Reality TV

November 30, 2012


Why do people watch reality TV? I have never seen a reality show in my life. I live reality everyday. Both in my personal life and at work. I want to see fantasy on TV. I want to laugh, be entertained or learn something. I don't want to be immersed in the angst of someones problems, real or created for the show.

Dancing With The Stars is recapped every morning on Good Morning America. Why do I care? What happened to reporting the news of the day? Interviewing interesting people and informing us about what is going on in the world? Do the people on The Bachelor REALLY marry each other after a TV show? But then again who am I to talk about marriage? Maybe the odds are just as good for them as they were for me. I just don't want to see it in my family room.

If not for Modern Family, Gray's Anatomy, baseball and basketball I would not be watching TV at all. I may have to get into football again as violent as I find that to be. Then I will have something to watch no matter what the season.

Check-up

November 29, 2012


Yesterday I took my sister to the Yale Stroke Center to see the doctor who became like family to me last year. I won't name him to protect his privacy but at a time when I was literally on the edge, hanging on by my fingertips, he provided a calm and compassionate outlook. I asked for him everyday and came to rely on his advice.

You may remember that a week after Dave left to live with his lesbian lover, my sister had a stroke. I was literally inconsolable. But I knew I had to take care of her because she had always taken care of me when I was young. I talked myself into getting up and going to the Yale Neuro ICU every day for 6 weeks. I carried a legal pad and wrote down everything that was said to me. Every diagnosis, the name of everyone who entered the room, her vital signs and sometimes, what she ate. I knew I was risking staff alienation (no medical person likes to see someone taking notes on everything that is being done) but I had to have a record because I was so disconnected I couldn't remember anything. I wanted to explain my situation but it wasn't about me so I kept quiet. I knew sometimes I looked like a lunatic but I didn't care.

I was sure my sister would never leave Yale. But she eventually went to an ECF and worked hard at physical, occupational and speech therapy. She is home now with lots of help and her doctor today was very pleased with her progress. And he was the same calm and rational presence that I remembered from a year ago.

So I have to thank all the nurses and residents who graciously endured my crazy behavior. Who took all my phone calls no matter what time. The staff who explained to me over and over what was happening and what was being done. I am proud to be a member of the same profession. It is always harder on the other side of the bed. But they made it much easier for me. I will be eternally grateful.

The End of Your Life Book Club

November 28, 2012



I've been reading The End Of Your Life Book Club. It's a true story written by Will Schwalbe. It is    about his mother's terminal illness. He accompanies her to many of her doctor's appointments and chemotherapy sessions. They both shared a love of books and they decide to read the same ones while she is ill and discuss them. Not your typical book club where people eat, drink and maybe discuss books. This woman clearly loved reading and shared it with her children.

Although she is dying it is not a sad book. It is heartwarming to think of the tremendous love they have for each other. I hope I never have to endure such a book club in my own life but I would like to think that I instilled a love of reading in my own children.

I remember as a kid Jennie would say to me, "You always have your nose in a book." Not as a compliment though. She thought I should be helping around the house more. Unless I was studying. That was sacred. But reading for pleasure was not encouraged. So I studied a lot. Books transported me to places I never thought I would visit. It make me experience things vicariously through the characters. I could be anyone and go anywhere. I loved getting lost in a good story and I still do.

But if I DO need an end of my life club I would like it to be movies. There is nothing better than sitting in that dark theater (if everyone is being quiet!) and pretending to be the leading lady (especially if playing opposite George or Brad or my all time favorite Robert Redford) So I hope my kids keep that in mind. But what I'm really hoping for is a quick and painless "end of my life club."

Sleeping with the Night Light On

November 27, 2012



Okay I'm going to come right out and admit that I am afraid of the dark. When Josh was little and we were alone at night and he thought I was fearless he didn't know I was just as afraid as he was. Or maybe he did. Hilary on the other hand IS fearless. She watches scary movies even when she is alone! I NEVER watch scary movies or read scary books because I know I will be in for weeks of sleepless nights. Listening for noises in the dark, setting the alarm in the middle of the day so I can take a shower and locking all the doors. Yes, Jocelyn, I know I go overboard.

