tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37944422010-04-27T15:07:29.459-07:00The adventures of my life in boxes.Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.comBlogger476125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-45493328794311269832010-04-07T16:46:00.000-07:002010-04-27T15:07:29.535-07:00<center><img alt="teapots in red" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/cola-teap3r.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />Last week I went to the optometrist. I needed new glasses. It's been five years (shhh...). I was actually scared I would fail the eye test at the DMV (I didn't). And truth be told, B rolled over onto my glasses the last night we spent in Chicago (over 3 years ago). It was time. Beyond time.<br /><br />I've been wearing glasses since I was five-years old. My eyesight is bad. I haven't been able to see the big "E" for decades (without my glasses, of course), so it didn't come as a surprise that my eyes would get dilated so the doctor could really look inside my eyes. What did surprise me was waking up screaming the next morning. I hate nightmares like that.<br /><br />I'm sure it wasn't just the bright lights being shined into my eyes. It was deeper than that. Going to the eye doctor is now part of that memory. I thought that if I went to a different eye doctor maybe it wouldn't matter. Although as long as I have put this appointment off, maybe not.<br /><br />I had an eye appointment scheduled for the day after I found out my Mom had died. Obviously I didn't schedule it that way. It just happened. And I did consider canceling the appointment, but I didn't. Mostly because I didn't want to have to explain why I was needing less than 24 hours notice, and also because a small part of me thought my Mom would be mad at me if I did. (<i>You must understand that the mind of someone who has recently been hit with such a loss, has all sorts of weird thoughts.</i>)<br /><br />That day after was intense. B insisted that we go take the car in for a check up, but he didn't realize they weren't open on Saturday. I was not amused having driven by myself over there in my car, and then having to drive back alone to the house.<br /><br />From there, we headed downtown for lunch and then a stop at the office. B had to work. I didn't want to be alone. Plus, I had to go to the eye doctor later that afternoon.<br /><br />At lunch I used the pay phone (it was 1999) to call my therapist to see if he could see me. I got his voice mail. I just said 'something bad happened' and asked him to call me at B's office number.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I got to go into the CEO's office and tell him what was up. I had been hired part-time after being let go about a month before from my previous job by my friend. Oh yes, it was a fun month and a half. Needless to say, I learned that saying those words in front of someone was much harder than doing it over the phone. I feel to pieces in front of him. Just started tearing up, and then couldn't control it.<br /><br />Shortly thereafter, B's phone rang at his desk. It was my therapist. He could see me. I explained that first I needed to go to the eye doctor, so asked if he could see me around 5pm. He agreed. And then he asked me what happened. Somehow I got the words out.<br /><br />B finished up and then we headed over to see the eye doctor. They were pretty busy. It was Saturday afternoon. I got put in the room by myself with the door closed. I started crying again. Tears just started rolling down my face. Thankfully I managed to regain my composure and wipe up my face before the doctor came in. I didn't want anyone to know.<br /><br />Somehow I got through the exam. The doctor decided to dilate my eyes. I tried to look at frames while I waited for the dilation drops to work, but really couldn't focus. In the end, I think I came back at another time to pick a frame. We also had to head to the south part of town for my next appointment.<br /><br />Driving over I looked in the mirror and saw how big and dilated my eyes were. I looked freaky. I remember explaining that it was because of the drops the optometrist put in my eyes - I wasn't as bad off as I appeared.<br /><br />I got through the session and drove home. There were a few fun messages waiting for me on the machine. I was beyond exhausted at that point. It all becomes a blur from there.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1416551069/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">A Homemade Life</a> by Molly Wizenberg.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-4549332879431126983?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-64499016168805805962010-03-03T22:14:00.000-08:002010-03-05T22:36:22.447-08:00<center><img alt="down the rabbit hole" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/dl-imlate2.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />And she has been gone for seven years, although I have only known for about six. That doesn't change things. Nor does the fact that I am not entirely sure exactly when she died. <br /><br />When the death of my sister was first reported to me over the phone by my Aunt, she believed it to be the 13th of March. I was in LA, literally waiting for people to arrive for lunch as I heard the news, and the year ago part. But then when I was being a bit morbid recently and discovered this website that has listings of people's birth dates, death dates, and social security numbers, I looked up my sister (grandparents, great-grandmother, aunt, and mother). There it said my sister died on the 3rd of March. But it also said my mother was two years younger than she was, so this could be a typo too. I got the impression this site's main focus was geneology. It could generate a letter you could send (along with a fee of about $40), to receive a copy of the original paperwork filed to obtain a social security card for the deceased.<br /><br />As I said though, it really doesn't matter if it was the 3rd or the 13th or some other day in March in 2003. The fact remains she died, and is gone. I will never see her again. Never talk to her again. Never touch her again. It is still hard to believe.<br /><br />My sister and I had a turbulent relationship, at best. We never had a true relationship as adults. The last time I saw her, she was 16. We would have some contact when our grandmother died a couple of years later, but nothing again until we were in our late 20's. Then she contacted me on the Internet pretending to be a 17-year old adopted girl from Maine.<br /><br />I suspected right away it was her. B told me I was paranoid. Thankfully he was sitting next to me when several weeks later she would reveal her true identity on AOL Instant Message on President's Day. The words came across the box, "what if I said I was your sister?"<br /><br />I moved away from my laptop, slightly terrified to touch the keys. I sat and watched as words scrolled down the screen. They revealed things only the two of us would know. The secrets of sisters.<br /><br />She really wanted me to call her, and was upset that I wouldn't. In all honesty though she wasn't looking to have a relationship with me, but rather our mother. She thought that she could go through me to get to her. She had no idea what was going on. She couldn't believe that our mother was about to hit bottom, and there wasn't anything either of us could do to stop it. Of course she blamed me for not doing more.<br /><br />When she got my Mom's contact information she pretty much dropped me like a hot potato. It really was okay. I could tell she hadn't changed. She was still blaming everyone else for her problems. She was living with a man almost as old as our father, and did see how it was a way of rebelling against our mother. I got to talk with him for a little bit over IM. He was an interesting character. He became known as 'bagel boy'.<br /><br />The last I had heard about my sister when she was alive was a call I got from that same Aunt. I was literally days from moving from Austin, Texas back to the bay area, having no clue how things were going to work out. Surrounded by boxes, I listened as my Aunt explained my sister has Gillian Barr. Apparently my sister had been in contact with my Aunt for a little while. She wanted an Alice in Wonderland doll. My Aunt sent it, but then got suspicious when she asked for another. My sister told my Aunt not to tell me she was sick and living in a nursing home, but then changed her mind when she learned that it was hereditary. <br /><br />So there I was listening to this, looking around at my life literally packed up around me, thinking that I might get really sick, and probably soon. My Aunt wasn't sure what else to say. Honestly, neither was I. I mean do I thank her for this information?