Monday, February 27, 2006
The Highs, The Lows, and the Plainly Odd
The Plainly Odd: I thought I was done with the whole "My name is Lola" stuff. Haven't heard the Kink's play "Lola" at all. The Copacabana song is (thankfully!) gone from my mind, no more humming it at odd moments. Then today, I heard the Kinks sing "Destroyer". First line "I met a girl called Lola".
Guess what, I guess I'm still Lola.
The Highs: Watching the mayor of Vancouver, Sam Sullivan, accept the Olympic flag at the end of the Winter Games. Why? The man is a quadraplegic and has been since a skiing accident at age 19. His quote?
Gotta love a guy with class. He was told it might be wise to allow someone else (read an ABLEBODIED someone else) handle the flag for him. He refused, having a custom made piece placed on his motorized wheelchair to hold the flag and then after receiving it, turning tight circles (with limited upperbody mobility to guide the chair) to make the flag wave properly. He said:
Definately a high point.
Another High: Saw THE CONSTANT GARDENER last evening. Fantastic movie, and no, I had not read the book. Well done and well protrayed all the way around. I applaud heartily the acting of Ralph Fiennes, as always. But I have to hold my breath (and turn blue) for the brilliant versatility of .... Bill Nighy. This actor has made me roll with laughter LOVE ACTUALLY and shiver with fear UNDERWORLD among many, many, MANY roles. I won't tell you his character in this film, I won't be giving any plot comments, because, well ... that would be just plain low.
As for another LOW:
The night commuters of Uganda. I had read some on CNN about these children and their plight and fears (very real fears). My heart broke for them, marching every night to town and safety from their home villages to avoid being kidnapped and tortured, raped, and things I won't even mention here (but go search for yourself if you will). Then, in watching THE CONSTANT GARDNER, which is set in Kenya there was a scene from the Sudan that showed a raid and children being taken. I can tell you, it wrenches the heart terribly to know that this is going on in the world we all live in.
I have some guilt. I live comfortably. Not rich and not even middle-class really, but nicely comfortable. Some months are better than others at bill paying. I worry about crime in the area at times. But nothing like these children face daily in their reality. In the movie, one of the lines really helped me - and forgive me for paraphrasing but basically ... you may not be able to help everyone, the problem is too big for that, but if you can help just ONE - that is a big difference, far bigger than you or I can ever realize.
I may not have a lot, but if I find a way (and there are THOUSANDS of ways both big and small), then I will have made a difference. I won't extoll anyone else to do the same, but .... okay, yes I will. If you can help someone in need, anyone, no matter how big or small, it will make a difference.
Lola
Guess what, I guess I'm still Lola.
The Highs: Watching the mayor of Vancouver, Sam Sullivan, accept the Olympic flag at the end of the Winter Games. Why? The man is a quadraplegic and has been since a skiing accident at age 19. His quote?
"Some have questioned the wisdom of Vancouver sending its worst skiier to Torino."
Gotta love a guy with class. He was told it might be wise to allow someone else (read an ABLEBODIED someone else) handle the flag for him. He refused, having a custom made piece placed on his motorized wheelchair to hold the flag and then after receiving it, turning tight circles (with limited upperbody mobility to guide the chair) to make the flag wave properly. He said:
"The worst case scenario - the flag blows in my face and I fall off the edge of the stage."
Definately a high point.
Another High: Saw THE CONSTANT GARDENER last evening. Fantastic movie, and no, I had not read the book. Well done and well protrayed all the way around. I applaud heartily the acting of Ralph Fiennes, as always. But I have to hold my breath (and turn blue) for the brilliant versatility of .... Bill Nighy. This actor has made me roll with laughter LOVE ACTUALLY and shiver with fear UNDERWORLD among many, many, MANY roles. I won't tell you his character in this film, I won't be giving any plot comments, because, well ... that would be just plain low.
As for another LOW:
The night commuters of Uganda. I had read some on CNN about these children and their plight and fears (very real fears). My heart broke for them, marching every night to town and safety from their home villages to avoid being kidnapped and tortured, raped, and things I won't even mention here (but go search for yourself if you will). Then, in watching THE CONSTANT GARDNER, which is set in Kenya there was a scene from the Sudan that showed a raid and children being taken. I can tell you, it wrenches the heart terribly to know that this is going on in the world we all live in.
I have some guilt. I live comfortably. Not rich and not even middle-class really, but nicely comfortable. Some months are better than others at bill paying. I worry about crime in the area at times. But nothing like these children face daily in their reality. In the movie, one of the lines really helped me - and forgive me for paraphrasing but basically ... you may not be able to help everyone, the problem is too big for that, but if you can help just ONE - that is a big difference, far bigger than you or I can ever realize.
