I believe others in my primary Zumba class feel the same, because the first three rows on the left side of the class define the words in sync. There is one leader in our informal group, who I'll call D. Honestly, I believe she could teach Zumba or any dance class. When she misses a class, the sync falters. D is so essential, that when Instructor Cesar stops leading the class, the class continues without a glitch because all attention turns to D.

I believe what I find most fulfilling is that in Zumba you communicate with others mostly through the dance and of course, body language. Words are rarely necessary. Nowhere else do I have that luxury.

First Concert: 5th Dimension

2010-04-18T22:35:00.008-04:00

Last week, I decided to ask those whom I see on a daily basis the following question: What was your first concert? I find this an interesting question because usually the first concert was not a concert the respondent chose but rather a concert that their parent(s) or some other random adult picked and as a child they sort of tagged along. At least that was the case for me. Those questioned ranged in age from 28 to 50. The answers were Doobie Brothers, The Jacksons (yes, those Jacksons), Clint Black, Johnny ("Secret Agent Man") Rivers and the 5th Dimension.

Since a couple of respondents had not heard of the 5th Dimension, I thought this was a good time to spotlight this Grammy Award winning group that was at the height of their popularity from 1965 to the 1970s. I would like to note that when I saw them perform it was several years after that time period. The members of the group were Marilyn McCoo (she also hosted the 1980s show Solid Gold), Billy Davis Jr. (her husband), Florence LaRue, Lamonte McLemore, and Ronald Townson. After watching some audio/video of this groovy quintet, feel free to share your first concert memories.

So Much To Appreciate!

2010-02-23T00:08:00.013-05:00

After reading a "why I'm happy" post on http://candaceadventures.blogspot.com/ , I decided to create a grateful list. So for this moment in time, here it is:

1)My overall good health

2)Classic TV on DVD (Mannix, Burke's Law and Mad Men have been essential viewing during what has been a frigid and frosty winter).

3)Cupcakes

4)Wii and PS2

5)The release of Sade's first new studio recording after a decade's absence.

6)My heart-shaped jewelry in sterling silver and gold

7)Long-term employment

8)LifeTime's group fitness classes that challenge me to give it my all. Also, Zumba because it is "life changing".

9)Close friends who have good hearts, good character and a good sense of humor.

10)My mom who is somehow able to be supportive, give meaningful advice and drive me crazy simultaneously. It is truly her gift.

A Different Perspective on Valentine's Day

2010-02-13T19:51:00.003-05:00

Some of the single females I know without significant others say it is a commercialized holiday that is the creation of the greeting card industry. Others approach it almost in mourning "I hate Valentine's Day or it can't be over soon enough," they complain. I find this view odd because a)I've never shared it and b)you do not need to be dating or paired off with someone to have a pleasant Valentine's Day. Remember when you were in grade school, to whom did you give those tiny flimsy paper Valentines? How about the candy hearts? If you are anything like me you gave them to everyone.... your teacher, your best friend (heck some of the candy hearts even said "best friends"). I certainly did not want to date my friends or my old lady or old man teacher, but I still gave them a Valentine. It was a way to express appreciation for someone. Perhaps times have changed, but I think it might be a good idea for those with negative views of the day to respond to it the way they did in their youth. Here are some suggestions of how you can do that:

1)Give your close friends a Valentine's Day card (if you are anti-greeting card industry, create one of your own).

2)Grab one or three single friends and head to a restaurant to take advantage of some of those meal specials aimed at couples. Believe me, the restaurant does not care about your gender or the nature of your relationship, all they care about is your cash.

3)Have some of your single friends over to your residence for a movie night or video gaming night. Whether you have a Playstation 3, a Wii or an Xbox, it is likely you will have fun.

While this advice is aimed at singles, women dating a continually broke significant other can use some it as well. Your penniless companion probably will be thrilled with Suggestions #1 or #3.

Swell Superbowl Commercials

2010-02-08T22:59:00.008-05:00

OK, so here are my two picks. I'm glad Snickers knew they couldn't go wrong in featuring Betty White.
It also was cool to see Abe Vigoda (another nearly 90-year-old actor)in the mix.

While not as amusing as the Snickers ad, I liked this offering from Doritos, too.

Did any of you of you see ads on Sunday that you enjoyed? If so let me know by posting a comment.

Greatest Singers of All Time?

2010-01-24T23:22:00.015-05:00

Rolling Stone magazine released the list. Apparently they surveyed current recording artists, industry folks etc. for their opinions and then formed the list based on the responses. The top singer on the list is Aretha Franklin. While I would not classify myself as an Aretha fan, I realize that she can sing or rather SANG, which is the term used to express a skilled passionate singer. Also, she "represented" for us bosomy gals by ALWAYS wearing whatever the hell she wanted to in TV appearances, much to the dismay of the networks. There was no such thing as a top too low cut for Miss Aretha. If a B cup could wear it, why not a G?

What I appreciate most about the list is how it features a mix of singers from various genres. Some examples: Johnny Cash is #21, Michael Jackson is #25 and Karen Carpenter is listed at #94. While I do believe there are some glaring omissions (Hello Rolling Stone, where is Frank, Barbara, Donna and Judy G?) the list does has some good picks. Check it out at: http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/24161972/page/103.

Oh,and one final thought, if you consider yourself a music devotee and have never heard of some of the artists on the list, take a moment to delve into music history. You might find it rewarding.

The Musicality of Nina Simone

2010-01-04T21:30:00.006-05:00

I recently came across a remix CD of Nina Simone songs, released a couple of years ago. While the remix (by a variety of DJs) was not my cup of tea, I do like some of her original tracks. Simone, who died in 2003, was an accomplished pianist who played and sang everything from jazz to blues to folk.

If the websites and online chatter are any indication, she has quite the cult following, especially in Europe. She started out doing jazz standards and conforming to the traditional wardrobe and "proper" demeanor of the time. [Video#1]

Then something happened, I don't know if it was the civil rights movement, or simply the musical freedom of the mid-to-late 60s, but she became more spirited and less conservative in her approach. [Videos #2 and 3]

I am glad that Simone's artistry remains relevant thanks to remixes,YouTube, fan websites, and tributes by song stylists such as Christina Aguilera.

Christmas Joy

2009-12-28T23:26:00.027-05:00

There was a gift exchange with staffers and colleagues at the workplace, last minute shopping and a visit to the Olive Garden on Christmas Eve. There also was a delicious Filet Mignon meal on Christmas Day.

Giving gifts, receiving gifts and feasting on the sugar and calorie-laden edibles all brought me joy. While I did not take photos of workplace festivities or the delectable edibles, I have included snapshots of some of the gifts I received.
But wait there's more....a Calvin Klein zip neck style sweater ,and Nordstrom & Outback gift cards.

Thanks to my mom, LKM, Marcia and my other friends for their generosity.

Out With The Old, In With The New!

2009-12-13T23:18:00.026-05:00

This weekend was filled with the excitement of acquiring newer appliances. As a result of some bartering, I own a Samsung refrigerator (yes, the brand known for TV/video now makes white goods). What I like most about the refrigerator is the ice/water dispenser and the extra compartment in the door for storing bottled beverages.
.
The other appliance is a range by Frigidaire. What I find appealing about the range is the ceramic cooktop with its expandable element and warming zone. I probably won't appreciate these features that much once I have to clean them. I've been told cleaning a smoothtop is more labor extensive than a grated and coiled cooktop. I guess I'll find out soon enough.

You might be asking yourself what has become of my older appliances? Well, they are awaiting the donation truck. I hope they provide years more service to their next owners.

A Special Month &Thanksgiving Meals Delivered

2009-11-27T21:32:00.010-05:00

November is not only the month for the feast that is Thanksgiving, but it is also the month of my mother's birth. My mother was born on Thanksgiving Day, but since the holiday is not the same date annually, this year my mother's birthday was the day before. I bought her dinner, dessert and a gift. This year she wanted a percolator. Actually this is a gift I've purchased for her once before, six or seven years ago. Apparently they don't last forever for those who make coffee daily, but in my opinion Percolator coffee is far superior to those plastic coffeemakers with the courtesy title.

