Category Archives: A Couple of Things…

A Couple of Things…

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Cark1.  Saw this on Facebook.  This is just freakin’ funny!

2.  I once saw the Oscar Meyer Wienie mobile broken down along the Conejo Grade.  Talk about killing the magic, or as they say in the industry, “There goes the fourth wall.”

3.  Speaking of Oscar Meyer, and other crap food you should never put in your body, I saw this headline from the Washington Post: “Your healthy habits are eating into the packaged foods industry”.

The article went on to site sources from the Kellogg Company, Kraft Foods, Chef Boyardee and others whose profits have fallen drastically in the last year, Kraft said by 62 percent!  See complete story:  http://www.washingtonpost.com

Somehow I don’t feel sorry for those poor bastards.  How about selling affordable healthy foods?

4.  One of my favorite things about my ex-mother-in-law Cheryle and her significant other Bruce who worked for Disney in the accounting offices was that they use to give us a Disney coffee mug every year for Christmas.  It’s been over ten years since I got one, but I still use them every day.  My favorite?  Either Tinkerbell or Dumbo.

5.  Speaking of Disney, I use to receive a family pack of four tickets every year when I worked in the media, first radio, then the magazine.  Disney was really smart about PR because they knew they would receive publicity in exchange.  You never had to prove you said or wrote anything either.

Toontown
ToonTownOne of my favorite experiences at Disney was actually work related and it was the grand opening of Toon Town.  They invited radio stations from all over Southern California for cover the grand opening with live broadcasts.  We had three DJs from the KXBS there.  We each had our own rooms at the Disneyland Hotel, food and beverage included, and a free sweatshirt thrown in because it got cold.  They picked me up that morning of the broadcast in the lobby and drove me via golf cart through the back lots of Disneyland, something most visitors never get to see.  When we arrived, the gates swung open and for the first time I saw Toon Town which was totally deserted as the park hadn’t open yet.  What a thrill.  I imagine that was how Dorothy felt when she stepped into the land of Oz.

6.  I love when a fellow employee brings in goodies for the rest of us to partake in.  Goodies are typically due to a Public Works Engineering Bylaws infraction (we get a list of these after we start our jobs in engineering at City Hall). Goodies are suppose to be “Not good for you,” so no one ever brings fruit (which I  would love!); typically they’re donuts or bagels, but it’s noteworthy to understand a goodie partaker will also owe goodies if they burn their bagel in the toaster, and it’s ALL FUN AND GAMES until their bagel burns so bad that the City Hall fire alarm is set off and the entire building has to be evacuated; hence, as of this week, we now have a new bylaw for when the fire department is called in. Pizza for everyone!

7.  I have a confession. I had never heard of Ash Wednesday until someone had to explain it to me when I was a waitress at Bob’s Big Boy.  I couldn’t figure out why certain people had dirt on their foreheads.  I even went outside to see if something was hitting them in the head on their way in.  Yeah, I wasn’t raised Catholic.

I can still celebrate Fat Tuesday, right?!!

8.  Bill Cosby thanked Eddie Murphy for choosing not to spoof him during “Celebrity Jeopardy”.  “He will not kick a man when he is down” is the quote from another Saturday Night Live alumni, Norm MacDonald.

How about spoofing a man who is being repeatedly accused of rape is not funny.  Bringing him into the mix was just done in bad taste. Tsk tsk.  And really?  He won’t kick a man when he is down?  Like he’s supporting him? I know, innocent until proven guilty, but there is still NOTHING funny about Bill Cosby right now.

Too bad too because that skit had me in stitches; it was extremely well done. “I’ll take Whore Ads for $200” said Sean Connery, when the category in fact was “Who Reads”.  TOO funny.

Here’s the skit if you care to spend over 8 minutes with it.

 

9.  key fobI use to hate how those car fobs beep when you lock and unlock your car.  They’ve taught society to disregard horn toots.  They use to signify that someone was trying to get your attention.  I hated them until I realized how useful they are to find your “lost” car in a parking lot.

10.  From my favorite quotes file: “Lost time is never found again” – Benjamin Franklin

Thanks for your time!

A Couple of Things…

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Feb-Sunset1.   Living at the beach in Ventura where the temperature has been around 75-80 degrees the past couple of days, I’m okay with six more weeks of winter.  Thanks Punxsutawney Phil.  But I’d also be okay with some rain every now and then.

2. The Grammy Awards once again remind me why I don’t like popular music; however, once in a blue moon they get it right.  Case in point? BECK!!!

3.Beck  I wasn’t going to share my thoughts about Kanye West’s behavior when he tried to undermine Beck’s win…but I will share Shirley Manson’s:

Dear Kanye West

It is YOU who is so busy disrespecting artistry.
You disrespect your own remarkable talents and more importantly you disrespect the talent, hard work and tenacity of all artists when you go so rudely and savagely after such an accomplished and humble artist like BECK.
You make yourself look small and petty and spoilt.
In attempting to reduce the importance of one great talent over another, you make a mockery of all musicians and music from every genre, including your own.
Grow up and stop throwing your toys around.
You are making yourself look like a complete twat.

