The End of an Era

Today is my second to last day at my job. As I look around my office I see just how much I really have left to do....it's a bit overwhelming. I just finished packing up all of my personal stuff (pictures etc). I always find it strange that five years in one place can fit in one letter size storage box. I should have brought my camera - this may be the only time I have an office this big! I still have 4 pictures on the wall. One I am not taking home. I'm going to send an email out and give it to who ever wants it. It's too heavy and I don't have the wall space.

Next - out to the shredder to get rid of the evidence - umm I mean old stuff.

You Make My Day

I got my very first blog award today from the lovely Kim over at Something Bleu...it made me very happy! Here is what you do when you win this award.


About the "You Make My Day" award:

1. Write a post with links to 5 blogs that make me think and/or make my day.
2. Acknowledge the post of the award giver.
3. Display the "You Make my Day Award" logo
4. Tell the award winners that they have won by commenting on their blogs with the news.
5. It's a meme, so winners should continue this chain of happiness.

1. Casdok over at Mother of Shrek is an amazing women who shares stories about her amazing 19 year old autistic son "C". When she is writing about her son she is writing in some way about perception. Its fabulous stuff.

2.Life of a Valley Girl follows Val through her ups and down in life. Its a fascinating online diary - she's won tons of awards and I can see why.

3. I check in on Victoria every day. First of all she has the best pictures on her posts. But really I like to see what's happening in her life. I feel like she lives next door. I actually wish she did I think we'd be great friends.

4. Kim nominated me for this award. She is probably the most creative person I know and I love seeing what she has on her blog from day to day. It could be about her afghan or about her baby (Lucy!!). Whatever it is it's usually something she created or had a hand in creating...it's really quite inspiring.

5. Last but not least we have Kiraa (ex-everything). First of all Kiraa changes the look of her blog around more than anyone I know and I am extremely jealous of this. Add to that a very perceptive 20 something's take on the world and you have one kick ass blog....

Ok I'm going to break the rules here because I have two more that I MUST mention

6. Slinger is the brother I didn't know I had. We lead parallel lives (well minus the wife and kids) It's frightening but quite fascinating. He also takes awesome pictures.

7. Then there is my cutie from Columbia - Tyler Durden. I just love him and his blog what can I say? Hey Tyler - maybe we are soulmates??

As soon as I can get an image that blogspot will let me display of the "You Make My Day" logo I'll put it up!

Off to notify the winners!!

So In Love...

With this song - I can't get it out of my head

Say What?

"If [Barack Obama] wins this nomination, I'm going to do what I can to help him become president...After all the mean things they said about me, I can't believe I'm saying this."
-- Bill Clinton

New Job

Started my new job this weekend. It was great. Lots to do but I always like that. The biggest news is that my family had a surprise birthday party for me on Saturday night. It was complete surprise since my birthday was in November. It was great - lots of fun.
I have my niece here with me at work today to help me with filing which is unbelievably helpful.

I'm exhuasted but wanted to update - I'll keep you all posted.

Randomness

Last night on WBCN (Boston Radio) they counted down the top 10 most useless members of rock bands ever. #6 was "anyone in Nine Inch Nails who isn't Trent Reznor". I thought that was pretty funny - although it seemed this lineup was less disposable but I guess that wasn't true. Aaron is touring with his new band Jubilee in Europe, Jeordie is back with Marilyn Mason as Twiggy Ramirez, who knows where Josh is but I'm sure he's working and Allesandro is working with Trent on the new stuff. So I guess three out of four were expendable. Ahh well as I like to tell the people I work for - everyone is replaceable (that's always scary coming from HR).






Ummmm Aaron? We need to have a talk.













I am still sad about Heath Ledger's death. I keep hearing it mentioned on the radio, on TV and of course it's all over the net. He was so young and by all accounts on his way up in the world. I saw Brokeback Mountain and loved it. I thought it was a beautifully portrayed love story and that last scene when he smells the shirt is beyond heartbreaking. Of course with the death of anyone prominent the assholes come out to play. This morning I read about John Gibson from Fox News and what he had to say about the whole thing. All I have to say is you fucking cowardly scumbag. It's so easy to sit back and play little snippets of dialogue and make comments isn't it? What is happening to people? I swear I can feel the soul leaving this country. And yes I know the story is from Perez Hilton but guess what? I can't find it anywhere else? Liberal media my ass. I urge everyone to send at least one email to fox about this. It's disgusting and he should be made to apologize personally to Heath's parents.

Anyway on a completely different note this disabled woman is fighting with the government to get her social security checks because they seem to think she is dead. You would think that when you walk into the office with ID they would be able to uncheck the deceased button and that would be that. Apparently her husband died on 11/8/07 and they mistakenly have it down as her death. Her husband did get a nice condolence letter though.

