Mildly Irritating

Just a few things I find to be mildly irritating

1. Old campaign stickers. I don't need a daily reminder that W is in office and you Kerry people...get over it.
2. Those who feel the need to grip onto their shopping cart for dear life and never leave it. It is much easier to park it and not clog the traffic flow with your cart.
3. When you kitten doesn't know that it makes sense to cover your kitty poo with litter.
4. The return of leggings. This is much more offensive than the return of leg warmers from last year.
5. The fact that there are a boat load of cute tops at target and they are all sleeveless or short sleeved. It is freezing out there! I need to be covered.

I thought if I got the cranky irritation out, I might feel a clearing.

The Trouble Is....

Last weekend I went on one of those crazy capers driving all over town to secure all the discs in the Grey's Anatomy season 2 collection. I made an event of it, staying up all night and making special snacks to heighten my viewing pleasure. I had seen a few snippets of episodes, but after watching a full episode one night last week, I could tell I would love the show. Let's face it, all the commercials with the good music certainly helped with convincing me I'd like the show.

All week I have been daydreaming about what would happen on the season premiere. I was so excited to tie up some loose ends and have an excuse to make a fun meal and sip diet coke. First off there was a recap show (which could have saved me some rental dollars!) and finally the episode started. I was elated.

Quickly I learned a few things about the beauty of the entire season on DVD. Well, first off, there are no commercials. The show flows seamlessly from scene to scene. When you miss something you can just rewind it. If you laugh too hard you don't miss anything. The horror of watching in real time centers around the fact that I have to wait 6 more days to watch it again!!! This is crazy. I feel like I am breaking down! I am not even comforted by the Ghost Whisperer return. I am anxious. I need a Xanax.

This is a slight exaggeration, but not that far off.

First Bite of Fall

Tonight at the store I was delighted to see my favorite apple is back in season and that apple is the honeycrisp variety. A few years ago I discovered this special autumnal treat at Whole Foods. As the time has passed, and the word spread, it is getting easier and easier to find the sweet treat. But, not really a cheap bite at $2.69lb. Three apples cost me $4.

I really can't complain about the price tag because these apples are like a drink, a dessert and a serving of fruit all in one. They are so juicy and just like Twizzlers, they make your mouth happy. They remind me of the granny smith without the tummy ache from bitterness. After having this apple I decided to embrace the Fall (not that I really have a choice, it is coming even if I don't want it) and I am going to try to welcome Fall.

So, cider mills, chunky sweaters and leaf raking here I come!! Well maybe not that leaf raking part, but it sounded good when I typed it. Those blisters that come from the rake kinda suck and would spoil the Fall fun.

Go out and try yourself a honeycrisp apple. You will be back thanking me. I would accept a pie made of the apples if you're so inclined.

So Long My Sweet Friend

I bet you are expecting an elegy for a dead person. Oh no my friends.... I am now going to lament a different sort of companion, one that I love very much...

Today I was getting dressed for school and found I was piling on layers of clothing and considering my outfit and which sweater or jacket I could wear with it. It was a horrible feeling. I hate the transition into fall clothes. I like the easy choice of which white tank top I will pair with a flouncy skirt and my jean jacket. It is super simple and still super stylish. But, the true transition into fall occurred when I pulled out my sock basket, selected a stripey pair, and strapped on my tennies.

Yes, that is right folks...I am wearing close-toed shoes.

I did not wear a pair of close-toed shoes all summer long. I love showing off cute pedicured toes and spangled flip flops. It is the best part of summer if you don't include sunlight or freckles.

I knew summer was over when my favorite Professor shrieked in horror on Monday night "Oh my gosh, I am just cold looking at your feet! How can you wear flip flops?" This lady has a deep perma-tan and she is obviously a fan of all things sunny and summer. If she says it's time, I guess it is time.

It must be fitting that as the calendar turns to fall, I turn to close-toed shoes. Sad, sad, sad, but all the while.....True.

