The Music Gal's Musings...Christmas Songs that send me over the EDGE

...and this is meant in a melencholy, oh my, another year is over, what have I done with my life, why does time go so fast, what happened to my misspent youth, what is with the world/people/kids these days sort of way...

1. River - Joni Mitchell
I actually have recordings of this song by several artists, James Taylor, Sarah McLachlan, Joni herself. Still, my favorite is a recording by some Broadway dude named Michael Ball. It is actually the first version of the song I ever heard. It starts with a few piano bars of "Jingle Bells" and then goes into this great singer/songwriter vibe. The very The first time I heard it, in my car - SURPRISE - I cried. "I wish I had a river I could skate away on..."

2. Same Old Lang Syne - Dan Fogelberg
Don't even need to get more than 2 or 3 notes into this one and I am there. I remember hearing this one as a little girl, SO interested in boys and love and romance and wondering if that kind of heartache awaited me somewhere down the line. Well, I now know, that kind of heartache is just life, and feeling, and love. "Drink a toast to innocence..."

3. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - PREFERABLY The Pretender's version
Just a great tune, but the part that gets me "Through the years, we all will be together. If the fates allow." Just sends me down that path of having NO control on this ride we call life, and being the daughter of a controller - yep, not QUITE ready to claim this trait as my own - I HATE THAT!

4. Silent Night - AT Christmas Eve candlelight service
Every freakin' year, can't even sing verses 3 and 4 'cause I have tears streaming down my face. It is just one of those times, where the feelings, and the sights, and the sounds just get the better of me and I am filled with such wonder that I just burst. And you know, as much as it drives me crazy, I hope I am always well aware of the beauty and mysticism around me.

So, have a listen, and I'll be sure to have the tissues at the ready.
-Cheryl

All I can say is WOO HOO!
Tim and I have been joking about me being all about the Mediterranean diet lately - like throwing feta and black olives on everything - and hey, here is yet another reason to love it.
Bring on the Baklava,
Cheryl


Alcohol in moderation may extend life
Tue Dec 12, 12:32 PM ET
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Moderate drinking may lengthen your life, while too much may shorten it, researchers from Italy report. Their conclusion is based on pooled data from 34 large studies involving more than one million people and 94,000 deaths.



According to the data, drinking a moderate amount of alcohol -- up to four drinks per day in men and two drinks per day in women -- reduces the risk of death from any cause by roughly 18 percent, the team reports in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

However, "things radically change" when consumption goes beyond these levels, study leader Dr. Augusto Di Castelnuovo, from Catholic University of Campobasso, said in a statement.

Men who have more than four drinks per day and women who have more than two drinks per day not only lose the protection that alcohol affords, but they increase their risk of death, the data indicate.

The reason why men are protected at up to four drinks per day, while women lose the protection after two glasses has to do with how men and women metabolize alcohol, researchers say. It's been shown that when men and women who drink the same amount of alcohol, women experience higher blood alcohol levels than men.

Therefore, women who consume more than two glasses of alcohol per day may be at increased risk for diseases of the liver and certain types of cancer.

"Our findings, while confirming the hazards of excess drinking, indicate potential windows of alcohol intake that may confer a net beneficial effect of moderate drinking, at least in terms of survival," the Italian team concludes.

"Heavy drinkers should be urged to cut their consumption, but people who already regularly consume low to moderate amounts of alcohol should be encouraged to continue," they add.

The manner in which alcohol is consumed also appears to be important, the researchers report. "Little amounts, preferably during meals, this appears to be the right way (to drink alcohol)," said Dr. Giovanni de Gaetano of Catholic University, another author on the study. "This is another feature of the Mediterranean diet, where alcohol, wine above all, is the ideal partner of a dinner or lunch, but that's all: the rest of the day must be absolutely alcohol-free."

"The message carried by scientific studies like ours is simple," Dr. de Gaetano continued. "Alcohol can be a respectful guest on our table, but it is good just when it goes with a healthy lifestyle, where moderation leads us toward a consumption inspired by quality not by quantity."

SOURCE: Archives of Internal Medicine, December 11/25, 2006

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The Music Gal's Musings...aka songs that make me want to DRIVE FAST!

I had this "Top 10" type thought, but then realized that was kind of lame. I need to do more of a "Top 5 with Liner Notes" to be true to my authentically longwinded self...so here goes.

1. "I Alone" by Live - This is honestly one of the best songs ever...gets me up and dancing around the room in a spastic headbangerish way every time I hear it...and I am generally not a headbanger type. The lyrics are totally bizarro but I could care less. It starts slowly, almost hypnotically, with very metered, monotonously repetitive type singing...then builds and builds until it explodes. OK, now I'm thinking about sex. The song goes through this mellow to loud transition like three times too...woah, now I am thinking about multiple orgasms! See? Good song!

