So we had a 5.4 earthquake this morning...of course it was an hour before I woke up so I missed it. Oh yes, our super alert doggie barks like the axe murderer is breaking in when the neighbors come home, go down for laundry, or come home thru the front door, but an earthquake? Snooze. Aren't animals supposed to feel these things and alert us dumb humans?

*sigh*

Oh and the morning news folks are being ridiculous. One guy even explained that there was no noticeable change in Lake Michigan...no tsunami.

Labels: misc

I just bought this button & bobby pin set on Etsy. Photos aren't uploading on Blogger right now, but click over to see my recent purchase. And yes, they were made just for me. I'm special dontcha know?

Labels: misc

People who are too damn lazy to brush snow off their car. Like this person.

I really hate people who brush off just a smidge of snow so they can barely look behind or in front of them.

While Panda Prius has a garage at home, at work she sits outside & I brush her off before I drive off.

Come on people!!

Labels: misc

Heath Ledger's death was ruled an accidental overdose.

“Mr. Heath Ledger died as the result of acute intoxication by the combined effects of oxycodone, hydrocodone, diazepam, temazepam, alprazolam, and doxylamine,” Ellen Borakove, a spokeswoman for the chief medical examiner, Dr. Charles S. Hirsch, said in a brief statement. “We have concluded that the manner of death is accident, resulting from the abuse of prescription medications.”

So very sad. Soooo very sad.

And I'm sorry that I jumped to conclusions when his death was first reported. I made assumptions based on Hollywood stars & their partying ways.

At first, I think, dang that's a lot of drugs! Then I remember how many pills I was popping last week when I had a head cold. Oy!

At least we have a conclusion to all of this and Ledger's family can move on into their healing.

Labels: misc

First, sorry to Kate & Amy for their loss tonight. Gotta say that I ended up explaining who was who to Ella this way: The blue team is Isabelle's team and the white team is J's team. J's team is on offense...Ella butts in, "And Isabelle's team has to get the ball." Not sure if she picked a team or not, but she was happy that one of her friends is happy.

So...we went to Ella's girl BFF's house to watch the game. Girl BFF's dad got a new 50" projection flat screen TV. I have to admit that the picture is beautiful, simply gorgeous. But each time that I get "that look" and the hubby jumps on it, thinking that I'm finally gonna say, "Yes! Let's go to Best Buy/Abt to get that TV!" He is so painfully wrong.

That look I get? It's from seeing some place beautiful on a state of the art television set.

We stopped at the Sony store once and he plopped me down to watch some DVD about Australia. DUMB...I kept thinking, for three grand we could GO to Australia AND the Great Coral Reef might not last much longer! Today FOX showed some fabu shots of the Arizona desert. The hubby turns to me and says, "Isn't it beautiful?" "Yes, I retort. We must go there."

The hubby huffed & turned away.

But seriously, I'm a gadget gal, I am, but I'd still rather spend my extra money on travel than on a TV set when we have a perfectly good one right now. Sure, I can't count the sun spots on Joe Buck, but I can still watch the game. Sorry, hubby.

Labels: misc, sports

I've been noticing that most of my traffic from search engines the last few months has surrounded a certain dead actor that I adore. It really puzzled me why now people are looking for stuff on River or rather why my site seems to be so popular (to me anyway) to River seekers. Maybe it was the People Magazine special issue on "Gone Too Soon" that I did flip thru in a bookstore. Even my devotion to River isn't enough for me to give People magazine $10 for info that I already know and not even a new photo. Althou that photo on the cover and the one on the inside are some of my faves. *swoon*

Now we have another beautiful, wispy haired, and lime-light shunning dead actor. *sigh*

There aren't words to express my anger at the fact that Heath Ledger OD'ed yesterday. Somehow I still buy into the idea that having a kid settles you down, that it brings a sense of mortality to your life (the hubby has hung up his plans for sky diving after Ella entered our lives), and that you try to do whatever you can do to make sure you live as long as possible for your child. That's where my anger is born from. That Heath leaves a 2-year-old daughter who will never really know him is one of the saddest things. Whether it was suicide or not, it doesn't really matter.

Here's hoping that his loved ones find the strength to move on.

I'm headed to a work trip this weekend. I think I'll pack "10 Things I Hate About You" to watch in my hotel room. Heck, I might even throw in "Sneakers" even if River looks pretty stoned in that one.

Technorati tags: Heath Ledger, River Phoenix

Labels: misc, movies

Shakesville gives you the big "WA-WA-WAAAAA." It's a super long post, but it's a good one. Especially for a certain beloved ex-wife out there who did leave the marriage.

Divorce is a difficult experience, as anyone who's been through it can tell you. It's deeply painful and hurtful, and difficult to recover from in any case.

But divorce is, alas, sometimes necessary. The acute pain of separation can be less damaging than the chronic pain of staying together, even in cases where both partners are honest and open, generally decent people who just can't make their relationship work. In cases where one partner is abusive, the acute pain of divorce can actually seem like a relief.