Speaking of losing our souls this woman deserves every minute in jail. Her blood alcohol was twice the limit when she hit and killed a cyclist. Then while speaking on the phone from jail to a friend they laughed about it. Well the judge got a hold of the tape and well threw the book at her (as she should have).I bet her lawyer wanted to crawl under the table when he/she heard the tape.

Ok Vermont is trying to loosen it's marijuana laws. Honestly how much loser could it possibly be? Believe me, I lived there, I know.

When are people going to get it don't put anything in writing ever. Someone will find it. I guess this moronic mayor learned that the hard way.

I'm happy Victorya got knocked off Project Runway - bitch had an attitude and was too self absorbed.

Check out these awesome Patriot Fans photos.

I can't wait to go see U23D I heard it's great.

I absolutely love success stories like this.

Brady Watch: He wasn't at the first part of practice this morning. Everyone is speculating since that report he was wearing a "walking cast". Relax people he'll be fine.

No, really

Go here and donate rice

If someone could make me a button for this site I would appreciate it!

Thanks to Victoria for making me aware of this great site.

So Sad

The death of Heath Ledger is shocking. Apparently he had a well hid drug problem or something. I'm sure they will air every single bit of his dirty laundry now. One of his friends will make money off telling his story - it's disgusting. His family is devastated, his ex who is the mother of his daughter I'm sure is devastated and his daughter will never get to know her dad. It's all very very sad. Last week Brad Renfro this week Heath. I shudder to think who could be next.

What is infuriating is that the "reverend" fred phelps and his disgusting "church" (of god hates fags fame) westboro baptist church are planning on picketing Heath's funeral because of the gay character he played in Brokeback Mountain. I find these people abhorrent and I hope that somehow someway they can stop them.

If you don't know who they are look them up I'm not providing any links to those assholes.

Talent

There is a distinct lack of talent out there these days. The radio has become unbearable with the exception of noon to 1:30 when they play "old" stuff. This has made it tough to come across new stuff that I like. That being said I have found a few bands -

Paramore - please forgive the matching red pants and the overdone Gwen Stefani like background. Just listen to her fabulous voice.



I love this song - and the video kicks ass. The band is Mute Math


They aren't destined to go down in history as one of the best bands ever but I love this video - it's freakin hysterical- and hey Junior makes an appearance I always love that!



I swear to GOD if Kid Rock smiled and winked at me like that it would get him anything.


And you gotta love a song with a straight forward message..


I've posted this video before but I don't care....I freakin LOVE Josh Homme

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers

Here is the thing - I think Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers are simply the best band ever. Straight ahead rock and roll with no bullshit. Benmont Tench's skill on the keyboards is unmatched in my opinion (and I have a HUGE crush on him) and Mike Campbell's guitar and writing skill make him hard to beat. But then there is Tom. The front man. Great showman and just your average every day weird looking guy with a strange voice. Love Love Love him. The best news is he is playing the Super Bowl this year and my PATRIOTS are there too!!

I have several "favorite" TP songs - so we'll just say these are in the top 10.

The lyrics to this song get me every time....



Look how happy he and Stan (the drummer) look - you'd never be able to tell that in 10-15 years Tom would be kicking him out of the band.


Really bad haircut and wardrobe there Tommy - but I forgive you.



They wouldn't they me embed these and they have to be represented so here are the url's

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m7EkhhX8vE


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-8qyoVssNQ

There was no good video for Even The Losers - but that would be there too.

This is not necessarily in my top 10 but I love the video and the whole trippy concept.



RIP Howie Epstein

Slinger - is it who you thought it was?

Beastie Boys

OK I don't think I've been posting enough about music - or about music that isn't Nine Inch Nails. Here's the thing. I like rap music - and by that I mean good rap music. Dr. Dre, Old Snoop, NWA all that stuff - I love it.

My favorite though is the Beastie Boys. Yeah they started off as kind of a joke but they quickly showed what they were made of. Great lyrics - hysterical videos and talent plain and simple talent. These guys were a complete anomaly - white, Jewish and from Brooklyn and they wanted to rap? It was great to watch them break through.

