I have always been horribly offended by politicians exploiting dead soldiers and the Bush machine has it down to a science. Whenever Iraq comes into question, there seems to be a soldier's letter to publicize. It especially makes me sick now that my cousin is serving there. I can't imagine how those soldier's families feel.

What Do I Win?

I made it through the whole thing. Well, except for the very beginning when I flipped to the Chappelle Show. C'mon and cut me some slack. It was the one with John Mayer and ?uestlove.

Let Me Get This Straight

The only way to prevent further attacks on our country and protect this great nation of ours is to perform illegal wiretaps? Awesome.

Shocker - he pushed for more tax cuts and only the repubs stood and clapped. Let's be honest - one of the main reason I watch SOTU is to watch the reaction shots of Congress and how many times only the right stands up. Sigh. A house divided falls. Didn't these people take history?

I don't think I've ever laughed during SOTU until now when I just watched the left stand and applaud when Dub complained about Congress not passing his SS reform.

I Should Know Better

But I am going to try to watch the State of the Union. I can't promise I will make it through the entire thing. Already irritated by the mention of his spend the capital comment and that this is his 6th year. Oooooh!!! Only about 1,000 days left. Thank the good Lord above.

I Need An Assistant

I've had to change dates on my Vegas trip three times now because I keep forgetting about previous commitments in my overexcitement about the trip. It is all set, don't fear, I will have stories for you by the end of February. Although I can't promise if I will be able to tell them... Anyways, my month is now pretty booked solid, but not solid enough for me to squeeze more stuff into every day. Paul used to get so mad at me for asking every week what the plans were.  See above for why I would ask.

Where Am I?

It is January 30th in Washington D.C. and I am walking outside sans coat and have no fear of hypothermia.

Monday, Monday

Can't trust that day. Bah dah, bah dah bah dah. So typical Monday after a rock star weekend - I'm tired. But I'm in a great mood because I had a really fun, fun weekend (more later). I'm looking pretty, my hair is behaving, I've lost 10 pounds and have been running without gasping for awhile now - all in all a great morning. I walked into our building's lobby, smiled and said "good morning" to the desk lady as I do every morning and headed to the open elevator. Just as I was 5 feet away, a woman rounded the corner, cheerily said "good morning", got in the elevator and closed the door on me. That dirty whore. So rude. I wish I was vindictive or a grudge holder because she works in the building and I know I'm going to have the opportunity to shut the elevator on her while smiling a "good morning" to her. I just know I won't be able to do it though. Stupid good upbringing.

I was still hopeful about the day, but then Paul and I got into a tiff. Yes, we're still talking even though he keeps saying he needs space and a break from me. To me, taking space or a break from someone means not communicating with that individual. So I was all set to not talk with him for awhile. But he contacts me, so I've been doing the same. Most times I let him do the initiating, but there are times (like Friday night when I'd had some drinks) that I text or email him. We actually spent time together late Saturday night/early Sunday morning and it seemed to go well. He did try to bring some stuff up, but I managed to distract him from the subjects and the tryst ended with me hopeful that we have gotten over whatever issues we were having and were heading into a friendship. Well, that changed today when we realized we have tickets to the same concert Friday night. Long story short, I'm ditching my tickets because evidently my presence in such a small venue would just absolutely ruin his evening. I swear I wish I knew of a song titled "Make Up Your Mind About What You Want" by "I'll Give You a Call When I Graduate Jr. High"

Before you say, "oh Plan B, how awful that these people ruined your fantastic Monday morning mood" (ah ah ah alliteration - who sang that?) I will let you know my day just got better for two reasons.

1. My boss is out of the office today which means I'll actually be able to get work done.
2. My friend has cajoled me into going to Vegas in February. I love the Vegas and haven't been forever. Plus, she and I always have a great time - it is highly rumored our antics created the slogan "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas".

Song of the Night

Hide Another Mistake - The 88

Great song to get ready to.

Things I Learned Last Night

1. Not everyone thinks of the tv show upon hearing the words "Arrested Development". One of the guys last night said "I used to live next door to one of them". Turns out he was talking about the musical group.

2. Some gay men get turned on by women's breasts. Who knew? It does make me think even more that one of my exes is at least bi-sexual. It was always in the back of my mind that he was gay and not admitting it to himself, but he really loves big boobs. Now it makes a bit more sense.  Either way, I would just like to see him happy with himself.

