"I may not be perfect but parts of me are excellent."
That saying not only gave me a chuckle but it's one I remember from time to time, like a self-affirmation, whenever I may get down about my shortcomings.
For example, I cannot read novels. The sub-plots and multi-layered personalities of various characters are too tedious to pile on top of my already-overloaded brain. Add in reverse-chronology, I am lost.
Prequels, sequels, trilogies? Forgetaboutit!!
I blame this on my attention-challenged psyche; easily distracted, it may take me three times to read one paragraph for full comprehension. That's no way to enjoy any book!
When "The Da Vinci Code" was all the rage, I wanted to understand why. Ditto "The Celestine Prophecy", "The Secret", and "The Four Agreements".
Still, no can do. I read for information or inspiration--not to escape. Just the facts, please and a few visuals like political cartoons suit me fine.
As for the NY Times bestselling novels, I'll wait for movie versions--even though they rarely do the original piece justice and may never be as exciting as cracking the spine of a fresh novel.
Still, it beats being out of the literary loop.
Excellence not perfection!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
True Love
Some women love shoes; others have a weakness for handbags. I happen to fall into the latter group.
It's true. I am a Purse 'Ho.
It's not that I don't love shoes. I do. It's just that I tend to gravitate to the same ones everyday. I wear a favorite pair till I fall for something else. Such a fickle love affair I have with footwear!
But with purses: newer, cooler ones that trump all the others I own, keep coming into sharper focus. Sometimes I muse on it; sometimes, it's an obsession.
Must. Have. Bag.
But ultimately, I never go looking for the handbags I fall for; they find me.
Just like true love.
It's true. I am a Purse 'Ho.
It's not that I don't love shoes. I do. It's just that I tend to gravitate to the same ones everyday. I wear a favorite pair till I fall for something else. Such a fickle love affair I have with footwear!
But with purses: newer, cooler ones that trump all the others I own, keep coming into sharper focus. Sometimes I muse on it; sometimes, it's an obsession.
Must. Have. Bag.
But ultimately, I never go looking for the handbags I fall for; they find me.
Just like true love.
So Much More
Oh, Modern Technology, we thank thee...especially for machines that clean our things like automatic dishwashers and washing machines!
How spoiled we are, to shop at a corner store and chose our food instead of hunting and gathering for it like our ancestors did!
How blessed we are, to live in a city brimming with weekly farmer's markets in every neighborhood!
But still...
We may not have to grow our own food or debone a carcass (how disgusting!) but the daily/weekly ritual of getting groceries from market to table is, well, exhausting.
How did my mom do it for so many people, for so many years? I never heard her complain but, no doubt, she suffered in silence. It was, after all, her duty as well as her position as domestic engineer.
And smile all the while.
But that was then. Luckily, no longer is it a woman's-only department to shop and schlep provisions. Women may have a ways to go before attaining 100% equal rights, but we've come a long, long way from the days of being relegated to running a household only.
From CEO's to United States presidential campaigner, nowadays women are running multi-million dollar businesses everywhere.
Domestic engineer? You bet!
But Oh, Soooo much more!!!
How spoiled we are, to shop at a corner store and chose our food instead of hunting and gathering for it like our ancestors did!
How blessed we are, to live in a city brimming with weekly farmer's markets in every neighborhood!
But still...
We may not have to grow our own food or debone a carcass (how disgusting!) but the daily/weekly ritual of getting groceries from market to table is, well, exhausting.
How did my mom do it for so many people, for so many years? I never heard her complain but, no doubt, she suffered in silence. It was, after all, her duty as well as her position as domestic engineer.
And smile all the while.
But that was then. Luckily, no longer is it a woman's-only department to shop and schlep provisions. Women may have a ways to go before attaining 100% equal rights, but we've come a long, long way from the days of being relegated to running a household only.
From CEO's to United States presidential campaigner, nowadays women are running multi-million dollar businesses everywhere.
Domestic engineer? You bet!
But Oh, Soooo much more!!!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Loser!
I've lost a lot of things in my life but for sure, the most annoying loss has got to be my glasses, especially for the second time! These are not reading glasses, mind you, but prescription lenses needed for long distance.
Next, the TV remote has gone missing for a couple days which I'd easily live without if I could just find my glasses! (OK, maybe not easily; we are, after all, creatures of habit)
What's next? Car keys? Fortunately, I have a back-up set.
The first time my glasses went missing a few months ago, I did without them for weeks before realizing I needed to order another pair.
Of course, they were found the next day. Fortunately, I was able to cancel the new ones.
Last time I lost my glasses I swore I'd wear them around my neck from now on. But since I actually need them so rarely, it seemed impractical, not to mention, ridiculous-looking.
Now what? Vacation looms next week. Hhhmmm, I wonder how long I can go without them this time.