So when Hilary works nights I sleep with the night light on in my room. Why I feel safe when my petite, little daughter is home I can't explain. Someone suggested I buy a bat and keep it near my bed (she has a bat called the Savage, but she is young and strong.) My friend, Red, suggested that by the time someone gets close enough for a bat I wouldn't stand a chance. Maybe pistol lessons are in my future. Maybe a Christmas present to myself.

Now I even keep some lights on downstairs at night. When I slept at Annemarie's during the power outage she had lights on downstairs all night. I thought it made the house look cozier. And lived-in. And  another added bonus, when I go downstairs at 5AM for work I don't have to worry about breaking my neck or god forbid re-injuring my poor ankle.

I'm probably never going to conquer my fear of the dark or sleeping in an empty house. But I have purchased a lantern and there are LED flashlights charging in every room. At least I'll be prepared for the next power outage! (Yes, Annie. I've learned my lesson.)

Kissing Ball

November 26, 2012


This past weekend is my traditional time to put out Christmas decorations. It is not my favorite holiday so I have been slowly whittling down the amount of things I put out. Last year as you can imagine was a total bust. I managed to put lights outside on the lamppost but that was pretty much it. I was in such a state after that I never took them down. So this year I just had to pull away the cornstalk and plug in the lights.

But I did have to drag away the two huge bundles of hay that I put out there for the fall display. Bundles that I cheerfully lifted out of my car in September and placed in the yard with the pumpkins. But after the hurricane and the snowstorm they weighed a lot more than they did when I bought them. It was like dragging two dead bodies across the lawn into the little woods in back. Hmm... glad to know I am strong enough to do that if needed! (Joking, of course)

Anyway, thanks to Annie, who took me to Home Depot after happy hour on Friday, I am now the proud owner of a kissing ball. I've always wanted one and now I have one hanging on the back porch. I see it every time I look out there and it makes me smile. So... if a handsome stranger shows up out there I'll have to think twice before calling the police. (Unless he's wielding an ax)

I also bought greens to fill my outdoor pots and battery powered lights to brighten everything up. I usually have a huge wreath on the garage but it seems awfully high up. However I've done so many things I never thought I could, maybe this week I'll drag out that really tall ladder and put up my wreath. I should probably wait until Hilary is home in case it doesn't go as planned!

Happy Anniversary

November 25, 2012


Because of You      Kelly Clarkson

Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt
Because of you
I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you
I am afraid



Hopefully I can replace these lyrics with songs from Pink. Baby steps.

Read more: KELLY CLARKSON - BECAUSE OF YOU LYRICS

Read more: KELLY CLARKSON - BECAUSE OF YOU LYRICS

I will not make The same mistakes that you did I will not let myself 'Cause my heart so much misery
I will not break The way you did, you fell so hard I've learned the hard way To never let it get that far
Because of you I never stray too far from the sidewalk Because of you I learned to play on the safe side So I don't get hurt
Because of you I find it hard to trust Not only me, but everyone around me Because of you, I am afraid

Read more: KELLY CLARKSON - BECAUSE OF YOU LYRICS

I will not make The same mistakes that you did I will not let myself 'Cause my heart so much misery
I will not break The way you did, you fell so hard I've learned the hard way To never let it get that far
Because of you I never stray too far from the sidewalk Because of you I learned to play on the safe side So I don't get hurt
Because of you I find it hard to trust Not only me, but everyone around me Because of you, I am afraid

Read more: KELLY CLARKSON - BECAUSE OF YOU LYRICS

My Last First

November 23, 2012



Yesterday was my last first. The first Thanksgiving spent as a single woman in the last 31 years. The last of the big holiday firsts to conquer. Not a day I was looking forward to. But it's over and I'm still here! And I had a good day. Bittersweet but good. Spending the day with people who WANT to be with me instead of the farce of my last Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for my family and friends. They have supported and sustained me through this year. They listened to me cry and rant and yell. They were there even when I was silent (a much scarier place to be for someone who talks so much.) They forced me to get out of bed and return to the land of the living.

