Orange Gearle

in august

2008-12-25T00:33:00.002-06:00

trains

2008-10-05T08:02:00.007-05:00

The above photo was taken from The Daily Kos. It made me think of this song by The Drive-By Truckers.....

The clouds started forming at five o'clock pm
The funnel clouds touched down
five miles north of Russellville
Sirens were blowing, clouds spat rain
and as the things came threw, it sounded like a train

"It came without no warning" said Bobbi Jo McLean
She and husband Nolen always loved to watch the rain
It sucked him out the window, he ain't come home again
All she can remember is "It sounded like a train"

Pieces of that truck stop, litter up the highway, I been told
And I hear that missing trucker ended up in Kansas
(or maybe it was Oz).

The Nightmare Tour ended for my band and me
the night all the shit went down
A homecoming concert, the night the tornadoes hit my hometown.
The few who braved the weather were sucked out of the auditorium
I can still remember the sound of their applause in the rain
as it echoed through them storm clouds, I swear, It sounded like a train.

Do you think that the reason Sarah Palin kept saying, "There you go again" in the VP debate is because Ronald Reagan said it in his debates? Are they trying to make some connection there?

Can you listen to Sarah Palin speak without thinking of the movie Fargo?

Does it bother anyone else that Palin frequently gets this look....a look that offends me as a woman....that is like she is trying to get out of a ticket??

Tina Fey.....gotta love her....

babies, 'shrooms and music

2008-05-12T10:55:00.012-05:00

Spring has sprung. In the month of April and early May there have been over half a dozen babies born to co-workers, friends, or family. Amazing. They are all cuties! Here's a few pics!

In May alone two co-workers have announced that they will bring a new baby into this world within the next nine months. I expect there will be 5-7 more announcements like this AT WORK ALONE over the next 4 months or so. Amazing to me. I guess that's what you get when you work with a bunch of young people. I'm still obsessed with adding at least one to the list...I'm trying my best to just keep it out of my mind. It doesn't really work :-) but mini-obsessions like hunting for mushrooms help!

Seth, Alyssa, Hollyanne and I went mushroom hunting together. Hollyanne found the first one (really two) of the day...and Seth found the first one of his life! The pic above is about 1/2 (maybe 2/3) of our find. Charlie and I will enjoy them tonight! Yum!

Going to shows helps too. For my mom's birthday in March, I got her tickets to the Steve Earle show at The Englert in Iowa City (Show was May 3). We had pretty good seats, and the show wasn't too bad. Charlie and his parents and I had gone just over a month earlier in Madison, and that show was better, but I still enjoyed this one. His wife, Alison Moorer opened for both shows. She has a beautiful voice, but somehow she bores me a little. Not sure why. She did a lot of covers, maybe that's it. She is beautiful, and her voice is pretty amazing...but still. Steve was a bit off in the beginning of the show especially. But I still enjoyed the hell outta him. I liked it when he told us that he's way farther left than either of the Democrats up for election. He's always a bit political, and I like his politics...so that works for me. In Iowa City, (or Madison for that matter) he would have a difficult time finding many to disagree with him. He did a sing along....Steve's Hammer. If I get a chance I'll link the song. My mom enjoyed the concert, and that's really what it was all about. She took the pic to the right of this section...without flash to be polite, so it's a bit blurry. Ditto with the next pic. :-)

Last week, Charlie's parents, Charlie and I went to see Randy Newman in concert. It was amazing!

It was a fundraiser for The Englert in Iowa City. Charlie bought us tickets. He gave me my ticket that weekend before my surgery, the night we got back together. He put it in the card, and said something like, "Here's something to look forward to after everyone's feeling better." He also bought a pair for his parents for Christmas. Anyway, we didn't know it until a few weeks ago, but they were "VIP Tickets". Which basically meant that we would be able to take part in a few pre- and post-show activities. The night was beautiful...perfect spring weather. And everything was timed to perfection. We had supper outside, visited the art galleries -- drank wine -- and then walked across the street to The Englert and took our place in the FRONT ROW! The concert itself was awesome. He played "Short People", which I heard a lot growing up (imagine that). There were also a lot of songs that everyone that knows Randy Newman at all has heard. He also played a couple of other interesting political songs. I enjoyed the concert immensely. But equal to that, I enjoyed watching Charlie watch...and watching his parents watch. After the show, we attended a reception at The Penthouse at Hotel Vetro in Iowa City. Guess who was there????

Randy Newman received this glass of wine from Kathleen, Charlie's mom. :-)

The last few weeks have been eventful and mostly fun....I am ready for summer...four weeks of school left. :-)

update

2008-03-06T21:38:00.005-06:00

It's been a while. There are reasons. I'll get to it.

First of all...things are great. I really wish that there was more publicity about live kidney donation. It's a few weeks out of your life, and... really....honestly...you don't even know it's gone. If there were more awareness about the whole thing, maybe fewer people would be on dialysis or...worse yet...dead due to kidney failure. Dad is doing great. He was ready to race me down the hall in the hospital...and recovered faster than me....he was at coffee with the boys the day after he returned home from the hospital! It took me a few days to feel better...and a few weeks to feel normal (as normal as I get anyway). Very worth it...and the reason I haven't really written about it.....well....one of the reasons is that I could never do it justice.

Obama. Well, he's still in there. We'll see what happens. I only hope that all the negative stuff that's going on between Hillary and Obama won't lead us to a Republican in office again. McCain. Geez. Or maybe I do want it. Whoever gets the nomination is screwed really....things are so messed up.....not sure who can fix it. At least we have hope with Barak.

The real reason for not writing.....I don't need to any more. This blog was born because I found myself without my best friend to talk to...to tell everything to. It happened quite suddenly in 2006, and after about two months of so called 'recovery', I started this blog to "talk to him". Not really, since he wasn't really reading it much after the first few months (yes, it's true, I have a sitemeter that shows me who has visited). But I told him...even if he wasn't listening. :-) Of course, I didn't know that's what it was all about. Why would I recognize that? Maybe I knew, deep inside, but there was no admitting it, of course....that would be too healthy. Regardless, it doesn't matter anymore.......he's listening again. Things are as it should be. I am lucky. I get to be with the person that I am supposed to be with. So.....I can tell him anything I want now.....in person.....without technology even. I know. It's amazing. :-)

I'm not deleting the blog. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's so I can share pictures of our new pet....

(It's an Anole. It has no name....we aren't sure of it's gender at this point. It's still just a toddler...and only about 4 inches from head to tail)

Or maybe I'm keeping to tell you about concerts that I am attending (Steve Earle this weekend)!

Or maybe it's to show you pictures like this....

(Ethan and Laila)

Or this....

(the newest Braun)

All I'm saying is.....things are going well.....and blogging will be less than normal....for good reasons.....but I haven't fallen off the face of the earth....I'm just happy, that's all. :-)

Peace out!

it's a kidney!

2007-12-01T18:53:00.000-06:00

A short update--

Surgery was at 7:30 Thursday morning. Dad woke up from the surgery perkier and more animated than ever -- even his voice sounded better! Amazing. There's even more spring in his step.

It's really all about pain control at this time for me. We have had several steps forward and backward. I will update more when I am not quite so tired (and on less percocet). :-)

They kicked me out of the hospital today...but we are in the middle of an ice storm so we are at a hotel until it passes. We will head home tomorrow.

peace out

everything is temporary

2007-11-18T08:59:00.001-06:00

This week I was reminded several times that everything is temporary. This isn't exactly a comforting thought for someone like me. Someone that is uncomfortable with change, especially that within my personal life. So yesterday while I was listening to All Things Considered, I was thankful for this quote at the end of the last story.

“There's no vocabulary For love within a family, love that's lived in But not looked at, love within the light of which All else is seen, the love within which All other love finds speech. This love is silent.” - T. S. Eliot

I have no idea what this quote means to you, or T.S. Eliot. But for me it explains why I am able to love, and will be able to love again.

It's funny...love and loss seem to go hand in hand sometimes...for me anyway. And when I lost an important person in 2006...every loss since then has forced me to relive that one, this week's events were no exception. I'm thankful that, no matter our political discourse, I have a family that I can depend on.

I did learn that I'm never dating an artist again. They are just so much more interesting than the others, though. I think I probably need to find an English teacher that appreciates politics and art. Maybe that will work.

That was kinda a girly post wasn't it?? Usually I'm more of a gearle than a girl...but this week the loss was overwhelming...again.

thank you

2007-11-14T17:40:00.000-06:00

Today we had our pre-surgical appointments at UIHC. Everything went well. More blood drawn from both of us. Dad had a few re-checks since it had been so long since the first ones. He had to take his clothes off twice...I got to keep mine on the whole day!!!

I don't even want to talk about the three hours that I waited to see the surgeon.

Highlights:

I do NOT have to have an enema.

They are taking my left (for sure)...putting it on his right (I think).

My new (biggest) scar will be in the bikini line area (just in case I decide to wear a bikini someday to show off my belly....and large c-secion scar). There will also be a couple (maybe three) really small scars where they insert the instruments for laparoscopic surgery.

They are gluing me together instead of staples (Shelley thought gluing was appropriate, since I am a teacher).

I got to see the pictures that they took of my kidneys last time. VERY cool.

I was sitting across from Mom and Dad in the waiting room and Dad came over and sat right next to me and said:

I thought I'd come over and sit closer to you so my kidney can get used to your kidney.

Later he said:

Did you feel that? I think my republican kidney is already starting to reject your democrat kidney.

As I got out of the car Dad hugged me and said "Thank you."

less than a month now

2007-11-02T08:14:00.000-05:00

It's November 2nd. The second day of American Diabetes Month. I've now read all of this blog. Kathy's struggle is amazing to me. I am thankful that my father hasn't had nearly the troubles that she has. But it also makes me wonder if he's feeling even worse than he lets on.

Last night when I got home from the jam, I couldn't get to sleep right away. So I decided to do a bit of internet exploration. I was searching for stories about live kidney donors. I want to know a bit more about what I'm in for. :-) I'm not worried about me, or pain or anything....just curious about the process. I stumbled upon this site. Very interesting. Very informative. I even cried some. I haven't read all the stories, but I will. Ed's story was the first one I read. He was back to work after 11 days! He might be a nut, who knows?

It makes complete sense, but I am not thrilled that I have to have an enema. Ick. I hadn't really thought about that. But Ed's story informed me of my impending doom in that area. UPDATE: My friend, Gigantor, said he didn't have to have one...maybe I'll get lucky.

I've been very emotional about this whole thing lately. I can't exactly explain it. Like I said before, I'm not worried about me at all. I'm young and in reasonably good health. And from everything I've read, I will go through a bit of discomfort, pain even, but it will be very short term. I'm not questioning if this is the right decision. I know it is. I've never been more sure about anything. I have but ONE concern, and it's been weighing heavily on my heart lately.

What if I wake up from surgery to find that my father didn't make it through the surgery?

I can't stop thinking about it really. As we are now less than four weeks away from surgery, I am worried that I will only have four weeks left with him. Good grief. I have no idea what is wrong with me. There has got to be some sort of 12 step program for worriers!!! Sign me up, man. I think I could be their poster child.

kidneys in the news

2007-10-29T10:05:00.000-05:00

I found this story this morning...it's worth a read. And here's a link to the author's blog.

A few facts quoted in the story:

20 million Americans - 1 in 9 adults - have Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and another 20 million more are at increased risk.
Heart disease is the major cause of death for all people with CKD.
Hypertension causes CKD and CKD causes hypertension.
High risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension and family history of kidney disease.
African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans and the elderly are at increased risk.
About 200,000 Americans suffer from kidney failure and need an artificial kidney machine to stay alive.

I took a walk with my dad yesterday after Sunday family lunch. He said to me, "Now, I can't walk too fast. I just kinda stumble along." He did just fine...and it was nice father-daughter time.....no politics, just life.

life in war

2007-10-24T07:14:00.000-05:00

On Monday morning as I was driving to work, I heard this story on NPR (Morning Edition). If I were you I would click the "listen" button from the the story link. I just think it's more effective when you hear his voice. I actually got tears in my eyes...but don't worry, most people won't. I just felt so sad about what this war has done to so many people and countries. It's a reporter's reflection on Iraq right after the invasion....compared to now. Give it a listen.

Tonight is the Bob Dylan concert. Did I mention SEVENTH ROW?? :-) I haven't even blogged about last week's events yet...good grief, I'm behind!!!!!!

i've chosen

2007-10-10T06:46:00.000-05:00

the washington post

2007-10-07T16:56:00.000-05:00

On January 28, 2007 I was among a group of 14 Democrats that met at a local restaurant to talk about the 2008 Democratic Presidential Candidates. My daughter and I were both quoted in the article which focused a lot on Hilary Clinton. Anyway, it was fun and interesting...and I can't believe I didn't blog about it then.

Fast forward 8 months to Friday, October 5, 2007. Ten of the 14 of us reconvened with Dan Balz (yes, that's the reporter's name...BALZ...thank goodness he isn't a middle school teacher). It was interesting because at the first meeting, we were all undecided...that was part of how we were selected to be interviewed. This time many have not only picked a candidate, but are working for them...making phone calls, knocking on doors, etc. I am still undecided.

I really enjoyed the 90 minute conversation about politics. 90 minutes talking about something that I love to discuss...with no one calling someone a "pinko commie liberal" or something like that. I haven't had that for a long time. Not that everyone agreed, that's for sure. The first time we met, everyone was fairly agreeable that, as democrats, we had a great group of people to pick from. Keeping in mind that we were all undecided, we still had our favorites, but for the most part, there weren't any harsh words or anything even close. This interview was a bit different. There were a few emotions. Not like tears or actual anger or anything like that...but still emotional. For example, there were two women that sighed loudly and rolled their eyes every time Sen. Clinton was mentioned. Of the top tier of candidates, Clinton is my least favorite for several reasons...but I was still a bit offended or maybe a better way to put it would be worried. What I didn't say...but should have....

There were insults flying, especially toward Sen. Clinton, and I think that's dangerous. It is quite likely that she will be the candidate...no matter what Iowans think. If she is...we best not be screaming insults her way at this time...it could come back to bite us in the ass. Not that I think this little article in the WaPo is going to bring Hillary down!! But I think, Democrats, as a whole need to be careful what they say. Do I think we should lie? Hell no. However, I bet if I asked those two women if they thought Clinton was qualified to be president...if I asked them if she would do a good job....they would say yes. They happen to think another candidate would be a better selection...but that doesn't mean that Clinton sucks. It goes back to what we all said during the first interview...we are lucky...we have several very qualified candidates to choose from. Unlike the other side of the political arena....YIKES, some of these guys are scary as hell.

Here is a link to the article, although Zoot Daze said that he didn't learn anything from it, you might want to give it a quick read (my quote is on page 2). Below is the picture that was published with the article. YUK! Mainly I put it here because of the typo that was published with it. Geez.

According to this online quiz, "my candidate" is either Gravel or Kucinich (neither of which I would caucus for). All that does is confirm that I am a freak, I suppose. :-) I don't mind though. So I'm a freak. Could be worse.

2007-10-02T07:07:00.000-05:00

This morning as I walked out my door the sunrise was spectacular. It was a deep red-orange concentrated at the horizon, and then as the colors spread further into the sky the red gradually released to an almost pure orange.

I went to the handi-mart for my usual 32 oz. diet dr. pepper fountain pop. When I walked out of the handi-mart (I think it's actually casey's now) I was facing west. By this time the entire sky was lit up in color. But it wasn't the sky that caught my attention, it was the buildings. Still facing west I noticed that the buildings were glowing with the colors of the sky. They looked like the exact salmon color that is so prevalent in Florida. It reminded me of the good times I had there nearly two years ago.

As I drove to school, the concentrated color at the horizon was gone, but the sky was still beautiful.

Today is Gillian Welch's 40th birthday. I really like her. Here's a pic of her and Dave Rawlings. I saw them back in August in Des Moines. It was a great show. Dave in particular made me smile.

I'm a sucker for those "duos". Truckstop Honeymoon is going to be at this venue this weekend.

kidney update

2007-09-26T18:14:00.000-05:00

I received word this morning that I have been approved to donate my kidney to my father. Read on if you’d like a few more details.

Since Dad isn’t feeling the best, it is possible that he may do some dialysis prior to surgery (beginning in October, probably). This will clean out the toxins, etc. Then we will have pre-op appointments one day in November, and the surgery Nov. 29. (this means I will only miss about 13-14 days with kids). During the pre-op appointments, my dad will need to have some of the same evaluations done that he did last winter/spring — just to make sure that surgery is still safe for him. They will not go through with the surgery if it isn’t safe for us both.

I am very excited!! This is such good news. When I saw that spectacular moon this morning, I knew it was going to be a good day.

musings

2007-09-26T07:24:00.000-05:00

I pulled out of my driveway this morning and headed West. The moon was low on the horizon and absolutely enormous and beautiful. That's a great way to start the day. I called mom to share...she'd already seen it. Glorious.

Yesterday I got a tub of freshly ground peanut butter from The New Pioneer Co-Op. Yum.

Hollyanne will start interning for Obama on Thursday. Exciting.

I think one of my friends is pregnant, just not telling anyone yet. I can't wait to find out. Fun.

I think I have arthritis in my right hand. The knuckles. Strange.

My kids at school are beginning to show growth. Nice.

I saw CHRISTMAS things in Target the other day.....yes....CHRISTMAS. Crazy.

It's homecoming week, so I got to wear my PJs to school today. Comfy.

It smells like fall today. Cozy.

row seven

2007-09-20T18:09:00.000-05:00

Helen and I will be going to see Bob Dylan on October 24. The coolest part?

ROW SEVEN

kidney update

2007-09-17T18:06:00.000-05:00

Today I learned a lot about my body. I also had to take my clothes off four times!!!!

Yesterday I collected my urine all day. I had to be away from home for part of the day, so I had to carry my pee in a cooler. Very odd. Anyway, as part of my tests, they needed a 24-hour collection of my urine. This is to test my creatinine levels. My father has had to do it many times.

My day started with one last urine collection before leaving my house bright and early and heading to UIHC with my mom to support me. Last spring when we traveled to UIHC we went through a bunch of construction in the building -- it's been through several aesthetic changes -- and now, a few months later, it seems to be complete. Very beautiful. Art everywhere. When we arrived we checked in and headed to the Surgical Specialty Clinic -- which was our home base for many of my dad's appointments, so we know it well. They took several vials of blood out of me, and asked for ANOTHER urine sample!! I met with Shelley, our transplant coordinator. She had a side-kick with her today -- another woman that is learning how to do Shelley's job.

After the blood was out, a little food went in. I had to fast for my lab work and only had a small window of time before I had to fast for a test later in the day (CT Scan). So I had a Zone Bar, a banana and a Diet Dr. Pepper (of course).

They took my vitals, I signed a bunch of paperwork, and I met with the social worker. Her job is basically to make sure I am aware of any potential risks, and that I will have a good support system to help me out when I get home from the hospital. Then I met with Dr. Heather Muster about a study that I have an opportunity to participate in. It's called Assessing Long Term Outcome of Living Donation (ALTOLD). I will probably participate in this study....more on that at a later time.

The first time I had to undress was to be examined by the nephrologist, Dr. Bertolotus. This is the same doctor that saw dad on his first visit to UIHC for the beginning of his evaluation. Dr. Bertolotus examined me and took a look on the computer to see if any of my tests were back. Even though it had only been about 3 hours, there were many complete and already entered in the system. Apparently I'm very healthy. My kidneys are functioning "normal" (whatever that means). My cholesterol is 203, which to me seemed high. But Dr. Bertolotus said that the reason it is so high is because my GOOD cholesterol is about as high as it can be (apparently that's good). My BUN (blood urea nitorgen) and creatinine levels are all good -- low even. Here's some information on that. I have low BUNs....lol.

The second time I had to undress was for an EKG. And then the third time was for a chest x-ray. Both of these were very quick, and painless.

The fourth and final time I had to undress was for my CT Scan. This was not my favorite part of the day. It didn't hurt much (IV went in well), but I was uncomfortable....more mentally than physically I suppose. They had to inject "contrast media" into me and take a bunch of pictures. It wasn't bad...just not my favorite. They took pictures of my kidneys. They are checking to make sure I have two, for starters. :-) Then they will be looking at them both to decide which one to take for the transplant.