<br /><br />Of course as soon as I got off the phone I went and consulted Dr. Google. I found a few message boards, and read well into the morning hours. Nothing that I could find said anything about Gillian Barr being hereditary. They didn't know much about this disease, but it was pretty clear that you didn't get it in your genes. <br /><br />What does happen with this disease is that it paralyzes your body. I realized my sister's psychology had become her physiology. She was paralyzed from moving forward with her life, and was now literally unable to move her body. It was sink or swim time. It was all in her hands.<br /><br />From what I read, many people recovered from Gillian Barr. Some had a complete recovery, while others had mobility issues of varying degrees which lasted for months to years. I couldn't bring myself to call her. I mean, what do you say to someone who is so manipulative? Also, I was about to take a giant leap of faith, and really couldn't handle any more. Of course I had no idea that within six months she would be gone. Forever.<br /><br />Please don't misunderstand. I loved my sister. I just couldn't deal with the lies and craziness. She was always changing her story. She would tell me things like she never had epilepsy and that our mother didn't take care of her medical needs. This was insane. I was there on multiple times when my sister had her seizures. And also have memories of my mother trying to figure out what was wrong. There were all kinds of books on our shelves, not to mention many appointments with specialists. Our Mom didn't want to believe my sister had epilepsy. But when the doctor sent her for the EEG, there was no refuting it.<br /><br />Still it is hard. It isn't helping that Alice mania is upon us with the release of the new Tim Burton film. It is hard not to think of her. I don't regret not having that final conversation. I am sure it would have ended with her hanging up on me after she told me to go F myself. <br /><br />I always left the door open. I always had hope that she would turn her life around. I believed she was capable of taking responsibility for what happened, and could move forward. I never gave up hope, but now it is gone.<br /><br /><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0385344139/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Alice I Have Been</a> by Melanie Benjamin<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-6449901616880580596?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-24631881621306452802010-01-22T20:58:00.000-08:002010-01-22T22:44:04.583-08:00<center><img alt="big edge, las vegas" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/lv-bigedge2a.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />A couple of days ago I learned that my mother's boyfriend of many years died. This happened several years ago. He was in his 90's, so it wasn't something I didn't expect. And I never expected that anyone would contact me when it happened. The last time I spoke with him was when my mother died (10 years ago). I figured it would probably be the last time I heard from him, and really wasn't sorry about that. I don't recall his words being particularly comforting, although I can't remember much of anything that he said (their relationship had ended a few years before she died, although I don't recall the details). <br /><br />I am not particularly sad. I am certainly not in denial. Beyond slightly relieved, I don't know what I am. Maybe a little angry?<br /><br />I have kept this secret for so long. Not that suddenly it will come up in conversation. It is not something that people talk about. There really isn't anyone to talk to about it anyway.<br /><br />He was married. And her boss. Also the same age as her father. And not that it mattered, but he was also Jewish. Are we having fun yet?<br /><br />I hadn't really thought of him. And suddenly there were memories that popped into my head. Things I had buried deep inside. Like how I found out about their relationship.<br /><br />I was just starting high school at a new school where I knew no one. My sister and I had just returned from a summer of visiting our father and grandmother on the east coast. While we were away, my Mom moved us into a different apartment. We knew this was going to happen, it wasn't a big deal. It was just more change. She also informed us she had broken up for good with her boyfriend of many years (we wanted to be happy about this, but it wasn't the first time she had said this).<br /><br />She told us that her boss was coming to dinner. We really didn't think anything of it beyond that we needed to make sure the house was clean before we left in the morning. Our room didn't have a closet, so we needed to make sure there wasn't any dirty laundry strewn about.<br /><br />Dinner was fairly uneventful. As per usual, we were told to clean up after we were finished. While we started doing the dishes they disappeared into my mother's room. I figured they had business to discuss. It wasn't until we heard <i>other noises</i>, that we realized what was happening. I still remember staring at my sister, and her staring back at me with what I am sure was the same look of disbelief on my face. Suddenly Bozo (the nickname of my mom's previous boyfriend) didn't look so bad. <br /><br />We weren't sure what to do. We weren't allowed to leave the apartment without permission. It wasn't the best of neighborhoods, and we were still learning our way around. We more than likely went and hid in our room. I don't think anything more was said about it that night. What more really could be said?<br /><br />Another thing I remembered was a trip to the movies. It probably happened not too long after the dinner. The four of us went to the movies with the idea that it was something to bond us. Something normal. Something fun. It was far from any of that.<br /><br />The movie theater was one of those that showed movies that had been out for a while. It was a week night, so there weren't many people there. I've tried to remember the name of the movie, or even the genre, but it is a complete blank. You see, when we arrived at the theater, my mother told us to sit in the row in front of them. And then for the entire movie, the two of them made out behind us. It was disgusting. The noises combined with the wild imagination of a teenage girl were a bad combination. Yet there was no way in a million years I would have turned around. <i>If what I saw hadn't killed me, I am sure my mother would have.</i><br /><br />The whole relationship was so complicated. I still feel weird saying anything about it. I know that some people figured it out, and there were a even select few that were told. But as I've said, it isn't something one brings up in polite conversation. Maybe not even in impolite conversation.<br /><br />I really tried hard not to judge my mother. I can't deny though that this choice did impact our relationship. It probably made us closer in some ways, but mostly it sent mixed messages and severed boundaries.<br /><br />To make things even more bizarre, my sister ended up in a long-term relationship with a much older man who was also Jewish. Of course she denied that she was acting out the issues in her own childhood.<br /><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0385737424/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">When You Reach Me</a> by Rebecca Stead.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-2463188162130645280?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-12436684068605080862009-12-16T23:52:00.000-08:002009-12-17T00:09:17.303-08:00<center><img alt="i need a new gardener" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/sw-holigir.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />A quick list about today:<ul><br /><li>I did not drive all over LA and Orange County today to pick up my photos.</li><br /><li>I finished making the lemon cupcakes, which were for National Lemon Cupcake Day - which was yesterday.</li><br /><li>The cupcakes were lemony, although a bit dry, which is surprising, considering how many eggs they contained.</li><br /><li>I had oatmeal for breakfast. Haven't done so every day, but most. Am thinking of bacon and eggs come Christmas morning.</li><br /><li>The postman dropped off some packages today. He didn't ring the bell or knock - he just yelled out that he was there. Odd. [Also it wasn't clear if I hadn't come out, if he would have left said packages.]</li><br /><li>I'm caught up again on my postcard project. Of course in a few minutes, I will be behind again.</li><br /><li>I found some ornaments I had forgotten about. More birds - a flamingo and an owl.</li><br /><li>I ran out of dishwasher tablets. Thankfully B stopped and got more on the way home. That could have been a disaster.</li><br /><li>The Christmas cards are still not done.</li></ul><br /><br /><br />on the nights stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0805088415/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate</a> by Jacqueline Kelly<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-1243668406860508086?