schmoovenet

Another One Down: Harvest Home by Thomas Tryon

2009-07-13T05:46:00.003-06:00

It's funny what you get from Twitter. I've gotten a new TV and connected with some folks I probably never would've met otherwise. I also found out about Thomas Tryon, an actor who took up writing later in his career. Harvest Home takes place in a small, quaint New England town. You may have guessed that there's probably some horrible secret that the town holds; it's such a cliche but it still works. The book moves a little slowly but it builds nicely. There are a few weird plot strands that are opened up that didn't really get explained until too far into the story and didn't really resolve to my satisfaction. Still, it is enjoyable if you're looking for something chilling and not too heavy.

Long awaited follow up

2009-07-12T00:24:00.003-06:00

Well, about a year ago I posted this and misspelled "quandary." I've learned how to spell but I haven't really gotten better skate wise.

tonight was our B team game against Demo City and it really was fun. We very narrowly lost (85-82) but the DCRD girls were so, so, super nice (one DCRD girl turns to me while the pack is on the line and said "we're having fun, aren't we?" I was so speechless! i had to keep my game face on, you know! but yes.) and I had fun.

but here's the problem. I know I didn't do well. I tried, but I'm just not good. I only wish there was a way to play more often, but with lower stakes, you know? Like, recreation league roller derby. i don't know if this will happen, but if it does I'm on it.

i have fun, and that's important, but I do feel a little bad when the loss is that narrow a margin. If I had tried just a small bit harder, if I had been smarter about that hit, that stall, would we have won? it is a team sport but one can't help to internalize these things to an extent.

I'm going to try and keep playing as long as they'll let me, but the end is a little closer than I had hoped. I have a kneecap issue that can only get better with strength exercises done several days a week. Even if it gets better, it will always hurt on some level. My Sports Med MD even says that it's unfair that I can't do the falling drills that the rest of the girls do, but that's life, and I have to let pain be my guide. Truth be told I hate falling drills, but I recognize that they're helpful and i wish I could do them with the rest of the girls. Don't worry, it's not an injury caused by derby, it's only been aggravated by derby.

This is rambling. I'm very tired right now. it's 1:30 am, and while I have had nothing to drink I am just super sleepy. I'm not really sure where I want to go with this blog either, which adds to my frustration.

Meanwhile, Flash is here AGAIN.

Bitch tried to steal my pen!

2009-07-03T11:14:00.002-06:00

I'm a particular person sometimes, this should be no surprise to many of you. One thing I'm particular about is my pens. I tend to keep one good one and one spare to lend out. I keep good track on my pens, right?

In class the other night I'm taking notes, which is what one does in such situations. We have to move places for facilitated discussion so I reluctantly join my group. I don't care for my classmates, but I'm willing to do whatever I need to do in the pursuit of LEARNING. So I attempt to join in the discussion, all the while feeling excluded since discussion turns to a previous class I was not in. The discussion was interesting, but there were a lot of cliches being tossed around and if there's one thing I can't abide, it is a bad cliche.

We finish and I head to my seat. now, all the while, the girl who took my seat is sitting there playing with MY PEN which I left on my notebook. As she leaves I ask for my pen back.

"Uh, this is actually MY pen."

"Oh, then mine must've rolled off the desk because I was using that same pen."

"I use the same kind of pen, I get it from my office."

"Well then, I'll look around. I don't think I brought another pen though."

"You can just keep it."

"No, no, I don't want want to steal YOUR PEN."

"No, keep it. I'm known to be a pen thief."

What a pain in the ass. You might think that I was too harsh, but listen, the pen had my toothmarks on it. I also knew about how much ink was left because I'll need to replace it soon.

I mean, really, it's a pen.

June Charity of the Month: The Outreach Foundation

2009-07-03T11:06:00.003-06:00

For as long as I have been alive, we have been friends with an amazing family. They have spent many years in Africa helping those in need by working with The Outreach Foundation. I have never met more caring people. When they tell stories, it really makes you want to go out and do something. It's a rough world, but at least there are people out there looking out for those who need help!

