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February 27, 2008
Jello
Can we just chalk this day up as a big "No"? Please?
If it could go wrong, it did. Even if it started off well.
As I later told Little Dude, this is one of those days where you clamp one (or both) hand(s) over your mouth and scream "Jello" as loud as you can. It sure as hell beats crying in front of a teacher. (Me, not him.)
I'm so ready to see what prizes I've won. There would have to be prizes for working so hard to get through a single rotten day.
Posted by Da Goddess at 07:23 PM | Comments (1)
February 23, 2008
The Notebook
I had a little notebook I loved beyond all reason. Slightly larger than 3 x 5 index cards and about an inch thick. And a nice poly cover. It was very utilitarian. Yes, I could have said "useful" but it was a much deeper relationship I had with said notebook. It inspired me. I took notes on everything, everywhere I went. And when I was done being inspired, I could slip it into a pocket or my purse and go merrily on my way.
I loved this notebook so much, I had a blue one, a green one, and a purple one.
I wanted to invest another couple bucks and buy a new one, but, guess what? I couldn't find one. Not a single one.
I ended up with a notebook that's 5 x 7 and roughly a 1/4" inch in thickness. Nothing exciting about it at all. It inspires nothing.
Life would suck if you were stuck with an uninspiring notebook, don't you think?
The search continues.
Update: The item I miss so greatly was a Mead Brights "Fat Lil Notebook" with 200 pages, Model 45370. The more I think about how much I love these things, the more convinced I become that I need to get a life.
Posted by Da Goddess at 06:47 PM | Comments (2)
The Dude Abides
Not Little Dude. Sure, he does, but I mean that other Dude. As in the Lebowski one.
From Oliver Benjamin, random Lebowski haiku:
Milk in the toiletNo one fucks with the Jesus
Where do I fit in?
Works for me.
P.S. I got 18/20 on the Lebowski quiz. Too many white russians or something.
Posted by Da Goddess at 06:30 PM | Comments (0)
Smiley
Forgive my laziness, but this was languishing in my very complicated archives. Originally posted on June 30, 2003, "Smiley":
There was a time when I worked at a pizza joint. I started in high school and I worked a lot of hours.One of our regulars, beyond the little league/softball/soccer teams, was an older man. He came in every Saturday, without fail. He had a scowl plastered on his face. You know, the kind that made him look as though he were trying to pass a humongous sour lemon turd. Think constipate Clint Eastwood, without the rugged good looks. That was Smiley. Well, that's what I called him.
Never having been one to just let things be, it became my personal challenge to see if I couldn't elicit a grin from the man. I would attempt to engage him in conversation at every opportunity. Sometimes he'd actually say something beyond his usual, "gimme a black beer." Still, no smile.
Around this same time I had gone back to help out a family for whom I'd been a nanny for two years. I babysat the twins while they were between gals and got in the habit of correcting the boys' manners. Per their mom's request, I'd threaten them with spankings for large infractions (but, I'd have to do it in Hebrew, the official language of punishment in their home) and chase after them as if I really meant it. I also got into the habit of finishing their sentences with "please" and "thank you."
After working with the twins, daily, for a month and a half, it was no surprise that I started correcting everyone else. One Saturday, Smiley walked in. I was tired. Really tired. He stepped up to the counter and grumbled, "gimme a black beer" to which I added, "please." He about bust a gut with that one. Not only did I get a smile, the man was laughing his ass off. I hadn't realized what I'd done. I just knew that I had Smiley smiling and laughing. My first thought was that I must be bleeding profusely from some appendage.
"That was a good one," Smiley said.
"What was?" I asked.
"'Please.'"
"I didn't just say that, did I?"
"You sure did!" He replied, while wiping tears from his eyes.
"Oh...my...I...I...I...I'm sorry!"
"No, no. Don't be sorry. That was the first time someone's reminded me to be polite since I was 10. Thank you."
I was dumbfounded. And, I was pleased. I made the old sourpuss smile.
I discovered that he'd come in and have his "black beer" while waiting for his wife to have her hair done. He told me that he hated having to drag her up to the beauty parlor. He was resentful that she'd never learned to drive. Still, he said he was glad to have some time to himself after dropping her off and savored that beer as he could have none at home. Forty plus years of marriage without beer in the house. Yeah, I'd think I'd stop smiling, too.
Later, I would become the only person to whom he'd speak or smile. I kinda liked that. He was my sourpuss.
Posted by Da Goddess at 04:51 AM | Comments (2)
Best Line On TV
"I'm Betty White, bitch," as said by Betty White to Craig Ferguson. This just a few minutes after she claimed to be a drug mule.
She's 86.
Betty's a sassy dame. I love her!
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:05 AM | Comments (0)
February 21, 2008
Blogtalk Radio Tonight!
Ever want to hear what I sound like? Ever want to hear me babble incoherently? Here's your chance!
