I rarely go into our bank for anything. With direct deposits and ATMs, there isn't really any reason to. However, I went to our bank to purchase two Visa gift cards. When I handed over my debit card to pay, the teller advises "I'm sorry. We can't accept debit cards. We only take cash or checks." Huh??? This is YOUR debit card. Why would you take a check, but not your debit card? With that, I got the standard employee answer "It's our policy. You can go outside to the ATM and withdraw the money." Which is what I wound up doing. I still haven't been able to figure this one out. Anybody out there in the banking industry care to shed some light on this?
My recuperation from my surgery has gone well, all in all. Unfortunately, my Chronic Fatigue has returned with a vengeance. CFS is an auto-immune disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, the same virus that causes mono. CFS is a difficult condition for people to understand. The feeling is, hell, we all get tired. What's the deal? Well, the deal is that this fatigue is debillitating. My legs and arms get weak and it's an effort to even stand up. Getting a good night's sleep doesn't help. I have some meds prescribed by the doctor, but they don't help much when it comes on this severe. I'm having more blood work next week. I'm hoping the findings will help the doctor come up with a course of action to combat this. I'm scheduled to return to work on 3/9 and I would like to get this behind me by then.
How many times have you heard a song, heard a line and thought "what the hell did they just say?" Sometimes you think it sounds like something that you KNOW couldn't be right. But, until you find out the correct lyrics (if you ever do), you sing the wrong words anyway. Well, you are not alone. Well, with a little help from The Archive of Misheard Lyrics, I present my 13 favorites:
1. Song: Purple Haze Artist: Jimi Hendrix Misheard Lyrics: "S'cuse me, while I kiss this guy." Correct Lyrics: S'cuse me,while I kiss the sky."
2. Song: Bad Moon Rising Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival Misheard Lyrics: "There's a bathroom on the right." I admit, this is what I sang until I was corrected. Correct Lyrics: "There's a bad moon on the rise."
3. Song: Livin' On A Prayer Artist: Bonjovi Misheard Lyrics: "It doesn't matter if we're naked or not." Correct Lyrics: "It doesn't matter if we make it or not,"
4. Song: Blinded By The Light Artist: Manfred Mann Misheard Lyrics: "Wrapped up like a douche, another rumor in the night." Correct Lyrics: "Revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night."
5. Song: Like A Virgin Artist: Madonna Misheard Lyrics: "Like a virgin, touched for the thirty-first time." Correct Lyrics: "Like a virgin, touched for the very first time."
6. Song: Country Roads Artist: John Denver Misheard Lyrics: "West Virginia, Mount your mama." Correct Lyrics: "West Virginia, mountain mama."
7. Song: Desperado Artist: The Eagles Misheard Lyrics:"You've been outright offensive for so long now." Correct Lyrics: "You've been out riding fences for so long now."
8. Song: Tiny Dancer Artist: Elton John Misheard Lyrics: "Hold me close now, Tony Danza." Correct Lyrics: "Hold me closer, Tiny Dancer."
9. Song: Another Brick In The Wall Artist: Pink Floyd Misheard Lyrics: "The ducks are hazards in the classroom." Correct Lyrics: "No dark sarcasm in the classroom."
10. Song: Girls Just Want To HaveFun Artist: Cyndi Lauper Misheard Lyrics: "Oh, mama dear, I'm not the virgin I was." Correct Lyrics: "Oh, mama dear, we're not the fortunate ones."
11. Song: Without You Artist: Mariah Carey Misheard Lyrics: "I can't forget the semen on your face as you were leaving." Correct Lyrics: "I can't forget this evening or your face as you were leaving."
12. Song: Smooth Artist: Santana Misheard Lyrics: " Man, it's a hot one; like seven midgets from the noonday sun." Correct Lyrics: "Man, it's a hot one; like seven inches from the noonday sun."
13. Last, but not least, I'm posting a video that, not only mis-interprets the lyrics, but provides graphics.
Well, Ticketmaster says they didn't mean to try and pull the wool over everyone's eyes with their Springsteen tickets scam. They're paying NJ $350,000. There is also going to be a random drawing for 1000 tickets for those who filed a formal complaint by 2/17 with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. Unfortunately, I did all my bitching here and didn't file a formal complaint, so I guess I'm SOL, even though the Star-Ledger used my blog post in their editorial about this debacle.