I learned:

When the donor kidney is put into the recipient, the recipient's existing kidneys stop working completely in a short time. So, even though they will not take out any of dad's kidneys -- they just hook up the donor kidney-- he will only have one functioning kidney...mine. This is why it is important to wait until just the right time to do the transplant. For example, I was very upset that things were put on hold last spring....and although he went downhill quicker than anticipated...by doing a transplant too soon, we are essentially wasting the good kidney a bit. What I mean is, the donated kidney doesn't last forever...only 15-20 years or so. Had Dad's kidney function remained at a manageable level for several years, we could have been giving him a few extra years with my good kidney down the road. However, he's nearly 73, so.....I think that probably cancels all of that out (in my opinion). As he ages, his health naturally declines, so, in my non-doctor opinion, it would seem to make more sense to do the transplant while he is younger and feeling better. But....he's not younger or feeling better now, so none of that last part really matters....And, although I am wicked smart, I suppose I don't know EVERYTHING...moving on.....
The veins connected to the left kidney are longer, so they prefer to take that one....and as long as everything else is equal, that will be the one they take. However, if there are more veins on the left one, or detaching it would be more difficult, they will take the right one. Also, if one kidney is better than the other one -- I get to keep the good one!! So, I wonder....if they take my left kidney, will that make me lean even more to the left, politically? :-)
They only do kidney transplants on Thursdays at UIHC.
Two healthy kidneys do not work to their full capacity. So, if you donate a kidney, you aren't actually losing 50% of your kidney function. The remaining kidney beefs up and begins to work better (notice I did NOT say harder -- harder implies that there could be undue stress on the remaining kidney). In fact, there are people that live with one kidney their whole life and don't even know it.
All of my tests (that were complete when I left today) were good....better than good actually. The nephrologist told me that as long as I continue to exercise and I don't gain a bunch of weight or something....even if I just stay like I am right now....there is no reason to think I will get diabetes. Of course, there are no guarantees. But I've learned that there are no guarantees about ANYTHING in life, no matter how perfect it might seem, it can all come tumbling down at any moment (how's that for positive thinking). Anyway....
(I already knew this next part before today, but I'm putting it in here for any of you that think I'm putting myself at too big of a risk in the future). Studies show that a kidney donor is no more at risk for kidney disease than a person with two kidneys. That, along with the VERY thorough exam that I received today, is more than enough to convince me that this is the right thing to do.
They will not do the tissue typing until the PRE-OP appointment. That is how certain they are that I will match Dad at LEAST enough for the transplant. It has something to do with me being his daughter. :-) More importantly, Dad has not had a previous transplant, has not had a blood transfusion, and has not given birth to a baby....so he should not have developed any antigens against me. I keep telling them that I'M A LIBERAL and dad is a REPUBLICAN, there is a chance we won't match....but apparently politics has nothing to do with it.
Surgery lasts 3-5 hours, and I would go home Saturday or Sunday. Dad would be hospitalized a bit longer, closer to a week.

So what does that all mean???

I will know next week for sure...the rest of the tests will be in by this Friday....and then Shelley will "present" my case to the panel of doctors.....but it looks like Shelley will schedule the transplant for November 29, or December 6, 2007!!!

Here is a bunch more info on organ donation for those interested.

woo hoo

2007-09-14T19:19:00.001-05:00

check it out.....

only 40 days until......

BOB

Hopefully I'll get some good tickets. Kinda strange...it will be almost exactly 3 years since the first time I saw him, in the same location. Not only that, in 2004 I saw the Drive-By Truckers a few days prior to Bob....this year I will see DBT less than a week before Bob (on my birthday). Cool.

Coming soon: Kidney Update

fall, football and freedom

2007-09-10T13:02:00.000-05:00

This picture was taken the day Hollyanne moved in to her dorm room. Also pictured: her roommate and her roommate's boyfriend. We made a trip to the store to get a few items, only to find it difficult to fit the three of them, my mother, all the stuff we bought, and me into the little corolla. YIKES!

She seems to be adjusting to the college life quite appropriately. I miss her, but I am also enjoying my freedom (and the fact that when I do the dishes, dirty ones don't just "appear" out of no where in a matter of minutes). I thought I would hate living alone (I've never done that before, it's always been the two of us). But I actually enjoy it. However, I do miss her and I am thankful for communication via cell phone and especially email.

Hollyanne seems to be enjoying her freedom as well. She's even gone on a couple of road trips already!! Friday night she went with a friend to pick up another in Minnesota!! Geesh, I'm glad I didn't know until they were almost home!!!! She did see the bridge in the cities. Amazing, she said.

UNI beat ISU this past weekend. Very nice. Hawks won too.

My dad and I watched a few football games together on Sunday. We haven't done that together for a long time. It felt great. Today is a bit rainy....but it feels like fall and I love fall. Fall, football and freedom.....what more could you ask for? A little greased lightnin' perhaps?

Happy birthday Seth!!!!! Remember when you and I would dance to Grease?????? You had way more hair then. :-) Love ya!

Bob

2007-08-08T23:59:00.000-05:00

I went to the Sugar Maple Traditional Music Festival in Madison this past weekend. I camped. It was fun. It stormed. I bought two CDs. I have great stories. I will post about that later...I haven't even had a chance to look at my pix yet...but here are some pix from Jeff.

This weekend I am going to see Gillian Welch...also for a later post.

I really want to bid on this....but for now the following picture just makes me happy so I had to share it....

I need to see Bob this calendar year....I wonder if I can make that happen somehow?

fast food nation

2007-07-29T00:11:00.000-05:00

Tonight I watched Fast Food Nation, a fictional movie based on the meticulously researched Eric Schlosser book by the same name. If I weren't already a vegetarian, I would be now.

The movie itself is a bit slow at times. It's like a documentary, but yet, it's a character film...which is kind of a strange way to make a movie. As the movie progressed and I stepped back and looked at the picture as a whole, I realized how much better of a film it is than I initially thought. It looks at the fast food industry, as the title suggests, but it also tackles, illegal immigration, poverty, slaughter houses, sexual harassment, corporate corruption, as well as all that animal rights/environment stuff that I enjoy. The way it includes all of these topics, and more, is by showing lives that intersect to create this society that we are living in...and it doesn't paint a very positive picture. From the illegals working in the slaughterhouses that are just trying to have a better life to the guys sitting in the corporate offices marketing this unhealthy, and really just gross, meat. It shows a high school senior working at a fast food place...taking money home to help her single mother pay the bills. It shows college aged idealists trying to decide the best way to protest the fast food and corporate farm industries.

In May of last year I read an article by Nathanael Johnson in Harpers Magazine called Swine of the Times: The making of the modern pig. This movie reminded me very much of that article. The article is an inside look at the pork industry, specifically the genetic engineering that goes into it. This movie is a bit of an inside look at the beef industry, however a bit more focussed on the processing aspects of meat, rather than the raising of the animals.

I was practically a vegetarian before I read the article last year. I became an actual vegetarian after reading the article. And although I already knew that I didn't want to know about the beef industry...this movie confirmed and expanded upon my suspicions about corporate beef "farms".

If nothing else, it makes me think more about a vegan lifestyle, or at the very least, purchasing only certified organic products. But damn, that's expensive! (However, I am already purchasing mostly organic...so...I dunno)

If you watch the movie, make sure you check out the special features on the DVD. In case you don't watch it, here are a couple of creative cartoons about the subject that are included on the DVD.

kidney update

2007-07-28T03:30:00.001-05:00

Friday brought a doctor's appointment for my dad. Although his kidney function didn't decline drasticly, it is apparent that his numbers are fluctuating. He is also either feeling worse (fatigue wise) or he is expressing his feelings to the doctor more effectively, because the doctor is saying we need to move forward with kidney transplant procedures, due, in part, to his feeling poorly. Another factor that the doctor is considering is that his fistula that he had put in several months ago seems to be failing. Now, they haven't even used this fistula, but, it's failing nonetheless. So, if he were to need dialysis, they would have to repeat the fistula procedure first - which is not something we want to deal with if we do not have to.

So, what this means...

Dad has to have a bit of blood drawn and sent to the lab. And I will be going to U of I hospitals to have my complete work over, including tissue typing. Shelley called me within a few hours of Dad's appointment, and we are looking at dates (probably in September) for my mega probing and prodding day. Then, it's a matter of looking into what would be the best time for me to miss work. There is never a good time to miss, especially considering the fact that I am starting a new job this year, but there are times that are better than others. And, in the big picture, work isn't nearly as important. The kids will do just fine with a quality sub.

I'll admit that when things were put on hold I went into some sort of a mild depression, not that it takes all that much for me to do that, I suppose. I think it's mainly because I could see him feeling worse, and I felt like we weren't doing all we could to change that. So, even though needing a transplant, isn't exactly good news, proceding IS good news, in my opinion. I guess I dealt with the issue of my dad needing a transplant a long time ago...so that's why I can look at this as good news. The transplant was inevitable, now it looks like we are actually going to do something to make him feel better.

plan 2

2007-07-22T21:14:00.000-05:00

In my experiences, progressives/liberals/democrats are empathetic, they care about fairness and equality for all, they want every vote to be counted, every person to be represented even if it means losing elections. We are free thinkers. We are advocates for the underdog. We are just plain good people.

It is because of all this that I am stuck with a bit of a dilemma. Stick with me as I explain...

One thing that Republicans are very good at doing is sticking together, no matter what it takes. They support the party, verbally, monetarily and at the polls, no matter what. They don't "one issue vote" they vote for the party. Here is a perfect illustration of what I am getting at....this example is taken from Crashing the Gate (a book that everyone should read)...I added the links within the quote, of course....

"Back in 1994, Newt Gingrich was putting the finishing touches on his ten-point Contract with America, a document to be sprung in the closing weeks of the midterm elections that would present the nation with a tangible, governing blueprint for the conservative agenda.

Ralph Reed, then president of the Christian Coalition, demanded that Gingrich turn over one of the ten points to him, allowing the Contract to also address those "moral values" voters the Christian Coalition was motivating and turning out for Republican candidates nationwide. Gingrich refused, saying, in so many words, "Look Ralph, don't worry about it. You sell this to your flock and when we take over Congress, we'll take care of your issues." The rest, of course, is history. Gingrich helped sweep out the long-entrenched Democratic majority in the House.

Reed didn't just give Gingrich tacit approval. The Christian Coalition spent over $1 million promoting the Contract, and added untold hours of volunteer work for Republican candidates."

*snip*

"Gingrich eventually repaid Reed's favor by publicly backing the Christian Coalition's Contract with the American Family, which included the usual antiabortion, antigay, anti-arts, and antiscience laundry list. Plus tax cuts."

They take care of each other.

On Tuesday, there is a special election in Linn County. This special election will determine how we will elect future County Supervisors. The gist of each plan can be found here (along with a recent Gazette Poll)...a quote from link below...

"Voters will have to pick one from the three choices below:
• Plan One: At Large; all board members would be elected by the entire county. They may live anywhere in Linn County. This is the system the county has now.
• Plan Two: At large by District; all board members would be elected by the entire county, but the board member must live within the district they represent.
• Plan Three: District by District; board members must live in the district they represent and only those voters within the district may vote for those board members."

Plan 1 is just dumb, so I won't even discuss it.

The dilemma lies between Plan Two and Plan Three.

Looking at this, you would think that any good Democrat would vote for Plan Three. After all, it is the most "fair" -- each district in the county represented by a member of the district and elected by their "peers" -- their neighbors, the ones that know them best. But, Republicans are backing Plan Three, not democrats. Why? Because the small, rural communities of this county notoriously vote Republican....even if the county as a whole leans left. If Plan Three is selected, it is almost guaranteed that more Republican board members will be elected.

Plan Two is better for the Democratic Party and here is why.....Each district will still be represented on the board by a local resident, but because it's "At Large (by District)" I get to help pick each representative, regardless of where I reside within the county (me and the other more Democrat-rich parts of the county). In theory then, Dems will have an better opportunity to maintain the majority on the board. So, I am going to learn a bit from the Republican Machine and forget about the "fairness" factor, and vote for the Dems...really it's just thinking big picture. In the end, more Dems elected is better for the county (in my opinion, of course).

I will be helping take care of the Democrats by voting for Plan 2 in the upcoming special election...and I encourage all Linn County Democrats to do the same. (Republicans can too, I don't mind).

weather...wet, windy and political

2007-07-19T22:39:00.000-05:00

Last night our area of the nation was invaded by thunder, lightening, rain, tornadoes, and in my parent's case, straight line winds.

I love thunderstorms. When I was a kid I remember sitting in front of our picture window in the living room watching the lightening and counting how many seconds until the thunder arrived. Looking back I think it was something that my mother suggested so I wouldn't be afraid of storms.

Last night Scott and I sat in his dark, electricity deficient house looking a videos like this and this and this on my laptop (we borrowed a bit of internet access from the neighbors across the street that seemed to have the electricity required to power a router). Ghandi, the dog, was at our feet, concerned only about the fact that this was only his second day in the new house, not giving a hoot about the weather (Emmie would've been under the bed, of course).

My mom, dad, and sister were also in the dark....with a very large tree branch on their house.

As I woke up this morning, I heard Bill Clinton talking. I wasn't having a dream. I had left the TV on when I fell asleep last night, and Bill was on Good Morning America. The interview is here. I almost cried. Not because he said anything all that profound, or worth tears. I almost cried because I had forgotten what it was like to have a Leader that spoke intelligently. Bill Clinton, complete with southern drawl, used words other than uhhh.....ummmm....and hard work. Not only did he pronounce the words correctly, he also used them in their proper context, without whining or acting defensive. His tone of voice was that of a confident, intelligent, caring, man. He didn't talk down to anyone.....and he certainly didn't sound like he was power hungry. How sad that I had forgotten what it was like to have a Commander in Chief to be proud of (well, except for that little sex thing -- but at least he knew how to lead, well, and SPEAK).

There was another story on GMA this morning that I found quite disturbing. This story was about a woman suffering from cancer. Her insurance company refusing to pay for treatment. Video here. Story here. Mary Casey was diagnosed with a very rare sinus cancer, "so rare there are no drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat it." The article goes on...

"Despite surgery and months of radiation, the aggressive cancer spread to Casey's lungs. But doctors said her cancer was slow growing, and that there was hope in a popular cancer drug called Tarceva.
But when Casey went to fill her Tarceva prescription at the pharmacy, her insurer, Coventry Health Care of Kansas, denied her coverage for the drug, saying it considered Tarceva experimental in her case, even though Tarceva is FDA approved for other lung and pancreatic cancers."

The thing is, a different insurance company did cover it for another woman...with the same cancer....and of course her cancer has stabilized. You might think that I found this story disturbing because of the insurance company's refusal to save this woman's life. And well, yes, that is part of it. I became infuriated, however, when Mary Casey said she would just pay for it...and was told it would cost over $4000 per month. No wonder the insurance company refused.

Don't even get me started on pharmaceutical companies.

I called my mom. She had power by six AM, and was ready to clean up the mess.

Most of their little town was effected by straight line winds. When we drove into town this morning to help out, many of the roads were blocked off by tree limbs and even whole trees that littered the streets. Like many small towns after a storm, there were people driving and walking all around checking out the damage, and helping clean up where ever they could. The city trucks were out picking up the debris and the electric company was fixing the downed lines and poles all around town. There was a constant buzz of chain saws in the air.

My sister drove to the store to get some lunch. When she came back she was concerned because my first grade teacher, Mrs. Tooms, had a large tree down and there was no one helping her. We were lucky to have my brother's in-laws help us with the tree......with no chain saw of our own (an no business using one) we couldn't really help Mrs. Tooms.

We continued to work on picking up the many sticks and leaves littering the yard. Everyone was outside...all the neighbors were working....stopping only for a short recap of where they were when the big storm hit.

It was great to see everyone out and helping each other. With a president like ours, pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies being like they are, sometimes I forget that people can be really, really good.

As we left town, we drove by Mrs. Toom's house. There were a half dozen people in her yard....working....while she and a few wee ones watched from the porch. I called my sister to tell her.

Sometimes I am very glad to live in Iowa.

technology

2007-07-03T08:53:00.000-05:00

No, I didn't get an iPhone. :-) I'll wait till the bugs are out and the price is down.

As many of you know, my 20G iPod died last October (R.I.P.). Since then I have been trying to figure out a way to purchase a new one and not feel completely guilty about spending my money on something that I don't actually NEED (although just before I bought that iPod, I was told that everyone needs an iPod). I mean, I am sending a child off to college in a couple of months!

Speaking of college.....

Hollyanne had orientation June 19-20. Yes, there were tears (from me). Yes there was a bit of panic (from me - when I attended all the financial aide informational meetings). Yes there was excitement (from both of us).

Coming out of orientation, we realized, Hollyanne really should have a computer to take with her to college. It's not that they don't have any....but her own would be best. So......

I bought a new MacBook for her (she contributed $500 graduation money). With any Apple computer purchase right now, comes a free iPod Nano or $199 toward any new iPod. So being wicked smart I decided to bite the bullet and purchase an 80G iPod (with video, of course).

(free engraving when you purchase online)

So far, I have only purchased one game to play...Ms. Pac-Man of course. And I am going to purchase No Direction Home to watch. I need to clear some space on my iMac first, though. I'm not gonna lie to ya....Ms. Pac-Man is fun, addictive, and very 1980.

After much contemplation, I decided that it would be much better for me to refrain from jogging with the new iPod (since that's how I broke the first one). So.....that meant I had to go to Target (instant gratification required) and purchase this little number...

only 1.07 inch tall, 0.98 inch wide, and 0.33 inch deep

It's pretty cool. I've jogged with it a few times now. Maybe it will help me get back into the swing of jogging???? It only holds about 240 songs (well, really, it's a little less than that, I think)...but that's enough for jogging I suppose. These little iPod shuffles come with their own little dock. It's hilariously cute. New toys are fun. So fun that they are also catching. Helen went out and bought a green one the day after I bought my Lil' Orange Gearle.

Side note - unrelated to iPods - it's kinda fun to type a word in the search window of iTunes and see what comes up. For example, I have 14 songs with the word "waiting" in them.

Here's one of them.

do you know any?

2007-06-19T22:56:00.000-05:00

My nephew sent me the YouTube video that I have embedded below. You should probably watch it...maybe...but as I was watching it I got angry. Very angry actually. It's interesting. It was pretty well done. Watch it, then I will tell you why I am angry....

You might think that my anger would be focused on "the people" that this "movie" wants me to be mad at -- these people that are not "supporting the troops" or "hate" them or whatever.

But that's not it.

You might think that my anger would be about showing photographs of all of these grieving families ....or showing a dead soldier in an open casket.

But that's not it either.

You might think that it would be because this video only shows caucasian men and women (with a few exceptions).

Not it.

Putting a face on war? Nope, I actually don't mind that part.

I know nothing about the person that created this video. Maybe this was some form of healing for her or something. I'm all for that. It's creative...and it may have been therapeutic for her. No problem there.

When I first started watching it....I was thinking that it might be something about continuing to show support for the troops, even though life has gone on back here...they are still there...putting their lives on the line....living in less than stellar conditions....we need to remind them that we are thinking about them, that we love them, that we support them, etc. Maybe some sort of a reminder to send them mail, care packages, etc. Once again, I'm all for that.

But then I got angry. And not even at Bush. :-)

I'm angry because it's really propaganda...Right wing, Bush supporting, oil-mongering, SUV driving, wire-tapping, prisoner torturing, (etc) propaganda. Who in the hell doesn't support our troops? "Some people hate me." it says. Who in the hell hates our troops, as this video claims?????

Is it the demonstrators?

There are many people out there participating in demonstrations that promote peace. They do not hate the troops. They love peace.

There are many people out there that participate in anti-war demonstrations. They do not hate the troops. They hate this war (and probably Bush).

There are many more people out there that do nothing. They don't hate the troops. They are just living their lives.

The majority of people in this country think we should no longer be in Iraq. Some have known that all along...and others have seen the light as this civil war continues to escalate and more and more soldiers are maimed and killed....or just forever scarred emotionally and/or physically. They don't hate the troops. They love the troops and want them home.

There is a very, very small religious group of people that are protesting at various funerals around the country -- soldier's funerals.

They are nuts.

They might hate the troops. In fact, they probably hate the troops. But I bet they don't watch YouTube videos.

Are these the people at which this video is aimed? I have no idea the actual number, but I can't imagine that there is more than a fraction of one percent of people in the United States of America that fall into that category. Yes, even one person is too many....but don't imply...or say outright...that there are all these people that hate the troops. Americans learned a lot from Vietnam (excluding the Bush administration, apparently). Where are the people that is video is meant for?

Maybe I'm naive. Maybe there are more of them out there than I think...but I really find that hard to believe....do you know ANY??

whew!

2007-06-12T08:31:00.000-05:00

As usual, the last few weeks have been full of activity. I've been doing so much that I haven't really had a chance to write about any of it. I suppose doing rather than writing isn't so bad.

Right before graduation, my car died. New motor. My fault. Don't really want to talk about it, cuz if you don't talk about it...it isn't happening right? Anyway, it doesn't really matter now...it's fixed, and I owe a bunch more money. :-) I found it interesting that it all occurred the week before graduation...why is it that things like this in my life always have the best timing??? Oh well, as mom says..."This too shall pass."

Over graduation weekend, I was also given an opportunity that forced me to make a decision. Decisions aren't really my strong point, especially in times of stress (which it was...graduation weekend, car's dead, money's gone, and career decision to be made...YIKES). Anyway, at any non-stressful time in my life (when is that again?) it would've been a no brainer. However, I took the weekend to think about it...and came to the same conclusion I would have in any circumstance. Next year I am leaving the regular classroom to take a Title I Reading position in my building. Basically this means that I will be teaching first and second grade students that require extra support in the area of reading. I love teaching kids how to read. So this is a good fit. Along with the position comes more responsibilities, more leadership opportunities and more paper work -- all of which I enjoy (excluding the paperwork). Jokingly I've said that it's like a promotion sans more pay. This also means that I will be moving again. Ick. I expect to be moved by the end of the week...if not by the end of today!

Since graduation I have attended several events in the area. Hollyanne and I met the McBrides in North Liberty for a bluegrass festival. We were only able to stay through the Mike and Amy Finders band...but it was worth it, of course. Hollyanne didn't enjoy it as much as me (she even went to the car and slept a bit), but it was still fun. She did like Mike and Amy, even though Mike's voice was shot, so it was more like the Amy Finders Show. :-) The weather didn't cooperate. It was a rainy weekend...so the event was held inside the church (which did distract from the usual festival atmosphere that I enjoy so much). I will probably go back to this free event next year. Here are a couple pix...

Shinbone Alley
which includes Al and Aleta 'the hammer' Murphy -- two of my Burlington Street Bluegrass Band favorites

Mike and Amy Finders

From North Liberty we headed back to the Cedar Rapids/Marion area. Hollyanne and I met Scott and members of his family at the Longbranch for Shayne's debut. :-) You can read a bit more about it here. I was amazed at Shayne's guitar playing. I had heard him some when I was at the house...but he far exceeded my expectations...and was definitely the star of the show. I took pictures, of course...here's one...