I am thankful for my job. A place where everyday I meet people who need my compassion and expertise. Where I can put my problems and sorrows in the proper perspective. A job that makes me grateful for the gift of good health.

But I am also thankful the day has come and gone. Now I can get on with a new life. A life where I hope to take more chances. To be unconventional and maybe a little risky. To live life a little more on the edge. I have nothing to lose.

Thanksgiving Eve

November 21, 2012



Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday, is almost upon us. The first time in a long, long time that I have not cooked a big dinner. Instead I am relying on friends(again) to help me create new traditions. Dinner with Annie and her family and dessert with Margo and my family #2. Today I am making sauce, lasagna and anginettes to bring to my sister's tonight for our Thanksgiving celebration. I wasn't going to write at all because I did not want to be "Debbie Downer" but I am leaving you with a song from my new BFF.

If you did not see Pink perform at the American Music Awards check it out on YouTube. She was fabulous.



Try by Pink

Ever wonder about what he's doing
How it all turned to lies
Sometimes I think that it's better to never ask why

Where there is desire
There is gonna be a flame
Where there is a flame
Someone's bound to get burned
But just because it burns
Doesn't mean you're gonna die
You've gotta get up and try try try
Gotta get up and try try try
You gotta get up and try try try

Eh, eh, eh

Funny how the heart can be deceiving
More than just a couple times
Why do we fall in love so easy
Even when it's not right

Where there is desire
There is gonna be a flame
Where there is a flame
Someone's bound to get burned
But just because it burns
Doesn't mean you're gonna die
You've gotta get up and try try try
Gotta get up and try try try
You gotta get up and try try try

Ever worried that it might be ruined
And does it make you wanna cry?
When you're out there doing what you're doing
Are you just getting by?
Tell me are you just getting by by by

Where there is desire
There is gonna be a flame
Where there is a flame
Someone's bound to get burned
But just because it burns
Doesn't mean you're gonna die
You've gotta get up and try try try
Gotta get up and try try try
You gotta get up and try try try
Gotta get up and try try try
Gotta get up and try try try
You gotta get up and try try try
Gotta get up and try try try

You gotta get up and try try try
Gotta get up and try try try

Sleeping With Walter

November 20, 2012


After I finished watching The Sopranos I was looking for a new series. An acquaintance suggested Breaking Bad. It is on AMC but I've been watching it on my IPad after I settle into bed. (No TV in the bedroom) Josh didn't think I would like it because it involves drug activity and at first I didn't like it at all. I HATED Walter. He was sneaky, passive-aggressive and self centered. I tried to be sympathetic to his character because he has lung cancer  (the reason he was "cooking" meth and selling it, so he could make money for his treatments and to support his family.) He is a genius chemist who missed the boat with a high tech company where he could have made millions so now he is working as a high school science teacher.

Jesse was the reason I kept watching. He is the assistant and responsible for the actual selling of the "product." A former student of Walter's and recovering(sort of) addict he's not the sharpest tool in the shed, or so I thought. But he has developed into a compassionate, thoughtful human being. Someone who can stand up for his beliefs no matter how screwed up. And Skylar, the wife. Tall, blonde and beautiful with big boobs. Something I always coveted! (If I were to make a deal with the devil it would be that. To be tall, blonde, with long legs and HUGE boobs!) She looks good even when she gets up in the morning.

Walter was a different story. Mean and sarcastic. But he is growing on me. Not so mean as he would like you to think. He actually stepped up for Jesse which elevated him in my eyes. Maybe he is just a scared, flawed human being who is trying to survive. Like the rest of us.

