The Pirate Movie

Kristy McNichol and Christopher Atkins
I remember seeing this in the 80's... I didn't know who I was in love with more between the two of them (this was in the period where I didn't know if I liked the titty or the weiner).  Blondes aren't my thing, but you have to admit that he had cheesy blonde curls and dreamy eyes on the beach down pat after doing Blue Lagoon, and he was probably my first image of the fit male and weiner.  Sadly for him, it's more like cocktail frank than kielbasa (as evidenced in the ocean swimming scenes in Blue Lagoon).  I actually had the cassette tape of the soundtrack and listened to it regularly... I could sing either part, depending on who I loved more that day.  Anyone else remember this (the movie, not my singing)?

The Grinch Who Stole Valentine's Day

It came without trinkets, it came without rose... it came without kisses, candy or prose... yes, I survived Valentine's day, unscathed.

Instead of a movie or a nice steak supper, I spent my evening at the gym, which was dead at first, then packed... proving that fit people don't get laid on Valentine's day.  I knew I shouldn't have started to work out.  After 3 hours at the gym (including that frickin' hour-long spin class), I told my friend Dan that I was thankful that I didn't have to go home and pay attention to anyone... because I didn't have the energy to be nice to anyone, let alone touch them.  We hit the buffet at the supermarket, richer for only spending a few bucks instead of a fancy meal for two... and bicep-curled our way, as if holding hands, through what could have been a difficult day.  Pathetic?  Perhaps.  But like shit through a sick goose, it came and went pretty fast and we were left unharmed.

Speaking of a sick goose.... today is my good friend, Scott's birthday and I am meeting him at our casino spot for some wheeling and dealing and a lite steak supper at the buffet.  We haven't been able to do it much with the snow and all, so it will be good to see him, and good for us both to get away for a bit, albeit in a smoke-filled casino with a bunch of blue-hairs in the middle of a work day.  Anything's possible in America.  Please give a shout out to Scott at Scott and Whatnot if you get a chance.  He has become one of the most important people in my life, offering support, understanding and a good kick in the ass, if need be... and I am honored to call him friend, although he's more like the brother that I never had.  The kind that doesn't stick your head in the toilet, offer you two-for-one joints at a reduced cost or cover you with a blanket and beat you about the head and neck with your Winnie the Pooh.

Yesterday, I got tires on my truck and tomorrow I have to get it aligned.  I'm heading out to Philadelphia for 4 days Thursday morning to see my friends before my trip to Cancun next weekend and starting back to work the following week (March 15th).  We're going to head up to New York City to see Wicked and hang out with other friends up there, and with my friends in Philly, so it should be fun.  I've already staked out my LA Fitness out there, so there'll be no rest from working out.  Maybe the Christian Coalition will lay off me since I've changed from the 'gay lifestyle' to the 'healthy lifestyle'.

Rumble, Bumble Then Tumble

I've never been a big fan of Christina Aguilera... (especially since she tore the lead role in Burlesque out of my bosom like a child out of a burning orphanage), but after her performance in said stolen artistic vehicle, she definitely got my attention.  Sadly, though... she's been getting a lot of attention lately, but for the wrong reasons.  First, there was the separation from her husband, who seems to be a good father and decent husband... and it seems like Christina just wanted to be single and party (too much (sorry Jeremy Renner's bed)... and now her child is at stake, since she's looking like an unfit mother.  Secondly, there was her performance at the Super Bowl where she bumbled the words to the National Anthem (Oh say can you see (me drunk?))... and last night, when she almost tumbled off the stage when she tripped over someone else's mic line at the Grammy's, which I'm sure was an accident (wink, wink, drink, drink). 

As I said a few weeks ago, she's starting to unravel and she's turning out to be the new Britney.  I hope that she can pull it together.  I'm glad I'm just a local diva, without all the pressure of a national stage.  Still though, being in the public spotlight and the paparazzi swarming around my house at all hours grows tiresome.  I feel for ya, gurl.

