Fun Morning of Cooking and Baking

Happy Thanksgiving!

So far, it's been a great day. It's just J.D. and I at home. We put our turkey in the oven exactly 1 hour ago. (The timer just went off). J.D. agreed to a semi-experimental Thanksgiving this year. Tofurkey was out, but we are trying a trick I learned from Renei, to put the turkey breast down in the pan, so it soaks in the drippings more. Back in 2000, the year we -- Renei, Candice, Marilyn, and I-- lived in Boise, Renei made the most delicious turkey. I just hope our turkey turns out this year.

As part of slightly non-traditional Thanksgiving this year, J.D. and I have been eating pumpkin pie since Sunday, (Ok, mostly me, tiny slices everyday). We still have 3 big slices left. Also this year, I'm making two different dressings. The first is the traditional one I learned from Mom, with butter and evaporated milk. This year I also added mushrooms and carrots to go with the onions and celery. We'll see how it turns out. I'm also trying one made with more interesting ingredients like a green apple, raisins, walnuts, etc. We'll see. Again, I just wanted to try something a little different.

This morning Athena woke me by purring on my chest. She does that almost every morning, but I always think it's special and cute. She'll just sit there purring until I open my eyes and pet her. Then sometimes we'll fall back asleep together. She doesn't do it for food, just to say good morning. She's such a sweet kitty. (As well as a total goofball at times). A while ago she discovered a new game. She was pulling a spare button out of the blue pottery vase Catherine and Michael gave us. She did it repeatedly before I took her small button away and gave her balled-up paper to chase. --A more appropriate kitty toy.

Anyway, back to Thanksgiving. This morning J.D. and I prepared the turkey and stuffing. J.D. handled the turkey, while I whipped up Mom's dressing recipe. We listened to Diane Rehm talking about Emily Dickinson. Then I enjoyed listening to people talking about all their different Thanksgivings around the country and different delicious dishes on The Splendid Table. Fellow Foodies. :)

Then we got to talk with Abby, Riley, Angela and Connie and wish them all a Happy Thanksgiving!

What a good day so far! (Now, I better get the deviled eggs started).

I hope everyone is having a lovely day-- let me know what you're doing too! And just know we wish you a great day, wherever you are.

Giving thanks

Not much happening here, just Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

J.D. is washing dishes to get ready to prepare Mr. Bird. (No Tofurkey this year). But we found a small turkey at Trader Joe's that was supposedly free-range. Thank you little turkey. I'm reminded of this Gibran passage on Eating and Drinking:

Then an old man, a keeper of an inn, said, 'Speak to us of Eating and Drinking.' And he said: Would that you could live on the fragrance of the earth, and like a plant be sustained by the light. But since you kill to eat, and rob the young of its mother's milk to quench your thirst, let it then be an act of worship. And let your board stand an altar on which the pure and the innocent of forest and plain are sacrificed for that which is pure and innocent in humanity. When you kill a beast say to him in your heart, 'By the same power that slays you, I too am slain; and I too shall be consumed. For the law that delivered you into my hand shall deliver me into a mightier hand. Your blood and my blood is naught but the sap that feeds the tree of heaven.' And when you crush an apple with your teeth, say to it in your heart, 'Your seeds shall live in my body, And the buds of your tomorrow shall blossom in my heart, And your fragrance shall be my breath, And together we shall rejoice through all the seasons.' And in the autumn, when you gather the grapes of your vineyard for the winepress, say in your heart, 'I too am a vineyard, and my fruit shall be gathered for the winepress, And like new wine I shall be kept in eternal vessels.' And in winter, when you draw the wine, let there be in your heart a song for each cup; And let there be in the song a remembrance for the autumn days, and for the vineyard, and for the winepress.

4th place is good...right?

Well, it looks like they don't think "we're #1" anymore, or even second place for that matter. St. Louis has fallen to fourth on the list of "most dangerous cities." It was ranked #1 in 2006 and #2 in 2007. Here's this year's top 5 honors:

1. New Orleans, Louisiana
2. Camden, New Jersey
3. Detroit, Michigan
4. St. Louis, Missouri
5. Oakland, California

See Mom, it's all good. :)

St. Louis things

They asked people what they would most want to do one last time before leaving St. Louis. I've decided to break them into things we've done or have yet to do. (Assuming of course that we would want to). Also some things on the list get really stupid toward the end. I think it turns into people advertising their businesses or a single person suggesting his or her favorite place for dinner. I deleted "Visit my high school." :)

I had no idea a lot of these things existed. I still don't know what some of them are, but a lot of fun memories came up while going through the things we have done.

