Caution, explicit language follows:
So there I am, minding my own business when all of a sudden I get flooded with emails, twitter messages and facebook status updates about Kanye West and Taylor Swift. WTF?
So I had to do a little digging because those two names go about as well together as eyeballs and hot glue guns.
Seems Mr. West pulled a very low trick on the Mtv awards. Something I might add, I haven't watched since Soundgarden was up for a nomination.
I digress. It seems Taylor Swift (who is a pretty typical pop singer, my 8 year old daughter loves her) won her very first moonman award. Good for you!
Kanye wasn't happy with this outcome and decided he somehow, is more important than anyone else on the planet and jumped on the stage, stole the mic from Miss Swifts hands and began ranting how Beyonce should have won.
Excuse me?
A flabbergasted Beyonce in the audience gave him a "oh no you didn't" look before turning all sorts of red. She even frantically looked around her like she was being Punk'ed and Ashton Kutcher was going to jump out.
Kanye took this, I'm quite sure (though I've never won a moonman myself) very important moment away from a 19 year old girl.
She's a freaking child you piece of shit jackass!
Who the hell does he think he is? Seriously? Didn't his mother teach him manners? You DON'T do that! I don't care who you are, or who you THINK you are. You just don't. It's reeks of low class.
Worse than that, his selfishness (though in his shallow, narcissistic mind made it out to be chivalrous) was a major embarrassment to the one person he was trying to defend!
None the less, the class act that Beyonce is, she gave Taylor Swift her moment. Kudos Beyonce. Proving once again that you indeed are a lady.
Now, the question I have to ask, when did people decide rude is ok? Kanye just did it in a massive way, but he's no different than most of the people who cross your path daily. His problem is ego. What's the excuse for everybody else?
Ugh. See, this is why I can't stand awards shows. Mind numbingly, self absorbed people doing ridiculous things.
September 14, 2009
September 11, 2009
Where Were You 8 Years Ago Today?
I was in San Diego, California.
Chris was stationed at Naval Air Station, North Island (Now Naval Base Coronado)
Work started for him at 6 in the morning, so with the rush hour commute he usually left our home around 5.
On his way to work he listened to the greatest radio dj's in existence. Jeff and Jer.
They were doing their normal morning routine when all of a sudden they announced "we're getting reports of a small plane crashing into the World Trade Center"
Chris listened....but assumed it was an accident. Still he was interested. He got to work and gave me a call. He knows I'm a news junkie and that Gracie would be waking up soon so he wanted me to know about the developing story out of New York City.
As I was on the phone with him I turned on the tv to the news. Within minutes the second plane hit.
All I could say was "Oh my God.....Oh my God!"
Chris realizing quicker than I had that this was no accident and he was on an air base in the military said he had to go....his final words to me in that conversation was "this is going to be bad"
I hung up the phone and quickly dialed my Mom in Oregon. She turned on the news, then hung up so she could call and tell my Grandmother the news.
I sat there, on my living room floor watching the events unfold.
I talked to Chris shortly after the first tower fell. I was talking to him when the second one came down.
I couldn't believe it. I honestly couldn't believe what I was seeing on the tv screen.
The base was being shut down. Only essential personal were allowed to stay. The downfall to my husband being a computer guru...he was essential personal. We had no idea when he would be allowed to leave the base. One thing was for sure, Gracie and I were alone in our house in San Diego...without a car.
Call after call came in from concerned friends and family. My Aunt in Salt Lake City was getting ready to drive to San Diego and pick Gracie and I up. My Grandmother was on the phone trying to get me a train ticket or rental car so I could go "Home" to Oregon where it was safe. A good friend who lived in Long Beach desperately wanted to come down and get Gracie and I.
By this time the Pentagon and Shanksville, PA had happened. More planes were still in the air. I know, I lived under the flight patterns in San Diego.
I watched out my window as planes were diverted to Mexico. I watched fighter jets "escort" incoming passenger planes. I listened as the constant hum of the air traffic became an infrequent interruption...startling me every time until finally the only sound was the occasional military jet or helicopter.
Chris told me from his perspective, he watched as military planes were being sent up so quickly they did it two at a time, one right after the last. He watched as the blips on the radar screens in the tower slowly started to disappear until finally there was nothing in the air.