I'll be joining Josh Hathaway of Blogcritics.org on his Blogtalk Radio show tonight. We're ostensibly discussing the blues, but our conversations have been known to quickly devolve into something else completely. I do know for certain that I will take him to task for his unhealthy obsession with Sarah McLachlan. What happens after is anyone's guess.
Interested?
BCRadio via BlogTalkRadio
Date/Time: 02/21/2007 9:00 PM (CST)
Call-in Number: (646) 595-3499
You can jump on and chat, ask questions, make fun of me, whatever you want. Come on out and play. It'll be fun.
Update: You can still hear this week's episode.
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:26 PM | Comments (2)
February 19, 2008
Conservative Number
I could totally take on more. They just didn't ask the right questions. Remember, I used to be a pediatrics nurse and that taught me mad child fighting skillz.
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:03 PM | Comments (0)
The Camera, She Is Almost Ready
Thanks to so many generous people, I'm very close to my goal for the camera and the opportunities it will afford me.
My benefactor(s) are currently out of the country for another month, so figured I'd try to get the camera before they return and if they're still looking to help out, use that money for a good lens or two.
I think about the camera and how close I am to my goal and all I can think of is Antonio Banderas whispering in my ear, "the camera, she is almost ready. Ready for you to hold her like a loveeeeeeeer. Treat her like a lady and she will treat you like one, too."
I have no idea where that came from, but there you have it. Think maybe it was the Flexeril? Anyhow...
If you know anyone who might be willing to help out, please send them here! I could actually be out shooting a real, paying job next weekend if I get the last little bit needed.
Many ginormous thanks to each of you who contributed. It feels so very good to know people believe in me. I won't let you down!
Posted by Da Goddess at 12:30 PM | Comments (0)
Sunday's Party at San Diego Harley Davidson
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:52 AM | Comments (0)
The Little Story That Wasn't
I had a great little story to tell and then lost the post. Harrumph!
I'll try to recreate it as best as I can once I'm done with my gig calendar (a project that takes me a whole day to complete in the best of circumstances). I hope y'all like onions.
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:27 AM | Comments (0)
February 16, 2008
Stupid Celebrities
Britney thinks she's special:
Troubled star Britney Spears is desperate for California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's help in her ongoing custody battle, according to reports. The singer - whose lawyers from legal firm Trope & Trope last month filed a motion requesting permission to withdraw as her counsel - allegedly believes her inability to keep an attorney in her custody case with ex-husband Kevin Federline violates her "civil rights." Spears' estranged manager Sam Lutfi reportedly contacted Schwarzenegger's former publicist to help put the 26-year-old in touch with the state commander. A source tells the New York Daily News, "Britney says her civil rights have been violated and she wants to talk to Arnold about it. She wants the governor to look into why she can't get an attorney. Sam was chewing on his dinner while he was saying all this into the phone. He wanted Schwarzenegger to call him, and he said he'd hand Britney the phone." Spears lost the right to visit her sons Sean Preston, two, and Jayden James, one, last month after a breakdown at her Beverly Hills home at the end of a scheduled visit, which resulted in a three-hour police stand-off.
Um, Brit, you fucked up all on your own and you don't get to ask for special favors from the Governator just because you're a celeb. You held a kid hostage, ran around barely dressed for months, refused to appear for depositions and court dates, and essentially made one bad choice after another in every aspect of your life. That doesn't scream "troubled" to you? Honey, go back to the hospital and get yourself better. THEN work on getting visiting time with your kids. Stay sober and sane for a few months and maybe then you'll find a judge willing to believe you're capable of being a halfway decent parent.
Paris is pounded for propogating pups:
Paris Hilton's dog love has landed her at the center of a new Los Angeles Department of Animal Services investigation, after the heiress boasted about owning 17 pets on a TV show. The socialite told chat show host Ellen DeGeneres all about the extent of her pooch collection on the comedienne's show on Monday - not realizing it's illegal to have more than three dogs at any one non-kennel, non-breeder, residential address in Los Angeles. Animal Services sources tell Tmz.com that bosses of an animal rescue organization took heed of Hilton's dog boast and complained to the officials, who paid her a visit on Tuesday. The website reports Animal Services representatives turned up at Hilton's home, but Paris and her dogs were not there. They left a message with a maid and now plan to return to conduct a full inspection.
Paris was aware it was illegal. She's been visited by Animal Services before (2005). She also reportedly bought a kangaroo in Australia, owned a kinkajou, has a ferret, cats, snakes, rats, monkeys, and states she bought a bobcat. Not only is it illegal for her to own a bobcat, but the kinkajou was taken away because it too was illegal and there's no word on what happened to her purchased roo.
Worse, on Ellen's show, when asked why she had so many dogs, she replied, "Cuz they keep having babies, and I feel bad to give them away, because I feel like if I had a baby and someone gave it away it would be mean, so I feel bad for my dogs." I feel bad for her dogs, too. But only because their human mommy's a major idiot. Dogs are wonderful pets, but they're not like humans. Giving away a puppy doesn't in any manner compare to having a human baby taken from its mother.