Done It:
Cardinals game
St. Louis Zoo
Ted Drewes
Go up the Arch
Forest Park
Eat Toasted Ravioli
See a show at the Fox
The Loop
Imo's pizza
Botanical Garden
Anheuser Busch Brewery Tour
See a Blues Game
Grant's Farm
Crown Candy Kitchen
Blueberry Hill
Great Balloon Race
City Museum
Gus' Pretzels
Sledding down Art Hill
St. Louis Science Center
Forest Park Boathouse
St. Louis Art Museum
Tony's St. Patrick's Day Parade
Rams game
The Magic House
Boat ride on Mississippi
Shakespeare in the park
Cahokia Mounds
Butterfly house
Solider's Memorial
Lambert Airport (The airport, really? The question wasn't "what would be the last thing you would literally see.")
Soulard Market
Drive into St. Louis from the East
Concert at the Pagaent
Fourth of July on the riverfront (very briefly, just for fireworks)
Concert At Touhill
The Melting Pot
Soulard bars and restaurants (Counting the hot peppers and Pat)
King and I restaurant
Haunted Lemp Brewery
I added these:
Meramec Caverns (although I would not go back again-- 3 times is enough!)
Floating Meramec River
Lafayette Park
Fitz's Rootbeer
Pie at the Blue Owl (Adventure!)
Mile High Pie or Foot High Pie
Hiking at Rockwood
South City Diner

Haven't Done It:
Show at the Muny
Visit Augusta Wineries
Main Street St. Charles
Drive the Great River Road
Missouri History Museum
Beer and Bocci Ball at Milos
Experience caverns under St. Louis
Tilles Park at Christmas
Dinner at Rigazzis
Big Bang Piano Bar on Landing
Jefferson Barracks
Fast Eddie's
Lone Elk Park
Hodak's Chicken
Shop Central West End
Fritz Custard
Pizza at Black Thorn
Soda Fountain Square
Show at the Black Repretory Theater
Visit Memorial Park Cemetary
Jewel Box
Visit Seven Falls in Forest Park
Metro bus ride to downtown at Christmas time
Merb's Chocolates
Eat a pork steak
Drive back roads to Hannibal
Golf at Forest Park
Playing darts at Hill
Top Inn
One more visit to Lion's Choice
Protzel's for corned beef
The Old Spaghetti Factory for dinner
Toasted Ravioli at the real Rich and Charlies
One last visit to McGurks
Pirrones' Pizzeria in Florissant
Visit to rural Illinois (Driving-by doesn't count I'm guessing)
Bicycle on the paved routes in Madison County
Eat at Moxy Bistro
Play 18 holes at Annbriar Golf Course
Shopping at Vivianos on "The Hill"
Ride on Screaming Eagle
Festival of Nations in Tower Grove Park
Babler State Park
Joe's Cafe
Fishing at Klondike Park
Stroll through South Grand
Citizen Kane's
Schlafley's Brewery
"Just Sue's" in Edwardsville for pizza
Papa Vito's in Waterloo for best roast beef
Corndog at Woofies Hotdogs
Single Chuck at Chuck-A-Burger (Sounds really gross)
Museum of Transport
Wabash Frisco Rail road
Cunnetto's
Powder Valley Nature Center
Wax Museum on landing
Cherokee Antiquing
Back roads of Hermann, Missouri
Downtown Charlie Gittos
Breakfast at Uncle Bills
Shake at Olivette Diner
Dinner at Seamus McDaniel's
Laumeire Sculpture Park
Tower Grove Park

What the Bowling Hall of Fame didn't make the list? What else did they leave out?

More Wrapping

I went back myself for more fun today. (I really enjoy wrapping presents). Today I met a guy named Tony; his table was next to mine. He liked loudly singing the Christmas songs, with their "real" lyrics. (J.D. would have been annoyed). I just thought it was goofy. He also put a red bow on his forehead (not the top of his head). Tony was 3rd generation St. Louis born and raised. His whole family is here.

I also saw a former student, Christine. She was a freshman when I taught her. Now she's a junior. (Sheesh).