Later that evening I walked outside my home. I needed air, I needed to get out. I felt trapped and just needed to walk away from the scenes on the tv for a moment.
Something strange happened. Many of my neighbors had apparently had the same idea. There was a decent handful of people just standing out there. People from every walk of life. Military families, waring gang members, college students, quick mart employees. Black, White, Mexican, Indian. It was indeed an American quilt.
People I never spoke to before that day. People I more than likely, never even looked in the eye before that day.
There we were, outside just staring. Each and every one of us was effected. We must have looked like a group of zombies wandering the street.
We looked at each other. Introduced ourselves, Shook each others hands. Hugged. Cried together.
I watched something truly amazing. There with our group were two neighbors. They came from rival gangs and I normally avoided them. They I would assume, avoided each other as well.
As one walked toward our little party, the other walked toward him, held out his hand and said "not today brother, not today" The first one took his hand, and they hugged.
I learned something in that moment. Something so profound that hasn't left me since. We are all Americans. We may disagree, or live vastly different lives but ultimately we are of the same family.
Unfortunately most Americans have forgotten the lesson. For a few months following the events of 9/11 we were one big family. I don't know when we collectively forgot that truth.
I just hope we can collectively remember before another 9/11 reminds us.
God Bless the USA and God Bless the men and women of American Airlines Flight, 11, United Airlines Flight 75, American Airlines Flight 77 and the heroes of United Flight 93.
The Firefighters, EMT's and Police, the office workers and the military who gave their lives that day.
I will never forget September 11, 2001.
Chris was stationed at Naval Air Station, North Island (Now Naval Base Coronado)
Work started for him at 6 in the morning, so with the rush hour commute he usually left our home around 5.
On his way to work he listened to the greatest radio dj's in existence. Jeff and Jer.
They were doing their normal morning routine when all of a sudden they announced "we're getting reports of a small plane crashing into the World Trade Center"
Chris listened....but assumed it was an accident. Still he was interested. He got to work and gave me a call. He knows I'm a news junkie and that Gracie would be waking up soon so he wanted me to know about the developing story out of New York City.
As I was on the phone with him I turned on the tv to the news. Within minutes the second plane hit.
All I could say was "Oh my God.....Oh my God!"
Chris realizing quicker than I had that this was no accident and he was on an air base in the military said he had to go....his final words to me in that conversation was "this is going to be bad"
I hung up the phone and quickly dialed my Mom in Oregon. She turned on the news, then hung up so she could call and tell my Grandmother the news.
I sat there, on my living room floor watching the events unfold.
I talked to Chris shortly after the first tower fell. I was talking to him when the second one came down.
I couldn't believe it. I honestly couldn't believe what I was seeing on the tv screen.
The base was being shut down. Only essential personal were allowed to stay. The downfall to my husband being a computer guru...he was essential personal. We had no idea when he would be allowed to leave the base. One thing was for sure, Gracie and I were alone in our house in San Diego...without a car.
Call after call came in from concerned friends and family. My Aunt in Salt Lake City was getting ready to drive to San Diego and pick Gracie and I up. My Grandmother was on the phone trying to get me a train ticket or rental car so I could go "Home" to Oregon where it was safe. A good friend who lived in Long Beach desperately wanted to come down and get Gracie and I.
By this time the Pentagon and Shanksville, PA had happened. More planes were still in the air. I know, I lived under the flight patterns in San Diego.
I watched out my window as planes were diverted to Mexico. I watched fighter jets "escort" incoming passenger planes. I listened as the constant hum of the air traffic became an infrequent interruption...startling me every time until finally the only sound was the occasional military jet or helicopter.
Chris told me from his perspective, he watched as military planes were being sent up so quickly they did it two at a time, one right after the last. He watched as the blips on the radar screens in the tower slowly started to disappear until finally there was nothing in the air.
Later that evening I walked outside my home. I needed air, I needed to get out. I felt trapped and just needed to walk away from the scenes on the tv for a moment.
Something strange happened. Many of my neighbors had apparently had the same idea. There was a decent handful of people just standing out there. People from every walk of life. Military families, waring gang members, college students, quick mart employees. Black, White, Mexican, Indian. It was indeed an American quilt.
People I never spoke to before that day. People I more than likely, never even looked in the eye before that day.