I am on Season 4. I think the current season is 5. I am already thinking about my next series. The girls at work suggested Sex and the City. I must be the only woman in America who has never seen one episode. But I don't know if I can transition from two highly charged shows to something so light. Yes Josh, I do like dark stories. Maybe they can bring back Tony and all the Italian food they used to eat all the time. I would much rather sleep with a nice (?) Italian man.

New Haven Restaurant Week

November 19, 2012


Last week was Restaurant Week in New Haven. In truth not that spectacular of a deal unless you are into eating a lot of food at one time, but fun. So many people were out and about right before the craziness of the holiday season.


I tried Press Pizza twice. Once with my "loving son" and once with my friend Annie. Not your typical New Haven pizza parlor. It is small, intimate and very upscale. The menu features artisnal pizza but has lots of other items as well. The salads are delicious as was the macaroni and cheese and the tuna tartar. On Friday the Christmas decorations were up. A little early for me but beautiful. All gold and glittery.

Next on the list was Ibiza. Another upscale restaurant that I ordinarily wouldn't go to in the middle of the week. Again with Josh and Jocelyn. Delicious Spanish food in a very refined atmosphere. Of course when I made the reservations I called the wrong restaurant. Istanbul Cafe was listed right above Ibiza. I had to grovel at the desk to get a table as they were very busy. But Istanbul is another of my favorites so it would have been okay to eat there.

And finally Carmen Anthony's with friends from work. A delicious steak and mashed potatoes. And a traditional steakhouse cheesecake for dessert. (something I would NEVER have ordered.) All good. And fun to be out during the week when I would have ordinarily be hibernating in my house.

It's a good thing my ankle has healed enough to allow me to start walking again for exercise. (My orthopod friend was right, I needed to wear sturdier shoes. Sexy, huh?)  After this week I certainly need it! Might even be time to start going to the gym with Hilary!

What to Look for in a Man

November 16, 2012


Recently my therapist asked me to think about what would be important to me in a new relationship. What kind of characteristics would I look for in a man? So here is the start of my ongoing list.

1. Directness and Honesty.  Get in my face if you want to make a point. Tell me what you want. I
    don't like guessing games. Stand up for yourself.

2. Try a compliment every once in a while. I know I don't look like Angelina Jolie but a simple "You
     look nice today" would do.

3. How about some romance. This time I want flowers and cards. And surprise gifts (although not the
     ones given to atone for cheating.) No chocolate! Potato chips!

4. I want to come first this time. I'm worth it.

5. I want to meet someone I can use my favorite movie line on. "You had me at hello." Well my
    favorite line from that movie is, "You complete me." But I'm not expecting that to happen. I
    will have to be responsible for completing myself.

But maybe this is too ambitious of a list. Maybe I SHOULD start with speed dating. Or just get a
blow up doll and program the words myself!
 

Some Girls  by Pink

I just want real love Most girls want a man with the mean green Don't wanna dance if he can't be Everything that I dream of A man that understands real love

Read more: PINK - MOST GIRLS LYRICS

 
I just want real love

I just want real love Most girls want a man with the mean green Don't wanna dance if he can't be Everything that I dream of A man that understands real love

Read more: PINK - MOST GIRLS LYRICS

I just want real love Most girls want a man with the mean green Don't wanna dance if he can't be Everything that I dream of A man that understands real love

Read more: PINK - MOST GIRLS LYRICS      I just want real love

Most girls want a man with the mean green
Don't wanna dance if he can't be
Everything that I dream of
A man that understands real love

Who's Running the War?

November 15, 2012



Not to beat a dead horse (as I am sometimes prone to do) but how do you have time to read thousands of flirtatious emails and process all you need to do to make intelligent decisions about a WAR? A war where you are asking young people to put their lives on the line? To DIE for their country? Why are you embedded with a women who has never written a book before? WHAT WERE YOU BOTH THINKING? Oh sorry, I guess we all know now what men use to think with instead of a brain. Or maybe that IS their brain.