Ps.I am pretty certain Beyonce doesn’t need you fighting any battles on her account. Seems like she’s got everything covered perfectly well on her own.

Love her and I couldn’t agree more.  When I found this on Facebook it already had over 124,000 Likes and 29,000 shares, plus Rolling Stone, People and Variety Magazines were just a few of the media outlets carrying it.

It looks like Kanye as since recanted when he went on the Ryan Seacrest’s show a few days later,  “Beck is one of the nicest guys and one of the most respected musicians in the game,” said West. “When I said that thing about respect artistry, I think it came off the wrong way and that was a mis-wording on my part. … Obviously Beck is one of the most respected artists, and respects artistry.”

Well he got that right.  I don’t know how sincere he is though.

lonely4. I saw a post called “10 Things to Do When You’re Lonely”. I was wondering if “Slappin’ the salami,” “Cleaning your riffle,” or a little more dignified for a woman, some “Self love” made the list.
The author listed take a bath; take a walk; go to a movie; go to a yoga class; read; get coffee; go the the library; branch out; get a haircut; and the last help tip was “Become Your Own Best Friend.” Which the author says, ” If you’re not already, you should definitely consider becoming your own best friend. For one, life is a lot more fun when you enjoy your own company. Secondly, we tend to meet healthy friends and partners when we like ourselves first; and lastly, it alleviates a lot of feelings of loneliness if you like being with yourself.”

Oh PALEEZE, You know, “Become Your Own Best Friend” is a metaphor for “Tickle the Tulips.”

5. There was the oddest story about a woman who hasn’t smiled in 40 years because she didn’t want wrinkles on her face.  This was the quote from her in the article:  “Yes, I am vain and want to remain youthful. My strategy is more natural than Botox and more effective than any expensive beauty cream or facial.”

I’d much rather look at a wrinkly face with joy than a smooth face devoid of emotions.  But then, that’s just me.

Here’s a link to the story:  http://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/beauty/woman-avoids-smiling-for-40-years-to-stop-wrinkles/ar-AA9gjgJ

No Smiles

6. I keep hearing  the term “hipster” and how certain people are referred to as a hipster. I believe I saw a few walking about Ventura. So I looked it up:

  • a person who follows the latest trends and fashions, especially those regarded as being outside the cultural mainstream.

So now here’s my question of the day, “How many hipsters would it take to be considered a part of the cultural mainstream, hence negating them from being hipsters?”

Just thinking out loud here.

aquarium frog7.  I once had pet frog named Alfred in my aquarium with a bunch fish.  He was a little guy and I would race into my bedroom everyday after school to find him swimming through the water. I came home one day to find one of my kissing fish with a frog leg, Alfred’s leg, hanging out its mouth.

Kissing FishI was devastated!  I had no idea Kissing Gourami were carnivores.  Had someone bothered to read up on them we would have learned that they are actually omnivore and requires both algae-based foods as well as meaty foods…apparently like frogs.

 

8.  Facebook now allows you to designate someone you trust to be executor and manager of your account if something were to happen to you, like death.

This person CAN NOT log into your account, remove or change past posts, photos and other things you shared, Nor can they read messages you’ve sent to other friends or remove any of your friends.

They CAN pin a post on your page, respond to new friend requests and update your profile picture and cover photo.

I’ve done it. You should consider if…if you’re on Facebook.

9. There are some secrets I’d rather not know.

10. From my Favorite Quotes File:  “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning.  But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” – Fred Rogers
I would just like to add, “Play should be the work of a lifetime.”

Play hard my friends!

Thanks for your time

A Couple of Things…

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Sam Dog1. Sammy got groomed today!  I wake up her up early (7:30 is early for her these days) and I put her in the car where she normally loves a ride on my lap, but some how she has an inner doggie sense telling her she’s going to get a bath, so she shakes the entire ride.  It’s very dramatic.  When I pick her up it’s a different story, she’s all wiggles in anticipation for the diced up cheeseburger waiting for her in the car.  Now, it’s nap time!!

What a dog’s life!

2.  What kind of fucked up society do we live in where a judge rules it’s not illegal for someone to take photos up a female’s skirt without her knowledge?

a.  The judge was in Portland, OR (sorry Syd Rose).
b.  The perpetrator was 61, the victim, a 13-year-old girl.
c.  He didn’t deny it.

According to the MSN News story, “The practice of ‘upskirting’ has caused problems for prosecutors in other court cases where there are no laws on the books preventing people from taking unauthorized pictures up the skirts of clothed women in public places.”

Again, what kind of fucked up society do we live in where we actually have to enact laws forbidding bad behavior?

3. I can’t get enough of Hozier.  There.  I said it.

Up until about a week ago I hadn’t even heard of him, most likely because I don’t listen to “popular radio.”  But then an acquaintance on Facebook posted this video of Hozier getting surprised during a gig in France by about 20 choir singers in the front row, and well, that’s all it took. I’m a huge fan now.  Bought the album and I love it!