2. "Bring Me to Life" - Evanesence - You know, very similar song in a way, where its strength comes from contrast...Amy Lee's ethereally high voice paired with gravelly male voices and hard rockin' guitar. This one, thought, rocks on the lyrics too and if it is playing in my van, trust that it is loud and I am belting it out right along with Amy! And on the topic of singing in your car...you may look foolish when you are caught, but it's better being caught singing than, say, picking your nose or something!

3. "Thunder Island" - Jay Ferguson Didn't think I was gonna go all hard rock on ya there did you? Now HERE'S a classic 70's tune to beat 'em all. Catchy as all get out. When you hear it in the morning, you'll be humming it all day, and driving fast to try to get to the beach. Doodoodoodoo - Doodoodoo - Doodoodoo doodoodoodoodoo...

4. "Middle of the Road" - The Pretenders "Come on baby, come on now, in the middle of the road -Yeah!" WAIT NO! Bad choice...but check that song out - the drum beats have you pressing the accelerator at hello.

5. "Sexy Back" by Justin Timberlake "Honey" by Mariah "Finally" by CeCe Peneston, and "Don't Cha" by the Pussycat Dolls, "This One Thing" by Amerie when I'm "feelin' my groove," ya know?

Alrighty, my "Top 5 is suddenly a "Top 9!" Oops! But that's the thing, there are just so many great driving songs! Take for instance, "Interstate Love Song" by Stone Temple Pilots, "Even Flow" by Pearl Jam (which can also make you drive into a ditch, laughing, as you and your husband recall the Adam Sandler/"Opera Man" version of it on SNL) , "Running Down a Dream" by Tom Petty, "Rock the Casbah" by the Clash, "Owner of a Lonely Heart" by Yes (just don't envision the cat from the video jumping in your lap as you drive...), "Sowing the Seeds of Love" by Tears for Fears, "Sympathy for the Devil" by The Rolling Stones, "Summertime" by DJ Jazzy Jeff, "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder, "Girlfriend" by Matthew Sweet, any NUMBER of songs by Journey, in particular, "Ask the Lonely," and who wouldn't be pushing the pedal to the metal as Madonna belts out "Like a Prayer" or "Into the Groove." On further examination, maybe I ought to be asking Santa for a radar detector to go with the iPod...

And somehow, the "Top 5" is now a "Top 22!" Oh well, get behind the wheel and DRIVE!
-Cheryl

Rumors by FLEETWOOD MAC was first released in Febrary 1977. Where were you then? I was 9 years old and in the 4th grade. How ironic, as that is exactly where Ethan is. Here is a photo of me with my Dad when I was in 4th grade. So this is where I was when this album was released. Sure, the songs were on the radio, sure I knew them all. But it wasn't until 3 or 4 years later that I went out and purchsed the album myself and really fell in love with the song, Dreams.

What a great time in life though. The only stress we had was getting homework done (which at the time seemed huge!) and whether or not Mom was going to let my best friend sleep over on Friday. Life was full of joy. I was making plans to get my ears pierced on my upcoming 10th birthday and reading books like Ramona the Brave. Billy was 5 and not yet in school, Tommy was 18 months old and the darn cutest thing. Dad was working at the steam station and Mom baked while we were off to school. Check out those plaid uniform pants and the cross necklace!

So here is another one of those freaky math things. My Dad, in this photo, is where I am NOW in my life. He was 39 years old with a daughter in 4th grade. I am 39 years old with a son in 4th grade. Hm. Never thought about that.

So now I am thinking that I either need to:
1. Fix my turn table so that I can listen to this album once again
2. Buy it on CD

I better do it THIS YEAR and get a photo of me with Ethan in front of a door like this to put in a time capsule!

Isn't she pretty? Home again for ANOTHER day with sick kids, I found myself on Yahoo just screwing around and wouldn't you know it, she was ranked #1 on some Custom Autos list. But OF COURSE! Classy AND tough, fast, rare, a great symbol of open road rebellion, THAT'S my Mustang!
You know, I have been thinking a lot about my car these days, anyways, as I spend a seemingly inordinate amount of time in it. Where I live it is 10 minutes to ANYWHERE, 20 to SOMEWHERE, and and HOUR to a small city. You get used to driving, a lot, and I have come to love it in so many ways. It has certainly become my therapy.

