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Sunday, July 19, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Lego My Alter Ego
I want an alter ego. Beyonce has Sasha Fierce. Sasha is Beyonce's stage persona when she wants to get all crazy and aggressive. Offstage, Beyonce is mild mannered and sweet. Onstage, Sasha is a bat out of hell. Sasha wears a titanium glove on one hand. It is very robotic. It is fierce. I want to be fierce. I want a titanium glove for my hand so people stare and wonder if I'm part machine because I'm so damn fierce. When I'm at work, I could be fierce. When I'm at home, not fierce. I like it.
Remember Garth Brook's alter ego, Chris Gaines? Chris Gaines was Garth's alternative rocker side. According to his 'fictional biography' Christian Gaines was born 10 August 1967, dropped out of high school to form a band called Crush, remained dormant for several years after the death of the band's lead singer, released his first solo album, Straight Jacket, won four Grammys, was involved in a serious car accident in 1992, had numerous plastic surgeries and remained reclusive until the release of his last studio album Triangle in 1996.
WTF?!?
Why is it that only celebrities can have alter egos? When non-celebrities adopt alternate personalities, they are labeled schizophrenic, psychologically unstable and just plain old coo koo. Right? Yet, for celebs its just another day at the office. Enough. I'm not having it anymore. From now on, everybody gets another personality. There will be no ridicule, no scorn, no interventions and trips to see the doctor to procure brain softening medicines. If you want to be a robot handed, laser-pointer obsessed, slicked back hair, super freak with a ninja complex . . . go for it! Whatever floats your boat I say. As for me, I'm still working through the details of my alter ego. The fictional biography is in process. Where was my alter ego born? What were my fictional parents like? How did I become who I am today? Tough stuff creating a totally new person who is me, but really isn't me.
I can tell you one thing. My alter ego does not do dishes, she doesn't clean toilets or do laundry or any of that domestic caretaking. She stays up all night, hangs with the wrong crowd, never plans. She doesn't feel guilt or worry. She's fearless. She's bad ass.
Remember Garth Brook's alter ego, Chris Gaines? Chris Gaines was Garth's alternative rocker side. According to his 'fictional biography' Christian Gaines was born 10 August 1967, dropped out of high school to form a band called Crush, remained dormant for several years after the death of the band's lead singer, released his first solo album, Straight Jacket, won four Grammys, was involved in a serious car accident in 1992, had numerous plastic surgeries and remained reclusive until the release of his last studio album Triangle in 1996.
WTF?!?
Why is it that only celebrities can have alter egos? When non-celebrities adopt alternate personalities, they are labeled schizophrenic, psychologically unstable and just plain old coo koo. Right? Yet, for celebs its just another day at the office. Enough. I'm not having it anymore. From now on, everybody gets another personality. There will be no ridicule, no scorn, no interventions and trips to see the doctor to procure brain softening medicines. If you want to be a robot handed, laser-pointer obsessed, slicked back hair, super freak with a ninja complex . . . go for it! Whatever floats your boat I say. As for me, I'm still working through the details of my alter ego. The fictional biography is in process. Where was my alter ego born? What were my fictional parents like? How did I become who I am today? Tough stuff creating a totally new person who is me, but really isn't me.
I can tell you one thing. My alter ego does not do dishes, she doesn't clean toilets or do laundry or any of that domestic caretaking. She stays up all night, hangs with the wrong crowd, never plans. She doesn't feel guilt or worry. She's fearless. She's bad ass.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
I'm Back
It's been a long time since I wrote anything here. Not going to do a laundry list of reasons. No excuses. I've received some hate mail and threats (you know who you are!). My brother says that everyday I don't blog, the terrorists win. Dammit. I didn't know my blog posts were a vital part of keeping America safe and our freedoms intact. If only someone would have told me sooner I may have been able to stop some of the atrocities our nation has faced in the recent years. Or . . . maybe not. I mean, could I really have stopped George Bush from being elected president all by myself? Probably not.
I guess I just haven't felt inspired. My Mojo went on hiatus. As I reflect upon the lack of muse, I come to the conclusion that I've been feeling a bit complacent these days. This, compounded with new puppy frenzy in the household, is keeping me from rambling on and on and on here.
So, I'll start with some puppy photos and stories. We'll take it from there.