I just found out this tune, “Take me to the Church” is also up for a Grammy for Song of the Year.  Typically that’s a bad thing…but in this case, they got it right.
Please take a look if you haven’t seen it yet:

4. Interesting headline: “Scientist Crack the Code on How to UN-Boil a Hard-Boiled Egg”.  My first thought was , “Well, there goes more research funds down the drain”, but it turns out scientists believe it could have a huge implication for cancer research.  So cool!

Scary Kitty Bart5. And even odder headline?  “Cat Surviving After Accident and Burial”.  Yeah, the owner found his 2-3 year old cat bloodied and stiff after being hit by a car so he buried it.  The kitty showed up five days later in his neighbor’s yard after clawing itself out.

Two things:
a. Ewwww!
b. His neighbor’s yard?  Yeah, I wouldn’t go back home either after my owner buried me either! I’d be pissed too.  Does “Cujo Kitty” come to mind?

Here’s the USA Today story:  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2015/01/28/cat-survives-accident-burial/22454211/?hootPostID=bc74c4d6272bddc1fd2d7683fbf026de

6. Since we have Freedom of Speech, that should also mean I have the Freedom to not hear someone’s speech, right?  There are a lot of stupid people out there and I’d rather not deal with them.  Hence, the ability to Unfriend, switch the channels, turn off the radio, or just walk away. Use your power of choice, might make your day that much nicer.

7.  How about Freedom of choice?  There are few companies I hate more than AT&T.  I finally got rid of my land line a couple of years ago, but I still had to use them for internet access.  They had the audacity to ask for permission to run a credit check to switch my internet plan.  THEIR internet plan.  I told her that my being with them with a great record of paying my bill on time for over 20 years in the same location should be good enough.   She disagreed.  I am proud to say I am no longer a customer of this company.  Don’t even get me started with the automatic phone tree. They’re the worst.

There’s actually an “I hate AT&T” Facebook page.  They have 782 Likes.
There’s also a “hate_att” Twitter account.
There are many blogs with that title as well.

I guess I’m not the only one.

lemonades8.  Okay, I admit it:  the Girl Scout cookie called Lemonades ROCK!  But I still didn’t buy a box.

How strong am I?

9.  I’m posting this photo I took February 6, 2015 on Main Street, Ventura…just in case you didn’t see it on the VenturaRocks.com Facebook page.  I posted, “Moon over Main last night. Not the biggest of moons, but cool car, no?”
0206_VenturaRocks

10. From my Favorite Quotes File;  “The problem with the rat race is that even if you win, you’re still a rat.” – Lilly Tomlin ·

Thanks for your time!

 

A Couple of Things…

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1.  It’s always good to get all the facts before weighing in.

2015 New Year Photo2. Oh! By the way, New Year’s Eve was quite the night.  My game plan? It was to go out and shoot a couple of bands, stop by Maggie’s and be home by 11.  What happened in reality?  Two hours at Discovery for Tommy Marsh, then Guy Martin, Grapes and Hops for Shawn Jones, Iron Butterfly Experience at Amigos, then Mandex at Bombay’s.  I finally made it to Maggie’s just in time for midnight.  Got home by 12:30.  Missed my target by one and half hours.  Not too bad!  Plus I love the photo taken just after midnight.
Thanks to pops for being my DD.  Thanks for posting this photo Maggie!

3. I believe on my last post I mentioned that I’m a spicy mama; I love hot foods!  But I’m also a cheesy girl.  Can’t get enough cheese in my life.  It was with surprise that I found out that China doesn’t “do cheese.”  I’ve heard that the Chinese don’t have a milk-drinking culture, thus they are lactose intolerant, but a lot of people around the world think the whole process is flat out gross.  I have to admit, it kind of is.  But then I eat chorizo, and nobody really wants to know what’s in that.

4. Could someone PLEASE for all the love in the world, explain to Sydney Rose the difference between leaving a voice mail message saying it’s “URGENT” and a voice mail message saying it’s “important.”

She drives me crazy!

Selma5. I saw the movie Selma this weekend.  I don’t think I’ve been that emotionally impacted by a film in quite some time.  I’m hearing how certain businesses have pooled resources together in key cities to sponsor showings for all 7th, 8th and 9th graders.  The movie is a solid reminder that we have in fact come a long way.  You think cops nowadays are bad?  These guys were right down chicken shit motherfuckers.  People forget the segregation and the degradation, and bullshit rules imposed. Just shameful.

Yes let’s keep moving forward.  We shall not stand for human rights violations. PERIOD.

Read6. Cute story reported by LA Weekly recently where they show an LA Traffic sign was apparently hacked.  How funny would that be if it wasn’t hacked?  The sign reflects a Twitter hashtag, #ReadAFuckingBook, that’s been circulating since 2010. It’s often used to punctuate a perceived act of ignorance. Nice message don’t you think!

7. I’ve been creating websites since the 90’s when I was taught by a friend.  I never took an official class; he mentored me in website designs. I generate some extra income working at night and on the weekends as much as needed, but the World Wide Web Consortium has changed the rules over the years and so I’ve been teaching myself some of the newer technology via online tutorials.  I find the more tutorials I do for “beginners” the faster I get through them and the more the tech “sticks” with me.

