This post started at 4:00 am this morning. Sometimes you just get what you get.
I did indeed wake up at 4 this morning. I did indeed have thoughts of blogging racing through my head while I tried to shut down and go back to sleep. In the midst of this struggle, I began reflecting on the fact that I like gadgets. So much so, that you could probably call me a gadget ho. I don't know why it popped in my head, but it did. What can you do?
Now, under normal circumstances, calling me a ho of any order would be grounds for a good cussing, but just for today, I accept the term. Hell, I'll even patent it.
Gadgets are my thing. Cell phones, laptops, MP3 players, PDAs, flash drives, I love it all.
Apple is my favorite company on the planet right now. They brought us the iPod, the iPhone, and the iTouch.( The latter two not being products that I currently own, but most assuredly covet.) They have that damn thin ass laptop that I am pining for. Every time I see that commercial where the pull the laptop out of a manila envelope I get excited. What's a 1500.00 price tag when you can sport that baby?
But then I think about the Sony Vaio and how cute and little it is, and how it's such a mini-laptop and how I could totally rock that at the local Starbucks or Atlanta Bread Company while I sit in a booth drinking a vanilla latte.
And thanks to the Gadget Gods for developing the Crackberry! Pure genius! I can talk on the phone, take pictures, have my calendar, address book, and to do list at my fingertips, email my mom without breaking stride, and then go check out my favorite internet websites. Happy Happy Joy Joy! I am like so serious. I was pretty peeved with the powers that be at the J-O-B because they won't sanction one. Something about all the upgrades our secure server would need, blah, blah blah. I stopped listenining after The Boss kept telling me no. Instead I have to carry my work laptop and cell phone where ever I go. Just that little device, and all would be right with the world. OK, well, they did concede and offer to buy me an HP PDA with WiFi and Bluetooth, but it's just not the same. No qwerty keyboard to make it look all cute. But now that I think about it, I think I'll go ahead and place that order. A gadget's a gadget, what the hell.
And now, the latest is these external drives for your computer- they've gotten smaller and smaller (as well as cheaper and cheaper). You know I'll be heading to Best Buy this weekend to check them out.
For some women, it's shoes (I have that problem too- mainly hot ass cowboy boots, especially those w/ stiletto heels. Can you so Lucchese or Charlie 1 Horse?), clothes, or handbags. As far as I'm concerned, you can never have enough gadgets.
What's your vice? I know ya'll have some.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Check Out These Stats
In case you wanted to see the delegate numbers for yourself:
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/delegate_counts.html
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/epolls/2008/president/delegate_counts.html
Marathoning Into The White House
As mentioned previously on this blog, I am a fledgling runner. I started running shortly before my 40th birthday. It was on my Things to Do Before I Die list.
As I learned more and more about running as a sport, I've come to appreciate folks who have the fortitude to do it. Me personally, I'm a big baby. When my shins start hurting, I don't run for a couple of weeks to give them time to heal (like right now). I have let the weather stop me (temps too high, too low, too wet, too windy). Dedicated runners stick it out and get their runs in despite the conditions that may hinder them. Now some of us may call this crazy, while others will call this determination.
The runners who fascinate me the most are the marathoners. These guys train for and run 26.2 miles. Some for money, but most because it is a personal challenge that they set for themselves. As a newbie struggling to run a 5K (3.1 miles) I am in awe. The characteristics I most admire are:
*preparation. Ain't no way in hell anyone is going to run 26.2 miles without training.
* the ability to start with the end in mind. You have to have already wrapped your mind around 26.2 miles before you take the first step.
* the ability to endure the long distance- thanks to preparation.
*continous personal assessment during the race to determine if you need to slow up, speed up, or pull up and go home.
*respect for the other folks on the course, but you know that you have your own goal to meet, and you are not going to let anything get in your way.
Last night demonstrated that this race for the democratic nomination ain't over by a long shot. Obama has shown that he has come prepared for the long haul, has his eyes on the prize, is continually assessing and reassessing his strengths and weaknesses, and maintains respect for his opponent without letting that stop him from pressing on.
With the Virginia, Maryland, and DC primaries coming up on the 12th, I think he is going to pull ahead ya'll. Hillary's push was big for Super Tuesday, but Obama remains on her heels. He has plenty of support and money to get him through.
