Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Remember the Urban Legend about Stolen Kidneys?
Well, it happens in India. Here is an article (in the NYTimes, of course), about people who were either selling their kidneys, or were having them stolen, like in the urban legend. It opens with the story of a day laborer who woke up in a clinic with a bandage on his side and the armed guards told him he had had a kidney removed. The racket doing this, apparently, was quite huge. So, it's not an urban legend after all (though it doesn't appear that anyone woke up in a bathtub full of ice).
Here's somthing frustrating
My boss invited me to an event, for which I had to go buy a cocktail dress as I didn't own one. But apparently, we aren't going to the event, but he didn't think that it was important to tell me, so I've been going along as though I need to plan for a big fancy political event and will need to prepare to leave another event early (the latter event requires a great deal of my attention, so I have to make sure no crises will occur, which has already been a great expenditure of effort). At what point did he think it was ok not to tell me this, even though he's been emailing me all day about other stuff? He told the other invitee, my co-worker, and she told me, but why was it that he bothered to tell her and not me?
UPDATE: It turns out that the invitation may have been rescinded (from both myself and my co-worker) because a mistress was invited instead and the number of available slots was miscalculated. Pure hearsay at this point, but oooh it's juicy!
UPDATE: It turns out that the invitation may have been rescinded (from both myself and my co-worker) because a mistress was invited instead and the number of available slots was miscalculated. Pure hearsay at this point, but oooh it's juicy!
Survey to fill class time
I can't go to sleep without....?
A clock nearby and a backrub [thanks Rex!]
If I were a doll, the accessories packaged with me would be:
Stilettos and probably casebooks
I have an irrational fear of:
Suffocating and/or drowning. I almost hyperventilate thinking about it.
What type of food do you eat at your grandparents house?
It's been ages, but lots of baked goods [from scratch!] are usually around
What weight were you when you were born?
No idea, except I know I was "average"
Do you stalk anyone on myspace?
I can barely stand to spend 3 minutes on MySpace, so no.
I am too old to be:
Having my mom do my laundry. But she insists when she's in town!
I find the thought of childbirth:
Drugs. Please.
My feet are:
Toasty in my boots.
My preferred style of jeans is:
Red Engine because they are PERFECT!
I know how to cook:
Very well. Evidence: my cocktail party.
I am annoyed at:
My ethics class, which is where I am right now, and which I have to attend TWICE today and had 20-some-odd separate reading assignments just for today.
Men should always:
Try not to be such assholes [Rex excluded]
Women should never:
Feel bad about "Acting like a woman/girl/bitch"
What sea creature scares you?
Lots of them, including everything until recently. Jellyfish in particular.
What color hair do most of the people you are around have?
At the moment? Dark in ponytails.
What object have you broken most recently?
Champagne glass and possibly the broiler door.
What was the last thing to make you cry?
A friend's death.
What are the stems of wine glasses for?
So that your hand doesn't affect the temperature of the wine [especially important with reds not to heat them up]
My favortie shoes are?
Impossible! The black and white patent ones are currently my favorite heels, but my black ugg boots are so practical and toasty, ditto for the moccasins.
Can you use chopsticks?
But of course.
Do you prefer beaches or forests?
Depends on how I feel about sand at the time. Sometimes it makes me cringe.
What is your all-time favorite romance movie?
Failure to Launch, and only because of Zooey Deschanel.
What's your current problem?
Well, I've mentioned this ethics class. On a bigger scale? I really can't complain [yes, I know I'm lucky]
Have you ever been in love?
Yep.
Have you ever had your heart broken?
Mmmm, don't think so.
Do you believe you truly only love once?
No.
Have you ever found it hard to tell some one you like them, scared it will ruin your friendship?
Don't think so.
Any secrets?
Well, only in the sense that Rex knows them too.
Other than your name, what was the last name someone called you?
Probably parepare. Maybe honey.
How old were your parents when you were born?
35.
Was your sixth grade teacher a man or a woman?
Both. I had a bunch [it was like high school]
What was the last thing you drank?
Coffee!
At what age do you think a person starts to get old?
Whenever they want.
What was the last thing you celebrated?
Had a big party for no reason other than to see friends. H's hickey?
Have you ever had any teeth pulled?
Wisdom teeth. And now, I'll never be wise.
What was the first job you ever had?
Handworks, making sure kids didn't steal stuff. I was 11.