3. Drinking on an empty stomach makes you do incredibly stupid things. No duh. And yes, I realize I am old enough to know better.

No Dumpy Butts in the U.S.

Say what you will about Tucker Carlson but the guy cracks me up. Click above to read his interview with Michael Feldenkrais, an attorney representing a former Playboy playmate who was deported recently.

Among the funny:
CARLSON: You‘re saying that because this girl has a cute butt, she should be a U.S. citizen?

CARLSON: Do you think—is there a porn shortage in this country, do you think? I mean, is there a lack of homegrown porn actresses? Is this a crisis?
FELDENKRAIS: I do not believe it‘s a crisis. There‘s definitely a lot of talent out there. And but that doesn‘t stop us from...
CARLSON: Why should we flood the market with cheap foreign imports, thereby forcing our own porn actresses out of work and oppressing their wages?

Ah Tucker, fighting for the good old US of A.

What?!?!?

I'm going to say something and I know I shouldn't but here goes. Drew Lachey is sexy. I know I know. I have recently sworn off men shorter than me (it isn't a completely superficial thing - I haven't ever cared but I was reminded how nice it is to kiss someone taller than me and I am determined to enjoy more kissing in my next relationship) but I find myself strangely attracted to him watching him dance.

Because You're Mine, I Walk the Line

Jim and I went to the movies Saturday night and saw Walk The Line. We've both gone back and forth between wanting to see it and not since it was released. So we bit the bullet and went - got there pretty early but were ultimately thankful because the theater was packed. Must have been the Golden Globe wins the weekend before. I would have really liked to see more explanation about the song "Ring of Fire". It was written by June at a pivotal point in her relationship with Johnny and I really think it should have been emphasized more than just a quick scence. The movie was good - I never forgot I was watching Reese Witherspoon though. I have a thing about actors portraying actual people and winning awards. To me it doesn't seem like acting so much as imitating something that has already been done. I equate it to winning a Grammy for a remake of a song. The actor doesn't have to create, rather they recreate something that has already existed.


Regardless, I'm glad we saw it. I'm one of those people that feel the need to see all the nominated films each year. I'll admit it is mostly because I like to feel justified at the outrage I feel when things happen like Gwyneth Paltrow winning over Cate Blanchett (still irritated over that one). I really just have Munich and Capote still to see so I'm in pretty good shape.

Sleep is Good, Katie is Great

The sleep thing went okay I guess. I didn't sleep well (shocker) but that may have been due to the 17 electrodes attached to me or the plastic tube in my nose or the wire taped to my chin or..... Regardless of why, I woke up about 6 or 7 times during the night.

Katie, seeing how high strung I was last night when she dropped me off, decided to pick me up in the morning. She is a superstar. It really helped me to know that someone would be there for me in the morning.

She is not a morning person at all so it was even more stellar of her to come get me that early. When she dropped me off this morning I had every intention of getting ready and going to work. I just couldn't. I was so exhausted I decided to use one of my 20 sick days. So I slept literally all day and it was awesome.

I'll get the results next week when I meet with my doctor. Hopefully they will show something that explains what has been going on.

Dun Dun Dun

So I'm here having been dropped off by Katie who managed to calm me down. I'm still a bit creeped out by the whole thing but feeling less apprehensive which is good.

I'm Not Getting Sleepy

I have my sleep study thing tonight and I gotta admit I'm getting a bit freaked out about it. Okay, freaked out may be an overstatement, apprehensive is a much better word. I have to get there at 9 tonight (Katie rocks for volunteering to drive me) and I am there until 6:30 tomorrow morning. I wish I hadn't read about what they're going to do - namely the small metal cup electrodes they will affix to my scalp. That doesn't sound anywhere near fun or comfortable. Another thing concerning me is this: what am I going to do from 9 until 11:30 when I usually go to sleep?

Walking home I had all these thoughts going through my mind and I really missed Paul for a minute. This is the kind of time when I would talk to him and just hearing his voice would make me calmer. But that is not an option and thinking that led me to realizing Paul probably wouldn't have been understanding. He would have teased or mocked me for being a bit fearful of this, which probably would have made me laugh, but isn't what I need right now. So I only missed him for a couple minutes, but that was enough to kinda bum me out.  Does he miss me ever? Does he wonder how I'm doing? Blah blah blah...