Whatever world this chick's living in, there's obviously no one around to give her a good old fashioned reality check via a bitch slap. I don't care how much money you have or if you have someone tending to the animals for you, if you have pets, you absolutely must be a responsible caretaker, and that includes getting your pets spayed or neutered. Oh hell, if she has someone else caring for the animals anyway, what's the point of owning so many? You can't take any real pleasure in them if you don't spend time with them. And yes, that's the official reason she has her own zookeeper...she's so busy working, she can't take care of the animals on her own.
I doubt she takes any real joy in having these animals. They're possessions. One more thing she can claim to own. They likely fill some twisted need to find unconditional love from something, anything in her very materialistic and empty life. Money can buy you a pet, dear, but it can't buy you love, even from those animals.
My life is far from perfect, however, I feel so far ahead of the game when I look at these two. Thank God.
Posted by Da Goddess at 11:55 PM | Comments (2)
Walk This Way
Silly me. I got my days all mixed up.
I thought I was taking Little Dude on a special adventure today, but it turned out I was so very wrong. I was hoping to introduce him to one of my favorite local bands (featuring "Chachi"). Obviously that didn't happen. The "big event" isn't until tomorrow.
However, we did manage to catch a gospel choir, hear the sound check for DMC (of Run DMC), and meet the guys of Diablo Dimes. Very diverse groups there and not a horrible way to spend a couple hours. Tomorrow, I get two of my bands and that makes me happy. Just wish LD could come with. Le sigh.
Diablo Dimes is adorable in person. Sweet as can be. Think of him as a cross between Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and an old bluesman. Good stuff.
During the sound check for DMC, we got a little of "Walk This Way", which was one of my favorite videos from back in the day. Honestly, what better way is there to honor the original inspiration and bring new life to a classic rock tune? Whatev. I loved it. The drama from Tyler. The taunting from Run and the guys. The final collaboration. It was fun! C'mon now, admit it -- you liked it, too.
Funny how the past comes back to haunt you sometimes. Ain't never really gone, is it?
Music in the car was also something to behold. But that's a different story altogether.
Posted by Da Goddess at 05:08 PM | Comments (0)
February 14, 2008
Fat. Naked. Dangerous.
Yes, as a matter of fact I am. So what?
Posted by Da Goddess at 02:22 PM | Comments (6)
Come On In My Kitchen
You'd better come on in my kitchen
babe it going to be rainin' outdoors
Yes, it's raining and windy and after this front moves out we're due to get Santa Anas. I hate Santa Anas. Dry air, dry wind, dry mucous membranes, no humor, blech. So, I'm gonna sit here and revel in the rainy, windy goodness for as long as it lasts, thankyouverymuch.
Now, on to more important business:
From vd.meish.org or meish.org/vd, whichever you prefer.
Posted by Da Goddess at 02:06 PM | Comments (0)
ROC Fire Relief Benefit Postponed
Dear Friends,I would like to thank all the amazing people who have jumped on board
contributing their time, expertise and know-how, support and help in so many different ways making this event possible. It is quite a thing to witness the outpouring of brotherly love as I recently have.We have had some phenomenal and outstanding interest shown in our
event. Our original plan was to raise as much money as possible for The San Diego Foundation's "After The Fires Fund" and because of some new players who have jumped on board who are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve this goal we have come to a mutual agreement that it is in our best interest to postpone the concert date for a few months.We are currently negotiating with several different entities that
promise to make this 2-day Music Festival Extravaganza one that you
will not want to miss and will never forget. I have received positive
feed back from the artists and they are still committed to performing
at ROC with a future date to be announced by the end of February.I appreciate your patience and understanding. I would not consider this move if I didn't feel it was in the best interest to the original goal.
Please visit us here at www.myspace.com/rocforfirerelief to stay
updated and informed on the latest news. I will send out an official
announcement no later than February 29th.Thank you for your continued support.
From the heart,
Randy Seol
The Strawberry Alarm Clock
I'm kind of curious about the "other artists" who have jumped on board. Makes me wonder if the rumors I heard earlier are true. No, I'm not saying who, but just know if it is true...oh baby!
Posted by Da Goddess at 11:31 AM | Comments (0)
February 13, 2008
Blue Plate Special
Monday, as Little Dude and I were preparing for the show, he decided to make himself a quesadilla while I was doing my hair and make up. He came to ask me how long it should "go" for, making me think he was using the microwave. He said he wanted to use the toaster oven, so I explained how he should watch it on toast mode. The roomie was there to provide assistance as needed, thus I figured all was well.
Unfortunately, LD hadn't thought things out all the way. He put the plate on which he prepared the quesadilla and on which it still sat in the toaster oven too. Thankfully, it only warped a bit. Warped blue plastic. No fire. Nothing.
He brought the plate in for me to see. It was actually sort of comical. I'd never seen a blue plate special quite so "special". It reminded me of how LPs warped if left in the sun.
Good thing I'd only paid $0.19 for all eight of the plates in the set. We're keeping the warped one as a reminder of LD's cooking adventures.
P.S. The concert was fantastic and LD got to interview a legend. He's getting credit for it at school, too.