In my car, I can be ALONE. Now this can happen in a number of ways. Sometimes I literally AM alone. I resisted getting a cell phone for a long time for that exact reason, wanting to be, at times, UNREACHABLE. I guess I am the type of person that just needs alone time, and my car has always been a place to get that. There is nothing more peaceful for me than driving down a winding road, preferably on a warm fall day, a panorama of autumnal hues, the AC on AND the windows open (Impractical Cheryl - Air Conditioning the WORLD again, as my dad would chide ) and, naturally, fitting tunes on the radio. That is the way I relax, that is the way I return to the rat race that is my life with a somewhat clearer head, that is my therapy. It is a good therapy too, practical, as I can drive for a bit and run errands, drive for a bit and get the groceries, drop off prescriptions...Purposeful and peaceful, who could ask for more?

I feel fortunate, even, to have kids that are GOOD in the car. They have obviously inherited their mom, and grandpa's, car loving gene as we have FEW toys in the car, snacks only on long trips, and, at my insistence, no integrated DVD system. We don't even listen to many kids CD's in the car. I can be "alone" in my car, even with my kids there, as I tell them "Let mommy concentrate, she needs to drive." With that, little eyes look at the passing scenery, little ears take in the classic rock tunes, and, as adorable as can be, little voices start to sing..."Keep on rockin' me baby..."

And so, with all that my car does for me, don't I deserve a good one? Now mind you, I have a wonderfully "tripped out" MOM VAN, with automatic doors, hatchback, the works. And I DO love it. Vans are a fun, smooth ride, with SUCH versatility. I probably will own one for a long, long time. BUT, since my car provides me SO much, don't I deserve a play car? Since I call it my therapy, and yet don't GO to a therapist OR take any antidepressants and such, couldn't I use said cash for a FUN car? Could I claim it on my insurance - or at least use pretax dollars? Come on! It IS a thought...we do need some change in the health care system in this country. Well, I am READY, and WILLING to do my part!
-Cheryl

The Music Gal's Musings - aka Obscure Song YOU Should Know...

In an attempt to emulate my heroine The Sport's Gal, I have finally begun the weekly blog on that thing I know so well, MUSIC. Now, Scott, relax, we're not talking about me entering your realm - ie. Stodgy musicologist - oh no, this is just me, waxing poetic about my favorite pop and rock tunes...don't lump me in with the "Famous Musicologists" set. I don't have THAT much unruly grey hair, yet.

This week's offering "Under the Skin," ethereally recorded on Lindsey Buckingham's newest solo offering of the same name. I have always been a Fleetwood Mac fan, and always loved Lindsey's writing, so harmonic, and guitar style, so complex. In my opinion, no better does it show itself than on this album,and even more specifically on this song. I read a bit about the production of the album overall and found that much of it was crudely recorded, in hotel rooms and such, as Lindsey was on tour with the reunited Fleetwood Mac. It is a simple recording on one level, kind of guitar singer/songwriter music, but such at its best, rich, complex and layered...like a fine wine that has found its time.

It is so interesting to me to hear what musicians put out there as they age. Sting, another perennial favorite of mine, just released a recording of ANCIENT music - literally - these are songs that were part of a traveling oral music history from the 1600's. Now, not really my cup of tea melodically, but interesting for sure, and inspiring, as it always is when someone does a project for the LOVE of the project. Eric Clapton as well has just recorded an album with a reclusive R&B songwriter with whom he has had a long standing relationship. Worried less about the commercial success and more about the art, the passion shows through.

"Under the Skin" not only satisfies melodically, but lyrically, with such haunting lines as "I hear your heart as you pass through" and "I know it's hard being so hard to find, your passion swallows you whole; deaf, dumb and blind...under the skin, everything shows, under the skin." Lindsey allows us all to feed our soul searching selves like all of the good introspective songwriters do. He allows us not only our breathing room, but our brooding room.

So, give it a listen...download off iTunes...also recommended off the album, "To Try for the Sun," a rich rerecording of an old Donovan tune. Also, great Lindsey tunes, "Bleed to Love Her" off of FM's "Say You Will," and of course, the 80's pop classic "Go Insane." I am sure that on many levels Lindsey wonders WHY about that song, but it is pure pop candy to me.
- Cheryl

It has been so long, dear Blogger, but I am back with a weekend entry. It is truly uncanny how DOWNHILL my writing went AS SOON AS I took the time to commit to the process IN PRINT. Well, I guess there will be no more of that!