I can't wait for this to be done. Bright side -  maybe I will finish my book club book finally.

Crash

I finally watched this movie over the weekend. I've been hearing what a "life-changing" movie it is with only one dissenting opinion - Jim's. So I was really curious about this film. I hated it. I forced myself to sit through the entire thing even after the first 20 minutes made me want to run. Here is the problem I had with this movie. There may be more.

In general, films about social issues are either really good or really bad. Great directors and writers will lead you to a conclusion about the issue at hand without explicitly telling you what you should think. When you are told what to think, then the director and writer have thrown objectivity out the window and started lecturing about their own moralistic agenda. A good director/writer will make a film about racism impartially and the viewer will draw his own conclusion. Hopefully that it is bad and the result of ignorance and hatred, but that is me lecturing. Regardless, the audience seeing this type of film is usually predisposed to that point of view.

In the case of Crash, Paul Haggis doesn't trust either the viewer's intelligence or his own abilities, so he compiles a series of bigoted, nasty people of different races all hating on everyone not like them to make sure he has convinced you of just how bad things have become in America since 9/11. The characters are so over the top and overblown in their hatred of stereotypes (all the while voicing their own stereotypes)that the movie becomes a satire of itself. Unfortunately, this satire is completely unintended and it makes a really bad film.

Cure v. Smiths

Friday night I went to the Black Cat for a Cure v. Smiths dance off. Quite possibly the most fun 5 hours of dancing in my life. Angie sent out the call for someone to go with and I couldn't resist. I like The Cure, love The Smiths and a night of dancing and good music with a guaranteed good time (Angie - no not like that, she's married and a girl she is just one of those peeps that has fun in any situation and it is contagious) sounded like just what I needed after a long week.

It was so much fun! After a number of beers we began talking to everyone (the place was packed) finding out two things. 1. Which is your fav - Cure or Smiths? And 2. Do you feel as old as we do?

The Rest of Last Weekend

Sunday I cleaned house and did a bunch of laundry until I got antsy at the thought of being cooped up inside so I decided to go see a movie. I got to the theater and the only one beginning around the right time was Rumour Has It. I've heard nothing but scathing reviews but there is nothing like a light romantic comedy on a Sunday afternoon so in I went.

It was nowhere near as bad as I was expecting. Granted it was nowhere near good, but what do you expect from this type of movie?

That night I met up with Ryan again (after Agie dropped me off I met him and some friends out for a drink Sat) and we hung out for a bit. He's a fun guy and it's nice to hang with him again. We watched 24 - so so happy it is back.

Monday was a 7 1/2 hour brunch at Katie's, then more 24 and the Golden Globes. Good times.

Songs of the Day

Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner - Fall Out Boy
Sound of Settling - Death Cab For Cutie
Forever Lost - The Magic Numbers

Cutest Thing Ever

Tai Shan is up and moving around. Unfortunately, he was sleeping when we went to see him this morning. He was super cute though - curled up in a little black tub, kicking his legs every now and then. We can't figure out why he is the cutest thing we've ever seen, but we don't care. He is our source for stress relief.

Get Some Zzzzs

So my bloodwork was "a okay" according to my doc which means I have to go in for a sleep study to figure out why I'm not feeling rested after a full night's sleep. It isn't every day I feel like this, but it is enough that something needs to be done.

What I don't get is this: how are you supposed to sleep normally when you are in a small, strange bed, away from home, around a bunch of strangers in a clinical environment? I'll let you know how it goes.

Hey Bastards (barely audible)

Arrested Development

Fox will be airing a four episode finale on February 10th. Moment of silence please. Okay, good news - this has the potential to be the funniest two hours of television ever.

Did Someone Alert The Press?

Good God. It's like a memo went out or something. In the past week three guys have contacted me to see what was going on. All of them have pursued me in the past, only one suceeded. And before your smart asses make snarky remarks (wow I think highly of you) none of them know I have a blog, although if I'm not mistaken, all of them have made it on here at some time or another.

Song of the Day

"Fix You" - Coldplay: because I need to remember that I can't always.

Life Es Muy Bueno

Sauteed cajun spiced shrimp served over sticky white rice washed down with a Negra Modelo while watching football. Life does not get much better.