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-80272304845947360842009-12-15T20:39:00.000-08:002009-12-16T20:30:48.027-08:00<center><img alt="the world feels very big right now" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/sw-side.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br /><i>Disclaimer: I really do love the tradition of sending holiday cards. Right now I am just venting, as part of me feels like pulling my hair out, strand by strand. I will feel much better once they are safely in a mailbox.^* This really is something I want to do (sending the cards, not pulling my hair out).</i><br /><br />Today was the day I had planned on having the bulk of my holiday cards in the mail. Alas, I did not make this goal. I am probably not even close. It should still happen before the week is out. The devil is in the details, or so they say.<br /><br />The photos have been ordered. They are probably even ready to be picked up. I just lack a way to get there, as Ritz has closed most of its stores in the greater LA area. Now I am starting to regret that nasty letter I sent to the Pasadena store, although their staff truly was useless. <br /><br />The plan is to take B to work in Pasadena, and then drive to Newport Beach to pick up the photos, then drive back to Pasadena to pick him up and drive back to the house. Anyone familiar with LA, knows that is some serious driving. I may have to come up with a Plan B.<br /><br />The thing that is really getting me is making sure I have everyone's address and names of spouses and children. I once made the mistake of putting the wrong name of one of my friend's sons on a card. I was thinking how much her son looked like a mini version on her father, and so I wrote her father's name by mistake. Oops. I was so embarrassed.<br /><br />I also find myself saying (aloud), <i>why do people move?</i> Yes, this comes from the mouth of a woman who has moved how many times? Wait, 28. Not that I am counting or anything. But still, why do people move without sending some sort of update to their friends - especially the ones who still send things in the mail!<br /><br />I still hate Facebook, but don't know how I would complete this crazy task without it. It has been great with the spouse's names that I can't seem to recall. It's not entirely my faulty memory. In some cases, we have never met, or only met once, or even just in passing at some huge event where I met 300 other people.<br /><br />I do my best to keep my paper address book up to date, but find it nearly impossible with all the moving, name-changing (oh wait, I did that too), and baby having that goes on these days. I know it is just that my friends are at the stage in life, that this is what we do. It also doesn't help that I have more than one address book, and keep some things on the computer as well. Gmail search is a godsend.<br /><br /><small>_______________________________________________________________<br />^*Yes, I believe large batches of holiday cards should be put in an actual mailbox like that scene from <i>When Harry Met Sally</i>.</small><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0811866661/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Big Rabbit's Bad Mood</a> by Ramona Badescu.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-8027230484594736084?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-8795090931308768262009-12-12T19:00:00.000-08:002009-12-13T00:38:54.607-08:00<center><img alt="candy canes" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/sw-stripes.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />When I was in the fourth grade, the school had a Christmas pageant. Each class performed a skit or sang. It was a pretty big deal. At least I remember spending much time on it.<br /><br />I had joined the class after school started, so by the time December rolled around, I was still the new kid. My sister was making an impression in the classroom next door. Not a good one, either.<br /><br />Each class was given time to practice their act in the auditorium. Apparently despite my shyness, I could make my voice carry. Someone noticed, and made me the announcer. I was pretty shocked. I figured they would have picked an eighth grader.<br /><br />My other role was to play a German girl in our play about Christmas around the world. I sang O Christmas Tree with two other girls from my class. We had to pull a Christmas tree on and off the stage.<br /><br />On the night of the performance, I guess my sister's teacher didn't get the memo that I was made the announcer. I remember going up to the microphone as my sister's class was getting ready for their signing performance. Her teacher came up to me, as she was tuning her guitar, and asked quite abruptly, what I was doing up at the podium. Did I mention she was a nun? I was a bit taken aback, but managed to somehow get out the words that I was the announcer. It really threw me off. I guess she was afraid I was there to pull a prank or something.<br /><br />Of course I wasn't thrilled when the following year she would take over the fifth grade class. I spent the year on edge. I don't think she believed we were sisters, yet she seemed to be waiting for me to act out until classes ended in June. <br /><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1416589635/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Little Bee</a> by Chris Cleave.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-879509093130876826?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-21925791581017387722009-12-11T22:13:00.000-08:002009-12-12T17:12:06.533-08:00<center><img alt="where is santa" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/hm-themayor.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />If all goes well, tomorrow I will sleep in my own bed for the first time in over three years. Please don't misunderstand, I've been sleeping in a bed since we have moved back to California - just not my own.<br /><br />It is one of those things most of us take for granted. A bed of your own. Your own space, even if you share it with someone else. It is where you start and end most days. It is where you have dreams and nightmares. It is something you probably can't fully appreciate until it is taken away, although you might miss it if you travel.<br /><br />We recently reached platinum level again at Starwood. Reportedly we have stayed over 100 nights since we joined. So clearly that is where some of my nights have been spent. And I am sure at least 200 more have been spent in hotels that were not nearly as nice.<br /><br />And here at the house I have gotten to feel like Goldilocks, despite my brown hair. There are two twin beds, a full, and a California king. I have slept on all of them at some point while here. They are all approaching the 30-year old mark, and even if they weren't none of them feel "just right". We have been thinking about getting a new bed for a while, but I have been a bit resistant because it would feel like we were giving up the goal of moving out of here. Also there is the issue of actually buying a bed. Mattress shopping is nerve wracking. <br /><br />There are two discount mattress stores here in the LA area that run competing ads on late night television. The skinny blonde one is always trying to outdo the overweight balding one. The latest ads are about dust mites. At least they are cartoon dust mites, but still not images you want in your head before climbing into a bed that according to them, must be crawling with them. Their claim is that after eight years, a typical mattress doubles in weight due to sweat and dust mites. They don't say if it is expodential if your mattress is over three times that age. Honestly I don't want to know, but I think it did push me towards the idea of getting a new bed, although that wasn't the only reason.<br /><br />Several months back I woke up one morning, and could hardly move. Somehow I managed to drag myself out of bed to go pee. I thought to myself that if I could just get back into bed and stretch, everything would be fine. I was so wrong.<br /><br />I did managed to get back, but then really found myself in much pain, and truly unable to move. B heard me moaning and came in to check on me. He started laughing when he saw the contortion I had managed to form myself into. Of course I did manage to get up, and after a few hours, was fine. Still it was a bit disconcerting. But as I said, that was several months ago. It really was the images of dust mites (now with Christmas trees) that were the last straw.<br /><br />I know that this bed isn't going to solve everything. It will still reside in a place that doesn't feel anything like a home to me. But hopefully I will sleep better, and my back will feel better.<br /><br /><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0374343586/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Last Night</a> by Hyewon Yum.