Regardless of the situation though, the pain of divorce means that it's unlikely to be undertaken rashly. Though divorces can come on slowly or all at once, there are usually reasons that the partner who leaves the marriage felt he or she needed to leave. And yet, according to this truly pathetic excuse for an article at MSN, a quarter of men divorcing had no idea it was coming. And that's the fault of their wives.

Truly, this article is a work of genius...of a sort. The article tells us about "Sudden Divorce Syndrome," a syndrome so non-existent that it doesn't even have an entry on Wikipedia, much less the DSM-IV. It does, of course, have a favorable citation from Dr. Helen, though, so you know it's going to be awesomely, awesomely misogynistic.

Our story begins as all men's rights fables do, with a rich guy.

Read the rest at Shakesville....

Labels: misc

I can't believe it is now 12 years since we last talked. I think of you often and Ella does mention you as well. Somehow I have to believe that you know all of this already, but it is healing to say it out loud.

I've compiled a short list of food & things that still remind me of you:

* Puffy Cheetos
* Kraft cheese slices
* Bologna
* Microwave personal pizzas, esp Totinos
* McDonald's sundaes
* Hard flour tortillas - you know when you forget to put them away
* Styrofoam cups - I still look at who made them even thou I'm pretty sure your company is long gone
* Frogs
* Buddhas
* My shoes - I still kick myself that I didn't keep more of your shoes!

I could go on and on, but I won't.

Thanks for everything. You were far from perfect, but in the end exactly the kind of grandma I needed. I miss and love you!

Labels: misc

Despite my attempt to buy my coffee from indie shops like Kopi, I don't travel near Kopi and others as often as I'd like, thus my addition to Starbucks' White Chocolate Mocha. Thankfully my wallet nor my waist can carry the burden of this addiction so it is fairly tempered.

In college and a few years after, you could still find me in resale shops & other hipster shops for my clothing. But apparently only skinny chicks recycle their clothing so the pickings were slim and the need for more professional looking clothing pushed me to places like New York & Company (which is still my to-go place for a nice looking cheap pair of dress pants).

Now I've heard of a store called Anthropologie, but never stepped foot into one. Until last weekend. Dear Goddess, keep me out of that store!

Almost every piece of clothing I saw was sooooo me. Almost every price tag was nooooot!


Now, can't you just see me rocking those pumps? Or those sweaters? Or showing up at a party in that skirt?

And to top it off, I stopped at Panera today and had the BEST bagel I've had in this country. I had an equally kick ass bagel in Canada back in 2001. It was an apple-raisin bagel with cinnamon crumble on top with hazelnut low-fat cream cheese. OMFG!!

Yup...no one would give me a hipster card. Althou I am planning on getting my sexy librarian glasses redone with my new prescription. At For Eyes. Oy...

But seriously folks, why is the one store that I walk in that has all the cute quirky clothes that I wish I owned so gawd damn expensive? $300 for pumps? And people wonder why I still walk around in jeans & a t-shirt...The clothes I really want I can't afford!

At least I can afford that bagel. And if I had more than $10 in my purse, I would have bought a dozen of them. Screw Atkins! I want my bagels!!

Labels: misc

I totally and utterly laughed my ass off when I read this on Blogher:

Who're the hardest people to shop for? COOL people. They have it, they've seen it, you forward them a video and they retort with, "oh, you're cute...that's so 2005." Crap. What do you get for these snobs, er, discriminating people of cutting-edge taste?

A few of the items seem to hit a bullseye on a few of the people still on my shopping list. But considering that I don't want to take a chance on UPS or USPS, I think I'll have to stick to trying to use my uncool brain to figure out their gifts. And if you're reading, stop trying to figure out what I'm getting ya!

My dad's the easiest person to shop for. Anything..ANYTHING with a Cubs or Cowboys logo will do. The hubby can be happy with anything with a Raiders logo, but he's getting something a bit nicer from Miss E this year. Who BTW apparently has thought of the most perfect gift for me. I can't wait to see!

I'd like to think that I'm a pretty easy person to shop for. I'm a big enough dork that even a sand-sculpture of a dolphin makes me smile. And yes, that was a gift from a friend when he went to Florida one year. I still love it! And while a gift card to my fave bookstore is oh-so-loved, it can also throw me into a tizzy trying to figure out what to buy. I just re-gifted a few Amazon gift cards to a special someone because I couldn't figure out if I should buy a waffle iron or a coffee maker. Um, hello? Do I really need either? No! But I do wish I could make waffles on weekends!

So good luck on this last real weekend before Christmas! I know next weekend we'll be too busy with other things to be shopping. OK...back to counting people for a stats project.

Labels: misc

I haven't seen the piece, but the news just teased a segment on *gulp* (Kate sit down, stop drinking or eating) that those pants from the late 80s are coming back. Yup...tiger stripped pants. Perhaps you know them as parachute pants. Either way, I could stand the comeback of jelly shoes and even leggings (I love 'em, don't have the body anymore). But these pants?!?

