Vote for Charley

No.... not for President, but for the Cutest Dog. First, I truly believe he is the cutest dog. And second, because with the top prize of $1,000, we will do a lot of good for the dog world.

To vote for him, go to http://startribune.upickem.net/engine/Votes.aspx?PageType=VOTING&contestid=4247 Once there, under the search box, type in his name, Charley. Make sure you spell it right, or you won't find him. After you get that page, he is the last one at the bottom.... you know, best for last! We would truly appreciate your vote!

The only tricky part, you have to register to vote. It will show you how to do that. The whole process will take you less than a minute. So... please help us out. Together we can make Charley the Cutest Dog in the Twin Cities, and make a nice donation to the shelter he came from. Thanks for your support.

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Sin City Reviewed

Wow... what a trip! First, Merry Christmas to those of you who celebrate. Now... onto me. :)

My trip was awesome. We truly had a great time and to provide you with every detail from the trip would be impossible. So... below are some highlights, and perhaps a few lowlights too.

Shows:
All three of the shows we saw were incredible. First, we saw Ice, which is essentially Cirque du Soliel on ice. It was absolutely amazing, and what those people can do on skates is truly incredible. I highly recommend this show.

Next up we saw La Cage. It was awesome. Definitely the best drag show I had ever seen, and some of the impressions were so dead on it was astounding. They did people like Bette Midler, Cher, Celine Dion, Diana Ross, Madonna, Reba, and so many more. It really was great. We also met two guys there.... Art and his partner whose name I totally forgot. Both great guys!!

The last show we saw was Zumanity. Wow... talk about sexy. It was a Cirque du Soleil show, but what they call the "sensual and sexual side of Cirque." It was pretty hot and again, what those bodies can do is amazing!!!

I highly recommend you see all three of those shows.

Food:
It's Vegas.... for the most part, the food was excellent. A few that need mentioning...

The Steak House - That is actually the name of the restaurant. Oddly enough, it is located inside of Circus Circus, but has been named best steak house in Vegas for the last 25 years. Trust me... they are right. From the bread, to their homemade salad dressing, to the AMAZING garlic mashed potatoes (better than Buca, yes, I said it), to their beef.... this place is outstanding. Definitely go there.

Buffet - And perhaps the most interesting thing is that my worst meal was in the same hotel, Circus Circus. It was their buffet (the only one I ate while there) and it was awful. Worse than Old Country Buffet, if you can imagine. Just gross. Thankfully, because of an issue during check-in, the buffet for us was free.

Cafe Bellagio - It was good, though not the best restaurant in the whole world. Obviously located inside the Bellagio, it was a a good lunch. For those who cannot stop gambling, you can play Keno at your table.

Il Fornaio - Located inside New York, New York, this restaurant is a "must eat." Everyone knows I am picky, and I ordered their Paccheri Gratanati without the peas and mushrooms and substituting chicken instead of ham, but OMG... it was truly the best pasta I have ever had in my life.

Grand Lux Cafe - This delicious treat was located inside of the Venetian. I had a waffle... again, the best one ever. I am not sure what they put in that batter, but it was like a tiny drop of heaven.

Hotels:
Of course the hotels were amazing. My favorite would have to be the Luxor. First, it is just plain cool (shaped like a pyramid), but it is beautiful inside as well. Just a remarkable place. And if you are sneaky enough like we are, you can ride up in the side-ways elevator without actually being a guest there. Also to be noted are the Venetian and Bellagio. Very nice, very classy. I would say my other favorite would be New York, New York. So much fun. It is not "beautiful" like the others... it is just more fun. Tons to do, great places to eat, wonderful shows, etc. Definitely skip Circus Circus unless you have kids. If you do, take them there... they will love it.

Attractions:
There is so much to see and do in Vegas that even the 5 nights I was there was not nearly enough. Here are some things to do, and perhaps some to stay away from...

Gondola - Definitely take a gondola ride at the Venetian. It is just like in Italy with your own gondolier and all. They sing to you and it is just plain fun.

Hoover Dam - The tour was AWFUL, so skip that. Just go to the dam and look at it. That is pretty cool as is Lake Mead across the street. But truly, the best part was just looking at the dam, so save the $11 and skip the BORING tour.

