Confession Time

So I felt better after my last post, wherein I confessed to being scared of homeless people who talk to themselves. That got me thinking that perhaps it might be good for me to bare my soul about a few other facts about myself that I’m not necessarily super duper proud of, but that are true as the day is long and denying them is futile. Here’s what I got:

1) We all know I love Barbra, soft rock, show tunes, and classical music. But I also love me some gangsta rap songs... I mean really really love them, and some with truly indefensible lyrics. I can’t help it - they get me pumped up and they are absolutely essential when I work out. I don’t necessarily approve of the sentiments of the rappers, of course, but I have to listen to something upbeat and energetic when I’m exercising, right? I mean throw me a bone (Thugs n’ Harmony) here.

2) I secretly judge people for certain types of improper grammar.

The most egregious grammar offenses:

a) You’re v. your
b) It’s v. its
c) Using apostrophes to denote plurality (example: I have two dog’s, as opposed to one), and apostrophe abuse in general.

Now, I’m not saying I never make mistakes, because I do, and sometimes I take considerable artistic license with grammar on this blog (I like dashes, parentheses, and ellipses), because I feel that phrasing a sentence a certain way better expresses my point and my personal voice.

I’m also not necessarily offended by other types of technically incorrect grammatical phrasing, like dangling participles and ending sentences with prepositions, I mean, who doesn’t do that? I'm sure I make mistakes all the time and I'm not even aware that it's happening. In short, I'm not a grammar snob, BUT the repeated violation of a, b, and c get to me. If you have a problem with a, b, or c: get help.

3) I am pretty much incapable of wasting anything. Gavin thinks I somehow traveled back in time and lived through the Great Depression and then came back to the present and married him because I am so parsimonious with our money and if we buy something we better use it all the time. If it’s food, we better eat all of it.

With regard to household items and clothes, I tend to pathologically break the utility of things I buy down into units of one dollar. For example, if I’m going to spend $50 on that sweater, I need to know that I’m going to wear the sweater 50 times. If I’m going to spend $1,000 on a TV, then we are going to need to keep it long enough to watch at least 1000 hours of programming. I think it is a good system because it really makes you think before you purchase. This is why I go to the library: because under my system, it’s difficult to justify paying $25 for a book I will read one time. If I do have to buy a book (this only occurs under very limited circumstances, like when we need a travel book or my book club selection is not available at the ‘brary) I buy used from amazon.com. Yes, I’m deranged and possibly dangerous.

Honestly, I’m trying to relax a little bit about this, but it’s just me; I can’t help it. I can honestly say though, that it has helped me save a lot of money over the years. If anyone wants to psychoanalyze me, go for it.

4) There are at least ten (10) people from college who have friended me on facebook that I don't remember at all. I have no idea who they are but I am pretty sure we knew each other at some point because we have lots of mutual friends and it makes sense that we would have been pals once upon a time. I was pretty social in college so I'm sure at that point in my life I looooved these people and hung out with them at parties and stuff. This is my fault, not theirs. So I fake it. Sometimes it comes back to me after a few days, weeks, or months. Sometimes it doesn't.

5) Last night I ate ice cream directly from the carton.

Ahhhh confession is good for the soul.

Full Read Ahead

Well, I am hitting the ground running with my resolutions. Yesterday I went to the 'brary and got my first didactic (this word means learny - another resolution is to expand my vocabulary) book of the year.

It's called "The Fall and Rise of the Islamic State" and it is very interesting. I read about half of it last night. Go me! It is essentially about how the people of some middle eastern countries want to go back to an ancient government system founded in Islamic law (the Shar'ia) as opposed to maintaining a more modern secular government system with some semblance of division between church and state (or in this case, mosque and state), and how this shift would affect the rest of the world. Very interesting. It also doesn't hurt that it was written by this Harvard Professor.... Rawr.



Ok, confession time. Sometimes I am scared of homeless people. This is unfortunate, because I love the downtown library, and apparently that is where homeless people love to hang out. I have to pass by them and not give them money almost every time I enter. It's sad because they are often intoxicated or have obvious psychiatric problems. Yesterday I almost tripped over an empty broken bottle of chardonnay on my way up the stairs and it was obvious to me how it got there. Sorry if this makes me appear insensitive - I'm not proud of it - that's why it's a confession. I'm sure they're harmless, but the fact is they scare me... especially the ones that talk to themselves. If anyone has suggestions in this regard, I'll be happy to take them.

