Let's do the Saturday Shuffle...

Menu of the Day:
What I'm doing right now: making a cd mix for my nephew Brian.

What I should be doing: Actually...nothing. My house is clean and my laundry is done.

What I'm thinking about doing: Putting on some shoes and a bra and heading out to Albertson's to buy another iTunes card cause i'm down to 79 cents.

My new favorite song: thanks to equeyaya, it's Long Grey Mare by Fleetwood Mac. It makes me want to go dancing. What a great song. I love harmonica.

What i'm reading: The Doctor's Wife, it's a psychological thriller. So i'm told. I like it so far. I am also reading about three other books. I forget their titles.

What i'm drinking: Some red Gatorade.

What I'm thinking about drinking: There is a bottle of Toasted Head Chardonnay that i'm thinking about opening up.

My last favorite thing i bought: I was at Costco the day before yesterday and they had these super soft tank tops for $12.99.

What I'm putting on my nephew's cd mix: That Black Crowes song The last place that love lives and the Long Grey Mare and some John Hiatt and Delbert McClinton because he is taking guitar lessons from my Brian's friend and wants to start playing the blues.

If i had a hammer: I would NOT hammer in the morning, I would beat in the heads of some of the union members who voted back in the incumbent president. I might also use it on Glenn Beck and Kanye West.

My new favorite commercial: Actually used to be my least favorite commercial. It's the "Cell Phone Minute Mom"... Not being hot on cell phones, i totally forget what the ad is for, but i think you know what i mean. Anyway, it's grown on me for some weird reason. It is the one with the mom and her kids in the back seat of the car and the cell phone minutes. I love when she stares down her son and he looks away. Great acting in such a short commercial.

What i am procrastinating about: I do want to fix that red shoe photo in Photoshop and take it to the printer and have it framed. The photo on my blog shows up dark so it's hard to tell why it might be frameable, but it is. At least i think so. I am also proscrastinating about doing some touch up painting around the house.

Song playing right this very minute: Sister Hazel Fortress. I just discovered this band from iTunes. I really like this song. It's on the cd mix i just made.

Looking forward to: John Irving's new book, Brandi Carlile's new cd.

Biggest Disappointment Lately: Pat Conroy's new book South of Broad.

Guilty Pleasure: I blame louielouie. Both of us keep up with that wretched awful lame-o Mary Worth comic strip. EVEN after our local newspaper dumped it. it was her fault. I wrote a Letter to the Editor years ago protesting the dumping of Boondocks and listed Mary Worth as a strip worth dumping more. louielouie said i couldn't speak of such things unless i actually read mary and knew what i was talking about. So i started reading it. And got hooked. it's so stupid, you can't stop making fun of it. We share many emails about the characters in this strip as if they were friends of ours in real life.

If ever i was to karaoke: I would sing Summer Wine. And my husband Brian could sing the guy part of it. Hint: if you ever need to do a song, try one that Nancy Sinatra once did. These Boots are Made for Walking is a good one to try too.

What i wish would go away: Kate and Jon Gosselin tabloid news. I knew them when they were happy. those poor kids.

What I'm going to do right now after posting this: Pour myself a glass of Toasted Head. And get my Doctor's Wife book.

OK y'all know the 'rules'....

Sunday Stuff-ing.

Menu of the Day:

In my glass: Toasted Head chardonnay.

Last iTunes purchases: Jason Isbell, Drive by Truckers, and a cool gal named Eilen Jewell (not to be confused with that Jewell chick from Alaska who writes bad poetry and used to live in her van.)

Best thing that happened this week: For the first time in a month since his son died, I saw a glimmer of hope that my brother Troy was starting to sound like his old self. He and his son Brian are far stronger than i ever knew.

Photos: Brian's band played last night and i saw this gal wearing red high heels with black knee highs and she danced so cute. I kept trying to get a photo of her dancing shoes and got lucky when her left foot stepped in the light. The other photo is Brian standing in the doorway of the place where they played. It has a half moon and the sign popped out without flash.