There we were, outside just staring. Each and every one of us was effected. We must have looked like a group of zombies wandering the street.
We looked at each other. Introduced ourselves, Shook each others hands. Hugged. Cried together.
I watched something truly amazing. There with our group were two neighbors. They came from rival gangs and I normally avoided them. They I would assume, avoided each other as well.
As one walked toward our little party, the other walked toward him, held out his hand and said "not today brother, not today" The first one took his hand, and they hugged.
I learned something in that moment. Something so profound that hasn't left me since. We are all Americans. We may disagree, or live vastly different lives but ultimately we are of the same family.
Unfortunately most Americans have forgotten the lesson. For a few months following the events of 9/11 we were one big family. I don't know when we collectively forgot that truth.
I just hope we can collectively remember before another 9/11 reminds us.
God Bless the USA and God Bless the men and women of American Airlines Flight, 11, United Airlines Flight 75, American Airlines Flight 77 and the heroes of United Flight 93.
The Firefighters, EMT's and Police, the office workers and the military who gave their lives that day.
I will never forget September 11, 2001.
August 27, 2009
Sporting Some Serious Bling!
Today my 8 year old daughter got braces.
Yes...I agree, they are starting them early these day.
For a plethora of reason, not the least of which is self esteem!
So this morning, bright and early we headed to her Orthodontist.
She was such a trooper! The appointment went really well.
After an hour or so, she had four bright and shiny braces on her teeth.
Yep, that's all she needs (right now)
So she picked out her first set of bands...and her first colors. Teal, Purple and Pink.
Very...uh....colorful!
After that I decided to treat her to an extra special occasion day.
See, she has wanted her ears pierced for years now. So we headed to the mall.
She picked out her earrings, sat in the chair and waited.
The girl at the store did the first ear and Gracie looked at me like I had just shot her in the foot! Shocked and in pain.
Second ear...she managed to sit still but as soon as it was over she let out a couple "Ow's" and "that hurt!" A few tear fell but all in all she did awesome.
By the time we were back in the parking lot, all was forgotten (the stop at the ice cream place might have helped too)
As we were pulling away from the mall she commented "NOW I'M SPORTING SOME SERIOUS BLING!"
Followed by...."I'm just a metal head now" To which I laughed, because I think that has a totally different meaning to me.
Now she's had some lunch and said she was hurting a little.
She was laying down watching tv for a while then came up to me and said "my teeth hurt, but I think they would feel better if we went to Toys R' Us"
Good try...and she might be right. After all she has endured two holes in her head, and metal things glued to her teeth and pulled together. A trip to Toys R' Us might be just what the doctor ordered!
August 24, 2009
an Open letter for Kori on Motherhood
My cousin Kori is about to embark on the most exhilarating ride of her life.
She is going to give birth to her very first child...a daughter. Tomorrow.
I adore my cousin. Her Mom isn't here to guide her. So I'm doing what I can (from 1000 miles away) to be there for her.
Today she told me they are going to induce her tomorrow morning. I tried to explain to her in a short email what to expect and what will change.
I didn't do it justice...so I'll try again here.
Having a child means never putting yourself first again....and you wouldn't want it any other way.
Having a child means for the first time in your life, you understand what "Unconditional Love" really means.
Your perspective of the world changes, the moment you bring that child home. Things that never crossed your mind before, consume you.
Like...is the kitchen tile cleaner going to harm her? I wonder what sort of chemicals are in the carpet? Are there any sex offenders living in my neighborhood? City? County?
An interesting change. Before children, you could go out and meet "people" and strike up a conversation. Once you have children, "people" are "strangers" and Strangers mean danger.
Nice young mothers, with children of their own are the only "safe" people you will talk to anymore.
Your world, your life and you will change the moment she is born. You've heard this before and it sounds a little scary...but I promise, it's worth it.
You will forget what life was like without her. You won't be able to imagine it. The world didn't exist until she was born.
Anything regarding a hurt, lost, hungry or homeless child will affect you. In ways it never did before. It sounds a little hippy but, you become a part of a larger family.
Motherhood is a condition. You can't turn it off. Every child that yells "Mom" in a store has 40 Mothers turn their head. We can't help it. You will be a part of our club.
Remember you have a family and friends who love you, Cameron and the baby. We are here. Sleep when she sleeps and enjoy the little things.