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-2192579158101738772?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-26791792088617777372009-12-10T15:37:00.000-08:002009-12-11T21:55:02.542-08:00<center><img alt="your coach awaits" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/hm-hauntholi.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />I've been thinking about when to put up the tree. For many families there is a tradition around the tree. When it is put up. How it gets decorated. What you do during, and maybe even after it is done.<br /><br />I realized that in my family, when I was still living with both my parents, we didn't put up the tree until the last minute. In fact, on our last Christmas together, we put up the tree on Christmas Eve.<br /><br />I really <i>really</i> wanted a white Christmas tree. I was seven, and pretty much got what I wanted. We had an artificial green tree in the basement, but I convinced my father it was time for a new one. My mother was not keen on the idea, but let us go shopping on the day before Christmas.<br /><br />All the trees were half off. They only had one white one that met my standards. Unfortunately it was out of stock. <br /><br />The good news was that the sales lady said if we helped her remove the decorations, we could have the floor model. Even better, we could have all the ornaments at no charge. Score!<br /><br />So we helped pack up the decorations. They were red balls and little snowmen and women. We packed up the tree and loaded up the car. Then we went home and set everything up. It looked great. And was ready just in time to go to bed and wait for Santa's arrival.<br /><br />I am not sure when we took the tree back down, but I bet it was before the New Year. We could always go visit my grandmother, who had her tree (which touched the ceiling) up for most of January. It was green though, not white.<br /><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1596914610/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">When Wanderers Cease to Roam</a> by Vivian Swift.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-2679179208861777737?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-1354986504869571222009-12-09T19:12:00.000-08:002009-12-09T23:18:45.653-08:00<center><img alt="santa in the disneyland parade" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/dl-santap.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />I thought I would do an update of sorts:<ul><br /><li>I finally made the last of what I had planned for Thanksgiving dinner - stuffed mushrooms.</li><br /><li>We have just about finished the leftovers from Thanksgiving. We really got our $8 out of that turkey.</li><br /><li>I finished my holiday card list. I am sure there will be some additions, and I still need some addresses, but I could get the bulk of the cards in the mail by the 15th.</li><br /><li>I have even started addressing the cards. I should probably order stamps.</li><br /><li>I also figured out our holiday gift list.</li><br /><li>I am also once again caught up on my postcard project. Card number 10 goes in the mail tomorrow.</li></ul><br /><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1416596240/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Of Bees and Mist</a> by Eric Setiawan.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-135498650486957122?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-9203879697809124752009-12-08T22:09:00.000-08:002009-12-08T23:44:07.389-08:00<center><img alt="decked out small world" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/sw-wreath.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />Recently I found several of my classmates from grade school on FaceBook. This was a class of about 40 students, the majority of whom had been together since first grade. I didn't join them until the sixth grade, and we graduated in the eighth. That's the longest I attended one school (aside from college), by the way.<br /><br />Today I was reminded of an incident that happened in the eighth grade. On my way home from school, I was hit by a car while riding my new bike. Overall, I was fine. My face did hit the pavement, leaving me to look like Frankenstein for about a month. I actually called my best friend after getting home from the hospital and told her I was hit by a car. I forgot that I had had time to process this, as she started screaming into the phone.<br /><br />The driver that hit me was pretty young. He might have actually been in high school. Unfortunately one of the witnesses to the accident insisted I hit the car, and since I was driving the wrong way on the sidewalk, I was cited. I actually had to attend traffic school. I was 13-years old. <br /><br />The truth was this driver was making a right turn on red, and didn't stop completely, or behind the intersection lines. In the end, he was not held responsible for any of my medical bills. <br /><br />The accident happened at a busy intersection. There was a gas station on the corner, so someone there called 911. The ambulance was required to take me to the hospital because I had sustained a head injury. I really just wanted to walk my bike home. I was about 3 blocks away, and was so not looking to my mother's reaction. I hadn't seen my face yet.<br /><br />At the hospital they took x-rays. I was fine. In a weird turn of events, my Mom was actually home that afternoon. She was making eggplant for dinner. Normally she wouldn't have been home for a couple of hours after the accident happened. She stopped cooking, and met me at the hospital.<br /><br />I remember asking the doctor if I could go back to school the next day. I had a spelling test. I still think he went back to check the x-rays again, as I am sure most kids wanted an excuse to stay home from school.<br /><br />I did go to school the next day, despite how horrible my face looked. My Mom drove me because the doctor was concerned that I could pass out. I didn't. But because my Mom had an early day, I arrived at school much earlier than usual. I still remember everyone coming up to me as they arrived at school, asking what had happened to me.<br /><br />I went to a cheerleading competition not too long after that. My face was still pretty bad. This wasn't something that you could cover up with makeup. By that point, I was good at ignoring the stares.<br /><br />Before I completely healed, I rode my repaired bike to the traffic school for non-drivers. As part of the experience, we had to go around the room and say why we were there. Most kids had gotten caught doing really stupid things like grabbing ahold of a car while on roller skates, or riding with three people on a bike built for one. Amazingly none of these kids had been injured. Yet there I sat, my black eye still not healed, cited for riding my bike the wrong way on the sidewalk. There were gasps when I told my story.<br /><br /><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0061456888/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">A Penguin Story</a> by Antoinette Portis.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-920387969780912475?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-40877059834230796672009-12-07T11:40:00.000-08:002009-12-07T23:41:41.111-08:00<center><img alt="red petticoat" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/dl-holidanc.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />This is the first year in a very long time that I actually have a tree and decorations. Usually this time of year I am posting about wanting a Christmas tree, and childhood memories of begging for a tree. That said, I have no idea what is wrong with me.<br /><br />Part of me thinks it is still a little early for decorating. It is only the 7th. The other obstacle is that the tree is in the garage. And I am afraid of the garage. There are big nasty spiders in there. I keep thinking that we are going to take the tree out of its bag, and find it covered in spiders. That is not my idea of a Christmas memory. Spiders make me scream.<br /><br />I am still not done with the card list. It really isn't a difficult thing to do. I just have no motivation. I really should just sit down at the table, and get to work. In a few hours, I could at least have the envelopes addressed. No idea about what to say on the inside. I have done some work on what goes on the front. <br /><br />Maybe that is what it is. All the work it takes to put this holiday together. Not that I don't like work. I just don't like work that isn't appreciated. I think I am having these feelings of no one really cares about me. I am feeling isolated (which makes sense since I do spend a great deal of my day alone). But I also feel when I do reach out, I am ignored.