No Kids, No French Silk, But Laughs and Old People A-Plenty!

What a fun, fun day I had yesterday!

Molly and I turned in our Christmas presents to each other. Dinner and a show! The dinner was delicious (could have probably been a bit MORE delicious if we weren't both watching our points - boy that French Silk pie was calling our names!) and the show we went to see (two guys - Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood from "Whose Line is it Anyway?" doing improv comedy) was absolutely hilarious!!! This is the 3rd time I've gone to see them, and this was definitely the funniest I think!

More on the show in a moment, first the dinner...

We got to Baker's Square at about 5pm. We were seated in the booth right next to a couple of old ladies. I sat in the booth and Molly went to the bathroom. While she was gone, I detected a specific scent from the aforementioned old ladies. My nose named it as B.O. When Molly came back, I told her I smelled it and we told the waitress we wanted to move. So they put us in the even COLDER part of the restaurant.

Now apparently 5pm is definitely the "early bird" (i.e., senior citizen) dinner crowd time. Because of the very few people in the restaurant, this section also had mainly old people. And I smelled it again. Molly smelled it too - what we labeled not B.O., but just the "old person smell." Anyone else know what I'm talking about? Like the combination of the cheapest perfume covering up other bodily scents. Anyway, after the people near us left, the scent faded and we could eat in peace.

Back to the show...it was great. They are SO QUICK witted and just terrific. Despite some really stupid suggestions made by audience members, and other audience volunteers who were pretty DIM witted, they really made it great.

But overall, I have to say that it was just a terrific day spent together. I don't know if I can remember the last time Molly and I spent so long together, just the two of us. And it was just nice! I love KJ and Jack to death, and without them there, at times felt like something was missing. But I'm glad we could have the day just with one another.

Riding home after the show, Molly put on the CD that I made her for last Christmas, with lots of "friendship" songs, and various other ones, mostly having something to do with the many years we've known each other. And listening to it, while we each ate our 3 point McDonalds ice cream cones I don't know if she noticed, but I became a little more quiet.

I couldn't help but thank God out of gratefulness for the sister I never had.



I always thought you were the best
I guess I always will
I always felt that we were blessed
And I feel that way still
Sometimes we took the hard road
But we always saw it through
If I had only one friend left
I'd want it to be you

(And who besides a good friend would make sure she got you home in time to see the Sopranos!)

Waiting for Sunday

After watching the first 2 episodes of the new season of Sopranos, I am even more hooked than ever. And I created two more addicts since their last season ended. Molly and Kevin are huge fans now too. In fact she just sent me a terrific link that talks about the last episode and what it may mean for the future. The writing of the show amazes me...you have to watch so carefully, intelligently and with such a keen eye. Nothing, it seems, is in an episode just for the heck of it. Comments characters make, seemingly insignificant actions that take place, even songs that are played in the background or movies a character is watching play some role in the plot. Especially this season, I think. It's almost like trying to solve a mystery, trying to somehow figure out "what will happen next." So we'll see what happens this week!

Also on Sunday, Molly and I are going to see two improv comedians who used to be on "Whose Line is it Anyway." I have seen them in person twice before, and it is sure to be a night full of laughs.

Now to find somewhere to eat before hand that is low on WW points! (In case you have been wondering, I have been doing relatively ok the past couple of days.) Onward dieting soldier.

Let's make St. Joseph the patron saint of dieters!

This past Sunday, I went to the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii for their annual St. Joseph's Table - an Italian feast filled with every kind of pasta imaginable. So...

This past Monday I decided that on Tuesday I would begin once again on Weight Watchers (WW). I was on it for probably a little over a year, but then gradually let it slip away about a year and half ago. Since then, I have put back about 20 of the 50 pounds I lost.

So on Monday night, knowing what would face me come Tuesday, I decided to make myself a feast of a dinner. And some late night snacks thrown in also.

But since Tuesday, I have done OK. (It's only Wednesday, remember.) It's very difficult because I like food so much. Different foods, eating while watching TV, etc. So it HAS been hard so far. Harder, I think, than when I started last time.

Just wish me luck. Because I am hungry.

Weather, Whether or Not

Ok, so some of you may think I am obsessed with weather and weathermen. Perhaps.

