In case you haven't heard-and it possible maybe you haven't-Nashville's been drowning for about four days, and while you'd think that might be worth some attention from the outside world....not so much, actually. And while other areas in Tennessee are affected too, Nashville is and has always been my home, so most of what I will point you to in this blog is local. Nashville is the capital city of Tennessee, densely populated, and a major economic hub for the entire state. The impact of this natural disaster will last for years. Here's what happened.
On Saturday, it started to rain. Early in the morning. And it didn't stop. I mean it. Literally nonstop rain-and not just a sprinkle, either, pouring rain-for nearly 48 hours. A massive storm moved right over our heads and just didn't move for two days. When it finally moved on Sunday evening, waters were rising at the riverbanks all over town. I don't think there was a neighborhood in Davidson County that didn't have flooding. From North to South, East to West, water stood in the streets and seeped into basements and homes. Over the interstates, trapping people in their cars to be rescued by boats. Water flowed into businesses. And major Music City landmarks, like the Opryland complex-Opryland Hotel (click link for pics), Opry Mills Mall, and the Grand 'Ole Opry house. The Farmer's Market, where local Tennessee farmers come to sell their crops-their livelihood. The arena where our hockey team plays and most of our concerts are held. The stadium our NFL team plays. The new Symphony hall-where the glorious organ has been lost. Our bus and train systems shut down. Schools closed indefinitely, as many sustained damage and others are being used as shelters. Because a lot of people have lost everything. Houses caught fire after being abandoned with the gas left on. The things I've seen on TV the past few days don't even seem real. These are places I know. Places I go. Places I've worked. Shopped. Had my prom. Made great memories.
The economic impact of this, for a city that relies heavily on tourism, and music production, is devastating. It is estimated to take months to get Opry Mills and the Opryland Hotel back open. But they will re-open. Because We Are Nashville. The show must go on. The music won't stop. In fact, the music in my head has been nonstop since this began (a sign that I'm a true Music City girl, I guess). I've had two songs go through my head over the last couple of days pretty continuously. One, "Rain" by Patty Griffin. Now, this song goes through my head almost every time it rains. It is one of my favorite songs of all time-so beautiful, and has helped me through many a bad (rainy-literally and emotionally) day. Now, of course the song is not literally about RAIN. But it is about surviving in the face of loss. We are "still alive, underneath this shroud."
The other has been, "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" a country-gospel tune by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (among many others over the years). The first image that really broke my heart was the one of water filling the Opry House. In the center of the Opry stage is a circle. It is considered the highest honor to stand on that stage and sing in that circle, because it represents the history of the Opry and of country music in Nashville. When I saw that image, this song began filling my mind. Again, it describes the spirit and strength of our city-we will go on, we won't be broken by this disaster.
My home is ok. I do have friends and family with damage. The waters are just now beginning to recede enough for people to go home and assess their losses, and begin the long, painful, expensive process of recovery. Even though I don't have any personal property losses, I feel like I've lost part of my home. These places and neighborhoods have been my home for almost 30 years. I've driven these streets, sat in the seats at these beloved venues, lived and played in this city my entire life. It's been very emotional to see these images, and compare them to the ones in my memory of everything before Sunday. But we are Nashville, Tennessee-the Volunteer State. We have a great community, and we'll survive. If you can give, please give to the Middle TN Red Cross. Many have lost homes, cars, and all their possessions. Our community will provide support, but we will also desperately need the support of our other neighbors throughout the country. And please, come and see us. We depend on your visits to bring tourism tax dollars to our state, and we promise to show you a good time (but may not be able to take you to the Opryland Hotel this visit). At the very least, there will be music.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Money, Meet Mouth.