Men and Meat

Why is it that whenever men are put in charge of a menu it almost invariably contains multiple types of meat?

I went to Agie's house last night to enjoy some football, beer and company. She said her husband had been cooking since 6 am and that I didn't need to bring anything. Knowing them as I do, I didn't really eat anything during the day. Good thing too. They (and by they I refer to the boys) had smoked a turkey and grilled steak, chicken and ribs. That doesn't include the cheese tray and the veggie tray and the cookies and the well you get the idea.

One of the people there was a guy named Bully who works with Agie's husband.  He's a big guy with a sweet demeanor and a southern drawl. He just rescued a rot/shephard mix from the pound and as part of the effort to socialize her he brought her last night. Such a sweet dog and she is completely devoted to him. Only problem? Her name is Precious. We had good fun with that one for far too long.

It was great fun, sad the Pats lost but only because I picked them in my pool.

Free At Last

Friday night I escaped the office around 7 and went out with a friend for drinks to celebrate his birthday, although he paid for all the drinks. Not sure how that worked out.

We headed out to Stoney's for their last night but decided that we didn't really feel like dealing with the 100 people outside and God knows how many in. It was a beautiful night so we strolled down to the Post Pub, had a drink in the dark, smokey, oppressively hot bar and headed out to our next destination, Bobby Vans. Perfect bar. Not so loud you can't hear yourself think, well lit but not stark, glaring lighting, great service and a tv to watch the scores of games. We were there for quite awhile. Good times other than the email from my boss saying he might need me to come in Monday.

Hairapy

I always look forward to getting my hair done. My lady Marlene is a riot.  She and I always have a great time. Somehow she remembers everything that has been going on even though we only see each other once every three months or so.

She managed to surprise me today though. I sat down, she put my cape on (I realize I am 12 because I always hear in my head "dun dun dun dun!") And grabbed my left hand. She seemed surprised to only see my Claddaugh and no diamond. She was even more surprised when I got a tear in my eye and said we broke up Tuesday. I had to ask why she was so sure I was engaged. Her reply made me happy and sad at the same time. She said I have a glow about me today. Happy because it's good to know I am doing weel and am less stressed. Sad because it makes me wonder how long I've been unhappy and projecting that through my demeanor. Maybe that's why I've been getting more looks lately. I just figured I'm noticing them now because I'm not taken.

Interesting what you see when you let yourself open your eyes and look around.

Song of the Night

"You Wore Me Out" - Loveless. It's a song from way back in 2004, haunting melodies, melancholy but hopeful. Great song to listen to while stuck at work on a Friday night.

My 2006 Resolution

In the year 2006 I resolve to: Not strip for free anymore. Get your resolution here

I'm Blind, But So Is Angie

My friend Angie wanted to go out for drinks last night and really who am I to say no? We decided to meet up at Cap City near our offices around 6pm. I tend to get stuck late when I have plans so I told her I would try to be there at 6, but would be there no later than 6:15. She was done at 4:30 so I suggested she get there a bit earlier than 6 to stake out a spot at the bar which tends to get crowded.

I was lucky enough to escape from here and get to the bar just before 6. I did a quick walk by of the bar, didn't see Angie and parked myself at a tall table by the entrance so I could catch her as she came in. After a couple minutes I ordered a beer and kept an eye out for Angie while trying to avoid eye contact with the older businessmen standing at the table between me and the door. I was unsuccessful in both endeavors. Twenty minutes later I was starting to feel stood up and emailed our mutual friend Heather for Angie's cell number and then focused on my blackberry to keep the new guys at the table from striking up a conversation. The hello was enough. Ugh.

So I get hold of Angie at 6:50 and ask where she is, thinking she may be waiting for me at the other bar we discussed. Nope. She was on the other side of the bar, alone, and just as irritated with my "no show" as I was with hers. I wandered over to where she was sitting and we had a good laugh realizing that we had to have been completely clueless to have missed each other. I had walked up to the table right in front of her and not seen her, and I was about 6'2" in my heels last night and as anyone familiar with DC knows, the tallest woman, if not person, in the bar.

Once we stopped laughing at ourselves we had a great time laughing with each other. We had a fantastic time sharing stories and planning Heather's bachelorette party. It was a great evening of fun, one which I paid for this morning, but well worth it.

