I was speaking to my friend JP a few months ago about her new landlord who seemed a bit crazy. He has these really strict rules in the contract – for example, NO CANDLES. You see, it’s because he’s very scared of fire and is worried that the cats will knock over the candles, thus burning down the whole house. The funny part is JP didn’t even have cats, yet they still couldn’t have candles because of his fear of cats and candles. (She has since gotten two kittens – if you can’t have candles, then you may as well have cats right?) Anyway, we would laugh about this, (as I hear my high-pitch excited voice) “Ah Ha Ha..Cats and Candles, Cats and Candles…oh no, what will we do??”
But now, I take it all back…and I take it very seriously. (hee hee). On Saturday night we had some friends over so I decorated the whole house with candles, including the bedroom. (I was hoping that the gentle candle-light would mask other less inviting things about our place – like the mess).
The first guests arrive and the cats scrambled towards the bedroom. After chatting for a minute, I looked down the hall into our room to see Zimby’s tail smoking over the candle. It was literally sizzling. I think she realized she was on fire at the same time as I did, and leapt onto the bed to get away from the flame on the dresser. Fortunately it just burnt some fur, but did not reach the skin. The strange part was, it was on her tail rather close to her rear, as if she almost sat on the candle. After this, the poor cat was traumatized and never left the bed. But the smell of burning fur lingered on…
So, the moral of the story is, although you may laugh, cats and candles do not a good mix make.
Monday, December 19, 2005
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Personal Bests
Today is a good day – it was my last day of Boot Camp. They had tested us in the first class to see how many push-ups we could do (53), how many sit-ups in 60 secs (30 or so) and how fast we could run a mile (over 10 minutes). Today we were tested again, and I’m proud to say that I improved! First I was able to run a mile in 9:25 – which for this non-runner girl, is an absolute record. Then I blew the other ladies in the class away by doing 63 push-ups. (Girl-style – knees on ground). And finally, the sit-ups improved marginally – I think it was around 36. But, overall it just felt so good to see a difference in just 5 short weeks.
Today is a great day – Mr. Mingle finished his last round of finals!! He will now hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Math and English (one of those fortunate souls who uses both sides of his brain). After watching him study so much and so faithfully, for the last couple of years, I’m really proud of his accomplishment. When I was in college, I never studied as hard as him – I can really tell how much he enjoys learning. He was even able to fend off my many attempts to distract him all this time. “Wanna Play? Wanna go on a hike? Wanna go to a movie? Wanna go to a party?” Or course, once in awhile I’d get him to cave, but for the most part he stuck to his guns – and kept at his work. So, Mr. Mingle, my hat goes off to you! “You Are the Wind Beneath my Wings” “We are the Champions” “Celebrate” and all that sappy stuff. I hope you will be able to take a deep breath after today, relax, and just appreciate what you have done.
I will try really hard to stave off the “Honey Do” list for a while to let you have a break. I will try. :)
Today is a great day – Mr. Mingle finished his last round of finals!! He will now hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Math and English (one of those fortunate souls who uses both sides of his brain). After watching him study so much and so faithfully, for the last couple of years, I’m really proud of his accomplishment. When I was in college, I never studied as hard as him – I can really tell how much he enjoys learning. He was even able to fend off my many attempts to distract him all this time. “Wanna Play? Wanna go on a hike? Wanna go to a movie? Wanna go to a party?” Or course, once in awhile I’d get him to cave, but for the most part he stuck to his guns – and kept at his work. So, Mr. Mingle, my hat goes off to you! “You Are the Wind Beneath my Wings” “We are the Champions” “Celebrate” and all that sappy stuff. I hope you will be able to take a deep breath after today, relax, and just appreciate what you have done.
I will try really hard to stave off the “Honey Do” list for a while to let you have a break. I will try. :)
Monday, December 12, 2005
look at me, LOOK AT ME
All right People, listen up! I have colored my hair Auburn. I got my hair cut. I went shopping and bought a lot of new clothes. For me! Why am I telling you this? Because, I haven’t seen you. And the people who do see me regularly have not said a single word. The new coworkers don’t notice or choose to say anything. The fellow musicians in Cabaret do not say anything. Fortunately my husband noticed and has lovingly said that it looks great. And I thought it looked great…yet when no one says a single word – I start to think…does it look that bad??
Last Tuesday, when I came to work, I had long curly hair, almost blonde at the ends due to highlights gone crazy. On Wednesday I came to work with STRAIGHT dark hair, and glossy (thank you hairdresser!), and what reaction did I get? Nothing. I chalked it up to the fact that my coworkers have not known me that long, and do not take much notice when I poke my head around the cube gopher-style. Heck, they don’t even notice that I’m in the office, let alone have different hair.