I AM signed up with NBC Chicago to send me email weather advisories. And considering the weather we have here in Chicago, I thought I would tell give you a sample of the emails I've received in just the past 4 days:

1)Issued at: 8:43 PM CST 3/12/06, expires at: 4:00 AM CST 3/13/06

The NWS Has Issued Tornado Watch 77 In, Effect Until 4 Am Cst Monday For The Following Areas. In Illinois This Watch Includes 10 Counties...

2) Issued at: 12:39 AM CST 3/13/06, expires at: 1:30 AM CST 3/13/06

The NWS in romeoville has issued a

severe thunderstorm warning for: southern cook county in northeast illinois northern lake county in northwest indiana
Until 130 am cst.
At 1234 am cst, national weather service doppler radar indicated a severe thunderstorm located near willow springs, and moving east at 40 mph. This storm is capable of producing damaging winds 60 to 75 mph, which can knock down limbs and power lines, damage weak structures, and push trucks off the highway.

3)Issued at: 9:34 PM CST 3/15/06, expires at: 4:30 AM CST 3/16/06

Winter storm warning in effect from 3 am Thursday to midnight cst Thursday night,
The NWS in chicago has issued a winter storm warning. This warning replaces the snow advisory previously issued for this area.
Snow will spread over northern illinois Thursday morning. Snow, heavy at times, will continue into Thursday evening, with the heaviest snowfall rates expected between noon and 6 pm. Snow accumulations during this time may approach 1 inch per hour.
The snow will taper to flurries Thursday evening. Total snowfall accumulations of 5 to 7 inches are expected across the warning area.
A winter storm warning means significant amounts of snow are expected, resulting in hazardous travel conditions.

4)Issued at: 4:08 AM CST 3/16/06, expires at: 12:15 PM CST 3/16/06

Winter storm warning remains in effect until midnight cst tonight,
A winter storm warning remains in effect until midnight cst tonight.
Snow will develop over north central illinois around sunrise spreading east into portions of the chicago metro area after 9 am. South of interstate 88 and the eisenhower expressway, precipitation will begin as a mix of rain and snow transitioning to all snow early this afternoon. Snow will be heavy at times this afternoon and early evening, tapering to flurries around midnight.
Snowfall accumulations of 4 to 8 inches are possible across the warning area, with the highest amounts expected near the wisconsin border. Slightly lesser accumulations of 3 to 5 inches are expected south of downtown chicago.

5)Issued at: 11:29 AM CST 3/16/06, expires at: 7:30 PM CST 3/16/06

Winter storm warning remains in effect until midnight cst tonight,

The period of heaviest snowfall is expected between 3 pm this afternoon and 7 pm this evening which will produce some hazardous travel conditions during the evening commute. In addition to the snow, gusty northeast winds of 15 to 25 mph may produce some areas of blowing and drifting snow this evening.

6)Issued at: 3:59 PM CST 3/16/06, expires at: 10:30 PM CST 3/16/06

Winter storm warning is cancelled. Snow advisory in effect until 11 pm cst this evening.

Periods of snow can be expected through the evening hours. Snowfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches are expected across the advisory area by late this evening. The snow should begin to taper off north of interstate 88 shortly after 7 pm, and will taper off across the remainder of the advisory area by late in the evening.

7) Issued at: 6:20 PM CST 3/16/06, expires at: 7:30 PM CST 3/16/06

Snow advisory is cancelled.
The NWS in chicago has cancelled the snow advisory.
Light snow will continue to taper off to flurries this evening as low pressure weakens and pulls away to the east. A combination of dry low level air and temperatures just above freezing has prevented significant accumulation across the area, generally ranging from a trace to 2 inches. Most area roads remain wet due to mild temperatures.

So - we went from tornado watch, to severe thunderstorn warning to snow advisory in a matter of 3 DAYS, and from snow advisory to winter storm WARNING (with 8 inches expected) to "oh, wait a minute, that's not quite accurate, only 2-4 inches", to "wait, we were totally wrong and there will be NO FRICKIN SNOW AT ALL" in 12 hours time!!

And you wonder why I don't like Tom Skilling!

Happy Birthday Jerry Taft!

As much as he didn't like it, the newscasters on the 6pm news tonight wished Jerry a happy birthday. Well, Kathy Brock wished him a belated birthday because she told him she thought it was yesterday. He said, no, he just had told her it was yesterday so no one would mention it today.

Anyway - they asked him how old he is and he told them - 63! I have to admit I was wondering, because about 2 weeks ago, he mentioned how weird it is to have his oldest daughter be 42 and his youngest 10. I didn't believe it, since I figured him to be only in his early 50s himself. You're lookin good Jerry! And happy birthday! Go play yourself a round of golf - when the weather improves!