Do you wash your hair or your body first when taking a shower?
Face then hair then body then condition
Do you think you will vote this year?
Anyone who doesn't is a bigger moron than words can describe.
What was the last thing you cooked in the oven?
Chicken teriyaki at 3 am [for the aforementioned party]
What craft do you think you're good at?
Well, I scrap book and knit, but I'm not sure I'm good at either. I am an excellent hostess if that's a craft.
What was the first tape/cd/record you owned?
Raffi, probably.
Have you ever eaten something other people might think is gross?
Someone out there thinks just about everything is gross, so I'm sure I have.
What famous person do you like that others may not?
Lilo?
Have you ever invented anything?
Bubble gum reflavoring spray
Who do you think you clash with the most?
Mom?
What time of day are you most likely sitting on your couch?
8 pm. With a casebook and a cat.
What color is your toothbrush?
Hot pink!
What is the closest grocery store to your house?
Safeway and King Soopers are both equally close.
When was the last time you colored with crayons?
When I brought some with me to the Boulder Cafe
Have you ever owned a plant? What was it?
Are there people who have only ever owned A plant?
Have you met anyone famous?
I grew up knowing Heidi Montag. And she IS just that bad, maybe worse. Though I dunno if she's "famous"
What was the worst injury you have ever had?
Scariest was the aura migraine that manifested like a stroke, worst was the wrist that I broke and had to have rebroken.
At Thanksgiving dinner, what is the first thing you go for?
Salad, since we eat that first.
When you were a kid, who was your best pal?
Heery then Amanda
Do you have any special talents?
Define "special."
Have you ever been to a nursing home?
Yes, and I still think about the lady that thought she was on fire and that I wouldn't help her [because I couldn't, she wasn't on fire]
What kind of job did your mom have when you were growing up?
My parents owned a restaurant.
Have you ever known anyone thats been on tv, including you?
See above. Also my friend Dave, I think.
What was the first video game you ever played?
PacMan
What is the one thing you own, that if it got lost, you would be bummed?
My cat? Mom's earrings? Anything that was a significant [not expensive, but meaningful] gift.
Do you have a favorite breakfast item?
Bacon? Bloody Mary?
What do you find yourself buying all the time?
Lots of things. Too many things.
When was the last time you got a real letter in the mail?
Cody said he was sending me a postcard!
Do you have a most prized piece of jewelry?
Mom's earrings and my green necklace.
Do you own any board games?
Scrabble, Boggle, Yahtzee, Uno, Set, Skip Bo, lots of cards
What article of clothing would you say you need more of in your wardrobe?
Professional wear
What chore seems the most daunting right now?
Mom cleaned my house. Life is good.
Have you ever lived in a house that has been broken into?
Yes, then they stole my car.
What is your favorite cheese?
Goat cheese [chevre]
A clock nearby and a backrub [thanks Rex!]
If I were a doll, the accessories packaged with me would be:
Stilettos and probably casebooks
I have an irrational fear of:
Suffocating and/or drowning. I almost hyperventilate thinking about it.
What type of food do you eat at your grandparents house?
It's been ages, but lots of baked goods [from scratch!] are usually around
What weight were you when you were born?
No idea, except I know I was "average"
Do you stalk anyone on myspace?
I can barely stand to spend 3 minutes on MySpace, so no.
I am too old to be:
Having my mom do my laundry. But she insists when she's in town!
I find the thought of childbirth:
Drugs. Please.
My feet are:
Toasty in my boots.
My preferred style of jeans is:
Red Engine because they are PERFECT!
I know how to cook:
Very well. Evidence: my cocktail party.
I am annoyed at:
My ethics class, which is where I am right now, and which I have to attend TWICE today and had 20-some-odd separate reading assignments just for today.
Men should always:
Try not to be such assholes [Rex excluded]
Women should never:
Feel bad about "Acting like a woman/girl/bitch"
What sea creature scares you?
Lots of them, including everything until recently. Jellyfish in particular.
What color hair do most of the people you are around have?
At the moment? Dark in ponytails.
What object have you broken most recently?
Champagne glass and possibly the broiler door.
What was the last thing to make you cry?
A friend's death.
What are the stems of wine glasses for?
So that your hand doesn't affect the temperature of the wine [especially important with reds not to heat them up]
My favortie shoes are?
Impossible! The black and white patent ones are currently my favorite heels, but my black ugg boots are so practical and toasty, ditto for the moccasins.