What i keep forgetting: To watch the new season of The Office. Thank goodness for DVR. And TXGrits, we still haven't watched the Georgia O'Keefe show yet. Have you?

If someone gave me a thousand dollars and told me i had one day to spend it only on myself: I actually had to think about this, but i think i might spend it on underwear and new boots. I might also use about $300 of it on iTunes.

The best decision i made this week: Brian and i booked Thanksgiving for a four day vacation on the Puget Sound, just ourselves. No family. (We have never blown off a family holiday before, so it's kind of brave of us).

Famous people i would like to meet: Obama's daughters, the author Richard Russo (I just know he would be a terrific guy) and Tyler Florence from The Food Network.

Least likely famous person i want to meet: SO many, but these folks come to mind: Glenn Beck, Donald Rumsfeld, That chick from the Progressive Insurance commercials, Sean Hannity, Jim Carrey.

I told you so: I always knew that John Edwards was not a candidate i could ever support. I NEVER liked him and loved it when Don Imus used to always call him an empty suit. He was too schmoozy. (I love how Eugene Robinson wrote an article about him being a total cad.)

My new favorite song that I am getting ready to wear out: Last week it was the one Kylee was talking about (The Black Crowes, The Last Place that Love Lives). This week it might be I Believe by JJ Grey and Mofro. (I forgot to mention i did buy Mark Knopfler's new cd and a bunch of a band called Sister Hazel.)

What I am looking forward to: a new union president at my office after this election is over - (it would make my life so much easier); no family dramas; autumn weather; our four day getaway during Thanksgiving.

I am thankful: that i was not born an only child. (Sometimes my parents drive me crazy enough to make me often wish i was an orphan. But i do love my brothers.) They are so cool and so freaking handsome and just really good men. I am very proud to be related to them. I am also thankful for my good friends. I am thankful for underwear that fit perfectly and don't ride up your butt, my new jeans that are expensive, but so comfortable and fit so well, that i live two miles from work, and for my husband, for so many reasons.

Edited to add: I am also thankful for Kylee, who has made it possible for me to not have children of my own without regret. She is not only a surrogate daughter, because she is also like a surrogate sister and a best friend all rolled in one.

OK, your turn!

Here are my hat photos that Brian took tonight. Thank you TXGrits. I love them! They are so cute!

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Just Stuff. Not much really.

Menu of the Day:

I took this photo to show off two things. My new slippers that Modern Hippie/Kylee referred to in a comment recently. I bought these so i can walk around sweeping up my hardwood while brushing my teeth. When they get dirty you just throw them in the wash. I don't know why everyone thinks they are hysterical. I think they are soberly practical.

Listening to: Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours". I think i am wearing this song out.

Last itunes purchase: I bought some music last night. I already forgot their titles. I'll be back.....OH yeah, State Radio's "Right Me Up" and at Kylee's request, Citizen Cope's "Left for Dead"

Book: Today, I just bought the Jon Krakauer's book about Pat Tillman's service in Afghanistan and Iraq. So far i like it. I backed off on the Teddy Kennedy autobiography. I might buy it when it comes in paperback. But after looking through it i was afraid it would be another thick book in my stack (like the Bill Clinton book) that I never wanted to finish and now it takes up too much room.

OOps: i forgot to say the second thing about my photo. The second thing is louie/louie/Sarah, my longest best friend i've ever had sewed these pajama bottoms. And as i mentioned earlier, they even have pockets!

The Best thing that happened today: I got my hair highlighted today and it looks good. I wish i could blow dry my hair like my stylist does.

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1. I am thinking that i can't be working too much longer at the union job i'm doing now. Maybe one more year at the most. It might be temporary. but i don't know. I don't like the feeling.

2. the problem is it pays too well to casually leave it behind and the benefits are too awesome.

3. the other thing is i don't know how to do anything else but work in education. And i'm not sure it's better anywhere else.

4. I wish i could take a sabbatical.

5. But i don't think they would give sabbaticals to someone who just wants to lay around all day watching the HG channel or reading books.