EGADS!!!

I'll report on this as I get more details. Goddess Musings Fashionista Kate may report on this insanity in the comments. Until then, be safe and if you encounter these pants, for Goddess sake, don't touch them and heavens to Betsy, don't buy them!

Labels: misc

I had our whole weekend planned out.

The hubby had told me that he got his mom & dad to watch Ella Saturday night so we can go out to a nice dinner to celebrate some recent events and to try one of those hip brunch places where Miss Ella most likely would cause people to give us the "what the?" look. Of course the hip brunch place suggests reservations on their website, so Friday as I was getting the address & mapping it out, I made us a reservation and then emailed it to the hubby.

That's when it all fell apart. He panicked & cracked. "Um, you need to make it for three. Kat's coming this weekend."

I shit you not, I didn't believe him at all. But it had been planned for about a month. He asked me to pretend to be surprised as he was going to be in BIG trouble with Kat & Cinnamon (who generously picked up Kat at the airport) for blowing the surprise.

But it turned out fine.

Friday night we all hung out with a pizza while Miss Ella went to bed, I'm sure upset that she was missing the party. Saturday Kat & I took Miss E to get her hair cut - FINALLY! OMG, I can't believe how much hair was cut off and it's still a tad long (just above her shoulders). Then the girls hit Svea for a nice Swedish breakfast. After that we took Ella & Annie to the in-laws for the night. It was a test run for our trip to my dad's later this month. Goddess I hope she did well!!

After leaving the in-laws we did some holiday shopping at Woodfield and hit a new steakhouse/chain restaurant that had the BEST sourdough rolls. OMG...I could have just eaten those!! By the time we got back to Chicago we were pretty pooped and just hung out at home watching movies & drinking beers.

Now we're off to hip brunch place. It better be good!

Labels: misc

My host seemed to have died last night and the entire site was down. So my dear 4 readers, if you happened to have tried to come here last night and saw nada, don't fret, I'm still here.

Well physically anyway...mentally, that may have to wait until the New Year.

I've over booked myself...again...for the weekend of Dec 1st, major decision to make there. My dad called last night and decided at the last minute to come in for Thanksgiving and since we have a house, Dad, younger sis, baby nephew are now coming over on Thursday. Yes, I'll be happy to have everyone in the house, but we were planning on going to our non-blood family's home for dinner. I just realized that we still don't have a car rented for visiting my dad in December...how many cars could people rent over Christmas? ACK!!

Oh and there are a few grant to go out the door in the next week. Yum, yeah...I need a mocha IV.

Labels: family, misc

Privilege is a hard thing to overcome in both directions.

The obvious direction is overcoming your privileges: white, hetero, economic, etc. Unless you're a poor Latina lesbian in a wheelchair, you most likely have some privilege to face and admit. My privilege includes having the government recognize my relationship, having completed graduate school, and the economic power to be here blogging, taking vacations, and traveling for conferences that would go on without me.

Another aspect of privilege includes confronting your bias against those with privilege.

Wait, ok?

I have to admit, to some this isn't a huge surprise, but my biggest bias is with people of money. Growing up working poor and then seeing the garishness of some of my classmates homes really made me pissy with those with money. Having to work my way through college while knowing that there are some out there partying while I'm working made me biased against those with money. Thankfully I didn't go to college with too many people like that, but after college I got to meet more of them. Or at least at first look, they looked like them.

I've known a woman for almost 8 years who comes from some very old money. But I got to know her before I knew that, but I have to admit that I had a feeling. She does some amazing work and I'm looking forward to reconnecting and doing some awesome work together. But there are days when I can't get over the 'fact' that she could call her Grandma and wa-la, money. I say 'fact' because I have no idea what her financial situation is like.

Remember Carter on "ER"? She's kinda like him. Trying to change the world and be a normal person despite having this huge burden of family responsibilities behind her. She works on her class privilege constantly. Yet doesn't understand why some of us, like me, have a hard time with her doing the work she does.

As a Latina who doesn't speak Spanish, I stay out of working in Spanish-speaking communities. My Spanish is embarrassing to me and well, I don't want to look like I'm doing a good deed. If yo know what I mean. Yet I know white women who speak perfect Spanish and do some amazing work para my people. Should they not do that work because of their skin color? No. Because of their class? No.

But there is a need for people, everyone, to understand their target community - Yeah that whole cultural competency thing.

I do think that a Kennedy can address their privilege and be director of a literacy program in a Spanish-speaking community. It's hard. Most of it is trust on their constituents part to trust that they aren't a summer project.

Sorry for the rambling, but I'm just trying to get a grasp on my own thoughts as I reconnect with this woman and have to face my own biases.

Technorati tags: bias

Labels: feminism, misc

At least my lack of fashion sense is. I can't get over how many comments you all are leaving about my pants & the black/brown debate. It makes me giggle.

What also makes me giggle is that Ella has way more fashion sense than I do. Remind me of that when she's 8 picking out clothes for me and I get all huffy.