Time to Purge

It's restaurant week in DC. I love restaurant week - it is a great opportunity to try out places you've been hearing about but haven't had a chance to or just try something new you wouldn't otherwise. For lunch today, we went to Acadiana which is a new upscale cajun style restaurant. Absoulutely fantastic food, but way too much. I need to roll myself to the gym immediately.

Song of the Day

"Aside" by The Weakerthans. Great song. Has a nice beat and can dance to it - Tam you should love it.

Doctor Doctor

Once again I awoke with no problems. I'm really liking this week much better than when it started. Granted, I'm going to be dragging this afternoon I am sure, but for now I am chipper and awake. I went out for drinks last night with an old aquaintance and I am happy to report that despite his best efforts (and they have always been good), I passed on his offer of comfort and went home alone and happy after an evening of fun. Probably not the smartest move on my part (the going out, not the turning down) because I had a physical this morning at 7:30. Luckily I only had two beers last night, fairly early and switched to tonic and lime after 9.

As I'm sure you're all dying to know, my blood pressure was "excellent" to quote the doc. Everything else looks normal, bloodwork will be back Monday but he's confident that will all be okay too. I may have to go for a sleep test since I have been getting unrestful sleep. He thinks I may have sleep apnea, which, while sucking, would explain a lot. And it isn't out of the realm of possibility - my grandfather had it and I'm pretty sure my mom does as well. Eh, not worth worrying about something that may not happen and that I can't change, at least not right now.

Sorry for the Confusion

Evidently posts that I sent Monday and Tuesday from my blackberry have shown up today. I'm sure you could have figured out something was wrong - obviously the end of my relationship is here, not impending and OBVIOUSLY I am not at happy hour with my friends at 8:30 am. I apologize for the lack of continuity. It shouldn't happen again. If it does, I'll give you $1.

Part two

He is pretty much thinking life has nothing for him now. He assures me he wouldn't actually kill himself - he would never do that to his parents. This makes me feel a bit better. So I talked with him(not knowing what the hell to say) for 1/2 an hour. I am the only person besides his parents that can calm him down - he is prone to panic attacks.

I couldn't get back to sleep after that. I've been checking on him regularly since. He seemed to be doing better until today when the unemployment office informed him that he owed almost $3,000 in overpayments. So he isn't eligible for any money for 12 weeks and then any money he gets is after deductions for the money he owes. Am I wrong being outraged?

I hate not being able to help someone I care deeply about. I hate that I can't go over to his house and sit with him, give him a hug and just be there for him. I hate feeling so helpless. I hate that he thinks so little of himself that he thinks the world wouldn't miss him terribly.

I Love My Friends

Out with friends at happy hour and they are cheering me up without even knowing it.

Part One

In addition to the possible impending end of my relationship, I've been dealing with an old friend's woes this week. I've known this guy for over 10 years - he's like a member of my family, has been to holidays, etc. even when I've not been there. He's the reason I was in a funk from 4 am on Saturday.

To be woken up by a phone call is one thing. To be woken up by a phone call and find a suicidal friend on the other end is another. Long story short, he has had a very rough few years. He got let go Friday and that was what pushed him over the edge. To be continued when I get home.

Last Night

Apart from the drama of "the Breakup", last night was really fun. A small group of us went for drinks with an old co-worker who is in town on break from grad school in Atlanta. It was so good to see him. I really miss him a lot around here most days. He was always cheerful and full of life and this place can sometimes suck that out of you.

In addition to hanging with C-biscuit, I got to meet my friend's new boyfriend. He is outstanding on first meet. Good guy, cute, personable and you can see that he really likes my friend. This is the first time he's dated someone somewhat seriously since I've known him (going on 2 years)and it is so good to see him happy. He's a great guy and better friend and makes me laugh whenever we get to spend time together. Plus, he introduced me to the Maker's Manhattan with extra cherries and for that I will be forever grateful :)

Shocking News All Around

Marion Barry tested positive for cocaine use in the fall. Saw it coming months ago when he was "teaching" that chemistry class, just sayin.

Angelina Jolie is pregnant - I'm about as surprised as when she and Brad Pitt hooked up.

Democrats are having problems with Alito. You don't say?

Let's Go Nationals!