After the birthday celebration, it was back to my project, which can best be described as an outlandish undertaking. I was working on it when I should have been attending Thanksgiving gatherings. Before you pity my predicament, please note that I have some swell family members and friends because not one, but two plates of food from two different gatherings appeared for me at my mom's house. The best part was both were great. The people I know can throw down on some food. There was roast beef, turkey, macaroni and cheese (my favorite), dinner rolls (another favorite), corn pudding and various slices of cakes and pies, (which I sampled but did not eat all of, because I do not need to find the 24 pounds I lost).

I sincerely appreciate those who thought enough of me to make me plate(s) even though I was absent from the festivities. You all are the greatest!

Before Christmas Wish List

2009-11-08T22:25:00.018-05:00

It happens almost every year, the holiday advertisements and new merchandise capture my attention long before Christmas. As a result, I find myself selecting items that I will gift to myself before the holiday. Here is this year's list in no particular order of importance:

The Ultimate Blockbuster by Sephora is essential for those who love make up and contains,among other items, 84 eyeshadows!

A classic authentic Fendi handbag. Since I am hard on purses, I need this one to replace one that has to be retired. The shoe/handbag repair shop will be glad not to have to repair the old one again.

Exercise Apparel-Although my RL long-sleeve hoodie matches my Izod yogo pants, it will be nice to own a one-brand workout outfit. I'd choose blue or purple instead of black, though.

Heart Rate Monitor Watch-Now that I am exercising consistently, I believe this will be a sensible purchase.

Peeling Off The Pounds

2009-10-01T22:43:00.016-04:00

Recently, I participated in a month-long weight loss challenge. When it began, I was not thrilled at the prospect of giving up my high fat foods. My favorite dessert is ice cream, so while I knew I would be successful, I also thought I'd be on edge, mean and HUNGRY.

The challenge turned out so much better than I had hoped mainly because restaurants now have so many lower calorie, lower fat options. ( A fact that I had been aware of in the past, but not committed enough to altering my diet to try). While not traditional "diet" food, you can enjoy meals at the following restaurants and still lose weight:

1)Boston Market-1/4 chicken meal (white meat) or 4 oz turkey meal comes with two sides. You might want to choose steamed vegetables, green beans or seasonal fresh fruit salad to keep calories under 500.

2)Chili’s- Their guiltless grill offers a hearty honey mustard glazed salmon with broccoli as a side. Other items include a grilled chicken sandwich and a meatless black bean burger. Chili's indicates all items on the guiltless grill are under 750 calories.

3)Chipotle-Try a chicken or steak burrito bowl with corn salsa, rice and lots of lettuce. If you prefer a taco, try some of the same ingredients in one or two of their crispy taco shells. These options are both under 500 calories.

4) P. F. Chang's- The chicken steamed with broccoli or chicken lettuce wraps are filling and have fewer than 650 calories.

And For Dessert:
5)Dairy Queen-The kids vanilla cone has 150 calories and 5 grams fat whereas the small vanilla cone or DQ ice cream sandwich come in at under 250 calories.

Having access to the aforementioned menu items, definitely assisted me in dropping 13 unwanted pounds. I look forward to losing more.

VIP Football Tickets, That's Just How I Roll

2009-09-14T18:16:00.013-04:00

I had the opportunity to see the first game of the Indianapolis Colts’ regular season in a seat that was four rows from the 50-yard line.

Their opponents were the Jacksonville Jaguars. Let me first state that Lucas Oil Stadium is amazing. I had been on tours of the stadium and previously attended an event in one of the suites. However, this was my first game experience there and the first time I had been in the stadium while the retractable roof was open. The clear blue sky with sunlight streaming in at all angles made the setting perfect.

The seats not only came with a great view of the football action, but also an “insider's” view of the sidelines and what individual Colts were doing when they weren't playing (there was nothing scandalous). I basically saw the Colts chat amongst themselves, get Gatorade and rest, while people who I would surmise were assistants held a rectangular board over their heads/helmets to keep the sun off of them.

Another benefit of this prime location is that the seat holder has access to the Advantage Club, which has a separate concession area, dining area and restrooms. I can't speak highly enough of the customer service provided in this club.

My friend who accompanied me (using my 2nd ticket) enjoyed her visit as well, although she did say my seat would be better used by a fan who would scream and yell during the game and notice points as they occur instead of 10-minutes after the fact. I guess she said that because at one point, I asked “Hey, when did the Colts score the field goal?” In my defense, I probably was distracted momentarily by the clear blue sky.

I look forward to returning to a comparable seat and the club in the future. By the way, in case anyone reading this didn't know already, the Colts won by 2.

Night Falls On The Monon

2009-08-28T00:34:00.008-04:00

The Monon is a greenway/trail, which I had never biked on until Thursday evening. The plan was to meet Candy at 96th Street at 6 p.m. and then proceed north on our bikes. I arrived at 5:45 and spent time testing my brand new pedals and derailleur for the first time before the "official" start of our ride. Candy arrived at 6 and shortly thereafter we were en route.

I asked Candy about the route in a conversation a few days prior to our ride to find out if there would be any potential obstacles. If you know me, you know that occasionally I require a "workaround". Outdoor activities such as biking, hiking (OK, perhaps I should just call it walking) are prime examples of times when I might require a workaround in the form of a detour. On the up side, it adds more miles to a bike ride or walk, which is good in terms of physical fitness, but on the downside it has the potential to inconvenience others. That is why I always make the attempt to discuss this matter beforehand.

Our ride started out simply enough, we rode while chatting and admiring the scenery. An obstacle did appear that required a detour. I thought Candy would notice, I had stopped biking. I waited several minutes to see if she would notice and return. Then, I picked up my cell to call her, and at the same time she was calling me.

I waited for her to ride back to my location. I was in the exact same spot I was as when she left. We resolved my concerns and were on our way once again.

Candy thought it would be nice to stop to eat. Generally, I prefer to eat after a bike ride or other physical activity has ended, but I wanted a cola and to try Bub's Burgers & Ice Cream restaurant in Carmel. I do not eat burgers, but thankfully Bub's has a good grilled chicken sandwich and very fresh sandwich bread (something that I do not encounter often in casual dining establishments).

I would say that this delayed us more than anything else that occurred during our ride, and led to us biking on the Monon in near darkness. There was one point where we rode through a brightly lit tunnel and the contrast between that and the darkness that was directly outside the tunnel's opening was dramatic. I am a night person, but I try to avoid biking at night. On this ride, part of me felt at one with the night and with nature (well, except for the bugs). It was creepy at times, but it also was exciting.

Before concluding, I must add I was impressed with the care the developers put into the Carmel section of the Monon.
I've driven by parts of the Monon in Indy and I don't recall any looking as good as the sections in Carmel and beyond. I will definitely ride there again, but will make sure I start out early enough. Oh, and there will still be a meal, it just will occur after the ride.

Some Thoughts on Social Intelligence

2009-08-20T22:10:00.011-04:00

I read Authentic Happiness by Martin Seligman, Ph.D. for a book club. The book covered happiness, satisfaction, fulfillment and methods of achieving it. One concept mentioned is one that I've focused on in the past. Seligman and other psychology experts refer to what I would call people skills as social intelligence. If you would like Seligman's exact definition, see pages 143-144 of the hardcover edition.

Years ago, I did not understand people who were adept with everyone, I saw them as phony or fake. Basically, my view was "if almost everyone liked you and everyone thought you were their friend, then you were not being discriminating. (Just to clarify, by discriminating I mean selective).

Currently, I know three people who personify social intelligence but are far from being fake. In each case, even acquaintances believe they are friends and casual friends believe they are close friends. One of these socially-gifted individuals once said to me "I have many acquaintances, and few friends," but honestly if you asked the people this person indicated were acquaintances, they would have no idea they did not fall into the friend category. It occurred to me that maybe that is not a bad thing.