And Paula, Harvard? All that money spent on education and this is how you use it? To threaten another woman in a sordid love affair. And Jill, calling the FBI. That's too perfect. A woman scorned!!! I love it!!! And you are both married to physicians. I won't even go there.

I know people are human and make mistakes. I know sex and power is an erotic combination. Because, believe me, if you looked across a crowded room these would be the last two men you'd pick to sleep with. But don't we all have moral standards? A line not to be crossed. A time to step back and say, "This is just not right?"

I don't pretend to know all the reasons we are in this war. But I do know if my son or daughter were over there I would be enraged over this scandal. On second thought we as Americans should be enraged at the utter stupidity of the people we hold in such esteem. The people who are supposed to be protecting our troops.

Memories

November 14, 2012



I've been slowly doing over every room in the house. Not big major changes but little small ones to make them all my own. My bedroom is completely redone (except for the mattress, can't really bear to part with the Bob-O-Pedic), new curtains in the kitchen ( totally different from what I had before) new fireplace screen and even new curtains in Hilary's room. Now I'm concentrating on Josh's bedroom. Turning it into a guest/sewing room. I've taken all the books out of his bookshelf to store for him. He refuses to let me throw any of them out or give them away. But some of the books I can't bear to put in the basement.

The Polar Express, my favorite Christmas book. I wonder which one of us liked it the most. I hung a framed poster of the cover in his room where it still is today. I remember when we went to New Hampshire to ride their rendition of the polar express. It was magical even to me. Or maybe I should say especially to me. I wanted to go again this year but don't have anyone young enough to go with. Bill Peets' books that I read to him all the time. And all the Dr. Seuss stories. Those may have to remain in that room as well. Maybe whoever the guest is that stays in that room will appreciate those stories as much as I do.

It seems everything I do is fraught with memories of the past. My memories, that I am trying really hard to preserve. Memories that are tainted with incredibly painful revelations that are only just becoming apparent to me. Looking at pictures from our family vacations and thinking, was he cheating on me then? Comparing me to someone else? Was I settling for sloppy seconds when this picture was taken? All of us smiling at the Grand Canyon, Santa Monica Pier, San Francisco, Yellowstone, Rome and all the countless other trips we took together.

Not helpful for my mental health or self esteem but hard to escape. I'm waiting for time to heal those wounds and help me to accept that I can only be responsible for my own feelings and actions. And the time to make new and possibly better memories.

Joint Credit Cards

November 13, 2012



It's a very sad day for me today. I just opened the last of the paper towels and laundry detergent that I bought with our joint credit cards. It lasted close to a year. I wish I had started my purchases sooner but for a while I was in no shape to actually do any practical thinking.

I now realize I could have been more thoughtful in my selections at the time. For instance I still have enough kitty litter to last until summer. Suntan lotion galore. ( What was I planning?) Tissues for all the crying. I thought that would eventually stop but I was wrong. At least I don't have to worry about dry eye syndrome. Enough toilet paper to take me into 2013 and body lotion and bath gel to last for a while.

Now I'm wishing that I had bought myself a little bauble or two. I certainly deserved to treat myself. But maybe I wouldn't have been able to wear it without feeling disgust. I continue trying to decide what to wear on my left ring finger but still nothing seems quite right.

So my advice to all those who discover they are being cheated on and especially if you have documented proof that your money is being used to support some tramp, start spending early. I wish I had. I'd still be rolling in paper towels and detergent.

Tire Pressure

November 12, 2012



Last week a light went on in my car. It was the tire pressure light. Did I mention I HATE car maintenance? I let it go for a few days hoping it would just go off on its own. But it didn't. It was dark when I pulled into the gas station. I drove up to the air pump and got out. It was FREEZING. The pump said deposit 75 cents for gauge but air was free. A gauge? Really? I knew I had something like that at home in my junk drawer.