The first box today had presents for four kids: three boys and a girl. The girl got a lot more stuff than her brothers, which I didn't think was fair. But maybe the person shopping for them thought the little girl wouldn't have as many clothes, since the boys could wear hand-me-downs (maybe, I have no idea). I think people should try to be as equal as possible for siblings. Anyway, I'm trying to remember their names: Gaybrielle, Caleb, Raheem, and I can't exactly remember the third boy's, except it had a "q" in there and was like Jonquone.

Then I wrapped a set of presents for an elderly man, Carter. And the best news, I got to wrap my own presents for Viola and Dorothy. I was very happy about that. I wanted to make sure they still had everything the way I prepared it. (Controlling of me, I know). My little notes were still on the various things. My bows and ribbons got a bit crushed and mangled, but I tried to straighten them out again. The biggest problem was that a box of special soap and lotion for Viola was totally missing. They said it was "probably" put in with another family. Well, then I hope they took out the note I wrote for Viola inside the present. They tried slightly blaming me: "The case number probably wasn't on there." Umm, no I can guarantee you that it was. I was very careful and labelled everything. I individually taped (on all sides) the tags to the respective boxes. Hopefully Viola will still have a nice Christmas with her other gifts.

Some other person next to me found a $500.00 Walmart gift certificate for one family. Won't they be surprised! Still, it seems there was a great disparity, with one family getting $500 bucks and the elderly man Carter getting a sweater and 9 cans of Campbell's soup. I guess you can only do what you can do; you can only give what you have to give. Hopefully all the gifts will be useful and will bring their receivers some happiness and comfort.

I tried to figure out what I like about wrapping presents. First of all, I like things to look nice. I'm a sucker for bows and ribbons and shiny tags. I like dolling things up. Secondly, I like to imagine, as I'm wrapping, what the person might think or feel as he or she unwraps the present. I imagine her excitement; I like to imagine how he will enjoy whatever item is in there. It's a tactile way of vicariously feeling anticipation. I think that's a big part of it. I'm not sure about whatever mysterious quotient is left. ???

Anyway, now I just have to figure out what to do with the rest of my day. J.D. is at Games Workshop playing a local tournament. Maybe I should clean the dreaded computer room. I have a MAJOR rat's nest going: books and papers piled all over. (Yes, sadly, that is what I should do). Maybe if I have some hot chocolate I'll feel like cleaning? (Probably not).

Have a good Saturday everyone.

Rethinking Thanksgiving

While looking around online today I saw the video of Governor Palin pardoning a turkey and then giving an interview right in front of the station where they slaughter the poor birds. (Don't watch it. Seriously, don't please). I hesitated before even posting anything about it. The bottom line is we need to treat animals better.

The only good thing was it made me sign The Humane Society's poultry petition that asks turkeys be rendered unconscious before they're killed.

Meanwhile in the interview Palin rambles on about how "It's pretty brutal" in politics. She goes into her list of sharing values after that.

Then the reporter asks: "Due to declining oil prices, are you concerned about any state programs being on the chopping block?"

Palin responds: "You know, thankfully we're in a good position still."

Palin ends the interview by saying:
"This was neat; I was happy to be able to participate in this. For one, you need a little bit of levity in this job. . . . good to participate in something that isn't so heavy-handed criticism, certainly people will probably invite criticism for even doing this too, but at least this was fun."

She said "fun" with a deep sense of satisfaction.

J.D. sweety, you might be eating Tofurkey this year. At the least, I will insist we buy a turkey that was humanely raised and killed.

Comforting Words

I found some comforting words today upon finishing In Search of Lost Time, the story of my graduate career:

"Our greatest fears, like our greatest ambitions, are not beyond our strength, and we are able in the end to overcome the one and to realize the other."

(I hope so).

This summary also seemed comforting:
"In Search of Lost Time is the story of a man who is unable to bring himself to write. Finally he discovers his theme and decides it is time to begin. And as we finish reading the novel, we realize that it is the book on which he is about to start. Here we have the perfectly formed circle of ‘Time Lost’ and ‘Time Regained’, which was Proust’s original plan."

(In the end, Proust had time & strength to write thousands of pages).
-----------------------------------
Just for my own reference: this article.

My dogwood tree

My mom just called to say they're moving my dogwood tree. Evidently it's out of the ground now, in a special basket, on its way to Burley with 12 pine trees. Mom wanted her trees from Golden Valley.

I lived there my entire childhood, until I moved to college. Around the year 2000, my family moved into the Burley house. It was from my mom's inheritance. J.D. and I were married there, but still, in my heart of hearts, I will only ever have one "place" that's home, Golden Valley.

