That's What Friends Are For

They:

are there when things are good or bad
and don't run at the first sign of a conflict
"get" your quirks
and don't judge you because of them
let you be stupid when you need to be
and understand why
are concerned with silence
are honest and appreciate honesty back
allow you in when they need someone
respect your feelings and
don't take your friendship for granted
don't make assumptions based on idle chatter
aren't afraid to tell you that they are glad you are their friend.

Late Monday Musing

After seeing Across the Universe again, I realized that while Jim Sturgess is immensely talented, I felt myself more drawn to Joe Anderson. Maybe because of the raw emotionality of his part, or maybe because he is.... hot. OK - Definitely both.

Goodbye Uncle Jack

Earlier this week my Uncle Jack passed away in Florida. He was the last of my grandparent's generation and was very special to me, as was my Auntie Anne (his wife). She passed away a couple of years ago. Uncle Jack would have been 99 in a few months and almost up until the end was still his gregarious self. Until recently he was still playing golf!

Jack was my Grandma Betty's brother-in-law and we saw him and Anne quite often. They were always so full of life and love for the family and I was always so excited when they visited.

I wish I could have visited with him one last time....... but isn't that always the case?

Crossroads

A crossroad. You don't see it coming most of the time until you are staring it directly in the face. It doesn't really matter what it is - it could be work, or deciding to change your appearance, not liking your where you are living and moving, or relationships. It can be simple as a haircut or more life changing.

Yesterday while wandering peacefully around Central Park, several scenarios came to mind that I had time to think clearly about without the interruptions of "daily life". It was rather lovely to be able to just have a stream of consciousness going.

One of thoughts that came meandering in was - when is it ok to give up when something is not working for you? When is the point where it's too much to keep going, and be able to find the strength to let go for your own well being? Taking control comes easy for some people..... it takes me forever to make those decisions because I tend to hang in there until it's too late. It's my faith and optimism that it's all ok that sometimes prevents me from seeing clearly. When the clouds finally part, I have a tough time dealing with the fallout, but eventually know exactly why things happen the way they do. There are the times of course, where I have a laser sharp vision right from the get go, but let things develop and see how they pan out. I am almost always right about my first vibes.

So now, at a crossroad... I have some decisions to make.

Fun With Weight Watchers Points

There is a site I use for reference when I need help with knowing how many points certain foods have. It was been a very valuable tool in helping me make healthy choices. I have tested some of the values and most of them are almost dead on within a half a point.

Here are some of the more eclectic values for those whose tastes run towards the adventurous:

Emu,cooked

1 oz.

1

Butter,regular

1 cup

51

Now *there's* a tasty treat eaten only while calling the cardiologist

Frog's legs,fried

2 (3 oz. with bone)

4

because really, fried WITHOUT the bone?... how gauche

Armadillo,cooked

1 oz.

1

Beaver,cooked

1 oz.

1

(insert joke here....)

Brewer's yeast

1 tsp.

0

Now, who is eating this as a snack?

Buffalo, water cooked

1 oz.

1

God knows, you wouldn't want to fry this to make it even tastier.....

Caribou,cooked

1 oz.

1

the point value that every overweight lion needs to have as a reference

Cholent

1 1/2 cups

5

I just felt every Jew reading this... shiver with disgust

Raccoon,cooked

1 oz.

2

apparently a beaver is leaner

Squirrel,cooked

1 oz.

1

hhhummmm - there is plenty of free food in my parking lot

As much fun as the listing of food can be - it really is a valuable tool in making decisions.

The Queen of White Lies

So I'm driving home from the City really, really late one night last week and a song came on the radio that I fell in love with immediately. - The Queen of White Lies. I found out that it is by a young local NYC band called the Orion Experience, led by Orion Simprini- they are so much fun. A little poppy throwback with an energetic, fresh great sound. Check them out - the album is called Cosmicandy.

Some lyrics from The Queen of White Lies:

Ooh you're like that Cheshire Cat,
There's a devil that resides behind your smile.
You've got them diamond eyes, they hypnotize
You're unsuspecting victims with your style.

A Rose By Any Other Name....

It just subliminally says....

GET ME A VAGINA AND QUICK!