Grand Canyon - That is one GRAND canyon. Wow is it big, but absolutely beautiful. If you have the time, (it will really take you all day to do this and the dam) go for it. I really had no idea how big it was. There was a helicopter that went in it while we were there... it looked like an ant. It was awesome.

Good Hands Massage - Off the strip, but a hell of a deal. For $99 you get an hour of reflexology and then an hour of Swedish massage. You cannot beat a two hour massage for $99!

Lake Las Vegas - About a half hour drive, this is a small village like area with a man made lake. Absolutely beautiful and surrounded by shops, a casino, etc. Nice to look at, but likely not worth the drive again.

The Strip - Get your walking shoes on, or better yet, rent a car for $30/day. The strip is awesome. You go into all of the different hotels and they are truly amazing. You cannot believe they are a building... they look more like a small city. Check out the fountain at the Bellagio, the lions at MGM, the waterfall bar in Mandalay Bay, the roller coaster in New York, New York, and about 10,000 other things I am not going to mention.

As sick of reading this as you are, I am bored with typing. I hope you enjoyed hearing about my trip.

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(Snowy) Vegas... Here I Come!

Loyal Readers-
As you know, tomorrow I am headed out for snowy Las Vegas. I am really excited for my trip. It will also mean a halt on my blog. However, check back on Christmas day as I fill you in on how the trip was. Until then... stay warm, Happy Chanukkah, and try not to miss me too much!

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Vegas Baby

For those who do not know, I am off to Las Vegas on Friday. I can hardly wait... I have never been. You all know that I love to travel and going to new places make for the best trips of all. A few things I know we are going to do...

- Criss Angel/Cirque show
- Hoover Dam
- Grand Canyon
- Bellagio Light Show
- The Strip
- Pure and Tryst Night Clubs

However, as I said, I have never been. So, if you have any thoughts or places you think I should go, please let me know. I am open to suggestions and would love to hear of places that are "not to be missed" from people who have already gone to Vegas.

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News Junkie

I am a news junkie... I admit it! I love news and always have. Hell, I got my degree in broadcast news. I worked at four different TV stations, though ultimately left TV news. But that still does not mean I have lost my curiosity.

I love knowing what is going on in the world. I enjoy being able to talk with people about current events. Wednesdays are my big day to "surf the 'net" for good stories. It is the day I hold a current events discussion with my tenants at work and it is the day I teach the same class in the evenings at Temple. Of course the articles are different for the varied audiences, but I still feel as though I am doing my part to educate people about the things going on around them.

It does surprise me how little people know about the world. Watch TV news, read the newspaper, checkout articles online, or come to one of my discussions. However you do it, I think it is our responsibility to educate ourselves about that is happening in the world. You don't have to be an expert on every subject, but have a nice general knowledge that would enable you to strike up a conversation with people around you.

And with that... some of my favorite news sources:

www.kare11.com
www.cnn.com
www.yahoo.com
www.startribune.com
www.twincities.com
www.kstp.com
www.wcco.com

And there are many more out there. Do me a favor... today, check out one of these sites and shoot me an e-mail or leave a comment on something you learned from going to one of these sites.

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'Tis the Season

Damn... it's colder than a witches titty out there. :) However, I still love this time of year. Yes, I hate the cold and yes I hate the snow, and yes, I am Jewish, but I still look forward to this every time of year.

I just got back from the annual Macy's Display downtown and I must say.... it is ADORABLE!!! It is shorter than I remember it, but oh so cute. Some other things I like to do this time of year...

Drink hot chocolate, watch the Holidazzle parade, see a "Christmas" movie, drive around and see the beautiful lights at night, avoid malls... especially THE mall, light a fire, cuddle... if there's someone to cuddle with, watch the snow from indoors, go on vacation, dream about summer, use the heated seats in my car, fondue on New Year's Eve, donate money or gifts, listen to Christmas music, and just enjoy my family and friends.

Whatever holiday you celebrate... make it a good one. Surround yourself with the people you love and enjoy another winter season.

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Work Can Be Sad

For those of you who have ever worked with senior adults, you know what I mean. Working with this population can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be very sad. Many of these people are in a very fragile state.