Danny Carey of TOOL8. The Doug Webb Group featuring Danny Carey of the band Tool, have played here in Ventura three times in the last seven months.  Each musician is top notch and to see Carey playing jazz is just too cool for school.  A friend of mine was going to put a tip in the tip jar until someone showed him on their i-phone that Carey is worth $40 million.

9.  Note to self:  When recovering from a bad head cold and/or cough, avoid tearjerker movies.

10.  Yeah, I had to deal with a bad cough the past week and so I couldn’t go to physical therapy for my knee.  After one week of no exercise, tons of bed rest and not really thinking about it…my right knee feels fantastic! 🙂

11. I’m planning a trip to Europe this Fall.  Any tips on traveling on a frugal budget?

12. From my favorite quotes file, “The media’s the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that’s power. Because they control the minds of the masses.”  – Malcom X

Thanks for your time!  And always question the media. 😉

A Couple of Things…

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Dad Syd and meSyd and Robby1. Sydney’s visit was short but fun.  She got to visit with friends and spend time with family and pets left behind here in Ventura.  I hated to see her leave but so grateful for the time we spent together doing last minute shopping, baking and catching up with one another.

Her first night in town, Sydney spent it with a good friend who wined and dined her.  They looked so freakin’ cute.  They pretended like they were going to prom which she never had the chance to attend since she didn’t attend a public high school. Too cute!  Before you get too excited, he’s just a friend.  Sydney has a boyfriend waiting for her in Oregon.

As a Christmas tradition started several years ago, we took in a movie together on Christmas afternoon.  We saw Into the Woods.  I thought it was cute, but then I like musicals.

christmas_2015_005Syd Rose once again took the opportunity to attempt to bond with Molly.  You got to hand it to her for her persistence, but the cat is not only mean and anti-social, she’s so fat!  I can’t get my roommate to quit feeding her!

Sydney returned to Oregon on Friday, the day after Christmas and I have to say Friday evening rush hour traffic out of LAX wasn’t so bad! I even got home to text her before her flight took off!

Looking forward to the next time I see her beautiful face which I fear will be after she turns 21 in June this year.

2. Well as far as my knee rehab goes, I’ll be honest, it’s been a tad tough.  First there was the pain of the torn meniscus, then the short-term pain from the surgery.  I was feeling pretty good, pretty great actually, until I started physical therapy.  Now it’s a whole new type of pain!  I’m being a good girl and enduring and getting in those special exercises in between appointments, but man on man!  The whole surrounding area really hurts and gets stiff overnight!

I’ve been doing some brisk walking and bike riding, so I thought I’d go out to shoot some hoops.  Nothing major, just stand close enough to hoop to stretch out my arms.  My  REALLY old basketball needed to be pumped up after two months of neglect.  First the needle broke and then the ball went completely flat, and that was that. The next day I bought a brand new ball and took it up to my favorite court behind City Hall.  Damn I miss shooting!

basketball-mom3.  Speaking of basketball, I saw this and thought, “Yeah!  That’s me!!” Then it occurred to me it’s about moms with kids who play basketball.

4. At what point during a text do you give up and delete and just make a freakin’ phone call?

5. Speaking of which, I heard there might be an app soon for recalling a text.  Didn’t there use to be one on Microsoft Outlook for emails?  What a great idea.  I don’t think I’d use it much for having second thoughts about having written something.  I think I would use it once I noticed I made a faux pas.

My funniest faux pas in a text message?  I was texting my boss and I asked him to pick me up on our way to a breakfast meeting.  Unfortunately I texted, “Will you lick me up?”

True story.

10342889_10152577651433581_1673275093986553011_n6. I came across a brilliant Facebook page when I saw a friend “like” one of their posts; they’re called Team Growing Bolder.
I love their outlook and look forward to their future posts.  I invite you to check them out too:  https://www.facebook.com/GrowingBolder

7. I had a dream that Kim Jong-un and the president of Sony Pictures were actually in cahoots over getting tons of free publicity for the movie “The Interview.”  Jong-un was given a cut of the profits based on number of tickets sold, the US was given another enemy to hate diverting attention from the Isis and idiot police, and Franco and Rogan gained another ten minutes of fame…

Then I woke up.   But I ask you, is it that far-fetched of an idea?  All that free publicity?

I guess it is far-fetched as Sony spent so much money (allegedly) on cleaning up their security breach done by the hackers.

8. Have I ever mentioned that I’m a spicy mama?  I love hot food and hot sauces!!

9. I can’t believe how long it’s been since my last post.  I’ve been busy, but I’ve also been just taking care of the body and resting.  I’ve been cooking more and reading recipes and trying them out. I’ve watch a few movies on my Kindle Fire and looking at the possibility of making living quarter changes.  I’m certainly looking forward to taking on 2015.

10. I won’t be sharing a favorite quote this time, but rather presenting my own: “May the New Year be an opportunity for you to realize you are responsible, you are good, you can make life great.  Begin!” – Pam Baumgardner

Thanks for your time!