BRUCE (or any E-Streeter) - If you're reading this, can you help me out here? I just live across the Oceanic Bridge from you in Navesink; I can stop by the house or we can meet at Crazee's for a sundae. My treat.
" A political promise today means another tax tomorrow."
The town we live in recently did a revaluation of all real estate and we received our new assessment yesterday. The assessment is broken down between land and building. The house reval increased $30K, which seems reasonable to me. However, the land value increased a whopping $116K! How can that be? The lot size has not increased. Obviously, the land hasn't moved to a new, better location. We have until 5/1 to appeal. However, we have to show examples of comparable properties that have sold in the last year,which is just about impossible. We don't live in a planned development. Our little area is composed of old homes, new homes, refurbished homes. This area, going back to the 40's & 50's, was filled with little bungalows that were used as summer getaways. Our house, at one time, was one of these homes. However, over the years, previous owners enlarged and re-designed it, so today, you would never know its beginnings. So, finding comparable homes is next to impossible. I have no idea how this is going to effect our property taxes. Gee, do you think the Federal government has any money for us to help in this situation? Oh, no. I forgot. We don't qualify. We pay our mortgage every month.
This wasn't the blog I was planning today, but I just saw this and thought it was worth sharing. I haven't seen the film "The Wrestler", but I can still relate to this. Hit the "Expand to full screen" button on the lower right corner to see the full picture.
I'm going to put my blogs about my high school fashion memories on hold to participate in something known as Thursday Thirteen.. All you need to do is create a list of 13 anythings. Today I'm going to list 13 things that I still can't believe. Also, I want to thank the very talented and generous Samulli for sharing her Thursday 13 headers.
I still can't believe:
1. We haven't captured Osama Bin-Laden. How many caves are there to hide in in Afghanistan??? 2. That it took over 13 years to put OJ Simpson in prison. It's not okay to hold up guys who you think have some of your stuff, but it's okay to murder your ex-wife and an innocent bystander doing a good deed. 3. That the Phillies are World Champions. Can I stress enough how much I HATE the Phillies (and their smelly Fanatic). 4. Keeping with the baseball theme, that Luis Castillo is going to play 2nd base again for the Mets and be in the starting line-up, possibly as the lead-off man. Someone needs to explain that move to me and why it would be a good thing to move Reyes from leading off. 5. That I married my first husband. My friends and family who knew him will understand. 6. That I'm @#%&* years old! 7. Everything my new Smartphone can do. The manual that came with it has more pages than my CPR instruction manual. I know I'll never learn it all. 8. That the LSH won't quit smoking. 9. That chocolate is bad for me. My doc said I should avoid it as it contributes to acid reflux. Thanks, but I'll suffer. 10. That people always laugh when they find out I work for a company that makes condoms, among other things. Hey, somebody has to do it! 11. That I still don't have Springsteen tickets for the shows coming up in May. (See previous blogs for details). 12. That Captain Sullenberger was able to land that plane in the Hudson without any fatalities. I believe Sully's guardian angel deserves a promotion. 13. That people care about what Paris Hilton is doing, wearing, sleeping with, etc. I understand why actors, singers and such are famous. But, as far as I can tell, this chick is famous for just showing up.