Here are my three favorite Beastie Boys songs:

After the first album (which has some great stuff on it) we got Paul's Boutique. Eclectic and fabulous -

Hey Ladies - an excellent tribute to Saturday Night Live (notice the paint can)


Some of the best lines ever
I've got an open mind so why don't you all get inside

She's got a gold tooth you know she's hardcore
She'll show you a good time then she'll show you the door

Sure Shot - from Ill Communication - love the fish eye lens

And this is how you knew they were different:
I Want To Say a Little Something That's Long Overdue
The Disrespect To Women Has Got To Be Through
To All The Mothers And Sisters And the Wives And Friends
I Want To Offer My Love And Respect To The End

And finally
So Whatcha Want from Check Your Head


This song will always have a special place in my heart - mind. This is the song that came on without fail at 2 in the morning when we were partying our brains out. The kitchen (which was huge) would erupt and everyone would just start dancing. It didn't matter what condition you were in - you just had to dance. You could be on the other side of the house and this was like the call to get back out there for round 2.

It always worked.

Tomorrow we are going to talk about my #1 absolute favorite band in the entire world. They are all in their 50's now - but they are still the best. I got their first record in 1978 or so and there was no looking back.

Until tomorrow...

Holy Crap

The Giants have won and are going to the Super Bowl. I would have put money on Green Bay.

-4 degrees

Green Bay and Giants are tied and going into OT. It's freakin -4 degrees and -24 with the wind chill.

How do you hold, throw or catch a football in that weather?

AFC Champions!!

Well the boys did it. Not that there was ever any doubt (at least in my mind). We are on our way to the Superbowl for the 4th time in 7 years. Tom Brady is the MVP of the entire NFL and Bill should be coach of the millenium - but he won't be because he ruffles too many feathers.

They didn't play their best- Brady seemed a little off today. Moss was once again a non-factor but the running game pulled through.















They may not have played their best - but it still got us here.

(disclaimer - this is not a 2008 picture)

Now we just wait to see who will be joining us in lovely Phoenix Arizona. Either the Giants or Green Bay. I hope it's the Giants simply because I want to be able to play and beat another Manning...

Exciting news!!!

Hi Everyone - Sorry I've been off the grid lately but my show really knocked me down in terms of my energy level - add to that the major suckage that is my job and well it's just been a slow depressing week. BUT all that's going to change.

I was on the phone on Wednesday talking to my professor when she asked me the usual question of "how's work". I told her that I had already made up my mind that I was quitting on Monday regardless of whether or not I had a job. (This is not something I have ever done before nor would I do without a lot of thought) I'm not going to get into the reasons why because this is a HAPPY POST.

So my professor mentions a position that is a temporary position (perfect) working for her as a graduate student advisor. I emailed her my resume, she passed it on to the director and the next thing I know I have an interview the next day at 3:30. The interview went swimmingly, I had a phone interview with another person from 4:15-5pm on Friday and Friday at 5:40 I got a call OFFERING ME THE JOB!!!!

I am sooooo happy. I am giving two weeks notice on Monday which I don't think they are going to be happy about but honestly I've stayed places longer than that and it's never good.

So the position is this: basically Lesley University has two "adult" graduate programs one is an independent study model and one is a interdisciplinary model. My job is to recruit, follow up and guide students who are interested in these programs. In a friendly casual environment that doesn't have a CFO with his head up his ass.

The money is a little more and there are benefits even though the job is only temporary. Lisa the woman who has this job is taking a leave and since I'm going to graduate school in September I can't take on a regular job (I mean I could but it wouldn't be right).

Anyway guys I'm so happy right now I feel like a huge load has been taken off my shoulders. I do plan on posting art pictures I just haven't gotten back to the library yet.

Show Update

Yesterday was my opening. It went really really well. My niece Stef and he boyfriend James helped me set up yesterday and run around in the morning.




James took it upon himself to organize the food and as you can see from the photo he did a great job.

In the end I hung 62 pieces of work. I decided at the last minute that I really didn't like one of them enough to put it out there. I ended up selling 17 as of right now and giving one to my niece. I have offered my other niece the same deal so I 'll give another one away. They are teenagers and I want them to appreciate orginal art.

The important thing is I made more money than I put into my show and that's a good thing. I've had people email me about other pieces to see if they are still available so I may sell even more.

My niece took a bunch of pictures- when she sends them to me I will post them (hopefully today).

Ok now on with the school work!

17 - 0 !!!

There are lots of things to be happy about today. The first one is that the Patriots beat Jacksonville last night and he did it with out utilizing Randy Moss which was spectacular. It was a rough start but Tom Brady is calm, patient and damn cute. OK so the cute didn't matter last night but it's simply a fact. So next week is the AFC championship game. We play the winner of the Indy/Giants game today. Both are tough teams - we've beaten them both but that really no longer matters in the playoffs. Everyone wants to be the team that knocks us out.....