So I tried to use the air pump. Okay. Should I take those black rubber caps off the tires? I decided to try putting the contraption over the rubber caps. No go. So I gingerly unscrewed them hoping the air wouldn't come gushing out of the tire. Great!! I think I put air into the two right tires but wasn't sure. By now I was freezing and my hands were filthy. I couldn't bear to turn the car around and try the other side. Not to mention that I couldn't see because it was dark. And I was meeting Josh and Jocelyn for dinner. I got back in the car and the low pressure light was still on.

Later that night I was talking to Annie on the phone. She said I needed to have the gauge etc... and she would help me. But when I got up the next morning I went out there with the gauge and figured out the back two tires are low on air. Now I just have to figure out how to get the air from the pump to the tires!! Whatever happened to full service gas stations? BTW I  HATE to pump my own gas as well.

I went out on a mission but couldn't find a gas station that had air pumps. The one I did find was out of service. Then I remembered I had an air pump at home. We used it to blow up the floats for the kids. I dug it out from the shelf in the garage. It made an unbearably loud noise when I started it. I filled up all the tires, used the gauge and then started the car. Oh NO. The light was still on. Feeling very frustrated and late to meet my friend Alyson at the movies, I left. My plan was to find a service station the next day that did auto repairs and throw myself at their mercy. But as I was driving down the street I looked at the dashboard and the light was out. I DID IT!!!! Who would ever think that little act would make me so happy! But now I can add it to my list of firsts! Pretty soon I'm going to have Jocelyn show me how to change a tire!

Boys Are Stupid Revisited

November 10, 2012



Even General Petraeus couldn't keep it in his pants. Seems like all it takes is a woman leaning across the table saying, "Tell me the story of your life." With maybe a few, "How fascinating" thrown in for good measure. I'll have to remember that. Maybe I should include it in my rules for dating.

Now he can join the ranks of Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Edwards, Elliot Spitzer and Bill Clinton. And the countless other men who couldn't manage to use their brain instead of their penis.

I don't usually post on the weekend but I couldn't let this go by without a comment. Maybe this can count for Monday.

Rules of the Game

November 9, 2012



When Josh was young he used to love to play fantasy games. And now that he is 27 he STILL does. But when he was little he tried to engage me in these scenarios. But I HATE games. Margo, how many years have YOU been trying to get me to play? Some board games are ok. Scrabble, Yahtzee, Bananagrams, but fantasy games where I have to "make up" a character are not my thing.

So... do I have to be a game player to be involved in the dating world? Do I have to pretend to be someone I'm not? Should I play "hard to get" or dive right in? What ARE the rules? Its been so long since I've had to think about dating. In fact, I never really dated even before I was married. I met Dave when I was seventeen. One of my former supervisors (who shall remain nameless, although he DID want to send me home once for disagreeing with him) told me that I wear my heart on my sleeve and everything I'm thinking shows on my face. So I guess that says it all. I'm pretty sure I'm not about to change now.

Some of my coworkers have suggested I try speed dating. You spend ten minutes with each potential date "getting to know" them. That is just perfect for someone who has worked in the surgical world. Cut and run! ( Just kidding) But I need to know the rules first. Any suggestions?

P!nk

November 8, 2012



I love to listen to the radio. And since Josh put Pandora on my IPhone (which is always with me) I have become addicted to listening to that. I hardly ever watch TV anymore. I've discovered so many new artists. My new favorite is Pink.

She is totally irreverent and from what I can see the "F" word is one of her favorites. Mine too. Some situations just call for that word. No other word can quite capture that emotion. But I've been using it in a more discriminate fashion lately. It loses its punch if overused.

Her songs are so honest and raw. You never have to guess what she's thinking. I like that. Just put it out there and deal with it. My new resolution.

 Who Knew  by Pink

You took my hand
You showed me how
You promised me you'd be around
Uh huh
That's right
I took your words
And I believed
In everything
You said to me
Yeah huh
That's right

Raise Your Glass

So raise your glass if you are wrong
In all the right ways, all my underdogs
We will never be, never be anything but loud
And nitty gritty, dirty little freaks
Won't you come on and come on and
Raise your glass!
Just come on and come on and
Raise your glass!