I noticed 2 adolescent girls walking home from school today, casually dressed in jeans and whatever, the way most kids dress today. It got me thinking about my high school days and what we wore to school. Waaaaay back then, girls were not allowed to wear pants, let alone jeans. Based on what you wore, you would fall into one of three categories: collegian, Newark or mod. I suppose there was one other category, no style at all which, much like today, would be considered nerd-y. The collegian style would probably be considered what we know as preppy today. There were no designer names; the closest thing to designer wear was probably Bobbie Brooks. Now, Bobbie Brooks clothing was a little bit on the pricey side then, so it was worn mostly by the girls who "came from money." Throughout my high school years, I had ONE Bobbie Brooks outfit, a yellow skirt with matching sweater. I loved it and was heartbroken when my mother WASHED the sweater and put it IN THE DRYER, which shrunk it to the point it wouldn't fit a 5 year old. She bought me another yellow sweater, but it wasn't a BB, so the outfit was never quite the same. Another item all collegian's had to have was a tennis sweater. The stripes on the sweater HAD to be blue and burgundy. I had one, but it was some no name brand, not an IZOD. The two other items in a collegian's closet were desert boots and at least one CPO jacket. Now, the site I've linked for the desert boots says they were part of the mod style, but not where I grew up. It was part of a collegian's wardrobe. I see, from searching the web, that a form of CPO jackets are still around, but they mostly seem to be plaids and wear more like a heavy shirt. My generation's version was either cranberry or navy blue, that's it and was heavier, much more a jacket than a shirt. My jacket was navy blue. It seems every generation, starting in the 50's, has worn jeans. Again, there were no designer jeans then. I believe that started in the late 70's (remember Sergio Valentes or Brooke Shields' commercials for Calvin Klein?) For us, it was Wranglers or nothing at all.
Hope everyone got to spend their Valentine's Day exactly how they wanted to. As I mentioned before, the LSH & I don't make a big deal about this day. However, he managed to surprise me this year. He isn't into buying jewelry, unless it's something I have specifically picked out in advance. That's why I was so surprised to receive a lovely necklace with a diamond heart pendant (plus roses, chocolates and this (it's very funny to watch). We were going to go out for lunch yesterday, but I wasn't feeling up to par, so we went today instead. One of our favorite casual places, Barnacle Bill's in Rumson. It's a very popular local hangout that, if you didn't know where to look, you'd never find it. It's at the end of a street that, if you continued down, you'd wind up in the Navesink River. There are no signs on the main street directing you there. You can help yourself to peanuts and drop the shells on the floor. It's that kind of place. It's a little goldmine; I wish I owned a piece of it. Other V Day news - one of Mike's brothers got engaged. Congrats to Andy & Kelly. Kelly was totally taken by surprise. And one of his other brothers got engaged last month. Belated congrats to Brian & Jen. To be honest, I thought they were both confirmed bachelors, as Brian is 40 and Andy is either a year or 2 older or younger (the LSH has a hard time keeping track of this family). And actually, the LSH was 40 on our wedding day and had never been married before. We've been kidding with the engaged couples about a double wedding, but it doesn't sound like that's going to happen. Whatever, we're very happy for them and welcome Jen and Kelly to the family.
Last summer, a Jersey shore man was arrested for impersonating NY Yankees pitcher, Joba Chamberlain, signing autographs and receiving free meals and drinks from various businesses in Belmar. He also claims that he picked up over 100 women who thought he was Chamberlain. He was sentenced yesterday. There is so much that bothers me about this story, I don't know where to begin. First, that this guy didn't think he was doing anything wrong. Second, that 100 women slept with him just because he "was" Chamberlain. I know I'm going to sound shallow here but, my God, he's not even good-looking. And the one question I've wanted to ask all these people who were scammed by this guy - Didn't it ever cross your minds that, as it was baseball season at the time, what would Joba be doing hanging down the shore? Were they that blinded by celebrity that they allowed themselves to believe this guy without question? I bet they sure feel foolish now.
My father-in-law just called to tell me he read my submission on the editorial page today in the Newark Star-Ledger. I told him I didn't send anything to them; I don't even read that paper. So, I checked their online edition and, sure enough, there was my blog, reprinted on the editorial page. Very cool. But, I still don't have tickets!
If you're alive and not in a coma, it's impossible not to know that Valentine's Day is this Saturday. Stores are filled with displays of hearts filled with chocolate (and have been since the day after Christmas). Restaurants are trying to lure everyone with ads of specials (free glass of champagne, free rose for the ladies,etc). And, of course, the cards. According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated one billion valentine cards are sent each year, making Valentine's Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. (An estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas.) The LSH & I don't make a big deal about this holiday. We exchange cards and a little something to mark the occasion. I've had the card and gift I'm giving him for awhile. But yesterday, in my first solo foray out of the house since my surgery, I visited my local CVS to pick up a prescription. While waiting for it. I found this card that seemed to be made for me to give. If you've been following my blog, you're aware that I'm a huge, huge Mets fan. The LSH was never into baseball, but, over the years, little by little, he has succumbed to the point that he actually owns and wears a few Mets t-shirts. He knows most of the names of the players (although I'm going to have to update him on the new additions to the 2009 roster). Anyway, as I said, I just had to get this card:
I can't scan the inside of the card because I've already written some personal remarks that should remain private :); however, the gist of the cards says "Hey, there's no baseball in February! And, here we are naked with nothing to do!" Along with the card, I also bought this. I'll let you guess which one I bought.