Can you use chopsticks?
But of course.
Do you prefer beaches or forests?
Depends on how I feel about sand at the time. Sometimes it makes me cringe.
What is your all-time favorite romance movie?
Failure to Launch, and only because of Zooey Deschanel.
What's your current problem?
Well, I've mentioned this ethics class. On a bigger scale? I really can't complain [yes, I know I'm lucky]
Have you ever been in love?
Yep.
Have you ever had your heart broken?
Mmmm, don't think so.
Do you believe you truly only love once?
No.
Have you ever found it hard to tell some one you like them, scared it will ruin your friendship?
Don't think so.
Any secrets?
Well, only in the sense that Rex knows them too.
Other than your name, what was the last name someone called you?
Probably parepare. Maybe honey.
How old were your parents when you were born?
35.
Was your sixth grade teacher a man or a woman?
Both. I had a bunch [it was like high school]
What was the last thing you drank?
Coffee!
At what age do you think a person starts to get old?
Whenever they want.
What was the last thing you celebrated?
Had a big party for no reason other than to see friends. H's hickey?
Have you ever had any teeth pulled?
Wisdom teeth. And now, I'll never be wise.
What was the first job you ever had?
Handworks, making sure kids didn't steal stuff. I was 11.
Do you wash your hair or your body first when taking a shower?
Face then hair then body then condition
Do you think you will vote this year?
Anyone who doesn't is a bigger moron than words can describe.
What was the last thing you cooked in the oven?
Chicken teriyaki at 3 am [for the aforementioned party]
What craft do you think you're good at?
Well, I scrap book and knit, but I'm not sure I'm good at either. I am an excellent hostess if that's a craft.
What was the first tape/cd/record you owned?
Raffi, probably.
Have you ever eaten something other people might think is gross?
Someone out there thinks just about everything is gross, so I'm sure I have.
What famous person do you like that others may not?
Lilo?
Have you ever invented anything?
Bubble gum reflavoring spray
Who do you think you clash with the most?
Mom?
What time of day are you most likely sitting on your couch?
8 pm. With a casebook and a cat.
What color is your toothbrush?
Hot pink!
What is the closest grocery store to your house?
Safeway and King Soopers are both equally close.
When was the last time you colored with crayons?
When I brought some with me to the Boulder Cafe
Have you ever owned a plant? What was it?
Are there people who have only ever owned A plant?
Have you met anyone famous?
I grew up knowing Heidi Montag. And she IS just that bad, maybe worse. Though I dunno if she's "famous"
What was the worst injury you have ever had?
Scariest was the aura migraine that manifested like a stroke, worst was the wrist that I broke and had to have rebroken.
At Thanksgiving dinner, what is the first thing you go for?
Salad, since we eat that first.
When you were a kid, who was your best pal?
Heery then Amanda
Do you have any special talents?
Define "special."
Have you ever been to a nursing home?
Yes, and I still think about the lady that thought she was on fire and that I wouldn't help her [because I couldn't, she wasn't on fire]
What kind of job did your mom have when you were growing up?
My parents owned a restaurant.
Have you ever known anyone thats been on tv, including you?
See above. Also my friend Dave, I think.
What was the first video game you ever played?
PacMan
What is the one thing you own, that if it got lost, you would be bummed?
My cat? Mom's earrings? Anything that was a significant [not expensive, but meaningful] gift.
Do you have a favorite breakfast item?
Bacon? Bloody Mary?
What do you find yourself buying all the time?
Lots of things. Too many things.
When was the last time you got a real letter in the mail?
Cody said he was sending me a postcard!
Do you have a most prized piece of jewelry?
Mom's earrings and my green necklace.
Do you own any board games?
Scrabble, Boggle, Yahtzee, Uno, Set, Skip Bo, lots of cards
What article of clothing would you say you need more of in your wardrobe?
Professional wear
What chore seems the most daunting right now?
Mom cleaned my house. Life is good.
Have you ever lived in a house that has been broken into?
Yes, then they stole my car.
What is your favorite cheese?
