Notes to the Gretchie Verse

The return of blogging ....

2017-07-13T13:48:00.001-04:00

I just posted on Facebook and I realized how much I missed the Gretchie Verse. Probably because I felt that its really good therapy.

Yesterday went with my rowing moms to see Baby Driver. Now, if you're super religious then you really should not be seeing baby driver. There is plenty of violence and swearing...no nudity. It was good though...I swear my heart stopped a few times because it was such an intense movie. If I was 21 I would be all over Ansel Elgort... he is really a talented actor. His role in the movie was extremely talented as well...he was no dummy.

Mah gurls had another day of Summer Camp rowing. It's hot, the coach was a little un nerved when the boat hit the bridge (can't blame her) but the girls had a pretty good time. They said it was hard work, but I am praying PRAYING that they like it. I obviously don't row...I tried but my back is crap. Its such a good sport and it was great for Rah Rah. . I hope she rows in college, but its not looking like it. Its only July and I am back into the rowing world. I am looking forward to being busy again.

I need a job....I have to have a job...like yesterday. I have applied with the school district and well..that went nowhere. I also applied as a librarian at hospital and they didn't even call me for an interview. It would have been absolutely the best job for me. After all we are a regulars at the hospital. Our punch card would send us Antigua or somewhere exotic. My daughter was diagnosed with mild epilepsy. It is under control with drugs and hopefully she will outgrow it. It's been no sleep for everyone here. There is nothing more frightening than watching your daughter have a grand mal seizure. It is the sound of her breathing that haunts me. I missed seeing the whole thing because I was calling 911 for an ambulance. So we have absolutely met our deductible.

The whole depression thing is under control. The drug that I am taking for it is perfect for me. So, I am much less emotional ...except when it comes to politics. It has been totally addictive listening to podcasts and the news. I am also a huge podcast addict as well...here the podcasts I listen to:

#1 Minutia Men- These guys are from Chicago and hilarious. Its my friends buddies from college and they love baseball. I am not even a Cubs Fan or better yet a baseball fan, but love the podcast anyway. They have BEST minutia and stories about encounters with stars..rock and movie stars. It's Rick and Dave...make my Thursdays !!

#2 The Carson Podcast: I am not a super huge fan of Johnny Carson, in fact I don't think that I had ever watched an episode, but I am a fan of Mark Malkoff . It also brings me back to times with my dad. Many of the stars he interviews takes me back to another time. He has VERY cool guests. He had Paul Williams awhile ago. I thought dang what is Paul Williams up to..and sure enough he had a cameo role in "Baby Driver" . Anyway, if you are a fan of Carson or that era...this will definitely take you back and its very interesting.

#3 MSNBC Rachel Maddow and Morning Joe

#4 Myths and Legends: This really should be tied with Minutia Men. Its a guy named Jason and here is the description copied from the website. So good for an evening story or in the car on the way to the museum,etc. He pretty much summarizes the story so everyone understands it.

Ever wonder about the original stories behind King Arthur and his legendary knights, Robin Hood, or Aladdin?

Did you know that fairy tales weren't originally for children and are way more bizarre, ridiculous, and interesting than you ever thought possible?

Maybe you've heard of characters like Thor, Odin, and Hercules from modern movies- stories stretching back centuries. Well, the originals that inspired the adaptations are even better.

This show brings you folklore that has shaped our world. Some are incredibly popular stories you think you know, but with surprising origins. Others are stories that might be new to you, but are definitely worth a listen.

These are stories of magic, kings, Vikings, dragons, knights, princesses, and wizards from a time when the world beyond the map was a dangerous, wonderful, and terrifying place.

#5 NPR Hidden Brain, Invisibilia, Fresh Air, Freakonomics, Radio Lab

#6 Paranormal Podcast : Its about ghosts, spirits, ufos, creatures, etc. Yes, I am not a believer, but the people he interviews are entertaining.

#7 Drama of the week: Love love love it. Its from the BBC and they tell stories like Journey to the Center of the Earth, or The Forsyth Saga, etc. Since I am a great fan of all things British...it works for me.

#8 BBC Home Front Omnibus: Dramas about WWI in England. Its like a soap opera...

#9 BBC In Our Time and Great Lives. Okay if you want to feel really really smart than listen to In Our Time. Melvin Bragg has a panel of people who are educated on different subjects : Science, Literature, History, Spirituality, etc. These people are from Oxford, Cambridge, and other universities in the United Kingdom. My favorite episode is about The Grand Tour ...It was more about sexually transmitted diseases, losing your virginity and affairs ...then it was about art and becoming sophisticated. Great Lives with Matthew Parris. He asks famous people to discuss who inspired them who is their champion. Generally its people who I have heard of but sometimes I learn about someone new. They always have an expert on the subject. I am a little ticked of that Matthew Parris thinks that the Houses of Parliament needs to shut down and made into a tourist spot. He also has to ask if the person they are talking about is gay or their sexual status..who cares ?

#10 Revisionist History : Malcom Gladwell. I want to marry him...because he is so freaking intelligent and real. Knowledge is so entertaining to me. Anyway, I don't know what I would without him.

#11 Pod Save America and Lovett or Leave it :
I love this podcast, but its not for everyone...

I think that's enough reading for today right ??

Whatever London....

2016-08-25T12:33:00.000-04:00

Love You Queen Elizabeth and Love that fabulous hat !

So, I would say over 2 years I have been saving money from my mini job to go to England. This could possibly be my last time because ...well because there are other places in the world I want to go to other than the UK. No offence Queen Elizabeth....but I am sure if we sat down and had a chat you would probably have a long list of places for me to go to. I really don't like traveling alone. I did this a few years and being alone...well it wasn't a spiritual experience. There was not a moment of an Epiphany. I just realized after two weeks away from my family I really wanted to be at home. The snobbishness of the British people were grinding my nerves. It seems some of them are the most miserable people on earth. Perhaps that is why some government officials...like if they are going to cause a scandal..they go all out on it. Did you read my blog description...I have no idea what I am chatting about....cause you know, everyone is perfect everywhere in the world. The greater the wealth the more perfect you are.

She is sooo kick butt !!!

Okay, back to my misery and unhappiness. I requested that I travel with my friend Pat . She is of 3 Pats I know of from the UK. I had an opportunity to leave this hell hole and travel with her to London. I request and it was declined. So, as tradition would have it I will have missed on a huge opportunity. You know, like meeting Theresa May,,,, something along those lines. I would have had Boris Johnson waiting for my arrival at Heathrow. Everytime my spouse says NO I miss out on some unique opportunity so I am sad. Now I have to wait until December to see if my girl gets into the Eton Summer Rowing Camp. This is how its going to go down. We will get there and she'll hate it and she will find London boring. After all, I am the sick Anglophile ...whatever your mom thinks is cool ...she is going to think opposite.

Just Sick of Being Me...