Back in the day, the front runner for the democrats would be clearly evident by now, and the primaries would simply be a formality. Get ready for the new world order, 'cause it ain't over 'til the Fat Lady sings. Looks like it's going down to the wire. This is how it goes when citizens wake up and step up. I am so excited about this election year!
As I learned more and more about running as a sport, I've come to appreciate folks who have the fortitude to do it. Me personally, I'm a big baby. When my shins start hurting, I don't run for a couple of weeks to give them time to heal (like right now). I have let the weather stop me (temps too high, too low, too wet, too windy). Dedicated runners stick it out and get their runs in despite the conditions that may hinder them. Now some of us may call this crazy, while others will call this determination.
The runners who fascinate me the most are the marathoners. These guys train for and run 26.2 miles. Some for money, but most because it is a personal challenge that they set for themselves. As a newbie struggling to run a 5K (3.1 miles) I am in awe. The characteristics I most admire are:
*preparation. Ain't no way in hell anyone is going to run 26.2 miles without training.
* the ability to start with the end in mind. You have to have already wrapped your mind around 26.2 miles before you take the first step.
* the ability to endure the long distance- thanks to preparation.
*continous personal assessment during the race to determine if you need to slow up, speed up, or pull up and go home.
*respect for the other folks on the course, but you know that you have your own goal to meet, and you are not going to let anything get in your way.
Last night demonstrated that this race for the democratic nomination ain't over by a long shot. Obama has shown that he has come prepared for the long haul, has his eyes on the prize, is continually assessing and reassessing his strengths and weaknesses, and maintains respect for his opponent without letting that stop him from pressing on.
With the Virginia, Maryland, and DC primaries coming up on the 12th, I think he is going to pull ahead ya'll. Hillary's push was big for Super Tuesday, but Obama remains on her heels. He has plenty of support and money to get him through.
Back in the day, the front runner for the democrats would be clearly evident by now, and the primaries would simply be a formality. Get ready for the new world order, 'cause it ain't over 'til the Fat Lady sings. Looks like it's going down to the wire. This is how it goes when citizens wake up and step up. I am so excited about this election year!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Super Tuesday
I am so excited right now. ABC has great coverage going on. Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, I am checking them all out. And I'm having a blast! Text messages, phone calls- the folks in South Carolina are just as excited as we were a couple of weeks ago.
Just a couple of things to note about today:
1. Tavis Smiley is still trying to disguise hate as his love for black people. Come on, it's been a couple of weeks since I called him out.
2. Out of the five networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CW) ABC is the only one with coverage of the primary results. They are treating it like a real superbowl.
I feel like that kid in the DisneyWorld commercial- "I'm too excited to sleep". I can't wait to see how this plays out. Whew- it's gonna be close.
Just a couple of things to note about today:
1. Tavis Smiley is still trying to disguise hate as his love for black people. Come on, it's been a couple of weeks since I called him out.
2. Out of the five networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CW) ABC is the only one with coverage of the primary results. They are treating it like a real superbowl.
I feel like that kid in the DisneyWorld commercial- "I'm too excited to sleep". I can't wait to see how this plays out. Whew- it's gonna be close.
Monday, February 4, 2008
When Will It End???
Please, ya'll. Can someone please tell me when the writer's strike will end? I have been patient, I have been understanding, and I have been supportive, but this shit is getting old.
When are Bailey and the crew at Seattle Grace Hospital returning?
What is going on with those quirky docs on Private Practice?
Can someone tell me why is it the most we saw of Warwick Brown this season was when he was being set up for the murder of a stripper, and had to get himself out of hot water? And let's face it, he would have been under the jail in real life.
How come Jack Bauer isn't here to save the day and deal with those freakin' studio heads?
I am hearing rumors that the strike may end this week. Please, please, please, let it be so. Just in time for the summer hiatus. I ain't mad writers, but ya'll all need to get on the stick. We need some good programming here. Have you seen the promos for Deion Sanders? He has his own reality show. How about Snoop Dogg's show? I mean, really, a house full of little yappy dogs and no one picks up the dog shit? Are you kidding me?
I need some real shows with some real writing soon or I am going to lose my mind.
Oh yeah- I was supposed to be doing more reading and writing.
What shows are you guys missing?
When are Bailey and the crew at Seattle Grace Hospital returning?