We picked little Ozymandias up from Brian's Bostons on Friday, May 22. It was a perfect day for a road trip through Wisconsin. Our little baby boy Boston greeted us happily at the door, tearing across the living room carpet, plopping down a stair and skidding across the hard wood floor. He immediately gave us wet, puppy licks and kisses. So cute! We fell in love instantly. He had us at hello. The 4+ hour ride back home was a little rough at first. Ozy wanted to climb up and around everything, look out the windows and wriggle around. Once I realized this was not going to work, in his little doggy crate condo he went. From there on out it was smooth napping.
It's been almost three weeks since we got the little guy. Our days have been filled with potty training -- going poopy outside = unbridled enthusiasm and peanut butter flavored liver treats. YUM! We also manage to fit in some play time, food time, cuddle time and nap time. Mostly Ozy likes to chew on things. He LOVES shoes, my hair, our hands and feet, shirts, pants (any clothing really), bags. You name it, he'll chew it. Little did I realize . . . new puppies have razor sharp, piranha teeth. Ouch. I'm trying to channel my inner Cesar Milan, be the pack leader and stop the naughty chewing. So far, my efforts are somewhat weak. Mr. Oz is definitely the pack leader and I'm a mere lackey to his authority. Little Ozy knows this and plays upon my weakness. Sigh. No respect.
So, the puppy is growing like a weed and happy as a lark. Unless, of course, you try to stop him from enjoying a biting frenzy. Then he barks and huffs and goes ballistic. Tough life being a pampered pooch.
The other day I was listening to my XM radio in my car ride home from work. Some talk show was offering self-help advice and one of the topics stuck me right in the ribs. The host asked one of the callers what new thing they had learned that day. A day without learning something new, she said, is a day without food or water. Hmmmm. This made me consider how many teaching moments I encounter each day and I simply don't take the time or attention to notice. I decided to take a few moments at the end of each day to ask myself the simple question: what did I learn today?
I've definitely been learning a lot about puppies. There is all kinds of behavioral psychology going on when trying to train an animal. We are getting a lot further with the positive reinforcement of the good behavior than the negative impunity with the bad behavior. Love trumps anger. I am learning to set aside my frustrations when Ozy has an accident in the house, or chews something that he shouldn't. He's just a puppy and doesn't know any better. His instinct is to bite stuff. He doesn't know how or why he should warn me when he needs to go potty. Patience is a virtue. I'm trying. We are learning a lot about each other, Ozy and I.
Today I learned a soft voice and even temper are more likely to be heard than a loud, blaring siren. I learned to take a breath before proceeding, to look before I leap, to relish the joy which combusts when kids and puppies meet. I learned to give the benefit of the doubt and a large coffee in the morning won't always cure a case of the tireds. I learned to stay out of the way of someone when they are obviously having a bad day. Oh yeah, and I learned that my blog posts are a weapon in the war on terror. I'm a patriot dammit. Go USA!
I guess I just haven't felt inspired. My Mojo went on hiatus. As I reflect upon the lack of muse, I come to the conclusion that I've been feeling a bit complacent these days. This, compounded with new puppy frenzy in the household, is keeping me from rambling on and on and on here.
So, I'll start with some puppy photos and stories. We'll take it from there.
We picked little Ozymandias up from Brian's Bostons on Friday, May 22. It was a perfect day for a road trip through Wisconsin. Our little baby boy Boston greeted us happily at the door, tearing across the living room carpet, plopping down a stair and skidding across the hard wood floor. He immediately gave us wet, puppy licks and kisses. So cute! We fell in love instantly. He had us at hello. The 4+ hour ride back home was a little rough at first. Ozy wanted to climb up and around everything, look out the windows and wriggle around. Once I realized this was not going to work, in his little doggy crate condo he went. From there on out it was smooth napping.
It's been almost three weeks since we got the little guy. Our days have been filled with potty training -- going poopy outside = unbridled enthusiasm and peanut butter flavored liver treats. YUM! We also manage to fit in some play time, food time, cuddle time and nap time. Mostly Ozy likes to chew on things. He LOVES shoes, my hair, our hands and feet, shirts, pants (any clothing really), bags. You name it, he'll chew it. Little did I realize . . . new puppies have razor sharp, piranha teeth. Ouch. I'm trying to channel my inner Cesar Milan, be the pack leader and stop the naughty chewing. So far, my efforts are somewhat weak. Mr. Oz is definitely the pack leader and I'm a mere lackey to his authority. Little Ozy knows this and plays upon my weakness. Sigh. No respect.