Goat cheese [chevre]
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Drama- Heath Ledger Died
Paparazzi story! Heath Ledger died, and was found naked and surrounded by pills in Mary-Kate Olsen's apartment in SoHo. Apparently they don't know why he was in her apartment, cause she'd in LA. A masseuse and a housekeeper found him. Hmm, maybe I'll take the whole bottle of narcotics... Stupid thing to do when you have a 2-year-old.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Flesh Eating Bacteria
Does anyone else remember when flesh eating bacteria was extremely rare, and pretty much just the stuff of science fiction? Well, it's baaack, and apparently a new vicious and increasingly common strain is affecting gay men in disproportionate numbers. NYTimes has the article, here. Is it just me, or does it sometimes seem like the conservatives have some power to control things they don't like? The world is sh**ting on an already disadvantaged population. AGAIN. And given that this can transmit through simple touching and even touching contaminated surfaces, why is it attacking gay men? I would understand if it were only transmitted through anal sex, but that is only one way in which it's transmitted.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
John Wheeler, a friend I miss already. RIP.
A friend that I have known for more than 10 years (more like 15) died on Monday night, January 7. His name was John Claude Wheeler, and he was a truly great individual. It appears that he fell down in the shower and hit his head. Though not a close friend of mine, John was a friend to many around him, from his time as a high school student in the Butte, to checking groceries at Clark's, to impressing the hell out of me (and many others I'm sure) by opening the Forest Queen with his brother and sister. Not only did they do a great job setting up the Forest Queen Sports Bar (and boy, was John good at Karaoke!), but thanks to John, the hotel got up and running for the first time in years. Every time I talked to him, he made me proud of a local kid with stories of his business acumen and with his great and boundless enthusiasm. John was truly one of a kind, and I will surely miss him. And I know many others will too.
John, I hope you are in a better place. Your passing has made me truly sad, but has also reminded me to appreciate all that I am so lucky to have.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Worst Credit Card Company EVER!
A piece of advice: don't EVER do business with Barclay's Bank, aka Juniper Bank. These companies (or this company?) operates Frontier Airlines' mastercards. I lover Frontier, but the bank they have chosen SUCKS. I signed up for the card to get miles (I fly Frontier to Austin a whole bunch), and for the 0% interest on balance transfers. I transferred $3,000 to the card, and since I did so about three months ago, I have paid and paid and paid, both monetarily and stress-wise for doing it. Random, inexplicable fees keep showing up. The latest, a $46 finance charge. I call. I'm supposed to have 0% on balance transfers and that's the ONLY thing on the card. I've never used it for a purchase. No, not a cash advance either. So the lady keeps making stuff up. Maybe it's this? No, maybe this? Hmmm, let me put you on hold for a LONG time.
Before, I had two big fees show up that I couldn't explain, so I called and the guy told me that it was Wachovia's fault and he couldn't refund the money because it was a Wachovia charge. Mind you, my bank is NOT Wachovia, and the credit card is not operated by Wachovia. So why is Wachovia suddenly charging me $40 through Juniper Bank? Who knows. I only got that refunded because I spend hours on the phone talking to "supervisors." So far, it has cost me about $150 (or is it $200?) just to have this card, so I could save money on interest. That idea DID NOT WORK, and now I'm going to have to pay the fees to transfer the balances back to the cards they were on, pay interest on the debt again, and maybe cry. This has been one expensive money-saving venture. And I'm still on hold.
Before, I had two big fees show up that I couldn't explain, so I called and the guy told me that it was Wachovia's fault and he couldn't refund the money because it was a Wachovia charge. Mind you, my bank is NOT Wachovia, and the credit card is not operated by Wachovia. So why is Wachovia suddenly charging me $40 through Juniper Bank? Who knows. I only got that refunded because I spend hours on the phone talking to "supervisors." So far, it has cost me about $150 (or is it $200?) just to have this card, so I could save money on interest. That idea DID NOT WORK, and now I'm going to have to pay the fees to transfer the balances back to the cards they were on, pay interest on the debt again, and maybe cry. This has been one expensive money-saving venture. And I'm still on hold.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year!
Well, it's 2008, and I'm in Austin having a grand ole time. Champagne was just $28 per bottle for Moet & Chandon in Belize at duty free, so I've enjoyed some great bubbly and a fabulous time all around. Plus, it was my first new year's with Rex, and we had a magnificent dinner at Jeffrey's in Austin, with Katie. Then, a nice party with sparklers and poppers and champagne and noise makers. Then, home to the hot tub and another bottle of Moet & Chandon, to round out the best new years to date. Happy new year, everyone. And hurrah, it's election year (do we need this or what).
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