When I think of the warmth and kindness my lifelong friend brings to the lives she touches, I appreciate her all the more. When others seem to exude happiness (sometimes bordering on glee) when socializing with Friend#2 or Friend#3, it makes me glad that I know them and that I am able witness the positive effect they have on others.

Will I ever be like these three? I am self aware enough to state that it is doubtful. However, I am glad I realize the value they have added to my life as well as to the lives of others.

Mortality: Part of Our Human Experience

2009-08-12T21:46:00.006-04:00

All we as humans can hope for is a life full of love, laughter, value, family and friends. It is difficult when a pillar of your family dies, but if there was suffering and they were ready to go, it is possible to remember them with a smile instead of a tear. I know this because I lost a parent years ago. In my mind, it was too soon. But, what was the alternative? Illness (in his case, cancer) has a way of breaking your body and your spirit and yet my dad went to work, kept a positive attitude, and participated in life for as long as he could. "Why are you still sleeping", he'd say to me "It is too nice a morning to spend it sleeping" and of course he was right. He was right about a lot of things. So when he said "do not resuscitate me", when the time came, we honored his wishes. Still, it was too soon and my life changed that day.

My aunt recently passed away and now I find myself recalling my memories of her, those home-cooked meals that she fed to all of the relatives who found their way to her doorstep every Thanksgiving, the kindness she showed me (such as throwing me a Sweet 17 party, the only surprise birthday party I've ever had). But my greatest memory of her was also a lesson to me. She showed me (and most likely others who knew her) the definition of inner strength and determination and for that I always will be grateful.

The Kindness of Biker Chicks

2009-08-06T23:58:00.013-04:00

The title,of course, is referring to bicycles not motorcycles. I had the opportunity to join some nearly professional level riders on a tour of the Northeastside. I asked two people I know to accompany me. Although they declined, I decided to try the ride on my own. In my e-mail correspondence with the group's leader, she omitted the fact that this group rides 20 miles in 1.5 hours (and yes I did ask the question). Had I known this, I would not have even tried it.

Before this ride, the most I had ever biked was 4 miles and it took me more than 1.5 hours. Also, I tend to coast more than pedal, which presents a problem when the goal is 20 miles within a specific time frame. However, instead of leaving me, having an attitude or being condescending, these women who were strangers, assisted me. I had no water bottle, so one rider offered me a new bottle of water from her bike pack, without me asking. I tried to decline but she wasn't having it. I needed proper hydratiion. She also gave me some hints on how to get the best performance from my older bike, as did the group leader, again without me asking. It was kind of like having personal trainers for bicycling. I appreciated their support. I felt like I should have paid them.

Tonight, I biked on traffic-filled roads and quiet residential streets and by the time it ended, I had 10 miles (10.7 to be exact). under my belt. For me, that is a milestone.

Here's To Two Wheels Plus Steel

2009-08-05T23:33:00.045-04:00

My friend RR has been riding the vintage bicycle below (purchased in 1980) for years. Given its appearance, I was amazed that he was able to go anywhere on it, but that soon changed when I became aware of the miles he's traveled. I biked with him recently and he was able to maintain a decent speed on busy roads at dusk. The bike not only handled pavement and blacktop well, but also grass and rocks. I struggled to keep up on my Huffy Omni 10-speed (circa 1985), which says more about me than the bike.

I thought RR and I were unusual even nonconformist in our sentimental devotion to old school bikes. But apparently, there are many others who are fans http://www.oldroads.com/

Let's Hear it for the Girls

2009-07-01T19:14:00.013-04:00

A recent day trip to the college town, Bloomington, spurred me to reflect on how much I enjoy spending time socializing with females. Guys are swell and all, but there is a freedom in conversation and interaction that is usually not there when dealing with the men folk. I should add that my friend RR, is an exception. I could discuss anything with him. He might not want to hear it, but I could still share it.

On our trip, the five of us discussed everything. If there was a subject off limits, I'm not sure what it was. In addition to the discourse, we had a tasty lunch, went on a winery tour, coerced strangers to take our photo, and browsed and shopped at quaint and not so quaint establishments. I also should mention that we had a divine dinner.

I usually do not display personal photos in this blog because I believe there is no need to willingly reveal everything about yourself or others, whether it be online or in the real world. However, I am including an image this time. The idea was Emily's and the camera was Nicole's. I am taking the liberty of giving the photo a title, An homage to the original Charlie's Angels. I like this photo because it effectively captures the fun and frivolity of one of our Bloomington moments.

Goodbye To A Music/ Pop Culture Icon

2009-06-25T23:08:00.011-04:00

When I heard Michael Jackson had died, it occurred to me that this will be another day forever etched in my memory like 911, the death of Princess Diana and the Space Shuttle explosion. I always will remember where I was when I heard the news.

I actually feel a tad melancholy over his death. Yes, I know there was most likely some depravity going on with him, but there also was major talent. Look at your pop stars today such as Justin Timberlake and tell me he hasn't borrowed a lot from Michael's vocal and dance styles.

For me it goes deeper than that though, back in the day Michael's stardom transcended race. It was cool to see that, as well as ironic, given the changes Michael made to himself over the years. At a time when there was more segregation in music, I felt like Michael's songs were embraced by nearly everyone. If you didn't like Thriller, there was the quite catchy, older hit A-B-C or the disco-inspired Don't Stop 'til you Get Enough. My personal favorite album by Michael is Off The Wall and for song, it would have to be Rock with You. (Video might take a moment to appear).

I knew people in my youth , male and female, who were obsessed with Michael. You could not say a negative word about him without having to deal with their ire. I never understood their devotion, but I appreciated and respected his talent and mass appeal.

Road Trippin'

2009-06-22T18:08:00.023-04:00

Last weekend, my friend LKM and I decided to visit Kings Island (her idea), IKEA (my idea) and a couple of locations in between. Kings Island was in a word.... sweltering. The temperature in the Cincinnati area was in the 90s. The temperature recorded at the park was more than 100 degrees. Perhaps the rides and concrete were the cause of the extra hotness. The benefit of this is that lines for rides were short. It appeared anyone with any sense (and a swimsuit) escaped to Kings Island's companion water park, Boomerang Bay.

LKM and I decided to visit this area and I can report that those seeking a tan, a swim or thrilling water slides will be fulfilled. My only unsolicited advice would be for those who are parents to teen girls. Pay attention to what they are wearing to the park. The "anything goes" vibe in today's swimwear seems to be embraced by visitors of the bay. I believe this is fine for women. However, it is troubling to see those under 16 in clothing more befitting a Playboy Playmate or rap music video hoochie.

On to the rides.... LKM enjoys a good roller coaster so she could not wait to try out KI's newest offering, Diamondback.

She sat in the very front of the coaster, while I stood on the ground observing because I am not a coaster fan. She also rode the Vortex. After the Vortex, she declared the she was done and was ready to go back to the car and sit in front of the air conditioning. She was joking (sort of). We went to a cooler location, had pricey soft drinks then continued on our journey of amusement. I rode the Grand Carousel and experienced Dodgem, the bumper cars(twice). We both rode the K.I. train, went on the Scooby Doo Haunted Castle ride (FUN!) and hiked for what seemed like 2 miles through the woods to get to Whitewater Canyon. I believe I never experienced this ride in my previous K.I. visits because I never knew exactly where it was located.

For those familar with KI, this ride features the circular rafts encased in what look like giant tires. The rafts forcefully travel down a "river" for 5 minutes. Water seems to pour from everywhere and riders get drenched. Thankfully, I was prepared when it came to my hair. I bought a swimming cap from Target.
Much to LKM's dismay, I actually put the cap on. I looked goofy as hell but I was fine with that in this instance.

LKM visited the K.I. tower and afterward we left the park thoroughly exhausted from the heat and activities.