On a happier note, I got the email today detailing our season seats for the 2006 baseball season. I am very excited, not only because I am getting two seats this year for 20 games, but because they are pretty much costing me what my one seat cost last year. Crazy! So glad baseball season is almost here.

Update

Let me preface this by saying I realize it is going to be one-sided, but that is the nature of the beast that is the blog.

So I am once again single. Paul and I broke up last night. I'm sad, of course, but this morning I woke up for the first time in I don't know how long and had no trouble getting out of bed. I really feel a big sense of relief. Don't get me wrong - I'm sad, I'm disappointed it didn't work out, I'm not looking forward to going through all of this dating crap again and I know there are going to be times I'm really going to miss him, there are going to be times when my first thought is going to be "wow, Paul would love this" but I'm going to be okay.

I think we've both known for awhile now that this needed to happen but for various reasons we've both put it off. We do like each other, we enjoy each other's company for the most part, but there has always been something missing. When you're with someone for as long as Paul and I were together, that person should be the one you go to with things that are bothering you, that person should be the one who comforts you and knows how to comfort you. He and I never had any of that. Plus, I'm fairly certain he never set up a PlanB playlist on his iPod and for someone as into music as he is, that is not a good sign. Yes, I had one for him, but it included songs I knew would be good breakup songs for us. Also not a good sign.

Looking back (you know what they say about hindsight, 20-20 and all) I can see that the times when I haven't blogged have been the times when I wasn't happy with the relationship. I never posted about our trip to California because it was a huge disappointment. Not just my dad being a wanker, but because Paul didn't enjoy it. He wasn't excited/interested in seeing places and meeting people that are very important to me. So I spent the entire trip trying to make sure he had a good time and as a result neither of us really did.

Don't get me wrong here. Paul is not solely at fault. I'm sure he will make someone very happy, just as I'm sure I will make someone very happy. It's just that we don't make each other very happy. He went into this not wanting a relationship and I went in wanting one. We're leaving with the same feelings. I hope he and I can be friends, it seems to be what he wants too. I actually think we'll be better friends than we were dating.

Seriously?!??!

I get in this morning to an email from my boss to my department saying he needs an answer about something that he has been asking about since before Christmas (I left out the gazillion explanation points). Just as I was about to reply that he actually commented on that very thing being on the contract I showed him last week, a coworker replied that it had been taken care of and she had told me to tell him. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Then I get an email from her just to me saying "Sorry, to put you in the hot seat but he is on a rampage today". Gee, thanks. Really. That makes getting thrown under the bus for not doing something I actually did okay. Awesome. My week just keeps getting better and better.

Damn BlackBerry

Two times it got me today. I wanted to track my thoughts somewhere I could look them over later and didn't mean to hit send. Unfortunately it is right above save as draft. Much like reply to all is right there by reply. Stupid sensitive click wheel.

I'm Weak

I realize I said I wouldn't be posting this week, but I can't stop raving about this movie. Brokeback Mountain really got to me on so many levels. Click above to read how not alone I am (especially you men who don't want to see it).

Blog Sabbatical

Hate to break a resolution this early in the year, but I won't be posting this week. Just wanted to give you a heads up that it is intentional.

Women Are Crazy & Men Are Stupid

My friend Katie is such a great person to talk to when I am upset or questioning things. She has this way of putting into words feelings I have that would remain an indecipherable mess without her insight.

She really makes me feel normal in times when I feel insane. Plus she makes me laugh.  Her words tonight:  "As a woman you can see you are being crazy and men can see they are being stupid and yet there is nothing you can do in that moment to change it. So we're all trapped in this crazy cycle and every now and then we have to get into arguments."

Once again I find myself thankful for my friends.

I Really Do Work in PR, Don't I?

Paul and I have decided to spend this week apart thinking about whether or not we want to continue our relationship. It was a mutual decision.

Dillema

Have you ever been in a situation where it is crystal clear what you should do but you just can't bring yourself to do it for whatever reason? I am there right now. I am caught between doing it right away or dragging it out to make it more fulfilling for me. I just don't know what I will do.....

Green Line Fun

There is something comical about watching a chubby, pasty white man in his late 20s - early 30s sit on the train speaking phrases into his phone such as "word up" in front of a group of black teens. Did I mention he looked like an uncooler Comic Book Guy from the Simpsons? It was just what I needed to start getting out of the funk I've been in since 4 am.  So here's to you CPWM. Thanks for the comedy intended or not.