Long overdue roundup

2009-06-09T19:13:00.005-06:00

This weekend was the annual Sacred Harp Singing in Henagar, AL. It was beautiful as always, the food was great, and the weather was lovely. I ate, no kidding, four kinds of macaroni and cheese. There may've been more on the other table (there were two long tables just full of food). One thing I noticed was that there were no handbags with big designer labels. It is a rural area, but these are not unstylish people. In fact, I saw a few outfits I coveted. Except that's a sin. Ha! But I did record it thanks to Kelly Jo's digital recorder. Audio to come later, it's loading right now.

Seems as though someone with whom I spent some time a few years ago is importing his email box into every social media system. It's pretty annoying. I wish him no ill will, but I do wish he would leave me alone. Unfortunately, I no longer seem to have his phone number or email address. I can only hit ignore so many times, you know?

My godchildren (and accompanying parents) are back in town to live, hopefully for good. I'm very excited by this!

School has started. Assignments have started! Difficult puzzles, some math.

Looking to sell condo at the end of summer. Needs work, looking at a few different contractors.

May Charity of the Month: Storycorps

2009-05-28T19:04:00.001-06:00

The Storycorps project collects, well, stories. They have mobile recording booths set up around the country to record folks sharing stories with one another. There's a podcast out there so you can listen to some of the stories.

This story is particularly memorable.

The most wonderful night of the summer--so far!

2009-05-10T12:57:00.004-06:00

Is it even summer yet? No, not according to the calendar, but graduation was Friday and to me the end of school is the beginning of summer. Let's not split hairs, let's get on with the story.

Last night was pretty much amazing. On Judgment Day, if it is determined that I lived a good life, then tonight's party was a small sample of what I have to look forward to.

My dad told us about a party given by a church member. I originally wasn't sure since crawfish were involved and that ain't my style. What is my style is watching short films, and that's what the night was really about. Interestingly enough, several years ago a friend told me about a party he attended in the Vanderbilt area where someone showed short films on an outdoor screen. Well, apparently he and my dad run in similar circles.

We did not eat, we had dinner before. Instead, we just enjoyed the film for the evening. It included WB shorts, commercials for toys, Schoolhouse Rock, film trailers, and other fun short films. I really enjoyed seeing the trailers for the Muppet Movie and commercials for toys that my parents never bought me!

Also neat was seeing the host's film library. It was in a temperature controlled shed in the backyard and included just so many films. Most interesting was Song of the South; you may know that Disney has never released this on video in the US and has no plans to do so. Never mind the fact that one of their most popular rides is based on it!

I hope to go again next year. It was a total blast.

Some tweets, starting backwards:

Well. Checking in on Mandy's dogs and then home. Hope I get an invite to that party again next year.
about 16 hours ago from txt
Back in business.
about 16 hours ago from txt
Getting chilly. Maybe time to go home now.
about 17 hours ago from txt
Projector broke again
about 17 hours ago from txt
This party is the most delightful time I've had in a while. Wish you were here! #fb
about 17 hours ago from txt
A reel of Alfred Hitchcock introductions?
about 17 hours ago from txt
WB cartoons!!
about 17 hours ago from txt
Muppet Movie trailer.
about 17 hours ago from txt
I bet i lose followers over all these tweets.
about 17 hours ago from txt
Country Time USA with Faron Youg.
about 17 hours ago from txt
Old toy commercials. This guy has quite a collection.
about 18 hours ago from txt
Schoolhouse rock now.
about 18 hours ago from txt
Ok it seems to be a series of trailers for rock movies. Janis, Jimi, the Who.
about 18 hours ago from txt
Magical mystery tour trailer on the outdoor screen.

One more returned unfinished: American Thighs by Jill Conner Browne.

2009-04-29T17:53:00.003-06:00

I just can't do it anymore! I tried, I got about 70 pgs in, and then I just took it back. I couldn't deal with it. The first few books were endearing and fun (and the recipes weren't bad either!) but this one just hopped from place to place. I can't get into something that choppy.

There's this trend now, and it's not specific to Browne, where instead of WRITING a book, an author just compiles anecdotes from other people. And who gets the check in the end? I actually saw on a web site, one not connected to this book or movement, a link where you could submit your own picture to be used in the book. does this person get paid? My guess is no, although if you know then tell me.

Another thing I'm getting tired of is women and fat jokes/comments (again, not specifically tied to Browne). Can we move beyond this? Few of us are happy with our bodies, but when I hear a woman like Browne talk disparagingly about having a less than perfect figure it really bugs me. I've met Browne, and I would cut a bitch for her figure at MY age.