Displays of Affection

After reading my last post and some of the comments generated, I realized that my heart must come off as a bitter, jaded, dried up old piece of shoe leather, which isn't the case.  I have a lot of love for the people in my life, giving just as much to a stranger I just met to someone I have known my whole life.  Since I was 21, I was always in a relationship, most lasting 3 or 4 years.  I always identified myself as a relationship person because I can be selfless when I am with someone, always thinking of them.  It's only been in the last couple of years that I have been able to learn how to be by myself and to love myself, somewhat.  So, as a testament to my ability to love and be loved, I thought I would share a few stories of love shared in some of my past relationships.

When dating my girlfriend in high school, for Christmas, I wanted to give her a ring, so I bought a box of Cracker Jacks, steamed it open, removed the prize and placed the ring in the packet and sealed it up and gave it to her.  She was quite surprised to receive a box of cracker jacks, and I just sat there quietly as she ate down to the prize... the look on her face when she opened it was as priceless as it was dumbfounded.

I was working for SAP back in the late 90's and had to go away to Paris for a business trip.  I was living in Philadelphia at the time and my boyfriend, John, lived in Pittsburgh.  I went on my trip and was gone 4 days... after a long flight back, I was coming down the escalator to get my luggage and, standing at the bottom, was John, open-armed with a dozen white roses.  He flew to Philadelphia to greet me as I came off the plane... one of the most romantic things anyone has ever done for me.  I was awestruck.

My boyfriend, Brian, and I lived together and he was working a lot.  I decided to surprise him one Valentine's day by coming up with a theme.  I had all the lights out and I took tea lights and made a runway down the long hallway to our bedroom leading to the bed where I was perched in nothing but my old Air Force hat on my head, surrounded by white rose petals.  Unfortunately, he switched the light on, asked why I was being so ridiculous and what was for dinner. 

I was dating this guy that I was head-over-heels for and he was leaving to go to see his parents in Atlantic City for a few days, so we had lunch at a cafe in downtown Philly and I walked him to the train and kissed him goodbye.  I then ran to my truck, sped out of the city and headed towards Lindenwold, NJ where I knew that he had to change trains at a certain point.  With a toll bridge, traffic and various side streets in my way, I barely made it in time for his train to pull in, where I met him on the platform to give another kiss.  Needless to say, he was surprised.

When I was dating Jesse, we went on a trip to Myrtle Beach to see my friend Brad.  We were trying to get through some of our issues and had a great car ride down to talk.  I purchased this book called "All About Us", where it asks you certain questions like 'what was the first thing you thought of when you saw your partner for the first time?' and the like.  Those were the best couple of hours I ever spent, getting to know him more.  When we got to the beach, we were at an outlet mall and with one of the issues he was working through being his fear of people abandoning him, I wanted to get him a ring to show my commitment.  So I left the store where he and Brad were shopping, ran to the jewelry store we were just in where he tried a ring on that he liked and I purchased it... and snuck back before they knew I was gone.  Later that night, we were staying by ourselves on Brad's parent's boat docked at the marina outside of their condo, laying in bed... and I placed it on his hand.  He started crying.  This song was playing, totally by accident, but perfect for the occasion.  We were always better when we were by ourselves.

Love, Is The Question

I've spoken about a number of blogs that I've been reading lately and it's nice that the majority of blog owners are in relationships and share quite a bit about their lives together.  I always wonder what it would feel like if I were writing posts about my life with a partner, since so far, I haven't seriously dated anyone in the two years I've been writing this.  I've had the beginnings of a few relationships, but it seems that by the time that I feel good about posting about it, they are over.  This was especially true about the last go-round with Jesse, as my friends would have lynched me at dawn had they known straight off.

I realize that the world has changed and people have too.  I have as well... once the serial relationship person in the past, I have given way to an older version of me that enjoys my solitude and doesn't need much from anyone.  I guess that makes me pathetic, sort of... but I really don't think of it that way.  If someone came along and our worlds meshed, I wouldn't be opposed... but I am much more set in my ways, less willing to compromise as I did in the past and have different priorities.  I don't think there's anything wrong with that.  I've thought of different situations where I might get the bits and pieces that I need, but it's usually not worth all that goes with it.  There's no such thing as no strings attached.  Besides, I get whatever side of the bed that I want every night... I don't have to flush the toilet after someone else doesn't... and I don't have to watch someone else's progrums.