 

A Couple of Things…

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stiches1. My surgery was pretty much a complete success.  I say “pretty much” because I’m a little disappointed on my prognosis.  Okay, I don’t want to sound ungrateful, so on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being thoroughly disappointed, I’m a “1”. The doctor fixed my knee, he repaired a torn cartilage and Mencius tear and cleaned up some arthritis.  I was on crutches and pain meds that day and a little the next.  The out-patient procedure was Friday; I was back to work on Monday.  Stitches removed on Wednesday.  I start physical therapy to strengthen my left knee next week.

The problem?  It’s been recommended that I give up running/jogging due to the arthritis.  I was looking forward to my first 5K in 2015.  Yeah, I know it was just a recommendation, but I’m leaning towards swimming, biking, brisk walking and some hoops from time to time might have to be enough; but I can’t help but think, my knees had never given me trouble before the injury.  I never noticed I had arthritis.

I am completely thankful I’m no longer in pain.  I had just been so proud that I had pushed myself out of my comfort zone and started exercising four years ago.  I turned off that little voice trying to talk me out of pushing my body.  My first time sweating due to exercise was four years ago while running; now I totally consider sweating a badge of honor!  I had never run before; I had never pushed my body. Oh well, I’m healthy, I’m active, I have other exercise options.  Glass half full, right?  And…it was a recommendation.  One 5K couldn’t hurt, right? companyBy the way, the two days I was on the couch, I had lots of comfort from my furry friends.  I knew I could count on Sammy to keep me company, but I was quite surprised that Molly felt the need to keep close. So sweet!  And the two actually did their best to tolerate each other.

2. Sydney Rose will be home for Christmas.  She comes in on Tuesday but has dinner plans in LA so she won’t be around that night.  She’ll be home Christmas Eve and Christmas and back on a plane to Oregon Friday evening.  Short visit, but so worth it! I sent her the picture of the stitches on my knee which grossed her out…but she did say she was going to show her boyfriend the photo.  Confidence is high my knee will look pretty much normal by the time I see her in a week.

Charlie-Brown3. One evening recently “A Charlie Brown Christmas” came on the TV  while I was working on websites.  I had seen it every year growing up, it was a tradition in my family; but now I fear times have changed and this cartoon special doesn’t hold up.  Those kids were just plain mean; they actually bullied Charlie Brown.  That Lucy was a bitch! And even though the kids had a change of heart at the end, I couldn’t imagine that comic strip special would get released nowadays.  Even Snoopy turned on Charlie Brown!  Damn!!

Santa4. Another thing I like about City Hall is the annual chance to visit with Santa Claus where City employees round up their kids who get to visit with St. Nick. One of these days I’m going to take advantage of a photo op and sit on his lap. 😉

Oh!  And yet another thing I like about City Hall…every week us employees receive an email called “Open Line” from the City Manager’s office and it’s an update on what’s happening in the City and some updates from all the different departments.  Each one of these memos start with a “Quote of the Week”.  Last week the quote was: “Who can’t relate to the idea of leaving one chapter behind and moving on to the next?”  – Mike Shinoda

Yeah, that’s Mike Shinoda from Linkin’ Park.  I even double-checked with the City Manager’s office to see if there was another Mike Shinoda, but I was told, “Oh! He’s a member of a band called “Linkin’ Park”.  How cool is that?

5. Did I ever mention I use to do surveillance work?  Yep, my friend had a P.I.’s license (Private Investigator) and he use to hire me to keep an eye on certain people.  Trust me, this was the most boring job I ever had.  Most cases were women trying to see if they were being cheated on.  The stupidest case was a psychiatrist who wanted to see if her boyfriend was seeing other women; the kicker?  She was married.

chia-pet6. Hchia-pet-bas anyone ever received a Chia Pet for Christmas?  Do people still give those away? While searching for a picture of Chia Pet, I came across a real live chia pet.  Love this sense of humor!  Poor pup!!

7.  By the way, not only was my doctor the best, but the team at CMH outpatient facility totally took care of me.  They were cheerful, attentive, caring and professional.  I didn’t even have a mark on my arm where the IV was inserted!  I’d do it again in a heartbeat!!

8.  Now something even harder to confront.  Wish me luck, I’m about to start my Christmas shopping…any day now.

9.  No matter what religion you follow, I wish you a happy and safe holiday season.  I suspect my next post will be after Christmas.

10.  From my favorite quotes file, “”My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?” — Bob Hope Thanks for your time!!

A Couple of Things…

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Meniscus-MRI1.  The surgery is set.

  • Lung x-ray:  check
  • EKG: check
  • Blood work: check
  • Pre-op appt: check

I’m good to go.  Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow (Friday, December 12) on my right knee.  The surgeon will be fixing a torn Meniscus and taking a look at a torn ligament behind it.  He’s an good-looking older guy who explained to me what to expect as he himself had a torn Meniscus repaired years before.  He told me he wouldn’t tell me what I should or shouldn’t do after the operation which is an out-patient procedure.  I told him I was bummed because I had already arranged to have someone else shoot a show Friday night at the Ventura Theater.