Labels: misc

Not really, but I'm trying.

I bought this very nice lil black dress for an event in September and as always needed my personal tailor's help with it. Thanks Cinn. I remember we were talking about it and I said that I needed to decide between it and this super cute strapless dress with a corset that had a hint of burgundy. She asked why I got the black dress and I said, "Because I don't have one and I know I should have one!" She snorted and asked if I've been reading Tim Gunn or something.

What's my secret for attempting to dress like an adult?

With the increase of my profile at work and in the community, I need to dress better. While I wish I could wear jeans & a sweater everywhere, I can't. Note: When I'm president, I'm so issuing an executive order against pantyhose. And that's a promise!

My fashion secret? Blogher's fashion section. The women there seem to give some good advice, walk you through their decisions and don't just tell you what to wear.

I've been curious why in the world when fall has arrived and snow is around the corner peep-toe shoes are back. Ella & I were shoe shopping a few days ago and I told her, "When it's cold & wet outside, you don't want your toes hanging out." So I was very pleased to see a column about wearing peep toe shoes with tights. In my gut, I would have done it, but not knowing exactly if it was kosher would have kept me from doing it. I'm still reeling from Kate's black-brown tongue lashing. *wink*

Althou...while we're on the subject...

I have these pants that go just below my knee (to the left) and I normally wear it with a burgundy top. The problem? It's got brown-tones and black in it. So sometimes I wear the pants with brown boots, but lately it's more black boots. BUT I have these brown patent pumps that look awesome with them. Hmmm...I wonder if Kate would just trash the pants?

But hey, I'm trying new clothes and new looks, so I guess that's what counts, right?

Technorati tags: blogher, fashion

Labels: misc

I've been selected to receive an honor at work and there's a luncheon to go along with it. My main concern is not that I'm going to have the hubby, Ella, & friends cheering me on, but what to wear.

I've locked into getting an outfit from Ann Taylor Loft, but that's where the questions really begin. Pants? Skirt? Those insane dress shorts? Um, no...even thou I do have a pair of capris that I love wearing boots with. Hey, I never had a fashionista card, so keep it away.

I went in to ATL today for a peek and was overwhelmed, as usual, with the options. The woman there was very helpful and put together a few outfits.

The other big issue is what do I wear? A classic suit? With a classic white shirt or funky shirt underneath? I need to look professional, but I don't want to look 60 either. I want to look like Roni. Of course if I could, I'd wear jeans and a cute sweater or corduroy jacket. But that's out. So I figure a silky top, velvet, gosh, I dunno...

By looking at the ATL website for ideas, I'm feeling better. I really like the outfit on the first line to the far right, but I think I might be too short for it. Also row 5, 2nd from left is cute, but again I fear my shorty figure will kill the look. Ugh...Thank the goddess that Cinnamon's coming with me. Then again, after that shopping trip, she may never speak to me again.

Wish us luck.

PS: Don't forget to vote for Coconut & Lime!!

Labels: misc

I wasn't planning on blogging about the 15th anniversary of River Phoenix's death. I've blogged about him before and I believe enough. But I've noticed a large increase in people finding this blog using his name in the last week or two. All I can think of is that with this anniversary approaching, people were getting nostalgic.

Normally I mark this birthday as I hate to linger in the sadness that was his death by overdose. But his death and addiction reminds me that everyone is human, we all have faults, and none of us are perfect. Yes, I do wander into the land of thinking he was a hypocrite & liar, but that trip ends quickly.

To those of you who never got the excitement of watching him in the theater on opening day, you missed quite an event. To those of us who grew up with him, let's try to keep reaching for the best we can offer this world.

Technorati tags: death, River Phoenix

Labels: misc, movies

Tomorrow at 2 pm I go in to get my lone wisdom tooth removed.

I'm not going under - I hate the thought of it. So I'm having lots of drugs and bringing the hubby's iPod to drown out the sounds of the dentist ripping my mouth open.

So what would you bring? A playlist of relaxing music? When I had my root canal about 7-8 years ago, the dentist had some great jazz music in the background plus his voice was so monotone & soothing, I almost slept thru the procedure. Or is a kicking ass playlist in order? Loud, heart thumping, fuck-you music?

I think I'm going with the soothing, slightly depressing playlist. If I need a kick in the ass, I figure I can flip playlists, right? There's one playlist called ClubHubby...that's gotta be good. And there's also Old School hubby...I'll feel like I'm back in high school, without all the slutty connotations. ha!

So to the 2 people still reading this baby, wish me luck.

BTW - regular posting will resume in the next week or two as my other gig wraps up. And thanks for keeping me on your RSS feeds.

I'd share the playlist with you so you can laugh at my music tastes, but I can't figure out how to copy & paste it here. And I'm so not typing it all for ya. I love yas, but there's a line.

Labels: misc, music

I went to a school open house today and reported back to the hubby. I was mentioning the 8th grade end of the year trip to DC and he looks at me and asks:

"Where do kids from DC go for their big trip?"