I may not have a lot, but if I find a way (and there are THOUSANDS of ways both big and small), then I will have made a difference. I won't extoll anyone else to do the same, but .... okay, yes I will. If you can help someone in need, anyone, no matter how big or small, it will make a difference.
Lola
Thursday, February 23, 2006
L-O-L-A Lola, lo-lo-lo-lo Lola
Okay, I am still on the Lola kick. Why? Because on Wednesday night I was watching AMERICAN IDOL and there was this male contestant who sang Barry Manilow's song about Lola and the Copacabana.
I don't think I would have minded being hounded by this name if he hadn't sung the song so awfully. He sucked. Absolutely awful. I just wanted to whimper.
P.S. I don't have yellow feathers in my hair, but I might be able to come up with a low cut outfit or two. And though I never was a show girl per se, I have been on stage many a time.
Weirdness abounds
Lola
I don't think I would have minded being hounded by this name if he hadn't sung the song so awfully. He sucked. Absolutely awful. I just wanted to whimper.
P.S. I don't have yellow feathers in my hair, but I might be able to come up with a low cut outfit or two. And though I never was a show girl per se, I have been on stage many a time.
Weirdness abounds
Lola
Monday, February 20, 2006
Whatever Lola Wants
Hi, my name is now Lola.
As some know, and as some are about to learn, I am an Occupational Therapy Assistant. I sometimes work PRN (extra) at a local nursing home. There is this sweet little woman there that I met today. She is 103 years old and she grabbed my hands and wouldn't let go. Apparently she knows my mama and my grandmama and I am so beautiful, and have a lovely name, and my grandmama put up with a "drinking man" but did what she had to do and raised a lovely family.
Do I have to explain that this little farming community woman has never met my mother or grandmother and my name is not Lola? But we had a lovely time chatting and she is truly a sweet, wonderful little woman.
So as far as I am concerned, you may now call me Lola.
By the way, when I got in the car and turned on the Broadway station on my radio the song that came on was Gwen Verndon singing "Whatever Lola Wants" from the DAMN YANKEES show. And no, I wasn't cursing, that's the name of the show.
Ta for now, God Bless,
Lola
As some know, and as some are about to learn, I am an Occupational Therapy Assistant. I sometimes work PRN (extra) at a local nursing home. There is this sweet little woman there that I met today. She is 103 years old and she grabbed my hands and wouldn't let go. Apparently she knows my mama and my grandmama and I am so beautiful, and have a lovely name, and my grandmama put up with a "drinking man" but did what she had to do and raised a lovely family.
Do I have to explain that this little farming community woman has never met my mother or grandmother and my name is not Lola? But we had a lovely time chatting and she is truly a sweet, wonderful little woman.
So as far as I am concerned, you may now call me Lola.
By the way, when I got in the car and turned on the Broadway station on my radio the song that came on was Gwen Verndon singing "Whatever Lola Wants" from the DAMN YANKEES show. And no, I wasn't cursing, that's the name of the show.
Ta for now, God Bless,
Lola
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Ode to Ken, Billie Joe, and Henry Gale
Have you seen the new look of the Ken doll???? It's Billie Joe from Green Day minus eye make-up but plus a man-purse. Check it out .... Here's the new Ken although you have to scroll down an iota. And here is Billie Joe!
That's just too plain weird.
Oh. And .... did anyone catch the name of the STRANGER on "LOST" tonight???? Henry Gale. Henry Gale from Minnisota in a HOT AIR BALLOON. Can we count the references to THE WIZARD OF OZ?????
1. Henry Gale is the name of Dorothy's Uncle. Uncle Henry. Dorothy Gale.
2. Hot air balloon being flown off course and crashing. Hello? Wizard anyone?
3. And this has nothing to do with Oz ... BUT - the American soldier in the back of the vehicle with Sayid had a picture of his daughter. IT WAS KATE. That was her military "dad" ... the one she later went to visit in the recruiting office.
Lions and Tigers and Polar Bears, oh my!
That's just too plain weird.
Oh. And .... did anyone catch the name of the STRANGER on "LOST" tonight???? Henry Gale. Henry Gale from Minnisota in a HOT AIR BALLOON. Can we count the references to THE WIZARD OF OZ?????
1. Henry Gale is the name of Dorothy's Uncle. Uncle Henry. Dorothy Gale.
2. Hot air balloon being flown off course and crashing. Hello? Wizard anyone?
3. And this has nothing to do with Oz ... BUT - the American soldier in the back of the vehicle with Sayid had a picture of his daughter. IT WAS KATE. That was her military "dad" ... the one she later went to visit in the recruiting office.