63 Pieces

I haven't talked about it much but I am having a show of my art work this month. I hung most of it on New Year's Eve day while I was deathly ill. At that point it was more of a burden than an enjoyable event. I went back today and hung the rest and I have 63 FREAKIN pieces. I can't believe it. I had no idea I had created that much. This show is 99% watercolor which is a new medium for me. There are some oils that are ones I've hung in my house. I'm thinking I'm ready to let go of them now.

Anyway the opening for the show is Saturday from 11-2. It's really nerve wracking to have this even where people come to look at your stuff. Maybe they'll love it and buy it and maybe they'll hate it and won't hesitate to tell you. Who knows? Every single piece is a small sliver of my soul. I know that sounds dramatic - but that's how it really feels. I'm ecstatic when people want to buy them and give them a good home. My last show (which was my first) paid entirely for my trip to California which was very exciting.

It doesn't matter how many pieces I've sold in the past there is a little thrill when someone hands you a check for your work. It's a huge validation especially since I've only been painting for about 5-6 years. Starting something like this "later" in life can be a bit daunting. I'm so lucky because I found the best class. I'm the only abstract artist in the class and at first I could see that they were not getting it but slowly but surely they have all become extremely supportive. They really are a fabulous group. I can't say enough about our teacher Kim. She is just awesome.

Getting ready for the show has been hectic. Getting the framing done has been mucho expensive and I didn't even do it all professionally. I did the bulk of it myself which just means buying frames and mats and putting them all together. On framing alone I have spent around $750. I think they all look great though so it's money well spent. By doing the framing myself it also allows me to keep the prices down to a reasonable level.

I really hope I sell a good amount - I have no idea where I'm going to put things when they don't sell!

Ok wish me luck. I'm off to work on my price sheet.

Seriously

Ok so things have gotten a bit serious around these parts for the last couple of days. So in the spirit of keeping things light I give you Lucy the best baby in the world:




That face! Those cheeks!! Lucy always makes me smile. Her mom wrapped this blanket on her head and she kept it on until it fell apart on it's own. She's fabulous.

What Can We Do?

I don't know about you but it's really hard for me to sit back and just watch something going on like the Iraq War. This is NOT a post on whether I believe in it or not. This is about getting involved in some kind of positive activity - and being able to say I made a difference instead of just sitting in my Archie Bunker chair bitching about the state of...well everything.

I found this organization today on the web. If you are in the area this looks like a great organization to get involved with. You can donate your money, your time or you can organize a fund raiser.

My thesis is due March 1st - I graduate March 17th. April 1st I'm going to start a fund raiser for these people. I've already sent them an email. You'll be hearing more about it - believe me.

Because my thesis is on Veterans and the VA system I do a ton of reading and watch a lot of videos. Here is another organization that I've read about who are doing fabulous things. Again, donations of time or money are extremely helpful.

On a completely personal note a very good friend of mine lost her son in Iraq on Mother's Day in 2007. His father is a professor at Boston University who has been an intelligent & reasonable opponent of the war. They have set up a scholarship for him. Donations can be made to: Andrew John Bacevich Memorial Fund at Boston University, Office of Development, Boston University, 1 Sherborn Street, Boston , MA 02215.

RIP Blogger/Soldier

This man was killed in Iraq last Thursday. He had asked a friend in the service to post this in case he was ever killed in action.

Here is an excerpt from his final post:

I do ask (not that I'm in a position to enforce this) that no one try to use my death to further their political purposes. I went to Iraq and did what I did for my reasons, not yours. My life isn't a chit to be used to bludgeon people to silence on either side. If you think the U.S. should stay in Iraq, don't drag me into it by claiming that somehow my death demands us staying in Iraq. If you think the U.S. ought to get out tomorrow, don't cite my name as an example of someone's life who was wasted by our mission in Iraq. I have my own opinions about what we should do about Iraq, but since I'm not around to expound on them I'd prefer others not try and use me as some kind of moral capital to support a position I probably didn't support. Further, this is tough enough on my family without their having to see my picture being used in some rally or my name being cited for some political purpose. You can fight political battles without hurting my family, and I'd prefer that you did so.

I do hope people respect his wishes.

RIP Blogger/Soldier

HEY!

They used my picture on here without permission AGAIN dammit!!!

Monday Monday

Back to work today. Only 10 voice mails and a small pile of mail. I also didn't have people banging down my door once they realized I was in so that's always good.

I've taken every Friday off in January because of school - add that to my Thursday day off and you have a three day work week. I hope they don't think that I'm going to give that up because I was out sick.

If they do - they are sadly mistaken.

ITunes is scary

Ok so I completely stole this from the lovely Victoria, but she gave me a cute little smile in her comments so I think that means it's ok.