They grow up before you know it. You blink and wonder, "what happened to my baby" so enjoy the everyday moments while you can.
It is a fun, fascinating and sometimes scary ride, but in the end it's the best one you will ever take.
I love you my dear cousin and I can't wait to hold my "niece"
UPDATE: Kori had a beautiful baby girl on August 27. After almost two days of labor! Mommy and baby Ashlin are doing great.
We love you Kori, Cameron and Ashlin Jean!
She is going to give birth to her very first child...a daughter. Tomorrow.
I adore my cousin. Her Mom isn't here to guide her. So I'm doing what I can (from 1000 miles away) to be there for her.
Today she told me they are going to induce her tomorrow morning. I tried to explain to her in a short email what to expect and what will change.
I didn't do it justice...so I'll try again here.
Having a child means never putting yourself first again....and you wouldn't want it any other way.
Having a child means for the first time in your life, you understand what "Unconditional Love" really means.
Your perspective of the world changes, the moment you bring that child home. Things that never crossed your mind before, consume you.
Like...is the kitchen tile cleaner going to harm her? I wonder what sort of chemicals are in the carpet? Are there any sex offenders living in my neighborhood? City? County?
An interesting change. Before children, you could go out and meet "people" and strike up a conversation. Once you have children, "people" are "strangers" and Strangers mean danger.
Nice young mothers, with children of their own are the only "safe" people you will talk to anymore.
Your world, your life and you will change the moment she is born. You've heard this before and it sounds a little scary...but I promise, it's worth it.
You will forget what life was like without her. You won't be able to imagine it. The world didn't exist until she was born.
Anything regarding a hurt, lost, hungry or homeless child will affect you. In ways it never did before. It sounds a little hippy but, you become a part of a larger family.
Motherhood is a condition. You can't turn it off. Every child that yells "Mom" in a store has 40 Mothers turn their head. We can't help it. You will be a part of our club.
Remember you have a family and friends who love you, Cameron and the baby. We are here. Sleep when she sleeps and enjoy the little things.
They grow up before you know it. You blink and wonder, "what happened to my baby" so enjoy the everyday moments while you can.
It is a fun, fascinating and sometimes scary ride, but in the end it's the best one you will ever take.
I love you my dear cousin and I can't wait to hold my "niece"
UPDATE: Kori had a beautiful baby girl on August 27. After almost two days of labor! Mommy and baby Ashlin are doing great.
We love you Kori, Cameron and Ashlin Jean!
School, Seattle and Hackers Oh My!
Wow, it's been a while.
I have been so bad about staying on top of this with Chris home. It seems we are constantly busy with day trips, yard work and various other fun things.
So, last weekend Chris and I got away. I had won a night at a fabulous 5 star hotel in their luxury suite. Very nice. We were greeted on a first name basis by the concierge. He invited us to the wine tasting that evening. And had a bottle of VERY nice champagne waiting for us.
The suite was unbelievable. Half the size of my house! Canopy bed, top floor and a great view of the city.
That evening we went to the wine tasting...then enjoyed dinner at Benihana. The next morning we played tourist. A very strange thing to do in the city I grew up in.
We went to Pike Place and I showed off my knowledge of great little hole in the wall Chinese places as well as how to get away from all the tourists and find the really cool little shops hidden underneath.
I also showed off my skills by ducking not one, but two flying fish at the fish market. Yes indeed, I was told I MUST be a local...as I didn't even look to see where the fish were coming from I just knew to duck when I hear the humming.
Anyway, we had a great time. However during that same time, Chris' facebook account was hacked. Some bastard decided to log in as him and actually told people...Chris' brother included, that he was stuck in LONDON, had been mugged and needed money. Unfortunately...someone fell for it.
Now, I have to say...it was the nicest thing in the world to want to help Chris out. I feel really awful for him because he was scammed. But it's a lesson learned for everyone. If a friend chats with you on Facebook and tells you they were mugged and are stuck in London...do NOT send money!
As a consequence, Chris has canceled his facebook account. Sometimes I really hate people.
On a different subject....Gracie is about to start third grade. Seriously! Where did the time go?
A big third grader.
But before that big day, she has another one. Thursday she will be getting braces! Yep...they get them early these days.