2016-08-22T12:32:00.001-04:00

Okay, lets face it, nobody but computer robots actually ever looks at my blog so I might as well make it a diary of sorts.
So, a few weeks ago I sent my friend an email. Okay, let me take that back...he's not a friend. He is actually a former friend. Someone I had a serious crush long time ago. Was that necessary information ? Oh probably not. Unlike most people in the world because I am married it has never prevented me from being friends with males. If you feel secure about your marriage and this person has no appeal to you whatsoever...like for instance they are married as well...I see it no threat. It takes two to tango. If your dance partner ain't dancing ...then they ain't dancing.
I send the email. Its an uncomprehending disaster of sorts. Yeah, it pretty much made no sense. I was asking him to primarily just pray for me. I was crying and desperate and just wanted support coming from everyone. I needed some good joo joo is that the right word ? Perhaps that has sexual content...but it wasn't sexual. I just wanted for people to pray for me because I needed to be strong and focused and not spending my days crying like a pathetic baby.

The thing is...he is one of those friends that does not believe you should correspond with another female when you are married. Especially if that person had feelings for you long ago. I didn't write the rules, his opinion and I need to respect that opinion. Yet, I went ahead and mailed him anyway. I am sure he found it by no means annoying to him. Nor did he consider I was "hitting on him". The email however was completely and totally unnecessary. This man isn't closer to God than any other person. I don't need his prayers...so why did I do it ? Why did I feel it necessary to email him ? Why do I do what I do ?

The best part of the situation is...I am positive he thinks I am BAT.S.CRAZY. I have provided this for him over the years. Yeah, like anyone else I can totally be myself...with him I could never be myself. I was never comfortable and lacked self esteem. Pretty much liked having him a friend in my life and blew it. I subconsciously did that....blew it. Wanting him to believe I am a psychopath. He is not the first....I have done this with other males in my life too. So, I hate that about me. I hate that I did this...sent the pray for me email. I shouldn't care what I said or what he thinks about me ( or anyone else for that fact) that I did it. That's what bothers me. I wasn't committing adultery or sinning or anything of that nature. Simply asked for prayers and you know what ...I bet he didn't pray for me. That would take energy and an effort and because I am this female of my past...perhaps inappropriate .

What is wrong with me ? Why can I not be myself ? Why must I dig myself into these holes and never get out of them ? Why did I send the email ? Why put forth energy and time to someone who sincerely hopes I don't die, but does not care if I am walking around bawling my eyes out ? Social Media and email has probably been my worst enemy...because some doors that have a red flag attached to them...should never be opened. Get my drift ? I should pray that I just keep my social media and email to myself. Poor former friend...God knows he is totally happy .

2016-07-04T11:25:00.000-04:00

Happy 4th of July America !!

Not Such Fabulous Notes to the Gretchie Verse

2016-06-27T13:25:00.002-04:00

Sad that the owner didn't use me in his picture...perhaps its lack of guns ??

Dear Gretchie Verse: Okay, so today I am not in such a bad mood. I went to the gym and had a pretty hard workout . Now, I just want to take nap.

Dear NPR: I recently heard a podcast of Fresh Air about Hand Guns in the America. The rise of the concealed carry life style. OOOOH it was sooo good ! So, I learned that when I went psycho and blogged about all those gun scenarios...I wasn't too far off. I felt pretty dang smart. In the interview author Evan Osnos discusses the book "Principals of Personal Defense" written by former marine Jeff Cooper. I am sure this manual is filled with important information, however he does say..you must always be on the defense. YOU MUST ALWAYS BE ALERT AND PARANOID because you mid class neighborhood in the suburbs is a major war zone. You must always have your gun at you at all times. He also puts into the mind of people...that others might have a gun to. What is better than hearing from me ? Reading the actual article in the New Yorker
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/06/27/after-orlando-examining-the-gun-business

It is an excellent article to read. Like I said, I am not against hunting guns. If you live in a war like neighborhood I might even understand having a gun for protection, but walking around paranoid that someone is going to shoot me ?? What kind of life is that ? Anyway, I didn't feel alone in my beliefs.

Dear Mrs F: Well, I am glad that we had the discussion about Brexit. I think sometimes (maybe all the time) I get carried away with what is going on in social media and the news. No, I would still vote to stay, but I am more than willing to be open minded to hear your reasoning behind why its a good idea to leave. Well, looks like the UK is leaving anyway. I will miss David Cameron. Do I know David Cameron ? Do I know everything that David Cameron believes in ? Do I know everything , absolutely everything about the conservative party ? No. So, when I write that I many times I write about stuff I don't know about it...its true...I isn't lying !!

Notes to the Gretchie Verse

2016-06-24T10:50:00.002-04:00

Dear God : Hey, God there are people out there that are making their countries prisons like...like North Korea. I am absolutely terrified...seeing what narrow minded racism is all about...

Dear Nick Farage: Seriously, not one shot was fired ?? Seriously ? Are you seriously that arrogant of a human being ? Do you not care about your country or its economy ? Do you seriously remind me of Donald Trump....oh you better believe it !!!

Dear Gretchie Verse : Will Iceland take me ?

Notes to the Gretchie Verse Happy Hump Day

2016-06-22T11:56:00.001-04:00

C'est Moi !

Dear Mom: I am at a loss where to go on the this trip ...how do we time it ? I wish dad were alive. I wish that dad could tell us what places he stayed at when we drove to Kentucky oh so many years ago. I just remember we stayed at the scariest hotels and that we loved them. We had picnic lunches and we loved them. There is no way that we are eating lunches at fast food restaurants on this trip. My poor children its only Holiday Inn Expresses and Picnics for us !

What out for your hair...you know I might end up liking eagles for this reason...

Dear Donald Trump: So, um, I read in a few places that you weren't doing so well in the polls lately. That makes me really happy. Did you know if you lose I get to drive to Cocoa Beach and hang out at my friends house and kayak and see manatees ? If you win, yeah, I am going to have to be heavily sedated and go to 5 different churches (since everyone claims their church is the true church) because I figure if you are elected...its the second coming . You know in the Bible...oh that's right...what religion are you ??

Very Cool !!

Dear T : Thank you so much for our fabulous alarm system It is probably the coolest alarm system I have ever seen. However , I dread the moment that alarm system goes off...

Brenda I love you ....

Dear Pixar: Okay loved Finding Dory. Who I really loved was Becky ....why because Becky would be like me. She looks like a disaster, but she does alright. Her hair looks just like mine. So, its the bad hair, the red eyes, and the muttering coming from her mouth. I find it interesting that some animals can talk and other can not. Imagine making a movie called Becky and that Becky gets a makeover. Anyway, she is awesome !

Notes to the Gretchie Verse

2016-06-20T20:53:00.002-04:00

I have returned to this format because...because I enjoy it better and I can possibly be more positive rather than negative.

Dear Orlando: I am truly sorry what has happened to you. It makes me cry (really cry) every time I think about it. So, I try to throw myself into other things...like unpacking,

Dear NRA: I just want to reiterate my feelings about gun control. I am totally down with hunting ...I get that. What I don't get is keeping an gun in the home for protection. Especially, an assault riffle. I NEED TO SEE A REPORT ON PEOPLE WHO DEFENDED THEMSELVES IN THEIR OWN HOMES WITH GUNS. Really, all I hear are stories of human beings killing other human beings with guns. Babies killing other babies.