Lions and Tigers and Polar Bears, oh my!
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Olympic Thoughts
I know I love watching the Olympics. I'm cool with being an Olympic geek. What I hate is going into work and NO ONE watched the night before. When I tried to relate my deep respect for the little Chinese figure skater who was so brave to finish the event after falling during a quad attempt, when I was told "I don't care".
Flat out. "I don't care." No humoring me, no listening politely. I was kinda shocked to tell the truth. My best friends don't watch and could care less as well. I didn't realize how lonely that made me feel til I drove over to my mother's home in Greenville (for her birthday dinner). I walked in to find my mom and step-dad watching curling (Japanese and USA women). They HAD watched last night and felt the same way I did about it all. Then my step-brother and his wife came over briefly and acknowledged that they watched as well.
To all you Olympic not-carers .... boooooo.
I know and accept you have your own feelings and if you don't care to watch, fine. But I can't help but feel that you are missing out on something. "Something" that I can't quite definre ... it's not really a feeling of world closeness or peace, but it has elements of that. It's not really pride in your team, or an underdog, but those have elements in there as well. I really can't describe how ... NICE it is to watch people give their very all despite hardship, financial ruin, and out and out pain simply to show their best to the whole world.
BTW ... congrats to Joey Cheek of Greensboro, NC on his gold medal victory in speed skating.
Ta
Flat out. "I don't care." No humoring me, no listening politely. I was kinda shocked to tell the truth. My best friends don't watch and could care less as well. I didn't realize how lonely that made me feel til I drove over to my mother's home in Greenville (for her birthday dinner). I walked in to find my mom and step-dad watching curling (Japanese and USA women). They HAD watched last night and felt the same way I did about it all. Then my step-brother and his wife came over briefly and acknowledged that they watched as well.
To all you Olympic not-carers .... boooooo.
I know and accept you have your own feelings and if you don't care to watch, fine. But I can't help but feel that you are missing out on something. "Something" that I can't quite definre ... it's not really a feeling of world closeness or peace, but it has elements of that. It's not really pride in your team, or an underdog, but those have elements in there as well. I really can't describe how ... NICE it is to watch people give their very all despite hardship, financial ruin, and out and out pain simply to show their best to the whole world.
BTW ... congrats to Joey Cheek of Greensboro, NC on his gold medal victory in speed skating.
Ta
Monday, February 13, 2006
I lurve my SP!
Hello there!
Just returned from a weekend with friends, including a party for my friend Dana who just retired from the Air Force. And just an added note ... I met Dana and his wife and children a few years ago through mutual friends. We were all shocked to learn that though we all live in NC, Dana and I attended rival high schools in the same town in Missouri, and only graduated two years apart! He's older btw. :) How small a world is it?
But, just to continue, when I got home there was a box on my doorstep from my Secret Pal 6 who is quickly moving into LEGENDARY status. She sent me chocolate fortune cookies, three bags of different flavor hot cocoa mixes, a book by J.D. Robb that I didn't have yet ... and .... AND .... Knit Picks "Shimmer" (70% baby alpaca, 30% silk) in this absolutely GORGEOUS colorway and it's sooooo soft! She also decided to challenge me, sending along a lace pattern called "Elizabeth I". I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! Thank you Secret Pal of Legend!
Oh yes, and there was a card. With a frog. I collect frogs, but don't tell people so much as I'm picky about my frogs. She nailed it. It's adorable! And here was the inside poem:
Now, how perfect was that? And hereeeeeeee are the pictures!
Oh, and the back of the card reads "The Pickle Factory". Any possible relation to Miss Pickle? I wonder .....................
And just for fun, here is a picture of Dana's medal display and retirement cake:
Oh, and I'm a certified Olympic-aholic. Sports I never watch I can't get enough of every 4 years. Gotta run ... Team USA is facing off against Finland in curling ....
I am NOT kidding.
Just returned from a weekend with friends, including a party for my friend Dana who just retired from the Air Force. And just an added note ... I met Dana and his wife and children a few years ago through mutual friends. We were all shocked to learn that though we all live in NC, Dana and I attended rival high schools in the same town in Missouri, and only graduated two years apart! He's older btw. :) How small a world is it?
But, just to continue, when I got home there was a box on my doorstep from my Secret Pal 6 who is quickly moving into LEGENDARY status. She sent me chocolate fortune cookies, three bags of different flavor hot cocoa mixes, a book by J.D. Robb that I didn't have yet ... and .... AND .... Knit Picks "Shimmer" (70% baby alpaca, 30% silk) in this absolutely GORGEOUS colorway and it's sooooo soft! She also decided to challenge me, sending along a lace pattern called "Elizabeth I". I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! Thank you Secret Pal of Legend!
