My Mad Hero

Here is my hero - I have been reading Mad Magazine since I was a kid. My Dad had a subscription. The only rule was that he got to read it first. Growing up reading Mad has definitely warped my perceptions - snappy answers to stupid questions, Spy vs. Spy, all those spoofy words to common songs. Sometimes I have to censor myself because I am thinking ' what would Alfred do?' However, right now with the financial crisis in the US, since I am getting anxious, news junkier than ever - I am going to try to go with "What, me worry?" Thanks, Alfred. I think I can skip my therapy appointment this week, eh?

Musical memories

This is a picture of my Dad and the 3 of us kids when we were young. Since I just went to my HS reunion, I don't think there was anyone there who stilled played the instruments they played in the bank in High School. A lot of my band friends were there, but I seemed to be the only one still playing and performing. I was sorry to hear that. I can't imagine never playing the flute, piano or singing again. Music is just part of who I am - my Dad inspired me to love music and play on even if the Titanic is sinking. Dad, I miss you very much.

Wednesday - hump day

It feels so strange to go to work every day and know that our country is in a financial crisis. Sometimes I think it was all just a bad dream. I just got new glasses (which are somewhat similar to Sarah Palin's). However, I got them and was wearing them before she even came on the scene!!! Today, though, I wore a Sarah Palin outfit to work wearing my Obama button - it felt crazy and fun. But when I started to feel happy, I would think about our country and what a mess it is in. Up and down all day. Tonight I will watch the President and see what Carl Rove thinks we should do, eh? I pray for all of us - that we all become smart before election day.

High School Reunion

Went to my high school reunion this past weekend and it was interesting to see people I used to know, but haven't talked to in a very long time. However, it was sort of depressing to note that so many had been divorced and remarried (some several times), divorced and single or never married. Our slide show included about 15 people that have died. Also, there were many in attendance who did not remotely look or act like I remember them in high school. I have to admit I was pretty focused on academics and music at that time and thus kind of insulated myself from the social scene. Once I graduated, I have not lived in the community I grew up in - having lived in Boston and back to Central NY eventually, but not in my old town. It was a somewhat disconcerting evening. On Sunday - went to a MoveOn.org calling party to make calls for Obama. At first, it was uncomfortable making phone calls, but after a few, I felt more confident and happy to be doing something to actively help the cause.

Friday Vegan Stuff

Today I went to a vegan cafe called Strong Hearts. I had a delicious roasted red pepper and many other vegetable sandwich on grilled pumpernickel. Yummy. My daughter became a vegan and has slowly been educating me about the food supply's impact on our health, environment and the ethical treatment of animals. Her influence and my research pushed me to make the leap. I am very excited about this new adventure - trying new recipes and learning about the challenges of finding acceptable foods outside of the house. Tomorrow I go to my high school reunion - it should be very interesting. Well, I smell the popcorn popping - gotta go!

Politics Politics

I worry so much about our country. I worry that the Republicans will win - can't take 4 more years of it. I try the Que sera, Quer sera approach, but it just doesn't work. Got my Obama lawn sign that I made by covering my old Bush must go sign with the Obama 2008 logo and left exposed the human need not corporate greed. We don't need McCain and Palin - Rambos both, but a leader who consults experts, considers alternatives and understands the nature of negotiation and how powerful it can be when a leader knows how to use it for the good. Those who are at a loss for words need to resort to violence and force to win. That is not what we need. It's late - I'm tired - Going to bed and reading about construction.

Pamela Anderson

9-14-08 See what Pamela Anderson believes about eating chicken. She has gained a lot of respect from me since I am an on-the-verge vegetarian.