Posted by Da Goddess at 03:31 PM | Comments (0)
February 11, 2008
Super Special Events Part Deux
Tis the season for super special things for Little Dude, I guess. Tonight, he will meet a genuine GRAMMY WINNER. Yes, indeedy, folks. David Honeyboy Edwards, 92 ("and a 1/2, Mom!"), is performing here this evening and LD and I are heading down to the venue early to set up a table for the blues society.
A couple weeks ago my mom wondered if this was something LD really wanted to do. He replied, "YES YES YES YES YES YES! This guy's a LEGEND! He's the best!" I looked at my mom and said, as dryly as possible, "I think this is something he might enjoy."
Hopefully we'll have better luck getting LD's mini interview questions answered this time. We're still awaiting Tab's responses via email. Oh, and to anyone concerned about this being a school night, don't be. LD's teacher is coming with us.
Now, what to wear?
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:37 PM | Comments (0)
February 09, 2008
Good Night
It was a good night. Little Dude had a great time and he impressed lots of folks with his outstanding good manners and his interest in the blues. He's such a fun date.
P.S. LD says the heavy lids were from the flash and NOT because he was tired.
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:08 AM | Comments (2)
February 08, 2008
Can Do
There are many things I can't do anymore and many things I can't do for my son. It breaks my heart to not be able to buy him little things or take him places because current circumstances don't allow such things. However, there are things I can do and tonight I have managed to pull a very special, big deal sort of thing out of my hat.
I had help. One of the greatest blessings of my accident was that I found kindred musical spirits. Tonight, they help make one of my little boy's dreams come true.
Tab Benoit plays some damn fine Cajun blues. Not only that, he's also a Voice of the Wetlands All Star. Music and conservation...my kid eats this stuff up. Is it any wonder he considers Tab a hero?
I can't give my kid fancy things, go running around the baseball field with him, or so many other things I'm sure he wishes he could have or do. But I can give him moments he'll never forget. I can do this.
Posted by Da Goddess at 01:50 PM | Comments (2)
25
Another Little Dude entry.
LD had an assembly today. Two classes (his and another) sang for the rest of the school. Parents were invited and the timing of the event was actually conducive to a lot of them attending. Me included.
Things weren't going according to plan and the songs were put on hold temporarily. However, we had awards to be awarded, games to be gamed, etc. Did I mention it was also Wacky Friday? Wacky hair, wacky clothes, wacky wacky from the McWackersons. The kids and teachers all took part and my own dear boy's answer to wackiness was to have me spike his hair a little (no color, although I offered) and then to wear his wrist watch on his ankle. I recommended he roll up his pant leg so people could actually see it, though.
Finally the kids took the stage and sang. I tried to get a pic of my darling boy singing but he was stuck in the middle of the pack. After the two classes were done, I started to make my way toward the door to leave. However, there were a couple more awards to be handed out and I figured I'd stay...just in case. Turns out, LD got a t-shirt for having completed 25 miles of running since the beginning of the year. Some kids got dog tags for having completed 50 miles. Yikes! There was never that sort of push for running when I was in elementary school. In fact, my nightmares often featured our 1 1/2 mile runs in 6th and 7th grade. Sure sure, I went through a jogging phase, but that ended rather quickly after my mom decided it (and my eating habits) bordered on anorexic behavior.
Anyhow, LD officially hit 25 and he's aiming much higher.
Other interesting and fun things from school: they're selling tiles as a fundraiser. Have I ever mentioned how much I hate school fundraisers? I know I have. Well, this particular one will set you back $50 to paint a tile to stick on the wall of the school. You can buy a slightly larger tile for $75, but those are meant for groups, like Scouts. This is coming on the heels of the See's candy fundraiser. Yep. Like there wasn't enough of that given away at Christmas to make everyone sick. Before that was the wrapping paper and probably something else. I don't know what's next and I don't want to know. There's never anything affordable.
I realize our schools need money. I realize most families at my son's school have plenty of it. But these sales are just at this school. Our entire school district shills this stuff like there's no tomorrow. I know there are plenty of families without disposable income to throw after this stuff. Most of it's crap, too.
The best fundraiser I've ever seen was one my daughter's elementary school had with live trees and garland just before Christmas. The trees were about 5-8 inches tall and cost all of $10. They could be decorated, replanted, given as gifts. The garland was fresh and smelled heavenly. There wreaths and a few decorations. It was all reasonably priced stuff and the school made a ton of money. But I've never seen anything like it since.
Why can't schools sell things we actually need or want? Why can't they sell things that are somewhat affordable? Why can't we just get our state to fork over the money to keep our schools running?
Oh, guess that sort of took the happy fun spin away from my son's happy fun day. I'll be quiet now.
Posted by Da Goddess at 11:59 AM | Comments (0)
Cleveland
Yesterday was Little Dude's half day at school. He gets out at around 1:30. As soon as I picked him up, we ran off to the bank and then the gas station. We then stopped at my sister and brother-in-law's house to fax some paperwork over to the attorney. On our way there, LD's watch beeped and he declared it was 2:00. We'd managed to cover good territory and get a lot done in that half hour.