Lets just take this scenario : Your sitting on your couch and someone breaks into your house and they have a gun. Your gun is somewhere else in the house. What do you do ? Run and grab your gun. What if you have small children and your guns are kept in a safe ? Do you have the time allotted to actually get up and unlock your safe ? So, the most appropriate scenario you that you are BAT.S.CRAZY because you are literally walking around your house ready to kill someone at any moment who walks into your house. I say crazy because that is what you will become.

You are at a dance club in some major city ( it can be gay it can be straight) you carry a gun. You are not a professional marksman you have never been trained to be a professional marksmen. Someone idiot walks in and starts shooting people. So, you have this gun...what happens ? Do you start trying to shoot the shooter ? You know what happens ? YOU END UP INJURING AND KILLING OTHER PEOPLE.....THAT IS WHAT HAPPENS.

So, no NRA I don't understand why people need semi automatic guns in their homes for protection.

Dear Donald Trump:

1)When you say build a wall so nobody can come into our country , you make it a prison...walls do not work and people still get across.

2) The way you speak of the Hispanics that come from Mexico...you make Mexicans sound racist.

3) When you would like to ban people with Middle Eastern names out of American you sound like a racist. Your followers are now assuming anyone with dark skin is bad. What if you look like you are from the middle east, but you are actually from Brazil ? Wait would you allow Brazilians to come and live here ? When you say those things it reminds me of Adolf Hitler the most wicked man ever. Donald, even Putin doesn't like you and look how evil he is.

4) Your wife is not First Lady material. Your wife has posed nude or semi nude for magazines..and quite frankly that screams slut to me. I mean what would her plan be in the white house ? I don't hear about her doing charitable things and she certainly can not relate to the average American.
5) You are not respected by most leaders in most countries.

Dear Mom: Looking forward to visiting you next month. I have all of my 70's and 80's prepped up ready to go.

Dear Cook : We are going to have an amazing time on our Thelma and Louise plus 3 adventure. I just hope that after 4 days you don't want to rip my head off...I can do that to people :)

Dear Benedict Cumberbatch and Lt Gov Gavin Newsom : You are both married to incredibly skinny people and now have 1 and 3 kids. I have given up and alas have not found someone to obsess over. Yeah, I pretty much have given up on obsessing over people. I think that teenage heart has died and now I am just walking around with granny underwear on , taking a thousand pills, and wearing yoga pants all day long.

Dear Pretend Spaniard : Pretend Spaniard yes there are things in life that I see and hear that remind me of you. Not so much anymore. When I get angry I think about you and think about what a narcissist you are...but then I remember that anger is not a good thing to have. I have these scenarios I have imagined I see you and things I would say...but then again it seems that how you deal with life and friends such as myself is you completely go silent. Which is truly a sign of a coward . No, really I imagine you would be laughing if you read this...but I really mean that , a coward.

Dear T: Thank you for making things okay, when we are going through the most stressful move ever. I appreciate you and love you....

What is the difference between 1970 and 2016 ?

2016-06-07T11:51:00.000-04:00

Well, I am just thinking about the differences as far as being a mom. I could definitely list a ton of things. I was just thinking about my mom. I have dishes to do and laundry to put away and boxes to unload. I was thinking about how my mother NEVER complained about laundry or dishes EVER. She made dinner EVERY NIGHT ! My mom was such an awesome mother. She was so patient with us ..I can not tell you how many times my mother came in to comfort me when I was crying. The stories about boys I forced her to listen to...my adventures when I went dancing.

Once in awhile she would take us to Jack in the Box for tacos and drive in at A&W. She was up at all hours taking my sister to Kaiser when she had an asthma attack. I don't know I am not even half the person my mother was. Now, she is living in the middle of nowhere and quilts and participates in Lions Club. Which I am grateful, but I wish I had her around all the time. Just to support me and tell me to get off my butt and do housework. Nope, instead I sit here and blog...I check my Facebook every freaking 15 minutes, I text my friends, I go out to lunch with friends....

THIS IS TOTALLY FAKE !!!

Oh, but I have had it with this election !! I am sick of stupid people believing everything they read and see on the internet...SNOPES PEOPLE SNOPES....www.snopes.com !!! I am neither democrat nor republican...I am bi..I am in the middle of the two. So, I am neither happy with either party....However on Facebook people have been posting crap . The picture above is also a fake ...this is the second picture I have seen of some lady who is covered in FAKE BLOOD...this picture is actually from telemundo !! My friends that posted these are Trump Supporters...okay now WHY WOULD I VOTE FOR TRUMP if the only people I know believe photos WITHOUT CHECKING THEM !! Like I said I am not fond of any of the candidates but social media is screwing it up for everyone...DON'T BE AN IDIOT !!! USE SNOPES !!!

Everything Costs Money

2016-06-03T11:12:00.000-04:00

Although purchasing this house was a great idea because our mortgage is over half than it was in CA. We still have spent a great deal of money on buying furniture to make things work. Life costs money...this week my kids started working out at my gym. They are getting a personal trainer once a week. Later we are all getting our haircut, swimsuits have to be purchased...mamma ain't a happy bear and yet these are the necessaries. I am not learning how to cut hair...I would rather figure out coupons. Okay, that is my ramblings for today. Anything positive ? Next week we are heading out to Nashville to see my friend perform sax...its going to be fabulous !

Moving Sucks

2016-06-02T12:46:00.001-04:00

I don't know, for some reason, this move is stressful...really stressful. Could it possibly be that this house is half the size of the last house I lived in ? That quite possibly that I realize that I am 48 AND that I wasted so much money on CRAP. Lots and lots and lots of crap. I realized that I attend to many of these shopping parties. Just so I can have friends ? So I am supporting them with those parties ? So I can make new friends ? So that I find more dream friends ? I feel like lately since this horrible presidential election I can't tell anyone how I feel about anybody without offending them. Social Media is doing this to everyone . I feel like only if I met each candidate personally like sit at my table at dinner..then I would know who I would vote for. Donald Trump, I have never liked him, ever since I knew about him I never liked him. I think he is tacky and I think that all of is wives are creepy sluts. I am afraid of what will happen as far as international relations are concerned. Then of course there is Hillary Clinton. See, I think she would be great with the military and international relations, but can she be trusted ? Is Hillary a bitch in person ? Is she a sincere human being ? Is that not important because these are politicians ? I find it depressing.

Maybe this is because I have decided to NOT take antidepressants because maybe I feel like I didn't need them. So, I am thinking that I do in fact have an imbalance. I do need them :( Like the rest of my life need them. BOO !! There are still mountains and mountains of boxes that I need to sift through and lots to sell or give away. It's going to take all summer and ....no time for fun and games..if I hadn't have bought all that junk ! Just want a vacation, just go to a beach and hear the tide roll. I want to smell salt ! I want a slight...just as slight tan ! So, lesson learned...don't buy a whole lot of useless shit. Yes I swore, but you know what ...shit is poop and that is what this stuff is POOP !!