Sometimes they get sick, and hopefully return to us. But often they don't and they go to a nursing home, or their recovery take so long it is literally months before they come back. Other times their memory is just too exhausted and they need to move to a "memory care" type of place. And in some very extreme circumstances, they die.

I knew that taking this job would be challenging in that way, but I never realized how quickly I would develop such a bond with some of the tenants and become so attached to them. And, it makes me sad each time one of them has to move for one reason or another.

But... work continues and it is my job to make sure those that are still with us have the bast damn time of their lives!

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Two Thanksgiving Meals

Oy!!! Now I know what it is like for married couples or people with divorced parents who have to go to two different Thanksgiving meals. I am so full!!!!

I decided to work today because my family does not get together until dinner time. So, instead of taking the day off, I am taking tomorrow off to give myself a long weekend. However, working Thanksgiving means eating lunch here too.

The chefs did it up right. Turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stuffing, veggies, pumpkin pie, and so on. I of course, am picky, so did not eat everything, but what I did eat was great. And now... I am SO FULL!!!

And here is the tricky part... I have to do it all over again at 5:00 when my family gets together. Now I know what it is like. I am so full I don't think I can ever eat again. Well, at least not until 5:00. :)

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Men Suck

I could just leave it at that, but I suppose I should elaborate a little.

Men suck because they suck! Is that better?

I know I sound like a woman scorned, but all the women out there who have said for years that men suck... you go girl!

And gay men suck twice as much (no puns please). What is with the drama? I really cannot take it. I hate it. It's the worst.

And what I hate more than ANYTHING when it comes to men, is being ignored. You connect with a guy, talk often online and the phone and then one day they just disappear, never to be heard from again. You write and call them, and get no response. Not an e-mail to say "Sorry, I have gone straight," not a phone call to say "I have decided I only like young hairless boys between the ages of 20 and 21 who weigh 120 pounds." Nothing... they just ignore you as if they never even knew you existed. Some of us actually have hearts and not hollow tin chests.

Men suck! Say it with me everyone... Men suck! Louder... I cannot hear you... MEN SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Dinner at 2:00pm?!?!?

So what's with the Thanksgiving "dinners" taking place at 2:00pm? Am I missing something? Is that not a late lunch?

First... I do not understand why people eat their big meal in the afternoon. What happened to appetizers at 5:00 with cocktails and then a nice dinner at 6:00? I think that is what the Pilgrims had in mind.

Second, why on earth would you call a meal that is eaten at 2:00pm, dinner? That is clearly lunch. Dinner is something you eat in the evening... not the middle of the afternoon. And don't even get me started on the word supper.... ish!!!!

So, my fellow Americans, please eat your Thanksgiving Dinners after the sun has gone down. It just makes sense.

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Better Than....

I love getting my haircut. I realize, that is a strange thing to love, but I do. It makes me happy, it makes me feel clean, and honestly, I am more confident in myself after I get my haircut.

Tonight I get it cut! Linda, my stylist, is wonderful. I have been going to her for years... literally. Not only does she give a neck massage when she washes your hair, but she uses a straight edge razor on my neck... that's my favorite part. If I could get my hair cut every week, I would. But, until I am rich enough to do that, I will settle for every 4 weeks.

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10 Good Restaurants

I know I have not blogged for a bit, and really have nothing exciting to say. So... today I am going to tell you 10 good restaurants. Some may be obvious, while others are well kept secrets. These are in no particular order...

1. Saji-Ya - St. Paul, MN
A delicious Japanese restaurant on St. Paul's Grand Avenue. I prefer the teppanyaki upstairs where they cook on your table. The food is to die for... but save room for the green tea ice cream for dessert. Grand Ole Creamery makes it and it cannot be beat.

2. Cheesecake Factory
I have been eating there since college thanks to the one in Kansas City. I used to get the Chinese Chicken Salad, then moved to Terriyaki Chicken (always a favorite), but recently Danny introduced me to their Spicy Cashew Chicken. An amazing meal you can enjoy twice... plenty for leftovers. As always, be sure to get the Tuxedo Cream Cheesecake or the good old Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cheesecake.

3. Oak City - Bloomington, MN
A new favorite, but none the less, quite amazing. From their cheese fondue appetizer, to their terriyaki hamburger, to the banana cream pie, this restaurant has a very promising future. Once more people find out about it, they will be packing them in nightly. It is also a great atmosphere!