We just busted out laughing.

Labels: misc

I really need to stop reading Jacket's blog.

Why?

It's not that I miss Jacket...because I do. But I'm adult enough to know that Jacket has moved away and well that's life.

It's more that Jacket keeps blogging about hiking, posting pictures of the Cascades, and thoughts of other fabu things to do in the Olympic peninsula.

My #1 school choice was Evergreen State College. I got in and was almost packed until I realized there was no way I was going to be able to pay for it. Yes, I regret that decision, but that's life. My beloved aunt lives in the Seattle area and well, she's getting up there. I love, love, love the nature out there. I am in total and utter love with the idea of living out there.

I got an email today about a job that I'm freakin' perfect for...for the second time. Yes, they posted the job a few months ago and now it's coming around again. Oh...that itch!

But I know it's not meant to be...at least not right now. We have far too many connections in Chicago. Not to mention a wonderful home. But oh...to dream. Ella & me kayaking on the weekends. Apple trees in the yard (yes, I know there's one in my yard already!). Oh, I just remembered all the slugs that are out there. *shiver*

OK, back to Chicago.

Labels: misc

I want to pop in quickly to say congrats to Heather, the co-worker, and Ella's girl BFF's mom for running the Chicago Marathon on Sunday. I've never been a long distance runner - HATED it in middle school when we had to run a mile before class. My longest distance in track was the 400m. So to think you all even attempted to run a marathon is amazing.

Heather, even if you didn't officially finish, I'm still proud of you chica.

I was tracking 3 fantabulous women on my Treo Sunday. Yes, I felt guilty when I took a time out from my IHOP breakfast to see that BFF's mom had just passed the 1/4 point.

Technorati tags: marathon, Chicago marathon

Labels: misc, sports

Last week I blogged about the new Reebok commercial featuring women celebrating their teams, yet with a big meow at the end. I did receive a response to my letter:

Hello,

Thank you for your e-mail. Reebok appreciates you taking the time to give
us your feedback. It is important to us.

Regards,

name withheld
Consumer Service Manager

And this HAS to be one of the WORST responses I have ever seen. Oh and Ms. Name Withheld also left her phone number. If I can find 10 minutes this week, she's getting a call.

Next...Old Navy has moved their plus size lines to exclusively online. Dontcha love that they use the world exclusive as if it's a good thing? I sent off a short and pissy email to their customer service (inspired by some of you stating that I'm so cordial in my communications. ;) and this is what I got back:

Dear Roni,

Thank you for your e-mail regarding our Women's Plus line. After much
evaluation, and as difficult a decision as it was, we have removed the
Women's Plus line from all of our Old Navy stores. Please accept our
sincere apologies for any disappointment this may cause you. However,
we continue to carry Women's sizes 1-20 in our stores.

Although we no longer carry Women's Plus in any of our stores, the
complete line is still available on our website at oldnavy.com. You can
place an order on the web or by calling 1-800-OLD-NAVY, option one. Our
online representatives are available 24 hours a day to assist you with
questions or order placement.

We hope this information is helpful and look forward to shopping with
you soon.

Sincerely,

Marian
Customer Service Consultant

I have to say that hearing that they were still carrying up to size 20 was refreshing. But if you're going to make clothing larger than 20, they why not carry it in the store? I know, I know, space is at a premium, so why go larger? Victoria's Secret does the same thing. Try getting a good bra in something larger than a D or 36 in the store. Especially bras, you need to try these things on. So...Old Navy, Victoria's Secret, and all the other stores out there with 'exclusive' plus-size stores online, why not pool your money and open up a store together? Fatties-R-Us? Boobalicious Boutique? Dude, I'm totally serious. And imagine the ease of shopping? Over in that corner is our cheap khakis and dress shirts and then head over to the bra section and find a nice lacey bra.

I love shopping, but I hate it at the same time. I never know what to get for myself and when I do like a 'look', I put it on my body and damn, it's so not what I thought. Maybe that's why I love shoes even more. It's easier to find shoes that go with my outfits, especially since I tend towards more classic/retro shoes like Mary Janes. I really do kick myself a lot for not saving my Grandma's shoes when she died. She had a rocking shoe collection.

Technorati tags: Old Navy, Plus Size, Reebok, football, commercial

Labels: misc, sports

• Bachelors degree in science? Check!
• Three years experience? Check!
• Teaching experience? Not so much...

What am I considering applying for? THE ASTRONAUT CORPS!

NASA is now accepting applications for its 2009 astronaut class. The agency is looking for a few men and women who want to fulfill their dreams and be a part of the next generation of explorers.

Applicants must meet physical standards and educational requirements, which include a bachelor’s degree in engineering, math or science and at least three years of experience in one of these fields. Teaching experience, including experience at the K-12 level, is considered to be qualifying experience; therefore, educators are encouraged to apply.

OK, so the experience is a little thin, but I think I can talk my way into it. I mean, come on, who wouldn't want to send me into space? OK...that was rhetorical.