<br /><br />I know that this time of year makes me feel vulnerable to start. I get to constantly be reminded that I don't have a family, and how that means I don't fit into the Hallmark image of Christmas. That something is wrong with me. I also get to listen and watch other people whine about the families the do have. That's a pretty bad combination. It makes me vacillate between wanting to cry and scream. I probably shouldn't be around people.<br /><br /><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0763644102/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">The Magician's Elephant</a> by Kate DiCamillo.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-4087705983423079667?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-70050901564067326922009-12-06T13:22:00.000-08:002009-12-07T21:35:10.234-08:00<center><img alt="and then it snowed" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/sw-snowface.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />This photo really doesn't do the holiday light display at Small World justice. It truly is amazing. It actually felt like it was snowing at Disneyland.<br /><br />It truly has been decades since I have been to Disneyland during the holiday season. I know that it was special back then, but I couldn't believe how much wonder and delight the park holds right now.<br /><br />I understand that they are making handmade candy canes now. I made marshmallows once. I can't imaging the work that goes into formed candy.<br /><br />We plan to go back before the season is over. I can't wait!<br /><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0061490180/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Manhood for Amateurs</a> by Michael Chabon.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-7005090156406732692?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-76028696320167743352009-12-05T15:58:00.000-08:002009-12-05T23:14:24.200-08:00<center><img alt="dinner guests" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/hm-diningroom.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />Today we headed to Old Town Pasadena to do some holiday shopping of sorts. Even when you don't do the present thing, there are still things you need. We got the blank cards. Two packs of 50. I know of only one store that carries them. Thankfully, they were on sale too.<br /><br />We also got boxes for cookies. I guess I am committing to this holiday baking project. It has been ages since I have baked cookies as presents. I stopped because it was so much work. One year I literally had every plate we had covered with cookies. There were so many cookies, even after my Mom gave them to everyone she wanted, there was still enough to fill a coat box - yes a box large enough to fit a full length winter coat. <br /><br />The worst part of it was the next year when people didn't receive a box of cookies. Some people got rather nasty, wanting to know where there cookies were. It was truly awful. I hope I don't regret this.<br /><br />While we were at <a href="http://www.containerstore.com" target="ckg">The Container Store</a>, we also picked up an 8 quart container for bread dough. I think this may solve the problem I have been having making bread - it doesn't have enough room to rise. With this container, you can actually see how much your dough is rising. I hope this does the trick.<br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0375409289/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">A Gate at the Stairs</a> by Lorrie Moore.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-7602869632016774335?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-82292412293196458802009-12-04T12:13:00.000-08:002009-12-04T16:11:46.697-08:00<center><img alt="jolly or frightful" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/hm-hohoho.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />I honestly have never been a fan of <a href="http://www.facebook.com" target="ckg">FaceBook</a>. I still don't see it's value beyond being a way of displaying very targeted ads. I play along because I secretly hope that one day I will have an epiphany and will see the reason everyone is so crazy about it. Until then, I watch and wait and frown at my laptop (a lot).<br /><br />At first, I thought my problem with <a href="http://www.facebook.com" target="ckg">FaceBook</a> was that I didn't like being Super-Poked. Isn't that something only my husband should do? The 'hide' feature took care of that problem.¹ Really though, it is the level of behavior many people exhibit on FaceBook that bothers me most - it's like we have been time warped back to high school (or beyond).<br /><br />I see many people sharing things in an attempt to make themselves feel happy about themselves. I call these "the look at me, I'm awesome" posts. Really I should call them "the look at that lost soul" posts. I know you know what I am talking about. Some of you are nodding your heads right now. Heck, I get that we all want to feel good about ourselves, but there must be something more important to share than what came out of your child's you know where. And if not, then remember that listening is always more important than talking. Go toss a farm animal or play Scrabblious.<br /><br />An even worse offense in my book, are those who call in the cheerleading squad to have a pity party - the "oh woe is me" posts. Again, I am not against the pity party per se. But if it is all you have to offer, or you really aren't being honest about what's got you down, I am going to bring a mirror and hold it up so that you see your life isn't so bad. Yes, I am the one posting about homeless children - because really no one on my friends list has a life that is all that bad.<br /><br />I think the thing that bothers me most though, is the lack of empathy that people seem to have. From time to time, people do share some really hard stuff. Things like "my family member has cancer". And you know there are people who just want to hit the 'like' button and move on, except, they know that would be wrong. <b>You can't like the idea that someone might die.</b> And so most do nothing. How sad is that?<br /><br />But even when someone has really good news - like they dedicated themselves and earned a promotion at their job, people can't seem to just offer a true word of congratulations. Again, how very sad. Could you really be <i>that</i> jealous? In theory the people on Facebook are supposed to be people you know. The people closest to you, or who at one time were close to you. They are people who shared a life experience (like high school or working under a crazy boss) that no one else did in quite the same way. And yet most of us can't seem to be bothered to do something that takes literally seconds - offer a kind word.<br /><br />I am not letting people off the hook, but I do think that <a href="http://www.facebook.com" target="ckg">FaceBook</a> shares some of the blame for the way people treat one another on it. It is a very passive aggressive application. The best example I have is that of defriending. When you add someone to FaceBook, the other person has to approve. But when you defriend someone, it lets you do it without any kind of notice. Many people find out because the person shows up on the right column under friend suggestions. <br /><br />So think the next time before you hit "share". Are you really adding value to your friends? Are you having fun? Are you being truthful and caring? If something is really bothering you, let us know. That is what friends are for, after all.<br /><br /><br /><small>_________________________________________________<br />¹If you don't know about the hide feature - it's great! It will let you hide things from your feed like Superpoke and Mafia Wars (and any of those other annoying applications that get people to waste hours in front of their screens so that FaceBook can generate ads). On the top right of an entry, you should see "Hide". It will let you select if you want to hide the application or the user. If you select the application, it will hide anyone who uses that application - not just the one user. And yes, you can hide people too. I admit to have done it, but only rarely when people are not thinking before they hit share. It keeps me from defriending everyone.</small><br /><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0670020923/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Everything Matters!</a> by Jr., Ron Currie.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-8229241229319645880?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-47298832641779062262009-12-03T16:05:00.000-08:002009-12-11T14:03:30.505-08:00<center><img alt="why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/lacf-cow815.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />Amazon is once again offering <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=dm_gw_baebes4?ie=UTF8&docId=1000453281&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=right-1&pf_rd_r=1S48C1Q4ASHSAZRX6CH3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=503153871&pf_rd_i=163856011" target="ckg">25 daily holiday music downloads</a> for free. Every day in December, there is a new MP3. You need to download the Amazon MP3 Downloader to start. Of course, you must also have an Amazon.com account.