4. Quinton's - Lawrence, KS
A small restaurant/bar, but delicious if you are looking for something good. They mainly have soup and sandwiches and they are all great. They serve their soup in a bread bowl.... mmmmm! And sadly, my favorite of their sandwiches is the PB&J. Weird, I know... but so good! Don't forget to order the spicy chips instead of the regular.

5. Lake Elmo Inn - Lake Elmo, MN
This is one of the old "supper club" type of restaurants. A bit nicer than my other postings, but still reasonable. You get good meals with all the fixin's... including a lemon sorbet cone to cleanse the pallet before meal time, and a chocolate dipped strawberry served with your check. And make sure you get the Sin of the Inn for dessert... there's a reason they call it that!

6. Fogo De Chao - Minneapolis, MN
A meat lovers paradise... and more food than you would ever know what to do with. You could literally eat yourself sick here, but the quality is top notch. And the cheesy rolls that come with dinner... you can't go wrong with those on your table.

7. Plum Tree - Lawrence, KS
A Chinese restaurant had to make the list, and Plum Tree has always been my favorite. I like sesame chicken not fried or breaded, and they do it perfectly. I also know they have several dishes that are wonderful as well.

8. Noodles in the Pot - Chicago, IL
Not exactly a 5-star restaurant, but none the less, wonderful. And to top it off, they deliver. I always get the Pad See Ew and truly it is one of a kind. I have had that dish in other restaurants, but this one is my fave!

9. Savoy Inn - St. Paul, MN
If you want pizza, there is no better place than the Savoy Inn. It is downtown St. Paul and it is amazing. Writing this blog, I can almost taste it. But call ahead or be prepared to wait for a LONG time... I am not the only person who likes their pizza.

10. Cecil's Deli - St. Paul, MN
The good old Jewish deli from years ago. They still have the best kosher corned beef around and if you want a good sandwich, get their grilled salami without onions and extra "bird sauce" on the side. While you are at it, get your fries extra crispy and dip those in the sauce too. And don't leave without getting a raspberry hamantashen.

***BONUS***
It's not a restaurant, but Rena's Kitchen is the best food around. Granted, I grew up on the stuff, but people who didn't agree. Some of my personal favorites...

Mac N Cheese
Brownies
Peanut Chicken
Spaghetti
Family Steak
Brown Rice
Latkes
and so much more!

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Flu Shots

Everyone should get a flu shot. Even those of you who are scared... you know who you are. Years ago we did not have flu shots. Now we do... so get one. Thousands, literally thousands of people die each year from the flu. Everyone always thinks it could not be them, but it does in fact happen to people, and so it could happen to you. Don't die over something that can easily be prevented.

It is easy to say back in the day we did not have them and we were fine. But, we did not used to have cell phones either, and we were fine without those too. It does not stop everyone from having a cell phone now. Just like it should not stop you from getting a flu shot.

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Oh the Weather Outside is..... Beautiful!

Okay... so I am not really one for winter. I don't like the cold, and I despise the snow. When I woke up today and looked out my window I yelled "Holy Crap!" Who knew there would be snow today?!?! However, this is the perfect snow.

Today it is a light snow that won't stick around. The weather is still somewhat warm so everything will melt away. But it looks so pretty on the trees, on people's lawn, decorating their houses, and lightly coating cars outside. It is a perfect pretty snow.

And soon, the rest comes. Granted, our winters are truly not as bad as people think they are. In fact, the east coast always gets more snow than we do. But none the less, we will still get some. And once it turns black, it is no longer pretty, it is just plain ugly and annoying.

But then... it will melt, it will get warmer outside, and it will be spring. The birds will be chirping again, people will water their lawn, and hunky guys will be out running outside. And of course... I will turn 32!

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GOBAMA

It is Election Day, and in case any of you were curious who I voted for, it is no surprise. I would guess most Jewish Gay men go for the Democrat, but you know there are some real morons out there. In any case, I won't keep you because I want you to go vote. Go.... now.... stop reading.... seriously.... go.

What is with you? Why are you still here? My stuff is not THAT interesting. Go vote. Away with you. Ha!! It's like in Ferris Beuller's Day Off. Okay, I really am gone now.