Shayne Smalling
a.k.a. Golden Arm

Every summer Iowa City has a free Friday night concert series on the ped mall as part of Summer of the Arts . This year I plan to attend as many as I can! This past Friday Scott and I went to Iowa City to see The Beaker Boys. They put on a good show. There were a lot of people there...and the weather was perfect. I was a bit disappointed because it was basically a cover band. I have come to expect a little more out of my trips to Iowa City. However, the weather, atmosphere and company made up for the lack of originality. :-) This week we hope to attend again -- this time one of my favorites -- The Mayflies. Seriously, if you haven't caught them yet...you need to! You will walk away talking about that fiddle player, Annie, and especially my good friend Jon Eric on the banjo. They play bluegrass -- with a kick. Scott and I will get there a bit late -- I have a wedding rehearsal to attend. I am singing at my friend Nicole's wedding on Saturday.

Summer school started yesterday. I am teaching reading and math to kiddos that just completed first grade. I have 11 students for one hour of math, and 11 different students for two hours of reading. All summer school classes are housed at the middle school. This means that as the school year was winding down I started putting items into different piles at school. One pile to be moved to my new 'classroom' -- more like an office (or a glorified closet), one pile to go home (because I can't fit all my crap in a closet) and one pile to the middle school. Once it's all moved in and the kids arrive, I don't mind summer school so much...but the days leading up to it plain just piss me off!!! :-)

This week is as busy as ever...full of things that I am required to attend. Each morning filled with summer school, and the afternoons filled with "other". Monday was a summer school planning afternoon with a colleague and I did a bit more moving. Tuesday (today) is a cadre (leadership team) meeting. Wednesday I am meeting with our district's curriculum director regarding my new job responsibilities (a.k.a the paper work required because it is a federally funded position -- ICK) Thursday I am on the interview team to hire a new first grade teacher...then the jam?? Friday I am meeting with the new first grade teachers in our building....then the wedding rehearsal...then the Mayflies!

Whew!

Next week looks much better. I haven't been able to go the Thursday night jam for about three weeks. I also hope to rectify that this week!! The jam was moved from PHAT Daddy's in Marengo, to The Colony Village in the Amanas. I'm not thrilled about that...but it still works. I'll give it the summer and see what happens. It's the same people, basically...but the atmosphere isn't quite the same. Also, the drive isn't nearly as beautiful...Interstate 80 is very boring and full of trucks, noise and pollution. Bleh.

Hollyanne got a new job. She is now working on the phones. She starts today. This week is training...then beginning next week she has a regular schedule that includes 25 hours/week. Having a set schedule will be much better. Her having a car would be even better! Did I mention that she dyed her hair BLONDE???? Good grief, Charlie Brown.

Speaking of Charlie Brown, I saw Charlie Braun this morning at school. I never see him, of course, and he avoids talking to me whenever he can. So I was a bit surprised when he was full of conversation this morning. He even said that he misses Emmie sometimes. I felt like saying...."Uhhh....yeah...thanks." He misses Emmie? WTF?

I'll end this post with this....

Last night on KUNI's "Night Music" with Al Schares I got to hear Bob Dylan's Million Dollar Bash followed by my favorite Dylan song, Visions of Johanna, sung by Chris Smither (he does several Dylan covers that I enjoy - and I don't like it when most people do Dylan covers). And, believe it or not, I have neither of these songs in my collection!! It was stellar. ;-) (and I will have to acquire both of these songs soon, of course)

the graduate

2007-05-30T12:26:00.001-05:00

senior presentation

2007-05-16T20:13:00.000-05:00

Our district has several requirements for graduation such as: number of credits in certain subjects and overall, meeting a score of "proficient" on several standardized tests, and a senior presentation.

Tonight was Hollyanne's senior presentation. She invited our close family members, Tiernan's family, Justin, Helen and Marija. This very personal presentation gives those in attendance, including the teacher evaluating her, an overview of her life in High School as a whole; academics, extra-curricular, work-life, personal life, mistakes and accomplishments.

I am so proud of her. That's really all I can say without tears. Here are a few pictures...

teacher appreciation week

2007-05-09T00:01:00.000-05:00

This week is teacher appreciation week. One of my students brought me a gorgeous plant as a gift! It is a black-eyed susan vine. It's a bit different than a normal black-eyed susan plant. It's orange with black centers. The centers of this plant are quite unique. They are sunken in. Here are a couple of pictures....

I think I will plant them in a big pot and put them on my deck. They can climb up my deck. I think that will be glorious. :-)

I also received this drawing.....

I'm not sure if you can read what it says....

"Dear Ms. Howe
Thank you for teaching are class. I like you too. You have pretty hair.
Love Elissa"

Apparently I need to teach "our" and "are". ;-)

chalk the walk

2007-05-08T10:22:00.000-05:00

Mt. Vernon, Iowa is a quaint little town in Eastern Iowa. It's actually beautiful...hills, old houses that look like they are smiling, and little shops just waiting to be entered and enjoyed. It is home to Rep. Ro Foege (Iowa House) and Rep. Dave Loebsack (US House). It is also home to my friend Wendy.

Mt. Vernon has a special place in my heart because both my brother Mark, and before him my sister, Holly, attended a small Methodist college located there, Cornell College. I have memories of riding in the car to pick them up or drop them off on the weekends. I also remember going in the dorm once, I believe it was to pick up my brother. The place had these giant stairs...and there were clothes and sleeping (probably drunk or hungover) people all over the stairs.

This past weekend was the second annual Chalk the Walk, in Mt. Vernon. My artist friends Wendy and Kirsten chalked there again this year. They did a parody on Van Gogh's Bedroom....here's his....

Here's a few of them creating their parody called Van Gogh's Girlfriend's Bedroom...

Here are a few more pics of the festivities....

For even more pics, I would suggest visiting Wendy and Kirsten's blogs. (linked above) :-)

I was lucky enough to attend this event with a wonderful man that I met recently. Hi S! ;-)

prom

2007-05-07T20:16:00.000-05:00

Senior Prom.....April 28, 2007

Grandma took her for the nails on Friday....

John and Lisa took her for the updo....

I helped with make up and false eye lashes...

The dress...

The flowers...

The phone...

The couple...

lucy kaplansky

2007-04-14T09:23:00.000-05:00

Last week we had a snow storm. My grass needs mowed...and we had a snow storm. It was 80 degrees a week or two prior to this, and yet....we had a snow storm. I wish I had taken a picture when the storm was complete...but here's what it looked like when I woke up Wednesday morning....

I like the (long) green grass with snow on it - very Iowa.

It snowed a few more inches as the day went on Wednesday. I missed The Mill on Wednesday night as a result. I probably could've gone, but with my car a bit under the weather, I thought it best that I let it rest up for the drive to Marengo the next day.

This is what's left of the snow this morning....

**************

Last night my mom and I went to Lucy Kaplansky at CSPS. She was wonderful, of course. My mom was a virgin Lucy Kaplansky concert goer -- I've seen her three times now. It's just her and her guitar, exactly the way I like it. She plays a Martin.

One of the things that I like about seeing Lucy in concert is watching her facial expressions and body language. When she is singing she often looks up...and for some reason it looks like she is making up the song right there on the spot...like she is talking to you. She doesn't wear much make-up, but always red lipstick -- and she is beautiful.

Mom turned to me when Lucy played this song, big grin on her face, and said, "You have to learn that one." So she bought me the CD. Last night I got home and listened to it and was sorely disappointed. It's OK, in fact, some of it is great. But something happens when record producers get a hold of music. The link that I provided above will give you the "souped up" version of the song. I enjoy it much more in it's pure form. The thing is, I've usually had good luck with "Red House Records".....but maybe even they have gone a bit too commercial. They turned Mom's song into some sort of cookie cutter country music thing. I hate that. The thing is, the lyrics, melody, harmonies are all good...but the package version on the CD, not so hot, IMHO. But I will learn it for Mom and never listen to that song on the CD again. :-) The lyrics of the song are a bit too 'needy-stalker' for me......but, I'll learn it for mom.

"I'm just a bit maniacal about you
And derailed when I'm without you."
***snip***
"If you could love me just a little it'd be okay
'cause I couldn't leave you anyway"
***snip***
"If you turn away, I'll just turn you back around"

Can you say needy-stalker??? I mean seriously....why would you settle for "if you could love me just a little, it'd be okay"???? Maybe that's why I'm 36 and never been married???? :-) I won't settle for less than being loved, and loving, completely. But I dig these lyrics....

"It doesn't matter what you say
I just like the way you sound."
***snip***
"Don't blame me
It's just your burning gravity
That brings me to my knees
In front of you"

Both of those phrases would be great in a different song ....mixed with the rest of the song...it tends to add to the needy-stalkeresqueness of it. (I think I may copyright that word, needy-stalkeresqueness)

Anyway....so here's another song I'm going to learn....Broken Things.....the CD version is much better than Don't Mind Me.....much more pure. I think you'll enjoy it. (who am I talking to anyway? no one really reads this) LOL. I think it's supposed to be about God, but for me it's about the "somebody" out there that I end up with. This one was actually written by Julie Miller, not Lucy. But I like it.

phat daddy's

2007-04-12T11:59:00.000-05:00

It's Thursday. Phat Daddy's again. It's to the point now that I live for these days. It's just so much fun, and there are so many great people. Thursdays are even better than jeans days at work....and that's saying a lot. :-)

I am anxious for summer to arrive. I really like the drive to Marengo...it's beautiful...it's so Iowa...and it will be even better as the seasons progress. I may have to stop next week and take a couple of pictures of the scenery. The last two weeks I have been watching goslings grow. If they aren't too big, and if I can get close enough...I will stop and snap a picture or two on my way next week.

I think it would be nice to find someone to work up a few songs with. Tonight, Jim and I played "Hold On" (Tom Waits). I also like this version (Redbird). Anyway I've always wanted to play guitar with someone...and sing. I'm not good at that picking'n'shit...lead guitar I am not...however, it would be fun to have someone noodle around while I play behind them....and sing together. I should suggest it to Jim, but I won't. LOL I'm such a dork....and a chicken. I decided tonight that I really like his teeth...they make him cuter...and therefore it's more difficult to look him in the eye and talk to him. :-) Chicken.

Tonight was fun. There was a little boy there....just 2 or 3 years old....and he was totally enjoying himself. I asked him if he wanted to strum my guitar, but he was too shy. Then right before he left, he gave in and tried it. He also did a little dancing...and waved at me on his way out. Very cute. The only thing I like more than music, I think, is those little cutie pies.

Donna brought me the article that Jim wrote...if you recall I had lost it in route from Marengo to home a couple weeks ago. As expected, Jim nailed it. And....I laughed out loud a few times as I read it...which is always good. I knew I liked him. Here's a couple quotes I like in particular.....(emphasis mine)

"Except for the steel guitar, there were no amps or microphones. It was a pre-electric sound. You didn't play louder than the person sitting next to you. Otherwise the hoe-down hootenanny could turn in to a riot, or an acoustic punk rock concert."

***snip***

"I followed the rules and kept quiet. When I wasn't sure of the chords, I played really quiet. When I knew the chords, I played really quiet."

My friend Doug from Washington and his daughter Becca stopped by too. I may have Doug talked into bringing his banjo next week. I hope. :-)

Here are a few pics from this evening.

best friend

2007-04-11T00:58:00.000-05:00

A kiddo in my class made this for me this past fall.
Wow.
It makes me keep my job.

the wapsi

2007-04-07T18:43:00.000-05:00

The Wapsipinicon River has been a part of my life forever. Growing up I remember a family friend, Rick, telling me that the Wapsipinicon River got it's name from the "Indians". The story was...Native Americans were canoing down the river and one dropped a penny in the river...and said..."Whoopsi, penny gone." I was just young enough to believe that story....never mind there were no pennies back then!

As a kid the whole family would go out to this same family friends' house (Rick, Marlys, Aaron and Stacie) and we would shovel the snow off the river and ice skate. I don't really know if I actually remember that, or if it was just a memory from pictures.

Pinicon Ridge Park, located on the Wapsi was a particular favorite. I used to ride my moped out there when I was a teen to "get away." I spent hours at "Horseshoe Falls" (which is really just a creek that is sometime a trickle and sometimes dried up). I dreamed of walking down the big hill that lead to Horseshoe Falls on my wedding day, to be married on the bridge. In the fall, of course, with a blanket of leaves for an aisle. I made whistles with the snake grass that grew around the creek that lead into the Wapsi.

Also at the park we would go to the "beach". To this day we still have family reunions there at times....and always go on the paddle boats. There are deer and elk in the park....always wanting fed by those passing by. Hollyanne caught her first fish at Pinicon Ridge Park....in the Waspi.

We hunted mushrooms close to the Wapsi as well....but I cannot tell you where...it's a secret, you know.

When I was a teen I worked at a ice cream/eatery called "The Wapsi Drive In". It wasn't a drive in when I worked there....and now it's a HOUSE! It was located just off the Wapsipinicon River. I always smelled like french fries when I got home...but I got a free ice cream cone every day that I worked...and all the soda a girl could ever want.

When I was six years old, I went to camp Wapsi for a day camp. I only remember one day at camp. That day I played along the Wapsipinicon River the whole day. I was picked up by my Aunt Maggie, jeans soaked to the knees, and when she brought me home I was told that my sister died in a car crash. I was sitting on my bed, with a parent on either side.

Growing up our family would also canoe a lot on the Wapsi. We would put our canoe in somewhere downriver from the damn...sometimes at Rick's house. And then we would canoe to Waubeek, IA. All that is in Waubeek is a tavern. Not a bar...a tavern...called F B & Co. Somehow Dad's truck was always waiting for us there when we finished.

Tonight I went to FB & Co for open mic night.

I stopped in my hometown to pick up my mom. As we drove toward Waubeek we passed the spot that I totaled the car summer of 1987...and broke my nose. We crossed the Wapsi at Steckel's Bridge....a location that I remember well from a time I went canoing in HS...and night came too fast....by the time we got to that bridge, I was SCARED TO DEATH. :-)

FB & Co, was just how I remembered it from all those years ago -- definitely a place to "hover" when going to the bathroom. :-) The smokiest, diviest bar in the world, probably. Rick was already there. Aaron (a great friend - like a brother to me, and also happens to be Rick's son) was there, too. Other than that, I recognized no one. But shortly after we arrived, my brother and his wife walked in the door.

As we walked in there was a guy playing some sort of a keyboard wrapped around his neck with a guitar strap or something. He was playing...While My Guitar Gently Weeps.....on the keyboard....and not well. There were both solo acts and bands of various ability levels. Aaron played with others, as well as on his own. There was a young man there, a senior in HS that played the mandolin. He was quite good. There was a "reunion" of sorts of a band called the Waubeek Trackers. I remember them from many, many, many years ago. Steve Maurice is still hot and he's gotta be in his sixties. I remember being MADLY in love with his nephew when I was in Jr. High and High School. He was the first long-haired musician that I couldn't seem to keep my mind off of!! They were probably on of the best groups there.

I wish I would've taken pictures. Next month I will take pictures, and maybe even play on stage...we'll see.

wow

2007-04-06T17:51:00.000-05:00

You might cry....

how was your flow -- a kidney update

2007-04-04T23:14:00.000-05:00

I think nurses are cut out of a special mold. Ok, well, I don’t think that, I know that.

Today we had another appointment at UIHC. We got to see Shelley and Kaye again. Kaye is the nurse that has taken Dad’s blood, given him shots, etc. Shelley is the nurse that is following our case through to the end. She is the one that does all the organizing with the different doctors and is part of the transplant team.

All of the nurses that we have worked with so far have been so good with Dad. As anyone that reads this knows, he is ornery! He is always dishing it out…sometimes inappropriately. Well, every nurse that we have been blessed with, dishes it right back…which is EXACTLY what Dad needs. He can laugh with them, and, good or bad, it encourages him to give them a bit more. ☺ But overall, it’s good. It’s very similar to how my sister-in-law (also a nurse, by the way) treats Dad. We are lucky to have her…she’s about the only one that can put him in his place.

Dad had his second hepatitis shot and met with the urologist, Dr. Wald.

After Kaye gave Dad his shot, Shelley checked in with us. I gave Shelley my papers from St. Luke’s that included my blood type, and she gave us the good news. As I wrote about here and here, the process is as follows: Dad goes through a bunch of tests, then Shelley presents his information to a panel of doctors. The doctors must approve him before we can move on with the procedure. We were told that this would happen after all the tests were complete. Shelley has already presented Dad, and assuming there is a good report from today’s urologist evaluation, he is approved. What does this mean?

As soon as Dr. Wald’s report is in, Shelley will call me. I will need to come in for a full day of appointments with many different doctors. Then within a couple of weeks, assuming I am approved, we will set a date for the transplant. This could be as soon as June. This is good news.

At lunch, after we ordered, I went to the restroom. When I came back Dad said…..

“How was your flow?”

We laughed….I bet he does get sick of that question!! And that is exactly my Dad’s sense of humor….here’s another for you….

On the way out to lunch after the appointments Dad said…..

“I tried really hard, but I just couldn’t make it happen.”

Mom and I of course asked what he was talking about…..and he replied….

“I tried to shit on that doctor for making us wait an hour, but I couldn’t do it.”

iowa weather

2007-04-03T06:06:00.000-05:00

I snapped this picture in my classroom last week. This little man in my class just couldn't decide if he wanted shorts or jeans....so it seemed only appropriate to do something between. What a peculiar, yet somehow cool invention. After last week, the "snow glories" are blooming, the magnolia tree in our courtyard at school is trying it's best to wake up, but yet this week it's going to get into the 20s at night. Isn't Iowa great?

girls night out

2007-04-01T14:56:00.000-05:00

I'll admit that I wasn't real thrilled to go on this girls night out. Pretty much everything that we were doing sounded not so fun to me. But I have great friends, and I wanted to be with them, so I went. As usual, I am glad I did.

Amy's husband had the girls (with a neighbor girl to boot). Liz's husband had Brody. Julia was with the sitter. I'm not certain of Kari's husband's plans. Helen and I, the singles, are always ready to go (Hollyanne was with her boyfriend of course). The hail didn't deter us. We wouldn't hear of it. The six of us met at North Country Steak House. Obviously I didn't pick the restaurant -- sounds like a great place for a vegetarian to go, doesn't it? Never mind, I was able to find something -- salad and potato bar.

We enjoyed talking about families, work and our personal lives. Helen and I shared online dating mishaps with the four married women. We laughed a lot. When it came time to order Amy was her usual high maintenance ordering self. She's orders a little like Meg Ryan's character in When Harry Met Sally (but it's very cute, and always a highlight of the evening).

Amy, Helen and Jill picked out their meat. After seeing the choices, and the prices, Jill decided against the whole thing and had the salad and potato bar with me. :-)

Helen and Amy get their hands on the meat.

Team of Texas Toast Masters

Kari and Liz didn't grill their own meat. They watched.

After supper we drove across town to the bowling alley. Yes, I said bowling alley. Not my cup of tea really, but that's what the girls wanted to do. I found it fitting, however, that when we were getting our shoes, the song Girls Just Wanna Have Fun was playing.

When we got there I located this sign right away (Amy and I "Vanna it" for you below). Why are balls ALWAYS funny???

I am unable to go to a bowling alley without thinking of The Big Lebowski -- one of the funniest movies ever. So I spent much of the evening being very annoying and quoting lines from the movie....like...."It really tied the room together." or "Shut the f$&k up, Donnie, you're outta your element." or..."Dieter doesn't care about anything. He's a nahilist." or "..to use the parlance of the times..." or......my favorite...."Nobody f^&ks with The Jesus"

It was difficult for me to not begin singing Hotel California in Espanol (seriously, you need to click that link). One of the reasons that I appreciate the humor of The Big Lebowski is because of it's huge vocabulary range....take a listen....

Did you know that the f word or a derivative if it is used 251 times in this movie? Ok, enough Lebowski. However, I think I might have to watch it tonight, now. :-)

We had cool shoes....and they had the lights going. I had an orange ball, of course. And orange shoes. :-)

After bowling, we did laser tag. Yes, I said laser tag. Once again...not something a pacifist/anti-gun/hippie-wanna-be chooses...but it was ok. I don't have any pics of it though. The best part...you could tell we were teachers. First of all, none of us were quiet. We would've all been killed instantly if it were real. The whole night (bowling and during laser tag) we were telling each other what a good job we were doing -- even the other team. The only thing we didn't do is give out stickers.

number seventy

2007-03-31T08:02:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Mom!

the presidential solution

2007-03-30T14:32:00.000-05:00

As usual, I have all the answers...and they were found in a children's book.

Today my students heard a book called The Empty Pot by Demi. It solves our presidential dilemma.

Ping, the main character, is a bit of a green thumb. He can make anything grow. And he's in luck....the emperor is trying to choose his successor. You see, the emperor has no heir, so someone from the village must be chosen. So he gives everyone seeds, and the person that can grow the best plant/flowers, gets to become the next emperor!! Surely it will be Ping.

Well, everyone is successful, except the resident master gardener, Ping. Full of fear and disappointment, he takes his empty pot to the emperor on the big decision day. The emperor is upset with all the flowers and beautiful plants, because he had given COOKED beans to everyone...none of the plants/flowers should have grown. So Ping, the only one with an ounce of integrity is then given his due....and he becomes the next emperor.

See? Now if only I could convince the rest of the world that's what we need.

Where was Demi in 2000???

marengo jam

2007-03-30T12:47:00.000-05:00

American Heritage Dictionary says:

jam session
n.

An informal gathering of musicians to play improvised or unrehearsed music.
Informal. An impromptu discussion.