Next, the TV remote has gone missing for a couple days which I'd easily live without if I could just find my glasses! (OK, maybe not easily; we are, after all, creatures of habit)
What's next? Car keys? Fortunately, I have a back-up set.
The first time my glasses went missing a few months ago, I did without them for weeks before realizing I needed to order another pair.
Of course, they were found the next day. Fortunately, I was able to cancel the new ones.
Last time I lost my glasses I swore I'd wear them around my neck from now on. But since I actually need them so rarely, it seemed impractical, not to mention, ridiculous-looking.
Now what? Vacation looms next week. Hhhmmm, I wonder how long I can go without them this time.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Bu$ted!
I've lived in Portland for 28 years and today I had a first! Not something I'm proud of but something that was certain to catch up with me...eventually.
"Instant karma's gonna get you." And get me, it did!
Got pulled over for speeding. Yup! Had never been pulled over by Portland's finest...till today.
Not that I haven't deserved LOTS of tickets long ago for the same offense. I have been flying around the streets of Portland, especially Northeast...for almost 30 years. So, I consider myself lucky that it's taken the cops this long to get me.
After he introduced himself as Officer John _______________something, I didn't hear another thing until he said his "radar clocked me going 59 in a 45 mile zone".
O.K. Fair enough.
While sitting there waiting for my verdict, I entertained visions of Officer John giving me a 'warning'.
Ha. Fat chance! Adding insult to injury, some guy driving by in a red Volvo yelled at us, "Yeah, get her! She was flying!"
Ouch! OK, OK; Mea Culpa!
Just.
Don't.
Shoot.
Except for the economical crunch, it was fairly painless. He took less than 10 minutes to cite me for speeding and I was off, hoping I wouldn't get pulled over again in the same day.
As I drove away from the curb, I vowed to never $peed again!
Ha.
Yeah, right!
"Instant karma's gonna get you." And get me, it did!
Got pulled over for speeding. Yup! Had never been pulled over by Portland's finest...till today.
Not that I haven't deserved LOTS of tickets long ago for the same offense. I have been flying around the streets of Portland, especially Northeast...for almost 30 years. So, I consider myself lucky that it's taken the cops this long to get me.
After he introduced himself as Officer John _______________something, I didn't hear another thing until he said his "radar clocked me going 59 in a 45 mile zone".
O.K. Fair enough.
While sitting there waiting for my verdict, I entertained visions of Officer John giving me a 'warning'.
Ha. Fat chance! Adding insult to injury, some guy driving by in a red Volvo yelled at us, "Yeah, get her! She was flying!"
Ouch! OK, OK; Mea Culpa!
Just.
Don't.
Shoot.
Except for the economical crunch, it was fairly painless. He took less than 10 minutes to cite me for speeding and I was off, hoping I wouldn't get pulled over again in the same day.
As I drove away from the curb, I vowed to never $peed again!
Ha.
Yeah, right!
Oh, My!
Zip Cars. Flex-Cars. Smart Cars.
There are some very peculiar-looking vehicles on the road these days as everyone scrambles to find cheaper ways to get around the city.
I did a double-take recently when I noticed a three-wheeled auto resembling a go-cart, was driving alongside me. In my average-sized sedan, I felt like a giant. It was even small enough to be in the bike lane, though I'm sure bicyclists wouldn't hear of that.
With so many different modes of transportation to choose from, I am proud to live in such a progressive city (as Portland) which encourages us to move toward future solutions using these alternatives.
Yes, it makes city driving more challenging as nowadays we must be ever-vigilant of commuters on bikes, scooters and 3-wheelers. But considering their conscientious motives to tread lighter and use less oil, that's an easy concession.
We, the driving public, should be very grateful...and watchful of them.
There are some very peculiar-looking vehicles on the road these days as everyone scrambles to find cheaper ways to get around the city.
I did a double-take recently when I noticed a three-wheeled auto resembling a go-cart, was driving alongside me. In my average-sized sedan, I felt like a giant. It was even small enough to be in the bike lane, though I'm sure bicyclists wouldn't hear of that.
With so many different modes of transportation to choose from, I am proud to live in such a progressive city (as Portland) which encourages us to move toward future solutions using these alternatives.
Yes, it makes city driving more challenging as nowadays we must be ever-vigilant of commuters on bikes, scooters and 3-wheelers. But considering their conscientious motives to tread lighter and use less oil, that's an easy concession.
We, the driving public, should be very grateful...and watchful of them.
Friday, June 20, 2008
When the going gets tough...
Like happiness, it is evanescent; something you can't put your finger on; a quiet knowing that regardless of outcome, "This, too, shall pass."
It.
Is.
Faith.
Faith may have its roots in religion but for me, it encompasses a way of life beyond the confines of any place of worship. Without it, I'm not sure how I'd survive.