I know in posting this I might get some hateful comments. That's fine. Go for it.

Fw:Good point

2009-04-13T11:30:00.001-06:00

April Charity of the Month: WPLN

2009-04-10T19:08:00.004-06:00

Since I am a pinko liberal commie of COURSE I'm going to give to the local NPR station!

I'm always surprised when I have to explain NPR to people. Yes, there are people who don't get it! I remember a friend saying he wished there were a station that played classical music during the day. I mean, seriously???? And I am aware that not all NPR stations play classical during the day, but ours does, and it's kind of the rule, not the exception as I understand it (don't leave a comment telling me I'm wrong becaue I said there are exceptions, whore).

Also, they picked me to win $1000 in gift cards to a local bookstore last year. I hope that in time I can repay them fully.

A story I haven't shared

2009-04-08T17:56:00.002-06:00

So, there was something that happened when I was in Iowa that I never mentioned. Given some interesting news about a certain actor I thought it worth telling now. i've not mentioned it because, well, it wasn't really relevant and is a weird story. Now, I'm not going to mention any specific names because this is just between you and me, as friends. I don't want to name drop, nor do I want to draw traffic to my site in an annoying way.

As you know I went to Iowa around the time of the caucuses. I attended the victory party of the man who eventually became president. This picture was taken there:

Now, in case you can't see (and you probably can't), there's a certain actor in that picture. A certain actor who recently left a TV show about a misanthropic physician because the certain actor got a job in the White House (his character took his own life--oh, come on, it doesn't need a spoiler alert this late in the game). A certain actor who was in a few films about his love of leafy, herbal substances and small hamburgers.

A certain actor who saw our group cheering, waved, smiled, took a few pictures of our group, waved and smiled again, and celebrated victory with the rest of us.

Yes, that certain actor has a picture of me. Well, took one. Well, there were many of us in the picture. Well, he may have deleted it. But still, and technicalities count--that certain actor took a picture of me.

Estate sale day!

2009-04-04T10:38:00.002-06:00

I recently found out about a new web site that lists select estate sales. Unfortunately my favorite company doesn't advertise on that site but you know what? that's ok. I get their emails. It's all fine, right?

This wall was in the basement of a beautiful West Meade home that sadly had some structural damage and puddles in the basement (likely a result of recent storms and flash flooding). Still, it was a lovely old house with one of those attics made for storing out of season clothes and housing maids.

you know what else I love about estate sales in older, established households? Finding the pencil sharpener--because there's ALWAYS a pencil sharpener! Ours was in a utility closet. This one was upstairs in a cedar closet.

Pretty much every sale had records, one had a basement full (would've spent time there but some hipsters were poring through them so had to skip that). This house had tons of times, many were indexed somehow. Every X-Files taped on VHS, meticulously catalogued. Amazing!

Flash is here!

2009-04-03T19:16:00.001-06:00

Getting ready to watch My Name is Bruce

Testing

2009-04-03T18:54:00.001-06:00

What the hell have I been up to???

2009-04-03T18:07:00.003-06:00

Oh dear. Well!
Am I still doing roller derby? Why, yes, sort of! Here is me getting pushed out of bounds by Tackle Boxxx from the Jacksonville Rollergirls. Fun fact: Tackle Boxxx was our favorite babysitter when we were kids. This is not a joke, this is the absolute truth.

Have I been anywhere interesting? Yes! Here I am with Brent at Epcot!

Am I still in school? Oh yes but barely. Is there a grad school equivalent of senioritis? Because boy, have I got it!

Do I still go to estate sales? As always! With a new obsession: amber glass!

All right! see you again in a few months!
WAit!!!! No! I say this and do well for a few weeks but I hope to update more often.

March Charity of the Month: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

2009-04-03T17:24:00.003-06:00

There's a good reason why.

I urge you do donate to the JDRF either this month or next. Thanks!

My weekend with Oscar

2009-03-01T16:22:00.003-06:00

Not entirely, though. I am not lucky enough to live in an area served by the theatres that ran that special deal where you could watch all best picture nominees in one afternoon. Instead, I was on my own.