So, on this Valentine's Day eve, I send my best to those who have been lucky enough to find love... enjoy it... you could be sitting here with me making jam, watching reruns of Barney Miller and being referred to as 'crazy cat lady' by the neighborhood kids.

Peeping Tom

I've been expanding my blog list lately... I added Kevin's Rants, From The Left, Just a Guy Talking About Life and One Step at a Time to the list of blogs that I read (See "Other People's Shit I Pay Attention To" for their updates).  There are a few others where I am a voyeur (Homo Eroticus and Bill in Exile)... but there's no link on my page to them (since my relatives would have a fit seeing the images every day).  Even in my YUM section, I try to keep it G-rated... and I crop a lot of perfectly good weiners off the pics.  A virtual circumcision, if you will.

I really enjoy the fact that you can silently peer into someone's life without them knowing... and decide whether you want to get involved.  I wish it worked that way in real life.  I also enjoy getting different points of view and learning new things.. and it's always great to chuckle over something that you come across.  It's strange... with the people's lives that I peer into through a blog window, I sometimes know more about what's going on with them than the real-life people around me.  Oddly, sometimes I get more input and concern from people I've never met.  2011's pen pals... who would have thought.

Disclaimer... This Post Won't Make You Skinny and Sweet

I feel like I should just throw this out there, as I'm sure some people are tired of hearing about it and I'm really not blogging about it to show off or pass myself off as some expert.. I'm blogging about my new lifestyle because, first of all, I'm so freakin' amazed at myself that I have stopped talking about it and actually getting up to do it... and secondly, if it motivates anyone else, than that's all the better.  This is going to sound really batshit crazy, but my motivation for actually getting off my ass and doing it was the MTV show I Used To Be Fat.  Every week, some heavy teen gets a trainer to bust their ass and they lose huge amounts of weight and change their behaviors.  In an hour, we see their history of bad habits, their self-esteem problems, how those around them contribute to their weight problem, their mental and physical challenges with exercising, their weigh-ins and, ultimately, their success.  Who would have thought the network that brings us Skins and Teen Mom would produce a motivational show like this that would call out to my inner fat little schoolgirl?

Having said that (and repeating that I'm no expert), a few people asked me what I've been eating.  At first, I was eating more fattening foods (eggs, cheese, pepperoni, peanuts, meat and chicken, lunchmeat, veggies) to get off the carbs and sugar.  For those that have never experienced the South Beach Diet, the premise is to starve the body of all carbs, starches and sugar for a week, and your cravings will be gone.. and it works, believe you me.  Now, I'm trying to go leaner with better quality meats, more veggies... and I'm taking protein powder, since I'm working out and doing cardio as well.  About a week ago, I was at 19.4% body fat and today... after three spinning classes and a couple of 2 hour workouts and leaner eating... I was at 18.7% today.  I lost a half percentage of body fat in a week. 

Going from my day consisting of 8 cans of diet soda, one stop to McDonald's, probably 1/2 pound of candy, bread, baked goods and a regular latte along with other meals to where I am now... I am proud that I have made a commitment to myself to eat better and exercise and it has made a world of difference.  And while I'm not really hardcore with my food selections (I'll still have a sugar-free mint patty (50 calories) or a tablespoon of coolwhip (25 calories in 2 tablespoons) or still using butter), it's still huge.  I am very fortunate to have this time off work so I am able to do 2-3 hour workouts many times a week. Back to the old grind in a month.

Today's meal, so far:
8 oz skim milk with whey protein powder, 1 raw egg and a banana in a blender (45 grams of protein)
3 oz sirloin with chorizo gravy, carrot souffle, asparagus, broccoli and cauliflower and 6 oz skim milk

It's Nano Your Business What I'm Listening To...

Heard on my iPod Nano (much thanks to Kayleigh)

Finally able to let go... and not look back...

YUM !! (Great Day To Stay In Bed)

 

Is That a Banana In My Shake... or??

Yesterday, I picked up some whey protein and made a shake out of skim milk, an egg and a banana.... very yummy... and about 45 grams of protein.  While I'm still trying to tone up and lose a bit of fat, I'm trying to retain muscle that I'm building as well.  Today, I was at the gym three hours... I extended my upper body exercises and added some core training (abs and flabs area)... as well as a self-guided hour spinning class.  I'm tired... but I feel so energized, if that's possible.  I'm so glad that I made these changes... it's done me a world of good.