The next day, we visited IKEA's location in Westchester, Ohio. This was LKM's first visit, but not mine. http://moorewrites.blogspot.com/2008/07/amusing-thing-happened-on-way-to.html

I purchased several packages of IKEA ground coffee and Espresso (I'd rate this coffee a 9), pasta, large hazelnut and milk chocolate bars, scented tea lights and potpourri. LKM purchased some silverware.

Of course, no visit to the Cincinnati-area would be complete without stopping for Graeters, which I believe is the best ice cream in the United States.

Hanging With The Girls Might Never Be The Same

2009-06-01T23:43:00.053-04:00

I enjoy spending time with this group of fabulous girls (or ladies for those of you who do not appreciate the term girls). We go to movies, concerts, nightclubs, and also travel to nearby cities/states in search of shopping and whatever other adventure we can find. We usually have a blast.

All was well within my crew...until one of the members contracted bicycle fever.

http://candaceadventures.blogspot.com/2009/05/biking.html

Oh, I saw the signs, she'd pedal off somewhere alone for a couple of hours and then later, delirious from her miles-long trip, she'd blog or talk about how much fun it was. I wasn't worried because unbeknownst to this friend, I was immune to bicycle fever and most other outdoor activities. I was safe right? Wrong.

One of the other members of my crew ended up accompanying the Bike Happy One on a ride, and she was sold on it as well. So now I had an issue, two of the friends with whom I spend the most time were pursuing bicycling and planned to continue to do so!

Let me make it clear that I have nothing against bicycling. I even enjoyed it in my youth when apparently the sun, sweating, messing up my hair, wearing bike shorts, and the possibility of encountering a loose dog did not faze me. (Actually I think the possibility of encountering a loose dog always fazed me, but I just forged ahead regardless).

But now is a different story- I'm older, I weigh more, my love for central air conditioning and my Danish Modern sectional only has intensified.

So what's a girl that enjoys the indoors to do? Well, in my case, I retrieved my first and only adult bicycle from a time machine

and took it to the The Bicycle Hospital, one of Indy's oldest bike shops, for repairs. It is now repaired, and the technician assures me that it is road ready. So far I have ridden it in my driveway and the nearby cul-de-sac in my subdivision. But soon I plan to accompany my crew and expand my route to include slightly more challenging (but hopefully still flat terrain). I'm not promising multiple trips or anything, but I'll try it at least once.

Stressful Moments

2009-05-14T10:04:00.011-04:00

During the previous 10 days, these are just two of the incidents that have occurred in my life:

1) My kitchen faucet stopped working and my friend's husband (more than a handyman, let's call him a handy savior) was out of town for a WHOLE WEEK. This meant I had the choice of going without running water in the kitchen for that time period or actually using my homeowner’s warranty and paying a plumber. I chose the latter.

2)After a night of eating and dancing on Friday, I returned to what for years had been the late-night parking garage (the Moon garage) at Circle Centre to discover that it is now the garage the closes early. So my car had to stay there until it opened. Nicole was kind enough to risk her wellbeing to accompany me down the creepy garage stairwell at nearly 2 a.m. to retrieve my garage door opener from my car. Without it, I would not have been able to get in my residence. Of course, I was more apprehensive than she was. She also drove me home without me asking. What a good friend. The next morning, another friend took me back to the garage. I retrieved my car and paid $14 (the overnight charge). For future reference, I asked the attendant what time the garage closes daily. She didn't know.

I was lamenting my woes to my pal RR, and he just laughed and said "Welcome to my life."

The positive aspect is that these incidents and the others I have not mentioned have had or are on their way to having successful resolutions. However, I have spent more money than expected (or I had). I was planning on traveling to Montreal this fall, but it is likely now that will be on hold for me until next year.

They call me Zumba Delicious

2009-04-20T21:47:00.012-04:00

Not content to limit exposing my lack of rhythm to only one Zumba group class, I decided to visit another. This one has the words "dance studio" in its name, and they offer Zumba certification classes, which should have been clues for me to stay away. But no, lured by its proximity to my workplace and the inexpensive fee, I forged ahead and before I knew it, my dance skills were on full display.

The class started out well enough, the room where the class is held is spacious enough to accommodate a class of 30 comfortably. What's even better is that participants dance without the benefit of "house" lights. There are only colored spotlights similar to what you would see in a nightclub. You would think this would make it difficult for the instructor onstage to see someone at the very back of the room, but that was not the case.

After 30 minutes of following the steps better than I did at my previous Zumba class, (which is held in a fitness center that I deem too expensive for me to join) there was a short break in the music. I wanted to keep moving a bit so I would not collapse to the floor in exhaustion due to an abrupt stop. Others were moving I presume for a similar reason. But while others were safe, unfortunately I was not.

All of a sudden I hear this accented voice say "You in the green shirt, you are new?"

I felt everyone staring, perhaps everyone was not, but it felt like they were. As the instructor spoke, I was struck by the fact that had my shirt not been such a fluorescent green, she probably would not have noticed me given the dim lighting. But combine that with the fact that I was moving around and I became a prime target.

Thankfully I was not called up to the stage alone, another newbie (who weighed maybe 95 lbs) was called up as well.

When I reached the stage, the instructor looked at me and said into the mic "She is Zumba Delicious", and in a room filled with waifs and the modestly proportioned, I must admit her description was not wrong.

So once on the stage, our job was to dance with the instructor. This involved Zumba-ing facing the crowd and Zumba-ing with our backs (and in my case BADONKADONK to the crowd). Yes, that's exactly what I wanted to happen at my Zumba class.

I am just glad the instructor chose that time to do basic steps. As a result, I was able to do them correctly and at the appropriate pace. Still, I bet many in that room of Carmelites were realizing that at least one stereotype isn't true.

Fogo de Chao for my birthday

2009-04-19T20:57:00.011-04:00

I spent part of my birthday Friday dining with a generous pal at Fogo de Chao. It was my first visit to this brazilian-inspired eatery. The focus is on the meat and they roast a variety of meats over an open fire pit (but not in view of patrons). They call the method churrasco.

I enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant and the attention you receive from the waiters/waitresses and men, referred to as Gaucho chefs, who bring the meat directly to your table. And yes, they actually wear gauchos as part of their attire. The chefs who were working on our visit were handsome Latin men with accents.

We were provided with a cardboard circular disk with a red side and a green side. When we turned it to green, the chefs brought mini roasted chicken drumsticks, slices of top sirloin, bottom sirloin, filet mignon, beef ribs, lamb, as well as, pork offerings to the table. The sirloin and filet were great. I could taste the true flavor of the meat because it was free from sauces or reductions that other upscale restaurants favor. I also enjoyed the seasoned mashed potatoes and the golden brown doughy goodness of the rolls. Other side items included the crispy hot polenta (it reminded me of cornbread) and the fried bananas (which neither I nor my pal sampled).

Regarding beverages, they have a wine list; some of the bottles line the wall near the tables. The soft drinks available include Coca-Cola in the glass bottle, which the waiter pours into a glass while at your table.

I believe we received even more attention because a former friend was on the wait staff and he basically appeared with plates, advice, proper menu item pronunciation whenever we needed him (and even a few times when we didn't). It made me think how amusing it is when people from my past just pop up unexpectedly. In honor of my birthday, he gave me a slice of key lime pie with a candle. It was a nice ending to a marvelous meal.

Employee Has Kind Words for Starbucks

2009-04-09T21:42:00.024-04:00

How Starbucks Saved My Life is part memoir/part publicity piece. Author Michael Gates Gill effectively describes his transition from former ad agency creative director to hourly employee serving coffee and cleaning restrooms. He provides just the right amount of information on his wealthy upbringing and how his family's wealth gave him a head start on the success that he achieved during the majority of his adult career. I believe that given his background the way he embraced his new low-profile life in his 60s was commendable, especially considering how much our society values money, power and youth. For me, this was the most positive aspect of the book.