So, enough whining, and back to the music! My habit continues and, again, I have made the weekend trip to MY dollar store, and downloaded a few more songs from iTunes. I DARE anyone to name the artists in my newest obscure collection, 70's to present...and more genre than I care to notate...
1. Goodbye Girl
2. Go Insane
3. Radioactive
4. Love is Like Oxygen
5. I Alone
6. Magic
7. Deja Vu
8. (a little embarrassed about this one) Toxic
9. No Way Out
10. Chasing Cars
11. Ready or Not
12. I Just Wanna Stop
13. Promiscuous
14. 1 Thing
15. So Into You
What I wouldn't give to be my own KTel record mixer...but you know, that is the TRUE JOY of downloading music - I AM! I will never forget my KTels, "Wings of Love," which I HAD to have for like my 8th birthday because I LOVED Michael Jackson and "Rock With You." Then there was "Reflections," which secured my life long obsession with sentimental love songs, and I also believe may have contributed to my problems crying at Hallmark commercials and such...just SO sappy. I had a couple of others that I can't recall the titles of, but OH the love of a mixed album, and later a mixed tape, made on my own with the 'ol dual tape deck...the JOY is back.
So, game on, name that artist! I know there are some of you out there with the skills and wherewithal to succeed...
Prizes will be awarded, but you MUST ACT NOW!
- Cheryl

HAD to upload this picture, just to prove that Sue and I ARE alive! Granted we haven't had time to BREATHE as of late, with our teacher's union officially at "Work to Rule" in regards to contract negotiaions, but as you see, we have still had time to party and drink!

Truth be told, though, we have had quite a month at the old workplace, with more and different crap everyday. We could've even uploaded a picture of ourselves on the picket line, but it was blurry and depressing, and Sue looks SO cute in her pink hair...

SO, to this weekend. May I have some time at HOME! May I have some time to cook, clean, organize and BREATHE, and may I also, please, have some time to blog something INTERESTING?!

Time will tell,
Cheryl

See? I officially have jinxed myself with the proclamation of a "blog plan!" I have been so damn busy I haven't even gotten Sport's Gal's "Dressing Slutty at Halloween" post up here...OR taken the time to talk about this thing I read about this week...Fantasy Congress, which I understand as people (geeks - sadly - my "kind") playing with Senators and House Reps LIKE THEY ARE A FANTASY SPORTS TEAM! SO much to write, SO little time all of a sudden...
And so begins the 2006 holiday season, I suppose...Halloween this week, then Thanksgiving and Christmas. Oh well, I know I will have PLENTY of "blog time" when we are up to our necks in lake effect snow come winter:)
See ya then I guess - Ha!
-Cheryl

...and wouldn't you know that JUST as I declare my "Blog Plan" online, I would screw it up. I mean here I was last Wednesday, all cocky and ready to get more blogging done in a regular, real life, workweek...and the power goes out. Then came important union meetings/furnace guy Thursday, Work to Rule AND a broken down car Friday, brothers in town from Boston on Saturday, parents to visit on Sunday, and a car to pick up from the shop on Monday (not to mention work!) . CRAZY! We'll see this week...see if I can get a real midweek blog up and see if I can resume my "weekend edition" on Saturday!
Beck's "I'm a Loser Baby" is playing in my mind. See? It is that whole "Personal Soundtrack" thing...I'm telling you! AND, to think it is Happy 5th Birthday to iPod today! Santa, do you read blogs? If so, PRETTY PLEASE?!

I had this great thought today to begin a weekly addition to the blog..."Obscure Song YOU Should Know." I have been trying to discipline myself to put some sort of post up every weekend, and as much as my contributions are essentially mindless drivel, I have had no problem living up to this personal expectation. Therefore, I was thinking that this midweek post would up the ante a bit, if you will. SO, I sat down tonight to begin...and therein is my problem. WHERE do I begin? What is the FIRST song to feature? I mean, those of you who know me well know, this is like choosing which of my children I love the most. What I thought would be simple, suddenly is complex.

Then there is this thought. Do I want to feature obscure songs, or "soundtrack of my life" songs, or my "songs I'd want on a desert island" songs? Am thinking the last one in particular could be more fun.

Off to ponder over root beer floats with my daughter, then she's off to bed, and I'm off to CD land...stay tuned to see which baby I pick.
- Cheryl

"The Friday Night Alcoholic Speaks"

SO, since I am CRACKING UP at Sue's proposal for Adult Happy Meals, and since I am half in the bag, I thought, why not blog?
So sad that my Friday nights have come to this. Sitting around at my house, drinking, emailing and blogging! Somehow, I don't think these activities would be allowed up on the new "Wall of Wellness" at my school, eh?