<br /><br />I did this last year, and it was quite a mix. There was a little something for everyone. You can download them daily, or throughout the month. After the 25th though, they may or not be available.<br /><br />Here is the playlist to date:<ol><br /><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Joy-To-The-World/dp/B001GZL4I0/ref=amb_link_86271271_2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=12A55DZYPW1EJ10ZE52Q&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_p=503135111&pf_rd_i=1000453281" target="ckg">Joy to the World</a> by Casting Crowns (from the album <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001EOQUWS/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Peace on Earth</a>)</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Snow-Angel/dp/B002W9G5FG/ref=amb_link_86271271_4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=12A55DZYPW1EJ10ZE52Q&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_p=503135111&pf_rd_i=1000453281" target="ckg">Snow Angel</a> by Tori Amos (from the album <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002QCKOME/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Midwinter Graces</a>)</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Coventry-Carol/dp/B002P3NI90/ref=amb_link_86271271_6?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=12A55DZYPW1EJ10ZE52Q&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_p=503135111&pf_rd_i=1000453281" target="ckg">The Coventry Carol</a> by Mediaeval Baebes (from the album <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AM6O4/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Mistletoe & Wine</a>)</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Slower-Than-Christmas-Explicit/dp/B001LYX17S/ref=amb_link_86271371_8?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=03RARKVQ28MRRPFYT0AG&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_p=503135391&pf_rd_i=1000453281" target="ckg">Slower Than Christmas (explicit)</a> by The Box Masters (from the album <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001G5ZNCS/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Christmas Cheer (explicit)</a>)</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002OZJ86Q/ref=dm_ty_trk" target="ckg">God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen</a> by Jars of Clay (from the album <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VRXNT2/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Christmas Songs</a>)</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UQSE7O/ref=dm_ty_trk" target="ckg">Christmas Tree</a> by Lady GaGa (from the album <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001UQT1KI/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Christmas Tree</a>) </li><br /><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/No-Room/dp/B001382L6O/ref=amb_link_86272991_14?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1A3N15G0MP8NQ7071QYH&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_p=503141651&pf_rd_i=1000453281" target="ckg">No Room</a> by Todd Agnew (from the album <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000I0QKCY/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Do You Hear What I Hear</a>)</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Herald-Angels-feat-Beyler-Vahdat/dp/B002UQJ918/ref=amb_link_86273051_16?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1G12TB86A64MY96DTAZB&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_p=503141771&pf_rd_i=1000453281" target="ckg">Hark the Herald Angels Sing</a> by Carola (from the album <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002TUGX5U/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Christmas in Bethlehem</a>)</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/This-Christmas-Girl/dp/B001KSDN00/ref=amb_link_86319631_18?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0HPM9ZKFX73TWB0VM1SK&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_p=503879391&pf_rd_i=1000453281" target="ckg">This Christmas Girl</a> by James Pants (from the album <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0010NX1O8/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Badd Santa</a>)</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Silent-Night/dp/B002UV37UM/ref=amb_link_86323351_20?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1M9VED5Q2T09TT5985WR&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_p=504428351&pf_rd_i=1000453281" target="ckg">Silent Night</a> by House of Heros (from the album <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002UV72WQ/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">The Christmas Classics</a>)</li><br /><li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Oh-Holy-Night/dp/B003068DFU/ref=amb_link_86334971_22?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=003VS6G73D9QCVGZ3KFN&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_p=504612731&pf_rd_i=1000453281" target="ckg">O Holy Night</a> by Richie McDonald (from the album <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003068DFK/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">O Holy Night</a>)</li></ol><br /><br />And just for today, you can download the entire soundtrack to the Disney Pixar movie, UP. <a href="http://www.amplified.com/latimesdisney/page.aspx" target="ckg">Go here</a> and enter the code: latimesdisney. This expires on December 3, 2009, so act quickly.<br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0446504122/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Nuture Shock: New Thinking About Children</a> by Po Bronson.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-4729883264177906226?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-13472735936943005532009-12-02T12:53:00.000-08:002009-12-02T23:07:52.289-08:00<center><img alt="take a lick" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/lacf-drbobs.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />I have decided what to do for December's challenge. I really do have close to 31 postcards around here. Why not send them out over the month, and see what happens. It could be fun. Or at least interesting.<br /><br />I have postcards from Vegas and Disneyland and even Oregon. There are also some from the W Hotel. Those are actually pretty cool. I love postcards, but do agree that they are best sent out into the world.<br /><br />I also realized today that I need to get started on my holiday cards. I always say I will get them out by the 15th, but have never succeeded. I'm lucky if I make it by Christmas day.<br /><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0740769715/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Await Your Reply</a><br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-1347273593694300553?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-38544917167863307062009-12-01T15:30:00.000-08:002009-12-01T23:38:20.473-08:00<center><img alt="opening" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/hl-closedbud.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br /><i>Mitzvah is defined as a precept or commandment. A good deed done for religious duty. Comes from 17th century Hebrew.</i><br /><br />I signed on for another month of blogging. December comes with an additional challenge from Eden Kennedy: "to give something, to someone, every day of the month, and then blog about it. The goal is to act with kindness, obviously -- I don't want to be responsible for people giving each other black eyes. Your gifts can be as large as volunteering or donating to charity, or as small as a kind word to someone who needs it."<br /><br />Being a bit of a shut it, I am not sure exactly how this will work. I also am not much into bragging about doing something good - somehow I think that takes away from it. I do like sending things in the mail, so perhaps that is something I can do.<br /><br />Here are some other ideas (off the top of my head):<ul><br /><li><b>Do something nice for someone you care about</b>: make someone a sandwich, walk the neighbor's dog, do someone else's regular chore.</li><br /><li><b>Do something unexpected for someone you have lost touch with</b>: phone a friend out of the blue, send a card, write a letter, buy someone something off their wish list.</li><br /><li><b>Be kind to strangers</b>: hold open the door, help someone with a heavy package, smile, let the other person have the better parking space.</li><br /><li><b> Help the needy</b>: give your leftovers from your dinner to a homeless person, put some change in the Salvation Army can, drop off a used coat or warm clothing.