So here is what I did:
1. Put iTunes on shuffle so that random songs come up.
2. Pressed play.
3. Wrote down each song as the answer to each question as it came up.
4. Laughed at most of them and was scared by the accuracy of others.

What would best describe your personality?
A. "Ring of Fire” Johnny Cash (oooookkkaaayyyy)

Q. If some one says it's okay you say...
A. "No Excuses” Alice In Chains (wow, I’m tough)

Q. What do you like in a guy/girl?
A. "Master and Servant” Depeche Mode (Can iTunes read minds?)

Q.How do you feel today?
A. "Lovely Day” Bill Withers (I finally do feel better so I guess it’s true)

Q.What is your life's purpose?
A. "I Don’t Want To Talk About It" by Rod Stewart (But I DO want to talk about it!)

Q. What is your motto?
A. "Oh, Me" by Nirvana (Ummmm I don’t think so)

Q. What do your friends think of you?
A. "I’ll Be Back" by The Beatles (Does that mean they think I'm a pain?)

Q. What do you think of your friends?
A. "The Resurrection" by Lenny Kravitz (wow)

Q. What do you think of your parents?
A. "Tuff Enough" by The Fabulous Thunderbirds (Yes indeed - they put up with me don't they?)

Q.What do your parents think of you?
A. "Shoo Be Do" by The Cars (My parents do think I’m out there.)

Q. What do you think about very often?
A. "Father Figure" by George Michael (You can make this shit up.)

Q. What do you think of your best friend?
A. "The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight" by REM (the lyrics are dead on!)

Q. What do you think of the person you love?
A. "Those Shoes" by The Eagles (it’s all about the boots baby)

Q.What is your life story?
A. "Immigrant" by Sade (Yeah like three generations ago.)

Q. What do you want to be when you grow up?
A. "Rock Steady" by Bad Company (you betcha)

Q. What do you think when you see the person you love?
A. "Close To Home" by Concrete Blonde (This is so wild)

Q. What is your hobby/interest?
A. "Can’t Carry On" by Crowded House (I don’t get it)

Q. What will they play at your funeral?
A. "Wrapped Around Your Finger" by The Police (And there will be a line of men who think it pertains to only them.)

Q. What is your biggest secret?
A. "Black Coffee In Bed" by Squeeze (But I don’t drink coffee ooohhh wait a minute, I get it)

Fur

It took five days but I'm finally feeling human. I actually thought I might make it into work today for a little bit but then common sense kicked in. Why overdo it on the first decent day. Monday is soon enough...the work will be there.

I couldn't do much but watch tv or dvd's which was kind of a treat because I don't ever watch movies because of school. I had picked up the first season of Bones at Target on Sunday so I watched all 22 episodes (I love that show) - that's right - all 22 episodes and I never got bored.

The real highlight though was the movie Fur. My friend Maria had been trying to get me to watch this for months and I simply just didn't have the time. So to make it easier for me she bought it for me for Christmas. I watched it Wednesday night and watched it again today. The movie is brilliant. Watch the trailer:


Now before I go any further with this let me be clear. This is a fable type movie. The woman that Nicole Kidman is portraying is Diane Arbus. She was a very famous photographer who photographed people on the fringe of society. This movie is portraying something that could have happened in her world - something that may have pushed her out of her everyday life and into the life she wanted. It is in no way a true story.

Robert Downey Jr plays a man with hypertrichosis named Lionel who looks like this. He moves in upstairs from Diane and her family. For reasons she doesn't yet understand Diane is immediately interested in her new neighbor. She goes to his place with the intention of taking his portrait but instead he introduces her to another whole side of life.

The movie is a fascinating study in intimacy. Real, true intimacy between people who completely get each other. If you saw the director's other movie Secretary, with Maggie Gylenhall and James Spader then you get what kind of stories this director is attracted to.

I loved everything about this movie - the character portrayal, the way it was shot, the music - everything. BUT this is not a movie for everyone. It's definitely an "art house" type film. That being said it's a beautiful love story - one that I think everyone could enjoy if they just suspend belief for 90 minutes.

I am a little bias because I am a HUGE Robert Downey Jr fan - all the way back to Weird Science (what a great flick).


I think he's fabulous and damn sexy - even covered in fur

I am however NOT a Nicole Kidman fan but she is great in this movie - and the two of them together are just perfect.

Really...just see the movie. I think you'll like it.

Music To Make Me Feel Better

Update

Cause I know you all want to know...


I have a sever ear infection in addition to the beginning of viral bronchitis.
So it's not the flu but I'm still out of work the rest of the week.

Sick

Hey guys - Happy New Year.
I've been down with the flu since Monday. It sucks. I can't remember the last time I had a fever....