You know that saying, "Put your money where your mouth is"? Well, for as much as I love A) Shopping and B) Voicing my opinion; I've never really been the type of consumer that really boycotts a store or brand because I don't like their business practices, marketing technique, or spokesperson. Not that I don't think I am influenced by those things to BUY products if I LIKE what I see-I'm sure I am-but I can't remember actively NOT buying a brand because I didn't like something I read or heard about them. But, I'm starting to be a little more conscious of these things, and I think it's time for my money and my mouth to coordinate a little better. I've seen a couple of things lately that have led me to decide I want to be better about which companies I choose to give my money too, and I think with that comes sharing why I've made those decisions (good or bad).
In case you didn't know, it is Earth Week. What commercial did I start seeing this week? A Kleenex brand commercial for "Hand Towels." Yes, disposable paper towels for your home bathroom. Now, I'll admit. I hate those hand dryers in public restrooms. I much prefer to have a paper towel in those situations. But I know the hand dryers are more eco-friendly, and the super-powered ones are kind of cool, and its nice to have a little mini-heater in the winter. But at home, I use cloth hand-towels in my bathrooms. I have never once wished I had paper hand towels at home. But Kleenex has devised a way for you to spend money on stocking your home-and your neighborhood landfill-with more paper towels. I think what irritates me the most is their ad slogan for it-"Your hands are only as clean as the towel used to dry them." Um, if I'm only using my hand towel to wipe my clean hands dry, what's the problem? I don't know why this product infuriates me so much, aside from how not-GREEN it is and what a waste of money it would be. But, it makes me want to switch to Puff's or Target brand kleenex for good!
Someone else who didn't get my business recently? Nike. See, I've recently begun a diet/exercise routine designed to A) get me into a bridesmaids dress I bought three years ago and B) start a healthier lifestyle so my doctor will lay off (yeah, yeah, I guess I want to lose weight and be healthier too). I hadn't bought a pair of athletic shoes in about 3 years, and really needed a new pair for my exercise routine. But they are expensive. And I didn't know where to start. I've bought Nikes in the past, but I've been really irritated with their support for their spokesmen who have engaged in some very offensive behavior. I think I've probably blogged in the past about how irritated I get with celebrities who screw up and don't "suffer" in their lifestyle at all, like the rest of us would if we engaged in such acts. So, the company's support of Tiger Woods, who humiliated his wife not to mention put her at risk for who knows what kind of diseases, and Ben Roethlisberger, who's now been accused of rape three times, doesn't really "speak to me" as a woman that this company shares my values. I know Tiger has apologized, and really, what else can he do at this point? But allowing him to represent your products, says in a clear tone: We don't care that he cheated on his wife with dozens of women because he sells. I know Ben hasn't been charged or convicted of anything, but as this article points out, Nike won't even speak up to say that in its defense (although a lot of sports writers-men I'm assuming-are defending(!) him). It says nothing, which says in a clear tone: Maybe he did, maybe he didn't-it doesn't matter to us either way. And overall, the company's choice of representatives for its brand says: We don't care about how men treat women, as long as they are good at their job. And I know some would argue, that's not Nike's job-they make shoes. Might be a valid point. But if they want me to buy their shoes, I need to think they care about me-not just my feet; and I need to feel good giving that company my hard earned money, or maybe there is a better choice. And they have a choice too, and the choice they've made to retain athletes of such questionable character reflects the character of the company, and that's not company I want to keep-or support.
And in case you are curious, I did buy a pair of shoes-Adidas Supernovas.
In case you didn't know, it is Earth Week. What commercial did I start seeing this week? A Kleenex brand commercial for "Hand Towels." Yes, disposable paper towels for your home bathroom. Now, I'll admit. I hate those hand dryers in public restrooms. I much prefer to have a paper towel in those situations. But I know the hand dryers are more eco-friendly, and the super-powered ones are kind of cool, and its nice to have a little mini-heater in the winter. But at home, I use cloth hand-towels in my bathrooms. I have never once wished I had paper hand towels at home. But Kleenex has devised a way for you to spend money on stocking your home-and your neighborhood landfill-with more paper towels. I think what irritates me the most is their ad slogan for it-"Your hands are only as clean as the towel used to dry them." Um, if I'm only using my hand towel to wipe my clean hands dry, what's the problem? I don't know why this product infuriates me so much, aside from how not-GREEN it is and what a waste of money it would be. But, it makes me want to switch to Puff's or Target brand kleenex for good!