Brokeback Mountain

Melissa, Agie and I saw Brokeback Mountain tonight. It was fantastic. I'm going to put it in my top 10. I can completely understand now why Heath Ledger is getting all the recognition and accolades. It isn't because Jake Gyllenhaal is bad, it's just that Heath is so freakin fantastic in this role.

Being the mature person that I am, I thought it would be a good idea to guess how many people would walk out once they realized it wasn't just any old Western. I guessed 3, Melissa 6 and Agie (always believing the good in people) said none. Make your own guesses. Answer will be at the end.

Turns out it was not nearly as explicit as we had been led to believe. The first scene between the two is a bit shocking but that is as graphic as it gets, it is quick and is not anything more than the heterosexual scenes in the movie. That said, I did find myself beyond disturbed by a part in the film. There were *shudder* rodeo clowns. I hope I'll be able to sleep.

The answer is 2. Same as Syriana.

Go Hoyas

Last night I went to the Georgetown Providence basketball game with Paul, Katie, her man Peter and Paul's friend Anna. It was a pretty good time. Paul spent most of the night talking with Anna which was good because I was not the best company. Plus it is always nice to see her. She is a very nice, interesting person. She is a quiet girl and I haven't quite figured out if it is because she is shy or because she doesn't like me but it doesn't really matter. She is a good friend to Paul and that is what's important.

Movies

Looking forward to seeing Brokeback Mountain tonight with Agie (our men have no interest in seeing it - go figure) and I realized I haven't spread the word on a couple good flicks I've seen the last month or so.

We got passes to see an advance screening of Memoirs of a Geisha a couple weeks ago. As one who really enjoyed the book forever ago when it first came out, I was very excited about the film. I don't think it let me down too much. It was very well done with great acting and beautiful scenery.

Last week (maybe longer - right before Christmas) Jim and I went to see Syriana. I really enjoyed it and so did Jim. Pretty much the Traffic of oil. Katie gave it a hearty rec last night. Considering she's worked in the Middle East, DC, and Switzerland, it's a pretty good endorsement.

Oh Katie

You may think this is going to be about the impending (or so they tease) demise of TomKat aka the relationship that made Tom Cruise look even more insane and ruined Katie Holmes forever, but you would be wrong.

I just turned on the Today Show and saw something that gave me hope this will be a good day. Katie Couric is wearing a puffy shirt. I'll admit, I'm not sure why it delights me so, but it does and with the way I've been feeling all week I'll take what I can get.

Reason 8 Sports On East Siiide Sucks

Look at the posting time and know it is still the 4th quarter of the Rose Bowl. I shouldn't complain. At least it isn't triple overtime like PSU last night.

Football and Patriots

Why is that every football game has to showcase the military either in the pregame or halftime show? We get the point. You aren't a real American if you don't love football and soldiers. I never thought I'd say this but go USC. I am going to go now and watch for my drunk friend Mark who is a lucky enough bastard to be at the game.

About 60% of What You Say Is Crap

Dave v. Bill O'Reilly. Pure gold. I love Dave Letterman even more now. Thanks Randy!

Scrub In

5 minutes into the season premiere and it is already good. I will miss the Bluths but at least I'll have Zach Braff to hold me while I cry. A small comfort but I'll take it.

Arrested Development

Any fan of the show knows the episodes get better everytime you watch them due in part to the jokes you missed the first time around which usually involve running jokes like "Operation Hot Mother". For this, Fox has a link on the website for "In Case You Missed It". Click above, then find the link in the upper right.

Some faves:

• At Tantamount Studios, Maeby is reading a script titled Operation: Hot Mother.
• The letter says the S.A.D. (Sons and Dads Reunion) center is located “at the corner of Hyde and No. Hope” streets.
• The banner at the sendoff party Lucille is throwing for Buster reads, “You’re killing me, Buster”.
• While driving and telling Michael that Buster lost his hand in an accident, Lucille clips a wooden figure that asks residents to “Buckle up”…and clips off his hand.
• Buster’s medication includes the instructions, “Take three by mouth daily for hand pain (Phantom).”

Test

I may have just discovered a way to keep my resolution to update my blog. Oh and a good reason to embrace the blackberry. Word of warning though - this may increase typos.