On another note, I ended up being sick for most of the weekend, finally coming out of it sometime Sunday morning. I was couchridden all of Friday night and all day Saturday. It DID give me the opportunity, though, to watch the entire 5th season of the Sopranos in preparation for the Season 6 premiere. I have to admit that in a way it was nice to have my grandma take care of me again, for a change. Bringing me hot tea and rubbing my back with Vicks.

Because none of us could hold out - Kevin especially - Molly, Kevin and I decided to watch the Sopranos in our respective houses on Sunday night instead of waiting until Monday. Thank God, too. Because one of the first things one of my fellow money counters said to me on Monday morning was, "Yeah, I see he got shot!" I told her: "It is a DAMN good thing I watched it last night, or I would have just shot YOU for telling me that!"

It definitely WAS a good episode - I jumped when Tony got shot. But I just know he can't die - at least not yet - because, come on, the ratings would drop. Anyway, we'll just have to wait and see what happens. If you do not watch the Sopranos - shame on you!

Woke Up This Morning, Got Myself a Cold

Well, it is 12:07am, Saturday morning. I've been up since 5am Friday morning. I fell asleep on the couch Thursday night while watching an episode of Home Improvement that I TiVo'ed, after taking a Benedryl (my friend) to try to get rid of my cold symptoms.

My grandma decided it would be good to wake me up at 5am to go into my bed so I could "sleep better." Did I mention I've been NOW UP SINCE 5AM? I guess her intentions were good, but I couldn't fall back asleep after she woke me up. Don'tcha just love it? "Wake up - it's time to go to bed."

Anyway, I woke up with the same sniffles, runny nose and scratchy throat that I fell asleep with. And I'm tired.

I mentioned in yesterday's blog that the Sopranos are beginning their new season on Sunday - after being off for TWENTY ONE months. How crazy is that?? Molly, Kevin and I were supposed to have a Sopranos premiere party - complete with stuffed shells and everything. But she called me the other day to tell me that she forgot her grandpa's birthday is this week and she's got to go to her mom and dad's house Sunday. So, she suggested, that we instead TiVo the Sopranos and I go over there MONDAY night and we watch it. My first response: "I cannot guarantee that I will not watch it Sunday!"

I still can't guarantee it. But I will resist the urge to cheat (unlike Tony Soprano - ironic?). But do you understand the dilemma this puts me in?? I was having enough of a problem knowing we were not even going to watch it at 8pm when it was 'live' but that we would watch it at about 9pm after KJ was asleep. You see, I have this thing about experiencing things 'with' other people. So if everyone else in the country is watching the Sopranos at 8pm, I want to be experiencing that at the same time.

BUT - now... I have to not only NOT watch it Sunday night at all, but also avoid all media and anyone who might talk about it Monday so as not to ruin it! It's supposed to be a great cliffhanger episode with a surprise twist. And while all the world will be discussing it Monday, I cannot only NOT join in, but I also need to stuff my ears and cover my eyes so as not to ruin it for Monday night.

Oh well, at least there will still be stuffed shells waiting!

I got it

For anyone who read Molly's blog the other day about her cold and the kids' colds, I now have it.

I visited them all on Monday and I am sure that is how I got it. Considering that I spent part of my day carrying KJ around in a laundry basket (pretending I was going to throw him in the washing machine) and MOST of the day holding my sweetie pie



I can understand how I got it. Oh well. Hopefully it won't be so bad.

Sorry that is all I have for now. I am going to begin re-watching all of the Season 5 episodes of the Sopranos to get ready for Sunday night's Season 6 premiere (FINALLY!) I guess I can write more about that tomorrow.

And the Oscar goes to...

CRASH!



I am so glad that Crash won for Best Picture. I saw this movie about 3 months ago and thought it was absolutely terrific. Well acted, powerful stories, and powerful meaning that gets you thinking.

For those who are not familiar with it, Crash takes place in L.A. over the course of one day. In those hours, it shows about 5 different sets of characters, who interact/have a connection with each other without necessarily knowing it. "Issues of race and gender cause a group of strangers in Los Angeles to physically and emotionally collide in this drama from director and screenwriter Paul Haggis."

I highly recommend it for those who like movies that are not only entertaining, but make you think. It shows us prejudice and hate, but also redemption and hope. Rent it if you haven't seen it.