Things to do ...people to see..

2016-05-31T12:12:00.001-04:00

Really, I should not be blogging. What I should be doing is unpacking boxes...lots and lots of boxes. However, I am tired and exhausted. I pretty much think I damaged the inside the lining of my lungs with the bleach cleaning products I used to clean the shower at the old house. I don't know WHY my previous landlords never bothered to hire an expert to work on the tiles in their showers. The mold sneaks it way in and damages the walls on the inside. So, there I was spending a good 45 minutes scrubbing the grout of this shower trying to remove all of the mold growing in there. I also cleaned some floors and got a few boxes packed. It's the last of the boxes and the garage...and so its the worst part of the move.

That is all I should be doing, but what am I doing ? I am blogging...I took rah rah to the gym today and got her signed up for some exercise classes and the twins will be having personal training once a week and cardio daily. I have allowed my kids to be spend way way WAY too much time on their computers which has lead to them gaining a lot of weight. This summer I am trying to work it out. They exercise for computer time.

It's been a rough week going on in my head. I found out my mother's cousin died. I loved her. I wasn't very close to her but I had such fond memories of her. She never got old and ugly. She was never judgmental and she loved to laugh. I loved going to her house. She lived in an old Victorian home in Ogden, Utah. I was absolutely be terrified to sleep in that house. Her husband Norm was convinced that house was haunted. Over time they realized it wasn't, but how fun ! Her husband used to be a train conductor and has story after story of his adventures. I didn't have the opportunity to say goodbye to her. I hadn't seen her in such a long time...I cried in guilt. She had an amazing testimony of her belief in God and was a devout Mormon.

Two days ago my friend Jeff died. Now, Jeff and I were not close. He at one point was living the American Dream working at Sony Pictures, but left his career to join his son in the military. 40 years old he joined his son in Iraq. He came home injured and it seems as if his life went down hill from them. The government was absolutely no support for him. Jeff walked with a cane and was not happy. Something else happened to Jeff.... he was just never the same. I couldn't pinpoint it, but when ever we chatted we had the same conversions over and over again and I am wondering if substance abuse such as alcohol came into the picture. Quite frankly after all that had been going on, I don't blame him for drinking.

He eventually got cancer. I don't know all the details, but he mentioned it maybe twice on Facebook and then never again. He died two days ago, and I can't stop thinking about it. In the end he stopped talking to me and I just never followed through with his illness because I never knew what was going on. There are so many people out there with cancer I am scared and sad. It's taken away some of the most important people in my life...not happy...

Well I am returning to my laundry...and my unpacking and I am hoping by next Saturday I am outta there.

You've reached this in error, please try again...

2016-05-28T12:11:00.001-04:00

because I don't think they'll ever allowed me in here ever again....

Good Morning Life !

2016-03-09T11:34:00.001-05:00

I guess I haven't blogged because life got in the way of things. I have been busy and this week has been busy as busy gets for me. Fortunately, things went terribly wrong yesterday and in fact I was able to make dinner to the surprise of my whole family. I love cooking, but my kids don't care for what I make. Anyway, I made chicken divan and my kids loved it. I even added more curry and they didn't seem to notice. I will have to try add even more next time.

Could not find the cake, here is a hippo

Trying to think about what has been nice in my life. I won a cake contest ! The city of Roswell had a Grass Roots week and one of the days was a pound cake bake off. I came in 2nd place ! In the healthy category Strawberry Pound Cake ! I was up against a professional baker, so hey I would have won if she hadn't entered ! I even sold one of my cakes right off of the table. I wish I could be a professional cake baker, but how much that would cost and entail...do I really want to deal with that ?

Moving in a few months to yet my third home here in 5 years. Why own anything ? If I keep having to move like this . Anyway the house above is not the the house I am considering, but what I am considering is moving into a very small home. Less than 1,100 square feet. Its like living in an apartment on a piece of large property with two gardens. Think about it..people live in apartments in NYC and London and it works for them. It helps rid of crap and for once in my life...WE OWN THE HOUSE ...THE HOUSE DOES NOT OWN US. My kids are totally down with it. Its not a super fabulous neighborhood..but its better than going into serious debt.

I could also get a shed in the backyard ! Wayfair has some pretty spiffy ones the size of a garage which would be perfect for all of our crap. This one is only 3K not too bad ! They have a ton more that look like little homes, but I am not looking for a studio just a place to put crap. Anyway, I am getting tired and its hard to blog.

The elections are coming up and I am not happy about any of the candidates . Do I bother voting ? Do I just not vote Donald Trump ? What do I do ? Would Queen Elizabeth allow me to live in England ? What if I could work for her ? Being her volunteer coordinator ? Her personal secretary for everyday life ? Would she give me a flat at Buckingham Palace ? Just until a new president is elected and then I can come back . I do love the UK, but 3 to 5 years tops. I would miss ...I would miss something about the US...

Sleep you need to friend me again...and the death of David Bowie

2016-01-27T16:20:00.001-05:00

I haven't really slept in two days. I am wondering if it's starring into my iPad and playing games or reading. So, I am going to revisit going to bed earlier and forgetting my games and reading. Not fun walking around in a daze and everyone thinking you are stoned out of your mind.
I am also revisiting Facebook. Like deleting it permanently. Social media is depressing. Lets take for example the death of David Bowie .
The day David Bowie died...what I would have appreciated learning about the information just once. Just once like in the newspapers or on the news. No, it was post after post that David Bowie was dead. I KNOW HE IS DEAD !! Post after post of the same news articles and pictures of David Bowie. I am not ruthless and have a cold heart . I do like David Bowie. No, I am not the hugest fan, but I did enjoy all of his music. I think it was the obvious that he was dead and yet I had to be reminded over and over again and I really then wanted to read something uplifting and maybe even slightly intellectual. Yes, I said intellectual. Not snobby (ish) perhaps a article where I might learn something.

So, is it wrong to be upset that everyone kept posting David Bowie died ? Is it wrong for everyone to express their grief ? NO. However, it's how it made me feel. It made me really sad. Yes I was sad he died. I thought he goodbye album is amazing and poetic. This is new though a new way of dealing with death. Where its in your face over and over again. It was one day, but there will be more deaths. Yes, I am really bothered by this..

It's just an example of things that I am reading on Facebook. People being butchered on beaches, babies being raped, babies being murdered, people from Syria trying to move to the US and being rejected. Are these up lifting powerful stories or just stories that I read that make me unhappy ? However, I do like being able to keep in touch with people globally. Hmm... I need a job...I need a life...and a house...and a maid...and..a freaking hobby. I am trying painting and stitchery...but I don't know what to paint...and I need some guidance with the stitchery. Everyone is online all the time and NOBODY does anything creative anymore.