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Charley's Brother?!?!

Long before Charley was in my life, I fell in love with a dog at the dog park named Paco. You see, Paco is a Chinese Crested and really the reason I got Charley. After I got my boy, we introduced them at the dog park. Neither Charley or Paco like other dogs, but for some reason they took to each other with no problems.

We all stopped going to the dog park, so it had been a couple of years since they have seen each other. We kept in touch with Paco's mom, and so yesterday, we had them over for a play date. It was so fun... it was like no time had passed. They remembered each other, played together, and did not get aggressive with each other like both of them normally would.

I got to talking with Paco's mom and we realized they were both born in May of 2003. They were also both born in the same area. Both have the same quirks, and even the same coloring. Coincidence? I am not sure, but we are going to do some investigating and see if the reason these two have a connection is because they are in fact brothers. I mean... how many litters of Chinese Crested could be born in the same area of Minnesota in May 2003. Not many I would think. I will keep you posted on what I find out.

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My Saving Grace

Could you imagine life any more without e-mail? Or for that matter, the internet. So many things we used to do one way, are now totally different.

Take communication for example. People used to actually write letters! Now, it is all about e-mail. We save on postage, but more importantly, we get prompt responses. You used to wait weeks before you would get a letter back. E-mail is my friend. And at work, it makes our jobs so much easier. What used to take dozens of phone calls now takes one quick e-mail. Granted, some people abuse e-mail in that they don't have face-to-face conversations, but overall it is an amazing tool.

And the internet... you cannot beat it. I don't use phone books anymore, I don't mail a check in to pay my bills, I don't read the newspaper, and I feel much more educated and in-tune to the world around me thanks to the internet. Anyone who does not know how to use it is truly missing out. Not only is it an education, but it is an important tool in today's society.

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Control Your Children

Some people have nerve, balls, chutzpah, whatever you want to call it!

This weekend was the annual Halloween party. Unfortunately, the basement gets devoted entirely to children. But this year, it went too far. People were eating and drinking down there, and completely ignoring the "New Carpet: Take off your shoes" signs. As if that is not bad enough, this woman brought over her 4 children. 2 of them are in "special ed." She let them run amok all over the house. It was ridiculous. Chocolate got ground into the floor and the couch, juice boxes were squirted on the carpet, and our personal belonging were thrown all over the basement. Her children, among MANY others, also ran all around the back yard and found the dog poop.

On her way out she says to my aunt, "You can blame me for the chocolate on the floor and couch." Are you fucking kidding me?!?! I would have punched her right then and there. Who does that, and worse, who says that?

So listen up, Carla, and all you other tactless people who let your children run wild... Grow the fuck up! When you have kids, you take responsibility for yourself AND them. That means you might have to have a little less social time at the party in order to control your kids and make sure they are not destroying the home you were so graciously invited to. Oh yea, thanks for the Chips-a-hoy, bitch!

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The Dreaded News

This is something I knew was coming. Something I have not wanted to hear for years. It is so awful, I do not even want to talk about it. It scares be. It give me high levels of anxiety. It freaks me out. I just cannot believe it.... I have to have my wisdom teeth out!!!!!!

Okay, obviously there are a LOT worse things in life and if this is the worst thing that happens to me, I am set. But it does give me high levels of anxiety.

1. I hate the dentist.
2. Novocaine does not work on me, so they always need to do my entire face
3. I have never had surgery and would prefer to keep it that way... especially because I do not want "to go under."

So, this was very bad news. One of them has a cavity, which is the main reason they have to come out. Apparently you cannot fill a tooth that is not completely in. One is half in, but doing just fine. And two are.... impacted. From what I understand, impacted ones are worse. So, I am going to go to the surgeon to have a consult for him to tell me how bad it is. Wish me luck!

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Dating Sucks

Let's be honest... it sucks. The guys you like don't like you and the guys that like you, you would not consider touching with a 10 foot pole. Why does it work out that way? Or... you find a great guy, one you are ready to spend the rest of your life with, and he lives 1000 miles away. Life sucks like that.