The portions I questioned were his devotion to Starbucks and his statements on the customer service most employees were trained to provide. I think highly of Starbucks. I have Starbucks mugs, thermoses and even a bear. Also, I was a regular at two of my hometown locations. Most employees I encountered provided service that ranged from acceptable to good. However, I saw few employees who provided the superior service Gill described. I've visited multiple locations in several states and can name only one employee who went beyond an enthusiastic greeting and calling out the drink order with gusto. (Thanks to Lori at the now-defunct Precedent store for knowing her customers and inquiring about their lives). I also can recall only one location (in Hotlanta) that had a predominantly black staff. I remember when entering I felt like I was visiting another planet. That is how rare of an occurrence it was for me. Perhaps, the remainder of the company's black baristas are in the section of NYC, where Gill worked.

Overall though, I enjoyed this book and as I finished the last page I wondered if the author ever had the medical procedure that he kept delaying. Since there is a rumor that a movie will be made based on his story, maybe Gill is saving that detail for the big screen.

Facebook RANT

2009-04-03T23:49:00.010-04:00

There are a five things that bother me about Facebook that I can no longer keep to myself. So here they are:

1)People who compulsively post on their wall. No one needs to know what you are doing or thinking every minute. Really.

2)People who have "friends" that post comments after every statement they make regardless of its quality. (Yes, I'll admit this statement is fueled by the fact that I get so few comments).

3)People who post photos of themselves that could be considered unflattering. Your enemies should be the only people who use such images against you.

4)People who include too much personal information in their profile or on their wall. (Continue posting your life story and accompanying photos if you think identity theft is just a myth).

5) The intellectuals, or perhaps the correct word is psuedo-intellectuals. Theories and outrage abound on their walls over everything from Old Navy's "inappropriate" mannequin commercial to those darn AIG bonuses. Please give me a break.

Twilight at Indiana Live!

2009-03-22T20:00:00.009-04:00

Instead of venturing to Indiana Live during the daytime hours as we had planned, LKM and I ended up visiting much later. When we arrived we realized we were not the only ones on the night owl circuit. The surface parking lot near the casino was full, the secondary surface lot was 1/2 full and there were cars waiting for valet parking. LKM decided to park in the garage and we managed to find an available spot on the fourth floor.

We entered the casino with a few other people before being stopped by security. Of course, he wasn't stopping me or any one else behind me in the line, only LKM. After running her i.d. through his scanner two times, he let her go in, apparently satisfied that she was not a 16-year-old trying to party with the adults.

My first impression of the venue is that is it is better than the riverboat I visited, and any of the older casinos that remain in Vegas. The decor is stylish and modern and the cigarette smoke while ever present, is not as intense as it is in Vegas. My only complaint is that there are far too many 1 cent and 5 cent slot machines. I have no use for these, I like one dollar slots. I did find them, but it took some searching.

Since we arrived on 3rd shift, there were not many restaurant options. We had the choice of going to Nascar Grill or Live Market, which is like a food court but with more upscale offerings. All Live Market had at that time was sandwiches, snacks and desserts, so we went to Nascar Grill.

Nascar Grill had their limited after hours menu, so I ordered chicken tenders w/ranch dressing and crinkle fries. LKM had a cheeseburger and fries. I don't eat chicken tenders often, but I must say they were the best I've ever had. They were large, firm and moist, and most importantly, not greasy. They appeared to have been baked instead of fried. I made the mistake of spending $2 for a coke at the restaurant. There was no need to do this since the casino floor has self-service soft drink stations where the drinks are free. There also is an area where there is free coffee.

I should mention there is music in various locations at Indiana Live. There was a loud rock band doing covers in Nascar Grill, a band called Groove, Inc. (that had a female vocalist) in Center Bar and dance music at Mosaic nightclub. LKM and I did not go in Mosaic but could hear the dance music when we stood near the entrance. The cover was only $5, but I needed what little cash I brought with me for gaming.

There is table action at Indiana Live and a poker room but I don't play poker, and did not get a chance to visit the tables. I did notice the poker room was brimming with business.

Before leaving, we decided to return to Live Market to get a closer look at the assortment of pastries. I purchased a chocolate mousse mini-tower that had a combination white/milk chocolate candy base. I did not get a chance to sample it until this evening. It was quite tasty, and a bargain at only $2.

I look forward to returning to Indiana Live during the evening hours so I can try Maker's Mark Bourbon House & Lounge, the casino's fine dining offering.

Welcome To This Century

2009-03-18T22:50:00.018-04:00

That is what people probably are thinking when I share my enthusiasm about my generic MP3 player that I just purchased (photo on left). It is small, stylish and has a touch screen. The best part is that I paid only $25 for it, and it came with 600 songs included and a warranty that is still in effect.

I was able to get this deal because a couple of months after R.B. purchased it, she decided she did not like its main feature, the touch screen. She offered to sell it to me after she spotted a Sony Walkman MP3 that had features she preferred. She e-mailed "I know it isn't what you wanted but I thought I'd let you know it's available."

I had wanted an iPod, but I jumped at the chance to buy this generic player because I am all about not having to download or copy a bunch of songs from CDs. If I know a person has above-average and diverse musical tastes, I like having the opportunity to enjoy their music library. Her library has everything from Mariah Carey and Coldplay to Corrine Bailey Ray and the Raconteurs. The only genre missing is jazz, and I easily can add that.

The most interesting item in the library are chants from monks. Apparently these monks release CDs of chants from time to time (Who knew?). R.B. occasionally listens to them to drown out background noise (and likely her awesome department manager) at work. I listened to the chants last night and found them to be a great sleep aid.

In the future, I'm sure I will buy a pre-owned iPod but this really is the perfect unit for me right now.

Mad Men on AMC

2009-03-08T21:11:00.006-04:00

After a recommendation by longtime friend Cori, I started watching the first season of Mad Men on DVD. Mad Men is a series on American Movie Classics. I first heard of the series because it won Emmy and Golden Globe awards, which is uncommon for a series on a lower-profile cable network. What I like most about the series is its ability to effectively recreate an earlier era.

Mad Men, set in the early 1960s, is about the professional and personal lives of Madison Avenue advertising executives. There is a glamour presented.... from the Danish Modern furnishings in the executive's offices and residences, to the secretaries decorated in dresses (or twin sets and skirts) with fashionable heels. No under-dressed people seem to exist in this world. It makes me long for a visit.

This was not a politically correct time and Mad Men does not treat it as such. The ad men drink to near inebriation, smoke constantly and sate their carnal desires on their lunch hours, occasionally with one of the secretaries. The secretaries give willingly of themselves and cover for their bosses if they are not around when their wives unexpectedly show up. Lead secretary Joan Holloway in particular gleefully accepts her role as sex object but knows how to manipulate men to her advantage.

The cast does a fine job of making their characters authentic, especially Christina Hendricks as Joan, John Hamm as Don Draper and Vincent Kartheiser as Pete Campbell. I have included a scene from an episode.

I also must mention the opening theme(see below). There are few instances I can recall of a theme capturing the essence of a show so well.

Small Steps to Fitness

2009-02-25T23:26:00.008-05:00

I have worked out twice this week. On Tuesday it was a Zumba class and Wednesday it was cardio hip hop. I enjoyed both classes even though I often stumbled through the dance steps like an effeminate lush. I am glad my cohorts in this fitness journey did not laugh at me, especially Nicole who had a double dose of working out with me.

Tonight's class was full and brimming with diverse faces in terms of age, weight and race...... but not gender. After the sweat-inducing cardio segment, which had quite a bit of booty-shaking elements, the instructor had you choose a partner for some floor exercises. The items involved were a 7-pound medicine ball in your choice of red or yellow, and two floor mats. Our task with the medicine ball was to throw it to each other while seated on the mats with our feet touching. There was more to it than that but that was the main point of it. I must mention I was distracted by the weight of the ball.

My throws that lacked power (most of them) spurred Nicole to look at me incredulously and ask "Are you nervous or just afraid to really throw it?" Honestly I think I was having volleyball or softball flashbacks fearing that I would hit her in the head with it, knocking her unconscious, or it would bounce off her head and hit me in the face. I mean that has never happened in my life, but it could, right? I did become more comfortable with the exercise as time passed but I still threw the ball like the girly girl with limited athletic ability I am.