I know I'm often wrong, ( and loud!) but I hope its in all the right ways!

Faithful Women Wanted

November 7, 2012



Whenever I sign into my gmail account I am treated to ads. The first time I noticed that they were somewhat specific to my life I freaked out! After I looked up information on Hong Kong I started noticing ads for things to do there. Who was monitoring my activities??? How did they know I was planning a trip to Asia? Then I started paying more attention. Ads for nursing jobs and things to do in Manhattan started to appear. OMG. Big brother was finally here.

Now, whenever I sign in, one of the ads is always from a site called seniorpeoplemeet.com. REALLY? Now I'm a SENIOR!!! And it always starts with Faithful Women Wanted. Why just faithful women? Is it because men can't BE faithful? In my case I'm just looking for an honest man. At least if you are going to cheat on me be honest about it. Don't tell me you were out Christmas shopping.

Maybe I can start a new web site called MATUREmenwanted. Are there any out there?

The Divorce Excuse

October 31, 2012



How much longer can I use the divorce as an excuse for things that go wrong? I say a year from when the divorce was final. So that gives me until June 22 of next year. Of course I used it before then to explain why I wasn't smiling for months. And if you ever want to clear a room you really just have to say, "I'm going through a very painful divorce." It helps if your voice shakes a little and your eyes well up. The place becomes utterly silent. People scatter like crazy. Except of course for Judge Blue who was very unsympathetic to my plight. But I was amazed at how effective it was as a tool for stopping unpleasant conversations.

Of course, some people think it is time for me to stop using the divorce as a crutch. Why? I say milk it for as long as I can. After all I'm not the same person I was before this started. I don't think I'm a better or worse person but a different person certainly. And I think that is a direct result of this experience.

So I say the statue of limitations is one whole year. It still colors everything that happens to me and affects the way I react to new situations. It is always there in the back of my mind. Now that I'm thinking about it a year may not be long enough. Only kidding, Red! June 22, 2013 is the absolute last day I will use the divorce excuse.

Top Ten Things To Do Without Power

November 5, 2012



1. Light candles. And if you have listened to your friends and bought lanterns, light them too.

2. As soon as the power goes out take a candlelit bath while the house is still warm. 

3. Go to work. It will save your sanity and focus your mind on real problems.

4. Forget looking good. I put my makeup on at work and had my hair tied back for five days!

5. Go to the package store and get takeout for dinner.

6. Stay calm. Things will get better.

7. Wrap yourself in warm blankets and in the morning dress under the covers.

8. Thank the utility workers. They are doing their jobs under adverse conditions. It is not their fault
    you don't have power.

9. When your friends extend their homes to you, say yes! I have tried lots of new hair products,
    soaps and perfumes this week. And been enveloped in warmth that doesn't come from electricity.

10. THE top ten thing to do with no power requires another person. (Most of the time) And if I have
      to  tell you what it is you haven't been reading closely enough!

Update to the Update

Ok. I'm really not complaining. Temp 58 degrees on my house this AM. Came to work at 5:30AM to poof. No estimate on when return to power. All hotels in New Haven booked.

Could be worse but...... Starting to get a little crabby. Feel like I need a treat. A luxury hotel on HOT deserted island would do the trick!

Hurricane Update

November 1, 2012



At Annie's tonight. Just took a shower and had a cocktail. Candles in the bathroom again! Do my friends know me or what? I am so lucky!!!!

I could complain that I have no heat ( it was 59 degrees in my bedroom this morning), no lights, no TV and have to open my garage door by hand. But I'm not going to do that. My basement is dry, I have a job to go to and friends to impose upon. Everyone I love is safe. I may not look my best but I am well cared for.

After this is over and I have power restored I will have to have another party for everyone who helped me through this. Not just a single girls party this time. But if I still have no power by tomorrow I'll be at the Omni!