Every Thursday evening in Marengo they have a "jam session" at Phat Daddy's. I learned about this event from my friend, Donna that is from the Marengo area. I met Donna at The Mill in Iowa City. She is one of the Wednesday night regulars. We actually met, by accident, due to our twin names, and we've become fast friends.

Donna has been suggesting that I visit the jam at Phat Daddy's sometime and bring my mandolin or guitar. A few weeks ago I took her up on it, but left my instruments at home. The next week I took my guitar and now I am hooked. I've been there several times now.

It's a typical, small mid-western town...PHAT Daddy's is on "the square". The restaurant serves pretty decent food, and it's an informal environment. Everyone knows everything about everybody, very similar to what I've hated about small town life in my past....but no one knows anything about me, which is nice. The anonymity is what has made it safe for me....but...(un)fortunately I make friends fast. :-) I won't let that stop me from continuing there though.

Max is my favorite. I don't know what it is about him....but he is simply glorious. :-) He has this no-nonsense air about him...he's talented, soulful and kind. JR cracks me up. He really knows what he is doing and remembers every lyric to every song ever made (me, exaggerate? no!). He's always running around the place making sure everyone has what they need....and plays guitar, harmonica, and sings beautifully to boot. He and Max have also "taken me in", which is nice....JR in an outgoing and obvious way, and Max in his own quiet, understated way.

The whole group has been very welcoming, actually. They are just that way...the more the merrier....similar to my home growing up.

There is a man there named Jim that is particularly talented. I'm fairly certain he writes his own music, and he plays a lot of things that I like. He and I have several common interests. He is a writer/editor/photographer. He has a diverse appetite for music....and many musicians that no one knows, he and I share a liking for. I'm sure we've been to some of the same artists at CSPS -- Natalia Zukerman, Rachael Davis, Mike and Amy, etc. Last night, Donna gave me a copy of an article that he wrote regarding Thursday nights at PHAT Daddy's. He wrote the article for the newspaper called The South Benton Star Press. Unfortunately the article fell out of my pocket somewhere between PHAT Daddy's and home! I'll have to ask her for another copy. He's very interesting to me.

Every night that I have taken my guitar I have played for a minimum of 3-4 hours...and once I think we even played about 5! Needless to say my fingers are in pretty good shape! I still need to have a few lessons on the mandolin...and frankly, just play it more....but then I will probably take that in too. It's motivated me to learn some new songs....my musical background (music theory in particular) has been helpful to keep up...but really....it's all about three chords most of the time. :-) I like it when I get to play a bit of the stuff that I really like....although I get nervous. Those of you that know me, realize that this is kinda a big deal for me, given the fact that I rarely play in front of people (over the age of 7). You would think that because I am such a lyrics freak...and a huge fan of poetry and words in general...that I wouldn't have a problem...but with my nerves....Dori takes over....and.....oh well, I forget the words (and sometimes even the chords, geesh!). I suppose that the more I do it (and the more they humor me) the better I will get.

Cathy, a friend that I work with, and her significant other, Gary come most weeks too. At first I didn't really like the idea....mainly because of that whole anonymity thing....but I've gotten used to it. I've always liked both Cathy and Gary...and they are VERY fun people. After the first week I had several people at work tell me they heard about it (from Cathy), which I wasn't exactly thrilled about. But, she understands now that I've expressed my feelings about the whole thing, and it's really not that big of a deal, I suppose. I only hope Cathy can keep my other secret!! ;-)

I bet you will hear about PHAT Daddy's again......here's a few pics.....

Mom, Martha and Cathy

JR and Jim

Gary

Max

D Squared (not to be confused with The Donnas)

Motley Crue

the mill

2007-03-14T19:57:00.000-05:00

I want to tell the sound guy at The Mill that I like the way he flips his hair. But I won't. It's fun to watch him set up the mics and stuff. He's very meticulous about it. The cables must be just so, winding perfectly around the mic stands. I wonder if he counts how many times it goes around...he seems to pay that close of attention. You can tell he's done it a million times as he navigates across the stage from one mic to the next.

His hair is all one length, about to his chin. It has precisely enough body in it to make it interesting. Occasionally he puts it behind his ears; it's just long enough to do that comfortably. While he's working, he most frequently flings it over to one side with one hand and a movement of his head. It seems quicker this way. When he does that, it stays out of his face just long enough to see the bit of hair on his chin and above his lip...there's not much, but just enough to make him interesting. He also has a great smile. He only shows his smile briefly. I wonder if he is shy.

He always wears black. Frequently dresses in layers. Tonight the bottom layer is a really dark green. I notice because he gets hot while working on the initial sound set up and takes off the top layer.

Sometimes he snaps his fingers in front of the mic...I'm not sure why, I wonder if it just to see if it's live...or if he can actually tell if the volume is correct by doing this. He's very tall and thin. He lumbers from the sound booth to the stage, makes a few adjustments and goes back. He nearly wears a path in the carpet; he walks that same path so many times. He usually jumps onto the stage with a bit of enthusiasm in his step. Sometimes he claps his hands in front of the mic instead of snapping...and then when he's almost ready...he says..."Check one. Check, one, two." He has a nice voice.

I wonder what his name is. I think it's Sam.

o negative

2007-03-09T13:22:00.000-06:00

On Tuesday, March 6, Mom, Dad and I traveled to Iowa City for more tests at UIHC. On the drive there, when we were crossing the Iowa River I saw about eight bald eagles sitting in the trees by the river. Beautiful.

Between the last UIHC appointment and this one, Dad had his blood drawn for tissue typing. We were looking forward to finding out Dad's blood type. Blood type is the first step. Although it is possible to do an ABO incompatible kidney transplant, it is not our first choice. I've been a bit nervous about all of this because I really want this to work for him. I want him to feel good again. This is how it works:

Recipient has: Donor must have:
O blood-type O blood-type
A blood-type A or O blood-type
B blood-type B or O blood-type
AB blood-type Any blood-type

So I was of course rooting for Dad's blood-type to be AB. :-)

We checked in at the surgi-care center. As the lady was checking us in, Dad, quite discreetly whispered to my mom that he thought she looked like some character on Grey's Anatomy. My mom, indiscreetly agreed. The woman smiled and said that she heard that a lot, at least once a day. Apparently I am the only one on the planet that doesn't watch Grey's Anatomy.

After checking in, Kaye (a nurse with Dad's team) lead us back to room six, on the way she weighed and measured Dad. When they started to get his height, Mom made some comment to me like "God forbid Dad shrink during the kidney transplant." It made me laugh, because it does seem kind of silly that they measure his height each time he has an appointment.

This was the day for us to meet the surgeon, learn Dad's blood type and for him to get his second, and final tissue typing done (labs). Kaye did all the usual routine nurse stuff, then gave Dad a gown and told him to get in it. After she left, Dad said, "I don't know why I have to get naked to talk." But he did anyway.

The surgeon came in and shook our hands. He was what some might call 'my type'. The dark, kinda curly hair, darker skin, etc. My mother immediately starts looking for a ring on the guy's hand. Poor guy. LOL I thought he was arrogant and that's completely unattractive to me.....so it really didn't matter at all to me that he had a ring.

He asked Dad a lot of questions. The usual stuff...looked at his chart. When he was asking the smoking questions, my mom said, "But he does chew tobacco." And the way she said it, MADE me say, "Tattle Tale!" The surgeon almost smiled. Then when he asked Dad if he uses intravenous drugs, we all burst out laughing. He looked at Mom and said that if anyone would tell him, it would've been her. :-) Can you picture this man doing intravenous drugs??

So after Dr. Katz finished asking a zillion questions...he examined Dad. Inside and out, if you know what I mean. He felt something a bit "nodular" which is just a gross word, so now Dad will have to see a urologist before we proceed any further. That kinda stinks because it moves everything back another month. But better safe then sorry I suppose.

Shelley, another nurse that is taking care of Dad's case, poked her head in several times throughout our time there. She is a riot and handles Dad's orneriness very well. She is the one that told us that Dad's blood type is O.

The surgeon said that he saw no reason that Dad couldn't have the surgery. So this is about the fourth doctor that has given the ok. Now, it looks like just the urologist and we will be good to go!

After Dr. Katz left, one of his nurses, Jan came in to talk to us about a study that Dad could be involved in if he so chooses. One of the drugs that Dad will have to take following the surgery is called Cyclosporine. It's an anti-rejection medication, that can cause high blood pressure and kidney damage. Yes, I said KIDNEY DAMAGE. This drug as been around about 35-36 years. They have recently made a new drug that they are testing called Belatacept. This drug is either in Phase Three or Phase Four of testing and Dr. Katz is part of this study. So, Jan came in to tell us about it. The main thing about this drug is that it is not hard on the kidneys. If Dad were to participate in this study, the drug, Belatacept would be covered completely by them...also any extra testing that they require would be covered. The disadvantage is that he would have to go to Iowa City to receive drug intravenously. Every other week at first, then monthly. Dad hasn't made a decision about this study yet.

There are a lot of drugs that Dad will have to take after this surgery. A LOT. There are drugs to suppress his immune system so that his body doesn't reject the kidney. There are drugs, like antibiotics, to help him stay healthy (some are disease specific). He has to be on these drugs because of the other drugs. You get the picture.

Mom, Dad and I went out to eat afterwards. I made a quick call to St. Lukes in Cedar Rapids to see if I could get a copy of my blood type (they have it from when I was pregnant with Hollyanne). They said they could get it for me if I came in with proof of identity. I'll admit that I was very nervous when I heard Dad's blood type was O. I was pretty sure that mine wasn't O. And only O can give to O. However, the good news it that Mark is O...so if I wasn't, we had a backup.

After we ate we went to St. Luke's to pick up a copy of my records. Mom dropped me off and went around the block while I ran in. I couldn't believe it when I saw it. I am type O negative. This is the first step toward a match. :-) We are part way there...with many more tests to go, but at least I'm in the running. :-)

here a kidney there a kidney

2007-02-05T20:05:00.000-06:00

Friday morning my alarm went off at 5:00, no different than any other morning.

I got up and got ready for the day, as usual. Talked to my mom on the phone, they planned to arrive by 6:30. For once, they weren’t early! As 6:30 arrived they pulled in the driveway ready to go. Hollyanne woke long enough to hug her grandma, grandpa and me -- then back to bed for her.

The drive to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics was uneventful, other than the bitter cold. As we turned off the interstate onto Melrose Avenue memories of the seven years I spent in Iowa City flooded back. We passed where I worked, where I lived, where John lived, and were I spent many, many football Saturdays. Rich called as we were approaching the hospital, warned us of a accident (to make sure it wasn’t us), checked to see if we were ok, and indicated he may join us for a while at the hospital if he can. We pulled into the parking ramp, parked and took the skywalk into the hospital.

I directed us to the registration where dad gave all his information, reluctantly. We were only forty minutes early. ☺ The lady at the desk, I cannot remember her name, gave us directions to the UI Heart Care Center, our first stop of the day. Dad was forced to give out much of his information again (annoying but necessary, I suppose). Mom began filling out paper work. She had to list each of Dad’s nine siblings, ages, and if deceased, cause of death. There were also the usual questions designed to provide the doctors with the background information required to best help him.

Before Mom had even finished the two pages of paperwork, Dad was called back to the room. I went with him. Brenda started to take his blood pressure, in the wrong arm. Dad had a fistula put in a few months ago, and as a result nothing is supposed to be done on his right side. Dad promised he wouldn’t tell if she didn’t! So she took his blood pressure again in the left arm and took five vials of blood.

Side note: Dad loves Seinfeld. He didn’t watch it much when it originally aired, however he has enjoyed nearly every episode since syndication. He frequently references Seinfeld to fit situations in his/our lives. The Seinfeld episode that has been referenced as of late is one that centers around Elaine. In this episode, the sponge form of contraception is about to be taken off the market. Elaine purchases as many as she can because this is her birth control of choice. So when she meets a guy, before she has sex with him she has to decide if the man is “sponge worthy”. Dad, of course, finds this hilarious. He says to all that will listen -- today’s appointments are to find out if he is “sponge worthy”, corrects himself and says “kidney worthy”. When Brenda was taking his labs, he made no exceptions and indicated that he was here to see if he was sponge worthy.

After his blood was drawn, Dad had an EKG. Then he was allowed to have a little bit of food. He is diabetic, but was forced to fast for 12 hours before his labs, so he was quite hungry. They allowed just a bit of fruit, due to the tests yet to come.

We waited for a while…during this time I went downstairs and turned in my paperwork for my portion of this whole thing. I also went upstairs and got myself a veggie sandwich. Never mind that it was not even 9:00. I was hungry! And a Diet Pepsi would have to do, no Diet Dr. Pepper, of course.

Dr. Theresa Brennan, cardiologist, came in examine Dad. She did the usual, listened to his heart, made him take deep breaths to listen to his lungs, etc. She indicated that his heart rate is really low, which is actually a good thing. She also said that her husband had a kidney transplant 4 years ago…and that he is doing very well. She checked the strength of his right and left side, and thought it was pretty good considering he had a stroke 10 years ago.

Dr. Brennan was a bit concerned with the noises she was hearing when she listened to his carotid artery and ordered an unltrasound of that area. They were able to get the appointment in today.

Dr. Brennan also suggested that Dad try the stress test on the treadmill rather than the
Dobutamine induced kind. Mom was concerned about him walking on a treadmill, because he is a little bit unsteady, but he was assured that he would have a handrail to use while walking.

After the cardiologist we went downstairs to get a chest x-ray. I ate my sandwich while Dad was getting his x-ray. Then we went down to the first floor and Ashley took him back for an unltrasound on his carotid artery. The entire time my mother was concerned that we were going to get lost. She kept saying, “Now, do you think you know how to get back?” It was good for a laugh or two.

Our morning was complete when we returned to the fourth floor, cardiology, for Dad’s stress test. We had to wait a whole hour before the stress test was to begin. I used to think that I got my impatience from my mother, but after today, I think it’s more from my dad. Sitting and waiting is definitely not among his favorite things.

I went back with Dad to hear the instructions prior to the stress test. On the way back they talked about starting an IV and I told them that Dr. Brennan had suggested we NOT do the drug-induced stress test. They had no idea. ☹ So when we got back to the room we waited while they talked it over with people to make a decision. They ended up doing the Dobutamine induced stress test after all. I stayed in the room while they did an ultrasound of his heart. This was very interesting. I could see the walls of the heart, the valves move, etc. Very interesting. They had a difficult time getting the IV started. Once again he was asked all the same questions. Are you allergic to any medications? Have you ever had a heart attack? Etc. Funny though, when I mentioned that he’s had a stroke ten years ago, they had no idea!! Good grief, Charlie Brown!!!!

One of the ladies asked him for his birth date – again. Dad told her, and then said, “Have you ever heard the one about the guy that didn’t know how old he was?” As she was shaving his chest for the stickies, she said “No.” Dad continued with his joke….

“He was asked, ‘When is your birthday?’ and so he said, “September 23”. ‘What year?’ “well, every year!”

The three women laughed politely as if it was actually a funny joke. Dad was pleased.

I waited in the lobby while Dr. Schmid performed the stress test on my father’s heart.

I will admit that this was the part I was worried about. The Howe’s notoriously have good hearts. In fact, it seems like sometimes the rest of their body gives out, but that heart just won’t let them die. So, I’m not sure why this was scary for me, but it was. I was very thankful to see him walk into the lobby with the nurse beside him giving me the thumbs up!

While we waited for Dr. Brennan to return to give us the test results, Rich called, asked where we were, and then came right over. He was there when Dr. Brennan came in to tell us that from a cardiology standpoint, he was at a low risk for any complications.

The four of us went to lunch.

After lunch Rich returned to his job and the three of us returned to the Surgery Out Patient Clinic to meet with the Nephrologist, Dr. Bertolatus.

Once again my dad was poked and prodded, asked all the same questions and then a few more. Dr. Bertolatus completed his medical assessment and then talked to us about the basic risks of kidney transplant. He was very honest with the worst case scenarios and in the end told us that he thought dad was more than healthy enough to have the surgery, and from his standpoint at low risk for complications.

Next came the social worker. I think basically her job was to find out if dad was nuts and if he would have support after the surgery. ☺ It was nice listening and contributing to this portion of the day because when you list it all out there, we are really lucky to have so many friends and family members around us and supportive of us. This portion of the day was pretty funny. Dad’s sense of humor was obvious. Actually, our whole family’s sense of humor was apparent.

Finally, the last person that we met with was Shelley, BSN. She walked us through what happens next. Soon, Dad needs to meet with the surgeon and get some more blood drawn. Then Shelley will present Dad’s case to a panel of doctors and the will give the ok to move ahead. It is then that I will be tested. It sounds like there is very little chance that I won’t be a match. That’s good news.

There are six or seven code matches they look for….three are the most important….but they even do 0 point transplants. So, odds are, I will have one less kidney in a few months, and Dad will be feeling a lot better. ☺

why do gays like maggots?

2007-01-19T20:05:00.002-06:00

Give it a watch....

The Colbert Report interview with Dinesh D'Souza

emmie

2007-01-18T00:12:00.000-06:00

A Dog's Purpose - from a 4 year old

Being a veterinarian, I was called to examine a ten year old Irish wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa and their little boy, Shane, were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer.

I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for the four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why." Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The four-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Emmie, the pillow.

This is Emmie watching "Eat the Document".

I can't believe it's been a year. I miss her.

a lonely democrat asks a favor....

2007-01-17T07:05:00.000-06:00

....democrats don't be pussies....

(not my favorite term, but I suppose there are many other more important things to get upset about)

Anyway, I found this funny enough to share...

A Lonely Democrat

I like the rain subpoenas part. LOL.

The opinions expressed in the above videoblog are not necessarily the opinions of orange gearle, as far as you know. Or maybe they are??? Hmmmm......

panda porn

2007-01-16T20:08:00.000-06:00

Does anyone else find this story funny? Apparently, Lin Hui "is no longer comfortable with having sex" with Chuang Chuang because....he is too fat. Who knew that female pandas were so....particular....about their mates????

I found this quote especially enjoyable:

They have held a mock wedding, announced plans to separate the two to spark a little romance and even talked of introducing panda porn _ videos of other pandas mating _ to get the pair in the mood.

Panda porn??????? Seriously??? PANDA PORN???? Frickin' hilarious!

it's a panther!

2007-01-16T18:36:00.000-06:00

While I was on my lunch break today, I checked my Orange Gearle e-mail account. This is the email I received from my daughter:

UNI Admissions wrote: Date: Tue, 16 Jan 2007 11:03:29 -0600
From: UNI Admissions
Subject: CONGRATS- YOU'RE IN!

Congratulations on your admission to UNI!

Next Steps:
- read our freshmen blogs for real student stories about life at UNI
http://www.uni.edu/pubrel/myuni/
- log into MyUNIverse https://access.uni.edu/cgi-bin/portal/portHandler.cgi
with your ID (included on your acceptance letter) to access:
+ housing
+ financial aid
+ orientation registration (available end of March)
+ job board
+ and more

You're one step closer to becoming a Panther! We'll see you on campus soon.

Go Panthers!
Your UNI Enrollment Services team
University of Northern Iowa

Woo Hoo!!!

You know we just had to celebrate. First I bought new t-shirts - UNI - pink (cuz that's her favorite color). I gave her the t-shirt when I picked her up from her boyfriend's. The three of us went to Carlos O'Kelly's. On the way Justin says, "What would it spell if you used EACH of the initials in Carlos O'Kelly's?" (COK) How funny is that?

I'm proud of her. I didn't doubt that she would get in, but I think she doubted it. For the last three weeks or so, she has practically run to the mailbox to check and see if her letter came. Yesterday, MLK Day, no mail. I thought she might have a heart attack! :-)

Let's see....my guitar is fixed, Barak Obama is probably running for president, my students were hilarious today, my lesson on using mental images to enhance reading comprehension went well, I found my belt, my dad is this much closer to a new kidney, my daughter got in to college....if it were just warmer, this might be a perfect day.

snow anyone

2007-01-14T20:20:00.000-06:00

We're fixin' to get snowed in. Here it is January 14, and we haven't had a lick of snow! Tonight, as our first snowstorm of the season is upon us, Tiernan decided to drive into town before it got bad and is spending the night. If we get very much, I'll surely take pictures and share.

While watching a marathon of Monk on USA, Hollyanne and I scrapbooked for a couple of hours and Tiernan did her homework. Of course, Hollyanne got a few pages done, and I was my extremely anal-retentive self and pretty much only got a title put on a page!!! I did finish a page (I think - I still might find something to put in the upper right corner)! As you can see we are working on our trip to Colorado. This page is the first page in my book. I have several others completed...but Hollyanne is almost finished!!

Apparently this is what teens of this generation do?? I sneaked this picture of the girls while I was cooking supper:

Look closely...Hollyanne has the house phone on her ear (no doubt talking to her boyfriend) and at the same time she is messing around with her cell phone (pink of course). Tiernan also has her cell phone out. At least they aren't talking to each other on the phones while sitting next to each other!

the last two weeks of 2006

2006-12-31T20:37:00.000-06:00

On Saturday, December 16, we celebrated Christmas as a whole family. All of my parent's living children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were able to attend. It was a good day.

Mom worked hard to get the basement back in order after the water they received in October. It's been disinfected, repainted and reorganized.

Below is the main reason why I have not been writing.....

Santa got me a mandolin for Christmas!! I've been playing it ever since....

Below are pictures from our early Christmas celebration.

My computer died on December 21. That didn't make me happy, of course. That problem seems to be resolved at this point.

Since then I have been to Madison to hear The Dirty Shirts....

While in Madison, I was given a very special gift...a one of a kind dirty shirt. Very fun.

