Weird Juju

Strange things are afoot at the Circle K.

Stay tuned,
PortlandGirl

The Conclusion

And we're back for the second half of the year (or more accurately, the second half of the first quarter of the year) in review. Let's jump right in, shall we?

Tuesday, March 3rd - Invented "tire toupees" today. They're little patches for your tires to replace a worn part temporarily until you can afford a new pair. Because in these tough times, sometimes you can't always do the things you need to right away. So slap on a tire toupee! Your wallet will thank you.

Tuesday, March 10th - Saw a commercial for the movie "Ella Enchanted" today & learned that it's about a girl who is cursed with obedience. I wonder if we're related.

Friday, March 13th - Happy 40th Birthday to John! Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Vanilla ice cream. Birthday candles. That's all you really need to celebrate isn't it? We decided that when you turn 40, you get to blow out the candles twice and make two wishes!

Saturday, March 14th - Watched Will Ferrell's special on HBO called "You're Welcome America. A Final Night with George Bush." If you get the chance, watch it! It's pretty funny & he did a good job with it. Will Ferrell has magical comedy powers.

Wednesday, March 18th - Actress Natasha Richardson died today. All I can picture is Liam Neeson's face in the movie "Love Actually" when he starts crying in the kitchen while he's talking to Emma Thompson. So sad. :(

Thursday, March 19th - Oh, so Bernie Madoff wants to spend the time period between now & his sentencing at his luxury penthouse? Why isn't the automatic answer to this just "tough shit"?

Sunday, March 22nd - Bought a new curling iron today. One of the actual safety instructions printed on the box is, "Never use while sleeping." Really? REALLY?!!!

Thursday, April 2nd - Watching "Family Ties" right now! Alex P. Keaton is still great.

So there you go. That's what I've been thinking so far this year. Along with some other stuff in between. But that's another story.

Until next time,
PortlandGirl

Long Time No Speak

Based on the lack of regular posts in the last few months, one might think that I haven't been doing much writing of late. But one would be wrong. I've been writing a lot - it just hasn't been here. Sometimes, I need to go old-school with a pen & paper rather than clicking away at the keyboard. It brings me a sense of comfort for some reason; going back to the basics usually does. And so, to bring you up to speed on the crazy ramblings that tend to flow from my brain to my pen, I give you the actual entries into my New Yorker 2009 desk diary from January 1st to today.

Thursday, January 1st - 1st day with the Wii & my upper body is already sore.

Monday, January 5th - Realized the source of all of my OCD tendencies may have come from the game "Perfection" when I was little. It's all making sense now!

Friday, January 9th - Came up with the idea for a "Good News Channel" today. It only airs happy, funny or inspirational news stories.

Sunday, January 11th - Comments on the Golden Globes broadcast: Award shows have lost their class. Old Hollywood would be pissed! Rumer Willis looked the best she can. Sally Hawkins won for Best Actress in "Happy Go Lucky" & the film clip had a Kate Nash song in it...therefore, this movie must be good. Laura Linney looked the prettiest I've ever seen her look. Christina Applegate's necklace was unbelieveable! Kate Winslet looked beautiful...hair, dress, make-up, everything.

Tuesday, January 13th - Had my first (well, first that I remember anyway) surgical procedure today. Dr. Oh removed a mole on my lower back. She asked me if I wanted to see it after she lopped it off. Did I want to see it? That's a good question. I'm sometimes squeemish about stuff like that but I opted in. When she picked it up in her tweezers & moved to show it to me, it fell on the floor! My mole fell on the floor! (Feel free to insert your own "holy moly" joke here.) I laughed.

Thursday, January 15th - Today, John & I decided to start our own country. If you like these rules, come join us!

1) you have to sleep at least 8 hours every night
2) you can go into work at a reasonable hour & leave when you've finished your tasks for the day
3) you have to take a full lunch hour without any work-related distractions
4) you can take gym class every day
5) everyone is paid for the quality of their work

Tuesday, January 20th - Inauguration Day: could a new feeling of hope emerge from this day forward? I hope so because we need it. Michelle Obama's white dress was beautiful! They looked like a bride & groom at the Inauguration Ball.

Thursday, Janaury 22nd - Just heard that Julia Roberts might be in a movie version of "Eat. Pray. Love." PLEASE GOD NO! Loved that book. Julia Roberts? Not so much. She's so not the right pick for that role.

Sunday, February 1st - Unplugged day. No work, no phones, no computer...just hanging out with John all day. Something we haven't been able to do in a while. Watched "Tropic Thunder" & was rather underwhelmed. Didn't think it was that funny - except for RDJ.

Monday, February 2nd - Groundhog Day: six more weeks of winter. What a surprise.

Tuesday, February 3rd - I've had three separate friends, in three separate conversations, say, "I just wish I could win the lottery & not have to work. Life is hard right now." This is our economic reality.

Wednesday, February 4th - How come everything I do, I overdo?

Thursday, February 5th - On "The Office" tonight, Michael, Pam & Ryan went on a road trip. As they were pulling out of the parking lot, Michael said "And we're off like a herd of turtles." I couldn't believe it! That's what we always used to say before leaving on a family road trip. But I thought we made it up. Does everyone say this?! Is it a common phrase? Or should the Brumell Family become the newest writers for "The Office"?

Friday, February 6th - MARN'S ENGAGED!!!! Whoo hoo! Got the call & opened a bottle of wine to celebrate her exciting news!

Tuesday, February 10th - With the world in a state of general crappiness right now, it's heartwarming to be watching Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger on TV. He's the pilot of the U.S. Airways plane that had to land in the Hudson River. Finally, a good news story! This would have been all over my "Good News Channel".

Friday, February 13th - It's Friday the 13th...so far, so good.

Wednesday, February 18th - Feeling kind of middle-aged & frumpy these days.

Friday, February 20th - If I went to see the Wizard of Oz, I'd ask for knee cartilage.

Saturday, February 21st - Had a fun conversation with drunk Jode tonight! He was partying for his birthday & having a good time. Made me wish we were hanging out in person rather than over the phone.

Sunday, February 22nd - Some random observations during the Academy Awards: Sophia Loren looks like a drag queen! Some dude balanced his Oscar on his chin. I didn't like Reese Witherspoon's dress...she's usually one of my favorites. Where's Jack Nicholson? Way to go...Heath Ledger, "Slumdog Millionaire", Kate Winslet (lovely dress but hair looks on the matronly side) & Sean Penn.

Monday, February 23rd - I love the Weight Watchers 'hungry monster' from their new ads. He's a cute, little, furry, orange guy with great eyebrows. And he can tap dance!

Tuesday, February 24th - Number of times TV commercials mentioned "price", "budget" or "these tough times" in one night: 22. Is anyone else expecting to see the "Schooner Tuna" ad from "Mr. Mom" any day now?

It's time for an intermission. Take a pee break & please re-join us shortly for the conclusion of this year in progress.

Back soon,
PortlandGirl