Someone else who didn't get my business recently? Nike. See, I've recently begun a diet/exercise routine designed to A) get me into a bridesmaids dress I bought three years ago and B) start a healthier lifestyle so my doctor will lay off (yeah, yeah, I guess I want to lose weight and be healthier too). I hadn't bought a pair of athletic shoes in about 3 years, and really needed a new pair for my exercise routine. But they are expensive. And I didn't know where to start. I've bought Nikes in the past, but I've been really irritated with their support for their spokesmen who have engaged in some very offensive behavior. I think I've probably blogged in the past about how irritated I get with celebrities who screw up and don't "suffer" in their lifestyle at all, like the rest of us would if we engaged in such acts. So, the company's support of Tiger Woods, who humiliated his wife not to mention put her at risk for who knows what kind of diseases, and Ben Roethlisberger, who's now been accused of rape three times, doesn't really "speak to me" as a woman that this company shares my values. I know Tiger has apologized, and really, what else can he do at this point? But allowing him to represent your products, says in a clear tone: We don't care that he cheated on his wife with dozens of women because he sells. I know Ben hasn't been charged or convicted of anything, but as this article points out, Nike won't even speak up to say that in its defense (although a lot of sports writers-men I'm assuming-are defending(!) him). It says nothing, which says in a clear tone: Maybe he did, maybe he didn't-it doesn't matter to us either way. And overall, the company's choice of representatives for its brand says: We don't care about how men treat women, as long as they are good at their job. And I know some would argue, that's not Nike's job-they make shoes. Might be a valid point. But if they want me to buy their shoes, I need to think they care about me-not just my feet; and I need to feel good giving that company my hard earned money, or maybe there is a better choice. And they have a choice too, and the choice they've made to retain athletes of such questionable character reflects the character of the company, and that's not company I want to keep-or support.
And in case you are curious, I did buy a pair of shoes-Adidas Supernovas.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
I need your help!
OK friends....I need some help. Thanks to a sweet tooth and some bad genes, I find myself a little overweight these days. I had a few health issues over the summer, and they're all cleared up now, but I did vow to try and live a healthier lifestyle and lose some weight, and promised the doctor I'd start exercising with consistency, not just every once in awhile.
Another goal? Well, I bought this dress three years ago to be in a friend's wedding. The wedding got canceled. Now, it is back on for May. I bet you can guess where I am going with this: I was considerably thinner three years ago when I bought the dress. I had just come off a very successful (but pretty unhealthy) dieting plan. Since I really don't have an extra $100 in the budget to buy a new one, I have been trying to slim down to fit the dress for months now. I've made a lot of positive changes to my eating habits that I'm proud of-I'm definitely consuming more fruits, veggies, and fiber, and eating out much less. I cook at home and take my lunch to work most days, so I really am controlling what is going in to my body. I've lost about 10 lbs since December.
But the dress still doesn't fit. Not even close. Won't zip up, and to be honest, I am not sure how much more weight I need to lose for it to zip up, and if I can do it in the time I have left (about 10 weeks) at the pace at which I am losing weight. I've pretty steadily lost about 1/2 lb each week (give or take losing more some weeks, gaining some back around the holidays, and staying the same every now and then). At that rate I'll only lose about 5lbs between now and the wedding, and I am pretty sure that won't get me into the dress.
I don't want to crash diet or starve myself, and I really don't think I can manage working out for three hours a day 7 days a week, so I need some of your best weight loss tips!