I do not NEED a partner, but I certainly want one. Someone to call with good/bad news, someone to bring to weddings/parties, someone to confide in, someone to go through life with. But alas.... singlehood continues. May it come to an end soon! Besides, I want to get married on 10-10-10. :)

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Did Somebody Say Vaca?!?!?!

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to go on vacations, trips, get-aways, whatever you want to call them. It is admittedly my guilty pleasure. I do not have a ton of money, but what little I have, this is where I choose to spend my money.

I am a self-proclaimed cruise whore because I love to go on cruises. #7 is coming up in February and I cannot wait. This will be my first time on Royal Caribbean, first time with a balcony, and first time to places such as Jamaica and Grand Cayman. If I could go on a cruise a month, I would. Hell, my dream job is to be a cruise director. Fortunately, my real job is that of a cruise director, only my ship doesn't sail.

But this is October and that cruise is not until February. I definitely have to go somewhere before that. Even if it is a long weekend away, I already have the vacation itch because it has been so long since my last one.

If anyone has any ideas on where I should go, let me know. Would love to hear from you, especially because then I would know who is reading.

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Pre-Empt This

I hate sports! I know... the gay boy hates sports, but seriously... they always pre-empt my shows. I hate Sundays because the Amazing Race is ALWAYS late due to football. Football sucks.... let's face. It is a bunch of overgrown barbarians knocking into each other with a ball that they cannot even wrap around their fat fingers.

Fine if you want to put sports on TV, I can make my peace with that. But it is not okay when they cut into my shows time. They are given AMPLE time for games.... much more than my shows. And in fact, they even have their own stations... ESPN 1-100. So enough with screwing up my TV over a pig skin ball that is not even kosher anyway.

Can you tell it just happened again?

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It's Good to be Right

I think my favorite words are "You were right!" As expected, I picked up the car last night from the dealership and on the way home, the light came back on. So, I drove back to the dealership, did NOT turn my car off, made the guy get it in and look at it, and then left it overnight again.

The good news... they just called me and said they did in fact find a problem. The part that is needed is being flown in and I get Sport back tomorrow. I love being right.

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That's Life

Don't you just HATE when something goes wrong with your car, then you show up at the dealership, and the problem has magically gone away?!?! Is there someone looking down and laughing when this happens. Once again, it happened to me.

Brand new car... not even two weeks ago. I had a warning light permanently on in my dashboard. It was on for two days. Naturally, on my way into the dealership, no light, and they cannot find anything wrong with it. Sometimes, life just sucks like that. I know I am going to go pick up my car tonight, and tomorrow on my way into work that damn light will be on. Hate it!

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She "Friended" Me?!?!

Pet peeve... why do people you have not spoken to since elementary school "friend" you on Facebook? Seriously!!! We have not spoken since the 80's... why do you want to list me as one of your friends? I will never understand this.

I suppose it is one thing if someone finds you and wants to re-connect and sends you a message. I guess I could see some justification for that. But what's with requesting to be my friend and then never saying one word to me. We weren't friends in 1988, we are not going to be friends in 2008, so what the hell?

This really is a big pet peeve of mine. I hope I have not offended anyone that has "friended" me, but not spoken to me for 20 years, but really... do you need to show the world that you have 294 friends? It's pretty shallow. But if you want to talk to me... shoot me a message.

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"Yah, You Betcha!"

Is she kidding? Really?

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Who Are You Wearing?

The high holidays are funny at Temple. You are supposed to go to pray, to ask to be inscribed in the book of life for another year, etc. Instead, we go to see people we see once a year, check out all the college kids who came "home for the holidays," but most importantly, we see what everyone is wearing.

You have actually seen this situation before. Some call it the Oscars, others the Emmys, and some the Grammys. But for my fellow yids.... it is Rosh Hashanah. Today I finally decided we actually need to have an emcee talking to people as they arrive with their families. And the best part would be to have a Best/Worst Dressed issue of the next synagogue newsletter.

You think I am kidding, I realize, but that's what we do. We go to Temple, look around a LOT, socialize during VERY important parts of the service, and when all is said and done, we congregate in the parking lot to tell everyone "Happy New Year" and to compliment their clothes. I hope next year we can get Joan and Melissa to come and oversee it all.