6. I should have gone into editing for a major publisher. Wouldn't that be so cool to read for a living? LOL.

7. I think i want the job at iTunes who decides about the Just for You section. That if you like Joe Cocker, well then i bet i can find some Tom Petty songs that you might like too. Same with books. I could do that too. If you like Ciderhouse Rules, chances are you will like Prince of Tides. that sort of thing.

8. Better yet, i can come up with names for new wines. If there already is a Fat Bastard then there should be a Skinny Bitch; If there is a Working Girl Red, there should be a Streetwise Chick Shiraz; how about Freefall, or Overtime or Reminisce (did i spell that correctly?)

i'll think of more later,

9. Please add your own ideas for wines!

10. Ok, that's all i got for tonight.

End of summer musings.

Menu of the Day:

Music: Van Morrison's "Sometimes We cry" - he does this song with Tom Jones and it's pretty cool.

Book: FINALLY finished that Pat Conroy book. Dammit, i hate it when an author takes 10 or 15 years to write a book and you have been waiting oh so patiently for those years only to find the book is crap..... Rebecca Wells is another author who comes to mind.

Last iTunes purchase: I'm into Mofro these days. I bought "The Wrong Side". also bought a song from the new Black Crowes, "The Last place that love lives". (I love this song so much!) Also this cool song by Marah called "Walt Whitman Bridge". Never heard of marah or mofro a month ago but they are so cool.

The Best Thing that Happened this week: My longtime great friend Sarah/louie louie sewed me a pair of striped pajama bottoms with pockets and they fit perfectly! I want to wear them to work they are so comfortable! And they are flattering too!

DVDs: i am still watching "Tropic Thunder" (Kylee i agree with your critique on your movie blog!) but it still makes me laugh. And who cannot love Robert Downy Jr. in that. PLUS Tom Cruise is fabulous and we know how much we don't like him these days, but you can't deny his acting talent. I didn't even recognize him until halfway through. I kept waiting for his appearance. I have "Sunshine Cleaning" and "State of Play" next to watch this weekend.

Books I can't wait to buy: Two books come out next week. Ted Kennedy's memoir on Monday and Jon Krakauer's new one about Pat Tillman, the NFL player who quit to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan after 9/11 and got killed by "friendly" fire.

Biggest Small Irritation this week: My sister in law (on my husband's side) wrote us to try and work out our family Thanksgiving plans in an email . I wrote her back that she should know that i would kick her ass for talking about the holidays before summer is even over. What i really want to do is go somewhere for the holidays. Why is it that as we get older we start to dread them so much, or is it just me?

I am looking forward to: Autumn. I actually like it when it starts to get darker. I like eating dinner by candlelight. I always sort of feel like an old early bird dinner eater when we have dinner when it's so light outside. I also like the feeling that the time is late but when you look at the clock you realize you lots more you can do before bedtime. I love the colors. Sweaters. Red wine instead of chardonnay and viognier. Boots. Especially new boots. A new coat. Fires in the fireplace. And watching movies and DVDs and my favorite shows.

Ok, that's it. Only a Menu, no musings. What's going on with you all?

Permit me one more post about my family.

While looking for quotes the other day i came across this little story that Troy had written in 1995 for our sister Kelly's funeral. Kelly committed suicide at the age of 35 after many attempts, starting as early as the age of 8. I hadn't read this piece in years. I was thinking about asking Troy if he still has this because of what is going on now.

As i had written here a few days ago, Troy's son committed suicide at the age of 24 on August 20. Unlike our sister, Joshua was not addicted to alcohol or drugs and there were no outward signs, nor were there any earlier attempts.

I don't normally put this kind of family stuff out often, but for some reason i feel a need to not move on quite yet with the blog, pretending that everything is normal. Nothing is normal.

I know with time the rest of us in the family will move beyond what feels so terrible now, but for Troy and Josh's older brother Brian, nothing will ever be normal again for them. In being around them these past two weeks i have found they are both much stronger than i had thought earlier and I take comfort in that.