The open positions require extensive travel on Earth and in space. Possible destinations may include, but are not limited to, Texas, Florida, California, Russia, Kazakhstan, the International Space Station and the moon.

I'm ok with all those places, but Texas? OK, ok...I know the space center is there. I can give.

All U.S. citizens, both civilian and military, who are qualified and super-motivated can apply for these positions. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. The deadline is July 1, 2008.

Woohoo!! Two more points for me.



OK, now back to reality.

Technorati tags: dream job, NASA, astronaut, space

Labels: misc

What a week I've been having!

* Cinnamon & I took Ella to Ravinia to see Dar Williams
* Took Ella today with girl BFF to Baby Loves Disco
* Soccer's going good
* Bears D - Good, Bears O - Sucked
* Cubs are just trying to give it up
* My fantasy team sucks
* Apparently sarcasm isn't appreciated on a certain listserv
* I've had a migraine the entire weekend

OK...now to watch the 9 pm news and go to bed. Yup, I hope to be sleeping before 10-10:30. That's way early for this chica.

Labels: misc

Escalators do too:

Crocs and other soft-soled shoes have been a safety concern this summer, causing an increased number of problems on Metrorail escalators, an official said in late July. There have been several reported accidents worldwide; in April, a 3-year-old girl had to have two toes partially amputated after her Croc got stuck in an escalator at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Ella's on her second pair and this pair keeps breaking. I've told her many times that this is her last pair since they just keep breaking. Ah, now more ammunition to keep Crocs & faux-Crocs out of Casa de Roni.

Labels: misc

Behold Cinnamon's latest creation:

This purse isn't just cute, isn't just functional, but gosh darnit, it helps people!

50% (!) of the purchase price will be donated to CARE:

CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. We place special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives.

It's only $50 people and I'm sure is in limited supply. And I'll be good (as my checkbook says I should) and let you all have a crack at it. I've seen it in person, but didn't try it on. If I did, I would have gone home with it. But it looks like the straps are long enough for you to have a nice sized purse/tote and not worry about it falling off your shoulders or getting in your way. That's my #1 beef with shorter purse straps...the falling off.

So what are you waiting for?

Labels: feminism, misc

I really have no idea whose these women are other than they are reality TV stars, but come on, with a shirt like that, they have to be kewl, right? So my fangrrls and fanboys, get yourself a shirt and worship me!

Haha...can you tell it's Friday & I'm totally silly?

PS: If there is a back story to these women where it would cause me to go "WTF?" let me know. I don't want to be shilling for WTF grrls. ;-) Most of their shirts are pretty funny. And they have an anti-war and a feminist shirt. If they're reading this, send me a Veronica shirt!!

Labels: blogging, misc

<<<<=====See that ?

That's the Gmail Manager widget for Firefox. That allows geeks like me with more than one Gmail account to move back and forth between them with ease. EASE I tell ya.

You install.
You tell it which email accounts to check.
It tells you right there in the bottom right hand corner that you have mail in account 1, 2, or I have no idea what its max is. But it freakin' rawks.

A total time saver.

Thank you Tiffany Brown. You are a goddess for pointing the way. To whomever created the widget, words cannot express my gratitude.

Labels: misc

Coyote in the City
Originally uploaded by roniweb.

As we were driving to work, the hubby yelled out, "There's a coyote!" There she is in the park at the New City YWCA.

I pretty much slammed on the brakes and pulled over. He called the cops and I drove in reverse to get a closer look & to get out to way of traffic. Damn I wish we had the camera!

So my question is, if we spotted the elusive Lincoln Park coyote, does this mean I stand a chance at spotting Brad Pitt?

Labels: misc

I can't recall the last time I was tagged, so I'm doing it while the getting is good. First an apology to all the Feministing readers who came over today to find not much exciting (for you at least). On with the show! Thanks Andrew.

The Rules:

1. We have to post these rules before we give you the facts.
2. Players start with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged write their own blog post about their eight things and include these rules.
4. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they're tagged and that they should read your blog.
5. 8 is a magic number. Not three.

Eight Obscure Things About Me: After blogging for seven years, is there anything left to tell y'all that is obscure?

1. I have a very hard time figuring out left from right. There's a tape somewhere out in the world that showcases this in a very bad dance I did before a basketball game my senior year of HS. Of course, just take me to any dance floor and you'll see my lack of direction & coordination.

2. I killed a sea star once. I tried to save it from certain death only to kill it with ignorance.

3. I introduced the hubby to Britney Spears. She was on MTV one day and yelled, "Hey, I think you'd like this one!" And he did. My bad.

4. I screamed like a banshee at a few MTV tours in the 1990s including one with Color Me Badd.

5. Jaime Kennedy reminds me of the ex. (see how far I have to dig!)

6. I put the hubby's decision to propose off for about six months. I knew he wanted to around Christmas and told a friend that I wasn't ready. She of course relayed the message.