At my sister's, she couldn't get the fax machine hooked up properly for a while. When it was finally ready, I faxed my paperwork and had to round up the kidlet. He was sunning himself alongside one of my sister's cats.
Off we went to the store. Bread, juice, Q-tips, toilet paper (tee hee*), etc. All the basics. Since it was Price Club, er...Costco, we stopped to sample food here and there. Bacon was LD's favorite. He'd have eaten all they had if he'd been allowed. There was a woman handing out Activia samples and we decided to try some. I don't know if the yogurt had sat there too long or if this is how it actually tastes, but it had this acrid bite to it. It just wasn't right. The vanilla was better than the peach, but still nothing to write home about. In fact, I'd hazard a guess that it was the Activia that made both of us sick to our stomachs a short while later.
Once we enter the World of Warehouse, we often lose track of time. Everyone does. That's why you see so many glazed and dazed people wandering around. Still...I was surprised as we were driving home when LD's watch went off and he declared it 4PM. I looked at him and asked, "what happened to 3?"
"It went to Cleveland."
After a couple questions, he admitted it was really only 3PM. I asked him what the deal with Cleveland was and he said that's where time goes when you're having fun.
Sigh.
That's my kid. My weird, wacky kid.
Posted by Da Goddess at 11:21 AM | Comments (0)
February 06, 2008
ROC for Fire Relief
Okay, here's the dealio...
Reunited Overture Concert will be happening February 23 and 24 sometime in the future at Qualcomm Stadium.
From Randy Seol:
Dear Friend,Magic is created when old friends come together. Many old friends are hoping this magic will be transformed into substantial aid for the thousands of Southern California fire victims by helping them restore their lives. And we need your support to help us fulfill the victims’ hopes and honor the heroic fire fighters and others who came to our rescue.
My name is Randy Seol. With help from my band, The Strawberry Alarm Clock, elected San Diego officials, Qualcomm Stadium and H.M. Artist Foundation, I am organizing the “ROC” (Reunited Overture Concert). Proceeds will be donated to the San Diego Foundation’s After the Fires Fund to aid in rebuilding San Diego Communities and help the fire victims.
The event will be a two-day Music Festival Extravaganza February 23 and 24, 2008 at Qualcomm Stadium!
Join us in the company of your “old friends” and a broad arrangement of musical talent such as The Strawberry Alarm Clock, Electric Prunes, Buddy Miles, Vince Martell of Vanilla Fudge, The Ravers, Sky Saxon with The Seeds, Rose Garden, Indian Classical featuring Shri Arup Chattopadhyay (Tabla) and Shri Suman Laha (Veena), Jimmy Kunes, Jim McCarty of Cactus and Stephen Bishop as well as popular local bands.
“ROC” (Reunited Overture Concert) will bring thousands of San Diegans together to help us thank the firefighters who courageously risked their lives to put the fires out, the media who diligently kept us informed with up-to-the-minute information and the city and state officials for their quick response to our cries for help.
Only with your participation can we make this a successful and special reunion by personally thanking these individuals as we bring them on stage between acts so they can feel thousands of us cheer and applaud them for their acts of heroism and success!
Your generous charitable support will be instrumental in making this event a success. All contributions are tax deductible under H.M. Artist Foundation’s non-profit 501c3 classification. A form is enclosed with specific details. We encourage interested sponsors to sign up as soon as possible.
We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at “ROC.” Please feel free to contact us for any additional information.
Sincerely,
Randy Seol
Daniel Hendrick
Check out Reunited Overture Concert or H.M. Artist Foundation for further info.
Posted by Da Goddess at 08:56 PM | Comments (0)
Bounce!
It's officially Windsday and Tigger showed up on my doorstep.
Hmmm...
Thank you, Larry!
Posted by Da Goddess at 02:01 PM | Comments (3)
Today's Horoscope
For Taurus:
People in authority are inclined to be well disposed towards you right now, and this could turn out to be one of the best days of the month for you. You should be feeling motivated to climb the ladder of success right now. And your hard work and dedication could be bringing you greater recognition along with a healthy boost in self-esteem.You could be receiving some financial or material benefits as a result of your efforts right now. And you might be offered greater security or even more money. If you’ve been thinking about asking for a raise, today might not be a bad time for it.
That works for me.
Also noted, Astrological Insights:
New Moon of ChangeWhat do you think? Tonight's New Moon in visionary Aquarius signals it's time for radical change. After all, the energy of Aquarius is that rare breed that makes the impossible suddenly possible, suggesting that a new course of action (in any arena you feel it necessary) not only can - but should be implemented. That's not to say it will be easy - the current placement of practical Saturn in change-weary Capricorn is practically screaming "reality check!" But with the Sun, Moon and Neptune in the sign of the innovator and tonight's Solar Eclipse heightening those energies, there's never been a better time to jump in feet first and transform your life - or the world around you!