Here's what I'm currently doing:
No coffee or soft drinks (this was what I gave up for Lent, thinking it would help me drink more water, although I really think it has just helped me drink more tea)
Exercise 3x/week-combination of Zumba, walking 2 miles, or a boot camp video, depending on what my schedule allows
No "sweets" except those 100 calorie packs of chocolate/cookies because I really can't live without it; and sugar free pudding packs which are like 60 calories (I have passed up cookies and cake like a champ! which then pisses me off when I get on the scale and I've barely lost)
Upping my intake of fruit and veggies, and fiber/whole grains
Examples of my meals might be something like this:
Breakfast-100 calorie bagel or English muffin, light and fit yogurt, and a piece of fruit; or cereal with milk (sometimes soy) and fruit-on the weekends I may have eggs and turkey bacon
Lunch-leftovers from the house or a weight watchers smart ones meal, usually subsidized with hummus and carrots or apple slices; I do eat out once or twice each week
Dinner-because I'm single I pretty much cook one night and have the same thing for three or four nights in a row-so that may be a problem in that I don't get much variety. Last week, I made whole wheat fettuccine w/ tomato sauce and sausage. This week, I have baked chicken and brown rice w/ side of broccoli.
Snacks-100 calorie packs/pudding if I need something sweet (which, honestly, is every day), apple slices, kashi bars, rice cakes (also 60 calories per serving), carrots or pita chips and hummus, strawberries, pears, bananas. Yogurt w/ high fiber cereal mixed in.
So, I'm not sure what is wrong with this picture-I feel like I am eating pretty healthy, and exercising three weeks straight now-do I need to give the exercise more time to pay off? Anyone see anything in my eating plan that I am not? Help me fit my bridesmaids dress in 10 weeks!
Another goal? Well, I bought this dress three years ago to be in a friend's wedding. The wedding got canceled. Now, it is back on for May. I bet you can guess where I am going with this: I was considerably thinner three years ago when I bought the dress. I had just come off a very successful (but pretty unhealthy) dieting plan. Since I really don't have an extra $100 in the budget to buy a new one, I have been trying to slim down to fit the dress for months now. I've made a lot of positive changes to my eating habits that I'm proud of-I'm definitely consuming more fruits, veggies, and fiber, and eating out much less. I cook at home and take my lunch to work most days, so I really am controlling what is going in to my body. I've lost about 10 lbs since December.
But the dress still doesn't fit. Not even close. Won't zip up, and to be honest, I am not sure how much more weight I need to lose for it to zip up, and if I can do it in the time I have left (about 10 weeks) at the pace at which I am losing weight. I've pretty steadily lost about 1/2 lb each week (give or take losing more some weeks, gaining some back around the holidays, and staying the same every now and then). At that rate I'll only lose about 5lbs between now and the wedding, and I am pretty sure that won't get me into the dress.
I don't want to crash diet or starve myself, and I really don't think I can manage working out for three hours a day 7 days a week, so I need some of your best weight loss tips!
Here's what I'm currently doing:
No coffee or soft drinks (this was what I gave up for Lent, thinking it would help me drink more water, although I really think it has just helped me drink more tea)
Exercise 3x/week-combination of Zumba, walking 2 miles, or a boot camp video, depending on what my schedule allows
No "sweets" except those 100 calorie packs of chocolate/cookies because I really can't live without it; and sugar free pudding packs which are like 60 calories (I have passed up cookies and cake like a champ! which then pisses me off when I get on the scale and I've barely lost)
Upping my intake of fruit and veggies, and fiber/whole grains
Examples of my meals might be something like this:
Breakfast-100 calorie bagel or English muffin, light and fit yogurt, and a piece of fruit; or cereal with milk (sometimes soy) and fruit-on the weekends I may have eggs and turkey bacon
Lunch-leftovers from the house or a weight watchers smart ones meal, usually subsidized with hummus and carrots or apple slices; I do eat out once or twice each week
Dinner-because I'm single I pretty much cook one night and have the same thing for three or four nights in a row-so that may be a problem in that I don't get much variety. Last week, I made whole wheat fettuccine w/ tomato sauce and sausage. This week, I have baked chicken and brown rice w/ side of broccoli.