Planning at trip by train to NOLA. I am going to drink and eat the most amazing food and listen to the most amazing Jazz....well, that's the plan.

Now, how long is it going to take for me to delete this post ?

The Bruise Cruz

2016-01-10T00:32:00.000-05:00

Okay, so, people have been asking me about the cruise I just took. It was a 7 Day Disney Cruise to the Eastern Caribbean which included Tortola and St. Thomas. We spent Christmas day on their Castaway Cay Island. We were on the Disney Fantasy Ship which is very much like the Disney Dream we rode almost 3 years ago. So, pretty much we were on the same ship with different destinations.

The Positives:
A) Disney Ships are always clean and the service is excellent.

B) Despite the fact we did not have a balcony, it was okay, the weather was mostly unpleasant and having a large round window was a perfect match.

C) The food was amazing especially the dinners. It is always nice to have a few choices and the desserts are always fab ! We loved our servers from Serbia and Thailand.

D) My kids loved all the shows ....I think they saw 5 of them.

E) We were able to see Star Wars, The Good Dinosaur, and Bridge of Spies. You are watching the movie...suddenly you feel motion and you think WOW I forgot I was on a ship. They also serve popcorn and M&M's as well. There is an additional fee for that, but that's movies right ?
F) Mom and I were playing Skip Bo in the part of the ship where all the bars/nightclubs were. They had Disney Trivia and Crafts while we were sitting there. It made me realize that really there is something going on at all times.

G) Checked out the adult pool...very nice and if the weather had been warmer I would have enjoyed a Diet Coke at the swim up bar. The seats and lounges were nicer and people were reading books. One stupid lady was reading her Kindle in the pool. Sorry if you read your Kindle in a pool...you are an idiot.
H) They are always playing movies at the big screen pool at the pools for kids.

I) Endless amounts of Diet Coke and Soft Ice Cream cones can be consumed on the ship.

J) The decor in all the dining rooms is wonderful. I especially loved the Garden (ish) Alice in Wonderland themed dining room is my favorite. It was where we had our first meal on the first cruise. On our trip we were able to visit each dining room twice. The second evening in the animators dining room you can draw pictures and they come to life on the screen.

K) The ship isn't super Disney. It is certainly not Disneyland on water. You will not see any characters in your bedroom with the exception of a little Mickey Mouse.

L) I had 1 1/2 alcoholic drinks. I do not like to drink. They were however reasonably priced.
M) Everyone is friendly, clean cut, and smiles...there are very few Americans on staff. It's just nice to spend time on a ship where everyone comes from a different country. Mostly people from Indonesia, Serbia and South Africa.
N) I visited the doctor on the ship and she was very helpful and was able to provide me with the medicine I needed to cure what was going on with me.

O) Castaway Cay was warm, the weather was perfect, we rented bikes and snorkel equipment. We found a good spot on the beach and I even got a little color on my face.

My Negatives:
A) 7 days is WAY WAY WAY to long for me to be on a cruise ship. I like meeting people....this never happened..people stay to themselves.

B) Despite the fact it was the holidays there were people that were extremely rude. I don't know if it was because they were wealthy or felt they deserved extra special treatment, but even on Christmas Day...some guy was rude to my mother. I honestly wanted to RIP HIS HEAD OFF...but um ...I was surrounded by kids. So I refrained from such behavior.

C) They have different levels. For our first cruise our lanyard was blue, this cruise it was silver, then there is gold, platinum etc. So, pretty much you know what people on your ship belong to the Disney Cruise Club and which ones have been on more than 10 cruises. People also leave stuff on their doors. So, you know they have been there more than once. Always a fun reminder " YOU ARE POOR". Yes, I LOVE BEING POOR !!!!
D) You can't pay for weather. The first few days on the ship were cold and windy. We spend all of our time inside. The kids only used the pool three times and the water slide twice.

E) Tortola would have been pretty had the weather not been over cast and raining. It's not a family friendly island. They are not know for their beaches but sailing. So, it was blah. Not only that, but the shopping wasn't that great either. They are new to cruise ships, so it was the very first time for Disney. Apparently, the President of Disney Ships was on our boat. So, it was sort of an exciting thing, but Tortola is going to take time to make it more exciting destination.

F) St. Thomas was absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately this is when I had to go to the doctor. So our trip was brief and ...the down town area is all jewelry shops. I am not into jewelry..no desire to own anything expensive, So, if we had planned an excursion it would have been better. I want to go back without being on a cruise ship so I can enjoy it for a few days and not just a few hours.

G) DO NOT EAT THE DOUGHNUTS, I REPEAT, DO NOT EAT THE DOUGHNUTS

Yeah, that was it as far as things that really bugged me. My kids spent far to much time watching Disney movies in our cabin. Not enough R&R and I think next time it will be shorter and I will bring my sisters family along...because there is non stop laughing..and I am all about laughing :)

Botox on the Brain

2016-01-07T20:15:00.000-05:00

So, I got up today...cranky. I forgot what I was dreaming about. Maybe working at Crate and Barrel. I worked there for about a year once. Maybe a little over a year. I dream I go back there and work. I think because I was really unhappy working there and want to go back with a more positive experience. Just like I dream about returning to High School and retake all the classes I was taking..and suddenly I forget my locker combination. I dream of returning to my past to the moments that I really think I blew it. I always dream of fixing things. I wake up a little more frustrated then when I get to bed.

Anyway, I get up out of bed and go down stairs and eat some cereal (evil) and down a cup of coffee from yesterday ( totally nasty) read the news and then head up and get ready for the museum. I had two tours planned to today...4th graders. The tours went a little longer than planned...and there were a lot of kids. So, my group of 22 ended up using the stairs and walking up to the 4th Floor. I was slightly breathless, but what irritated me the most ? Sweating....oh my gosh ? Why did the Lord bless me with this baby fine thin hair that is going grey ? Why is that I sweat first from my head first ? Its the curse that has lasted my entire life time. So, despite what shape I am...I sweat profusely...except in cold. Thus my great desire to live in Finland, Sweden, Greenland, Denmark etc. Yes, I will always have the great desire to live in England, but you know...the chances of me returning to the land of my ancestors...next to NULL. So, you know what is next ? Possibly Montana ?

Yes, as soon as I got up to my first piece I start sweating. Like it's making the front of my cotton v neck slightly wet and my hair ? My short fine hair is soaked. I have no bandanna...no towel...nothing to comfort me from the embarrassment I am experiencing. Just some pieces of binder paper in my bag. Trying to and unsuccessfully fanning the sweat from my entire neck up. The tour went well and I think the kids really really liked it, but as for me I ran into the bathroom to check out the damage. Oh, it was bad, it was really really bad. I looked in the mirror and I had no hair...the hair I did have...it looked like I was missing hair. It's the gray. My mother despises my dark hair, but if I have grey...I am going to look bald for the rest of my freaking life. So I run out making drama to my boss about how unhappy and embarrassed I am.