Of course, home is with your family. But that physical space is special to me. I can't explain it. It's just where I could be free. If our souls are shaped at all by the spaces where we live, that's where I got my large dose of loneliness and solitude, quietness and music, romanticism and pragmatism.

I walked all over the place with my dogs: Rascal, Nelly, Delilah, Sam, Puppy (who I wanted to name Thoreau, but it never caught-on). I would walk through the gravel pit and grain fields, all around, even at night listening to music on my headset or making up songs and singing them as loud as I liked because the nearest neighbor (only one) was over a mile away. No one cared, and I could just be purely myself. Sometimes when I'm stressed or sad, I'll just pretend I'm walking on a dirt road where no one can see me.

I planted my tree in 1996 after I fell in love with dogwoods. I thought they were beautiful, but a different type of beauty than I was used to seeing. A delicate beauty. Which perhaps enticed me all the more because I was acclimated to a harsh, sublime aesthetic from my windy, plateau landscape. (Flowering dogwoods don't grow where I grew up). Still, I wanted one. So, when Mom ordered some trees that summer, I insisted a few be dogwoods. I had three originally. Two died-- one the casualty of a lawnmower incident. One survived. Mom said it bloomed for the first time just last spring, a couple of tiny, white flowers. Probably the product of being a delicate tree in a tough environment. Still, that it flowers at all, is somewhat of a miracle. Now, at this moment, my tree is being transplanted into new soil, where it will grow by the house with the big red barn. I hope it makes it and will bloom so I can see it one day.

On TV tonight

PBS Bible / Aarchæology show on tonight, if anyone is interested.

Although, I don't think they'll be arguing for the historical co-existence of dinosaurs and people. Is it wrong that I still want to go to the Kentucky Creationism Museum? (Not necessarily about the exclusive creation of Kentucky).

Thought about today:

"This is what you shall do: Love the earth and sun and animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence towards the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown or to any man or number of men, go freely with powerful uneducated persons and with the young and the mothers of families, read these leaves in the open air every season of every year of your life, re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, dismiss whatever insults your own soul, and your very flesh shall be a great poem and have the richest fluency not only in its words but in the silent lines of its lips and face and between the lashes of your eyes and in every motion and joint of your body."


I read this for the first time sitting on a hillside near my childhood home. I went for a walk that day with Leaves of Grass tucked into my coat. I haven't followed Whitman's advice by reading it every season every year of my life, but I have thought about it and read it every now and then. :)

How to Preserve a Husband

Mom and especially Daughter don't look so excited here do they? Rather a cheerless cover for a cookbook if you ask me. I guess it gives off an authentic ol' timey and homey vibe. Anyway, my mom and sister have had fun reading this cookbook. Mom rediscovered it in her pile of recipe books. My sister greatly enjoyed the directions for "How to Preserve a Husband." You'll notice it's squeezed in between recipes for "White Bread" and "Mom's Hot Rolls." May I also draw your attention to "Boise Potato Biscuits" and "Missionary Valley Yam Biscuits"? Bon appétit.


Here's the text for how to preserve a husband, if you can't see it:

How to Preserve a Husband

Be careful in your selection; do not choose too young and take only such varieties as have been reared in a good moral atmosphere. When once decided upon and settled, let that part remain forever settled and give your entire thought to preparation for domestic use. Some insist on keeping them in a pickle while others are constantly getting them in hot water. Poor varieties may be made sweet, tender and good by garnishing them with patience, well sweetened with smiles and flavored with kisses to taste; then wrap well in a mantle of charity, keep warm with a steady fire of domestic devotion and serve with peaches and cream. When thus prepared they will keep for years.

Whatever you do...

Don't watch The Happening. Oh man, that was just BAD. Not one ounce of anything to save it: terrible acting, terrible story, just plain terrible.

The most exciting scene was when MarkWalberg had a tete-a-tete with a plastic house plant, and even then, the house plant stole the scene. (And I'm not joking).

Other "thrilling" scenes included some hippy guy going on and on about hotdogs. And then there's the emotional disclosure (because they think they're going to die) by Walberg's character to his wife (who just confessed she ate Tiramisu with some dude named Joe) that a beautiful woman in a pharmacy almost made him buy cough syrup... "And I didn't even have a sore throat!" (Yeah, again, I'm not kidding).