Saturday was Slumdog Millionaire. You know, I enjoyed it and it was defintely better than Benjamin Button but I didn't think it was good enough to win best picture. Still, I hadn't seen any of the other nominees so I couldn't judge.

I was distracted by Madhur Mittal when he showed up. he looked incredibly familiar but imdb showed NOTHING. Then it hit me--he looks like an Indian Justin Timberlake. Unfortunately I cannot find a decent picture with which to make a comparison.

It was a sweet story with an interesting device by which the story was told. Still, as much as I liked it I thought that the 2008 crop of films must not have been that great if this is the best film of the year.

So today I saw The Wrestler. Giiirrrrrrrl, that was a FILM. It was hardly a feel good happy time but it told a great story and told it quite well. I would like to see it again just to look for small details (there were a few that I noticed but I just couldn't keep looking for them because I would miss the great story on the way).

And interestingly enough there were times Mickey Rourke looks old and hideous, yet at times you can see the handsome young man he once was. It helped relate to the character...

Ooh! Visual aid!

I fully believe that the reason this movie is so successful is the reason many have stated before: that we have seen the evolution of Mickey Rourke and can relate to him being a once hot commodity who became a caricature and a punchline. In any case, it was a great performance.

Oh, and it bears mentioning that I have never seen a Jason Statham film and I hope to keep things that way.

February's charity of the month: Tennessee Repertory Theatre

2009-02-28T17:02:00.003-06:00

This month I got an email from Tennessee Rep letting me know that any donations made in the month of February would be doubled. Of course it had to be charity of the month!

Additionally my friends Kate and John (no, not the shrieking harpy, her browbeaten husband, and their eight children) took me to see "Glengarry Glen Ross" which was quite good. If it were still playing I'd tell you to go check it out! It was quite a night. Theatre first and then a semi-progressive dinner after. It started at the always classy Oak Bar in the elegant Hermitage Hotel. I discovered that one could order from the Capitol Grille menu and that they are very accommodating for all palates. The sweet onion bisque is fantastic, please get it while it's still winter!

We then moved to the David Sedaris recommended Sunset Grill for dessert. Normally this would've been wonderful but I was SO full, not to mention that they mistakenly gave me the regular dessert trio instead of the small dessert trio. I ate as much as I could stand and, believe me, it was mighty fine, but I was so full!

The company was great, the evening was great. And Tennessee Rep is a great cause.

I should also mention that since I have started this project I have noticed that I've not been worrying about money since it's usually there when I need it. I follow a very strict budget yet I don't feel deprived. There was even a moment when I found myself with quite a bit more in my cash envelope than I should have had by my count. I'm not complaining but I hope this continues.

January's charity: Nashville Alliance for Public Education

2009-02-01T19:14:00.002-06:00

My goal for the new year is to give $50 a month to charities. I had a hard time deciding on whether to let that roll over (no, because then I might get too complacent), whether or not certain activities counted (no, stop whining), and to which group to give.

For January I thought and thought and came up short and then got an invite to some ceremony being put on by the Nashville Alliance for Public Education. We have a work giving campaign and in the past I've marked them as the recipient of my largess (or petitess, since it wasn't much) so I'm on their mail list.

Since they got in touch with me at the right time and I believe in what they do (and it may figure into my future) they're the official charity for January. Check it out!

Nashville Alliance for Public Education.

My broke month

2008-12-21T16:13:00.002-06:00

I twittered many times about this so it may be old news but I wanted to offer an update.

In the middle-end of November I got a bill from my mortgage company. Once again they messed up my escrow so I owed them several hundred dollars. On top of that I had just paid vet, tuition (which had gone up), car insurance (which had not gone down as I had thought), and condo insurance. Basically, my coffers were very empty because I hadn't planned for this at all. I made a budget and it came up short. It was looking to be a crappy birthday and christmas season but, you know, whatever. I've got a home, I've got a job, life is all right.

I immediately went into belt tightening mode. I sold the first wave of things I didn't really need that would bring in some money. I cancelled a gym membership. My friends and family really came through and gave me financial gifts for my birthday that helped me greatly. I drained the last bit of my savings account. Even with all this it has still been a lean month.

I tried staying at home away from temptation but it didn't help my mood. I got out and made it to estate sales and thrift stores with a very strict budget. That helped but at the same time I was somewhat sadder--it really reminds you of your own mortality.