It's not only do I feel like a fat piece of crap in the outfit I am wearing, but on top of that I am sweating...sweating like an obese pig. Okay, so perhaps I am being hard on myself, but I am sick and tired of this sweating. I mean if I get botox on my head...what will happen to the sweat ..where will the sweat go ? Will I sweat from my butt ? Will I sweat from under my arms ? I know that sweating is a wonderful thing and that I should be grateful that I am providing a great service to children, and also releasing my body from toxins...but really. I admire women that have lots and lots of hair...they complain and they have no idea what I am going through...sometimes...sometimes I want to pull an Susan Powter and just shave it all off ....

The Vacation that is required after the Vacation

2016-01-04T20:49:00.002-05:00

How I miss me looking like this...and Mar

I have just returned from the most expensive vacation of my life. We took Rah Rah on a Disney Cruise for her birthday. I came home 10 lbs heavier by eating gigantic meals. I realized on our trip that I miss biking a lot and that I don't like being on a ship with people for 7 days. I have complete sympathy for those in the Navy on aircraft carriers. What else ? Oh Star Wars was sorta a disappointment...for obvious reasons. Um, Bridge of Spies was really cool and so was The Good Dinosaur. I think my next trip is going to be to London and then the Virgin Islands away from people. Just me on a beach...with a Diet Coke an a book on the history of England or listening to podcasts by Melvin Bragg . Really this is not what I wanted to blog about. Unfortunately, I am just not in the blogging mood...like the fun happy blogging mood. I am worried about a lot of things...mostly about having to move. I have 7 months to pack and move out and I really don't have a plan as to where to go. Um, maybe I will blog tomorrow...after much hoovering and laundry ...

Pictures of You

2015-11-10T17:27:00.001-05:00

I drove Rah Rah to rowing last night passing through the forest of trees. The leaves are turning red orange and brown..fall season is spectacular. I would say its my favorite drive around here. I pretend I am living up north in Connecticut or Massachusetts. The girls were chatting frustrated because I am making them be somewhere other than home. Listening to The Cure "Pictures of You". I was sad, I sorta didn't want to hear it. A lot of The Cure takes me back and many times I will just change the station. This time I decided that I wanted my girls to hear it...hear the lyrics. They didn't seem to get into it. Rah Rah sometimes gets into what I listen to, but she is mostly into trendy stuff like I would be if I were a sophomore. I used to be so obsessed music and boys and dancing. Thankful she has little interest in boys and dancing and more into obtaining an education and rowing. I love it, and wish that I could join her on her journey, but it's not a season for me. I barely survive my season what I should be doing. Spending more times with the little ones.

The museum is going well. Things are never as perfect as I thought they would be. Truly, being a docent is a box of Sees Candy, you never know what you are biting into when those kids arrive. Sometimes it's good and sometimes those candies are full of nuts and fruit or liquor and those are not the ones I prefer. The Iris Van Herpen has arrived and its spectacular. Actually, I have never seen the whole thing yet. I haven't had time with sick kids to be properly trained on it. Which is fine, I am sure there are plenty of docents that all over it . I think I have surrendered myself to our tour Animals in Art and maybe take up the next exhibit after January.

Everything else I want to type about...well I can't type about it. I find that when people really find out what is going on with me...they try to fix ...fix fix fix and ONLY I CAN FIX ME and frankly I have no idea how this is going to happen. Yes, lots of money, lots of more time, and moving to Iceland is going to help. Let's see....I have none of those so ..rolling with what I got. BOO !

Gretchie Loves Love

2015-10-20T15:10:00.003-04:00

This piece is made from metal from an umbrella and hand sewn with industrial yarn/thread

Okay, what about really cool things ? Things like IRIS VAN HERPING coming to THE HIGH !
First I was afraid I was petrified ! Until the curator starts showing slides of these ladies dresses and shoes. She is a dress designer , French Couture, runway and now ready to wear...I don't think she will be making plus sizes. I fell in love with her work ! Her creativity and her philosophy about her art. The materials she uses to make her dress...SO OUT OF THE BOX and not garbage and duct tape !!!

This has a Gothic cathedral theme to it.

She hand sews things, she glues things she burn things. She uses technology and works with people like scientists or engineers or architects...actually I need to read up more on this, but to me its totally fascinating. I am very much looking forward to the High. The piece shown above looks like its a carving made of wood maybe soaked and bent to its shape. It looks organic, but it's actually 3D printing It's going to be great mixed in with the Habsburg Splendor ! Why would people not want to go because there is something for everyone !

Yep

What else ? Oh yeah, my birthday is in 2 days. I have actually requested nothing but online birthday wishes, but friend have sent/given me some really nice gifts. I would like to have a day of LOVE. Love towards me, not global love and peace and unicorns pooping rainbows...just Gretchie Love ! Too much to ask for ?

39 earthquakes today
134 earthquakes in the past 7 days
151 earthquakes in the past month
528 earthquakes in the past year

Maybe no earthquakes in the San Ramon Valley ..... and these statics are right now.

Somebody tell that Fault to calm the heck down...note how I refrained from cursing...

Bad time to blog...

2015-10-18T10:56:00.003-04:00

I like to blog when I am happy and in a good mood. Such is not the case recently. This past week has not been a good one. Perhaps I need a vacation ? Perhaps I need to spend more time at home locked up in my room and neglecting the world ? Something has to be done to take me out of this horrid rut called my life.

Lately, I have been preparing for this tour of the Habsburgs. I have mentioned it several times and truly it is amazing. So, I have signed up for a weekend tour. I have picked my objects and art pieces (they're all art pieces) and have made cards to practice. I am absolutely terrified. It is my first tour at The High like this one. I am afraid that I will feel prepared and then like my first test this tour will just fall apart. What if suddenly people arrive and I have nothing to say ? Will I start crying again ? These poor people...I am so over prepared it might be a nightmare !

Yes, I truly lack self esteem and self confidence. Children are easy, kids really are laid back about everything...adults (which I have learned lately) are not so laid back ..well not in the south. Lately, I have been disappointed in my 4.5 years living here. Being yourself to many people, it's not okay. Being open minded, loving and positive is not okay. Being uptight, narrow minded, and superficial is okay. If you are reading this...you are my friend and this does not apply to you. It's just lately what I have encountered in people.

Its that stupid Southern mentality which I was hoping had died by the time I got here. It's be lady like to the point where I am miserable, it all about appearances, it's playing tennis, its about winning and not fun, it's not about the soul of a human being. It's being thin and tan and attending some college in the south. It's what church you go to. It's not actually about behaving like Christ, but where you go. God put Christ here on earth and he taught us how to be loving and caring and open minded. Why do people NOT apply it to our lives ?

Lately, my insecurities about having a college degree has haunted me. Do I want a college degree ? Of course I want one !!! Can I afford one ? No, I can not afford to go back to college. Am I college drop out ? No, I have never dropped out, I am just not done. Do people actually judge people on if they attended college or not ? At the end of the day does it matter ? Does college make you a better person ? Really ? I have met so many idiots that make poor poor choices who have attended college. What would getting a degree do to me personally ? Would I change ? Would getting a degree make me a better person ? Isn't this just an expectation in society ?