Tonight, I'm off to dinner with Robin... last week, we tried this new restaurant and the food was awesome... and the waiter was very cute... I saw him at the gym today... and he'll be working tonight.  If I weren't so tired, I'd be giddy.

Friends and Enemies

Last night, we experienced the not-so-rare phenomenon "peoplitis meterorologis ignoramous", when a downplayed half inch of snow predicted materialized into about 3+ instead... so I am off to shovel the driveways of the shut-ins (my Aunt's house and my Uncle's) so they can get out for their daily trek to the Golden Corral for a scrumptious buffet lunch and to Wal-mart for the essentials... milk, metamucil and the National Inquirer.  Today is actually my Aunt's birthday, so I was heading over there anyway and will kill two birds with one shovel, so to speak.  I mailed out her card a few days ago with the Golden Corral gift card, so she'll be stoked when she gets it.  Look out 3-day old meat and vanilla pudding bar... she's warming up the car and raring to go, sitting by the door with her straw purse in-hand and babushka on her head.

I was supposed to be meeting Scott at the casino today, but we've had to postpone that.  The cleaning people are coming as well, so I am running around the house trying to clean up after my Dad so that they don't actually arrive at a dirty house.  I should probably get a bird for the inside of the house to pick up the crumbs and birdseed that my Dad drops throughout the house.  It's been almost two months since Beverly's been here cleaning, and I miss them so.  They're my best friends.  It doesn't hurt that her son is cute as a button as well.

Yesterday, my (enemy) friend, (Satan) Dan (dragged) invited me to my first spin class, on a seated bike at the (concentration camp) gym.  I'm so (pissed at him) thankful that I could just (kill) kiss him.  The instructor was like a little (Hitler) powerhouse of energy that she (beat) worked us (within an inch of our life) to our limit.  I burned (a layar of skin off my crotchital area from the chafing) 800 calories and felt (like someone had beat me about the head and neck) great afterwards.  Because I (am a glutton for punishment) really enjoyed it, I will be (tricked into) going again on Wednesday for another round of (punishment) exercise.  I can barely (move) contain my (balls in my underwear after them jing-jangling all about) overwhelming excitement.

Speaking of real friends, my progrums are all back on this week in full force and my DVR is just overflowing with entertainment.  I was up until 3 a.m. getting caught up.  It's nice to see that someone cares about me, albeit me injecting myself into the lives of my make believe television-land friends.

Burying My Head In The Sand

Lately, I've felt so removed from the world... not because I'm hiding away like a shut-in, but because my tolerance level for almost everything is non-existent.  When you see something in the media, you feel like you're being held down and force-fed and there's nothing you can do about it but sit there and take it.  I go from getting angry, wanting to scream detest... to being frustrated that there's no outlet to be heard... to being apathetic, feeling that it's not going to make any difference anyway.  The rhetoric... the hypocrisy... the bullshit... will all go on and on.  I can't take it any more.

Yesterday would have been Reagan's 100 birthday and I'm surprised the Republicans didn't offer him up for sainthood.  The problem is that he should have been the last person on earth that Republicans should be honoring, considering that he doesn't stand for anything they pretend to be about... with the further problem of them not knowing what they want to be... and history and facts have no place in that decision process.  Again, I will state, I don't care what party comes up with the solutions... I would back a Republican with answers... but they need to get their heads out of their asses like the Democrats need to get theirs out of the sand.  Somebody step up to the plate.

Here's some highlights from Reagan's tenure (some that the Republicans seem to overlook):

1. He raised taxes in seven out of 8 years in office, 11 times in his administration.  While Governor, he signed into law the largest tax increases in the history of any state, and state spending nearly doubled.
2. He nearly tripled the budget deficit during his administration.
3. Unemployment soared after his 1981 tax cuts, to 10.8%
4. He grew the size of the federal government.
5. He raised defense spending by over $100 billion a year.
6. He signed a bill as Governor that liberalized state's abortion laws, resulting in more than a million abortions.
7. Under the guise of peace, he vowed to rid the world of nuclear weapons, but his military buildup was meant to crush the Soviet Union and put the U.S. in a stronger position.
8. He signed into law a bill that made any immigrant who entered the country before 1982 eligible for amnesty, giving citizenship to over 3 million undocumented immigrants.
9. He vetoed a comprehensive anti-apartheid act on South Africa
10. His war on the Soviet Union was a proxy war fought with funded Islamist mujahidin fighters, funneling billions of dollars, intelligence and weaponry.  The Taliban and Osama Bin Laden emerged from these groups that he helped create.
11. He totally ignored the AIDS epidemic.