Well we got to talking about music and my website.  I asked if he liked jazz (because he was older), and he said, “No.  My wife and I love punk music.”  I could have died!  I laughed and told him the show I was missing was Pennywise and The Dickies!!  We both had a good laugh how us old folks are old school punkers.  They’re going to the X show Saturday night.

In any case…wish me luck!

2. It’s too funny when a waiter or waitress brings your change when the bill is $14.95, and they give you a five dollar bill and a nickle.  More times than not, they’re going to lose that gamble. Now when it’s 24.95, that might actually work…depending on their stellar service.


3. I have a new “One of the sexiest things I’ve ever seen a man do” moments. I guess now I’m starting a new trend on my blogs.  I saw it posted YouTube.  A video of a wife surprising her man when he returned after a year of service from Afghanistan.  The troops were returned to California, but his family was in Maryland and he was not expecting to see is wife until he got back home.  but she surprised him.  His reaction was about the manliest, most loving conduct becoming a Marine I’ve ever seen. My God! I cried like a baby.


I admit I got sidetracked while searching for the marine video (it was originally posted on Facebook) by a video called Kitty kisses. Turns out I added another “one of the sexiest things I’ve ever seen a man do” to my list.  🙂

4. I have to say I think that bulldog puppies are about the cutest of puppies until I see more photos of puppies…any puppy!  They’re all so freakin’ adorable!!

5. I ran into a guy (out in the civilian world) who comes to City Hall to get permits from time to time and he gave me a really nice compliment, one I had never heard before.  He said he always thought I looked good in jeans.  I had to smile, then a short time later after further conversation he discovered and said with mild shock that I was old enough to be his mother.

Yeah, that’s right.

6. This next photo comes from my new developing file I now call, “Things that are wrong” file:
So wrong

7. I’m of the opinion that Christmas shopping shouldn’t start until the week before Christmas, probably because that’s always when I start my own.  It makes it much more exciting that way don’t you think?

8.  The only thing worse than getting hiccups until you feel drunk, is to actually be drunk and then get the hiccups.

9. I’m still waiting for my midlife crisis to hit. Of course, I may have already missed my window of opportunity. 😉

10. I’ve made a big decision regarding Facebook.  On my personal account, I’m going to delete everyone who has never liked or commented on my posts.  What’s the point of being “Friends?”  If you’re on Facebook to just promote your business or your band, then stay friends with VenturaRocks Facebook page.  Just sayin’!

11. From my favorite quotes file: “No man is a good doctor who has never been sick himself.” ~Chinese Proverb

Thanks for your time!

A Couple of Things…

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city-tech-xmas-20141. Every year in the Transportation Division the Supervisors (Rick Gallegos & Jeff Hereford – 4th & 5th from left) treat the Techs to a Christmas breakfast to show their appreciation for their hard work during the year at City Hall.  This year every one opted for beers & wings instead of eggs & ham.  I like their way of thinking…and so appreciate they include me in this annual tradition.

2. I am acutely aware how the news media puts fear into people’s lives.  They want to keep us scared!  Case in point, did you see these headlines in the past couple of weeks?  “Chocolate Companies Warn Of Looming Global Shortage” or “The World Is Running Out of Chocolate — Is it Time to Panic?” or “Global Chocolate Shortage Possible as World’s Largest Manufacturer Voices Concern”

Freakin’ Bastards!  They really know how to cause a panic!

Molly3. A newly encountered, unforeseen obstacle keeping Sammy from getting up on the bed.  Molly can be such a grump. Just sayin’ Syd!

That being said, I read an article called “9 Signs Your Cat Actually Loves You.”  Turns out, Molly may be a grumpy girl, but she does love me…if I’m to believe this article.  Number 9 is my favorite:

#9 Eye contact with a kitty kiss—if you’re lucky

Cats only tend to make eye contact with those they know well and have developed trust for – so if you catch your kitty giving you the eye, don’t be worried. When your kitty locks eyes with you, casting a slow blink once eyes are met, this is their version of a kiss. Be a sweetie and give them a slow blink in return.

Molly actually gives kisses…though she may be trying to suck the life out of me.  I’m not completely sold she isn’t pure evil.

4. So my left knee is in a constant state of pain.  Trust me, I’m not looking for sympathy.  What worries me the most is my ability to keep active. But good news!  I have found an alternate form of exercise, swimming!  So much easier on the knees.

The date is set for surgery (barring any hitches) which will be on Friday, December 12.  So grateful I don’t have to wait until next month.

5. My cooking is coming along.  I grilled my first steak on the stove, threw together homemade cranberries for Thanksgiving dinner, and I made from scratch split pea soup.  I have to admit, I’m a pretty good cook!  Who knew!  My tip to others who are timid in the kitchen? Use simple recipes.

_stones-lips6. Bobby Keys passed away this week.  I don’t think I’ve felt the loss of someone I never really knew existed before I read about them.  He is the saxophonist whose work can be heard on those 70’s Rolling Stones records…the ones I grew up listening to and to this day still love.