So, the puppy is growing like a weed and happy as a lark. Unless, of course, you try to stop him from enjoying a biting frenzy. Then he barks and huffs and goes ballistic. Tough life being a pampered pooch.
The other day I was listening to my XM radio in my car ride home from work. Some talk show was offering self-help advice and one of the topics stuck me right in the ribs. The host asked one of the callers what new thing they had learned that day. A day without learning something new, she said, is a day without food or water. Hmmmm. This made me consider how many teaching moments I encounter each day and I simply don't take the time or attention to notice. I decided to take a few moments at the end of each day to ask myself the simple question: what did I learn today?
I've definitely been learning a lot about puppies. There is all kinds of behavioral psychology going on when trying to train an animal. We are getting a lot further with the positive reinforcement of the good behavior than the negative impunity with the bad behavior. Love trumps anger. I am learning to set aside my frustrations when Ozy has an accident in the house, or chews something that he shouldn't. He's just a puppy and doesn't know any better. His instinct is to bite stuff. He doesn't know how or why he should warn me when he needs to go potty. Patience is a virtue. I'm trying. We are learning a lot about each other, Ozy and I.
Today I learned a soft voice and even temper are more likely to be heard than a loud, blaring siren. I learned to take a breath before proceeding, to look before I leap, to relish the joy which combusts when kids and puppies meet. I learned to give the benefit of the doubt and a large coffee in the morning won't always cure a case of the tireds. I learned to stay out of the way of someone when they are obviously having a bad day. Oh yeah, and I learned that my blog posts are a weapon in the war on terror. I'm a patriot dammit. Go USA!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Summer Tunes
I drove home from work tonight with my windows down and sun roof open. A chill in the air and a brisk wind whippin did not stop me from enjoying the sunshine and promise of summer. I cranked the radio as I sped along the highway and realized my playlists are tired and worn out. They need to be rejuvenated and refreshed. I'm talking about a little mix of chilled out sweet escape & tranquility spiced up with a dash of dance frenzy and wicked 100+ degree beat blasting ear assaulting business. I consulted the online oracles. Prompt downloading and Itunes purchasing ensued.
This stuff will rock you fer schure!! Not in any particular order . . .
Single Ladies - Beyonce
I See You Baby - Groove Armada
Superstylin - Groove Armada
** You might as well get the whole damn album, The Best of: Groove Armada, and save yourself the trouble **
Out of Space - The Prodigy
House of Jealous Lovers - The Rapture
Tainted Love - Soft Cell
One More Time - Daft Punk
Poker Face - Lady GaGa
Paper Planes - M.I.A.
Electric Feel - MGMT
Business Time - Flight of the Conchords
Hurt Feelings - Flight of the Conchords
This stuff will rock you fer schure!! Not in any particular order . . .
Single Ladies - Beyonce
I See You Baby - Groove Armada
Superstylin - Groove Armada
** You might as well get the whole damn album, The Best of: Groove Armada, and save yourself the trouble **
Out of Space - The Prodigy
House of Jealous Lovers - The Rapture
Tainted Love - Soft Cell
One More Time - Daft Punk
Poker Face - Lady GaGa
Paper Planes - M.I.A.
Electric Feel - MGMT
Business Time - Flight of the Conchords
Hurt Feelings - Flight of the Conchords
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Rites of Spring
Spring is definitely in full swing here in the upper Midwest. And with the advent of any seasonal shift there are rites, rituals and traditions that must be attended to. You don't want to anger the gods of the equinox, right? Ok, I just made that up, but whatev.
First, there is Spring Break. A time honored rite of passage involving debauched antics and general mayhem. Now, I feel I'm a bit too old to partake in the typical Spring Break activities Daytona Beach style. We all have to make sacrifices and mine just happen to be no more wet t-shirt contests (cough). Instead, Mr. Oz and I took a few days and hit the West Coast for some rest and relaxation. Orange County is beautiful in the Spring so we hit the beaches and found a few patches of sun. Actually, we both got a sunburn. Must remember the SPF 50 next time. We celebrated our one year of marital bliss by strolling down the Huntington Beach pier, taking in the surf and sand, shopping, hanging out with some great friends, In & Out Burger, Newport Beach harbor tour, Yogurtland, Disneyland, more strolling, romantic anniversary dinner and then back home again. It was excellent!