She is getting the top front four teeth. In a year, she will have straight, together teeth! Hooray! She's excited and a little scared. Luckily, she knows a boy in her class who already has braces. He's a super cute, sweet kid so they will have something else to talk about now!
As soon as she has her new metal I will post a picture of her bright and shiny smile.
I have been so bad about staying on top of this with Chris home. It seems we are constantly busy with day trips, yard work and various other fun things.
So, last weekend Chris and I got away. I had won a night at a fabulous 5 star hotel in their luxury suite. Very nice. We were greeted on a first name basis by the concierge. He invited us to the wine tasting that evening. And had a bottle of VERY nice champagne waiting for us.
The suite was unbelievable. Half the size of my house! Canopy bed, top floor and a great view of the city.
That evening we went to the wine tasting...then enjoyed dinner at Benihana. The next morning we played tourist. A very strange thing to do in the city I grew up in.
We went to Pike Place and I showed off my knowledge of great little hole in the wall Chinese places as well as how to get away from all the tourists and find the really cool little shops hidden underneath.
I also showed off my skills by ducking not one, but two flying fish at the fish market. Yes indeed, I was told I MUST be a local...as I didn't even look to see where the fish were coming from I just knew to duck when I hear the humming.
Anyway, we had a great time. However during that same time, Chris' facebook account was hacked. Some bastard decided to log in as him and actually told people...Chris' brother included, that he was stuck in LONDON, had been mugged and needed money. Unfortunately...someone fell for it.
Now, I have to say...it was the nicest thing in the world to want to help Chris out. I feel really awful for him because he was scammed. But it's a lesson learned for everyone. If a friend chats with you on Facebook and tells you they were mugged and are stuck in London...do NOT send money!
As a consequence, Chris has canceled his facebook account. Sometimes I really hate people.
On a different subject....Gracie is about to start third grade. Seriously! Where did the time go?
A big third grader.
But before that big day, she has another one. Thursday she will be getting braces! Yep...they get them early these days.
She is getting the top front four teeth. In a year, she will have straight, together teeth! Hooray! She's excited and a little scared. Luckily, she knows a boy in her class who already has braces. He's a super cute, sweet kid so they will have something else to talk about now!
As soon as she has her new metal I will post a picture of her bright and shiny smile.
July 28, 2009
My daughter, the Irish dancer!
Gracie danced in her very first performance on Saturday!
She was amazing....and I'm not just saying that because I'm her Mom. She loved every second of it.
She's only been doing this for 4 months, but she's a natural!!!
I'm so proud!
July 12, 2009
Dolphins, Dance and Lightning
Oh my. It has been way to long. Sorry Melissa.
So much has happened. I hardly know where to start!
Most importantly, my husband came home from patrol. Hooray!
I got to go out and meet up with the boat (along with some other wives) and ride it back in. It was a great trip out. Some of the finest ladies I know were there. We enjoyed our bus ride and subsequent boat ride to meet the submarine. Chatting happily and occasionally breaking into song. (Thanks Cara)
After a few hours we met up with the sub. I boarded and was greeted down below by my handsome husband!
What a sight that is!
Gracie had won "first hug" so Chris was the first guy off the boat. Meaning she had to be there waiting when we got into port.
Thanks to my wonderful friend Melissa she was not only there waiting for her hug, she watched the boat come into the canal while enjoying a fabulous picnic lunch. Thanks again Melissa! She still talks about it!!!
Let's fast forward a few weeks.
Gracie is preparing for her upcoming dance recital. Irish dance. We have been spending many, many hours driving back and fourth to Kingston for practice. But, being as she started Irish dance in March...she has advanced in class already and is a natural. Her teacher is really impressed with her. So and I....of course!
The Fourth of July was spent first by watching the annual Third of July fireworks show in Poulsbo, which we can see from our neighborhood. Then on the Fourth, we went to our friends Dave and Carrie's for what has now become our tradition. You see, they were the very first "boat people" we met. They invited us last year, right after we moved here. Carrie and I became fast friends. At the party last year I was also introduced to a couple other wardroom wives. It was an amazing reception. They welcomed us with open arms and never in my life have I felt more welcome at a new duty station that I did here. Thanks Carrie!
So, we naturally headed to their house again this year. What could be better than alcohol and explosives?!