Thinking about Friday, though, you know when you get those annoying email surveys and one of the questions is "What is your favorite day of the week?" Well, for me, always and forever, it has and will be Friday. As a kid, Friday always meant pizza at school for lunch AND pizza for dinner. Now you have to understand, this was no government cheese pizza that our school served either, oh no! Ours was made by those Italian lunch ladies...granted, they were brutal when it came to broken Kising Potion, but could they ever cook! When I was little, Friday was family trips to the library. Yep, you're right, total dorkage, but trust that my friend and I found our way into the "naughty" area of the nonfiction. I knew about a lot by about 4th grade - very technical stuff, but still - it's the POWER of reading kids, the POWER of reading!!!!! Friday as a kid meant sleepovers with my best friends AND The Dukes of Hazzard. Oh Bo Duke, how you helped me over the heartbreaking realization that Leif Garrett was a drug addict.

Then, in Jr. High, Friday meant dances, which were cool at that time, but became horribly passe with the onset of Highschool. Teenage years were Fridays running all over God's creation with whomever had just gotten their driver's liscence. We could so easily amuse ourselves...sporting events, ice cream at Friendly's and renting VHS movies at a different person's house each week. Well, then of course there was, in the advent of the highschool years, making out with boyfriends evey now and again! Yep, Fridays ruled!

Then the true debauchery of college started. THAT is where the drinking began! I can recall MANY a wonderfully fun Friday, and at the same time, have a few I really can't remember...or have to rely on others to remember for me. What a time! All through it, though, I watched "thirtysomething" and WISHED to be "grown up" and "responsible" and "adult." WHY was I in such a hurry?

Well here I am, in the Friday nights of my thirties, and as I said, drinking and blogging and emailing. What is my problem? But you know - I am happy. I have a terrifically comfy home, a husband who, for whatever reason, understands, and some damn cute kids. My parents and brother are all (generally) happy and (generally) healthy - we're nothing if not optimists. I have great, true and long lasting friends, one that is my partner in crime on this crazy website! I have coffee and shopping and wine, and I have my iTunes habit. I think I have decided that it is my own online dollar store. It seems that for $.99 I can relive those Friday nights of the past. I can sing along to "I Love Rock and Roll," or to "Centerfold," where THIS TIME I actually UNDERSTAND the words. I can be your "Venus," or channel the vixen in the Whitesnake videos. It is my house, and I can "Rock the Cradle of Love" around my living room in my underware if I want to, although I MAY opt for a glass of white wine over stains from red. I guess even in the years since highschool, I am still pretty easily amused, and you know, that may not be such a bad thing. I still love a good FRIDAY!

- Cheryl

Today's Random Crap: Adult Happy Meals

So I had this thought over the summer but after a few glasses of wine out of the box (I know, Tim...you don't approve..), I am going back to ponder it. You bring your kids to McDs, and no matter what the theme, they are excited to see what toy they get in the Happy Meal. The toy must be opened before any food is conusmed and any sticker application or assembly must also happen before the meal commences.

So why then, can't we as adults get a toy? I think of the small items that could be added to my #4 meal that would just totally make my day. A BIG LIP SMACKER lip gloss, perhaps? Or a little sex toy from the new KY line. Any of these things would just make that Big Mac all the more exciting!

If you recall, McDs did try this for a while. They gave out pedometers with their salads for a short introductory time. This was a big hit. Not for me so much, as I was forced to face the fact that I really don't move enough. But they had the right idea...they just need to broaden their prize offering. Like fun book marks for us reading type. Or perhaps pocket calcultors for those of us who need help figuring the tip?

It brings to mind just how much the little things mean in life. I mean, add a polly pocket with a 4 piece McNugget meal and you have made a little girl's day. Add a matchbox car to a little boy's cheeseburger meal and life is good!

Perhaps I should sell this idea to the King of Franchises...

OK, ever read something like THIS? The Sports Gal on Page Two ESPN - she's my heroine!

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

The Sports Gal Speaks
Bill and his friend Hench own a fake baseball team together. I call it the League of Dorks. It's hard to say how much time they spend on it, but I'd guess five hours a week, maybe more. Hench is one of Bill's nicest friends, but he's even nuttier about this stuff than Bill. One time, I peeked over Bill's shoulder as he was reading a bullet-pointed e-mail from Hench about their fake team. It was like a legal document, I couldn't believe it. Hench used to leave messages and not identify himself, you'd just hear, "message No. 1" and then Hench complaining about something that happened with their fake team. He wouldn't even say, "Hey, guys, this is Hench" first. So I made Bill get a second phone line just for Hench's calls -- they call it the "Bat Phone." I can't believe I married someone who needed a second phone line to talk about a fake baseball team.
You'd think the extra line was enough, but no. A couple of weeks ago, Bill and I were driving home from somewhere and trying to figure out something. Bill said, "I bet Hench knows," and before I knew it, he was calling Hench and they were talking about the League of Dorks. And I was trapped in the car listening to them. It was like being at the nail salon when everything's quiet and relaxing, then something happens and the nail ladies all start screaming in another language. I have no idea what they're talking about, but they're agitated and talking in annoying voices and it's not relaxing at all. That's what Bill and Hench sounded like. Actually, this was worse because I can understand the language and still can't understand them. Finally, I got mad and told Bill to hang up or I was going to jump out of the car.