7. The hubby has been my boss at two different jobs: at the shoe store we met at (he was kinda asst. mgr) and then at a local sports stadium where we sold t-shirts (he was asst. mgr).

8. (stealing from Andrew) I have to crack my back before I can fall asleep. First I lay down, turn my waist to the right as far as it goes...crack. Then repeat on the other side.

OK...now to tag people....
1. Amy
2. Rachel
3. Jenny (an excuse to blog about more than poop!)
4. The Butterfly
5. Kameron
6. Dewey
7. Mort's Mom
8. YOU! You who comes here and never comments. Grab this, take it, and let me know where you are.

Labels: misc

Because as we grow up the others around us are growing up too. And sometimes that means people move away.

A former student of mine, who I told would be able to find a job after she graduated, is moving to DC as we speak. At least I have one more reason to visit, one more person in my small army of DC friends.

Jack from book club is moving to Washington soon. I can't recall ever being at book club without Jack at least maybe being there. It's weird to think that I've been going to book club for at least six years. Gawd...that's a long time. The best part is that Jack's new stomping ground is only about an hour from my aunt's place in Washington. In an area where I would LOVE to take a few years and just get away from the hustle & bustle of city life. But of course, I'm addicted to the hustle & bustle. ha!

Thanks for everything, Jack. Take care and send lots of postcards.

Labels: family, misc

We're going to see the Police TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry for little radio contact but that's what happens when you hit a podunk town in Michigan with no Sprint coverage. When I first realized that I didn't have a signal, I freaked. How was I going to read you all?!? Then I calmed down and thought that a 3 day detox was in order. And ya know what? YOU ALL BLOG TOO MUCH!

haha...seriously, I thought Bloglines was gonna kill me. But now to catch up on my beloved blogs and mark as read the others.

OK...now what to wear for Sting?

Labels: blogging, misc, music

I joined a certain professional online network a few months ago and now with some new adventures have started to really up my connections (I'm almost up to 20 people!). Anywho, so with my tiny pathetic number of connections, it has already suggested that I know the dad of one of Ella's friends, a former co-worker of the hubby (no the hubby isn't in my network), and my Mom's cousin. ALL of whom I do not work in the same industry with. How the F does it do that? It really just amazes me.

If I start to get ex-bf's I'll really poop my pants.

Labels: misc

My sister & hubby didn't get here until 15 minutes ago. Now the Cubs game is on, well, it looks like there is a slight rain delay. Gotta hit the post office and bank. The Force game is at 3. Maybe I won't have lunch at home.

So is it wrong that I did a small leap of joy when Ella left? hehe...Of course it's not her, just the idea that I now have a few hours to myself. woohoo!

Labels: misc

• Breakfast
  
• Get Ella out the door with my sister (12pm)
  
• Go to post office, pick up mystery package for Ella...It was a present from our aunt in Seattle. Don't know what it is still since Ella's not home to open it.
  
• Go to bank deposit checks
  
• Come home, get lunch
• Finish blog post I've been working on for a week
• Head over to Chicago Force game (hope for no rain)...No rain except the rain of TDs! I left early to come home and get ready for dinner, but the Force clobbered Detroit.
  
• Back home, clean up a little
• Read for 20 Book Summer (hopefully finish Borderlands)
• Blog about 20 Book Summer (it's not too late to join us!)
• Figure out if I'm headed to dinner with family or I get to hang with friends...I ended up doing both. Looonnnnggg story, don't ask unless you're bearing chocolate or beer.
  
• Figure out what to wear for party tomorrow...sun dress to church and then something comfy to the party.
  

Labels: Books, misc, sports

Labels: misc

I feel like I'm starting to neglect this blog. No, no, I'm not going to shut down, but just know that I'm blogging elsewhere (email me/comment and I'll let you know) so that's taking up a lot of time. Especially when both are start-ups. One I feel like I'm the ONLY non-professional writer in the group. At first I didn't notice it, but the owners set up a yahoo group and when people starting introducing themselves, I kept reading professional editor/author/writer/you get the picture in everyone else's bios. ACK!

I'm also doing some research for what I hope will be a pretty hefty blog post about recent Chicago events as well as a mini-book review of a book I'm trying hard to get thru right now. It's a great book (the big pink on on the right), but finding time to read is ACK!

Speaking of which, Amy's set up a new blog for her 20 books summer challenge. She wants to read 20 books this summer and has asked for anyone (that means you!) to join her on this insane challenge. Of course I signed up! I'm crazy, have little time for reading, and well, I'm me. I'm doomed thou. I know I won't "win" this challenge as Rachel is in. She goes thru books like I go thru Twizzlers! OK, now I know that Amy will say, this is a personal challenge. Ha! Right. She's just as competitive as me. ACK!

I also just spent almost an hour downloading photos from our new camera. The monster takes UBERsized photos and the hubby is in love with the camera. Which means he racks up some major MBs quickly. He took 600+ at Ella's dance recital. Yes, the new cam has that function where you just hold down the button and zapzapzap photos are taken. Which is why no one has really seen the dance recital photos. ACK!