In the end you start rooting for the plants to win, which will mean the destruction of your own species, that's how bad this movie is. (Sorry about the pun).

Gift Wrapping

I asked J.D. to go with me. He agreed, and we ended up wrapping gifts for a Mom and her three kids. It was fun. There were a lot of people. J.D. and I had our own table and worked quickly together. He made sure all the price tags were off, while I hunted down paper and bows.

In the background, they were playing typical Pop Christmas music, which I didn't mind too much. Except, I have a great disdain for "Santa Baby," yuck and yuck. As a whole, J.D. is not a fan of most of that music, so my dear husband kept singing perverse lyrics to the golly music. I believe "Noel, noel" was turned into "Go to hell, go to hell." All good, joking fun-- and no one else heard J.D.'s lyrics.

The kids in the family were all young, three toddlers by the looks of the clothes and toys. There were two boys: Paris and Dorian, along with a little girl-- Dijana. Before I saw the girl's name, I thought maybe Mom was going with names from literature, sort of an antihero theme. But no.
I guess normal people don't do that.

Not me. I'm into theme names. How about "Manfred"; wouldn't that be lovely and unique? What would be some other great names for my antihero set?

Well, aside from that silliness, it was fun this afternoon. I hope the family enjoys their new things and has fun unwrapping them.

Saint-Loup dies by sunset

When is a tree black but not burned?

When the sky is on fire.

One of my complaints about living in St. Louis has been that we do not get beautiful sunsets in the urban areas. In Idaho, you have the wide open spaces to see all the broad perspective of sky. Here, you get a slice of color at best, interrupted by many trees and tall buildings. But yesterday, November 13, 2008 around 5:00 p.m. walking home from the library, St. Louis made me eat my words. A soft purple glow summoned my attention; the trees' branches over my head spouted against lilac. Then the purple gave way to a charming Tiepolo rose, which with my walking, darkened into salmon, raspberry, cherry. Then the whole world was pink, the leaves, the air, the ground. Only a single white street lamp interrupted the hazy glow, by shining on a patch of still-green leaves.

As I walked, Robert Saint-Loup died again in WWI, trying to save his men. Saint-Loup had a glorious re-dying, as only possible in fiction. By the time I was home, Morel had received his cross for bravery, ironically. At least Saint-Loup's death was scenic and heroic. Poor Albertine was thrown from her horse while I was washing dishes. She died between scrubbing and rinsing the dinner plates. But now my humble kitchen is a landmark because I can say Albertine died there. Bergotte died by the park; his death, the precise moment, I recall well. I was looking at my favorite red tree back in October. It was barely raining. Bergotte went into another world with more than one splash of color, adding my red to his yellow.

"And since art is a faithful re-composing of life, around these truths that one has attained within oneself there floats an atmosphere of poetry, the sweetness of a mystery, which is merely the semi-darkness through which we have come" (Time Regained, 207).

How do you get to be the face of Hepatitis?

So, I gave blood today. I'm fast at it. Once I was "plugged in" it only took 5 minutes and 42 seconds.

But here's what I'm wondering now. You know all those personal questions they ask about whom you've had sexual relations with, what diseases you've had, what medications you've taken, or whether or not you've ever shared needles or done illegal drugs?

Well, they had me answer these questions on a computer, and for each question they showed an illustration.

Sometimes they showed an insect biting someone to represent whatever disease it transmitted. For the HIV question they showed a crowd of people (nice subtext there, not judgmental or anything). Then for hepatitis they showed this one guy's face (multiple times, with every question involving hepatitis). Why? Also, how do you end up having your face used to represent hepatitis? Seriously? Do you sign a release form giving them permission to use your image for that purpose?

The absurdity of those images gave me something to think about for 5 minutes at least.

"Man accused of stealing communion wafers"

Ok, this story made me smile, although I do not condone stealing communion, especially if you have to wrestle an 82 year old person for it. :)

3 Strikes

Well, the Focus didn't start again for J.D. this morning. Now he is riding his bike to work in the rain. (He resisted my idea of taking a taxi).

This is the third time it's been broken down since mid September when we were hit with the remainder of Hurricane Ike.

Then it broke a second time (different part) about 2-3 weeks ago. It was in the shop for 2 days.

It didn't start yesterday at first, but eventually J.D. got it to. Today, it just refuses, and it's not the battery.