This week, I noticed playoff baseball started, so I asked Bill, "What happened with the League of Dorks?" Bill said they won first prize. He didn't even seem happy about it. He was just relieved that they didn't lose. Then he said he's having a celebratory lunch with Hench next week. I said they should order a bottle of fake champagne and fake pour it on each other. I hate the League of Dorks.

Here are my picks for Week 5:

Titans +19; Giants -4.5; Lions +6.5; Bucs +6.5; Packers +3; Patriots -10; Bills +10; Panthers -8.5; Jaguars -7; Cards +3; 49ers -3.5; Cowboys +2; Steelers +3; Ravens +4.

Last week's record: 10-4
Season record: 35-23-2

****************************************************************
She blows my MIND! It is like she is ME! I could have written this same column about my husband and all of his Fantasy Friends - which in and of itself disturbs me. My husband has Fantasy Friends...sound like I ought to be calling a marriage counselor. And you know, that is one really funny thing about it. What SHOULD he call these friends. I mean, some friends he plays with are actual friends, but some are people he doesn't even know face to face. It is like his own little Internet Porn Ring - but it is all this Fantasy Sports crap. I guess ESPN already capitalized on this whole concept last year, with its advertisements where the cute cheerleader girls were laying around on the bed talking fantasy football...yeah...like THAT happens! But that's the whole deal...fantasy is fantasy I guess. If only I had thought to get on the horn and talk about my husband and his geeky friends! There's been QUITE the drama and throwing down on the league this year too - name calling, new members talking trash, old friends quarreling, down to the wire trades...it has been a veritable cornucopia, if you will, of fantasy mayhem. (yes - Jay - I used the word cornucopia!) If only I'd tapped in...but you know that was baseball. The real drama of football, I suppose that is yet to come.

-Cheryl

How interesting! This guy, normal everyday photographer Danny Goldfield, set out on a little project to photograph a child from every country in the world. Yeah whatever, you may say, just sounds like a coffee table book, until you find that every child had to reside in NYC. He has been working on the project for two years, and is not done yet, but the press machine is moving now. I love when you read something, or see a TV show about someone, who just had a crazy idea, about a random thought or concept, ran with it, and somehow it panned out into some important work. It is how I see this blog. I mean, yeah, blogging is becoming somewhat ordinary, and tons of little teenybopper kids, adults, AND of course whackjobs and freaks, everywhere, maintain them. Not to mention, as I have explored a number of times, I am not unique. (you know, the "Super Subconscious Dad" thing!) Still, I can't help but think, if I keep posting on here, and keep looking at the world in a way that I am seeking things I could write about, PERHAPS as I blog, a thread of an idea will develop. I will get that little spark that starts a project, a theme, or some further writing. Who knows, but as I read about Danny Goldfield today, my hope was renewed in a number of things. Thanks, Danny, for showing us the universality of family, the innocent beauty of youth, the uniquely diverse place that is our country, and for showing us how ideas can GROW!

(check it out at http://www.nychildren.org)
- Cheryl

OH MY GOODNESS - now "Super Subconscious Dad" is sending me messages through tee shirts!
:)
Cheryl

SUNDAY'S SALIENCE

This is probably going to be a very random blog, due in part to my random nature on the whole, and to my attitude today, and to two beers consumed with a dinner my son cooked. YES, my son...may he become the next Emeril or Alton or Tyler so I can eat for free on my CRAPPY R.C. salary...so first, to him...

Learning the Point Spread

It was a big day in our household as our son learned about the point spread. You see, we have a Jets fan on our hands. We believe his loyalty lies with the Jets for the rather shallow reasons of liking aircraft and wanting a team from N.Y. OTHER than Daddy's Giants and, well, The Bills (sorry Dan and Matt!) , but then again, loyalties have been formed for lesser reasons, I am sure. SO, today, KNOWING that the Jets were going to lose, my husband taught our child the wonders of the point spread, ESSENTIALLY teaching him about gambling...we're nothing if not a wholesome bunch. THEN, the dinner he cooked was Turkey Sloppy Joe's and cheese fries, which our daughter professed, over and over, to LOVE. Our children love gambling and pub food - we are screwed!