Over Christmas weekend Rick and Aaron joined Mark and I for a bit of pickin'n'grinnin'. The thing about being the photographer -- I have NO pictures of myself playing with them...I still have no pictures of me playing my new mandolin, either!! But here are a few of the crew....

Since Christmas I've been to The Mill to hear the Burlington Street Bluegrass Band, The Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash and Stuart Davis.....

Above: Mark Stuart of the Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash, along with some friends. The accordion player plays piano at a local piano bar. I think I hit on him once. LOL He is cute.

Above: Meet drunk Jeremy, Wendy's husband. Very funny man.

Above: Stuart Davis, who deserves a diary entry completely devoted to him, but if I don't complete this now, it'll never get posted!! Let's just say, he was awesome. Next time I see him, and you know I'll see him again, I will write a more extensive diary about the event.

I attended a party at my friend Wendy's house this past week, here are a few pics....

Kyle (it was his birthday at midnight)

And somewhere in the middle of all that, John Edwards announced his intention to run for President of the United States of America....of course I attended his Town Hall Meeting in Des Moines....

It's been a fun, but emotional, week or two. I am thankful 2007 is just hours away.

truckstop honeymoon

2006-12-11T23:50:00.000-06:00

You know me....I've been burning the candle at both ends again lately. Friday night I fell asleep about six pm and slept until the next day!!! Sometimes I just go and go until I collapse! I think I get that from my mother.

Hollyanne has now had two days of work. This is going to be so good for her. She's such a bright girl and she catches on to things very quickly....they compliment her for it....and that is just good for her.

I've been catching a lot of live music over the last few weeks....The Burlington Street Blue Grass Band, a bluegrass festival, The Clumsy Lovers, Nick Stika, The Mayflies, a name I can't remember, and Truckstop Honeymoon. Most of this has been bluegrass, but not all. For some reason there has been a lot of blue grass around here lately!! The best part -- some of it's been free! Ya gotta love that!!

I was fortunate to get the opportunity to see Truckstop Honeymoon twice in a matter of days. This husband-wife duo is very fun. She plays the bass fiddle and he plays the banjo or the guitar. Actually, I am assuming they are married. They have children together that travel with them, in fact, she is pregnant and due to have their third child in June. They have two different last names, so maybe they are life-partners or maybe she kept her name. Who cares? :-)

They currently call Lawrence, KS their home. Originally from New Orleans, they were displaced a little over a year ago "due to a little storm down there" (in their words). They wrote a song about St. Bernard Parish called Down Wind from the Refinery. Admittedly they are still attracted to cyclonic circulation...they live in Kansas for goodness sake.

My first opportunity to see them was on Thursday. I went to The Mill with my friend Wendy, her husband Jeremy, and their friend, Kyle...it was Jeremy's birthday! After the first two lines of this song, Wendy and I looked at each other and she said what I was thinking....Walk of Shame (which does happen to be the title). Very funny...and sad...and true...and funny. :-) Anyone that has been in Iowa City on a Saturday or Sunday morning can speak to the truth of this song. Wendy thinks it should be Iowa City's theme song...I say any college town will do.

My second opportunity was in Madison, WI. They were just as good there. Jeff went too. He seemed to enjoy himself, nearly as much as I did. I do wish I was a dancer...and by that I do not mean as my profession! LOL People look like they are having fun when they dance....I am uncomfortable and self-conscience. I have no idea why. Probably the same reason I won't do karaoke. It's not that I can't sing, I just don't want to make a fool out of myself. :-)

The opening band in Madison was called Those Poor Bastards. Gothic Country. Hilarious. Actually, only one of the bastards could be there...so it was one guy, with a microphone and guitar singing very angry music. One song in particular, called Radio Country, had me practically rolling on the floor. We all know how much I like Top 40 Country....well...this song is about that, sorta, and it says....my favorite word. :-)

I've linked some Truckstop Honeymoon songs within this diary, but really it's best to see them. They are very cute with each other and funny, of course. One of my favorite songs is called Bad News. They sang it both nights, as a sing along. It's all about being a Vacation Bible School drop out. LOL Who thinks of that? Another couple enjoyable ones are The Woman You Married and Johnny & June. The former was particularly fun the second night because they allowed the crowd to sing the horn parts (because, of course, there were no horns in attendance). The latter is a song about Johnny Cash and June Carter. :-) Enjoyable.

happy thoughts

2006-12-06T06:55:00.000-06:00

My daughter GOT A JOB.

Fifteen days from now....the days will start getting longer.

In merely 25 days, 2006 will be over....thank GOD!

My new friend Nick Stika introduced me to this website that is enjoyable to me. (also, he and his wife are trying to set me up with people....which gives me icky feelings in my stomach...I'm not sure that should be on a 'happy thoughts' post...)

And this picture just makes me happy....

finder and wilder fun

2006-12-02T01:53:00.000-06:00

We walked into The Mill at about 7:30 PM Friday night. It had been a long week and bluegrass was the 'drug of choice' this evening. After paying the cover and getting our hands “smiley faced”, we entered the bar area. The Wilders of Kansas City, MO were doing their sound check. They were dressed in jeans, t-shirts and sweatshirts. The Dobro player and the string bass player both wore baseball caps.

Helen and I ordered sandwiches and beverages (I had the magnificent Portabella Mushroom Sandwich). I noticed that the stage was new! When I was at The Mill last week, we weren’t close to the stage at all, because we knew we wanted to listen…but also talk…so we sat far away from the stage…so we wouldn’t disturb anyone (that’s important for later in this story). Tonight we were much closer. Anyway, so I didn’t notice the stage area that night…it has expanded. The stage is bigger, and the dividers that once existed, no longer divide the room into awkward compartments. This was an enjoyable change.

Our waitress was nice, and accommodating. The food was awesome. I ate it ALL.

Helen and I always have a good time. Tonight was no exception.

My impatience was overwhelming at times. I had so been looking forward to this for months…or at least weeks. I was particularly glad I wasn’t at this show alone…because the anticipation would’ve been too much. LOL As usual the show didn't get started until a least a half hour after the listed start time. I have no idea why they do that. To me, it is just annoying.

The Mike and Amy Finders Band (pronounced FINNders) were first up on the stage. I have seen them several times…the most recent time was when I went to The Sugar Maple Festival last summer. I own two of their CDs. I frequently play their music in the car and sing VERY LOUD. I can only describe Amy in one way: cute as hell. She sings…flawlessly, dirty, clearly, in harmony and with soul…all suspiciously effortlessly. Amy, dressed in a black top, jeans skirt and usual dance shoes, played her mandolin, Mike Finders joined her on guitar, Billy Velencia on string bass, and the legendary Al Murphy, wearing a flannel shirt and leather vest, played an amazing fiddle to complete the ensemble.

They played most of my favorites. I only had to wait about three songs to hear Fifty Dollars. I have no idea why I like that song so much, other than the fact that I am just so glad I am not as stupid as the girl in the song!! Good grief, Charlie Brown! Also, it's fun to sing really loud.

The crowd was fairly diverse....in age. There were college students, seniors citizens and everyone in between. I would say, however, that the average rage was 35-55. One couple, college age, sat just a few feet from us. At one point they got up to dance. She was dressed in cowboy boots and a cowboy hat, and he had some other type of hat on. They looked contrived...but whatever. I think the people next to me were annoyed that they were dancing in front of the group, however, there was a dance floor, so I didn't really see what the big deal was. It was obvious that they were wanting attention of some sort, but, no harm done.

Then it happened.

Soon after they finished dancing, still within Mike and Amy's set, our waitress went over to their table. She was acting like a friend, not a waitress at this time. They were so loud. Now, The Mill is a bar. I sometimes don't enjoy going to this venue to watch music because there is a lot of activity going on...people are eating...walking around...etc. It's no CSPS. But generally people are polite...even drunk college students. There are plenty of areas to sit or stand, still be able to hear, but not be distracting to those around you. Apparently these kids didn't know that, or care. So, after several minutes of increased volume, I turned to Helen and said, "Do you think I will start a girl fight if I go over there and say something?". Helen said she would if I didn't. Seriously, it was horrible. Everyone around was looking at them and giving them dirty looks. They didn't even notice because they were (a) drunk and (b) self-ish. So I went over and, aware of the possible consequences of my actions, very nicely said, "Could you turn your voices down just a little bit. Just a little." I motioned down with my hand so that I wouldn't have to speak loudly and they would still get the picture. The waitress said, "We're sorry." I went back to my seat. Discretely, just short of high-fives, I was thanked and congratulated along the way by 4 tables around us. The waitress left the area.

Soon after, the cowboy boot wearing girl turned toward us and yelled to Helen, "It's a concert!". And Helen nodded and said, "I know." The little chicky didn't stop there..then she said, "It's loud." Helen responded with, "Yes, it is." And then the bitch continued with her snotty teenager tone and said, "You have to talk loud, it's loud." And Helen said, "Shut up already." The people around us were appalled at this little girl's behavior...but not completely surprised I suppose. At least she didn't throw a punch...but you know I could've taken her. I'm small but feisty. LOL

Phil Wade, of The Wilders, joined Mike and Amy with his Dobro toward the end of their portion of the program. That was enjoyable. I love resonator guitars...and he is an accomplished player. Mike and Amy played a lot of their stuff, but they also played other standards...a really liked the John Hartford tunes they played...of course I can't remember which ones...why is it that my memory sucks??

Anyway, next up were The Wilders. This four person band is rich in sound and has amazing stage presence. Very enjoyable, see them if you get a chance. They had dressed up a bit before taking the stage. Boys in suits, cowboy hats instead of baseball caps, and the fiddler, Betse Ellis, in a skirt and really ugly boots. LOL They are all the rage and they aren't really ugly I suppose. They are a cross between cowboy boots and combat boots. Why someone thought to combine the two I am not certain. I think it has something to do with trying to make cowboy boots trendy...which is oxymoronic, I suppose.

Ike Sheldon, lead vocals and guitar, is full of energy. He plays this guitar that has obviously been played a lot, and he plays it....hard. He has quite a long beard, something you might expect of a bluegrass musician, however, it made me extremely curious of his age. I'm sure the grey in his beard made him look older than he is...but who knows. Nate Gawron, on string bass, sang vocals on few tunes. Phil Wade played a little banjo, Dobro, mandolin, and sang.

The Wilders have been working on a CD recently, and as a result have not been playing together much lately. However, this was not at all apparent. They were very tight, fun and high energy. If I danced, ever, they would be something I would be forced to dance to. Mom, your 'happy feet' would've been fully engaged!

Hawk's Got a Chicken And Flew In the Woods is not what they opened with, but it's on the cd that I purchased, and it's similar and very enjoyable...so take a listen with just a click if you wish. Another song that will give a bit of a glimpse into the atmosphere of the evening is Honky Tonk Habit. Part way through their set, Al Murphy joined them on the stage and they played Jenny on the Railroad. The version I've included here has Dirk Powell playing the second fiddle, not Al...but you get the picture.

As The Wilders rocked the stage, our friends just a few feet away continued to drink heavily. At one point the cowboy-hat-donning-boot-wearing-too-tight-clothes-fat-rolls-showing fake blonde bitch came over to my table, leaned toward me, pointed her chunky finger at me and slurred the words, "Haaammm I beein' quwiiet ennuuuphf for ya?" I just stared straight ahead at The Wilders on the stage and ignored her. My feet were up on the bench, just below her face. I wanted to kick her. I held back. LOL She continued to point and was not going to move. So after what seemed like an eternity, but was probably just a minute or less, I said, "I'd rather not talk to you, I'd rather listen to the music." She walked away. Someday she might grow up. But really, I think people like that are always like that, no matter their age. Whatever sweater, she couldn't ruin my night.

At the end of the evening, The Wilders and The Mike and Amy Finders band combined and played three songs together. They had fun...which made it even more pleasureable for me to watch.

I'm thankful that I was not jumped on the way out of The Mill by that cheerleader wench, but I also know that a couple dozen people had my back if needed. However, I'm sure I could've kicked her ass on my own (how's that, coming from a passivist?)!! LOL

Enjoy the pics of The Wilders.

All together, altogether fun.

the progressive wave dot net [roots]

2006-11-22T11:10:00.000-06:00

I've started a new project. More accurately, I'm a part of a new project. PsiFighter37 (Asuka Nakamura) over at Daily Kos had an amazing idea for a website, diaried here. He and Ryan Thibodaux are working together to inform anyone reading, about the incoming freshmen within Congress.

"By building a community of bloggers from Congressional districts across the country, our goal is to support the progressive freshmen in Congress, document their accomplishments and experiences, and fuel future progressive waves."

I think it's a great concept and my previous post here on orange gearle (Dave Loebsack -- David to Leach's Goliath) was my first post on The Progressive Wave site about my adopted congresscritter, Dave Loebsack (IA-02). There will eventually be people all over the country contributing information about their congressman to this site. I think it's a great idea and I hope it flies. I am excited to follow Dave as he embarks on this new part of his life...and I'm sure I will learn a lot more about politics in the process.

Dave Loebsack - David to Leach's Goliath

2006-11-19T17:29:00.000-06:00

(cross-posted at Progressive Wave . net [roots])

On November 7, 2006 Dave Loebsack (pronounced LOBE-sack) surprised us all. No one predicted his win. In fact, most people, in and out of the party, didn’t think Dave had a chance. This race wasn’t even on most people’s watch list. Dave ran against “the gentleman” incumbent Jim Leach. Jim Leach gets everyone’s vote: republicans, independents, and more than a few democrats. He was one of the few in his party to vote against the war in 2003, never mind that Leach did get his start working for Rumsfeld. Dave, a political science professor at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, IA, (located between the two most populous parts of of IA-02) has even had Leach guest lecture for his class on more than one occasion. Dave Loebsack has never run for public office. In fact, he had to be nominated for his placement on the ballot due to (allegedly) not enough signatures on his election petition! Leach has been in congress for thirty years – which, most likely, lead to his demise. Dave ran with the slogan “Dave Loebsack, our voice for change.” Another sign said, “Had enough? Vote Dave!”

I liked this Loebsack quote from the Muscatine Journal:

"I always said I could win, I never said I would win."

The race was a clean and respectful one. Neither Leach nor Loebsack would allow the normal mudslinging that we have all come accustomed to. This race was unique in money spent as well. Leach accepts no money from lobbyist, businesses, PAC money, etc. In fact, when the GOP sent out attack mailers, Leach demanded that they stay out of the race. He even went as far as to tell Ken Mehlman that he wouldn’t caucus with his party in January if it continued!! You have to respect the guy for that at least.

The unofficial results from the Secretary of State say that Loebsack was the victor by just 5711 votes; 107,097 to 101,386.

I was not in Iowa City where Dave watched the results roll in with his family and Johnson County supporters. After much GOTV work the prior three or four days, I was at the Linn County Democratic Victory Party, just thirty miles north . I can tell you that the noise generated in Cedar Rapids by staffers, and volunteers as the Loebsack-Leach returns were coming in, was overwhelming. Nothing I have experienced in this type of setting before. People had tears in their eyes; tears of amazement, tears of opportunity, tears of hope.

Since winning the election, Loebsack has been very busy! Last week he traveled to Washington for freshman orientation. During this time he did get the opportunity to speak briefly with the President, and so did his wife, Terry, a second grade teacher in Mt. Vernon Iowa. A Des Moines Register article quotes Loebsack:

"I did mention to him my desire to work with him," Loebsack said. "We didn't have much time to talk but I mentioned the war in Iraq." He said his wife, Terry, also told Bush about her son, a Marine captain and Naval Academy graduate who served in Iraq, and her daughter-in-law serving there now.

"I think he really took that to heart, there's no doubt about it," Loebsack said.

Although Loebsack is against this war and called for Rumsfeld’s resignation long ago, that was only a part of what Dave spoke about on the campaign trail. The issues of civil rights and civil liberties for all (including GLBT people), the environment, alternative fuel, retirement security, student loans, and issues that help people, especially those that need it most...those that have been neglected by our current administration...were top on his list.

And now??

Dave is ready to get started doing good things for good people in the state of Iowa, as well as all Americans across the country. He is passionate about raising the minimum wage. He also supports H.R.676, the United Sates Health Insurance Act introduced in the house by Rep. Conyers (MI-14). As a fellow educator, I am interested in how he will support education as he leaves exits that field for Washington.

I'll end with a quote from Dave. In this article from the Press Citizen, Dave sums up exactly what we are counting on from him....

"I grew up in poverty," he said. "I will never forget where I came from. I see no reason to become a Washingtonian," he said.

miss rhythm dies

2006-11-17T20:56:00.000-06:00

A sad day for the blues. Ruth Brown died today.

Ruth Brown, the gutsy rhythm-and-blues singer whose career extended to acting and crusading for musicians’ rights, died on Friday in Las Vegas. She was 78 and lived in Las Vegas.

Story here. A Good Day For the Blues?

parent wanted

2006-11-15T23:03:00.000-06:00

God I wanted this kid.

Just over a year ago, this little guy walked into my classroom. He was shy, scared, angry, and adorable, among other things. He had the vocabulary of a sailor and did I mention he was angry? He is also an orphan. His name is Damarian.

He was put in my classroom, in a purposeful holding pattern. "The system" knew he wasn't ready for kindergarten, but they needed a place for him to go. So "the system" put him in my room, knowing he would repeat kindergarten. "The system", I suppose, is a whole different topic.

When I first met Damarian, he had already been a part of the system for some time. Who knows what he went through before that? His few short years must've been full of things that I don't even want to know about! They certainly weren't full of the experiences that little boys need....playing games, digging for nightcrawlers, fishing, going to the circus, etc. So, I decided that he needed to experience a few things.

We spent a lot of time with him outside of school. I took him to the mini-zoo in Cedar Rapids, we went to more than one park, we played games and shopped for fun toys. We went trick-or-treating together, carved pumpkins and watched movies. We took him with us to family functions, mine and The Soul Mate’s, and we celebrated all the holidays together. I seriously considered trying to adopt him. Had personal parts of my life been different (including, but not limited to, being married), I would’ve tried like hell to get him. I got as far as getting all of the info on fostering and adoption, I talked to former and current foster parents, and I even picked out (in my mind) how I would decorate his room…..trains, he loves trains.

After a lot of sleepless nights thinking and worrying and trying to make a decision, I decided that Damarian, like all kids, deserves a two parent household. I've raised (am raising) one by myself, and it's not easy....so it was selfishness (also) that lead me to that decision, I suppose. Someday, if I finally get my shit together, I will at least foster, though. My experiences as a teacher (and mother) have led me down that path. It will happen someday, just not for Damarian, no matter how much I love that little guy.

Why bring this up? Well, tonight he was on the news…..a story about kids that need foster homes/adoptive parents. I cried of course. He’s been in the system more than two years. Good grief, Charlie Brown.

Here’s a link to the news story. If I can find video of it, you know I will post it.

FWIW: In the news story he tells the reporter that his favorite color is ORANGE (and pink). I wonder where he got that idea??

There's something about the hands in this picture(above)....I love the hands. Look at the size difference. I love that. There's just something about people's hands...

pledge with me

2006-11-12T18:06:00.000-06:00

Courtesy of my cousin, Marita...

Dear dismayed conservatives:

We hereby make these promises to you.

We will protect your lives and livelihoods.

We will listen to and respect your beliefs.

We will never try to force you to change your religion, sexual orientation, or first language.

We will do our best to reduce the number of abortions in our country.

We will have no tolerance for corruption and cronyism, even in our own party.

ESPECIALLY in our own party.

We will never tell you that you are unpatriotic.

We will never tell you that your opinion doesn't count.

We will never waste your lives for power.

We will hold our leaders to a high ethical standard and when they succumb to lust for power, WE WILL HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE.

If we forget this, please, please, please, remind us.

We need you to do this. You are America as much as we are.
Let's go.

mission accomplished

2006-11-12T18:01:00.000-06:00

election reflection

2006-11-10T19:41:00.000-06:00

Whew! What a ride. Tuesday night as the returns were coming in, State Senator Elect Rob Hogg said (loose quote):

“What a night for Linn County Democrats. What a night for Iowa Democrats. What a night for America’s Democrats. More importantly, what a night for America and Americans!”

I agree with those statements. Who cares that he was wearing his usual white tennis shoes with kaki pants and a dress shirt? You don’t have to have a good sense of fashion to be a great senator.

As I’ve mentioned a hundred times before, 2006 has not been the best of years for me. In fact, I’ve been through more than my share of losses this year. My dog died, I lost my one true love…you know, the basic Top 40 Country Song crap. It was nice to experience more than a few wins. Last spring when The Soul Mate broke up with me I lost the people that I talked most with about politics. He and his family are what my brother calls ‘commie pinko liberals’ as am I. My mom is more of a moderate democrat (my father doesn’t think so, but I do). ☺ Anyway, when I lost him, I lost them too, basically. So how is this an election reflection?? Well, it’s relevant, stay with me.

I had the Daily Kos community, but I needed a political outlet with real people once The Soul Mate and his family were ripped from my life suddenly (gotta have drama, don’t I?). At the same time I read the book, Crashing the Gate and I decided I was sick of whining and doing nothing about it. I like wine not whine. So, to fulfill my political void, I decided to do a bit of ‘gate crashing’ myself and volunteer with The Linn County Democrats….and I took my daughter along for the ride.

The last five months have been amazing! I’ve made phone calls, canvassed, met congressmen, written letters, met presidential hopefuls, knocked on many, many doors, met other democrats, had a date that I didn’t know I was going on (seriously, I’m that dumb), made new friends, watched my daughter become politically aware, and I’d like to think we helped, in a small way, get a few good democrats elected. And as it turns out, Hollyanne took me along for the ride!!