But I couldn’t handle being invisible, so the next day, I wore a brand new top, not usually intended for work, because it has pink sparkles on it. I, Mrs. Mingle–with–the-now-dark-hair, wore a PINK FLASHY shirt to work. And, not to end there, I even wore lipstick. Oh, glory be – faint now. And what reaction did I get that day? Nothing. Sigh…
It has now gotten to the point where I have emailed my boss to ask her if the new Administrative Assistant (hallelujah we can have envelopes now!) can come take the cube next to me because I’m lonely. And who knows, maybe in 3 months, when I get my hair cut again – she’ll notice.
Last Tuesday, when I came to work, I had long curly hair, almost blonde at the ends due to highlights gone crazy. On Wednesday I came to work with STRAIGHT dark hair, and glossy (thank you hairdresser!), and what reaction did I get? Nothing. I chalked it up to the fact that my coworkers have not known me that long, and do not take much notice when I poke my head around the cube gopher-style. Heck, they don’t even notice that I’m in the office, let alone have different hair.
But I couldn’t handle being invisible, so the next day, I wore a brand new top, not usually intended for work, because it has pink sparkles on it. I, Mrs. Mingle–with–the-now-dark-hair, wore a PINK FLASHY shirt to work. And, not to end there, I even wore lipstick. Oh, glory be – faint now. And what reaction did I get that day? Nothing. Sigh…
It has now gotten to the point where I have emailed my boss to ask her if the new Administrative Assistant (hallelujah we can have envelopes now!) can come take the cube next to me because I’m lonely. And who knows, maybe in 3 months, when I get my hair cut again – she’ll notice.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Letter to Police
Dear Oakland Police,
I am writing to you with a complaint. My husband parks near the West Oakland BART Station so he can take advantage of public transportation and has had nothing but bad luck in that area. In the last year and a half, his car has been broken into twice, stolen twice, and as of Tuesday night he was mugged walking to his car. Fortunately, and for this I will be forever grateful, he is okay, save for a couple of bumps and a missing wallet, which can be replaced. But I do not understand how most of these things can happen in broad daylight, and only a mile from your main Oakland Police Station.
People sometimes ask why we don’t move, or why we keep parking near that station, but we’ve got ourselves a good rental situation, and it doesn’t make sense financially to move at this point. Plus, I refuse to believe that we live in a place where we should be afraid of parking or walking around. Not only afraid, but that we should expect something bad will happen. If there is a known area, where we expect bad things to happen, why is there not more police presence? There is certainly enough police presence in downtown Oakland ticketing cars.
I understand that there is a financial shortage, and that there are worse areas that you have to deal with on a daily basis, but I have some ideas for you to consider:
1)Have some of those meter maids who so aggressively ticket in downtown Oakland patrol the area around the West Oakland BART Station. They may not have a gun, but it could make a person think twice about stealing a car in broad daylight if a vehicle with the ability to radio the Oakland Police drives by.
2)Partner with BART to have a fundraiser in order to build a multi-level parking garage at the BART Station. You may have heard - beginning next week BART will begin charging $5 for their limited parking spaces as is. I’m pretty sure this will mean you will see even more people parking on the surrounding streets. If you build a lot, that is patrolled by the BART police, that is something worth paying $5 for.
3)Check out the local gyms. My husband has had four gym bags stolen – apparently there are a rash of people who want to work out. If you see a thug working out in a shirt that advertises the musical Cabaret – my guess is that it was not his shirt originally.
4)At the very least, before returning to your parking lot at the police station, just drive a few blocks west to patrol the area a little. You might be surprised by what you catch.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Wife
I am writing to you with a complaint. My husband parks near the West Oakland BART Station so he can take advantage of public transportation and has had nothing but bad luck in that area. In the last year and a half, his car has been broken into twice, stolen twice, and as of Tuesday night he was mugged walking to his car. Fortunately, and for this I will be forever grateful, he is okay, save for a couple of bumps and a missing wallet, which can be replaced. But I do not understand how most of these things can happen in broad daylight, and only a mile from your main Oakland Police Station.
People sometimes ask why we don’t move, or why we keep parking near that station, but we’ve got ourselves a good rental situation, and it doesn’t make sense financially to move at this point. Plus, I refuse to believe that we live in a place where we should be afraid of parking or walking around. Not only afraid, but that we should expect something bad will happen. If there is a known area, where we expect bad things to happen, why is there not more police presence? There is certainly enough police presence in downtown Oakland ticketing cars.