AND someone whom I've had very little interaction with in my many moons at work has decided to nominate me for an award. AND since we don't know each other well, I had to supply her with a few names of people who could give her the info she needs to submit the nomination. ACK ACK ACK!!! Of course, I have someone else I want to nominate, so I'll work on that all the while knowing my lil nomination will go no where.

Lastly...the hubby's off this weekend for a training. Ella & I are single gals Friday and most of Saturday. My youngest sis is in town this weekend and will whisk Ella off somewhere on Saturday afternoon. Yes people I may some time ALONE at home! OMG, what will I do?!? Then the baby nephew turns one on Monday so his party is Sunday. That also means my dad will be in town and that means that him & my younger sister are kidnapping Ella from Sunday to Wednesday. OMFG, what will we ever do without her for FOUR DAYS!?!

whew! I'm just tired thinking about all of this. Off to blog on Amy's book blog.

Labels: blogging, Books, Ella, misc, writing

Stories that you might have missed:

1. Rags to Riches became the first Filly (girl horse) to win the Belmont Stakes since 1905 and the first Filly to win any Triple Crown race since the 1988 Kentucky Derby. JFTR, I don't like horse racing at all.
   
2. A filly's owner is being sued after the horse kicked a stallion in the head and killed him.
   "An attorney for Ruth Kay said in papers filed in DuPage County Circuit Court that Kay's mare, Gabby, kicked a stallion named Vinny in the shoulder after the horse approached Gabby from behind and rested his head on her rump.
   

   Kay's attorney essentially called Vinny's behavior equine sexual harassment—an unwanted violation of Gabby's "personal and private space."

Yes, this is slightly tongue-in-cheek. Then again, what do you think?

Labels: feminism, misc, sports

I grew up in the 'burbs pretty carefree. The hubby, OTOH, grew up in the 'burbs, but more aware that danger lurks everywhere. When we moved to the big bad city aka Chicago, he had a million rules on where I should go and why. 99% of them were true and made total sense. After almost 15 years here, I'm more aware of the dangers that lurk and I try to play things smart. Of course that stubborn part of me still thinks "FU" to danger and if I want to walk alone at 2 am, gosh darn it, I will! One example, the first 2 years we lived here, I carried mace with me. Then I figured, what the hell? F...it.

Kate wrote a brilliant and beautiful piece on "Living while Female" drawing together the kidnapping & murder of Kelsey Smith, the murder of Dua Khalil, and the De Anza gang rape case. Read it. It really should be in the NYTimes (hint, hint, Ms. K.).

Back to the hubby. We were watching The Early Show report on authorities finding her body and the arrest of a suspect. I then looked at the hubby and said, "This is why I park at the TOP of the Target parking garage. For my safety." That light bulb went off, he nodded, and looked at me, "Wow...I never thought if it that way." Just as I was saying, "Because you're a boy." He replied, "Because I'm not a woman!" He kept yeah, yeah-ing & nodding for a few minutes allowing for all of this to settle into his head.

See, he doesn't like to park at the top because people drive a little crazy on the way down and he's afraid of the car getting hit and us getting hurt. When I go alone, I park at the top so I can be out in the open and where 80% of the people park. Why? Because I do fear that someone will pull me into a car after I just bought myself some new shoes & tampons. Why should I fear that each time I go to the store? Why!?!

The good thing is that I think he finally gets it that I am aware of danger and that my ppft'ing of danger is sometimes a reaction of me drowning in danger. Does that make sense?

The hubby's such a sweet guy and really is all about keeping his girls safe. It's a bit overwhelming at times, but I know it's just because he loves me so much and couldn't live with himself if I got hurt the one night he was too tired to come pick me up from some meeting. Oh, Ella, you have no idea what you have in store! And I'm sure she'll push his limits as well. Anyone want to take me in while she's going thru that stage?

Labels: Ella, family, feminism, misc

Some days the hubby really amazes me.

I picked him up from work yesterday and on the way to pick up Miss Ella we "talked." It's hard for us to really talk with her around because well, she needs to be the center of attention. Hey, she's a preschooler. Anywho, he's also in a bit of a rut life/career-wise and he quickly went from "what am I doing?" to "Hell yeah! We rawk!" He totally picked up on what I've been feeling and ran in the other direction with it.

I summed up a lot of what I've been feeling with this question: Do I get a lot of work because I'm good or because I'm willing to do the heavy lifting?

The hubby responded with: Well, no matter how in a pinch I am, I'm going to want someone to do something right. And as many times as you get work, you have to be good.

And ya know, he's right. I might not be a superstar, but I do my best.

One of my coworkers asked me today, "Who writes the grants around here?" "Um, me. And now you!" pointing at her. She looked shocked, then grinned, "Awesome."

Yeah, the joys of being professional feminists. There's rarely enough staff to go around, but ALWAYS plenty of work.

Labels: misc