So, you can spend your entire life being miserable trying to fit in with the rest of society. You can be sized 6 and tan and starving. You can brag about your Ivy League school that you have attended to everyone and their mother. Just know that I am sorry I am never going to be that person. I am happy being me. I am happy being a stay at mother with 3 wonderful girls that are going to have amazing lives when they grow up. They will go to college. They are going to look back at their mother and think ...she loved me, she encouraged me, she had a sense of humor, she believed in me, she never let society get in the way of who she is. She loved England, Art, Movies, her gym, traveling, reading books, learning always learning, and she loved her family. You know, I hope all of this is said , when I am in my 90's .

Sorry this blog isn't silly or funny. It's pretty much how I am feeling these days. Lots of lessons to be learned about trusting people and believing they are not what they appear to be. Trying to live here in the South and survive all the unwritten rules made up by idiots. Trying to find a church and a place to fit in...where people are similar to me. Believe me there are tons...and just afraid to admit it.

I WANT TO LOVE AND EMBRACE THE SOUTH !!!

Important things you should know...

2015-10-13T16:22:00.002-04:00

#1 My Birthday is in 9 Days

#2 I am revisiting The Tudors and can't stand King Henry or any of his wives except Anne of Cleves...dude you really blew it there....I am now more than ever wanting to visit Hampton Court. Also, I am looking into buying a Tudor Rose ornament and stationary. Why ? Because I think it's unique and special.

#3 I want this freaking election to be over and done. Facebook is a horrible place to learn about the various candidates. I am neither on one side or the other. I am disappointed in everyone. You wonder why I want to leave to England or Iceland ? I am sure that many people share with me the same feelings...

#4 I went to the Opera and saw La Boheme . Really very good. I went a few years ago...maybe 5 to the San Francisco Opera and that was good too ...oh and at Eton College. I liked all of them. People fear the Opera because they have never been. There are subtitles, you can read the performance before you see it, people don't sing obnoxiously...there are no fat ladies.

Not Acceptable

All sorts of people go the the opera. There was a man dresssed like an old lady with her date who was dressed like a man ( who was a women) and this man had his entire body covered in tattoos. It did not make me vomit, what made me vomit was his pierced ears. THAT made me vomit.

acceptable

What does not make me vomit is if you come from a country that does that because it's their tradition and culture.

Bratislava Castle

#5 I just learned of some moving options: India and Slovakia. All I can say is that it is near Vienna..and that is perfectly acceptable in my book. It borders the Ukraine

There's a Rhinoceros in the room

2015-10-01T18:45:00.000-04:00

So, what's new ? I am so glad you asked...let me tell you...

It's our health lesson for today...

1) Twin A comes home from school yesterday. She's crying ...and my tomboy never cries. I sorta have had it with this whole kidney stones situation. She has them, she doesn't have them..she had them. Yeah, I started crying myself. Grabbed the fam and we all went to a children's hospital emergency room. They actually ran a kidney panel and an ultrasound. So, this kidney stone is in her ureter and about to come out. She's on heavy meds and she is supposed to be drinking fluids all the time and peeing through a screen so we can catch the stones. The nurses thought I was funny, little did they know I was totally stressed.

She's one of these people...

2) My teen rowed last weekend in Clemson. It was humid and cloudy and they didn't do well, but I think she had a good time. I am proud she is rowing and that she really likes it. I picked her team mates up from High School for practice and they didn't say a thing..it was crickets the entire time. It was very awkward.

If you drink from this...it will make you horny

3) I am still preparing for this Habsburg Splendor tour. Picking out some key points to give tours to adults. One of the pieces I wanted to pick was this lovely Rhino Horn shaped into a goblet. It has these naked women on it and a naked man with an erect penis. I really wanted to put it on my tour, but it was recommended that I not. So, you are probably thinking "Gretchie Love, why do you want to talk about this goblet ?" I want to put it on my tour because there was a time when people believed that Rhino Horn was an aphrodisiac and that honestly just fascinates me and I find humor in it. Realy ? Rhino Horn aye ? Also, about sex....there is sex ALL OVER MUSEUMS there are men and women both naked in museums. There are breasts everywhere. It's not porno, it's art, but don't tell me there isn't any sexual undertones in a lot of art. It's as if there is a Rhino in the room....

Yes, this is me

4) Me...I actually tried to blog about this before, but for some reason blogger is not my friend. Two days ago it was my turn to visit . I had a UTI ...not ashamed of it. It wasn't chlamydia, or herpes, or syphilis, So, I should be okay typing it right ? UTI ? Anyway, I am feeling really crappy. I go to this local urgent care office. I see the doctor...this is usually the routine..

A) YOU PEE IN A CUP

B) DOCTOR RUNS A URINE ANALYSIS

C)YOU GET THE DRUGS

Yes it's that simple...but no, this doctor has another agenda..she is bored. So, she decides to lecture me on weight loss. I would say for 20 minutes she lectures me on this. I am livid. She has never met he in her life. She has no idea what I was doing before my appointment. Does she realize that I see a life coach ? Does she realize I had just met with my internist about weight loss ? Does she realize I do go to a gym ? That I have 3 kids and 2 dogs ? NO SHE HAS NO IDEA. So, she just went on and on and on about her weight loss and her husbands weight loss. She went on and on about owning a dog etc. I JUST WANTED MY DRUGS SO I COULD LEAVE AND SEE MY FAMILY !!! I am so tempted to right a letter and complain. I won't though, because people just can't help themselves but to delve into peoples lives. She didn't think that it hurt or that I could have been suicidal and that was the last straw...nope just needed to say it.

HELLO ITS REAL !!!

So, really when you decide not to mind your own fucking business (yes I said fucking, maybe I should say freaking) freaking business and tell someone they need to lose weight and you have a magic pill or plan to start it...make sure you have a masters degree in psychology or counseling. If you don't please keep your mouth shut.

Did I not say she needs to see this show ??

Okay, yes I am mad and I am taking it out on the world...but really would you rather read this or look at pitiful pictures of Kim Davis ??

Gretchie Love's No Good Very Bad Day...

2015-09-23T22:11:00.000-04:00

The cop was not this hot...

So, yesterday I had a bad art tour. Well, the kids were being kids...very very hyper. I had one boy break dancing on the floor ...I had one kid who used an overwhelming amount of hand gestures and the rest of them ....I just felt bad for the chaperon. She tried really hard to control them. They were all boys....all 7 year old boys. So, I thought today is a great morning. It wasn't super hot outside and there was no traffic. In fact, I was running a little earlier than usual. Playing my 80's tunes with the sun roof open...etc . I even decided to use a different exit ...big mistake. I got a traffic citation because however cautious I was....I made a right turn on a red light and I wasn't supposed to. Since it was Yom Kippur there were tons of cops out on the streets. So, I decided that I wasn't going to let that ruin my day...the ticket that is.

Not me and not those kids....