We Are(n't) The Champions

I'm not a sports fan, so it's kind of unfair for me to say... but the Steelers really sucked tonight.  It looked like they didn't even try... and Ben sucked as well. So much for his rape acquittal... if he would have pulled off a win, all would have been forgiven and fogotten. At least he took responsibility for the loss.

Sadly, the game was overshadowed by Christina Aguilera screwing up the words to the National Anthem... and sucking in general.  Mark my words, Christina is the new Britney... heading for a breakdown with all her recent partying and mayhem.  The half-time show wasn't any better... are the Black Eyed Peas even relevant any more?  After that performance, I don't think there's any question.  On a positive note... some of the commercials were funny... and it's awesome that there's a Glee episode waiting for me on my DVR.

As I rode home, the mood was very quiet and somber on the streets. People were driving really slow. There were a few couches set on fire, so it's official... the season is over.  Post Polamalu Depression has already set in, compounded by the loss. It's a sad day in Pittsburgh.

Progress

So, it's been 27 days since I started my skinny and sweet health regime and while I lost 12 pounds, I could have pushed myself more.  The foods that I've been eating (turkey breast, cheese, veggie burgers, vegetables) have weaned me off the bad stuff (cookies, pop, candy, baked goods, fast food, etc), but I need to take it to the next level of increasing my protein and eating leaner things.  I notice a big difference (although the pictures don't really show it), especially now bulking back up with weight training, but I have exactly 3 weeks left before I leave for Cancun, using that as my arbitrary deadline.  Since it's hard to actually come up with a goal (since I've lost most of the weight that I wanted to), I will need to get more serious with my cardio and weight training.  Unfortunately, I didn't get a fat analysis done before I started all of this, but I did today... and for my height, weight and age... 18% is excellent and 22% is good... and mine was 19.4%.

With This Super Superbowl Dip, You're Guaranteed a Home Run

If you're like me (a busy career girl on the run), you're headed to a Superbowl party this weekend... and since I'm not a football fan, I'm going mainly for the tids and bits (snacks)... and I have to bring something (along with lots of patience and a bottle of gin).  So I thought I would share my dip recipe... because it will be the biggest slam dunk at the football game. 

It so simple that anyone can make it, with prep time at about 5 minutes... and cook/simmering time at 2-3 hours.  You will need a small crockpot.  You can make it two ways.... either a Pepperoni Dip... or a Mexican Dip.

Keep in mind, this will go fast, so you may need to double the recipe (DON'T DOUBLE THE MEAT INGREDIENTS).


Pepperoni Dip: 
1 pkg Philadelphia Cream Cheese
1 can Cream of Celery Soup (or Cream of Chicken Soup)
1 pkg sliced pepperoni (cut in four quarters with scissors)
A dash or two of oregano and garlic powder/salt

- Place all the ingredients into a small crock pot (which will also fit the doubled recipe as well), Place on high and stir often until everything is melted (about an hour).  Turn on low heat and continue stirring.  The pepperoni juices will start to ooze out... that's when you know it's good and ready (about three hours from start to finish)... serve with Scoops, or crackers right out of the crock pot (leaving it on low while serving).  Just like in football (no double dribbling)... no double dipping!

*****************************************************************************

Mexican Dip:
1 pkg Philadelphia Cream Cheese
1 can Cream of Celery Soup (or Cream of Chicken Soup)
1/4 pound ground meat
1 pkg taco seasoning spices
* (cajun, red pepper, or a dash of hot sauce, if desired)
* (two teaspoons of salsa (drained) if desired)

In a skillet, brown the ground meat (drain excess grease) and mix in the taco seasoning and alternative spices.  Place in small crockpot with basic ingredients (cream cheese and cream of celery soup) on high, stirring occasionally until melted (about an hour).  Turn on low heat and add salsa and let simmer for another hour, at least, stirring occasionally... serve with Scoops, or crackers right out of the crock pot (leaving it on low while serving).  Just like in football (no double dribbling)... no double dipping!!