The next ritual is Spring Cleaning. Yep. Gotta scour, scrub and sweep the casa until it sparkles and shines. Call me crazy, but I do get a sense of pleasure from a clean house. The problem is the house never quite stays clean. I think 2009 is the year when the Oz's invest in a house cleaner. Anybody have any recommendations?
For me, the next ritual on my list is walking around one of our wonderful 10,000 lakes. This weekend I did just that with my pal Laura. She and I met up early Saturday morning and hit the trail around Lake Calhoun. I had to bring my camera to document some of the Spring awesomeness! The weather was perfect. Sunshine, a slight breeze, the right amount of "crisp" in the air, the fragrant mix of budding trees and new grass filled the air. Renewal, life and new beginnings . . . I love Spring!
The tree in front of our house is budding out with these gorgeous pinkish, purple flowers. I think it is a flowering crab tree, but I'm not sure. I'm not a horticulturalist in real life but I do play one on television. Check it out:
Makes me wonder why we save our resolutions for the New Year. Why don't we make resolutions in the Spring when newness abounds and nature is getting off to a fresh start? Wouldn't that make more sense than making promises in the cold, dead of winter? I'm just sayin.
Speaking of new birth. Here is an updated picture of Ozy. The little guy is 4 weeks old. Only 3 more weeks and he'll be coming home.
First, there is Spring Break. A time honored rite of passage involving debauched antics and general mayhem. Now, I feel I'm a bit too old to partake in the typical Spring Break activities Daytona Beach style. We all have to make sacrifices and mine just happen to be no more wet t-shirt contests (cough). Instead, Mr. Oz and I took a few days and hit the West Coast for some rest and relaxation. Orange County is beautiful in the Spring so we hit the beaches and found a few patches of sun. Actually, we both got a sunburn. Must remember the SPF 50 next time. We celebrated our one year of marital bliss by strolling down the Huntington Beach pier, taking in the surf and sand, shopping, hanging out with some great friends, In & Out Burger, Newport Beach harbor tour, Yogurtland, Disneyland, more strolling, romantic anniversary dinner and then back home again. It was excellent!
The next ritual is Spring Cleaning. Yep. Gotta scour, scrub and sweep the casa until it sparkles and shines. Call me crazy, but I do get a sense of pleasure from a clean house. The problem is the house never quite stays clean. I think 2009 is the year when the Oz's invest in a house cleaner. Anybody have any recommendations?
For me, the next ritual on my list is walking around one of our wonderful 10,000 lakes. This weekend I did just that with my pal Laura. She and I met up early Saturday morning and hit the trail around Lake Calhoun. I had to bring my camera to document some of the Spring awesomeness! The weather was perfect. Sunshine, a slight breeze, the right amount of "crisp" in the air, the fragrant mix of budding trees and new grass filled the air. Renewal, life and new beginnings . . . I love Spring!
The tree in front of our house is budding out with these gorgeous pinkish, purple flowers. I think it is a flowering crab tree, but I'm not sure. I'm not a horticulturalist in real life but I do play one on television. Check it out:
Makes me wonder why we save our resolutions for the New Year. Why don't we make resolutions in the Spring when newness abounds and nature is getting off to a fresh start? Wouldn't that make more sense than making promises in the cold, dead of winter? I'm just sayin.
Speaking of new birth. Here is an updated picture of Ozy. The little guy is 4 weeks old. Only 3 more weeks and he'll be coming home.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Saying No Is Like Butter Fat
Gearing up for our 1 year anniversary trip to southern California. I could not be more ready to get away and enjoy some time relaxing. It has been a hectic couple of months and, as it usually goes in times like these, balance desperately needs to be restored. Nothing quite like a get-away to kick start the restoration.
In the past I've used this forum to declare my renewed dedication to health & wellness. Have to admit both the health and the wellness have recently taken a backseat to stress. Working long hours, poor food choices, restless sleep and sporadic exercise has taken its toll. It's just not worth it. Sometimes I wonder what drives me to get into these situations, but a need to please and take on too much is definitely at the top of the list. Learning to say no can be a challenge but one that has many rewards. By placing self-imposed limitations, things become pretty darn clear and priorities tend to rise to the top like butter fat separating from milk. Mmmmmmm ... butter fat. You know what they do with butter fat, don't you? They put it in ice cream. Yep. Deliciously tempting, decadently rich and sweet, ice cream. I'm not talking about the cheap, imitation stuff either. This would be the good stuff. The ice cream that coats the inside of your mouth and tongue with a uniquely satisfying velvety feel of buttery goodness. Ice cream. Another thing I need to say NO to. No. No. No.