What is going on with those quirky docs on Private Practice?
Can someone tell me why is it the most we saw of Warwick Brown this season was when he was being set up for the murder of a stripper, and had to get himself out of hot water? And let's face it, he would have been under the jail in real life.
How come Jack Bauer isn't here to save the day and deal with those freakin' studio heads?
I am hearing rumors that the strike may end this week. Please, please, please, let it be so. Just in time for the summer hiatus. I ain't mad writers, but ya'll all need to get on the stick. We need some good programming here. Have you seen the promos for Deion Sanders? He has his own reality show. How about Snoop Dogg's show? I mean, really, a house full of little yappy dogs and no one picks up the dog shit? Are you kidding me?
I need some real shows with some real writing soon or I am going to lose my mind.
Oh yeah- I was supposed to be doing more reading and writing.
What shows are you guys missing?
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Hmmmm.
I found this op-ed this morning. Check it out.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/02/opinion/02herbert.html?ex=1359694800&en=3e7ed4d3b59ecf43&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/02/opinion/02herbert.html?ex=1359694800&en=3e7ed4d3b59ecf43&ei=5124&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink
Friday, February 1, 2008
Mother Didn't Know Best
As a parent, you have hopes and dreams for your child from the moment they take their first breath. The thing is, kids develop their own ideas for where their life is going. If you are lucky, the two will line up, or at least your child will want to do something that you can live with.
On the day my Diva in Training was born, I declared in my heart and mind that Doctor DivaGirl had entered the world. I knew the minute I laid eyes on her that she would do something great. My baby was going to discover something or cure something or define some new law of nature or something.
And then real life threw cold water all in my face.
When DIT was in the first grade, she came home in tears because she wanted to be Mary Kate AND Ashley Olsen, and one of her friends told her she couldn't because she wasn't twins. She was pissed at me because I didn't have two of her. (Now to me, this is a blessing, but to her at the time, it was a serious curse).
By the time she was nine, she came home after career day and declared that she was not interested in college and was going to be an actress. That's right- an actress. Now, she is the product of two geeks who believe that education and hard work will take you far in life, so it was hard for me to hear that my child wasn't interested in a "noble" profession. I mean, let's face it, showbiz is a biyatch. I didn't want my child to have any part of that.
So, as the dutiful parent, I began to explain to her how difficult life will be without a degree or two or three behind her name. How actors struggle for years and some never get beyond community theater or commercials. How she may end up waitressing while she waits for that big break. All to no avail. I even reminded her that my job is to get her to the age of 18, and that I was no longer fiscally responsible for her after that. The Bank of Mommy would be closed (unless she was in college, of course). No dice. She wasn't feeling it.
I may have left out one key piece of info- my kid is a documented gifted child. Don't get it twisted, it just means that if she's not interested in it, she says to hell with it. If she likes a subject, she immerses herself in it until the next more interesting thing comes along.
She auditioned for and got accepted into the middle school of the arts. I thought this would be a good thing. Except sixth grade was hell, and I thought I was going to have to kill her. Grades dropped, and puberty blew in like a hurricane in our house. It was not pretty. Yas can attest to the phone calls made to talk me off the ledge. The one saving grace during this time was her theater arts class. She loved it. And during the 6th grade plays I sat through, she was awesome. I saw a happy, confident child doing her thing.
I should not have been surprised. She learned her monologue for her audition for the school of the arts on the drive to the audition that Saturday morning. She had six weeks to learn it, and barely glanced at it, even with prodding from me. To this day, I still don't know how she learned it because I lectured all the way to the school about putting in the work to get what you want. Uh, she nailed the monologue, and a few weeks later she got notice that she was in. I was left wondering how she did that.
At the end of last year, DIT auditioned for musical theater (only open to rising 7th and 8th graders). She got in. The first six weeks of this school year, the kids in musical theater auditioned for various roles in the upcoming production of The Wiz (yes, I was shocked that this predominantly white school selected The Wiz as this year's musical. Last year it was Suessical). DIT practiced, practiced, practiced. I had never seen her put so much work into getting a part. That is not her style. She's a seat of her pants kind of girl. All the hard work paid off, and she got the role of Dorothy. It was a proud moment, to say the least.