Tongue-Tied

It seems lately that every time I open my mouth, I stick my foot in it.  It's not been a good week or so for communication.  After a busy morning, I decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and take a drive to gay camp to see Scott.  I had gotten a later start than I wanted to, but we were still able to hang out for a few hours before I made the 2 hour trip back, all before dark.  Driving is the best medicine for me... I am really able to clear my head and just enjoy the music or the silence... and take in the scenery.  Some of the perennial buds were starting to sprout already up there... and most of the snow was washed away with the rain and although it was only around 25 degrees, the sun shining made it feel like spring.

Wearing My Heart On My Sleeve... Or At Least My Logo

Tonight, I had dinner with my friend Robin, who has been very supportive of my writing and the blog... and she had the current winter scene air-brushed onto a t-shirt in my favorite colors... gray, black and white.  The guy put it up on his Facebook page... "Wicked Air Designs".  I love how it's even more moodier than the original pic.... Thank you so much, Robin!!

Happy Groundhog's Day

Clarification

The other day, I expressed some frustration with a 'friend' of mine and his drunken stupor.  I had originally written a long post outlining the whole incident, but deleted it since I've been trying to make posts shorter because I tend to talk too much.  Some comments that I have received allude to non-compassion in the whole matter on my part.  Considering my tenure of being on the receiving end of years of my brother impacting my and my Dad's life, I would definitely agree that I don't have a lot of patience for or direct insight into the logic process of irresponsibility to those around an addict, but would still come to their aid even if it inconvenienced me.

My frustration with my friend, who is someone I see maybe three times a year when I'm out (because odds are the three times I go out in a year, he's there because he's always there, and always fall-down drunk)... wasn't because he inconvenienced me.  I was on my way back from dinner when I saw his car and stopped to say hi... it was 8 p.m. and he was drunk, so I said hi and left.  I got a call 30 minutes later from him to come back and take him to his friend's since he would never have been able to drive 50 minutes to his house.  When I got there, he had a drink in his hand that was half empty... and since I was on the phone in the middle of an argument with a close friend, I asked him to go back inside and wait for me.  Ten minutes later, he came out with another, full, drink in his hand.  My frustration was not only with him and his irresponsibility in getting himself to that point (over and over again) knowing he lives far away... and involving not only me but his friend who had to take him in as well as ride him 35 minutes to get his car the next morning, but with the bar that kept serving his as well.

He surely would have killed himself if he had tried to drive so I am glad that I picked him up, but I don't have to be happy about it.  Three months ago, I deleted him from my Facebook page because after several attempts to talk to him about getting help, I couldn't watch him self-destruct any more.  If this were a family member or a close friend, it would be a different story. 

Cloudy, With a Chance of Meatballs

Yet another time where the meteorologist were wrong.  I tell you, never have I seen a job where you can consistently be wrong and get paid for it... well, maybe the stock exchange and President Bush.  With my high tech Nike 3000 weather machine (i.e. putting my tennis shoes on and walking to the middle of the yard), I was able to call it that we weren't going to get shit, and we didn't.  Like an old woman, I am glued to the Weather Channel to see how long I will be a shut-in and how many loaves of bread I'll need to survive for three weeks... and it never fails... in fact, as soon as they name it some stupid name, it never happens.  We got a little bit of rain and that was it.  There was probably a better chance of meatballs falling out of the sky than what they predicted.

I finally got myself back to the gym today and did my workout and cardio... and I am trying out a new massage therapist in an hour.  Despite never going to one because I am usually disappointed and can't relax because I'm too busy trying to figure out what they're doing, I think I will have no problem this time.  I may even fall asleep.

So, I'm heading to a Super Bowl party this weekend.  I figured I had to or I would be lynched at sunrise... besides, there's nothing on TV.  In fact, most stores in the area are closing at 5.  Are you kidding me?  My progrums have been so screwed up over the last month, with holidays, football games, award shows and mid-season previews of new shows.  I just want my shows back.