Now on to this week. On Wednesday I had a nice dinner with some great friends. We were saying goodbye to two of our wardroom wives. I got to chat with some wonderful ladies and say my goodbyes to my friend Suzanne. (I'm going to miss you!!!!) Who is off to Hawaii.
On Thursday I was invited by the Captain to join my husband at quarters so I could do the honor of pinning on his "Dolphins." Probably the single most important event in a submarine officers career.
He not only got his dolphins, he did it faster than anyone. I'm bragging, I know. But I am tremendously proud of him!
Gracie and I were there, standing with Chris in front of the entire boat to do the honors. It was so exciting!
Those are the highlights of the past month and a half. Yesterday and today we have enjoyed nonstop rain and thunderstorms. It has been wonderful! Up until yesterday, it has been sunny and hot.
Oh rain, how I love thee...let us never be apart!
I also missed a really good thunderstorm. The only redeeming quality of the South. So it has been an added bonus to see the flash and hear the crack of lightning.
Gracie also has been able to play her favorite game from when we lived in Charleston. 1, 2, 3.....lightning!!!
The rules are simple. You count to three and say lightning and try to say lightning as it's flashing. Works a lot better down there than it does here...but she has given it the college try!
Ok, I think that sums up all the highlights for now.
Wow...sorry I've been so distracted lately! That happens with the guys get home I guess. I'll try not to make it a habit!
So much has happened. I hardly know where to start!
Most importantly, my husband came home from patrol. Hooray!
I got to go out and meet up with the boat (along with some other wives) and ride it back in. It was a great trip out. Some of the finest ladies I know were there. We enjoyed our bus ride and subsequent boat ride to meet the submarine. Chatting happily and occasionally breaking into song. (Thanks Cara)
After a few hours we met up with the sub. I boarded and was greeted down below by my handsome husband!
What a sight that is!
Gracie had won "first hug" so Chris was the first guy off the boat. Meaning she had to be there waiting when we got into port.
Thanks to my wonderful friend Melissa she was not only there waiting for her hug, she watched the boat come into the canal while enjoying a fabulous picnic lunch. Thanks again Melissa! She still talks about it!!!
Let's fast forward a few weeks.
Gracie is preparing for her upcoming dance recital. Irish dance. We have been spending many, many hours driving back and fourth to Kingston for practice. But, being as she started Irish dance in March...she has advanced in class already and is a natural. Her teacher is really impressed with her. So and I....of course!
The Fourth of July was spent first by watching the annual Third of July fireworks show in Poulsbo, which we can see from our neighborhood. Then on the Fourth, we went to our friends Dave and Carrie's for what has now become our tradition. You see, they were the very first "boat people" we met. They invited us last year, right after we moved here. Carrie and I became fast friends. At the party last year I was also introduced to a couple other wardroom wives. It was an amazing reception. They welcomed us with open arms and never in my life have I felt more welcome at a new duty station that I did here. Thanks Carrie!
So, we naturally headed to their house again this year. What could be better than alcohol and explosives?!
Now on to this week. On Wednesday I had a nice dinner with some great friends. We were saying goodbye to two of our wardroom wives. I got to chat with some wonderful ladies and say my goodbyes to my friend Suzanne. (I'm going to miss you!!!!) Who is off to Hawaii.
On Thursday I was invited by the Captain to join my husband at quarters so I could do the honor of pinning on his "Dolphins." Probably the single most important event in a submarine officers career.
He not only got his dolphins, he did it faster than anyone. I'm bragging, I know. But I am tremendously proud of him!
Gracie and I were there, standing with Chris in front of the entire boat to do the honors. It was so exciting!
Those are the highlights of the past month and a half. Yesterday and today we have enjoyed nonstop rain and thunderstorms. It has been wonderful! Up until yesterday, it has been sunny and hot.
Oh rain, how I love thee...let us never be apart!
I also missed a really good thunderstorm. The only redeeming quality of the South. So it has been an added bonus to see the flash and hear the crack of lightning.
Gracie also has been able to play her favorite game from when we lived in Charleston. 1, 2, 3.....lightning!!!
The rules are simple. You count to three and say lightning and try to say lightning as it's flashing. Works a lot better down there than it does here...but she has given it the college try!
Ok, I think that sums up all the highlights for now.
Wow...sorry I've been so distracted lately! That happens with the guys get home I guess. I'll try not to make it a habit!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