Carrie and Adam -- our fearless leaders. They ran the show at the Linn County Democrat Headquarters. At barely 24 and 19 respectively, they had a big job and did it well. The canvassers that were there all summer had more than one rubber band fight. In fact, this summer at the office reminded me of Fridays at the Tech Office -- fun, childish, fun, crazy, and fun. Carrie will head back to Florida just in time for winter, and Adam, an Iowa Citian, will head back to New York for college. We will miss them both.

The candidates, most of which have added “elect” to their titles, were all so amazing. It was so interesting to meet them all in person, have conversations with them about many things; political, personal, and just fun. Being on this side of the process is a real eye opener. If you ever thought any political ad on TV had any truth to it, you are completely wrong. I used to think that there must be at least some truth to it, but most of the time, it’s so much more than spin...frankly, out and out lies. Anyone that is political at all, should get involved with at least one election. It’s an indescribable, revealing experience.

The last week of June Hollyanne started interning with the Linn County Dems and I attended my first Linn County Dems Central Committee meeting. We spent much of the summer at headquarters. Once school started, we were down to about 2 evenings per week. Until about October.

Throughout the summer we met many, many people. Living in Iowa has its advantages. I don’t mean the fact that on Monday of this week I was wearing flip-flops because it was so warm, and today it is literally snowing. An advantage of living in Iowa is that people even thinking about considering to run for president, make an appearance in our state. Most of them would show up at headquarters, and we’d try our best to be there. We met the likes of Biden, Warner and Obama, Edwards made a few appearances too. Pretty nifty opportunities for us.

We walked in many, many parades. Seriously. I even wore a rowboat. Yes, a rowboat. For Ro Foege. And SANG. “Ro, Ro, Ro’s my vote on election day, merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, register and say….Ro’s Ro’s Ro’s my vote…..” IN FRONT OF PEOPLE. I know. Cheezzzzzyyyyy. But he got re-elected. And our entry even WON in the Mt. Vernon Parade (did I mention that Ro is from Mt. Vernon?).

When I agreed to become a “Precinct Captain” I had no idea what I was in for, or, more importantly, what the f&@k I was doing! We made it through, though. Hollyanne had her own precinct to deal with, so we have both been extremely busy, especially the last 2-3 weeks. I will repeat in ’08. Now that I know what’s going on, I will be happy to do it again.

Iowa is now BLUE. Navy Blue. We went from 1 out of 5 Democrats in the US House to 3 out of 5. Our State House and Senate will now have a Democratic majority, and our new Governor is also a Democrat. Amazing.

Now what? Now the Dems in Washington get to get their sh!& together and get’r’done. We evicted the Republicans on Tuesday. America has spoken. We now have the next two years to prove ourselves as leaders in domestic and foreign affairs, among other things. Then maybe, just maybe we will elect a Democrat for President in ’08.

As things stand, over the first few months of ’07, I hope to see things like a minimum wage increase, stem cell research resume, and a plan put forth to get the f*@k outta Iraq. Democrats need to become the party of ideas and action. We won this election because The People are fed up with what this administration has done to America and Americans. We were losing the heart and soul of Americans. Checks and balances will be restored. Civil Rights of all Americans now have a chance of reaching fruition. And maybe, just maybe some of the people that have led America astray will be accountable for their actions. But let’s not make that our first priority. So, even though when you open my cell phone the words “Impeach Bush Now” are written on the face of it, I don’t want that exactly…..maybe I should say, it’s what I want but not what I need…it’s not what Americans need. Hope is what we need. Tuesday brought Americans hope again. And now Democrats need to use this opportunity to restore what this administration has broken and get on with it.

gotv - obama style

2006-11-05T23:59:00.000-06:00

I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned this, but I’m “precinct captain” for my precinct. Basically that means I organize GOTV for my precinct, and make certain that things are progressing in a legal manner at the polling place. Hollyanne is precinct captain for a different precinct – one that was in need of a captain -- obviously we vote within the same precinct.

So, things have been pretty friggin’ busy around these parts. Upon returning from Madison, I have spent most of my “free time” (whatever that is) at Headquarters, making phone calls, organizing a GOTV team for my precinct, and attending different trainings. Friday night while we were there, The Cedar Rapids Gazette took a bunch of pictures of Hollyanne and I making phone calls. I think they got a few of my mom, too….three generations might make the paper tomorrow. Kinda funny because we all have the same last name….and most of us with that last name AREN’T Democrats!!! I am anxious to see if it’s put in the paper, and more importantly, if there are any repercussions within the family for that. Whatever.

Saturday we attended another training and then knocked about 120 doors in our precinct. Whew! I was tired after that! I can hardly believe that 48 hours from now we will know the results.

Tonight Hollyanne and I attended a rally in Iowa City. Barak Obama was there (and a zillion people). I would actually like to know how many people attended…it was AMAZING.

After finding a place to park, which is no small task in Iowa City, Hollyanne, Justin and I headed for the ped mall. We could hear the music from the parking ramp, and I was reminded, once again, how much I love Iowa City. There was a pretty big crowd, and as we smuggled ourselves toward the front, the crowd kept growing. There were even people climbing the trees to see!! The national news was there, of course, including Terry Moran (I took a picture).

There were many state candidates as well as elected officials, Ro Foege, Sen Tom Harkin, Gov. Tom Vilsack, etc. This was a big rally for all, but specifically for Future Governor Chet Culver, and Future Representative Dave Loebsack.

I’m sorry, but I can’t even put into words how motivating the many, many speeches were. Iowa has 5 Representatives in the US House. Currently, four are Republican. Nussle has given up his seat to run for Governor, so his seat is open. The lone Democrat is up for re-election. A thirty-year congressman, Republican Jim Leach, is also up for re-election. By winning each of these elections, Democrats will gain two seats in the House. Our state has the opportunity to have a Democrat in the Governor’s Mansion, AND have a Democrat led Iowa Congress. Wouldn’t that be amazing??

When Sen. Harkin was speaking he talked about a lot of things....but.....When he was talking about Bush, the fact that this administration is incompetent, and the fact that we need a change, there was a brief moment of quiet...just enough time for Hollyanne to yell "IMPEACH BUSH" loud enough that others followed along the same vein. Harkin laughed a bit, and then very seriously spoke about the fact that he (Harkin) is in a leadership role within the Senate....and that impeaching Bush will NOT be on the agenda of a democratic lead congress. He was quite serious. Then he said that he doesn't know ONE Democrat that would want to have Cheney for President as a result of Impeaching Bush. The crowd cheered.

Barak Obama gives a great speech. My mother is particularly taken by him, and calls him a “rock star”. He does have Rock Star Status. The national news was there, and I think we may have made it on camera. Barak talked about all the usual stuff…healthcare, minimum wage increase, etc. But when he talked about the war, the audience was silent…..almost completely silent. The girl next to us (that passed out several paper plates with peace signs, and peace slogans written on them for all to hold up at appropriate times) was in tears during this portion of the speech. I got it all on video…here (not the tears, but the speech).

Afterwards, the Governor, Senators, etc. crossed in front of the stage, ground level, shaking hands and signing autographs. We got a picture, and Hollyanne got Barak Obama’s autograph.

I have no idea why I chose to wear a stocking cap! What was I thinking?

Less than 48 hours to go. Have you voted? Have you made phone calls? Have you knocked doors?

See...Terry Moran!! LOL

number two

2006-11-04T10:31:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Ethan!

bob video from the concert

2006-11-03T11:22:00.000-06:00

the first song of the concert:

Bob Dylan - 10/31/06 - Maggie's Farm

the last song of the concert:

Bob Dylan - 10/31/06 - All Along The Watchtower

happy halloween to me

2006-10-31T23:59:00.000-06:00

After this picture was taken this afternoon, I headed to Madison for the Dylan concert. That’s me on the far left...in the back...I’m a rock star on the weekends…as far as you know. My kids totally believe me…I’m horrible.

Wisconsin is a beautiful place. I may need to move here someday. But first I think I’ll visit sometime in December. Oh wait, I am visiting sometime in December. There’s this band called the Dirty Shirts that’s playing December 2nd. I think I’ll give them a whirl. I have yet to be at a musical event in Madison that I didn’t love. However, Wisconsin might be too cold, I dunno. I am a wuss when it comes to cold. I guess I’ll find out in December.

I almost didn’t get here. Tons of reasons, but most recent was the fact that my mother and father’s basement flooded yesterday. Yes, seriously. A water main break or something. But my mother, bless her heart, knows how much I really wanted to be here, and insisted that I make the trip. THANK YOU MOM!!

Anyway the drive was pretty good. Uneventful. The best part was the sunset. I should’ve stopped to take a picture, it was glorious.

The big question: Did I find the hotel? Yes, I found the hotel. Free wireless even.

In anticipation of either no parking or just your basic Halloween FREAKS, I decided to take a cab to and from the concert. Good call. You all know how impatient I am, and I think that trying to locate a parking spot may have been….well, it may have put me over the top. ☺

The cab driver dropped me off and I nearly sprinted to the door. It was cold. I got up to the entrance, showed them my ticket and realized that the bar code had fallen off the ticket! Seriously. So they sent me back to the ticket booth and I had to stand there FOREVER (or like maybe 8 minutes) for them to give me a replacement. It wouldn’t have been that bad except they weren’t talking to me and telling me that they WOULD replace it, so I was freaking out inside.

I entered the arena and found my seat. HOLY SHIT. I was way closer than I thought I’d be. The thing about getting a SINGLE ticket is, you can get a decent one!! Two years and two days ago, when I saw Dylan with The Soul Mate ( ☺ ) we weren’t FAR away at all...but today I was closer. If you are reading this Charlie, (yeah right) I would say I was a bit closer to the stage than we were in Carver, and in the center. Keep in mind y’all, I’m 5’0”, so seeing above the crowd is a bit of an issue.

I don’t care what anyone says, I will never admit to calling The Soul Mate from the floor of the arena. The thing that SUCKS about going to concerts alone is the obvious, no one to share it with. Plus, who the hell likes Bob Dylan as much as me anyway??? Only him, as far as I can tell. Ok, so maybe I called him, but I won’t admit to ANY tears afterwards. I know, I shouldn’t have called him. I really needed to see Bob without him for once. I liked Bob before him, I needed this concert to TAKE BOB BACK. LOL, that’s just funny….but true. I’m very disappointed that I made the impulsive decision to dial.

Anyway, The Foo Fighters opened. They didn’t suck. When I say that, it’s not the same as when my daughter says “He’s SO not ugly” (and the guy is hot). I literally mean, they didn’t suck. ☺ They weren’t horrible. But I was so excited for Dylan to get out there and play that I definitely decided that an hour was way too long for them to be on stage. I went to the little girls room, and then bought a pretzel.

He opened with Maggie’s Farm. I love Maggie’s Farm. I stood on my chair. The smell of cannabis filled the air immediately. Funny, She Belongs to Me was next. I always thought I’d buy Charlie a trumpet for Halloween and a drum for Christmas someday. Seriously, I thought about it. I know he’d find a way to use them in his music. And you fucking know he’d learn to play them in about 2.5 seconds.

Of course I made friends. I always make friends. I have no idea what there names are, but there were two not ugly guys that sat behind me that helped keep the don’t-stand-on-your-chair-don’t-take-pictures-
don’t-use-your-cell-phone natzis away from me. I was only asked to get off the chair once. Geeez…what’s up with all the RULES’n’shit????? And were the HELL were the cell phone natzis when some malevolent force of nature was forcing me to dial that phone number???? Ok, I’m done beating myself up about it. We should still be friends, that’s all. I liked him LONG before I loved him….and I’m moving on – get over it and talk to me already. And he’s the only one that I can talk to about music. FUCK.

I only had to wait until song number 5 to hear one of my favorites from Modern Times called Rollin’ and Tumblin’. Have I mentioned how amazing his band is???? The guitar on Rollin’ and Tumblin’ was awesome. That song was immediately followed by a great version of John Brown.

Gosh, I wish everyone I love could’ve been there….and that they would enjoy him even half as much as me. They way he pronounces his words CRACKS ME UP. I love the guy. My brother says that he hates him live. I just don’t get that. (He also votes Republican, which I don’t get, either). Tonight while I was listening I was thinking, “Does he ever get sick of playing Tangled Up in Blue?” And he might….but it’s different every time, so maybe not. ☺ That’s part of his charm, IMHO. And why is it that half the crowd doesn’t even know it’s Tangled Up in Blue until the chorus? WTF? Shouldn’t they be fans??? Maybe that’s just the half that was there to see the Foo Fighters?????

Some others included Highway 61 Revisited, When the Deal Goes Down and Workingman's Blues #2 (the last two are from Modern Times). He also did another of my faves, Blind Willie McTell and ended with Summer Days (which was the last song he did before the encore when I saw him at Carver in Iowa City AND when I saw him at the Kernel’s ball Park last summer, too).

The encore: Thunder on the Mountain (from Modern Times) and Like a Rolling Stone, ending with All Along the Watchtower, of course.

I don’t dance, and it was hard to sit (well stand) still.

This was a very good decision for me to keep the pact with myself and come to this. And Bob is mine again. LOL

As I walked out of the arena, with my two new friends (names unknown, mind you) I realized that I had a voice mail message. Remember the infamous JEFF (my only ‘friend’ in Madison)? Well, it was him and I think we are going to have lunch tomorrow. Don’t worry, I won’t tell him he’s beautiful. ☺

Bob and the band after the encore...pointing to the people in the crowd with costumes.

UPDATE: Here's a link to a review from The Capital Times.

toad-aly suck-sational story

2006-10-26T17:34:00.000-05:00

Seriously, this isn’t a story from The Onion. While I was checking my usual online news sources, I found this very unusual story about a dog’s drug addiction. (emphasis mine)

"We couldn't keep our dog's addiction a secret any longer," Laura Mirsch says. "The neighbors all knew that Lady was a drug addict, and soon the other dogs weren't allowed to play with her."

*snip*

"She seems to have outgrown the wild toad-obsessed years of her youth," Mirsch says, "and now only sucks on weekends."

Read the story here or, even better, listen to the complete story with ever-so-appropriate music in the background here. (and yes, one of the songs does happen to be Dylan…but I suppose he has so many songs that you could find at least one of his songs appropriate for almost anything). If it doesn’t make you giggle…you need to suck a toad.

number eighteen

2006-10-19T06:53:00.000-05:00

Caption contest??? :-) Happy birthday, Koala Lou!

just another day

2006-10-07T23:59:00.000-05:00

Isn’t it funny how birthdays are really just another day? I mean really…they are just another day. Fall is full of birthdays for our family. My nephew hit the big 30 in September, my father hit 72. In a less than two weeks I will be ½ my father’s age, and the next day my daughter will be ½ mine. Tomorrow we will celebrate my brother’s birthday as a family. A new baby was born just a week ago, and her big brother’s birthday is in a few weeks.

"Each day seems a hundred years long,
but the weeks and the months just fly."

I suppose when you aren’t exactly where you want to be, or expected to be in your life, and you’re closer and closer to that next birthday…well, I suppose that’s when birthdays are more than just another day. They’re much worse. (Can you say mid-life crisis anyone?)

It’s been six months. I decided it was time to get back on the horse. I’m back at the personals thing. Why? I have no fucking idea.

It’s been an emotional week, and today was no exception.

Two years ago, as my 34th birthday approached I went to CSPS to see Andrew Bird. It was simply amazing. I’ve never seen anything like him. When I saw him two years ago, I knew I liked him….I thoroughly enjoyed the concert….but I didn’t notice his striking looks at all. My focus was elsewhere.

I met Zoot’s parents for the first time that night. We’d met just moments before the concert began so there wasn’t much talking. I won’t forget how cute his mom was after the show….it was a Friday night, after a long week, and I had to get up early and teach piano lessons. But after the concert….Kathy said, “So, where are we going next??” She was ready to go out on the town! I excused myself and went home. But I knew that we would be good friends, Kathy and I.

Anyway, that first time I saw Andrew Bird, I was completely taken back by his talent. I cannot even put into words how extraordinary this man is. But by far the best part of the concert for me that night was watching Zoot listen and enjoy himself. My eyes were on Zoot’s reaction to Andrew all night. Although we weren’t even dating at the time, it was that night that I knew I loved him. Interesting that I bet he doesn’t know that.

Tonight I saw Andrew Bird again. He was even more amazing than the last time. It was a very different atmosphere, however. Still at CSPS, but the place was PACKED and it was full of college students. I felt 100 years old. ☺ And of course I went alone. But it was so unlike anything else….his music is completely unclassifiable. I’ll link to a couple of his songs within this diary, but I’m telling you it will not do it justice…seeing him create music in front of your eyes is part of the art of his music. And really, it is truly art.

He’s beautiful. He’s intelligent, creative, weird, and even his crooked teeth are attractive. Funny how I missed his beauty the first time.

He opened with one of my absolute favorites…Sovay. Seriously, who else puts Don Quixote, Ride of the Valkyries and the words vagaries and proclivities in one verse -- and it works???

Sovay by Andrew Bird

I was getting ready to be a threat
I was getting set for my
Accidental suicide
The kind where no one dies
No one looks too surprised
Then you realize
That you're riding on the para-success
Of a heavy-handed metaphor
And a feeling like you've been here before
'Cause you've been here before
And you've been here before
Then a word washed to shore
A word:

Sovay, Sovay, Sovay
All along the day

I was getting ready to consider my next plan of attack
I think I'm gonna sack
The whole board of trustees
All those Don Quixotes in their B-17s
And I swear this time yeah this time
They'll blow us back to the seventies
And this time they're playin Ride of the Valkyries
With no semblance of grace or ease
And they're acting on vagaries
With their violent proclivities
And they're playing ride
Ride of the Valkyries

Sovay, Sovay, Sovay
All along the day

I’ll leave you tonight with a song that I’ve heard a hundred times, but it really hit home tonight…Here's Why?

Why? by Andrew Bird

Why? Why'd you do that?
You shouldn't have done that
If I told you once, I told you three times
You'll get your punishment when you
Show me your crimes

It's not a spell or a curse you put on me
Or the way you smile so tenderly
But how I wish it was your temper you were throwing
Damn you for being so easygoing

I thought that time would tell
My sins would provoke you to raise some hell

Not a chance
Whatever happened to fiery romance
Oh how I wish it was those dishes you were throwing
Damn you for being so easygoing

No, don't give me that line
Don't try to tell me inaction is not a crime
Can't you see what kind of seeds you're sowing?
Damn you for being so easygoing

Seriously, inaction is a crime, and damn you for being so easy going.

the debate

2006-10-03T17:07:00.000-05:00

Last night was the first of four debates in the Iowa race for Governor. In my opinion, Culver “won”. However, David Yepsen’s opinion differs, slightly.

I was surprised, actually. My amazement was not due to the fact that I think Nussle would make a better governor. On the contrary, Culver is my man. I was taken by surprise because Nussle has been in the spotlight of Congress for 16 years. Washington tends to give politicians that “polish” that can fool so many. And debate is probably not one of Culver’s strengths. It was expected by most that Nussle would “mop up the floor with him [Culver]”. That was certainly not the case.

My daughter and I decided not to cram into the actual event at Kirkwood. We went to the Dem. Headquarters, instead. I was glad. MediaCom set up a cable feed for the evening, and someone donated a projector. So, what looks like it could be a big screen TV in this picture, is really – the wall. We would’ve had to be quiet at Kirkwood. We could cheer and boo at Headquarters. And we did…along with other Culver supporters.

The first question was about negative campaigning. Nussle didn’t even answer it. In fact, Nussle didn’t answer a lot of questions. Culver answered all questions in his allotted time, with Nussle frequently blabbing about unrelated material (some of which were just LIES) and had to be ‘cut off’ by the moderator on several occasions. Culver was much more confident than I have seen him in the past, and I liked it. He called Nussle on several…uhh….he informed Nussle that he was misrepresenting the facts, several times. Bruce Aune, the moderator, even said (after the first question) “I’m going to give each of you 30 more seconds to answer the question since the congressman didn’t answer the question at all.” (very loose quote – but he nailed him).

Patty Judge also made an appearance at Headquarters after the debate.

Hollyanne is using this event as an “artifact” for a cultural event…so we took a couple of pictures of her…for proof.

Unrelated: It’s October 3, and there is a little girl in her backyard (adjacent to my backyard) running through the sprinkler in her swimsuit. WTF?? It hit 90 degrees today, I think.

Also unrelated: Zoot has a some good stuff over at his place, if you are interested.

RIP iPod

2006-10-02T06:55:00.000-05:00

Any chance that my iPod making a whirring sound, getting really hot, not wanting to shut off and flashing a folder icon with an exclamation point could be a good thing?? I think it's time my iPod rests in peace, don't you?

July 2004 - October 1, 2006

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the buy-orange gearle-a-really-cool-new-80GB-iPod-with-pictures-and-video fund. In the mean time, I am also accepting iPod loans for this weekend's 5K that I am running. I may have to pull out due to technical difficulties. (I'm really not sure I can run w/o Bob, Steve, and Paul)

meet laila lynn

2006-09-30T23:52:00.000-05:00

All 7 pounds 8 ounces of Laila (prounounced Layla like the Eric Clapton song) arrived at 8:55 AM Friday, September 29, 2006.

These pictures were taken during her 34th, 35th, and 36th hours. A short movie here and here. All the pictures can be downloaded here. Enjoy.

my kinda drug

2006-09-28T23:46:00.000-05:00

Truly, truly I say to you, I do not purposefully invite drama into my life. Honest. But of course, once again, this week has been amazingly full of it. Who else do you know that has dealings with the police department and the department of human services on unrelated subjects within a 48 hour time period??? (Neither of which were directly related to my work or home, of which I am thankful) Are you kidding me?? Good grief, Charlie Brown. Anyway, I haven’t been sleeping well for both personal and professional reasons. There are students in my class that I have growing concerns about and money is not my friend. But as Stacey Earle says, “I’ve got what I need, and maybe a little more,” so I can’t complain. And after tonight I really can’t complain about much of anything at all.