Once again I have to stress that I am very, very, very thankful to my friends. They are patient and kind and will be rewarded in the next life as well as in a month or so when I am more financially sound.

Now that the end of this month is near I am feeling better, like I can actually do things, go places. There are other luxuries I can do without, and if needed I will do just that.

I'm just glad to know that it can be done and I'm not the princess I thought I was.

Where is the logic???

2008-12-07T10:37:00.006-06:00

Many of my friends will not even know about this thing.

So, let's say that there exists a device that can make even the least inspired yet most eager crafter a screen printing artist. If you can put together some clever clip art and fancy fonts you can make really cool cards, art prints, and other ephemeral goods.

Think about it--your kid can take a black pen, draw something, and it can be immortalized forever in color, sent to family members to hang on refrigerators across our nation.

You have a great idea for a Christmas card. You can design it on your computer in Paint, print it off, and then send it to all of your loved ones. They will, inevitably, comment on how clever you are.

Yeah, well, it exists, and it's the Print Gocco. It comes from Japan and for the last few years the machines and accoutrements have been available at a premium price from importers as the machines haven't been sold in the US for years. But not anymore!

I heard the news of the demise from Samantha. I used to keep up with the Print Gocco mailing lists but they got unwieldy and annoying (honestly, half the emails asked where one could be bought when a simple google search would answer that!). So the news that Riso is no longer even making the accoutrements is very sad.

I made my annual Denny calendar (although it's only been two years so far, and I didn't do one for 2008 due to time constraints) and the joy returns. I have designed a print commemmorating Obama's election but I'm going to hold off. I have a ton of ideas but I have to budget them. Not only do I just have enough screens and bulbs for four more projects but I've had experiences with bad bulbs and bad screens.

I kind of want to stock up on bulbs and screens but my budget is very tight this month thanks to a sudden tax bill I didn't expect. One set of bulbs/screens would cost $35. I'm tempted to put it on the credit card, but that's not where I'm at these days.

I mean, really. The price is a little hight but imagine the fun you'd have!

Samantha, if your next fark trip involves an overnight stay in Nashville I'm totally bringing the Gocco over to your hotel. TOTALLY.

A moral dilemma, can you help?

2008-12-04T21:38:00.001-06:00

So, I was briefly associated with a gentleman (dated is probably a better word, but it's so loaded these days that I try to avoid it) a couple of years ago. I am no longer in contact with this man but during our brief friendship he lent me two nice books to read. I never got a chance to return them. They are still in my possession and on my bookcase.

Now, as you know (and have contributed, and I love you for it), I have recently had some pretty hefty bills come up suddenly that have left me cash poor. As a result, I am eyeing everything in my house critically. Anything that can be will be sold. I am thinking about selling these books. Is that wrong? I have a tiny nagging voice telling me it is, but I doubt the man will come asking me for them.

Passive aggression to follow, mainly to give the potentially injured party a chance to defend himself:
I know you read this blog sometime. Sorry about your books. I'm considering the gains to be what my friend Molly calls the "asshole tax." But I'll strike a deal with you: If you give me the explanation you promised (e-mail or comment here, please, I don't wish to speak to you) and didn't deliver then I will return your books.

One More BACK: A recommendation

2008-12-04T21:29:00.002-06:00

Years ago I read a nice novel called The Confessions of Max Tivoli. It's a sweet story about a man who is born with the body of an old man but the brain of an infant. As he grows older in years he grows younger in body. Does this sound familiar? It should, as it is also the premise of a short story written by F Scott Fitzgerald which has been recently made into a film called "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button." I'm excited to see Benjamin Button but it makes me a little sad that this means there will likely not be a film version of Max Tivoli. I'm reserving judgement of either until I read/see Benjamin Button (since my reading queue is kind of long I will probably get to the film first), but I do highly recommend Max Tivoli. Your library probably has it. And right now you are the love of my life for reading this! My writing sucks these days.

Schmoovecast #42 REDUX: The F word

2008-12-03T22:34:00.009-06:00

Etiquette, myspace, words. No butt carrots this time.

Originally posted spring 2007.

Schmoovecast #41 REDUX: Slap Happy

2008-12-03T22:34:00.008-06:00

We have a derby name. It's late

originally posted in early 2007