Thank heavens for AAA. They're going to tow it soon. I'm sitting around waiting for them.

Any suggestions for a car that's inexpensive and good on gas?

Why Not? New Testament

All Answered!

Answered correctly by Lora:
1. What did Jesus use clay to restore?
2. What two women lamented: "Lord, if thou hadst been here, our brother had not died"?
6. What did Satan offer to tempt Jesus?
9. What tax collector climbed a tree to see Jesus?
10. Who was struck blind for three days?
16. What "work" was Jesus accused of doing on the Sabbath?
17. Who at first refused to let Jesus wash his feet?
18. Of whom did Martha say, "He stinketh"? (Nice question, sheesh)
20. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, who was the second individual to pass by the wounded traveller?

Answered correctly by Mrs. B:
14. Which is the only miracle of Jesus' recorded in all four gospels?

Answered correctly by Catherine:
7. Who was shipwrecked on the Adriatic Sea?
13. Why was Zechariah punished with a temporary inability to speak?

Answered correctly by Lutheranchick:
3. Which king did Paul almost convert?
4. What was the wound suffered by Malchus?
5. Who taught with Barnabas at Antioch? (Did they have Holy Hand Grenades?)
8. Which book records Jesus' earliest miracle?
11. Name the two individuals who while dying asked God to forgive their killers.
12. Which apostle was mistaken for Zeus or Jupiter?
15. When Herod the tetrarch heard of Jesus' miracles, whose works did he think they were?
19. Which apostle was a tent-maker?

Any ideas?

I received my names for the people we're helping out this winter. They are both older, single women. Please help give me ideas for something special you think I could do for them. These descriptions will just melt your heart.

First name: Viola, 79 years old. "She is an elderly woman who lives alone. She has no family around to help her out. Her income is very limited, $623 a month, and Viola could use some help with the purchase of personal items such as winter clothing, shoes, and a winter coat."

First name: Dorothy, 50, "She is a 50 year old woman living on a fixed income, $750 a month, trying to make ends meet. Dorothy needs help with winter clothing, shoes, personal hygiene items, linen, blankets, bath & wash cloths, dishes, rugs, cleaning supplies, and/or food."

The program asks us to give at least 2 gifts to each person, one practical and one for enjoyment. I'm thinking definitely the shoes and coats, but what else would be a nice surprise for someone in these circumstances?

What I learned today: Werewolves enjoy romantic interludes between meals

I went to J.D.'s work today. It was sort of weird, but the weather is cold, windy, and rainy here, and J.D. didn't want me to have to walk home from a doctor's appointment. So, I sat in the corner by his desk reading, for 3 hours, trying to be invisible. On the bright side, it's a good way to make me actually do my reading.

I admire J.D. very much for what he does. I couldn't do it. And now I also feel like a bum for complaining about the opportunity I have to do what I like.

While reading I did encounter an interesting coincidence. It appears that Bill Ayers' group, Weatherman, bombed and blew up the house where James Merrill was born, 18 West 11th Street. Imagine that. What a small world.

Right now J.D. is asleep on the couch with Sophie cuddled up beside his head. It's a funny, cute sight.

There was a party at J.D.'s work tonight, some special November event that we didn't plan to attend, but since we were there, we wandered down and had some free dinner. (Fried Ravioli, a St. Louis thing). They had really good white chocolate chip cookies. I also learned things. (Keep in mind for this story that they were serving unlimited alcohol at the party since 3:00 p.m., and we got there around 5:30 p.m.).

One of J.D.'s coworkers (a woman) yelled across the tiny table at me: "Do you READ?"

I replied, "Yes, I read."

"What sort of stuff?"

"Mostly older things, classics."

(Frown) "Anything paranormal?"

(Me smiling, thinking I may have a chance here). "Yes, actually, I'm really interested in spiritualism and even some poetry written using the Ouija Board."

(Bigger Frown) "Oh, well, you should read Paranormal Erotica. It's fantastic, not boring!!!

"I'm sorry, what?"

"Paranormal Erotica! It's really sexy, like an X rated movie except with werewolves and vampires!

To my good fortune, they started playing the electric slide at this moment, and I was spared any description of hot lycanthrope on homosapien action. I did get a comforting look from J.D. that said, "I'm sorry," and his eyes communicated that he was about to step in, had the electric slide not come to the immediate rescue. I commented to him, "I certainly haven't written that chapter yet."