Postscript-Why did the following make me feel so good?
I had to go to the hospital this morning for blood work. The technician, a young lady in her 20's, entered the waiting area and called my name. As I approached her, she repeated my name, this time as a question. I told her that, yes, this is me. She replied "oh, I just needed to check because you don't look your age."
I admit, I love when I'm told that. I guess that makes me vain. It does seem that the majority of baby boomers, like myself, are not entering the later stages of their lives with much grace and acceptance. The proof of that is all around us, what with the proliferation of anti-aging products and treatments. I don't know when exactly looking your age became a sin, but, whenever it was, I bought into it. So, here's to Carly Simon, who, when she wrote this song in the early 70's, didn't realize she was writing an anthem for most of her fellow boomers.
I had planned on writing about something else today, but, as an avid baseball fan and fellow human being, I have to address the A-Rod (or A-Roid, as some of the media is calling him) debacle. I can't say I'm shocked at his admission. His excuses for taking them - pressure to perform, a lot of people were doing it - are just that- excuses. Now, after denying these allegations for years, he's decided to come clean and say how sorry he is. Like others who have "come clean" only after some reporter has the goods on them, whether it's a pro athlete, a politician, or a respected member of your community, I cannot stomach to hear all the apologies and excuses. He's sorry? No, he's not sorry for what he did; he's sorry he got caught. He had many chances to come forward and he didn't. He cared more about his image than the truth. But, what is disturbing me more, are some of the comments I've been hearing from sportscasters and fans. Scott Clark, the sportscaster on NY's Eyewitness News, an avowed Yankee fan, said in his report earlier that A-Rod has taken the " high road" by admitting his indiscretion. The high road? Is he kidding? The high road would have been to never have taken the substances at all or, at the very least, admit to it when the allegations first came out. Also, ESPN just did a poll and the majority of respondents said they weren't really bothered that Rodriguez took steroids. What has happened to our society where people are so accepting of a pro athlete who lies and cheats? What are we teaching our children? It's ok to cheat; just don't get caught? IMHO, any ballplayer proven to have taken steroids should not be allowed in the HOF and any records they break should be noted that they had taken performance enhancing drugs. As far as steroid use in baseball, baseball itself has to shoulder some of the blame. Baseball owners, managers and trainers turned a blind eye to this and there were no consequences if you used drugs. I am not a fan of Jose Canseco; I have never met the man, but he comes across as an arrogant a-hole. I also haven't read his book. When his book came out, he was called a liar, a traitor and was accused of just trying to make a quick buck. But, it seems, as time goes on, more and more of his allegations are being proven to be true. I love baseball. I assume the majority of today's active players have never taken steroids. I hope that my faith is justified.
My local paper, the Asbury Park Press, is leading a movement to get our state legislators to vote to re-instate the death penalty as soon as possible. I am 100% behind this, considering I, along with many other New Jerseyans, were victims of a most heinous crime this week. Even if you don't live in Jersey, please support us in this endeavor.
I had an appointment with my surgeon yesterday and he removed the staples (why does that sound so weird to me)? He said I'm a "good healer" and he's pleased with my progress. I, however, expressed that I thought I would be feeling better and less tired by now. The good doctor reminded me that I had major surgery and I need to be more patient. So, I'm trying. He said the earliest he will release me to return to work is 3/9. So, what have I been doing with myself? Well, as you can see, I've been able to blog everyday (sometimes twice). I've also been discovering new blogs which I'm enjoying. One thing I haven't been doing is watching much tv. Instead, I've been reading, a nice luxury that I'm taking advantage of. I'm just about to start Ken Follett's "World Without End", the long awaited sequel to "Pillars of the Earth," one of my favorite books, which came out in 1989. I've also done a little online shopping, but I'm trying to keep that under control. It's just SO easy! Just wish it was warmer out, so I could sit out on the deck to blog and read. Our home is situated on a small hill overlooking Sandy Hook, so we have a fairly decent view of the ocean. Oh, well. I guess I'll have to rely on my Snuggie to keep me warm.