Oh yes, and there was a card. With a frog. I collect frogs, but don't tell people so much as I'm picky about my frogs. She nailed it. It's adorable! And here was the inside poem:
"May your frogging days be over.
May you never drop a stitch.
May you have your fill of fiber.
May it never make you itch."
Now, how perfect was that? And hereeeeeeee are the pictures!
Oh, and the back of the card reads "The Pickle Factory". Any possible relation to Miss Pickle? I wonder .....................
And just for fun, here is a picture of Dana's medal display and retirement cake:
Oh, and I'm a certified Olympic-aholic. Sports I never watch I can't get enough of every 4 years. Gotta run ... Team USA is facing off against Finland in curling ....
I am NOT kidding.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Last package
I got home last night to a lovely surprise, the final box from my secret pal from round 5 - who happened to be the wonderful cmTigger!
I would have posted these last night, but I was very sick. Really sick. Ucky sick. Happily, I feel much better today, although it was a bit questionable around 2:30 or so.
Anyway, back to the NICE things in life. Here are some pictures of the box from cmTigger. There's some bath gel and note cards that are soooo cute! There was also some chocolate ... which is no longer quite as intact as when it arrived. And there was some Romney wool plyed with an unknown fiber that is quite lovely and a ball of Angelina Sparkles that is making my eyes sparkle with ideas for what it wants to become!
Here goes:
and:
Later y'all .... and just a word about PROJECT RUNWAY. Sorry to see Nick go, but that outfit was not so good. Did NOT like the jumpsuit. At all.
I would have posted these last night, but I was very sick. Really sick. Ucky sick. Happily, I feel much better today, although it was a bit questionable around 2:30 or so.
Anyway, back to the NICE things in life. Here are some pictures of the box from cmTigger. There's some bath gel and note cards that are soooo cute! There was also some chocolate ... which is no longer quite as intact as when it arrived. And there was some Romney wool plyed with an unknown fiber that is quite lovely and a ball of Angelina Sparkles that is making my eyes sparkle with ideas for what it wants to become!
Here goes:
and:
Later y'all .... and just a word about PROJECT RUNWAY. Sorry to see Nick go, but that outfit was not so good. Did NOT like the jumpsuit. At all.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Just a Little Valentine Nosh
Alrighty then!
My new Secret Pal has already begun the spoilage. I came home to a delicious (literally) surprise!
See? Just a delicious surprise that put a smile on my face and a bounce in my step. Secret Pal? You rock.
Ta!
My new Secret Pal has already begun the spoilage. I came home to a delicious (literally) surprise!
See? Just a delicious surprise that put a smile on my face and a bounce in my step. Secret Pal? You rock.
Ta!
Friday, February 03, 2006
Tagged!
I've been Tagged by mtwelovett!
4 jobs you have had:
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Personal Assistant to an actress/international speaker/author
Answering Service telephone operator
4 movies you could watch over and over:
13th Warrior
The 5th Element
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead
Big Trouble
4 TV shows you love to watch:
Lost
Project Runway
House
Bones
4 places you have been on vacation:
Galveston, Texas
Houston, Texas
Myrtle Beach, SC
Outer Banks, NC
4 websites you visit daily:
Television Without Pity
Waiterrant.net
CNN
Yahoo Games
4 of your favorite foods:
Ice Cream
Crab Rangoon
Spring/Egg rolls
Pizza
4 places you'd rather be right now:
Visiting friends
London
Tokyo
Australia
4 places you've lived
Conroe, TX
Springfield, MO
Houston, TX
Greenville, NC
4 bloggers you are tagging:
(ouch, mtwelovett tagged the ones I know too!)
uhm,
linzknits
monkeemaven
shonze
4 jobs you have had:
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Personal Assistant to an actress/international speaker/author
Answering Service telephone operator
4 movies you could watch over and over:
13th Warrior
The 5th Element
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead
Big Trouble
4 TV shows you love to watch:
Lost
Project Runway
House
Bones
4 places you have been on vacation:
Galveston, Texas
Houston, Texas
Myrtle Beach, SC
Outer Banks, NC
4 websites you visit daily:
Television Without Pity
Waiterrant.net
CNN
Yahoo Games
4 of your favorite foods:
Ice Cream
Crab Rangoon
Spring/Egg rolls
Pizza
4 places you'd rather be right now:
Visiting friends
London
Tokyo
Australia
4 places you've lived
Conroe, TX
Springfield, MO
Houston, TX
Greenville, NC
4 bloggers you are tagging:
(ouch, mtwelovett tagged the ones I know too!)
uhm,
linzknits
monkeemaven
shonze