Talking more about the awards, I have to say I loved Jon Stewart as the host. I need to watch his "Daily Show". I think he did a great job. My two favorite jokes of the night were: 1) Bjork unfortuntately didn't make it to the Oscars tonight. She put on her costume and Dick Cheney mistakenly shot her. 2) (After showing a picture of Charlton Heston aka Moses) Man, he looks cut. I think he's been lifting 20 Commandments!

One thing that annoyed me was the soft under-music being played from the moment the person began their acceptance speech. It made them out of breath trying to rush through it and was just plain annoying.

I loved Reese Witherspoon's speech. She is such a classy woman - well spoken, well dressed, and smart.


And of course there's George!




What a charmer and so handsome! I'm very glad he won. If for no other reason than the camera is on him more and he'll be interviewed! ;)

Sam, Sam, He's Our Man

I love Sam's Club!





I remember the very first time I had the pleasure of experiencing Sams, I felt like I was in the middle of my very own Super Mario Brothers game. Everything around me was so big! Where else can you buy 36 rolls of toilet paper, a 5 lb box of oatmeal (I can hook you up, Frema), and a 3,000 box of Advil all under the same roof? (Just out of my often strange curiosity, I sometimes wonder as I'm rounding the pharmaseutical aisle, who the person is who has the guts to buy the jumbo, extra value pack of condoms...but I digress.)

About 2 weeks ago, I took to the counter to buy what I thought was a $59 nice wool jacket, one like I've been looking for for quite some time. Got to the register and it rang up only $19. WOO HOO!!! Even better!!

(I will spare you the detail that a few days later, when I was wearing it for the first time I noticed the buttons were on the wrong side, i.e., it was a men's jacket, not a ladies. Oh well - who will notice? Looks the same to me...)

Went back to Sam's yesterday and along with a box of 45 Brillo pads, one of the aforementioned 36 rolls of toilet paper, and 312 Lipton tea bags (see below for THAT necessity!) (among other things) I bought an 8 pack of Scotch Lint Rollers.




You may ask what I need with EIGHT of these. Well, I ask myself the same thing. But how could I pass them up for only $6.71. That's less than a dollar a piece!!! What a bargain! And I did want to buy at least ONE more to brush off my nice new wool coat that keeps gathering lint. Now I will have one for my house (one upstairs, one down), my car, my office...

Anybody want one of the leftovers?

Here's Tea in Your Eye - Ash Wednesday Sty-le

Yesterday as Oneida, Annette, Joanne and I were having a little Mardi Gras lunch, Oneida told me that I had a sty in my eye. "A what?" I asked. I knew my eye was very sore and my eyelid was swollen, but that was about it.

Perhaps I should have known what a sty is, but I didn't. So being the addicted-to-the-internet person that I am, I came home and looked it up. For those of you who also may not know, it is an infection of one of your eyelash follicles. How fun. All I know is that for the past two days now, I have been sitting around putting warm teabags on my eye (advice of Oneida, also). (Wearing my glasses with this home remedy is a plus, I must add - it holds the teabag in!) (Are you getting a mental image here?)

Moving from that sty, I also read in the Quick Takes column of the Sun-Times that today is "National Pig Day." I don't know how one should celebrate this day, but I find it ironic it's the same time I have a STY in my eye.

Today being Ash Wednesday, I also was reminiscing with Fr. Tony on the way home from work about my years working at St. Clare. We used to get SO MANY calls that day asking when exactly ashes were being given. Not what time the Mass or service was, but what time to the minute ashes were being given.

One year, I got a call from a nearly hysterical woman calling saying she NEEDED to talk to a priest. I told her neither priest was available at the moment (they were in church giving out the ashes). She would not take no for an answer. She needed to talk to one "because I think I ate too much," she said.

My immediate thought was, "Lady, take some Pepto or something." But after a second I realized she thought she had eaten too much for this day of FASTING. Oh geez... But it's something I'll always remember.

Speaking of fasting, Molly and I just had a discussion about whether there is a patron saint of dieting. Well, not to our knowledge. But I DID just find St. Peter Faber. He assisted at the DIET of Worms. Think that might count?

Since it's only Ash Wednesday, and yes, yesterday WAS FAT Tuesday, I will save the wanting-to-eat-and-knowing-you-shouldn't discussion for another day.

And now that I think of it, shouldn't Fat Tuesday, rather than Ash Wednesday, be National Pig Day?