I understand that there is a financial shortage, and that there are worse areas that you have to deal with on a daily basis, but I have some ideas for you to consider:
1)Have some of those meter maids who so aggressively ticket in downtown Oakland patrol the area around the West Oakland BART Station. They may not have a gun, but it could make a person think twice about stealing a car in broad daylight if a vehicle with the ability to radio the Oakland Police drives by.
2)Partner with BART to have a fundraiser in order to build a multi-level parking garage at the BART Station. You may have heard - beginning next week BART will begin charging $5 for their limited parking spaces as is. I’m pretty sure this will mean you will see even more people parking on the surrounding streets. If you build a lot, that is patrolled by the BART police, that is something worth paying $5 for.
3)Check out the local gyms. My husband has had four gym bags stolen – apparently there are a rash of people who want to work out. If you see a thug working out in a shirt that advertises the musical Cabaret – my guess is that it was not his shirt originally.
4)At the very least, before returning to your parking lot at the police station, just drive a few blocks west to patrol the area a little. You might be surprised by what you catch.
Sincerely,
A Concerned Wife
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Mingle Tips
Tip #1
Do not wear a brand new fuzzy white sweater with a black jacket.
Tip #2
If you are going to the gym prior to going to work, do not forget to pack your bra when choosing your clothes for the next day.
Tip #3
Target sells cheap bras and lint removers, and it opens at 8am.
Do not wear a brand new fuzzy white sweater with a black jacket.
Tip #2
If you are going to the gym prior to going to work, do not forget to pack your bra when choosing your clothes for the next day.
Tip #3
Target sells cheap bras and lint removers, and it opens at 8am.
Monday, December 05, 2005
The Latest Play
For the third time in two years I am playing trumpet for the musical Cabaret. One would think I’ve had enough of this play, (and I have), but it just keeps getting more interesting! If one were to give ratings to musicals, the first one in Pleasanton would have been rated PG, the second one in Alameda was PG-13 (a bit more raw and raunchy), and the current one in Berkeley: Rated R.
When they asked me to play they warned me there might be some nudity in the show (no, no, not me) but wow – they weren’t kidding! To quote the first line of someone else’s personal review: “T__s. Lots of t_ts. A bevy of beautiful bouncing b__bs”. (Edited due to the fact that I was suddenly unable to open my own blog page at work. I'm not sure if it blocks pages based on "bad words"....)
Oh yes, ladies are definitely topless in this show! Fortunately someone warned me the night before I was to play because I’m not sure that I could have kept my composure (and kept playing) if I looked up to see six half-naked women. Not just topless, but topless and dancing. What a combo.
But please do not mistake my R-Rating as a bad one. Despite (or because of?) the nudity, the show is outstanding. It’s very well acted and the sets and costumes are wonderful. The only part I would change is the fact that they have stuck the trumpet player in an ugly-ass orange dress. That, is just not fair. I mean, it almost makes me wonder…would I rather be topless, or in an ugly-ass orange dress? Tough call, don’t you think?
I’m proud to be a part of this show, although it’s not something I would recommend to everyone. If you are a fan of musicals, and do not mind some seediness and raunchy behavior in your shows, then check it out. (It runs until the end of January). If the Music Man and Mary Poppins is more your cup-of-tea…then, you may want to skip this one.
When they asked me to play they warned me there might be some nudity in the show (no, no, not me) but wow – they weren’t kidding! To quote the first line of someone else’s personal review: “T__s. Lots of t_ts. A bevy of beautiful bouncing b__bs”. (Edited due to the fact that I was suddenly unable to open my own blog page at work. I'm not sure if it blocks pages based on "bad words"....)
Oh yes, ladies are definitely topless in this show! Fortunately someone warned me the night before I was to play because I’m not sure that I could have kept my composure (and kept playing) if I looked up to see six half-naked women. Not just topless, but topless and dancing. What a combo.
But please do not mistake my R-Rating as a bad one. Despite (or because of?) the nudity, the show is outstanding. It’s very well acted and the sets and costumes are wonderful. The only part I would change is the fact that they have stuck the trumpet player in an ugly-ass orange dress. That, is just not fair. I mean, it almost makes me wonder…would I rather be topless, or in an ugly-ass orange dress? Tough call, don’t you think?
I’m proud to be a part of this show, although it’s not something I would recommend to everyone. If you are a fan of musicals, and do not mind some seediness and raunchy behavior in your shows, then check it out. (It runs until the end of January). If the Music Man and Mary Poppins is more your cup-of-tea…then, you may want to skip this one.
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