Snacks-100 calorie packs/pudding if I need something sweet (which, honestly, is every day), apple slices, kashi bars, rice cakes (also 60 calories per serving), carrots or pita chips and hummus, strawberries, pears, bananas. Yogurt w/ high fiber cereal mixed in.
So, I'm not sure what is wrong with this picture-I feel like I am eating pretty healthy, and exercising three weeks straight now-do I need to give the exercise more time to pay off? Anyone see anything in my eating plan that I am not? Help me fit my bridesmaids dress in 10 weeks!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Back on the Blog Wagon
I've been off of the blog-wagon yet again. Apologies!
I got a little wrapped up in the Olympics for a few weeks there. (Johnny Weir was ROBBED!) Not to mention good tv is back in full swing, with the Bachelor finale (UGH) and American Idol, which is majorly sucking this year. After last night, they are down to the Top 12, and three of the people eliminated last night were three of the best in the competition, so I think I am hanging up my hat on this season. I may watch if there is nothing else on, but I am going to wait it out for Simon Cowell's new show next year.
I don't really have anything exciting to discuss with you all today-I will toot my own horn for a second and say that I have worked out three days or more a week for three weeks running, so I am feeling a bit like a Rock Star. If you haven't heard, I have a bridesmaids dress to get into by May 23 that was bought about three years ago (wedding called off, now back on) but I was a bit (ok a lot) skinnier then, so I am on a major health and fitness kick at the moment. I've lost 10 lbs since December, but the dress still doesn't zip up, so we're in full on crisis mode at the moment. I'm thinking it will take another 10 to zip and another 5-10 to look good, so it is going to be a rough couple of months. I love to eat and hate to exercise. And I can't live without chocolate, so don't ask. I did give up coffee and sodas for Lent in the hopes that it would get me to drink more water, but so far I think I'm just drinking a lot more green tea. I guess that's still an improvement!
I don't like crazy crash dieting, so if anyone has any HEALTHY tips for shedding pounds pass them on!
I got a little wrapped up in the Olympics for a few weeks there. (Johnny Weir was ROBBED!) Not to mention good tv is back in full swing, with the Bachelor finale (UGH) and American Idol, which is majorly sucking this year. After last night, they are down to the Top 12, and three of the people eliminated last night were three of the best in the competition, so I think I am hanging up my hat on this season. I may watch if there is nothing else on, but I am going to wait it out for Simon Cowell's new show next year.
I don't really have anything exciting to discuss with you all today-I will toot my own horn for a second and say that I have worked out three days or more a week for three weeks running, so I am feeling a bit like a Rock Star. If you haven't heard, I have a bridesmaids dress to get into by May 23 that was bought about three years ago (wedding called off, now back on) but I was a bit (ok a lot) skinnier then, so I am on a major health and fitness kick at the moment. I've lost 10 lbs since December, but the dress still doesn't zip up, so we're in full on crisis mode at the moment. I'm thinking it will take another 10 to zip and another 5-10 to look good, so it is going to be a rough couple of months. I love to eat and hate to exercise. And I can't live without chocolate, so don't ask. I did give up coffee and sodas for Lent in the hopes that it would get me to drink more water, but so far I think I'm just drinking a lot more green tea. I guess that's still an improvement!
I don't like crazy crash dieting, so if anyone has any HEALTHY tips for shedding pounds pass them on!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Kitchen Must-Have List
Once again I have been slacking on the blog....been busy at the office! Sorry about that.