So, every time you get a request to take on another project, volunteer for yet ANOTHER fund raising event at your kids' school, work on the weekend, take a trip with your third cousin (twice removed), sign up for that store credit card so you can get the 15% off your purchase THAT DAY, help your neighbor overhaul his transmission . . . just ask yourself two questions 1) What is your intention in taking on this activity/task/request? In other words, why are you saying "yes"? 2) Assuming your motives are positive and not stemming from a sense of guilt or burden, ask yourself what you, personally, will get out of the experience? Will it help you grow? Develop yourself in someway? Enrich your spirit? Bring joy to your life? If the answer is no, then I think you should say NO. Is this selfish? Is it wrong? Maybe. I think saying "no" more often, might just be the most unselfish thing you can do. Imagine the time you would have left over to give your loved ones? Your kids? Your spouse? Time for yourself to renew and recharge?
Saying no doesn't mean you don't care about people and their needs. It doesn't mean you are a lazy slacker. Quite often, it can simply mean, you are putting yourself, or the needs of those closest to you, first.
What do you think? Is saying "No" more often a good thing or no?
Now, I will leave you with these questions and this . . .
Updated picture of little Ozy. His eyes are open but look a little glazed and hazy. I'm sure the world is one big blur to him. As each day passes, we are even more excited to get him home!
Could you say 'no' to a face like this? I don't think so.
In the past I've used this forum to declare my renewed dedication to health & wellness. Have to admit both the health and the wellness have recently taken a backseat to stress. Working long hours, poor food choices, restless sleep and sporadic exercise has taken its toll. It's just not worth it. Sometimes I wonder what drives me to get into these situations, but a need to please and take on too much is definitely at the top of the list. Learning to say no can be a challenge but one that has many rewards. By placing self-imposed limitations, things become pretty darn clear and priorities tend to rise to the top like butter fat separating from milk. Mmmmmmm ... butter fat. You know what they do with butter fat, don't you? They put it in ice cream. Yep. Deliciously tempting, decadently rich and sweet, ice cream. I'm not talking about the cheap, imitation stuff either. This would be the good stuff. The ice cream that coats the inside of your mouth and tongue with a uniquely satisfying velvety feel of buttery goodness. Ice cream. Another thing I need to say NO to. No. No. No.
So, every time you get a request to take on another project, volunteer for yet ANOTHER fund raising event at your kids' school, work on the weekend, take a trip with your third cousin (twice removed), sign up for that store credit card so you can get the 15% off your purchase THAT DAY, help your neighbor overhaul his transmission . . . just ask yourself two questions 1) What is your intention in taking on this activity/task/request? In other words, why are you saying "yes"? 2) Assuming your motives are positive and not stemming from a sense of guilt or burden, ask yourself what you, personally, will get out of the experience? Will it help you grow? Develop yourself in someway? Enrich your spirit? Bring joy to your life? If the answer is no, then I think you should say NO. Is this selfish? Is it wrong? Maybe. I think saying "no" more often, might just be the most unselfish thing you can do. Imagine the time you would have left over to give your loved ones? Your kids? Your spouse? Time for yourself to renew and recharge?
Saying no doesn't mean you don't care about people and their needs. It doesn't mean you are a lazy slacker. Quite often, it can simply mean, you are putting yourself, or the needs of those closest to you, first.
What do you think? Is saying "No" more often a good thing or no?
Now, I will leave you with these questions and this . . .
Updated picture of little Ozy. His eyes are open but look a little glazed and hazy. I'm sure the world is one big blur to him. As each day passes, we are even more excited to get him home!
Could you say 'no' to a face like this? I don't think so.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Birth Announcement
Pictures of the new Boston Terrier pup -- Ozymandias Osborne -- otherwise known as Ozy. Yes, Ozy Osborne! Lil Ozy was born on Monday, April 6. Happy belated birthday puppy! We are so excited to bring you home on May 22nd! This weekend will definitely include some puppy prep work. Need to get a crate, bed, food & water dishes and toys, right??
Hopefully we'll get occasional picture updates, so keep checking back to be overwhelmed by the adorable cuteness.
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