They say when the going gets tough, the tough get going. But more often than not, the tough turn to their faith, stronger than steel.
When I find myself at a crossroads or when life throws me a curve ball, faith (in the outcome) is my strongest ally.
Ofttimes, it is the questions that are more important than the answers.
It.
Is.
Faith.
Faith may have its roots in religion but for me, it encompasses a way of life beyond the confines of any place of worship. Without it, I'm not sure how I'd survive.
They say when the going gets tough, the tough get going. But more often than not, the tough turn to their faith, stronger than steel.
When I find myself at a crossroads or when life throws me a curve ball, faith (in the outcome) is my strongest ally.
Ofttimes, it is the questions that are more important than the answers.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
What she said!
I'm convinced there are two kinds of people in this world.
Dog people and everyone else!
To wit, while sitting on the floor at a friend's house yesterday, suddenly her two big black Labs came bounding up behind me and started licking my neck profusely.
Yikes!!!
Yuck!! My neck was all wet with doggie saliva!
I know. I know. This is a distinct sign of affection on their parts for which I should feel honored.
But. Still.
I left there thinking, "I don't mind saliva on my neck...really, I don't; as long as it comes from the tongue of my lover."
Dog people and everyone else!
To wit, while sitting on the floor at a friend's house yesterday, suddenly her two big black Labs came bounding up behind me and started licking my neck profusely.
Yikes!!!
Yuck!! My neck was all wet with doggie saliva!
I know. I know. This is a distinct sign of affection on their parts for which I should feel honored.
But. Still.
I left there thinking, "I don't mind saliva on my neck...really, I don't; as long as it comes from the tongue of my lover."
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Scathingly Delightful!
Finally. Finally! Finally!!
It's one of those gorgeous Oregon days where the weather is, dare I say, perfect!? The kind we wait all winter for: around 75 degrees, not a cloud in the sky and a slight breeze.
Ahhhh, IADOREGON!!
We may suffer long stretches of grey days...but that's because we know what lies ahead. We await the great weather full of anticipation, for when it arrives, it never ceases to enthrall.
Finally, that time is here!
It is a scathingly delightful Sunday; a slow, lazy day; a time to kick back and enjoy the weather in whatever way suitable.
On the river, in the mountains or at the beach.
It's all within reach.
Just add sunshine!
It's one of those gorgeous Oregon days where the weather is, dare I say, perfect!? The kind we wait all winter for: around 75 degrees, not a cloud in the sky and a slight breeze.
Ahhhh, IADOREGON!!
We may suffer long stretches of grey days...but that's because we know what lies ahead. We await the great weather full of anticipation, for when it arrives, it never ceases to enthrall.
Finally, that time is here!
It is a scathingly delightful Sunday; a slow, lazy day; a time to kick back and enjoy the weather in whatever way suitable.
On the river, in the mountains or at the beach.
It's all within reach.
Just add sunshine!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Fly Girl!
Never been a big fan of flying but I have, finally, gotten over my fear of it.
Still, I'm glad that, at this writing, I have no need or intention of boarding a "big bird". Not only is it more expensive now, most airlines have resorted to nickle and dime-ing their customers in an effort to offset higher fuel costs.
A recent report really brought it home.
"Flying is no longer something to enjoy but to endure."
Ha. That's the only way I've ever coped with flying: by sheer endurance of...cramped quarters, shared arm rests, long hours and crying babies! Ach!
I consider flying to be a sacrifice, a complete surrender of control, decisions and time lines. Unless one lives in the lap of luxury, where money is no object and first class is always the way to go, flying is no longer an enjoyable mode of transportation.
Not that it ever was for this fly girl!
Still, I'm glad that, at this writing, I have no need or intention of boarding a "big bird". Not only is it more expensive now, most airlines have resorted to nickle and dime-ing their customers in an effort to offset higher fuel costs.
A recent report really brought it home.
"Flying is no longer something to enjoy but to endure."
Ha. That's the only way I've ever coped with flying: by sheer endurance of...cramped quarters, shared arm rests, long hours and crying babies! Ach!
I consider flying to be a sacrifice, a complete surrender of control, decisions and time lines. Unless one lives in the lap of luxury, where money is no object and first class is always the way to go, flying is no longer an enjoyable mode of transportation.
Not that it ever was for this fly girl!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
June-uary!
I'm just as tired of the cold, grey weather as the next Oregonian but between the two extremes playing out across the nation, I'll take what we've got any day over oppressively hot and humid that the eastern states are suffering these days.
No. Contest.
Meanwhile, my summer linens hang there as if to mock me while I grab for wool and fleece during June-uary, as it's been affectionately dubbed.
Not to worry; once summer arrives here, it will be pure nirvana with warm temperatures and light marine breezes, always keeping us cool under the hottest conditions.