I arrive at the museum with my badge on ready to go...and get my group. It is again 7 year olds, but there was one girl in the group. I was so hoping that with her presence the group be a little more calm...no, but no break dancing transpired whilst I was there. So, they were just really hyper, bored and they just did not understand any of the questions I was asking. I am almost regretting telling someone at the symposium that I was a good docent for kids.

Not a Happy Girl

I got home and learned that my twin is having some serious intestinal problems primarily kidney stones...UNBELIEVABLE and can not see a doctor for an entire month. I then crashed asleep and woke up to taking my twins to tennis. On the way home one of my twins reminds me that she had a dentist appointment today that I completely missed. So, I am just feeling like mother of the year. On the way home I saw some people on the side of the road who had been in a car accident. One young ladies jeep was turned completely around. I felt so bad for her because she was really messed up mentally. Poor thing ! I know exactly how she feels when I totaled Jack. So, yes my day could have been worse...

Look, its Taft in a Frock

2015-09-21T19:31:00.001-04:00

noun, plural symposiums

a meeting or conference for the discussion of some subject, especially a meeting at which several speakers talk on or discuss a topic before an audience.

a collection of opinions expressed or articles contributed by several persons on a given subject or topic.

an account of a discussion meeting or of the conversation at it.

(in ancient Greece and Rome) a convivial meeting, usually following a dinner, for drinking and intellectual conversation.

Okay you can take the word symposium and use it how you want...because you know it sounds fancy. So, yes it was a conference. I thought I would write about my journey.
I left with my spouse in the am to Oh Hi Ya. I call it that because that is exactly where my father grew up...Oh Hi Ya. Anyway, on the way up driving through such states as Tennessee and Kentucky I thought...you know I could totally live here. I also checked out places to visit on the way home. One being the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln and the other ? Well the Kentucky Fried Chicken Museum. Why did I drag him along ? Well, it was our 19th wedding anniversary and for some reason spending 3 nights in a hotel room does not bother him. Also, there were rumors that this art deco hotel was haunted. So, what if ghosts don't exist ? What ....what if there was a .000001 % chance they did ? Well I wouldn't want to be alone to experience that.

We arrived and that night I attended a dinner at the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal. I realized that I am the youngest person there..with the exception of my boss. She is quite a bit younger than I am. So, being as young as I am...I feel like a freak. Do these people realize that I like old movies ? Lucille Ball ? Robert Cummings ? That like them I like art too ? The dinner table there was some ladies I sat next to....they were okay. They were from Philly. One lady seems fun and nice. The other one...you know how some people just have a scowl on their face ? They don't mean to have it, they just do...well I am thinking she did. Either that or she really hated me.

Fancy Schmasy

I went back on the bus and the next morning I had breakfast with the spouse. We ate at the hotels fancy dining room at Orchid at The Palm. It was so beautiful. Except when you eat there....they don't let you sit in the bar area. You sit somewhere else. We were seated next to the most stuffiest people. My husband was pretty angry. It wasn't a place where one could feel at ease. This couple didn't talk at all and when they did the wife was horrid. I am not surprised he was gay and she had been forcing him into marriage for blackmail or she was paying him some outrageous sum. She was no spring chicken, ugly and that personality of hers made her uglier. Anyway, when they finally departed we had a great time sitting there. I love the Art Deco Era ! It was such a beautiful hotel.

I then attended come classes and in between visit my spouse. I had a short conversation at the hotel with someone that was much older than me. He appeared to be a very serious man. We were talking about senses of humor. He told me that some people don't appreciate a sense of humor. That he wondered where I grew up because I wasn't living in the "real world". Which of course my response was nothing because I always seem to allow people to treat me like crap and not defend myself.

BAM

1) Humor is an ice breaker. When you meet someone and find out they have a sense of humor then those people will feel at ease with you. Instead of assuming you are a stuck up bitch or a big asshole.
2) Humor is used as a way to deal with stress.
3) People use humor as way to hide what is really going on with life. Can we name the comedians that committed suicide, had drug or alcohol addiction ? They use it to cover depression, anxiety, learning disabilities, brain damage, ADHD, etc.

WORD !

So, unbeknownst to this person I am an extremely sensitive human being. I almost started crying and wanted to leave. He would probably would have cared that he had really hurt my feelings, but never said sorry....or just because he is old then he is right. I am not going to tell him I grew up with an abusive father and I have brain damage and that is why I use humor...he obviously didn't grow up in reality. Enough about that I did not want to attend anymore of this symposium. Yes, I would have rather blown my $450 and been happy than miserable. I skipped dinner that night and we went for Mediterranean instead.

Um, these are Tafts...I have seen this picture there...but I don't know if its Tafts own family or his parents and bros and sisters

In the morning I got text messages wondering if I was going to go to the cocktail party that evening. I said I would. So, I went to the Birthplace of President William Howard Taft. Which was actually not that impressive because unfortunately, they didn't have a lot of the original pieces of furniture or any artifacts from the original home. It was still a very nice home. I learned a few things...

Sooo NOT HGTV

They were great believers in education. They had these really cool tiles around the fire place that inspired their favorite stories. What a wonderful thing to have...sitting around the fireplace and hearing Shakespeare or Aesops Fables etc.

Taft in a frock

Also, there was a photo of him cross dressing. Yes, why was he wearing a dress and had lovely long locks of hair ? Well boys didn't have their haircut until 4 or 5 ...and the dress ?? Used for potty training purposes.

Cincinnati Museum of Art

The Taft Museum

We then went to the Taft Museum which I ran into everyone in my group which was nice. I assured them that I would be there at the cocktail party. They had a lot of Chinese vases...which I don't really get and then some really cool art from France. We then went to the Cincinnati Museum of art. I enjoyed both of them a lot. I really like the city itself. It is a lot prettier than I thought it would be and the homes remind me of Alameda, CA or Berkeley, CA.

Hall of Mirrors...its very awesome

The Cocktail Party was nice and so was the dinner afterwards. I was a little tired and tipsy which isn't a great combo for me. I generally do not like drinking. It makes me tired ..that is it just tired. So, I don't like to drink. I also feel as a parent that drinking isn't a very responsible thing to do. If my kids are somewhere and they need a ride or they're in danger then they're going to need me. I want to be there for them.

Yes children you could buy cigarettes at KFC

VERY simple man

and music came on disks and you played them with a needle

This kitchen was the size of an average kitchen in newer homes

Yes, read this KFC Hotel..

The phone still works

If they had only sold the masks !!!

Um, I wish I didn't hate myself, I think Harlan looks better than I do. Then again he hasn't been in a car for 8 hours

The next morning we got up and went to dinner at a crepes place in downtown and then went drove home. Unfortunately, Abraham Lincoln was out of the way by two hours and what was left was the KFC Museum. I had some KFC which made me totally sick on the way home. I absolutely despise fast food. The museum was several rooms blocked off in the restaurant. I was disappointed...no Christmas Ornaments. I collect Christmas Ornaments of the places I visit...its what I do. It's classier than shot glasses :)