Anyway, back with a vengeance to talk about one of my favorite topics: Cooking. More specifically, the "top ten" ingredients I must always have in my kitchen, in order to whip up a fab mealtime creation at a moment's notice. I'm also trying something new.....the McLinky. If you have a blog and want to link your "top ten" to mine, you can sign up and do it! There may be some technical difficulties this first time, so bear with me! All these great ideas are courtesy of my friend, neighbor, and fellow blogger Lora who always does these Top Ten lists and I decided to play along. Speaking of, she gave me a little award, and I'm not really sure how to display it here, so if you want to see it, please go here. Thanks bunches, Lora! And if you found me courtesy of linking from her site, welcome!
OK, on to the Top Ten....
1. Pasta. I buy this when it is half price at Publix usually and I have coupons, which usually makes it like a quarter a box (or less) so it is a CHEAP staple ingredient.
2. Canned soups-also something I stock up on when it is BOGO/half-price+ coupons. I have to have the Campbell's cream soups for sauces and casseroles, as well as some of the many varieties of Progresso for those nights I don't really feel like cooking.
3. Diced Tomatoes. I usually have fire-roasted, plain, and basil/oregano. Seriously, you can put canned tomatoes in everything!
4. Canned and/or frozen veggies. Canned to get dumped in soups, stews, and chilis that go in the crockpot, and frozen for casseroles and just plain steaming in the microwave. I love fresh, but cooking for 1, it is hard not to be wasteful so it is often easier to go the other route.
5. Chicken broth-again, you can use it for everything! I do buy the small cans of it when they are on sale, but I also get the giant packs of 6 cartons at Costco. It is a great deal, and it is the organic kind, too.
6. Eggs-I love baking, so eggs are a must....I ALSO love breakfast at dinner, so I love to make omelets, fritattas, and bagel sandwiches because they are quick, easy, and filling.
7. Frozen chicken breasts-again, a Costco staple-I get the big bags, and they are individually wrapped, which is GREAT when only cooking for one or two to just pull out what you need!
8. Canned tuna/salmon-easy way to get protein and not have to buy "fresh meat" LOL! I love salmon or tuna cakes, OR just putting it plain over some spinach in a nice salad.
9. Flour-Again, with the baking, I like to have regular flour, whole wheat, and cornmeal on hand for whatever I want to make. I also recently bought some oat flour, wheat germ, and flax seeds to try and incorporate into my baking for a little added health benefits! I'll let you know what I come up with.
9. Basil-it is my go-to spice. If I don't know what to put on something, I usually use basil, because I like it. I buy the large size from Costco, and in the summer I grow my own fresh.
10. Shredded cheese. I always have a few varieties-at minimum, sharp cheddar, parmesan, and maybe an Italian blend of some kind. Sliced cheese I may or may not have, but shredded is always in the fridge drawer!
OK, what ingredient can't you live without having in your kitchen! Link up with McLinky and let me know!
Anyway, back with a vengeance to talk about one of my favorite topics: Cooking. More specifically, the "top ten" ingredients I must always have in my kitchen, in order to whip up a fab mealtime creation at a moment's notice. I'm also trying something new.....the McLinky. If you have a blog and want to link your "top ten" to mine, you can sign up and do it! There may be some technical difficulties this first time, so bear with me! All these great ideas are courtesy of my friend, neighbor, and fellow blogger Lora who always does these Top Ten lists and I decided to play along. Speaking of, she gave me a little award, and I'm not really sure how to display it here, so if you want to see it, please go here. Thanks bunches, Lora! And if you found me courtesy of linking from her site, welcome!
OK, on to the Top Ten....
1. Pasta. I buy this when it is half price at Publix usually and I have coupons, which usually makes it like a quarter a box (or less) so it is a CHEAP staple ingredient.
2. Canned soups-also something I stock up on when it is BOGO/half-price+ coupons. I have to have the Campbell's cream soups for sauces and casseroles, as well as some of the many varieties of Progresso for those nights I don't really feel like cooking.
3. Diced Tomatoes. I usually have fire-roasted, plain, and basil/oregano. Seriously, you can put canned tomatoes in everything!