As we get closer to the performance dates (March 5th-8th) I've been thinking about the journey that led to this. I could have taken a hard stance and tried to make DIT conform to my desires. To be honest, I went along with it because I thought she would grow out of it. She tires so easily of things, I thought this would be just another fad tossed by the wayside. Instead I encouraged her and watched her grow. I've watched her work hard to get the part, and in the last few weeks, I've watched her work her ass off to learn lines, songs, and dances. She drags home, exhausted from school all day, rehearsing for two and a half hours, and she still has to face homework and chores. And she does it all without complaint. Most importantly, she is happy.
No matter what happens from here on out, I couldn't be more proud. My child is willing to work for what she wants in life. And she is already following her passion. If she plays her cards right, she will live her life with few regrets doing what she loves. And that truly makes me happy.
On the day my Diva in Training was born, I declared in my heart and mind that Doctor DivaGirl had entered the world. I knew the minute I laid eyes on her that she would do something great. My baby was going to discover something or cure something or define some new law of nature or something.
And then real life threw cold water all in my face.
When DIT was in the first grade, she came home in tears because she wanted to be Mary Kate AND Ashley Olsen, and one of her friends told her she couldn't because she wasn't twins. She was pissed at me because I didn't have two of her. (Now to me, this is a blessing, but to her at the time, it was a serious curse).
By the time she was nine, she came home after career day and declared that she was not interested in college and was going to be an actress. That's right- an actress. Now, she is the product of two geeks who believe that education and hard work will take you far in life, so it was hard for me to hear that my child wasn't interested in a "noble" profession. I mean, let's face it, showbiz is a biyatch. I didn't want my child to have any part of that.
So, as the dutiful parent, I began to explain to her how difficult life will be without a degree or two or three behind her name. How actors struggle for years and some never get beyond community theater or commercials. How she may end up waitressing while she waits for that big break. All to no avail. I even reminded her that my job is to get her to the age of 18, and that I was no longer fiscally responsible for her after that. The Bank of Mommy would be closed (unless she was in college, of course). No dice. She wasn't feeling it.
I may have left out one key piece of info- my kid is a documented gifted child. Don't get it twisted, it just means that if she's not interested in it, she says to hell with it. If she likes a subject, she immerses herself in it until the next more interesting thing comes along.
She auditioned for and got accepted into the middle school of the arts. I thought this would be a good thing. Except sixth grade was hell, and I thought I was going to have to kill her. Grades dropped, and puberty blew in like a hurricane in our house. It was not pretty. Yas can attest to the phone calls made to talk me off the ledge. The one saving grace during this time was her theater arts class. She loved it. And during the 6th grade plays I sat through, she was awesome. I saw a happy, confident child doing her thing.
I should not have been surprised. She learned her monologue for her audition for the school of the arts on the drive to the audition that Saturday morning. She had six weeks to learn it, and barely glanced at it, even with prodding from me. To this day, I still don't know how she learned it because I lectured all the way to the school about putting in the work to get what you want. Uh, she nailed the monologue, and a few weeks later she got notice that she was in. I was left wondering how she did that.
At the end of last year, DIT auditioned for musical theater (only open to rising 7th and 8th graders). She got in. The first six weeks of this school year, the kids in musical theater auditioned for various roles in the upcoming production of The Wiz (yes, I was shocked that this predominantly white school selected The Wiz as this year's musical. Last year it was Suessical). DIT practiced, practiced, practiced. I had never seen her put so much work into getting a part. That is not her style. She's a seat of her pants kind of girl. All the hard work paid off, and she got the role of Dorothy. It was a proud moment, to say the least.
As we get closer to the performance dates (March 5th-8th) I've been thinking about the journey that led to this. I could have taken a hard stance and tried to make DIT conform to my desires. To be honest, I went along with it because I thought she would grow out of it. She tires so easily of things, I thought this would be just another fad tossed by the wayside. Instead I encouraged her and watched her grow. I've watched her work hard to get the part, and in the last few weeks, I've watched her work her ass off to learn lines, songs, and dances. She drags home, exhausted from school all day, rehearsing for two and a half hours, and she still has to face homework and chores. And she does it all without complaint. Most importantly, she is happy.
No matter what happens from here on out, I couldn't be more proud. My child is willing to work for what she wants in life. And she is already following her passion. If she plays her cards right, she will live her life with few regrets doing what she loves. And that truly makes me happy.
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