I heart the Pacific Northwest!
No. Contest.
Meanwhile, my summer linens hang there as if to mock me while I grab for wool and fleece during June-uary, as it's been affectionately dubbed.
Not to worry; once summer arrives here, it will be pure nirvana with warm temperatures and light marine breezes, always keeping us cool under the hottest conditions.
I heart the Pacific Northwest!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
$ign of the Time$
With constantly rising fuel costs, many people are scrambling to find cheaper ways to get around. In doing so, they're turning to new AND old modes of transportation.
There I was in the front yard yesterday, tending my garden, when a passing car stopped and its driver asked,
"Are you using that old Honda?", referring to my 87 Accord in the driveway.
"Oh, yeah!", I replied.
"So, it's not for sale!?", he continued.
"Oh, Nooooo!" said I, emphatically.
Over the years, that ol' Honda has taken a lickin' and keeps on tickin' while I've taken a lot of flak, mostly from family, about how old it is.
Not easily swayed by nay-sayers, I know a good thing when I got it! Truly faithful vehicles like Hondas last--if not forever--for a very L O N G T I M E.
So, what d'ya know!? People are seeking out older models like mine. Who knew my old car would become so desirable?
Why? Three words: great gas mileage.
I have been officially vindicated!
There I was in the front yard yesterday, tending my garden, when a passing car stopped and its driver asked,
"Are you using that old Honda?", referring to my 87 Accord in the driveway.
"Oh, yeah!", I replied.
"So, it's not for sale!?", he continued.
"Oh, Nooooo!" said I, emphatically.
Over the years, that ol' Honda has taken a lickin' and keeps on tickin' while I've taken a lot of flak, mostly from family, about how old it is.
Not easily swayed by nay-sayers, I know a good thing when I got it! Truly faithful vehicles like Hondas last--if not forever--for a very L O N G T I M E.
So, what d'ya know!? People are seeking out older models like mine. Who knew my old car would become so desirable?
Why? Three words: great gas mileage.
I have been officially vindicated!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Ode to Papa
Every year around this time, I get a little melancholy. Seeing all the ads for Father's Day reminds me that mine in gone. It's only been four years but it feels like forty.
Even though I hadn't lived near Dad for twenty-some years, despite the miles between us, we'd become so much closer over the last decade.
He would call me for no other reason that to say "hi" when in the past Dad wasn't much of a phone person. But after retirement, he was so full of life and joie de vivre! It was such a pleasure to know him as a friend instead of just my parent.
Much of who I am today I owe to him. Never one to mince words, Dad always told it like it is, even if somewhat brashly. I'm sure I got my in-your-face, no-bones-about-it writing style from him although mom was no shrinking violet either. heh-heh!
Both of my parents were ordinary people who accomplished extraordinary things in their lives, not the least of which was raising a hellion like me!
Even though I hadn't lived near Dad for twenty-some years, despite the miles between us, we'd become so much closer over the last decade.
He would call me for no other reason that to say "hi" when in the past Dad wasn't much of a phone person. But after retirement, he was so full of life and joie de vivre! It was such a pleasure to know him as a friend instead of just my parent.
Much of who I am today I owe to him. Never one to mince words, Dad always told it like it is, even if somewhat brashly. I'm sure I got my in-your-face, no-bones-about-it writing style from him although mom was no shrinking violet either. heh-heh!
Both of my parents were ordinary people who accomplished extraordinary things in their lives, not the least of which was raising a hellion like me!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Is it July yet?
OK, it's getting a little old now!
With a low pressure system hanging tightly over the Pacific Northwest, day after day, it's cold and wet and grey.
Sure, we may get one nice day, in between a week's worth of dark, dank ones. Great weather for indoor work but the garden, oh, the garden!!--in need of more Spring cleaning, incessant drizzly weather is not cooperating.
Mother Nature can be such a Bitch!
But I should know by now. This isn't rare. After all, it's Rose Festival in The Rose City and statistics would likely bear out that rainy is the norm now.
I should also know that summer doesn't arrive in Portland till July 5. For some strange reason, it's true and statistics would likely bear that out, too!
Sigh! Is it July yet?
With a low pressure system hanging tightly over the Pacific Northwest, day after day, it's cold and wet and grey.
Sure, we may get one nice day, in between a week's worth of dark, dank ones. Great weather for indoor work but the garden, oh, the garden!!--in need of more Spring cleaning, incessant drizzly weather is not cooperating.
Mother Nature can be such a Bitch!
But I should know by now. This isn't rare. After all, it's Rose Festival in The Rose City and statistics would likely bear out that rainy is the norm now.
I should also know that summer doesn't arrive in Portland till July 5. For some strange reason, it's true and statistics would likely bear that out, too!
Sigh! Is it July yet?
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