Our next floor exercise involved pushing down on your exercise partner's leg while she held her leg tight and resisted. I think I would need more arm strength for any partner I had to receive benefits from this exercise.

Thankfully my exercise partner was a good sport. I would have been quite uncomfortable if I had attended the class alone and had to select someone who was a stranger.

My experiences this week have persuaded me to purchase a group exercise pass at the Y for the dance-inspired classes and then attend the free classes offered by the Parks Department for the traditional strength/endurance/aerobic combo workouts.

Narrative about a Girls' Night Out

2009-02-22T15:14:00.020-05:00

After a great meal and movie with a swell group of ladies, Nicole and I decided to check out two nightclubs. The first nightclub, Manhattan, featured old school and current R&B. Admission was free for the ladies before 11 p.m, which was great since the 2nd club we visited was $10 per person. We spent an hour or so at Manhattan.

The medium-sized crowd ranged in age from late 20s to 40s. Dress was casual, and there were more men than women. Most of the guys appeared to be sporting oversized Roca Wear or a similar line. The women were wearing everything from jeans to dressy pants and tops. Guess who the best dressed woman in Manhattan was? One guess.

The next club we visited was Oxygen. Oxygen is in a strip mall near an overpass. The outside was a tad ominous because there is limited light. Nicole and I wondered about the demographics of the club. Specifically, I was worried about the likelihood of us getting shot. This was the same club where the disturbance involving the Colts player occurred.

Nicole thought it might be a good idea to ask the young man half-heartedly directing the parking lot traffic what it was like inside and whether he thought we'd like it. He informed her that the club played "young people music". We decided to ignore his veiled opinion that we were not young (whatever!) and go in anyway. Once we got inside, we saw there were people in our age range, and there was the added excitement of a potential suitor offering one of us his business card.

Oxygen had a larger dance floor than Manhattan but few people danced. It was more of a "get your drink on", "stand around and look cool" kind of joint. Plus the music was a hardcore hip hop/rap mixture that I did not like. I did recognize a co-worker at the club, who looked quite different than she had earlier at work...not just her clothes, but her hairstyle as well.

Since I had on my work clothes, seeing her made me feel like I should have dressed in my nightlife wardrobe, which I would have done if I had a nightlife wardrobe. Still, even with that said, it was nice to be able to visit some new places.

Commercials

2009-02-19T00:02:00.007-05:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I have an interest in commercials. I've worked as an extra in a few and unsuccessfully auditioned for speaking parts in others. I should add I've been told I have a great speaking voice. It makes me effective at presentations and as a seminar speaker. The problem with commercials is that I am unable to become a "character" The only "character" I know how to be is me.

I was discussing commercials with my two of my friends. The one friend noted that she skips through all commercials, never watches them... not even during the Superbowl. I told her that there are some creative spots that are quite amusing. I decided to use this post to provide an example or two. The first spot was produced by two brothers who live in Batesville, Indiana. They entered it in a contest and not only won a million dollars but also a national airing of the spot on Superbowl Sunday this year. It is not my favorite, but it features some out-of-the box thinking.

The commercials I like the best are for Geico and I'm not referring to the ones featuring the Gecko. Check this one out:

I also liked the Geico Caveman commercials until someone had the goofy idea to turn it into a TV series. What the hell were they thinking?

Tale of the Unfit

2009-02-11T21:37:00.004-05:00

Last year, I participated in one fitness class, and it was not one of my finest moments.

Given that, you would think my fitness attempt for 2009 would involve something low-intensity such as really slow mall walking, setting out the trash or raking the leaves that have been on my front porch since November. But no, I just had to go back to a class. This time I went to the YMCA w/Candace and Nicole (yes I'm using first names in this entry instead of my usual practice of intials. Hopefully they won't mind).

We ended up at a combo aerobic, strength endurance class with some yoga thrown in. Our instructor was fit, too fit. I took one look at her and knew I would not be able to keep up with her. Honestly, she looked like she has never eaten a candy bar or a whole pint of ice cream in her life. Had she been fit and model-like and youthful, I probably would have left the class before it even started. Thankfully, I did not have to.

Our class involved using accessories including weights, a mat and a really heavy pole (not the stripper kind). I chose the 2 lb weights, the lightest, which led the instructor to encourage me to use two at the same time whenever we were doing arm strenthening exercises.

I was better at completing the arm work than the leg work. I became tired quicky with the aerobics portion, but I tried to keep moving because A)I liked the music and B)Nicole was nearby and it appeared that with a few weeks of practice she could launch her own line of fitness DVDs. There is something to be said about being motivated by the positive actions of your pals.

So I made it through the class and have vowed to take others, preferably a hip hop cardio or urban line dancing class. I'm sure this will provide me with a lot of content for future posts as well as a need to purchase the ointment of the elderly, Ben-Gay.

ISO Pops Series

2009-01-17T10:53:00.006-05:00

Before deciding to hear Patti Austin's Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald at the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra recently, all I knew about her music was that she had recorded some R&B and pop songs, (the most well-known to me being, "Baby Come to Me"). Video might take a moment to appear:

I also was aware that she had a gastric bypass several years ago. Interesting combination of facts, right? So I went into the concert with this limited information...and no real opinion of her.

All ISO Pops series concerts I've attended usually start out with instrumentals during the first half and the featured vocalist during the 2nd half. The symphony did a fine job of playing standards such as "I've Got You Under My Skin", "Unforgettable" and "What's New". The conductor, Steven Reineke, was acceptable in his role but has a lot to learn before he achieves the status of veteran Pops conductor, Erich Kunzel, or Principal Pops Conductor Jack Everly.

Patti came to the stage to start the second half of the concert. She belted out classics such as "Honeysuckle Rose" and "Miss Otis Regrets", but also performed Ella-inspired renditions of "Someone to Watch Over Me" and "Mr. Paganini". Ella's most well-known song "A Tisket, A Tasket" was part of the playlist and just for historical flavor....here is a video:

I've heard Ella in better voice than in the above clip, but Patti's voice is stronger than Ella's ever was. Given this, she was able to bring a different style to these classics. In addition, Patti is so engaging and amusing that she knows how to win over the audience with her personality as well as the music. She has comedic timing and knows how to work a room. One of her final songs of the evening was "How High The Moon". Here is a clip from a previous performance:

If I had only two words to describe Patti Austin instead of this lengthy narrative, they would be consummate performer.

2009-01-14T22:26:00.006-05:00

A friend and I attended a free screening at a local theater of a new TV show scheduled to debut on Showtime. The TV show United States of Tara is a one-of-a-kind dramedy about the life of Tara, a suburban mom with split personalities. The episodes shown highlighted three of the personalities: Buck, a cigarette-smoking, beer-swilling roughneck; Alice who acts like a 1950s TV show mom, and T, a wild teenager with a penchant for butt-baring jeans with thong visible. Tara changes clothes each time one of the personalities also known as "alters" take over. The pilot and the 2nd episode were amusing and odd at the same time. After the screening, I found out Diablo Cody (of Juno fame) created the series with Steven Spielberg as the executive producer. While I found Tara's son, Marshall, to be a tad unbelievable, I thought Toni Collette did a superior job of portraying Tara and her "alters". Rounding out the family is John Corbett as Tara's husband and Brie Larson as her daughter. One of the perks of the screening was free popcorn and choice of beverage,which included soft drinks as well as beer and wine.

A Christmas Gift Extravaganza

2008-12-25T14:43:00.016-05:00

My level of enthusiasm is similar to that of a child's this Christmas. I am awed by the generosity of which I am a beneficiary. What follows is a list of some of the items I've received:

-a brass necklace w/multi-color resin "stones"

-a cordless desktop mini-fountain (for the office)

-a box of the utterly delectable See's chocolates

-A multitude of trouser socks in a variety of hues

-a blue Colts long sleeve shirt

-a sterling silver ring with diamond accents

and finally....