4. Canned and/or frozen veggies. Canned to get dumped in soups, stews, and chilis that go in the crockpot, and frozen for casseroles and just plain steaming in the microwave. I love fresh, but cooking for 1, it is hard not to be wasteful so it is often easier to go the other route.
5. Chicken broth-again, you can use it for everything! I do buy the small cans of it when they are on sale, but I also get the giant packs of 6 cartons at Costco. It is a great deal, and it is the organic kind, too.
6. Eggs-I love baking, so eggs are a must....I ALSO love breakfast at dinner, so I love to make omelets, fritattas, and bagel sandwiches because they are quick, easy, and filling.
7. Frozen chicken breasts-again, a Costco staple-I get the big bags, and they are individually wrapped, which is GREAT when only cooking for one or two to just pull out what you need!
8. Canned tuna/salmon-easy way to get protein and not have to buy "fresh meat" LOL! I love salmon or tuna cakes, OR just putting it plain over some spinach in a nice salad.
9. Flour-Again, with the baking, I like to have regular flour, whole wheat, and cornmeal on hand for whatever I want to make. I also recently bought some oat flour, wheat germ, and flax seeds to try and incorporate into my baking for a little added health benefits! I'll let you know what I come up with.
9. Basil-it is my go-to spice. If I don't know what to put on something, I usually use basil, because I like it. I buy the large size from Costco, and in the summer I grow my own fresh.
10. Shredded cheese. I always have a few varieties-at minimum, sharp cheddar, parmesan, and maybe an Italian blend of some kind. Sliced cheese I may or may not have, but shredded is always in the fridge drawer!
OK, what ingredient can't you live without having in your kitchen! Link up with McLinky and let me know!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Time to Catch Up!
It has been a while since I blogged.
Figured I needed to jump back in! Lost started its final season last night, the Bachelor is almost OVER, American Idol is gearing up, and we're right in the middle of awards season, always a favorite of mine, so I need to get back in the habit of sharing my most pressing thoughts on the matter of television with you. But before I do that, I have a little "news junkie" topic to discuss.
So, we've been hearing a lot about two politicians and their extramarital activities over the last two months: John Edwards (unless you live under a rock, he was VP candidate in 2004 and Presidential hopeful in 2008) and Mark Sanford (Gov. of SC). Edwards, I'm sure you know, made headlines recently by finally admitting that in addition to cheating on his cancer-stricken wife WHILE running for President, he also fathered a child with his mistress. Sanford, you may remember, is the Governor that disappeared for several days and turned out to be in Argentina with his mistress-who he publicly called his soulmate. OUCH to his wife! She filed for divorce in December after initially seeming willing to forgive, if not forget.
Well, cut to present day, and they are both back in the news again, both because books are being released giving more information about their scandals. Edwards is by his former campaign staffer, Andrew Young, who covered for Edwards by saying he too had an affair with the same woman and he was the father of her child. The Gov's wife, Jenny, is authoring her own book about her life and the destruction of her marriage.
I was reading on the web about both of these men's infidelities and it really stuck me how little these men care about the women that married them and fathered their beautiful children. Again, I'm reminded of how stinkin' scary it is to be single and looking for a good one! SIGH.
Preview of Jenny's book-she admits there were other women and that her husband had the balls to ask her for advice on how to deal with the public when admitting the affair but not ask her how she was feeling. I would actually read this one. I think her perspective is interesting.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/35205086/ns/today-today_books/?gt1=43001
Andrew Young's book, on the other hand, no thanks. I love this blog called "Eyes for Lies" by a "human lie detector." She is so interesting. Anyway, I had seen some of George Stephanopolous's interviews with Young and he really creeped me out. While I think John Edwards is a total rat, I don't think this guy is any better. Turns out, Eyes doesn't have a very favorable impression of him either.
http://eyesforlies.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-thoughts-on-andrew-young.html
So, with all that positive energy about love and relationships, who is watching the Bachelor, and why is that girl Vienna still on the show? What about the irony that last year, Jake was the one warning the Bachelorette that one of her suitors was not as nice as she thought and this year, he is completely ignoring all the girls who are telling him the same thing about Vienna? I bet he totally picks her and she dumps him because she just wants to be famous. Ugh.