Have I mentioned lately how lucky Eastern Iowans are to have CSPS?? I’m baffled at the amount of pure talent that I have had the fortune to experience there.

Tonight was no exception, despite the fact that the Cedar Rapids’ air smelled like cat’s ass this evening (really, I’m not kidding, it did).

Eric Bibb. I’ve been awake since 4 a.m. but I cannot go to sleep without first writing about him.

People wonder why I spend all my money (that I don’t have) going to concerts. People, I’m telling you, live music is the best drug I will ever take. If that’s the way I self medicate, please do not condemn me for taking back pop cans to got to concerts if I have to. I know I should save my money, but my thoughts are: I’ll never have enough to float above water anyway and I can’t take it with me when I go. I know, not very…uhh…responsible, but I gotta love something, right?

Each time I leave CSPS I think to my self, “Self, why did you think it was important to sit in the front row, you now have a literal pain in the neck.” But guess, what? I did it again. I arrived early enough (about an hour early) to get seats in the front row, center. There were no tables tonight; Eric Bibb would surely play for a full house. My good friends Helen, Kirsten and Wendy arrived soon enough to tell kid stories we each witnessed this week.

Rachael Davis opened the show. She was so cute! Her hair was in pigtails; showing off the tattoo behind her ear (it was oval-like – the shape of a flattened coin – you know, the ones that you get at fairs or other souvenir shops?), and it was the logo of a music festival at which Rachael played. Wendy and I asked her after her performance. She played a beautiful guitar (I have no idea what “brand”), a banjo, and a ukulele. She also sang a couple of songs a capella. She had a sweet voice, and seriously, she is very cute, with dimples. I loved her striped pants and her giant FORD belt buckle. Wendy has seen Rachel before and was very excited to see her again. Wendy also said that she is going to purchase a uke and learn how to play. Her husband plays the accordion, I’m sure they will play beautiful music together. ☺

But Eric…back to Eric.

He leapt to the stage wearing a bright purple -- almost pink -- sweater and, of course, that type of hat that all blues guitarist must wear. It must be some sort of prerequisite or something; some sort of rite of passage for masters of this genre. Anyway, the sweater and hat were great. And I’m telling you, he is so NOT ugly. ☺ He played the happiest blues I’ve ever heard. Many of his songs were about love (and not necessarily love lost, which is a bit refreshing). He also sang about his heroes. There was a song that he did in particular that was very specifically about heroes. I wish I had that one to share with you, but I couldn’t figure out the code of the set list (that I stole) until I got home, so I didn’t know the title until now. Therefore, I didn’t purchase a CD that included it. In fact, I’m still not certain it’s the right title but is something like Still Livin’. It named several of his heroes or inspirations in the music world. I enjoyed that one. I couldn’t find it at the iTunes store either, maybe it’s new. He also sang a song called Connected. It was awesome, and also about heroes. The CD that I bought is called A Ship Called Love.

Eric told this great story about when he got to sing his song about B. B. King on live TV, for B. B. King! The song is called Tell Riley. Very nice. I had my camera with me, of course. Did you know that my camera takes video, too? I happened to turn it on at just the right moment to catch the end of that story, and the full song. I apologize for the last little bit of the video…for some reason it’s out of sync. It may have had something to do with the fact that my battery was very low. Also, I was trying to record it on the down low, so it’s not exactly centered. ☺ However, it is much better quality than the last video I took.

This song (Saucer n' Cup) made me cry. Seriously, it was a bit embarrassing, but a great reason to sit in the front row -- no one behind you can tell! I loved this part of the song…

She’s like the sunshine
After weeks of rain
Her love and disposition
Is sweet as sugar cane
Ever since we met
Everything is new
We go together
Like the grass and the morning dew

She’s all I ever wanted
In a woman and a pal
It’s nothing less than destiny
She was born to be my gal
Ever since we met
Everything is grand
You know you’re looking
At a satisfied man

Imagine finding the person that is your lover and your best friend, your destiny, the grass to your dew. Well, if you believe in all that stiff. ☺ (Ok, everyone, brush away that “you had me at hello” tear – sappy, I know).

Take a listen to Shingle by Shingle. (part of it quoted below)

Shingle by shingle
I’m patchin’ up the roof
Row by row
I’m bringin’ in the crop
Love makes a change
I’m livin’ the proof
New water’s in the well
And I’m grateful
For
Every drop

Eric Bibb. If he’s ever in your area, you must see him.

CSPS has a couple of art exhibits that are amazing right now. Both Iowa artists, actually. Well, I take that back. Both received their MFA from the University of Iowa. David Van Allen is a Cedar Rapids Artist, and Amy Cropper resides in Wisconsin. It’s interesting, I’ve been to four shows in September at CSPS, and each time I’ve been there, I’ve had a different art experience. I think that’s why I like art. Each time I’ve been I’ve really enjoyed David Van Allen’s photographs. You can check the style out by clicking on his name above. Anyway, the first time that I was there this fall there were random paintings littering the main stage area. It was rather strange; very unlike CSPS. They were on the floor and benches and certainly not adequately displayed – they looked stored. I'm pretty certain that they are for the big fundraiser coming up, called Off the Wall. So they were just there temporarily. However, that first visit of the season, I enjoyed them more than I enjoyed the displayed art. ☺ In fact, I didn’t like Amy Cropper’s stuff much at all. They are all some “bird” theme, and not really my taste, I suppose….or so I thought. Now, I'm kinda digging this ink/oil slick (whatever that is) stuff. So, each subsequent visit (including the times that I’ve stopped in to purchase tickets in advance) I have not be able to take my eyes off one of her pieces. It’s called One is For Sorrow. At least I think that's the title. Perhaps I am thinking of this poem, or maybe this piece is inspired by the poem? Regardless, I want to buy it. I visit it often and imagine it in my home. I try to imagine where I would put it. Next time I go, I will try to sneak a picture of it and post it here. I’m sure a picture won’t do it justice, though -- for many reasons, but mainly because it’s the texture that I love the most.

Hey, it’s Friday now, and that means it’s a jeans day. However bittersweet Fridays have become for me, I love jeans days.

Peace.

UPDATE: Ok, the links to the songs do not work. If anyone knows how to "unprotect" a protected music file purchased from iTunes let me know. I have a feeling I will never purchase something from iTunes again.

bush's brain found lacking

2006-09-24T22:31:00.000-05:00

Ya think?

I just had to share this article with you, if for no other reason than the title. Here's a snipit to intrigue you, or not....

Thirty years ago, political reporters hailed strategist Hamilton Jordan and pollster Pat Caddell as the creative visionaries responsible for the dizzying ascent of Jimmy Carter. After Ronald Reagan supplanted Carter in 1980, news magazines rhapsodized about campaign manager Jim Baker's sagacity and image-maker Mike Deaver's mastery of the metaphors of TV visuals. Lee Atwater, the architect of George Bush's 1988 victory, inspired a generation of Republican operatives with his amoral fixation on racially tinged hot-button issues. Bill Clinton employed a different Svengali in each campaign, embracing James Carville's quick-response war-room partisanship in 1992 and four years later Dick Morris' split-the-difference triangulation.

This brief tour of the modern political wing of the Mensa Society should invite skepticism about the Cult of Karl Rove -- the belief shared by reverent Republicans and downcast Democrats alike that the president's top political advisor is unequaled as Machiavelli with a BlackBerry.

number seventy-two

2006-09-23T09:02:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Dad!

glorious

2006-09-19T19:35:00.000-05:00

Tonight after work I went to a coffee house called The Blue Strawberry. My daughter(s) were away for the evening and I didn't feel like going home. School was not appealing to me, although I had some reading to do, online news to catch up on, and emails that needed to be composed. The Blue Strawberry has free wireless, is sort of on the way home, and makes decent grub, so I decided to give it a try. It was as expected, a bit sterile, but ok. Light jazz background music (eh), love seats, sofas, and soft chairs to sit on, and great smelling coffee. I don't drink coffee, but I enjoy the smell.

I read a bit, worked a bit, emailed a bit, and by 7:00 I was ready to leave. As I walked around the corner to find my way toward the door this is what I saw:

Despite the buildings, telephone wires, and pollution, it was a beautiful sight. As I traveled the ten short minutes home, the sun disappeared below the horizon completely, and it was gone. The picture doesn't do it justice...the pink and salmon colors reminded me of the Florida sunsets that I enjoyed this past December.

Glorious.

how dare you, mr. president

2006-09-13T22:10:00.000-05:00

Keith Olbermann

A mini-series, created, influenced -- possibly financed by -- the most radical and cold of domestic political Machiavellis, continues to be televised into our homes.

The documented truths of the last fifteen years are replaced by bald-faced lies; the talking points of the current regime parroted; the whole sorry story blurred, by spin, to make the party out of office seem vacillating and impotent, and the party in office, seem like the only option.

How dare you, Mr. President, after taking cynical advantage of the unanimity and love, and transmuting it into fraudulent war and needless death, after monstrously transforming it into fear and suspicion and turning that fear into the campaign slogan of three elections? How dare you -- or those around you -- ever "spin" 9/11?

young 9/11 reflections

2006-09-11T22:41:00.000-05:00

I found this interesting....probably because the young lady is my daughter's age. Have a listen here.

happy birthday

2006-09-10T21:43:00.000-05:00

Brandon, Seth and Alissa

Thirty years ago today my nephew Seth was born. His wife Alissa and brother Rich organized a surprise birthday party for him Saturday night. They were successful in pulling off the surprise. In fact, he had been whining for days to his family and friends...because no one was willing to celebrate with him!

I enjoyed talking to Seth's friends and the David Arquette look-alike bartender. The Captain and Cokes were quite nice as well. Due to the amount of alcohol consumed by many, I will leave the stories to private conversation, rather than this public (read by 5 people) forum. I am encouraged that Seth has at least two liberal friends. Rich, the Republican, even said that Josh was the most politically intelligent person he knows (and Josh is a democrat). Hmmm.....I think he really meant: the most politically intelligent person he knows besides his aunt.

How do you like Seth's newly shaven head? I like it. It suits him well.

Full res photos can be downloaded here.

go hawks

2006-09-09T21:26:00.000-05:00

One year and ten months ago I held this little man in my arms for the first time. I held him while we watched the first Hawkeye Football Game of his life (Iowa v. Purdue - Hawks won 23-21). Now check him out. (more pics here)

rigged elections

2006-09-08T13:52:00.000-05:00

Programmer Finally Testifies: US elections rigged

Just watch it. It's old, but I just found it (thanks to Mom). So watch it anyway.

random political thoughts

2006-09-06T21:26:00.000-05:00

I'm not going to mention Katherine Harris. Nor will I ask you to write ABC and demand that they pull their laced-with-lies fakeumentary due to air next week. It would be silly of me to bring up this nothing-new-but-all-in-one-place article about DeLay's corruption. And Condi. Oh Condi, Condi.

But I cannot allow the evening to go by without bringing this poll about Bush (unconvicted, probable felon) polling lower than fellow republican (and convicted felon) ex-Ill. Gov. George Ryan to your attention.

A new St. Louis Post-Dispatch poll finds U.S. President Bush is less popular in Illinois than former-Gov. George Ryan, who faces sentencing this week.

*snip

In Illinois, only 32 percent had a favorable opinion of Bush, while 35 percent had one of Ryan, also a Republican. That difference was within the poll's 3.5 percent standard of error but Ryan had a significantly lower negative rating, 56 percent, compared to 67 percent for Bush.

we will not drink again

2006-09-05T21:47:00.000-05:00

Ok, this was pretty good. Olbermann is right on lately. You can watch it here. Trust me when I say, I didn't just like it because he used the word scurrilous. But it helped. Here's the transcript (emphases mine):

It is to our deep national shame—and ultimately it will be to the President’s deep personal regret—that he has followed his Secretary of Defense down the path of trying to tie those loyal Americans who disagree with his policies—or even question their effectiveness or execution—to the Nazis of the past, and the al Qaeda of the present.

Today, in the same subtle terms in which Mr. Bush and his colleagues muddied the clear line separating Iraq and 9/11 — without ever actually saying so—the President quoted a purported Osama Bin Laden letter that spoke of launching, “a media campaign to create a wedge between the American people and their government.”

Make no mistake here—the intent of that is to get us to confuse the psychotic scheming of an international terrorist, with that familiar bogeyman of the right, the “media.”

The President and the Vice President and others have often attacked freedom of speech, and freedom of dissent, and freedom of the press.

Now, Mr. Bush has signaled that his unparalleled and unprincipled attack on reporting has a new and venomous side angle:

The attempt to link, by the simple expediency of one word—“media”—the honest, patriotic, and indeed vital questions and questioning from American reporters, with the evil of Al-Qaeda propaganda.

That linkage is more than just indefensible. It is un-American.

Mr. Bush and his colleagues have led us before to such waters.

We will not drink again.

And the President’s re-writing and sanitizing of history, so it fits the expediencies of domestic politics, is just as false, and just as scurrilous.

“In the 1920’s a failed Austrian painter published a book in which he explained his intention to build an Aryan super-state in Germany and take revenge on Europe and eradicate the Jews,” President Bush said today, “the world ignored Hitler’s words, and paid a terrible price.”

Whatever the true nature of al Qaeda and other international terrorist threats, to ceaselessly compare them to the Nazi State of Germany serves only to embolden them.

More over, Mr. Bush, you are accomplishing in part what Osama Bin Laden and others seek—a fearful American populace, easily manipulated, and willing to throw away any measure of restraint, any loyalty to our own ideals and freedoms, for the comforting illusion of safety.

It thus becomes necessary to remind the President that his administration’s recent Nazi “kick” is an awful and cynical thing.

And it becomes necessary to reach back into our history, for yet another quote, from yet another time and to ask it of Mr. Bush:

“Have you no sense of decency, sir?”

Indeed.

Murtha also responds to Bush's latest war speeches by saying (and I love these quotes):

"This is a failed policy wrapped in illusion."

*snip

"I've been all through the country… There is a sentiment out there, an intensity that I haven't seen since Watergate."

Video here.

I'm saddened, but not at all surprised that Bush/Rove/Cheney/Rummy are continuing to use fear to try to win elections. I'm even more mournful that it continues to be affective with some...

I work with a friend that considers herself "more republican than democrat". I will never understand how an educator can be a republican...but that's another story. One of the things that she has said to me over and over is: "I just feel safer with a Republican in office." I gave her the book, What's the Matter With Kansas? (which I know is not really about fear as much as ecomonics and those "morals" that people keep talking about) and I am hopeful that between her mother and I, we will help her to "see the light". :-) Pay attention! I know they are scary, but don't let them scare you!!!

Ok, one more video. See Max Cleland's response to Gonzolas insisting that Iraq was a major front in the war on terror AND downplaying the importance of Osama here.

BLITZER: Do you agree with the attorney general as far as his assessment of the importance or lack thereof, if you will, of Osama bin Laden overall in terms of the war on terror?

MAX CLELAND (D), FORMER GEORGIA SENATOR: I don’t agree with a damn thing the attorney general said. It is al Qaeda, stupid. It is Osama bin Laden and his terrorist cadre that must be killed or captured, period. If we don’t have high government officials in Washington who understand that, we need new high government officials.

Now, maybe it shouldn't be, but that's just funny.

skin

2006-09-04T21:13:00.000-05:00

I had this whole long thing written about a concert that I attened on Sunday...but it's not finished...and so tonight I decided to just share the lyrics to this song by Jen Chapin:

Skin

satin shadows
silken air
hands on eyes
I feel you there
fingers folding
round my waist
I know nothing but the taste of skin
we are nothing but skin

wrinkled forehead won't allow
me to rest in your soft now
trusting trusting
I'll let go
into secrets that you know in your skin
we are nothing but skin

in the dim light from the bar
I can see you not so far
I can watch you lost in your song
then I remember you belong to my skin
we are nothing but skin

It was much better live than on the CD and overall I say "eh"...but I love the lyrics.

mountain stage

2006-09-02T15:14:00.000-05:00

Ok, I love Mountain Stage. I just love it. I don't always get a chance to listen, but I should. Today the line up was Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Buddy Miller, Jamie Hartford, Billy Joe Shaver, and the great Emmylou Harris. I know, all very country for me, but I loved every moment of it.

Each week is very unique and interesting. This week's was actually a rebroadcast from last November.

The coolest part for me is, many weeks there are artists on that come to little ol' Iowa and perform at CSPS. How lucky are we that we have CSPS? I'm simply amazed by it actually.

Here's a Jimmie Dale Gilmore song that I liked. I like it because of the water references, but I suppose that's obvious.

Just a Wave, Not the Water
Jimmie Dale Gilmore

Thirst is not the answer, oceans come and go
I loved her seven seas worth, Lord I loved her so
But she let me down so easy, one slow drop at a time

I would've killed myself but it made no sense
Committing suicide in self defense
But I lost everything I brought her
When she said babe, you're just a wave, you're not the water

Centuries ago we were living on the gold coast
She was still in love with a long, gone, cold ghost
I was only trying to turn back the tide of her tears

I felt like an endless ocean, rolling through the fog
Full emotion drifting like a weather beaten log
I even thought that I out-thought her
Till she said babe, you're just a wave, you're not the water

I said someday we'll love again, then you'll know the score
I've taught you everything I know and maybe even more
That's true she said, more than you ever will

I've said I've been your raging river, precious African queen
I've shown you everything that I've ever seen
But she knew more than I had taught her
When she said babe, you're just a wave, you're not the water

Well I followed her far and wide with all of my will
Water on the move, you know it never stands still
And I moved every muscle, just to prove it can be done

Then up some old sad river, where snow white lilies float
I came to her for mercy, but I hardly rocked the boat
She seemed surprised that I have caught her
But she said babe, you're just a wave, you're not the water

She said babe, you're just a wave, you're not the water

"Committing suicide in self defense." Love it. "You're just a wave, you're not the water." Wow. I love that. "Did you really think one man, could hold back the ocean's tide?" Nope. Maybe just a wave, but not the water.

Emmylou Harris gave a spectacular performance of the cover Love Hurts, and a great original called Strong Hand (it's about June Carter, which makes it even better).

Mountain Stage is on every Saturday from 2-4 CT on KUNI. Give it a listen. It's obviously not just on KUNI, so check your local NPR stations for times in your area (that's for the three people outside of Iowa that read this).

I really wish I could OiNK. If you know what it means to OiNK, invite me to OiNK. You need an invite to participate, and I've lost my invitation.

How's that for code? Heh.

alexander

2006-08-31T21:16:00.000-05:00

Ever feel like you just want to pull an Alexander??? Maybe he thought of Australia because he heard Bob sing this:

Well, I wish I was on some
Australian mountain range.
Oh, I wish I was on some
Australian mountain range.
I got no reason to be there, but I
Imagine it would be some kind of change

A bad day lead Alexander to dream about his move...and that's what lead me to the references tonight, as well.

So let's think 'happy thoughts'....

Autumn
Babies
Baby heads
Baby feet
Baby smells
Jogging on the Beach
Football
Swimming with Dolphins
Music, especially the live kind
(Well, I see you got your brand new) Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat
Children
Children's voices
Children's voices singing
Things that are Orange
Chocolate
The Sounds of NYC (they're rhythmic, you know)
Books
Art, specifically paintings and pottery
Bob Dylan
A good workout
Meaningful, fun conversations
A Harvest Moon
A Good Quote
Photographs
Wine
Westerberg
Garlic, Green Olive and Cheese Pizza
Friends
Words, espcially words that are fun to say like jejune...seriously, say that three times?

jejune, jejune, jejune

Isn't that fun? If it wasn't, then you probably didn't say it right...cuz you know I'm (always) right. :-)

good night, and good luck

2006-08-30T21:22:00.000-05:00

Keith Olbermann has done it again. The host of "Countdown with Keith Olbermann" has intestinal fortitude. If you haven't watched the show, I would recommend it. It's a newscast that 'counts down' the day's top stories, weeknights at 7pm CT on MSNBC. It's more than just the top stories however. Let's just say it's anything but boring! His style is courageous and comical.

For those without cable or just without MSNBC (like my mother), Crooks and Liars is really good about posting the good stuff. Tonight's outstanding performance is no exception. His focus was on Rummy...but the whole administration is "implicated". You can check out Keith's attacks on this administration's obscene tendancy to surpress dissent here. Seriously, check it out.

Mom: click the link above (marked here), then click one of the "video" buttons. It will download it to your computer. Double click the icon to open it. But the best part, mom, is that you can read the transcript from the above link too (it's below the picture of Olbermann). So you can read along as he speaks, which I know you like. :-)

bob

2006-08-29T21:26:00.000-05:00

Tonight I had a great jog. Glorious, really. I decided, in honor of his first CD release in five years, I would listen to Bob for my run. Funny...I turned on the iPod, and it began playing Disease of Conceit from Oh Mercy...before I even had a chance to flip to the Bob playlist. So I listened to it before switching the iPod to all Bob all the time. I actually listened to Disease of Conceit twice because it sounded so good tonight. Next song up was a live version of Summer Days. This version was over eleven minutes long (including all the clapping) because it was the final song of his Carver Hawkeye Arena concert nearly two years ago. I saw that show. It was my first live Bob. I saw it with one of the best friends I have ever had. The only person I know that loves Bob as much as me (maybe even more). It's a great memory. Anyway, I remember clapping for a long time before Bob agreed to take the stage again and play Like a Rolling Stone and All Along the Watchtower. That was a great experience. A few from that concert came up tonight, actually. Honest With Me and Love Sick to name two more. Of course despite the beautiful run, I was left a bit melancholy, missing conversations about Bob. So if you are reading this, and you are a person that loves Bob, email me. :-)

I'm thinking about making the journey to Madison in October to see him again. If I do, it will be 2 years and 2 days since the first time I saw him.