Not having any of the astrology charts to consult prior to my bid to find a way to boldly start down a new path, I find it intriguing that much of what I'm reading corresponds with my new goals.
Perhaps it's just a desire to find affirmation in my endeavors, or maybe there's much more to it; it doesn't matter as long as I continue to pursue that which will give me control of my future.
Speaking of goals and changing the course of my life, some of you might have noticed I adjusted my fundraising thermometer. I got yelled at for 1) not considering sales tax and 2) shipping and handling. A friend suggested I consider purchasing my camera from a company in New York. He's done business with them for years -- photography gear, video gear -- and he knows what he's talking about. For once, I'm taking someone's advice and looking at the best deal I can get for the money I'm going to spend.
Many thanks to those of you who have supported my quest. Knowing how close I am to taking charge of my future has made me downright giddy. I've been working on my portfolio, putting together a packet to give to bands (most promising market for me at the moment) as well as a portrait package, and generally ensuring my contracts are in order. Yes, I've had a standard contract for the last two years for jobs that require more than just a couple shots here and there. As I said, I'm serious about this and it takes more than a new camera and big ideas to make it work.
For anyone interested in helping me assemble my portfolio, if you'd like to suggest certain images for me to include, I'd love to have your input.
Exposure Manager (the last row of galleries are not my work, so don't suggest those!)
Shoot me an email with your suggestions!
Posted by Da Goddess at 06:27 AM | Comments (0)
February 05, 2008
What The Surgeon Said
It may sound weird to say this, but I was extremely happy to walk out of the surgeon's office today after hearing there's a problem with my lower back. After three years of increasing pain and decreasing function, to finally have someone say there's a real, physical cause to it makes me feel immensely better. It's relief. It's a validation of what I knew was happening.
Three years of asking for help with my lower back. Three years of increasing impairment. Three years of losing my life and my sanity all because the insurance company didn't want to address what was really going on.
I've lost so much because they chose to write off my pain in order to save money. I've gained a lot, too. Most of the gain hasn't been in productive areas, though.
So the surgeon, my sweet surgeon, after looking at new films for two seconds, points out the problem area and explains exactly why I'm experiencing numbness, tingling, weakness, etc. He also notes that the emergency room doc saw the same thing three years ago and laments the treatment (or lack thereof) I received from my primary for this. He orders an MRI and prescribes me more Vicodin, Flexeril, and some Valium (just two of them). The Valium is for my MRI. I don't think I need it, but he says I should take it for this one as I'll have to be very still for much longer than previous scans. Okay. If he says so.
Nerve studies aren't going to be necessary (yay!) because the nerve compression is apparent from xrays alone. The MRI will prove that beyond a shadow of a doubt to the insurance company. Oh, they'll still try to get out of this, I'm sure. But the simple fact is, I didn't have these problems before I got hurt and they've only become worse since then. According to the surgeon, the problem I have is usually not an issue until there's trauma of some sort to set things in motion. Hello! That's me!
I love my surgeon. Love him, love him, love him. Not in some dreamy, romantic way. I love him in a "thank God this sort of doctor exists" way. He was happy to see me and gave me a great big hug when he walked in the room and another one as I was leaving. Did I mention he's good looking, too? Yeah, he is. Makes the whole experience much more pleasant. To be honest, he's the only doctor I've seen in three years who truly seems to care about his patients and acts as though he wants to mitigate their suffering. How can you not love someone like that?
I finally have the proof that my pain isn't in my head (as my primary once said). I have proof that there is a physical cause to what ails me. Now all I have to do is get the MRI under my belt and see what we can do about it. Chances are, there will be a fusion of part of my lumbar spine. I've just spent the last hour researching the info the surgeon told me to google and that seems to be the only answer for pain that's persisted longer than six months. Again, that's me. And I'm totally cool with it. I only want to feel like a real person again and if it takes surgery, by all means, let's do it!
Yeah. I have answers and I'm happy. We can move forward now.
Posted by Da Goddess at 08:10 PM | Comments (2)
A Little Light
Despite the less than stellar quality of the photos, I like both of these. Look at the arms on Dennis (first image)! I love that you can see the sweat and muscles. To me, it says he's putting all he has into his playing, and he does. Tony, his bassist, well, I simply love the ripples of shadow against light on his shirt, the dreads, and the fact it was so hard to catch him with his head still. He bounced and bobbed while he played.(More photos of Dennis Jones and Tony Ruiz of the Dennis Jones Band.)
I try to shoot without flash as much as possible during performances because I like the mood the lighting creates. It can be problematic, though. It's been my experience that most clubs/venues don't have adequate lighting, or rely too much on red gels. There are any number of issues that can occur, including some band members appearing totally in the dark because of how the lighting is arranged. Even if you use a flash, it's not a guarantee that it'll light the subject properly. While shooting this band, I did use flash for a lot of the shots, but I like the ones where I didn't better. Flaws and all.