Learning Individuality

And so we segue (LOVE that word, and LOVE that people very often can say it but not spell it:) nicely to my daughter, who learned this week that she comes from "out there" stock. Thursday evening, the FIRST night of the week that we really had time to breathe, she curled up in the rocker with me, wanting some "Mommy Time." We just rocked and cuddled and talked for a bit, then she sat up on my lap and very seriously said "Mommy, I need to tell you something." She proceeded to explain, in wavering voice, about a graph that her Kindergarten class had made. She was one of the first to make a choice on the topic "What I Want to Be When I Grow Up," and her choice, which went on the class graph, was to be an Artist. Now, as the lesson progressed, her best friend in the class said she wanted to be a Horseback Rider, and concurrently all the little girls saddled up. G was heartbroken, and literally SOBBED in my lap, while we had the inevitable "Get used to it, Mom's a whack job and so are you," discussion, but truth be told, I was thrilled. Maybe we FINALLY will get an artist in the family with enough childhood trauma to really make a go of it, eh Scott?!

Learning About Obscurity

So, speaking of/to my brother, the ball and chain and I were watching CBS Sunday Morning while the kids were at church school (need to do SOMETHING with them to counteract the debauchery they learn at home) and they mentioned a famous musicologist - even showed his picture! We both burst out laughing when we saw this old, furry faced man that could have been panhandling at any given metropolitan location, if not busy being a "famous musicologist." Sorry, bud, I guess NOW I know what your lot in life is!

Learning About My Own NORMALCY, thanks AGAIN Dad

And lest I wield my vile tongue TOO much, I got my own dressing down over the last few weeks. I always think I am so funny, so original and quick witted. WELL, my husband reads two weekly web columns quite religiously; Tuesday Morning Quarterback and Sports Guy, both off Page Two on ESPN. (GOD, I am impressing myself with my sports knowledge!). SO, recently, they have had stuff on their blogs, because they are essentially just blogs, that I swear are thoughts they sucked off my personal brainwaves. First off, one of them trashed the show "Rock Star Supernova" (guilty pleasure, I know, but hey, if I hadn't been an elementary teacher...) in the EXACT same way I had been verbally trashing it the night before. Then TMQ (see, SO savvy I can use the INITIALS!) ranted eloquently about homework, JUST as Sue and I had. And finally, this week, Sports Gal, (whose stats I might add are DAMN GOOD! Watch out Sports Guy - see I am SO good I even look at stats - pat my back, PLEASE, I NEED to feel important!) had her day with "Clip Shows," one of the EXACT TOPICS I had thought about ranting about this weekend myself. You know, those shows where you settle in for a new episode of your favorite serial and find yourself watching a review of the season thus far? CHEAP T.V. at its FINEST! Not to mention, insullting to the "real fan" who has watched all along, and HAS A BRAIN that can RETAIN INFORMATION enough to follow a story line withough visual Cliff's! Well, when I read her post, and realized she had stolen my fire, I heard the little voice again"You are COMPLETELY normal!" "Super Subconscious Dad" was visiting again! Now, granted, he originally said such so as to keep me from becoming a FREAK in Highschool, but, much to my demise, it is becoming quite true in fact. Overall,though, the thing that PISSES ME OFF (can't imagine that, can you?) - if I didn't have to work at my damn "dayjob," maybe I could get my thoughts out there FASTER!!!!!!!!!! What the hell am I thinking, I come from a long line of procrastinators and I am SURE an at home pedicure would take precedence.

All this AS my son states "Awww, back to school tomorrow" in the background, and such is...

Learning About LIFE,
Cheryl

Today's Commentary: The Tattoo/Sex Correlation

After having just been inked for the first time, I have discovered many similarities between losing one's virginity and getting tattooed for the first time.

Once my appointment had been set, the artist marked my file with a big "V" for "virgin" almost like the big "A" from the scarlet letter. It was a symbol for everyone to know...that I had never been inked. This would be my first time. I would never again be pure. I left a little nervous about that, but even more excited by what I was about to do. I would never be the same again.

So let's start at the beginning. First, there is the consult. This happens on a day separate from the tattoo. It is like the first date. You discuss your dreams with the artist. You explain what you want. He tells you what he can and cannot give you. From there you decide if it will work. If so, you make an appointment. This is like designating when the first sex act will happen.

On the day of the appointment you arrive early and fill out paper work, hand in your ID and sign your life away. The adrenaline is pumping so fast you don't know how to spell your name. You don't KNOW your name. This is the equivalent of foreplay. He preps the part of your body to be tattooed and applies the stencil. Last chance...to back out. You sit on the bench while the artist prepares your pallette and assembles his tools. He gets his condom ready. The excitement elevates and you are overcome with anxiety of the unknown. How much will it hurt? Will I be able to go through with it? Will he be gentle? What if I don't like myself in the morning? Will I get an INFECTION?