Picture from Wikipedia

I should have taken French

I wish in my youth I would have been a little more stubborn in the language I studied. I so wanted to take French. I had a French/English dictionary that I carried around with me, and I liked calling my 6 year old brother "frère," of course with a very English pronunciation. But I was told the French teacher was terrible at BHS and told that I would never use French anyway. Instead, I should take something far more useful, such as Spanish.

Well, problem is, I'm not a useful person.

I don't do useful things. I don't read useful things. Perhaps the moral: A less useful thing can be more useful to a useless person!

Parents, let your kids study what language they choose, then at least it's their choice. Also, if J.D. and I ever do have kids, they are going to be able to study another language at a much younger age. I think kids are drawn to what will be good for them in the long run. In their little souls, they know who they are and what interests them. It may change a million times in subtle ways, but the major patterns and themes they love will always reemerge in important ways throughout their lives.

Do-Goodery

Looking for an opportunity, many opportunities, to do some good will probably help me more than anyone else.

I find when I'm wrapped-up entirely in my narrow, small little world, that my life feels less meaningful.

I've thought a lot about whether or not there really is true altruism, or at least the definition of it that implies doing good with no benefit to oneself. I really don't think that's possible. We're all connected, and doing good for others in some way always gives back, if nothing else, you get warm fuzzies and feel like a good human being.

This time of year it's easy to find plenty of opportunities to help out. While checking my e-mail this morning I found 5 already! Now, if I blog about my activities will that take away some of the shine? Yes, probably. The best deeds tend to be the ones you do out of love with no expectation anyone will ever know. But I hope it will help me keep track and update my progress along the way. Maybe it might give others ideas, and hopefully, all of my friends can help give me more ideas too! Besides, my friends are always doing good things for others, and you all inspire me, whether it's by rescuing a hungry, dirty kitten from the streets, providing art for a community, being there to give spiritual guidance when people most need it, or taking food to families facing difficulties or challenges.

So, my personal goal is 20 good deeds and 24 hours of community service by January 20, 2009. (I tried to set an ambitious but reasonable goal). The problem will be deciding what counts as what. Hmmm.... well, I don't want to impose any rules, but please feel free to comment if something would make more sense seen in another light.

Good Deeds / Charity:
1. Giving blood, my appointment is Nov. 12
2. Sponsoring a local family for the holidays.

3. Joined Amnesty International and sent a letter via them to President Elect Obama asking him to address Human Rights in the first 100 days of his administration.

4. Bought a net to protect against malaria. This is a charity that I really like because 100% of the funds go to help save lives in partnership with the United Nations Foundation. Ten dollars can save someone's life. Google "Nothing but Nets" if the link doesn't work and you want to check it out.

5. Mostly cleaned the library bathroom when someone dumped (probably accidentally) liquid soap ALL over and just left it. The soap container was knocked off the wall.

6. Donated the difference of J.D.'s employee discount to the March of Dimes.

7. Signed up for small monthly donation to heat St. Louis homes.

8. Dropped off a box of canned goods at the school for a local food pantry.

9. Signed petition to stop inhumane treatment of turkeys and chickens.

10. Donated extra wrapping paper to GTGB program.

Time:
1. One and a half hours preparing and wrapping presents for sponsored families, Nov. 15.
(That should actually be really fun; I love wrapping presents. Does it count as service if you love doing it?)

2. Nov. 22, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. getting presents ready for families.

Gratefulness and a Promise

In thankfulness for today and with the hope this election has given my heart, I pledge to look for the opportunity to do at least 20 good deeds and to do 24 hours of community service by Inauguration Day. I want to sustain this joy and positive energy. I feel called upon to do my small part in the process of making our country better. If anyone wants to join me, in action or in gratefulness, please do.

Imagine the power generated and change that would happen if everyone who voted for Obama would see this as his or her own chance to better the world!

Ok, I have to admit, this form letter makes me happy

Tamara --

I'm about to head to Grant Park to talk to everyone gathered there, but I wanted to write to you first. We just made history. And I don't want you to forget how we did it. You made history every single day during this campaign -- every day you knocked on doors, made a donation, or talked to your family, friends, and neighbors about why you believe it's time for change. I want to thank all of you who gave your time, talent, and passion to this campaign. We have a lot of work to do to get our country back on track, and I'll be in touch soon about what comes next. But I want to be very clear about one thing... All of this happened because of you.

Thank you, Barack

Election Day!