7. I saw a story online about a metal band in Europe where the bass player suffered at ruptured testicle while performing recently in England. The musician, Otto Schimmelpenninck (Yeah, we’ll talk about that name another day), posted on Facebook about his injury warning, “Spoiler alert: you might want to read this another time if you were planning on having sex within the hour or so.”
At least he still has a sense of humor. He went into details about having been hit from behind by one of those streamer cannons. He was in a lot of pain, but made it through the show to discover back stage his scrotum was the size of a grapefruit and at the hospital they removed more than 500 ml of blood. They’ve been able to save his left ball for now.

I can’t help but think that THIS may compare to childbirth.

Too far?  Too soon?

At least with childbirth you know the pain will go away after you endure what feels like you’re being ripped apart. And, you get a baby like Sydney Rose to help you forget the torture.

8. I love that somebody posed the question, “What makes Snopes so credible?  Who is Snopes’ Snopes?”

9. I may be entirely too unyielding when it comes to being served french fries that are not hot; however, I’m willing to live with that.  I hate cold fries!  You’ve been warned.

10. Another great post in the form of meme:

“The Officer said, “You drinking?”
I said, “You buying?”
We laughed and laughed!
I need bail money.

11. Headline story this week:  “Raccoon attacks football player after ‘selfie gone wrong'”

Now if you know me, you know I’m no fan of raccoons, but he killed the critter with a wrench after it bit him.  I call foul play.  Not cool.  The vermin was just minding its own business and felt threatened when he got too close to it.  tsk tsk.

12.  From my favorite quotes file, “The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” – Mahatma Gandhi

We could be in trouble.

Thanks for your time. 🙂

A Couple of Things…

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Syd at school 1.  Thanksgiving is the only meal where I’m typically full before dinner is finally served. Throwback Thursday pix of Syd Rose.  Ain’t she cute?? I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving!  I’ll miss Syd Rose and I’m counting the days to when I get to see her at Christmas.

2.  I’m a big huge proponent of buying local and supporting small business owners.  I’m also a fan of receiving gift certificates (not necessarily buying them).  That being said, I had 4-5 gift certificates for Star Bucks I’ve been working my way through the past week or so.  I stick to the Venti Roasted Brew Blonde, nothing fancy.  I typically brew my own coffee at home and if I run out or I’m running late, I’ll grab a cup of Joe at the local doughnut shop (small business owner) around the corner.  I kind of feel guilty going in there!

3. I overhead a germaphobe talking about how disgusting the habit of spreading germs via birthday cake really is.  Think about it, there’s a dozen or so candles and the person is blowing their germs via hot breath and spittle out over a lovely cake which is then sliced up and handed out to unsuspecting friends and family and then we’re suppose to eat that?  Perhaps we need a new tradition while singing “Happy Birthday”. Next time I’m going to look into one of those handheld fans…not that any of my family or friends have any germs or anything. 😉

4. A few weeks ago on a hot Autumn day, I was in the Vons parking lot near my home when two guys were standing next to their car debating what to do with the small dog they had with them.  They agreed they couldn’t take him in the store, so to my surprise, they started to walk away leaving the dog in the car with the windows rolled up.  I told the closest idiot to me, calmly and matter-of-factly, and with no hint of a question, “You’re not going to leave that dog in the car.” He looked at me guiltily and said, “Yeah, I guess not.” I didn’t use any invalidation and I would like to think he realized I was the voice of his conscious.  I sincerely hope that poor pup is still alive.

5. I miss Stevie Ray Vaughn.

Ventura City Hall6.  I love that some of us at City Hall have a sense of humor.  This was found hanging upstairs outside one of the popular conference rooms.  The signage describing the artwork is priceless.

7. I had the MRI.  They take twenty minutes and you’re suppose to remain at rest.  I think I would have been more relaxed if the MRI technician hadn’t said just as he was leaving the room, “Alright.  Don’t move!”  Great! That was all I could think of for twenty minutes…holding perfectly still yet wanting to move, stretch, and just wiggle about! The only thing worse than the torture of actually holding still, was the threat that I would have to start all over.  Yeah, I remained virtually lifeless.

8.I witnessed something that was about the most sexy thing I’ve ever seen a man do.  Ready for it?  I saw a man pick up his friend’s baby and he comfortably held it and spoke to it and just gave the baby love and affection. OMG!!  Crazy or what? To be fair, I feel the same way when I see a man treat animals with love and compassion.

hot sauce9. I’ve always been a fan of Aerosmith.  I saw them a few times in concert in the Seventies so I was looking forward to reading Joe Perry’s autobiography called, “Rocks: My Life In and Out of Aerosmith.”  I was really enjoying it and it came as a surprise to me how much my memory sucks sometimes when I remembered I actually interviewed Perry for Buzzine Magazine when he came out with his own brand of barbecue sauce around 2002.  He was a nice guy! No degrees of separation!