You sit in the chair and he begins. Very slow and gentle at first, so you get used to the feeling. This is like the initial penetration. Suddenly you know what it is like...and can relax and go with it. The rest of the outline continues...he is on top and all is okay. You get used to this and want to be in control...you are ready for the next step. He switches needles and begins the shading. It is different this time, but still okay. You are on top now and know you can make it. It's getting close to the end...the climax is near. All the background noise fades away...you focus on the feeling...

"All done." he says and wipes the last of the ink away. Orgasm is complete as you look at your completed tattoo. No longer a virgin. Changed forever. He photographs it to email it to you later (I didn't participate in any photographing during sex so I am not going there...). He bandages you and gives you a "how to care for it" package...he gives you his card. He reminds you that it is addictive...and you know, now that you have had sex, you want to do it again soon. You begin to plan, or at least fantasize about your next tattoo.

You leave and wonder if people can tell, just by looking at you, that you are different, that you are no longer a virgin. You are sure that you are radiating...you want to TELL THE WORLD that you just HAD SEX for the first time!!!! You show everyone whether they want to see it or not, your tattoo.

~ Tattoo Sue

My oh my, just a quickie to metion how AHEAD of trends I am...

See, even at 35, I am "the bomb!" ( thanks to John W. - former student )

Was at Walmart today, and what caught my eye, but a big lipgloss display. Upon closer examination, it was a Lip Smackers display FULL of BIG Lip Smakers, brought back for a LIMITED TIME ONLY! Naturally, being the sucker for advertising that I am, I bought three. There ya go Sue, cat's out of the bag, it is your "10% Done With the School Year" gift!! Enjoy!

- Cheryl

Today's Commentary - My life through lipgloss...

You know, few things give me quite as much pure pleasure as lipgloss. It is one of those things, no matter how crappy the day, if I'm out shopping, and I come across a new lipgloss, the purchase can turn the day around. Truth be told, I am a little obsessive, actually. It is something that, at times, I HAVE to buy. I have no real control over it. I know it sounds shallow, but hey, as I get older, and life and whatnot gets more perplexing and complexing, I say don't question what works.

Even today, I found a pot of lipgloss that I had bought to leave in the car. You can only rely on the potted type lipgloss in the car, unless you want a waxy hell all over your dash. It was crammed in the back of a little storage area below the CD player of the "Mom Mobile." I nearly jumped for joy, immediately unscrewed the cap and smoothed some on. I remembered the day I was shopping that I picked it up, at The Body Shop which I love, but rarely get to. I recalled the joy in the splurge of the 2/$10 treat. The Passionberry scent ( whatever the hell that is ) kickstarted my tropical thoughts, and suddenly I wasn't on the hilly country road that leads to the grocery store, but on a twisting volcanic road in Hawaii. My metalic powder blue Mustang convertible, wide open in evey sense of the word, powering me ahead; wind in my hair, salt making it twisty and ropey in that sexy beach hair way, with the smell of sea air enveloping my every sense.

ALL THAT - JUST FROM SOME SERENDIPITOUS LIPGLOSS!

You know, I guess if I think about it, the obsession started long ago. I can still see my Pink Bubblegum Lip Smacker, back when they were big and fat (remember?) that my stupid brother, who just so happens to post on this blog occationally, cranked up into the cap and ruined! I was SO angry, SO upset! I can also see my Kissing Potion. Remember that one, especially how it used to come in the real GLASS tube with the roller? Well, I can see mine, shattered on the curb, with a big, old Italian lunch lady barking "Come on, nothing you can do about that, leave it and get on the playground." Maybe it is the trauma of childhood that keeps me coming back. An eternal quest to replace what was lost...hell, it is even something I get my daughter into. I have already bought this little pack of lip glosses for her Christmas Stocking. Perpetuation of our own issues - it is what parenting is all about.

So what the hell is my point? I suppose it is GO! Go out, BUY THE LIPGLOSS, or the Fun Dip, or the YoYo, Kebangers, Chinese Jumprope, Rubiks Cube, or Magic Eight Ball. Invest in some sparkly pens and stickers, or in the silly hair acoutrements ( is that even how you spell that? Is that even a word? J.C., what the hell did 4 years of highschool French get me? - but that's another blog...) whatever gets you in touch with your childhood, good or bad. Embrace it, live it, don't forget it, and USE IT to get through the day. It may not be of the highest quality I suppose, but surely, you can think of it as the cheapest therapy around.

- "Hot Lips" (for those who know my High School acting days)
- Cheryl