I've always been fascinated by the way light plays with texture, shape, and movement. Whether I'm drawing, taking a photo, or even just sitting and looking at something, light can change how you see things. A stray shadow can elongate or shorten the proportion of a figure. It can create an entirely new figure! If you watch the same tree from the same angle throughout the course of a day, does it not seem to change before your eyes? At sunrise it may look fresh and new. At noon, it becomes both a bright being and a cool resting place. As the sun shifts behind it a bit, there's a renewed vibrancy in the leaves, but it's still different from the way it looked at dawn. At sunset, it can be a mere shadow against God's palette.
Take away color, light becomes even more important. Without it, there's no depth, no being. That's pretty much the core of my fascination.
Amazing what interrupted sleep and a need for distraction can produce, isn't it? Must. Try. To. Nap.
Posted by Da Goddess at 10:19 AM | Comments (0)
Get Out And Vote!
If you're registered, go vote!
I did my homework. I read anything and everything I could find on the candidates and issues of the day. I made my selections carefully and I sent my ballot in 10 days ago.
To me, it's not so much about who you choose or how you vote on an issue, but that you DO vote. I don't believe you can sit around griping about the way the state or country are run if you haven't participated in the process. It's like complaining about how the neighbors painted their house when you could have gone to the home owners' association meeting and had a say in approving color choices. Or whining about the coffee you were served when you told the kid at the counter to give you "whatever".
You need to be involved! You need to make your mark on what happens around you. And to do that, you need to vote.
Posted by Da Goddess at 10:00 AM | Comments (0)
Tomorrow's Consequences For Today's Teens
The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and the Ethics Center have joined forces to explore what, if any, consequences teens face with their Myspace and Facebook pages. It's an interesting idea; one I'm sure most kids never gave a second thought.
The first forum on the subject was back in July 2007 and was invitation only. This time, though, it's open to the public.
The very fact that many parents are unaware or unconcerned about what their children are doing online (even with all the news stories about the potential dangers) makes me angry. Even though my daughter doesn't live with me, my sister and brother-in-law monitor her Internet usage carefully. She has to ask permission to go online. She doesn't have a page on Myspace or Facebook or any other social networking site. Going online is for research or to check email. And she doesn't check email often, let me tell you. She'd called me one night looking for some info, which I sent to her via email. A month later, she still hadn't seen it. I was actually rather pleased by this. I know she's safe. I know she's not putting herself out there for the world to see and possibly to take advantage of her. She's online for a purpose and it's supervised.
My son, at 11, is four years younger than his sister and his computer usage is also monitored. He knows how to Google. He knows which sites are safe. And he even has email, which is very rarely used, but it does exist. Together, we play games online. Together, we search for information for his homework. Together, we learn. He knows the rules for computer use and he accepts them. Just as his sister does. I know he's safe as long as he follows these rules.
But what about all those kids out there whose online activity is left unchecked? My roommate's youngest daughter has a profile up on Myspace and it's not as bad as some I've seen, but she's still putting herself out there and looking a little older than she actually is. Her mother let her do this and only occasionally checks the content. A friend of mine from nursing school, her daughter has had a profile on Myspace for well over two years. She was only 11 when she set it up. She didn't look 11 and she certainly doesn't look 13 on her profile now. Her mom is one of her friends. Her mom's boyfriend is also one of her friends. And the rest are presumably friends from school. I can think of better ways to stay in touch with people.
The thing with these two kids that bothers me so much is that, even with "supervision", there are no restrictions on who can view their profiles; their faces are out there; their information is out there. It doesn't take more than a click to look through their photos to see the name of their schools in the background, or some other indicator of where they are in the real world. So much for that supervision.
And it gets worse for those kids who aren't monitored by their parents. Some of the photos border on "indecent". I mean, does any 15 year old need to have pictures of themselves online in practically nothing? There are also concerns about the content of their blogs. Talk of the latest party, where it was, who was there, how wasted they got, and what they did or think they did. A lot of these kids haven't even bothered to make up a nickname. No, their names are out there for anyone and everyone to see.
You can easily delete a blog post, right? We do it all the time. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's gone. Whether it's caught by some archival site or someone downloaded the post, it's still possible for it to come back and haunt you. Even if we forget there are consequences to what we say online, we often are confronted with stark reminders. Many of us grown up bloggers have had this happen to us. It's cost some of us jobs, friends, etc. For these kids, though, there's a whole can of worms that hasn't even been fully considered. Putting aside the whole "predator" thing, think about what their online activities are saying about them, whether to friends, teachers, future employers.
Can we fully protect our kids from themselves? No. Kids mess up. Can we protect them from others? It's difficult enough to do so in the real world and with a small group of people, but once they put aspects of their lives online, it's suddenly available for all the world to see. And people are looking. People are watching. People are taking note.
Our teens take their cues from parents, friends, and (God help us) celebrities. One of the most recent "sweet, young things" to cross the line from teen idol to little Lolita is Miley Cyrus. Photos of her in her underwear and bathing suit - photos she and a friend took - have shown up online. Kids see this and think it's okay. Or they think it's one more way to attract attention. But what kind of attention are they getting? And to what end? It would seem there's no self-editing anymore. There's no boundary. Especially if parents aren't paying attention.