We stuck to our plan and were at the polling place by 6:00 a.m. sharp. Two hundred people were already in front of us.

We stood outside the church and around the block. The entire process took 2 hours and 15 minutes, from 6:00 - 8:15 a.m. I was voter #196 and J.D. was #197. The line was even longer when we left.

On the positive side, we did get to see the sunrise. On the negative side, even with warm coats and clothes, it got quite chilly. At least we were dressed appropriately for waiting on our feet and in the cold. I have no idea why the college girl in front of us decided 5 inch black stiletto heels and a mini skirt (with fringe) were appropriate. I didn't realize elections were the time and place to look for hot dates.

Anyway, feel free to share your election stories too! I'd like to hear about what's going on for everyone today all over the country.

p.s. When I went back to the polls this afternoon it had really slowed down. I was able to walk right into the church. There were only about 25 people in line. Don't I feel dumb. But in other places they are continuing to have big problems. In North St. Louis they have 300+ people in line waiting on average 7 hours to vote. But they say the people are determined and are waiting no matter what. I hope so.

Voting Eve

Well, who else is nervous about the big day tomorrow? I sure am.

We're going to the polls at 5:55 a.m., so J.D. will be able to vote before work, and I can just get it over early, without waiting in line too long (hopefully).

J.D. was impressed by this door hanger we got today. It has our actual precinct printed on it. Impressive indeed.

I just finished looking up ballot issues for my area. You can view your actual ballot by going here:

http://forms.smartvoter.org/index.html.

I find it helps to know the content of the ballot measures before trying to read them for the first time at the polls.

Be sure to vote tomorrow everyone, even if you're not of my political persuasion. (The majority of my family is not, and I still love them. They mostly still like me).

Anyway, get out there and do your civic duty. See you at the polls.

Anam Cara

Anam Cara: Friend of my soul
Yesterday we went for a drive to a place we like called Rockwood. We went on a serene 1.5 mile hike, with wooden bridges and winding paths. While hiking, J.D. enjoyed planning a 25 mile hike we could do in Idaho. He described crossing Redfish Lake by boat and then going up the mountains. He grew more and more eager as he visualized it.

The trail at hand was busy with lots of people enjoying the 70 degree weather and fall color. But after awhile we got away from the crowds and reached the top by ourselves. Then we stopped to hear the wind moving through the trees. While the yellow leaves rained down, we stood holding hands.

There are a few moments I think you always remember and for which you have nothing but gratitude; this will be one of mine. But mostly, I'm grateful everyday for J.D. and what we have together.

Chris Elliot Provides Feedback on Personal Appearance

Chris Elliot, comedian and television actor, took it upon himself to offer unsolicited feedback to a woman at a local bank Tuesday, October 28, 2008.

Since the incident, Elliot has refused to comment on his reasons for visiting the bank that day. Sources report that he had just made a deposit and saw the woman waiting in line for the next available teller.

He allegedly approached the woman by waving at a distance, as if he knew her, and then he walked up and informed her: "You have a pleasant demeanor." While saying this, he put on his black, knitted hat. Sources claim the woman seemed quite astonished by this unprompted, totally arbitrary comment. However, she was able to gather enough composure to reply, "Thank you, have a nice day," as she walked toward a gesturing teller. Elliot then proceeded to the bank exit and unchained his bicycle.

Elliot is best known for his appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman and as that weird brother guy on Everybody Loves Raymond.

No reason was provided for his odd comment. The woman left reportedly feeling strange and looking cautiously once or twice over her shoulder as she walked home.

"Marcel, the guy with bread under his armpit"

This is really the only part that I find entertaining. The rest is just sort of very, very sad and painful to a large degree.

Caller pretending to be French President Nicolas Sarkozy: I just want to be sure. That phenomenon Joe the Plumber. That's not your husband, right?

Palin: That's not my husband, but he's a normal American who just works hard and doesn't want government to take his money.

Caller: Yes, yes, I understand we have the equivalent of Joe the Plumber in France. It's called Marcel, the guy with bread under his armpit.

Palin: Right, that's what it's all about, the middle class and government needing to work for them. You're a very good example for us here.


(Yes, evidently the French are great examples of not paying high taxes).

Well, and the part about seeing Belgium from his house is funny too.

Audio: http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/sarahpalinvideos/youtube/palin-prank.htm
Transcript: http://politicalhumor.about.com/od/sarahpalin/a/palin-prankcall.htm