A holiday shopper's musings

2008-12-25T12:01:00.008-05:00

I enjoyed purchasing Christmas gifts this year even though I had a limited time frame during which to shop because of a 3-month project I was finishing up. So as a result, I spent more than what I usually would spend. Amazon, Crate & Barrel, Macy's and Godiva received most of my business. I dropped enough cash at Godiva to receive a "free" gift card. I visit Godiva occasionally, but never enough to receive any "gift" with purchase. It is nice when being good to others nets a bonus for yourself.

Questions about Twilight-The Movie

2008-12-21T23:20:00.003-05:00

I had the opportunity to see the movie Twilight with a friend. What follows are the questions that arose in my mind as I was viewing this film:

1)Who knew the town of Forks would be so diverse?

2)Who knew that I would be able to see the line of demarcation between Carlisle's really white makeup and his natural skin tone? Umm, they do still have professional makeup artists for movies, don't they?

3)Who knew the character of Laurent would be black?

4)Is this movie over yet?

5)Who knew that watching Edward "fly" with Bella would seem so ridiculous instead of compelling?

6)Who knew that the romantic chemistry between Edward and Bella would seem more like revulsion than passion?

And finally,

7) Who knew that a screenplay could be written so ineffectively?

Colts Corporate Luncheon

2008-12-09T19:23:00.012-05:00

I scored tickets to the Colts corporate luncheon from a benevolent source in corporate Building 1 (where our CEO and other notable executives have their offices). So I attended the festivities held at the Colts practice facility, accompanied by my team of three: D, G and R. R was enthusiastic, as she usually is when a departmental field trip is involved. Little did she know that by the end of the event that her enthusiasm would be more than warranted. The event started off with a lunch catered by a local restaurant, which has a tasty selection onsite but their catering leaves a lot to be desired. It was followed by a sports talk show style interview with retired Colt Tarik Glenn and current Colt Ryan Diem.

Much to the dismay of some at our company table and surrounding tables, Peyton Manning and fan fave Bob Sanders were not present. The interview was followed by a drawing. Now, I don't have much love for drawings because I rarely win anything great. Throughout the years I have won the following: a deflated soccer ball, a scratch and dent speaker that not even the pawn shop would offer me money for, a soft case for mutliple compact discs, a Spiderman phone (which I sort of liked) and a set of memory cards in a clear plastic case. My "best" and/or most expensive prize from a drawing would have to be a motion detecting-camera and a replacement lens that was part of an in-home video surveillance system. All I received were those two items not the whole system. I believe I would have needed a degree in engineering to figure out how to hook up the camera.

So back to the drawing, there were many Colts clothing items available as well as items I was pining for from the moment they were mentioned: a $100 gift card to O'Charley's, a $100 gift card to Johnathan Byrd's cafeteria and of course the GRAND PRIZE.

As we sat at the table watching the winners from a local TV station, a real estate company (OK, so I could not begrudge them the prize) and a consulting firm....all of us glanced at each other disappointed by our loss but still holding out hope for the one prize left. The GRAND PRIZE was a Colts leather office chair , a $100 gift certificate to Johnathan Byrd's and a shiny new commemorative Superbowl football signed by some of the Colts.

There was silence in the room and then the emcee picked out a business card and stated that the winner was from my company and then waited a beat and said the name of the person who won. Obviously, it was not me. However, it was R who looked shocked and was literally shaking as she made her way to collect her prizes I would surmise much to the envy of the diehard Colts fans in attendance. Earlier in this post, I indicated how enthusiastic she was to attend....that grand prize worth more than $600 sustained her glee for the remainder of the day.

The Making Of A Legend?

2008-12-03T22:10:00.010-05:00

I've always thought this performer had the potential to achieve legendary status, especially if she continues on her current path. I am mesmerized by vocal ability delivered with passion. Popular and jazz pioneers Carmen MacRae, Nina Simone and Sarah Vaughan might be forgotten among the masses, but they live on in her. Videos might take a moment to appear:

The boredom of recovery

2008-10-10T11:57:00.010-04:00

I had major surgery for the first time last Friday. I've been told it went as planned and everything should be swell with me. The problem is in order to get to swell, I have to follow the doctor's instruction to take it easy. Take it easy in my case has meant being unable to drive anywhere for a full week and being scheduled to be off work for (gasp!) 2 weeks and 3 days.

Until now, I had never been off work for more than 5 days.
I thought it was amusing when upon leaving the hospital after my overnight stay the nurse indicated "We want you to resume some of your normal activities and then in the same breath said....but you'll need to limit your activities to inside the house and no vacuuming etc." I asked her if I could walk around outside my estate, and she said that should be OK...probably correctly assuming I was not referring to an estate the size of SouthFork on the old TV show Dallas.

I honestly have felt like a senior citizen depending on my senior citizen mother (in town from another state ) to pick up items for me from the nearby grocery and ice cream parlor. She also kindly took me to the bank drive thru window, and to Starbucks because I was having caramel machiatto withdrawal (even though she cannot understand why anyone in her right mind would spend $4.50 for a coffee-based drink).

Anyone who knows me knows I have a passion for reading, but it is interesting how unappealing reading (and watching DVDs) is becoming for me now that it is all I can do. I watched Juno on DVD. I've read the Oprah magazine that someone brought me as a get well gift. I also received a body pillow and a 6-pack of my favorite product (Coca Cola) in the glass bottles. Plus, I am happy that tomorrow someone is scheduled to bring me Long's doughnuts (they are the best!)

Now, you would think with all of this talk of sugary drinks and food, that I'd be gaining weight. Thankfully that has not been the case, probably because I don't eat or drink everything in its entirety. However, I probably won't lose any weight either.

Working Out for Free

2008-09-11T22:45:00.007-04:00

There is a program that offers free exercise classes four days a week, all you have to do is show up. Now, you would think that given the cost of the classes, they would be overflowing. If the class that I went to is any indication, that is not the case.

I should mention that I don't work out consistently and as a result I am not fit. (Interesting, how those two things go together). The class I selected featured step aerobics, floor exercises and strength training with what looks like a giant rubber band. I did everything, but not very well. I am pretty sure my presence there flailing about raised the confidence of everyone in attendance probably even the man who had to be at least 80. Thankfully, he was not moving at a faster pace than me.

I know I will feel pain from the exercises in my muscles (if I have any) tomorrow but I still plan to return on Monday. Since my job is a sedentary one, I believe I should exercise 4 days a week. That is a lofty goal, only time will tell whether I meet it.

Wonderfully Ranch (and a reader poll)

2008-09-05T19:27:00.001-04:00

I visited a residence the other day that was impressive. I enjoy a home that has a past yet can be customized for the present. This mid-century ranch is framed by a plethora of windows, one of which is floor to ceiling. Eye-catching interior details include hardwood floors, unique kitchen shelving, stainless steel appliances and quality furnishings that invite the visitor to sit down and chat a while.

Looking out the window to the backyard, there is lush greenery and enough space for people and pets to roam.

I appreciate a living space that pays great attention to design without being stark. It is not an easy task to maintain that balance.

All this musing about about home design has spurred me to conduct an informal poll that serves the purpose of helping me through a design dilemma. This is something I probably will do in the future as well. So here it goes. Which item do you like best? Let me know and thanks in advance for your participation.

Choice A

OR

Choice B

This historic moment is personal

2008-08-29T02:00:00.001-04:00

I like to watch the televised coverage of speeches at political conventions of both parties. This week was all about the Dems. Hillary and Obama gave 'A' speeches. I was struck by how polished they were. Now, some could say "well that's their business", but honestly, I've never heard either of them give speeches of that quality. Everything was perfect, and their facial expressions matched their words. That sounds like it would be simple, but trust me after years of screening my presentations that were recorded and noting minor flaws, I know speech perfection is not an easy task. I commend anyone who can do it. But my main reason for writing goes beyond the speeches, it is about the history that occurred this week. Honestly, I never thought I'd see a person of color win the nomination of a major party in my lifetime. To see Barack Obama accept the nomination for President of the United States in a stadium filled with more than 75,000 was awe-inspiring. For at least this moment I can suspend my cynicism, any political differences and believe anything is possible.