10. I’m on a quest to improve my cooking skills.  I tend to get irritated and give up when I read a recipe which uses some ingredient I’ve never heard of or some equipment that I’ll never use again, or some skill I’ve never mastered.  So I had the bright idea to start with REALLY simple recipes (there’s actually a website for clueless cooks like me), and I mastered my first poached eggs.  Bam!

11. I figured out that “Comfort Food” is code for “fattening”.

12. From my favorite quotes file:  “For I don’t care too much for money, for money can’t buy me love.” The Beatles

Thanks for your time!

Yeah, I’ve decided to end my blogs with a different sign off.  I was signing off with “Thanks for listening”, but are readers actually listening?

Dictionary.com gives these definitions: LISTEN verb (used without object)
1. to give attention with the ear; attend closely for the purpose of hearing; give ear.
2. to pay attention; heed; obey (often followed by to): Children don’t always listen to their parents.
3. to wait attentively for a sound (usually followed by for): to listen for sounds of their return.
4. Informal. to convey a particular impression to the hearer; sound: The new recording doesn’t listen as well as the old one.

I guess definition #2 is close, but I’m going with “Thanks for your time.” 🙂

A Couple of Things…

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Samantha Boom Boom Baumgardner1. Look who is using her new steps!!! You can teach an old dog new tricks…with the help of bacon.  Now I can sleep through the night and Sammy can get up on the bed whenever she wants.  I had to place a towel on them so she could get some traction, otherwise she slipped when she jumped.  Thanks to all those who sent me information on steps for dogs, and a big shout out to Sergio for dropping off these steps, I owe you a burrito!

2. A torn Meniscus is the likely culprit for the pain I’ve been experiencing in my right knee. I get an MRI on Monday.  Also on a side note, Rolling Oaks Radiology has evening appointments.  How cool is that?  I don’t have to take time away from work for the MRI. My Nissan dealership on the other hand, two hours for an oil change.  Really??  They threw in a tire rotation (without asking), so I guess I still came out ahead, but it was frustrating.

2. I had a random woman commit on how much she really liked my gray hair.  I honestly didn’t know how to respond.  I’d like to think her intent was not to introvert me, but geez! By the way, I do my best to research words or phrases when I write; case in point, should I have used grey over gray?  Turns out, “gray” is only used in the United States, but “grey” is used everywhere else English is spoken. No worries about the gray, I’m feeling pretty good about myself again after finally figuring out how to change the time on my car’s clock.

3. I don’t understand how a place called “Anytime Fitness” has hours posted on their doors.

4. Have you seen that Facebook app where you can find out which holiday matches your personality?  I’m going out on a limb here and I’m guessing mine would be April Fool’s Day.

5.  All you should do is to continue to help, even when the “forces” of bad behavior dictate that you should stop.  Improving conditions for self, and your community are amongst the worthiest of endeavors in this life.

6. Did I ever mention I received my divorce documents on Christmas Eve 2004? (see previous #4)

7. I typically find that when someone says, “To make a long story short”, it’s already too late.  Sometimes I tell them as much. 😉

8. Have you tried that “seasonal” ice cream at Baskin Robbins?  It’s called “First Class Camouflage” in honor of Veteran’s Day and the flavors are – wait for it – chocolate, salty caramel and vanilla cake flavor.   They had me at salty caramel…until I actually tried it.  It just tasted like chocolate to me. I’ll stick to my Pralines and Cream.

9. While driving home recently, I spoke to a young man who was standing at the end of the 101 off ramp near my neighborhood.  He had a sign saying he was hungry.  I pulled up next to him and politely asked him why he didn’t get a job.  And he looked at me and said without any sort of apology, yet politely, “Honestly? I’m not hungry.  I’m a drug addict.”  I thanked him for not bullshitting me then I asked what drug and he said it was Heroin.  I told him when I younger and I use to do drugs the rule was always, “NEVER DO HEROIN.”  He said, “I know, I know!.” In any case, we made a connection, had a laugh, and I wished him luck on gaining sobriety.  He said, “Thank you.” I meant it.

10. I love Acronyms and I tend to use them mostly on Facebook and obviously when I text.  That being said, it defeats the purpose when you have to explain them, so here now a short tutorial.  I use these often:

  • LOL: Laughing Out Loud
  • FYI: For Your Information
  • OMG: Oh My God
  • SMH: Shaking My Head
  • TBT: Throw Back Thursday
  • BYOB or BYOW: Bring Your Own Beer or Bring Your Own Wine

These are new ones I’m considering:

  • TBH: To Be Honest
  • HMU: Hit Me Up
  • TL;DR: Too Long; Didn’t Read

or

  • TL;DL Too Long; Didn’t Listen (regarding a voicemail, which happens more than I care to admit)
  • ELI5: Explain Like I’m 5 (years old)
  • IANAD: I Am Not A Doctor (to be prefaced with “Dammit!”
  • MTFBWY: May the Force Be With You

11. There is an actual website called FlipText.org where you can enter text and they will “flip”it for you.  You can then insert it on Facebook or in a text message.  Like this: ¿sıɥʇ sı ssǝןʇuıod ʍoɥ

12. From my Favorite Quotes File, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.’ – Dalai Lama Thanks for listening!