Running Red Momma

A while ago, we went to the Twilight movie. Yeah, sure this is old news.  But the honest truth is, I was so relieved to NOT be attracted to the Edward character. I worried that these vampire romance books would cause me to fall in love with a teenager on screen.  I'm not ready for a creepy "The Graduate" kind of vibe. So, during the opening days of the movie, I would see all of these women in the sequined, yes-I-am-still-hot-shirts and I thought to myself, sheesh who are they trying to attract? I am not really ready for the cougar stage of my life. Yup, I know I'm getting there. But, instead, I finally saw a movie with Patrick Dempsey. Nope, I don't see his weekly show.  But, I'm happy to say he is hot and my age.  No, I am not jonesing to BE with him.  I'm just relieved to be in my current decade and have a crush on a movie star my age--see how grounded I am?

I had many posts done in my head regarding the past week.  I went through so many emotions; they now are jumbled. Today, it seems like tired news to discuss the inauguration.   So, I will approach it from another perspective.  I wanted to celebrate the peaceful transfer of power.  As I watched the Bush family shake hands with the Obamas, I was struck by how easy it was.  They kissed, shook hands and then, one of the most powerful nations on earth continued its daily workings.  However strongly some may feel the two parties divide, when one gazes upon the many political unities which are on this earth, our two parties have many similarities.  Both believe in one elected president and elected congress. We have term limits--not lifetime rulers. We all believe in separation of powers and in the constitution. We all believe in a democracy for heaven's sakes!  Our country does not careen between a variety of concepts in government every few years.  We all know what to expect. We do not l...

The usual rush and pull of the holidays has gone.  I am still looking back at some of the lessons we learned. The combination of daughter in ballet and a new PBS premier of Nutcracker created the perfect date. We waited for a lull in the holidays to view the recording. Much later, as we sat there watching the Nutcracker prince defend himself against the mouse king, my daughter whispered to me: "It's kind of weird,that guy, I can't watch it."  I have always tried to demonstrate my comfortability with the human body. I don't want my kids to have any hang-ups.  So, I tried to explain about the typical costume of a male dancer. His outfit was compared to a football players uniform, of course. However, that Nutcracker seemed enhanced . He was beyond the normal of ballet.   Sheesh, as the big screen lit up the room, I had a hard time looking at it as well.  Those tights just display everything for gosh sakes.  Why does each part need to be so clearly exposed? Why can...

Well, okay, my arms have always been soft.  But,  today while driving my two littlest ones, I was forced to examine my inner mojo.  Knowing I had to make a turn, I began signaling three blocks ahead of the turn.  For the life of me, I couldn't get in.  So, I wondered if the driver hadn't realized I actually needed to switch lanes.  I moved closer to the lane. Nope. I kept looking and trying, noticing the car carefully keeping pace to leave not quite enough room. Who does that, I thought? The car had no cars behind it.  I gave the driver a "what-the-hey-look" in one last attempt to get in the lane. Yup, you guessed it, I got "the bird"; the long, skinny, finger of a bitter middle-aged man showing me who was boss. Ho-ho-ho.  I felt so bad. It felt so mean. I started questioning my driving. Maybe, it would have been better if I had braked and blocked my WHOLE lane to get in after. Was I an idiot?   However, I have lived right by this intersection for five years...

Don't be silly. I am not talking religion here.  I'm talking football....the other religion.  I was raised in Nebraska.  So, I guess those are the same.  I was raised in a cultish fashion where football was taught young and we DID believe.  However, Nebraska has had a rough ride for the last ten years. I still try to watch and support them.  My husband's following of Utah football has also been supported by me.  In my good natured fashion, I thought it would never be a problem.  They wore red and "hey, I do like football."   Yet, in my smug, private world I did believe in the superiority of southern/midwestern football.   Okay, here is where you need to come closer.  I will whisper it to you.  In my twisted mind of better football days, I wanted Alabama to kick Utah's butt. It would somehow reaffirm the strength of BCS conferences. And somehow, this would show me Nebraska would rise again. I waited for the moans of defeat from the basement.  They never came.  ...