</li><br /><li><b>Start a project</b>: bake cookies, take up a cause, start a postcard campaign.</li></ul><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0375414967/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">That Old Cape Magic</a> by Richard Russo.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-3854491716786330706?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-29535442366530966862009-11-30T13:29:00.000-08:002009-11-30T21:53:23.664-08:00<center><img alt="contrast" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/hl-wtrosecontr.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />Yesterday we decided to give in, and returned to the happiest place on earth. It is the first time I have been there in decades for the holiday season. It did not disappoint.<br /><br />The main thing I wanted to see was Small World. Oh wow! We waited in line for about 30 minutes in the middle of the afternoon. The holiday decorations inside were amazing. I loved how they matched the country with their actual holiday traditions. We knew though, that we needed to return after the sun went down for the light show.<br /><br />We lucked out and only had to wait in line about 10 minutes for Buzz Lightyear. Then we walked around the Matterhorn, towards Small World. Even from afar, the lights were amazing. We only had one obstacle in our way - the parade.<br /><br />We ended up in a line to get across the parade route. A cast member instructed us to walk fast, or we would have to wait for the next break in the parade to cross.<br /><br />We made it across just fine. Then we made it to the front of Small World. Wow. Just wow.<br /><br />Then we figured out where the end of the line was, an got in it. Even better, we managed to see the end of the parade up close. And just when it couldn't get any more awesome, the light show started as we were on the ramp down to the boats.<br /><br />I have photos, but haven't downloaded them yet. Heck, I'm hoping to finish everything I had planned for Thanksgiving dinner sometime this week.<br /><br /><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1594202184/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">The Curse of the Good Girl</a> by Rachael Simmons.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-2953544236653096686?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-34845386749592756222009-11-29T21:42:00.000-08:002009-11-29T23:34:53.982-08:00<center><img alt="angel hush" height="414" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/hl-hushangel.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />I know this isn't something I talk about often. I did, however, spend a number of years working for a large health insurance provider.<br /><br />A few weeks ago, I listened to This American Life's 2-part series on health insurance reform. One of the most important questions it asked was why we should let our employers be in charge of our health insurance. The simple truth is, we shouldn't. Here are just a few reasons:<ul><br /><li>The reality is that people who sick, cannot work. So if you get sick, and can't work, and lose your job, guess what else you lose? That's right, your health insurance. And please don't say COBRA. Anyone who has ever had to rely on COBRA knows that it is only a good idea in theory. Here is a <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/29/opinion/29kristof.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss" target="ckg">NYT's Op-Ed piece</a> on just this issue.</li><br /><li>Health care providers may have commercials in which they talk about the patient as being their customer, but the reality is if you have group health insurance from your employer - they are the customer - not you. Don't believe me. Ask what happens if your employer doesn't make a payment to your health insurance company. If you were to call your health insurance company, they wouldn't even tell you that your employer didn't pay, even if it was the reason they denied your claim.</li><br /><li>Employers usually decide which health care plan to provide employees based on what is most cost effective for the employer. So if your needs differ, you are either paying for something inadequate, or paying for something you don't need.</li><br /><li>Why have your health care (or of those in your family) tied to your job? There are many people out there right now who can't leave jobs they hate (or aren't serving them) for fear of losing health insurance. Conversely, why put your job at risk because you are forced to discuss a health issue of your or your family with your employer?</li></ul><br /><br />You can listen to This American Life's <a href="http://www.thisamericanlife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?sched=1320" target="ckg">Episode 391: Less is More</a> and <a href="http://www.thislife.org/Radio_Episode.aspx?episode=392" target="ckg">Episode 392: Someone Else's Money</a> for free at those links. I highly recommend you do. Then ask what real health care reform means.<br /><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0385527306/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Trouble</a> by Kate Christensen.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-3484538674959275622?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-43855368598228825612009-11-28T22:35:00.000-08:002009-11-29T00:16:26.012-08:00<center><img alt="drained of color" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/hl-rosebw.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />Just some random thoughts about today:<ul><br /><li>While I could probably live on turkey sandwiches for a week, B could not. So tonight we went out for Thai food.</li><br /><li>I think the dishes are multiplying - like bunnies!</li><br /><li>We are going to try eating oatmeal for breakfast until Christmas. Then bacon and eggs!</li><br /><li>It sprinkled today.</li><br /><li>The plan is to go to Disneyland tomorrow! Can't wait to see Small World decked out!!!</li></ul><br /><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002U0KP4O/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Blueberry Girl</a> by Neil Gaiman.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-4385536859822882561?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-52177461625200009612009-11-27T20:35:00.000-08:002009-11-27T23:41:59.781-08:00<center><img alt="flying flower" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/rpfc-ufflo.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />Thanksgiving dinner went off without any real issues. I ended up toning down the feast a bit. I not only realized this was way too much food for four people and one pre-schooler, but I was running out of time and oven space. I nixed the stuffed mushrooms and the corn souffle. I had just about run out of milk too, so that also meant the corn souffle was really not going to happen, even if I could find a place in the oven for it.<br /><br />B was in charge of finishing tidying up the house, while I cooked. I came down to the kitchen around 8:30 am and pretty much went non-stop until 2:30 pm. I took a break to change my clothes, and laid down for about 5 minutes. Then it was back to check on the turkey, and get everything ready for that last half hour of getting everything to the table warm.<br /><br />I let the turkey rest in a sink full of water, while I started on the gravy and the stuffing. The gravy required blanching 24 cloves of garlic three times. It isn't difficult, but labor intensive. While the garlic was blanching, I sauteed the onions and other vegetables.<br /><br />Once the turkey was ready to go in the oven, I was somewhat relieved. If nothing else, we would have turkey and pie. There was a moment where I couldn't find the onions for the green bean casserole, but I just went and did something else. When I came back, I found them.<br /><br />We ended up eating on the patio. It was 80F in LA yesterday. It was actually nice. Of course, it is still autumn, so once the sun starting setting, it got chilly, so we went inside.<br /><br />We had pie a few hours later in the (formal) dining room. It is pretty ironic that I currently reside in a house that has three dining tables, that seat at least six people, after not having a dining table for so long.<br /><br />At the end of the day, I was too busy and tired to really get upset or sad. I dragged my sore body downstairs to put the remaining food away. I was going to have a turkey sandwich, but really was too tired. I forced myself to do a load of dishes, and then went to bed.<br /><br />It was nice not to deal with any family drama at least. Of course, it doesn't make for the most interesting of blog posts.<br /><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1561454907/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">14 Cows for America</a> by Carmen Deedy.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-5217746162520000961?