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Sport the Sportage

I bought a new car! Well, I guess technically it is an SUV, but I say I bought a new car. It is a 2008 Sportage (now named Sport) and I love it. It is dark brown, and really the only car with this color I have seen on the road. The interior is beige and because I got the "luxury package" it has leather seats and all.

New cars are fun, but they can be stressful too. I still have my Ford Escape because the lease is not up for another 7 months. So... the new dealership is paying for the rest of my lease, but then I have to deal with getting payment to Ford, turning in the Escape, figuring out the insurance so that both cars are covered while I have two, and more. It is all compounded by the fact that I have a personalized plate and so I will have to go to the DMV to have them make the switch. So annoying!

In any case... I drove Sport to worked today and absolutely loved it. A car is a big purchase and you will have it for several years, so you better love it... especially when you are paying that kind of money for it.

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No School For You

As you may know, I was planning on going back to school this fall to get my masters. As you may also know, I decided not to do so. And I have to say, it feels... AMAZING!!!!! As all of my college friends can agree, I am no fun when school is in session. I get high levels of anxiety, I am serious, I always want to be studying or reading (even though I have NO comprehension of the words on the page), and am just overall not fun to be with. I hate school and always have.

I am so happy I went to college and got my degree as I would not have the kind of jobs that I have been lucky enough to get without a degree. However, one degree is more than enough for me. I feel like I can enjoy life now. I don't have to be stressed about tests, writing papers, or always feeling that I should be doing something for school instead of something for me. Not getting my masters was honestly one of the best choices I have ever made.

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Bad Ending

Why do some movies have bad endings? Seriously! It is one thing if it is a bad movie, then of course it will have a bad ending. But today I was watching a decent movie, Rendition, with my boyfriend Jake Gyllenhaal and "the other woman" Reese. While the movie was confusing, I was able to follow it and thought it was fairly decent. But then came the end. It was totally unsatisfying. I hate when movies do not "wrap-it-up." While I am sure the producers and director think they did, I have news.... they did not. It is annoying to stare at the screen and think, "Now what?!?!" Oh well... Hollywood will continue producing movies with bad movies because ass-clowns like you and I still watch them!

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Poor Puppy

I wish dogs could understand people. Tomorrow, Charley has to go to the vet for his annual check up. He is also getting two shots. My poor baby. See... I wish dogs could understand what people were telling them. Kids understand, adults understand, but pets do not and it makes me sad. I wish I could tell them, "It will hurt for a minute, but then you will be fine and when we get home you can have whatever you want to eat." Or "I know you do not want me to leave to go to work, but I have to make money so I can keep you and when I get home we will do your favorite thing... sit our butts on the couch." And still one could say, "Daddy is going on a cruise, but you are going to Camp Audrey's for 8 nights. It won't be bad... you eat whatever the hell you want there and there are tons of friends for you."

Wouldn't it be nice if they understood? Instead, we will keep talking to them, they will keep not understanding, and still, they will love us unconditionally forever.

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Losing My Virginity

This is it! I have now lost my "blog virginity." Truth be told, I have some friends who have blogs and I decided that, "Dammit... I want to ramble on about nothing too." So... here I am. No clue how often I will post (perhaps daily) or if any of it will be worthwhile, but you can bet that the former journalist in me now has a venue to chat. By the way, did I entice you with the title of this entry? :)

So, everyone loves to bitch a little, and with that, I am going to share with you 10 Random Annoying things (in no particular order).

1. Campaign Ads... get over it. Everyone knows who they are voting for anyway.

2. Slow Drivers... did you go to school to learn how to irritate people like that?

3. Lack of Common Sense... I don't do stupid.

4. When People Think They Know More Than You... sometimes other people are the expert.

5. People That Are Anti Gay Marriage and Abortion... if you don't want to have one, don't. But why would you try to take away freedom from someone else, Hitler?

6. Neighbors... no one really borrows a cup of sugar any more, so really they are just here to be nosey and irritate everyone.

7. Talking On The Phone... enough said.

8. Working 5 Days A Week... I think we would have a lot more happy people in the world if the work week was Tuesday-Thursday!

9. Dressing Up... what's wrong with Jeans? Really, they make us all look a lot better.

10. Being Bored... thus I have now created a blog.

Okay, I think I will be done for now. This feels almost therapeutic in a way. I have enjoyed myself and I hope you have as well.

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