If you haven't heard his new CD yet (Modern Times) you need to. It's anything but modern. It's beautiful poetry, of course. And you should take a look and listen to this over at zoot's place.

Everytime something from the Nashville Skyline album came up I laughed out loud. His voice cracks me up on that one. It's so...uh....professional. I especially liked it when immediately following Girl From the North Country (with Johnny Cash), Mr. Tambourine Man (a LIVE version) came up! Have you heard Bob play Mr. Tambourine Man live lately?? Heh. Let's just say it's quite unlike the Nashville Skyline album. Cracked me up.

The trail that I went to was packed tonight. Surprisingly, however, I felt very isolated (and in this case, that's good). It was busy, but not congested. I saw a small, female boxer. She was beautiful, but not as beautiful as Emmie. There have been a few days of rain, I'm sure the sunny skies accounted for the busy trail.

After my jog I drove to the athletic club for yoga. Yoga is wonderful. I always feel so relaxed and tranquil, not my usual state. In the car coming home for the night, I caught a glimpse of a beautiful, orange crescent moon. Simply spectacular.

I leave you tonight with a song released as I was just begining my first year of college:

Shooting Star
Seen a shooting star tonight
And I thought of you.
You were trying to break into another world
A world I never knew.
I always kind of wondered
If you ever made it through.
Seen a shooting star tonight
And I thought of you.

Seen a shooting star tonight
And I thought of me.
If I was still the same
If I ever became what you wanted me to be
Did I miss the mark or
Over-step the line
That only you could see?
Seen a shooting star tonight
And I thought of me.

Listen to the engine, listen to the bell
As the last fire truck from hell
Goes rolling by, all good people are praying,
It's the last temptation
The last account
The last time you might hear the sermon on the mount,
The last radio is playing.

Seen a shooting star tonight
Slip Away.
Tomorrow will be another day.
Guess it's too late to say the things to you
That you needed to hear me say.
Seen a shooting star tonight
Slip away.

imagine that, orange gearle cannot be silent

2006-08-28T21:24:00.000-05:00

As I type this diary, I have just finished watching a Katrina special on NBC, crying. I’m not trying to be dramatic at all…I just can’t believe that what happened the first five days after Katrina could have happened in America.

I told my friend Donnie, (aka Louisiana Fury, and Katrinacrat), that I was not going to blog about Katrina. He sent me this with this video that everyone should probably watch. Anyway, I told him that A) I don’t feel like I’m well enough informed and B) everyone and their sister will be doing it and I NEVER do what everyone does...my favorite color is ORANGE, for goodness sake! While watching this special, I changed my mind. I cannot be silent.

Yet another rerun of Friends was over at 7:00 (it was the one where Rachel finally goes into labor). I began flipping through the channels to see what might be on “for noise” while I continued to work on things for school. When the dial arrived at NBC, I could tell that it was going to be a Katrina story and I almost just shut the tv off. In fact, I said aloud, “God, I bet every channel is going have this stuff on all week.” I don’t mean to sound heartless…in fact, the problem is that it physically hurts my heart to hear these stories. I would rather just not deal with it. God, I know! How horrible is that??? I'm ashamed by myself. It’s not a lack of empathy…it’s not that I actually think if I don’t see it, it’s not happening…it IS that I get so down about it all. As I’ve stated many times before….I’m sure I need prozac. ☺

But this isn’t about me. I suppose it’s a little about my reaction to the fiasco, but it’s really not about me (for once). ☺ It’s about them…the people of the gulf coast, and their suffering.

My father (and brother) say, “How can you blame Bush for Katrina? You blame Bush for everything.” I cannot even think about writing some of the other things that I have been forced to listen to on this topic. It’s embarrassingly ignorant. But the fact is, I don’t blame Bush for Katrina. I love blaming Bush for things, it’s so easy for goodness sake! But in this instance, I blame the whole fucking ‘system’ for what happened in the days following this natural disaster. This was the worst natural disaster in our history, quickly followed by the worst human disaster…that continues today. And yes, Bush is part of it. All the Bushes are part of it…as well as the Bush appointees to certain positions. But what I really blame him for, like most, is the lack of response. He wants to be powerful. The governmental checks and balances that are intended to protect us from tyranny are clearly eroding away because of this man. Ok, fine, Mr. President…where was your power the days following Katrina’s landfall?? Where were you the day the levees broke? What did you do about it? You are the decider, right? Why couldn’t you DECIDE to get food and water to the people. It’s about choices, man. You could’ve. This was a disaster. People were literally dying in the streets, bodies everywhere because of no food, water, or medication. Where were your helicopters? People were literally walking over and around DEAD BODIES. Dead bodies that were there because of the aftermath, not because of Katrina itself. You didn’t CREATE Katrina. I know that. I’ve never blamed you for that, Mr. President (contrary to my father’s claims). And you know what?? I’ll even give it to ya that it may have been very difficult, or even impossible to get the people out, once things got to a certain point. You know, Mr. President, that hard work that you keep talking about. But, Mr. President, there is no excuse for letting the people of the Gulf Coast die from lack of food, water and medical supplies. Unacceptable. In. America. Period. Do you hate Americans, or just those of a certain hue or social class?? Maybe you don’t hate them/us, maybe you are just indifferent about it. That’s almost worse.

OK, maybe I do blame Bush just a little. ☺ But I don’t just blame Bush if that makes sense. I know that there were a lot of people that failed. I’ll even acknowledge that there were things that happened that no one anticipated (however, everyone anticipated the breach of the levees, Mr. President). But as earlier stated, he could’ve done much more than he did (I mean, anything is better than nothing). He’s the frickin’ leader of the “free world” for goodness sake (if we can still call us that – but that’s another story). You can't tell me his hands were tied.

Don't even get me started on the photo-ops....those of the past...and those that will no doubt continue this week in NOLA and next in NYC. That just makes me want to vomit.

This special on NBC (done quite well by Brian Williams) showed people screaming for help. It showed babies in mother’s arms too weak to cry. It showed a man on the city street convulsing…having an actual seizure on tv! Seriously, it showed it. And it showed the many people around him trying to help. It showed the looters too, of course. These are the people that my brother tends to focus on. But what would you do? Really? Think about that for a minute. Your baby is dying. Your mother is dying. Your wife, sister, husband, brother is dying. What would you do? I know how I felt when I took my daughter to a Green Day concert and a mosh pit ensued. All 5'0" if me protected my daughter like I was 7 feet tall. It's instinct. I know exactly what I would've done.

They followed a police officer. He was one of the officers trying to stop the looting. It showed him in tears, horrified at the events he was witnessing…empathetic to the looters, but arresting them anyway, and trying to grieve on his own. Mourning the loss of family and friends, the loss of a city that he loved. It also showed him now. Still doing his job. He even played a “shit stick” ovation guitar for the camera. ☺

Another story was the story of a woman looking for her eighty some year old mother following the tragedy. Do you know that it took some protesting and two months to get her mother’s body? And her body was in the morgue the whole time.

What a disaster.

I cannot do their stories justice. I cannot. I can tell you that one of my best friends did some mission work in the Gulf Coast area this summer. We should all do that. Helen said that her life is forever changed by what she saw.

I’d imagine so.

wow

2006-08-26T19:16:00.000-05:00

...all I can say is wow.

Mardi Gras From Hell

a teaching story

2006-08-24T18:12:00.000-05:00

Today was our seventh day of school.

Yesterday we started "Writer's Workshop". During writer's workshop, students are subject to a minilesson about writing, and then they are allowed time to write. A boy we'll call Bobby was having a difficult time getting started yesterday. So, I had a brief conference with him about writing ideas. He chose to write about watching the Dallas Cowboys play football. As I was circulating through the class, I noticed that Bobby wasn't getting very far, in fact, he had erased most of what he was writing!

Today brought another minilesson, and then they began writing. I called Bobby over to the back table, in a cheerful way...but he sat down and started bawling. I asked him what was wrong and he said, "I don't know what to write." I worked with him for a while, and he decided to write about playing a card game with his mom and dad. I didn't "help" him, I just talked him through it. After he had sketched the picture and written several sentences, I sent him back to his seat to finish the details. Moments later it was time for recess. As I was walking them out to recess he turned to me and eagerly said, "Are we gonna have more time to write when we get back inside??" He's hooked, and so am I.

i smell karl

2006-08-24T17:51:00.000-05:00

Six or more years ago, I wouldn't have been so "conspiracy theory" about all of this...but...I've been proven wrong time and time again.

Do you know your Secretary of State? It's a very important state governmental position...especially in times like these. During the upcoming election: Iowans need to pay attention.

In June there was a primary election, and (Republican) voters chose Chuck Allison as their candidate for Secretary of State. Fast forward one month, and Allison "mysteriously" drops out of the race. Instead of selecting Robert Dopf, the runner up in the primary, the GOP state central committee unanimously picked Mary Ann Hanusa (seemingly out of nowhere). There were several other names thrown around in the media, but Hanusa was the only one considered by the state central committee (says Cullen Sheehan, executive director of the Iowa Republican Party).

Why do I smell a bit-o-Rovalicious?? Manusa hasn't lived in Iowa for the last five years. She works for George W. Bush. She also worked for his father. Yes, she is registered to vote in Iowa, of course. I wonder how I could find out if she's ALWAYS been registered to vote in Iowa? Not that it matters. She was HANDPICKED. If you think this administration wants fair, lawful elections, you are wrong. If I ever questioned the "conspiracy theories" hanging over the last two general elections...I no longer do. (Fact is, I was convinced long ago, but this just adds fuel to the fire). This is clearly the work of "the architect".

Iowa Democrats and Independents listen: If you want a chance at fair elections in Iowa, you must get out and vote...Michael Mauro for Secretary of State.

running winos

2006-08-23T23:01:00.000-05:00

I ran across this article as I was searching for information about training for a half marathon. Yes. You heard me. I'm thinking about training for a half marathon....then a marathon. We'll see. I'm sure the itch will pass.....but....who knows?

Anyway...the article....

There are few sights more peculiar than a parade of 8,000 costumed marathoners sipping wine as they run 26.2 miles. But that's exactly what happens each September at the Medoc Marathon in Bordeaux, where the course winds through 59 of France's most prized vineyards and elegant châteaus. Its aid stations eschew sports drinks and instead offer up such local refreshments as Lafite Rothschild and pâté. Winners take home their weight in grand crus.

I've been training for that kind of marathon for a while now. :-)

And then....(emphasis mine)

While there aren't any U.S. marathons serving fine wines on the course, American runners aren't immune to the pleasures of the ancient grape. In fact, according to the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), serious recreational runners drink more alcohol than their sedentary counterparts. Even Olympian Deena Kastor enjoys a glass of red the night before big races--including her bronze-medal run in Athens last summer. This despite the fact that the ACSM also says that drinking alcohol before engaging in sports decreases strength, power, speed, muscular endurance, and cardiovascular endurance.

So, I'm normal then. Heh.

thoughts...the best kind (random)

2006-08-22T20:50:00.000-05:00

I love it when: I jog and during the third mile (I usually jog three) I cannot remember if it's the second or third mile. Tonight was not one of those nights, however. :-) I haven't been jogging regularly, and the last couple of nights have been only restless sleep. That, and not eating properly made for a difficult time on the path today. I felt old and tired. Every step seemed like one step closer to 40. I need new shoes and most of all, I need to eat and sleep better. But the music of the evening made up for it all. Often I jog with either a set playlist, or I set it on all Bob, Steve, or Zoot. The last couple of jogs I set the iPod on random tunage. I heard great stuff. It's the only reason I actually made it through the three miles. That's really sad considering just last spring, when I was running to stay alive, I ran 5 or 7 miles regularly (on not the best sleep or food, as a matter of fact). Anyway, tonight was Bill Morrissey, The Clash (which almost never comes up), John and Yoko, Woody Guthrie, Robert Johnson, The Jayhawks, Young Fresh Fellows, Freedy Johnston (I must say, from the first to last chord, Remember Me sounded great tonight), True to Life (Uncle Tupelo) was FANTASTIC, Marvin Gaye, Cab Calloway, The Beatles...and on the ride home, The Holmes Brothers (that's where it's at, perdy baby) and Bo Carter. NONE of the regulars, but all fabulous. I definitely need new shoes though.

Next is a picture of my favorite meal -- the meal I ate this evening (post jog). Red wine would've been better...but apparently it's back to giving me headaches. I haven't had this glorious meal all summer (you can probably guess why). Anyway, bread with pesto, fresh tomatoes (thanks mom), cucumbers, fresh mozzarella, fresh herbs, (salt, too, of course) topped with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Man it's good. The fresh herbs make it....I'm pissed that for very stupid reasons I haven't been able to bring myself to "cook" this meal. I'm taking left overs with me to school tomorrow (minus the wine, of course)

My daughter had her first class at the community college today. Wow. How old am I? She is going to love this one, I can tell. It's a humanities class. One of the first things she told me after she got in the car: She wants to set me up with her teacher. Heh. Very funny. Apparently he's single (or at least w/o a ring), dark hair, has an art degree, and doesn't own a cell phone -- all apparent criteria for my men. Heh. That's just funny. If he plays the guitar, I'm screwed. It seems the only men I am attracted to, however, are unavailable in some way...emotionally or with a significant other. It's a running joke around here. Seriously, though: I told her that 1)I'm not ready. 2)Even if I was, I couldn't date him while she was in his class. He's probably gay anyway. :-) Too bad they don't have parent teacher conferences in college. Heh. I crack myself up.

I'm extremely grateful that not everyone can write like this, otherwise I'm sure I wouldn't appreciate him/it as much. Damn. Make sure you check the link...and subsequent links. :-)

Ok, finally, check out this drawing by one of my kids. That's me on the right. In my building, we have amplification systems in every classroom. I wear a microphone -- very Madonna (notice I didn't say Brittney). Check out the earrings, too. Actually, it's very accurate; true to what I was wearing the first day of school.

My kids are great, btw. After just four days, I've figured out which ones are going to keep me awake at night. :-)

stacey and mark

2006-08-19T13:54:00.000-05:00

Last Friday, August 11, I drove to Des Moines to see Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart. I almost didn't go. I'm so glad I did.

(Disclaimer: Here's where I tell you all more information than you need to know...but since no one really reads this...it's ok) Spring of 2004 I made a pact with myself...a pact to do what I want and quit waiting. Up until that point, I'd spent much of my adult life waiting...waiting to get married to buy a house (stopped that wait fall of 2003 -- bought the house on my own), waiting to see if my then boyfriend would "like to go" where ever, and then just not going because he wasn't around. Spring of 2004, I stopped waiting and began living again. That summer I went to many, many live shows...pretty much anything I could find, actually. Sometimes pretty bad shit, but mostly good. Since that summer, I really haven't stopped going. I would sometimes find someone to go with me, but often I went alone. That was ok, because that was the pact...to go if I want to go and not wait for someone to go with me. For a while I had a great friend that attended most things with me. We saw some awesome shit. Bob Dylan (twice), Willie Nelsen, Andrew Byrd, Paul Westerberg, Steve Earle, Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart, Hamell on Trial, DBT, The Black Keys, etc. Well, he is no longer in my life and I'm pretty much alone again, but I've kept my pact. Last Friday, I almost broke the pact. I was tired. It had been a long week. And frankly, I didn't want to go by myself. Being the Friday before school started, most of my friends (all teachers) were not wanting to go. But, the pact MADE me go. :-) I wasn't going to let loneliness win again.

I walked into the bar and Mark was standing right there. He said, "Hey Dona, it's good to see you. I'm so glad you came!" It'd been a long drive (longer than usual, due to a traffic jam) and I had to use the little girls room. As I was coming out of the stall...Stacey walked in. She said, "Hey, how are you? Mark is going to be happy to see you!" I love it that they recognize me...and I'm not a stalker. :-)

I quickly grabbed a spot to sit, front and center of course.

The crowd was fairly sparse. While I was waiting at the bar for my glass of Pinot Noir, (for some reason, it's all red wines for me lately) I met a woman that is also a musician. I'm pretty sure she lived in the DM area...but she was familiar with CSPS. Anyway, I invited her to sit with me (cuz it was such a choice spot).

The show was great, of course. The highlight for me was hearing Wedding Night for the first time live. It's from Stacey's first CD Simple Gearle. It's one of my favorite songs on the CD, and they never play it live. I have the Must Be Live CD (a REALLY good one to purchase if you are just learning about them). It has songs from two CDs, Simple Gearle and Dancin' with Them That Brung Me AND some of Mark's songs. It's totally live, and if you listen to it start to finish, it's like listening to an actual concert because they kept the "in between song talking" on the CD (it's a two disc set). Anyway, whenever a song from Simple Gearle comes up, I turn it up an sing real loud. :-) The songs on Simple Gearle were written when she was 31-37 years old. I'm thinking that's probably why...my age. I can just relate to so many of them.

I can't wait to see them again in the Spring.

mmmm....dark chocolate....

2006-08-19T12:58:00.000-05:00

US Man Survives Chocolate Ordeal

From BBC News:

A 21-year-old US man ended up in hospital after spending two hours trapped in a vat of chocolate, police in Wisconsin said on Friday.

The man said he had climbed into the tank before becoming trapped waist-deep in chocolate, police chief Randy Berner told AP news agency.

However, other reports suggest he was stirring the chocolate when he fell in.

*snip*

The accident involved dark chocolate.

Vat of dark chocolate. Am I dreaming?

i hate this stinking war

2006-08-18T17:26:00.000-05:00

Neil Young on the Colbert Report

"Is it just you or the entire AARP?"

"Until we do leave, should we even talk about leaving?"

"Read it?!"

And the end...I loved the end.

I love Neil Young...it seems like Colbert might as well.

nsa wiretapping v. jonbenet

2006-08-17T20:32:00.000-05:00

On KUNI today I heard about the most recent ruling in the NSA wiretapping fiasco. Short story: A Federal Judge in Detroit has ruled that the Bush Administration's domestic wiretapping program is unconstitutional and violates federal law. Full story here.

So, I got home and I turned on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, you name it....and what did I hear....nothing but JonBenet Ramsey. Now, this ten-year-old case may be important. I have my opinions about this latest development...I think it's a hoax, but who knows? Regardless, I can understand why it's news. She was white, a beauty queen, and from a wealthy family. Why wouldn't we know all about it?? However, a FEDERAL JUDGE says that our PRESIDENT's policy has VIOLATED the LAW and is UNCONSTITUTIONAL. Why am I not hearing much about it???? This is disturbing to me.

So, I got online. The MSM pages...all JonBenet. I wouldn't be exaggerating much if I said that I had to dig to find the wiretapping story. It happened today, people. It's not like it's old news. I don't get it.

I don't mean to belittle the horrible death of a young girl. That would be heartless. I do care and of course I want the evil being that did this to her brought to justice. I am only questioning two things: Why is this national news? Why is this the top story above our president's violation of basic civil rights? (ok three) Why don't "the people" want our president and his policies brought to justice just as much as Karr?

NPR came through for me. I found this Q&A very informative. It's nothing new, exactly, but lots of info about the program in one location. It's dated back in May, but still worth the read I think. Although nothing new, I found this part especially perturbing and relevant:

"...FISA has provisions for emergency situations: The executive branch can begin a wiretap and then obtain a warrant within 72 hours if time is of the essence. And if war is declared, FISA allows warrantless wiretapping for 15 days, after which Congress must be consulted."

So, once again I say....why is there a 'need' for this program??? The executive branch has the legal power to do it...within the law...so why the need for this ILLEGAL and UNCONSTITUTIONAL program???? Let's see....because he can?? (or thinks he can?) Mr. President, why do you hate civil rights?? Why do you hate the constitution? Why do you hate America?

I'd like to think that the reason this wasn't "news" today is because everyone already knows he's violated the constitution, probably many times over, so people are just thinking, "Well, yeah, of course he did," but I'm not certain that's the case. And anyway, even if that were the case, I guess I'd be just as exasperated at the fact that we've become so desensitised and apathetic to our miscreant administration. Why aren't more people outraged? Why aren't people screaming at the top of their lungs???

Of course the administration is appealing the ruling...so the illegal eavesdropping continues despite the judges ruling.

As I finish this diary, The Daily Show has begun. Top story: JonBenet. Good grief.

UPDATE: (8/18/06) The top story on most of the papers that I saw in HandiMart this morning....NSA Wiretapping Ruled Unconstitutional. Maybe there's hope yet?? :-)

seriously, are you kidding me????

2006-08-16T21:40:00.000-05:00

Mr. 37% was in Pennsylvania today "pitching the economy". Whatever. Then he was trying to raise money for Lynn Swann (former Steeler running for Gov. against incumbent Ed Rendell). Why does he think he would be at all helpful to him? Better yet, why does Swann?? Seriously, are you kidding me??

Cheers and applause erupted inside the Harley-Davidson Inc. vehicle operations plant here when Bush straddled a high-end model painted blue and white and revved its engine again and again. Climbing down, he ripped off blue-tinted safety glasses that he insisted made him look like rock star Bono and jokingly struck a pose intended to show a hip side.

"I'm just looking so far," Bush said during a tour of the plant where 3,200 employees work around the clock on shiny motorcycles that move slowly around the assembly floor on tracks. "I'll let Josh Bolten ride these things," Bush said of his chief of staff, known as a motorcycle enthusiast.

Seriously??? BONO??? Good grief, Charlie Brown.