Test Driving instead of Working

2008-08-05T22:56:00.000-04:00

Today, I had the opportunity to leave work early to take part in an event geared toward raising breast health awareness The event involved driving BMWs. My expectation was that I would drive around a parking lot or a road near the dealership. As it turns, it was a real test drive that involved highways and traffic-filled streets. Basically after signing a release form and showing my driver's license, I was all set for my solo drive.

For my first choice, I selected one of the line's small SUV models. Since everyone who participates are given the same map, the vehicles end up following each other. I felt sorry for those who were behind me because due to my cautiousness and unfamiliarity with the vehicle, I literally drove like a great grandma. At one point, most of the other drivers utilized that renown BMW horsepower and passed me like they were on the Autobahn. Thankfully, I chose a 1 series coupe for my next test drive. It was a better fit for me and my driving skills were restored! If I ever decide to purchase a BMW, this 1 is the one for me.

An amusing thing happened on the way to........

2008-07-27T22:09:00.001-04:00

My friend and I made a trek to IKEA, the superstore that sells stylish quality items of value. I'm thinking it might be wrong to use the word "trek", since the store is only a couple of hours from my residence. One of the most amusing occurrences resulted from the fact that we followed Mapquest directions exactly and ended up in an upscale residential neighborhood. My friend (the driver) and I were so distracted by the lovely real estate that it took a while for it to occur to us that the store probably was not located at the end of a residential street.

Once we did determine this and turned around to exit the neighborhood, there was a woman and her son standing at the curb. They appeared to be waiting for us. We rolled down the window and she said "You're looking for IKEA, right?" We indicated that we were and she gave us directions. She also said it happens in her neighborhood daily. I can't imagine traffic coming onto my street on a regular basis under such circumstances. More specifically, I'm not sure I'd continue to be as nice about it as she was. I would guess those who live there informed Mapquest of the mixup, but I will attempt to do so as well.

Say it ain't so, Howard

2008-07-19T00:30:00.000-04:00

Two weeks ago when I overheard a barista meeting at my favorite coffee dealer, I knew I would soon have to get my morning jolt elsewhere. Today, I received more of a shock, when news broke that the other location nearest my workplace would be closing as well. What! It is bad enough that the location within walking distance of my company is closing. But the other one on the same road, too? Tell me that this is an error or a cruel joke.

I work on what could be called Money Road. There are profitable businesses there with some business owners and employees who have been more than eager to spend $5 for a morning beverage for the past 4 years. These specific closures probably shouldn't be happening...but they are. For those who would insist the economic crisis is hype or a myth, I'd say reconsider that view.

Meanwhile where I am I supposed to get my vanilla light foam cap. and plain bagel and still get to work on time? Oh, and the concept of arising earlier than necessary unfortunately is incomprehensible to me.

The Song Stylist

2008-07-16T23:02:00.000-04:00

As a child, my dream was to become a songstress. My hopes were dashed when my voice teacher expressed doubts as to whether I had the vocal ability to achieve that goal. I suspected this before she said it because I had trouble singing on key for more than 30 seconds at a time. Plus, I am a contralto. Few well-known female singers are contraltos. (Jazz chanteuse Diana Krall is the only one I know of).

So I sang a few more short solos in my strong contralto voice, always backed by a choir, and then focused my ambitions elsewhere. I tell that story to contrast my vocal ability with that of some of my kin folk and to showcase one I believe can carry a tune. Here is my cousin:

When's your birthday again?

2008-07-09T20:39:00.001-04:00

I've known my best friend R.R. for nearly 9 years, and all has been well for most of that time. However, there is one problem. I can't seem to remember his birthday consistently. Some years I do, just not EVERY year. I am troubled to admit this because a)I've been told I have a good memory and b)I react to my birthday like a queen at a coronation. Seriously, if it wasn't for the "year older" thing and my refusal to admit my age unless required to do so by law, I'd think it was my best annual experience. Anyway, I've come up with some reasons for my temporary memory loss on this subject. Please join me on my brief journey of self analysis.

Reason 1- I think his birthday is actually June 14 , to which he responds, "My birthday is not on Flag Day."

Reason 2-He does not remind me

Reason 3- Stores have an excellent selection of belated birthday cards

Reason 4- There is a possibility that I'm a tad self absorbed

It occurs to me that perhaps if I didn't remind him from time to time he would not remember mine either. Maybe that is not true, but it does make me feel better to think it, especially since this year was my all time worst, I did not remember it until July.

One-of-a-kind office

2008-06-29T21:30:00.000-04:00

Here are some photos and video of my office. You might not be able to tell but the top half of my office walls are a vibrant yellow, more suited to a kitchen than an office. The bottom half are a bluish gray. Try to ignore the clutter. Thanks to R for her assistance and H for painting nearly every time I've been relocated to a different office.

Too much time at McDonald's?

2008-06-25T19:05:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, I was waiting at a red light about 10 miles from my residence, when I hear a voice from the car in the lane next to me yelling "Hey beautiful!" I turn and look over . Now, I'd like to say that I'm so hot that this happens often, however, it does not. The words that followed the "Hey beautiful", were "been to McDonald's lately?" Since I recognized the guy, I informed him that I had not, because I'm cutting back on junk food. At that point, he told me that he hadn't been there lately either, and he quit McDonald's because it didn't pay enough. My response was "Well, duh!"

As the light changed he said "Nice talking to you, beautiful".

I don't know if I am more troubled by the fact that I've frequented the 24-hr McDonald's so much that I had a drive-thru pal or that he quit and no one will compliment me the next time my willpower breaks and I am back at the drive thru picking up a grilled chicken wrap or chicken nuggets and fries.

Summary of a Garage Sale

2008-06-22T22:21:00.000-04:00

My garage sale was Saturday. It was a pleasant although not a major profit making experience. I was worried because one of my pals indicated that I might be barraged by a dimwitted lot seeking products for pennies. Thankfully, that did not occur.

Yes, there were hagglers, but it was not extreme. I believe the most surprising aspect for me was how well dressed some of the bargain hunters were. One woman dressed in summer whites and stylish slides - hair and makeup done flawlessly- looked in my pile of far from new clothes, and shot me a glance that seemed to say "You've got to be kidding." There was also a 60-ish couple walking hand in hand.... in color coordinated garments and hats more suited for church than pounding the pavement at a neighborhood garage sale. They were looking for chairs, and I had some, but the gentleman stated they were a tad worn. (Umm, they were 3 for $10, what did he expect?)

After a couple of hours without a single sale, I told my friend and #1 garage sale assistant, LKM, that if I did not sell anything, she would need to buy something. At that point, she made an event-changing suggestion. "You need some toys or games. You get to the parents through the kids." So I broke down and put one of my still new in package handheld Pacman games in the sale. It sold within seconds. I purchased it for $9.99. I priced it for $5. It sold for $3 because the kid, probably about 5-years-old, already had it in his hand. Given that I didn't have the heart to reject his father's haggle. That sale started a trend ....and by the end of the day I had made roughly $20. Not much, but better than nothing. What's even better is I met some neighbors. Two asked if I had just moved in. I should mention that I've lived in my house for nearly four years. I guess I know how to keep a low pro.

What I learned from the sale, is that the people in and visiting my neighborhood seemed interested in more high end products than what I was selling. I should have figured this out from the like new SUVs, trucks as well as the mercedes convertible. LKM even commented, that if I had brought out some designer purses and more current clothes, I would have sold more. Maybe. I might test that theory if I participate in next year's sale.

How cool is this?

2008-06-20T01:21:00.000-04:00

OK, so I'm guessing insomnia has its good points. One of which is that I was able to set up this blog in like 2 seconds. Now, I feel compelled to write about something of interest. I'm a little lost on that front. Perhaps, I'll just write when I have something to share.