I started this blog back in October and, overall, I've been enjoying it. I told myself that, if it starts feeling like a job or an obligation, I'll let it go. I can't really say what motivated me to start this. I really had no idea where to begin. But, with some help from a few online friends and fellow bloggers, I was able to get this up and running. I told myself that I was doing this for me and if other people happen to find it and enjoy reading it, all the better. But, I admit, I'm getting a little frustrated. When I'm talking with friends and/or family, inevitably someone will mention my blog and/or a particular post, making some comment about it. Hey!! Did you ever notice that there's a place to write comments?? I don't care if the comments are good, bad or indifferent; even just a note to say hi, I stopped by to check out your blog. Also, I love Feedjit, the service that tracks where people are from who stop by the blog and how they got here. I had to restart my Feedjit last week, for some unknown reason, so my list isn't as long as it was. But, it shows that, somehow, people from various points around the world, have found my blog. I would love to get a comment from those folks also. As I said, I don't care what the comment is (however, no profanity, please). You can disagree with me, tell me I don't know what I'm talking about, or just tell me you love me. Please, don't be shy. I know that shyness has never been an issue for any of my family and friends, so don't start now.
I'm sure, like me, you receive emails from well-meaning friends and relatives, spouting some belief or promoting some cause, and, at the end, they ask you to forward this to 5, 10 or whatever people. I never forward them, whether I'm pro or con regarding the message being sent. I react to these like I do when someone, like the Jehovahs or a siding salesman, come knocking at my door uninvited.. I either don't answer the door or, if I do, I politely say that I'm not interested and close the door. However, this week I received a link to a website that, at first glance, I assumed was going to be another of the same old same old . But, to my surprise, it caught my interest. I did some research and found that it was started by Norman Lear, a name familiar to those of us who watched tv in the 70's. He asked actor/singer/songwriter Keith Carradine, who also wrote an Academy Award winning song for the controversial 1975 film "Nashville", called "I'm Easy." to write a song called "Born Again American." The website shows a video of various Americans singing the song. Yes, some of you might think that it IS schmaltzy, but, to me, it puts into words how I'm feeling and I can bet, I'm not the only one. So, if you like it, please pass it on. If not, that's ok. That's what freedom is all about.
This is a difficult post for me to write. But it's been on my mind and I haven't been upfront with all of you. I've decided to go on the record and admit to something I probably should be ashamed of. To hell with the consequences; I've just got to be me. So, here it goes:
It was a spur of the moment event when I was feeling cold and weak. I didn't buy it online. I hadn't planned on buying one. When I went shopping that day, it was the farthest thing on my mind. I had stopped at my local Tar-get to pick up a few odds and ends and, there it was. One lone, blue Snuggie on the shelf. I picked it up to check out the box when one of the sales associates stopped and said "that's the last Snuggie; we're not getting anymore in this season." Why did this Tar-get employee specifically stop to tell me that? I never can find one when I need one but, this one magically appeared out of nowhere. I took it as a sign. Yes, this should belong to me. It also had the added incentive of coming with a booklight. How could I walk away from this? I brought it home and reluctantly, showed it to the LSH. He must really love me for who I am because he didn't make fun of me. He accepted the Snuggie into our family without question. I removed it from the box and, with my heart beating a bit faster, I put it on and, totally disappeared. This thing is HUGE! They advertise it as one size fits all; honestly Shaquille O'Neal could fit into this with room to spare. However, I got myself comfortable on the couch and, actually felt all warm and cozy - until the phone rang. I got up to answer, still wearing my new purchase, and promptly tripped in all the extra material that drags on the floor and almost broke my neck. I predict soon you will be seeing tv ads from lawyers looking for people who have sustained Snuggie injuries that they will represent in a lawsuit probono. Someone said "Confession is good for the soul" and, in this case, I believe it. I DO feel better. I hope maybe, by my example,I'll influence other closet Snuggie-holics to come out and join me. Just watch where you step so you don't break your necks!