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-22705736996478704652009-11-26T23:49:00.000-08:002009-11-30T22:42:04.923-08:00<center><img alt="green and white" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/rpfc-greenmids.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />It's funny. I've been trying to remember a Thanksgiving from my childhood, and can't. Isn't that weird?<br /><br />I know we must have done something, but clearly it wasn't very memorable. Who knows?<br /><br />We did go to my Aunt & Uncle's house one year. They are vegetarian. I remember my Aunt announcing that she had invited our father to dinner. We thought she was serious, but then discovered she meant she had cooked a turkey. That really was a big surprise.<br /><br />The most memorable Thanksgiving was the one in Austin where the oven didn't turn on. I had the turkey already to go into the oven, only to discover that the oven was stone cold. I thought it was the pilot light, but turned out to be something much more serious.<br /><br />Thankfully one of our guests was pretty handy, and agreed to come over early and fit it. My back up plan was pumpkin soup, and pie that someone was bringing. In the end, we had turkey around 11 pm. That was definitely a Thanksgiving to remember.<br /><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/052595127X/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">This is Where I Leave You</a> by Jonathan Tropper.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-2270573699647870465?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-24366446691747484422009-11-25T23:17:00.000-08:002009-11-30T20:11:27.577-08:00<center><img alt="orange zinnia" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/rpfc-ongzinn.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />I forgot how long pie takes to make. The crust itself, only takes a couple of minutes in the Cuisinart. But then it must be chilled. And then rolled. And then chilled. And then filled. And then chilled. And finally baked. And at long last cooled.<br /><br />The apple pie I made wasn't difficult, but I started the process at 1pm, and it didn't get into the oven until after 5pm. Of course, I wasn't entirely focused on pie making - there is also cleaning to do. Still, I figure from the time you measure the flour, until the pie is completely cooled (which is essential), you are easily looking at 8 or more hours until pie.<br /><br />I don't see how anyone can make pies and turkey at the same time. Even if you had two ovens, it would be quite a feat to pull off.<br /><br />My plan was to also make the gravy and the popovers. After two pies, I am beat. Guess I will just get up extra early tomorrow.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/159448869X/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Both Ways Is The Only Way I Want It</a> by Maile Meloy.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-2436644669174748442?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-35884563297181108612009-11-24T14:03:00.000-08:002009-11-25T00:36:36.071-08:00<center><img alt="field of white" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/rpfc-fdofwht.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />Or at 5, 6, or even noon. I won't. I just think it is wrong. Each year it seems like these sales start earlier. Some stores, like Walmart, are reportedly staying open Thanksgiving night. This is being done to help keep the crowds under control, so that hopefully no one is trampled this year. Yes, people have died for this cause.<br /><br />Now, while I understand needing an excuse to get away from the family - this is not the answer. It really isn't. Go for a walk. Take a nap. Phone a friend.<br /><br />The sad thing is that the big deals that everyone is waiting in line, and skipping out on the family for is - wait for it - a television! If you have read any of this blog, you know how I feel about TV.<br /><br />Black Friday is a sucker's game. The big retailers are pulling out all the stops to get you to buy stuff you don't need. They are preying on your sleep deprived, caffeine fueled, desire not to go home empty-handed. They know no one wants to stand outside for hours (in most places in the cold) and come home with nothing. You could have had a second slice of your favorite pie!<br /><br />If you don't believe me, read <a href="http://undomesticdiva.typepad.com/undomestic_diva/2008/12/adventures-in-black-friday-shopping.html" target="ckg">Undomestic Diva's tale from last year</a>. It's funny, but not in that way.<br /><br />Remember, no one was born to shop. Here's a link to <a href="https://www.adbusters.org/campaigns/bnd" target="ckg">Buy Nothing Day</a>. It's this Friday. It's simple - sleep in and enjoy. For more ideas, here is <a href="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/2009/10/reason-for-season.html" target="ckg">my annual rant</a>.<br /><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1416939989/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Lucky Breaks</a> by Susan Patron.<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-3588456329718110861?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3794442.post-15788787329630134082009-11-23T22:28:00.000-08:002009-12-26T11:36:44.235-08:00<center><img alt="very pink" height="339" src="http://www.onceupon.com/27floor/images/rpfc-vpkzinnia.jpg" width="500" /></center><br /><small><div align="right"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012YA85A/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">canon digital rebel xsi</a></div></small><br /><br />Today I felt like a suburban housewife. I went to the post office, the dry cleaner, picked up some take out, and stopped at Starbucks. The post office was the most interesting, so that will be my focus.<br /><br />I haven't been to the post office in weeks, which really isn't like me. I am always sending stuff out. Today didn't make me want to go back anytime soon.<br /><br />The line was nearly to the door when I arrived in the late afternoon. There was a woman at the automated machine, with a package that in no way shape or form, was going to fit into that box next to it. I would have gone the automated route, but one of my packages was leaving the country, so it wasn't an option. So in the line I waited.<br /><br />There were three people working, but one was soon done for the day. This brought out the guy from the back who was willing to help anyone that didn't have a transaction that required money. The woman behind me, only needed a change of address form. The woman in front of me was also able to be helped. That still left at least 10 transactions ahead of me. And guessing from the look of things, most very going to be complicated.<br /><br />The guy who was no ahead of me had two shirt size boxes wrapped in brown paper. He said he had paid for the postage already, but had to stay in line because he was shipping international. When he got to the counter, it was clear something was wrong. The other postal employee managed to help the guy ahead of him who was sending several packages to France, as well as me, and was still there. I am not sure what happened, but the postal worker couldn't scan the paperwork he had printed. And also it would seem that however he had weighed his packages was off by at least three pounds. No idea how it ended. I left.<br /><br />I really think post offices should use a number system when there is a crowd. It gives people the chance to get the forms they need and fill them out before getting to the counter. I felt bad that I had to fill out the customs form at the counter, but the forms were on the other side of the room. I didn't want to end up behind two more people while i got the form.<br /><br />I also watched the guy who came out and emptied the box next to the automatic machine. I could clearly see boxes inside that were well over the size limit. There is a large sign on the door to the box that explains to people that because of heightened security, you cannot put anything into the box over a certain size. I still have no idea what that woman did with her humungous box. I didn't see it when I left.<br /><br />Also, I am a bit disappointed by the holiday stamps this year. I got a book of each, but am not inspired.<br /><br /><br />on the night stand :: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0618443363/?tag=onceuponatimepro" target="bobowicz">Baking: from My Home to Yours</a> by Dorie Greenspan<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript" src="http://w.sharethis.com/button/sharethis.js#publisher=ba3a0be5-6f07-425e-8627-d7e225d134da&amp;type=website&amp;buttonText=ShareThis%20Post&amp;popup=true&amp;style=rotate"></script><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/3794442-1578878732963013408?l=www.onceupon.com%2F27floor%2Fblogger.html' alt='' /></div>Chrishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00620866445182613190go.chris@mac.com2