Hello Mirabelle

I have longed for a title my whole life, and I finally have earned one....Crazy Cat Lady.

I have welcomed a new little furry creature into my 1 bedroom house and her name is Mirabelle. My Uncle and his girlfriend have a horse farm and recently had a liter of kittens. I went to visit them several times and couldn't not resist a sweet little skunk-like furball. She is long haired kitten who is half black and half white with a pink nose and toes.

I brought her home on Sunday and introduced her to Punky and Nutmeg. Needless to say, they were NOT happy to see the tiny addition to our cramped household. But, after a few days, they have started to come around. By come around I mean they are not attacking her, just growling a little.

Mirabelle is a champ. She is cheerful and full of energy. She has no fear and just keeps running up to her big sisters even when they hiss their stinky breath at her. She runs and slides all over the hardwood floors. After we all adjust I think everything will be great.

So, the littlest one has now made me a Crazy Cat Lady and I am proud of the title!

Quick and Dirty Reviews

It has been a little too long since my last post and I have seen a few movies and read a couple of books. So, I am going to give a quick summary and or review of what I have taken in.

The Abortionists Daughter-Elisabeth Hyde

A prominent doctor is found dead in her swimming pool. In the hours before her death she has heated words with her daughter and husband who subsequently become persons of interest in her death. In addition to her family members there are a host of people who might like to see the doctor dead such as anti-abortion activists and a local preacher. The story kept me awake and I couldn't fall asleep until I finished it. It was a nice blend of literary fiction with a splash of mystery.

History of Love-Nicole Krauss

With a nice long road trip ahead of me I was delighted when I saw this audio book at the library I had to give it a listen. I had the book from the time it came out, but hadn't ever made the time to read it. Holy Moses....This book was incredible. Probably the best book I have read in the last year. It seems a shame to summarize it so quickly but the story revolves around Leo Gursky, a man who escaped the Nazi's, and comes to New York in search of Alma his first and only love. Leo begins the book at eighty and reflects on his life and the choices he has made. The story weaved together with the stories from Leo's past and present, the author of a book called The History of Love, and a young woman who is reading the History of Love trying to solve the mystery in her life. The book is like a seamless quilt in which you can see everything is connected, but you never see the stitching.

Short Cuts

I don't know how I got this far and hadn't ever seen this Robert Altman film. It is based on a set of Robert Carver short stories that show how we are all connected to one another, kinda like the six degree of separation, but there aren't always six degrees. It was fun to watch the movie because it is loaded with actors who have very accomplished careers and this was before their enormous stardom. My only gripe would be that it was LONG. So, if there you are feeling like a nice long film, pop the corn, break out the candy and a big gulp and settle in.

Trust the Man

Story of two couples in committed relationships living in New York and struggling with where they are going. I went to see it because I love every member of the cast and thought that it would have to be wonderful. Well, it wasn't. Not even a little bit. The costumes weren't even that good. The New York scenery was even a little lackluster. I am not giving this film a thumb up. I would save your dollars and your time.

Walking in Circles Before Lying Down-Merrill Markoe

A book about a girl writing a book based on her wacky experiences. The most exciting thing about the character Dawn is the fact she lives off the Pacific Coast Highway and that is all I can say that resembles nice. I do love the PCH and would give my dimples and curls to live near it! Dawn seems to have a pretty crappy track record with relationships with men but finds solace in her relationship with her dogs. Then her she finds her dogs start talking with her. Come now. Talking dogs? Gimme a break! Sam hooked me up with this book and I always trust her to know what I'd like. After reading 3/4ths of it, I gave Sam a call to find out what was up with the pick. She told me she didn't even like it! Since I spent my summer heavy lifting books for school, she thought some fluff might be just what Dr. Lit ordered. I finished it because I had to see if it could get worse and found the answer to be....yes.

Just My Luck

And just when you thought I had stooped to the ultimate low with a book about talking to dogs....I rented Lindsey Ho-Han movie. It was worse than you thought it was. Nuff said.