I'm still digesting LOST from last night, but if anyone has a good theory so far I'm game to hear it!
And, my best friend's husband played bass on the Grammy's Album of the Year! And a guy I went to high school with won 2 Grammy's for producing it. Wow, 15 years ago he was charging me and his sister money to drive us around in an old gas-guzzling pick up truck, and now he has 2 Grammy Awards. I guess dreams really do come true! LOL. Never give up, folks, never give up.
Figured I needed to jump back in! Lost started its final season last night, the Bachelor is almost OVER, American Idol is gearing up, and we're right in the middle of awards season, always a favorite of mine, so I need to get back in the habit of sharing my most pressing thoughts on the matter of television with you. But before I do that, I have a little "news junkie" topic to discuss.
So, we've been hearing a lot about two politicians and their extramarital activities over the last two months: John Edwards (unless you live under a rock, he was VP candidate in 2004 and Presidential hopeful in 2008) and Mark Sanford (Gov. of SC). Edwards, I'm sure you know, made headlines recently by finally admitting that in addition to cheating on his cancer-stricken wife WHILE running for President, he also fathered a child with his mistress. Sanford, you may remember, is the Governor that disappeared for several days and turned out to be in Argentina with his mistress-who he publicly called his soulmate. OUCH to his wife! She filed for divorce in December after initially seeming willing to forgive, if not forget.
Well, cut to present day, and they are both back in the news again, both because books are being released giving more information about their scandals. Edwards is by his former campaign staffer, Andrew Young, who covered for Edwards by saying he too had an affair with the same woman and he was the father of her child. The Gov's wife, Jenny, is authoring her own book about her life and the destruction of her marriage.
I was reading on the web about both of these men's infidelities and it really stuck me how little these men care about the women that married them and fathered their beautiful children. Again, I'm reminded of how stinkin' scary it is to be single and looking for a good one! SIGH.
Preview of Jenny's book-she admits there were other women and that her husband had the balls to ask her for advice on how to deal with the public when admitting the affair but not ask her how she was feeling. I would actually read this one. I think her perspective is interesting.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/35205086/ns/today-today_books/?gt1=43001
Andrew Young's book, on the other hand, no thanks. I love this blog called "Eyes for Lies" by a "human lie detector." She is so interesting. Anyway, I had seen some of George Stephanopolous's interviews with Young and he really creeped me out. While I think John Edwards is a total rat, I don't think this guy is any better. Turns out, Eyes doesn't have a very favorable impression of him either.
http://eyesforlies.blogspot.com/2010/02/my-thoughts-on-andrew-young.html
So, with all that positive energy about love and relationships, who is watching the Bachelor, and why is that girl Vienna still on the show? What about the irony that last year, Jake was the one warning the Bachelorette that one of her suitors was not as nice as she thought and this year, he is completely ignoring all the girls who are telling him the same thing about Vienna? I bet he totally picks her and she dumps him because she just wants to be famous. Ugh.
I'm still digesting LOST from last night, but if anyone has a good theory so far I'm game to hear it!
And, my best friend's husband played bass on the Grammy's Album of the Year! And a guy I went to high school with won 2 Grammy's for producing it. Wow, 15 years ago he was charging me and his sister money to drive us around in an old gas-guzzling pick up truck, and now he has 2 Grammy Awards. I guess dreams really do come true! LOL. Never give up, folks, never give up.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Last Minute Gift Ideas...
Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.
- Oren Arnold
American editor and free-lance writer (1900-1980)
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