What can be done about it? How do we go about limiting the fallout? Do we? Can we? That's what the Ethics Center forum is trying to determine.
If you're a parent in San Diego, perhaps you should consider attending.
Posted by Da Goddess at 09:09 AM | Comments (0)
February 03, 2008
What Not To Wear
I could easily qualify as a fashion victim on any given day, but today I'm absolutely resplendent in fug. A bucket of fug, if you will.
Picture this, if you will: long-sleeve turquoise v-neck, topped with short-sleeve brown former keyholed neckline (the ring holding it in place broke long ago), and maroon velour sweats. Pretty, eh? And this isn't even the worst outfit I've ever worn. One day I'll have to scan some photos of me camping or on Christmas morning 20+ years ago. You'd laugh, you'd cry, and then you'd gouge your eyes out. Too often I've been a big old bag of wrong.
The thing is, I'm frozen today. It's almost a refreshing break from the fevers, but just barely. I am feeling better today. Not 100%, but better than before. Guess it's because it's raining and we finally got rid of that nasty dry air that set my sinuses off.
Additionally, my roommate left his window open a bit and then left his door open when he took off on his Super Bowl Vegas weekend, which meant all that cold air was blowing into the living room. I've since closed it. It only took me 18 hours to figure that out. D'oh!
So now I'm warming up a little and realizing I need a couple things from the store. I think I'll go without until I'm at my breaking point. Normally, I don't mind going out in the rain, but not today. I just want to be warm.
Aside from this being a typical "at home" outfit, I really would qualify to be on What Not To Wear. Someone needs to nominate me.
Off for a pre-game nap. I'm a tired old gal and I totally deserve my nap.
Posted by Da Goddess at 10:57 AM | Comments (6)
February 01, 2008
Photo Archives
Little Dude and I took a slew of photos on the day we celebrated his birthday back in October. I would take a few, then he'd take a few. We experimented with all sorts of shots, including macros, lighting, depth of field.
The kid has a knack for photography and even told me last week that he wants the same cameras I covet. I told him he'd have to become proficient with the one I'm currently using before he steps up to the bigger challenge. Which is only partially true. In fact, I think he'd be ready for a real DSLR right now based on his demonstrated abilities.
Still, he's gonna have to wait. When I'm fully up to speed, or at least working around whatever physical limitations I may have to live with, I'll find him a nice little camera and get him started. I was his age when I got my first SLR. If film and developing costs hadn't been a factor, I'd have been out of control with my habit. That's one of the best things about digital -- you don't have to worry about film or developing and you can print only what you want.
My daughter is also a very capable photographer and she's done several professional shoots with her uncle. He needed a second camera and she was there. She's good with basics, but LD has the detail stuff down pat. It's sort of interesting to see both of my kids develop their "eye", you know? It's exciting for me because I remember being their age/s and can recall some of the many photos I took, how thrilled I was when I learned something new. I love seeing that look on their faces as they learn. Especially LD's. You know how those boys can be!
No photos from my Mojo, but here are a couple from LD and me. You get to figure out who took which.
Posted by Da Goddess at 09:12 AM | Comments (2)
Coinky-dink?
First episode of Nash Bridges of the day and one of the guest stars is Pauly Shore. Today's Pauly's 40th birthday. Coincidence?
I wonder what kind of party he'll have. He's in Vegas, that much I know.
Speaking of birthdays and parties and such, I know it's super early (3 1/2 months early), but I've already been told to expect something special for my birthday this year. The cool thing is I get to share this specialness with friends, especially Mrs. Mikey (who happens to be my bday twin). As more details come in, interested local parties are more than welcome to inquire about joining in the fun.
Until then, we'll just have to ponder Pauly's plans and wish him well.
Posted by Da Goddess at 07:11 AM | Comments (0)
Coughy Break
Would you believe me if I told you I'm sick again? Started off Saturday night with a little laryngitis and by Monday, it was full on fever, sore throat, congestion, etc. I've had NO voice for several days now. I've slept a lot, too.
While I'm not anywhere near better, I just woke up feeling like something's changed. Still have a fever. Still coughing. Still congested. But it feels less like I'm going to keel over. I think that's progress. Maybe it's because I finally ate yesterday. Something other than soup, that is.
I had a weird dream while my fever was way up there. I imagined Hillary Clinton was running for president and that she had vague "feel good" ads airing every few minutes on TV. There was even a lightly veiled reference to "new age" in there somewhere. I also had a dream that Rudy Giuliani dropped out of the race. And Vincent Pastore quit Celebrity Apprentice. Oh, and there was this horrendous dream (nightmare) that Eva Longoria Parker was in an actual movie. Isn't everyone sick of her already? Amazing what delirium does to you, huh?
Time to get back to coughing. I've been slacking off for too long. My ribs were almost feeling normal for a second.
Posted by Da Goddess at 05:02 AM | Comments (2)