To show I can laugh at myself, I'm posting this video I found. WARNING: Please be aware that this video is rated "R", so make sure the kiddies or your boss isn't around when you play it:
I haven't heard directly from my congressman, but they are calling for an investigation of Ticketmaster and how they handled the Springsteen ticket sales. Here is the AP article; I'm very excited; the information provided is almost word for word what I wrote in my email. I'm sure I'm not the only person who complained, but I'd like to think I had something to do with this.
Please, Omar.....please hurry up and sign Manny before it's too late!! Please give us something at the Ollie press conference this afternoon. Some folks are saying that now that the Mets have agreed to pay Perez $36 million for 3 years, they won't want to spend the bucks on Manny. I know Manny's age (36) is an issue if he's looking for more than a 1 year deal, which I believe he is. But, what Met fan would not want to see:
1. Jose Reyes 2. Carlos Beltran 3. David Wright 4. MANNY RAMIREZ
I have no idea, business-wise how this works. I just know I want Manny!!
We have Ollie back with us for 3 years. On the whole, I'm okay with this. When the good Ollie is on the mound, magic happens. However, bad Ollie can emerge around the 4-5th inning and all hell breaks loose. Ollie HAS to be able to pitch well at least through 6 innings, preferably 7. I heard he got married during the off-season; maybe that will help him overcome his schizophrenia on the mound.
The one face I'm going to miss the most is Pedro's. I've heard that the Mets haven't totally discounted him, but, as much as I love him, i don't think it would be a good move to sign him. I understand he will be playing for the DR in the WBC'; maybe everyone's waiting to see how he does there before making him a serious offer. I have great memories watching Pedro at the morning workouts during Spring Training the last 2 years, always with that great smile on his face, so friendly to all the fans there. He's had such a great career, it would be a shame if it ended now, coming off last year's problems. I wish him well, wherever he goes.
Love the analogy Metstradamus makes today regarding Omar and Ollie. .
Today I did something I have never done before - I wrote my Congressman. I didn't write to him protesting the war, New Jersey's highest in the nation property taxes or even about how I'm very nervous about whether my job is going to survive my company's current downsizing. No, my issue was more mundane than that, but, still, important to me.
Like every other red-blooded American, the LSH & I watched the Super Bowl last night and enjoyed every mnute of it, from Jennifer Hudson's moving rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner:
to the final outcome of the game, although, most of the ads were pretty weak, IMHO. Of course, for me, the Half-Time Show was the highlight. I didn't know what Bruce and the band were going to be able to do in 12 minutes. Amazingly, they were able to get in 4 songs (though abbreviated) and also show Bruce's typical wonderful rapport with the audience. This got me more psyched to get concert tickets for shows coming up in May at the Izod Center, which went on sale today at 9AM at the granddaddy of all ticket sites, Ticketmaster.com. To my amazement, I was able to get through on my first try at 9AM, receiving a response that it could take up to 15 minutes to process my request. Fine, I've had this happen before. However, it's the response I got after 15 minutes that made me see red and energized me to write my congressman. I tried to upload here unsuccessfully, but, in a nutshell it said:
"Sorry, there are no more tickets available through Ticketmaster; however, you can try our sister site, Tickets Now, where we have TONS of tickets available; you'll just have to pay hundreds of dollars more than their face value of $65-$95."
Now, I admit, I have gone that route in the past and have overpaid for tickets to concerts and sporting events, but, right now, I'm going to let the marvelous actor, Peter Finch, express how I'm feeling:
(If you don't know, that's from a great flick from 1976, Network. It's worth watching. What's frightening is that, in the last 34 years, nothing much has changed.)
However, I digress. In my email, I relayed my story and just asked Congressman Pallone to please explain the scalping laws in this state because, Tickets Now, seems to be a legitimized scalping operation and I want to know how they are allowed to get away with it.