Anyway, i love this piece that Troy wrote and wanted to share with you all what a special brother I have. He is kind man of simple tastes, an endearing lack of sophistication, and a deep heart and soul. His son Joshua was very much like him.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

When I was young, there was a tree growing near our house in a field across the way. This tree was not ordinary. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary was the life in this tree. The tree was not in good shape, it was split in two. Dry frail branches and wood revealed by the split was brittle and weathered. It was not a big tree, for it never fully matured.

As fragile as the tree was, one branch strived to produce, sucking all the nutrients it could from the earth. The end of this branch revealed its identity - a perfect peach dangled from the branch like an ornament on a Christmas tree.

How could a half dead tree still bear fruit? I stood in awe of that peach. I never wanted to pick the peach for fear it would not produce the next year. I admired its beauty and strength.
Year after year, the rest of the tree was aging and splitting even more. The brush of berry bushes, grass, vine and ivy overwhelmed it. Engulfed by its surroundings made it harder to spot where the peach was, but when your eye would catch it hanging on its last branch . . . . it was still the most perfect peach. I reached to it and touched the fuzz and knew it was firm. This peach was not to be picked by me ... or anyone else.

Years past without me visiting the tree, but I always knew it was producing one perfect peach. The end was inevitable given the tree’s dying trunk.

My last visit to the tree was not surprising, for the earth had finally taken the tree. . .

But God had picked the peach.

Jojo's List of End of Summer Stuff.

MENU OF THE DAY:

Music: Pandora.com is playing an Uncle Tupelo song on the Ryan Adams radio selection.

Book: still struggling with Pat Conroy's new book.

Favorite song these days: Mishka's Above the Bones.

The Best thing that happened this week: Good friends.

* * * * * * * * *

Taking advice from my friend Sarah, here we go. Back to normal.

1. So autumn is coming and maybe i am okay with that because it occurred to me that i am already getting tired of taking care of my patio plants.

2. It's a good thing i was never a parent. I can barely keep up with watering my hanging baskets every other day. How would i have ever make lunches for my kids when they were in elementary school?

3. Speaking of school lunches: I never ate lunch my whole senior year. i was a new kid in school and i hated the idea of sitting alone at a table. And i wasn't sure how the line worked and feared being stupid, not knowing what to do. So i saved the money.

4. Ted Kennedy. Rest in Peace.

5. I never did get that pedicure this summer.

6. What i like about autumn is i usually watch more movies. I miss watching videos. There are so many movies i want to see and it seems like i've had my netflix movies at home for a month before i send them back.

7. The netflix people either love me alot, (cause i don't cost them postage), or they are pissed because they want that top movie back so they can get it out to another customer.

8. I returned Seven Pounds without watching it. Somebody tell me if i need to get it back.

9. Some teachers are going on strike here in our state. The Letters to the Editor of course are not supportive and i have to agree. I love the duties of my job but i don't know how much longer I can continue working in a business where i feel like an outsider.

10. I also like autumn for coming up with home projects. I have been needing to paint around inside since Troy put in my new doors last May. Autumn always seems like a good time for that kind of home work.

Ok, that's all. What's on your list of stuff.

Blog is now open for business for all.

Sorry for the inconvenience of having to set the blog to private over the past about my nephew's obituary. Google was faster than i thought it getting it off. I only mention this now because I hope nobody checked these past days and thought i kicked them out. If so, I apologize. (I don't have emails organized on my home computer and i knew i was missing folks. the problem with the Google search is over.)

We're making a video for Josh's ceremony. We're using "Above the Bones" by Mishka. If you have a chance, check it out. It's a beautiful reggae song with a very perfect message. For the baby pictures I'm trying to decide on whether or not to use Lennon's version or Ben Harper's version of "Beautiful Boy" . I'm leaning towards Lennon one minute and then Ben Harper the other. The only issue i have with the song is "Life is what happens to you when you're busy making other plans." but there is a line in nearly every song that doesn't fit.

Though the Mishka song is perfect. Equeyaya, you little music queen, you might even have this song already.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for my family.

I'll be back very soon with a wine musings to replace this one. Maybe tonight.