What else, what else. Oh yes - the Florida Gators are playing for the National Championship Thursday night. I'll be cheering on my husband's team, you know, to support my Chinchilla. I recently received an authentic Gators wifebeater from Gainesville (I'm not kidding) as a gift (thanks Mary!) which, yes, I will be wearing for the game. No jorts though - that's where I draw the line. At jorts.

Thanks everyone for the book suggestions - keep them coming!

New Year's Resolutions

Ok, here they are, folks. I hope you can all help me achieve the following resolutions this year. I expect you to make it a priority.

1) Read one edifying non-fiction book per month. I enjoy fiction books, but I realize that I need to read more non-fiction, learny-type books so I can continue to grow my intellect. That is something good non-fiction books will do for you. Not to knock the Twilight series, but I'm pretty sure reading fiction specifically written for the 14-year-old girl demographic won't broaden my horizons or teach me anything new, except maybe how vampire boys are sooo cute, like I didn't already know that.

I realize all too well that many of you think I deserve a beating for these Twilight comments (my tires will probably be slashed five minutes after I post this), but I read half of the first installment for my book club, and actually felt my IQ drop several points. (Yes, I am an ass, but I'm only trying to get a leg up on resolution #2, see below.)

I generally enjoy the educational non-fiction books I read, (The Nine, And the Band Played On, A Civil Action, The Millionaire Next Door, Good to Great, etc.) so this shouldn't be too difficult. I will even be so kind as to share what I learn, right here on the blog. You're so lucky to know me.

2) More sarcasm. Increased quality and quantity. Because there can never be enough.

3) Spend more weekends at home. The traveling has gotten a little out of control. I will be traveling even more for work this year, and I tend to get burned out if I am traveling all over the place numerous weekends in a row or 3 out of 4 weekends a month. Enough. I need some free weekends to regroup, clean my house, do laundry, go on dates with Gavin. I say this like it will actually happen. I'm always on the move and that probably won't change in '09.

4) Keep up the gym activities. A few years ago I read an article in a fitness magazine that advised doing 200 minutes of cardio per week. So, I made a resolution to do this. I had more time back then, so I started out doing 40 minutes 5 days per week. As time has gone on and I've taken on more responsibilities at work, I now do 50 minutes 4 days per week, to cut down on the number of trips to the gym.

I like how it's going; it's not easy, but manageable, and no one has had to dress me in tents or move me with a crane since I started, so my resolution is to keep it up and not fall behind.

5) I resolve not to sweat the small stuff. I need to let things roll off my back more this year. F it. That's my new motto.

And that's it folks. I think that's enough. Let's hear your book suggestions!

Movie Review: Milk

I've been wanting to see this movie for a while. Actually, this is probably one of those movies you'd call a film, since it was only playing at the off-beat theater that generally only shows films. You can see movies down at the mall, but you have to go to this particular theater to see a film.

A few years back I read a fascinating non-fiction book called "And the Band Played On" by Randy Shilts, an investigative journalist with the San Francisco Chronicle in the '80s. The book explains how the AIDS virus first infiltrated the United States, and clearly illuminates the socio-cultural factors that caused it to spread so fast through the gay community and permeate the heterosexual community as well.

The title of the book is an apt reference to the historical fact that, as the Titanic sank, the band continued to play and play, as though nothing was wrong. The title is a brilliant choice because the book reveals how the gay community, and the medical community, lived in denial about the disease (each community for its own interesting reasons) even when all the signs were there, until it was too late to contain it. It really is a fascinating book, and I recommend it highly, particularly if you like to learn.

The book is largely based in San Francisco, and contains numerous references to Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the U.S., so when I heard this movie was coming out I decided I definitely wanted to see it for two main reasons: 1) It provides more of a backdrop to the book, as it takes place in the late 70s, while the book takes place in the 80s, and 2) Because it has to do with the evolution of civil rights in America, which, as a legal professional, I am always interested in learning about.

I was not disappointed. 5 stars. It was an excellent movie, inspirational and entertaining. Sean Penn is really an exceptionally talented actor, and I'm not one to hand out that kind of praise lightly. I don't see that many movies, because I don't really like most of the drivel that oozes out of Hollywood these days and feel like my time is better spent reading, but this movie was well worth the time and money. Shout-out to my friend Jana for going with me.

Other movies I want to see right now: Benjamin Button, Valkyrie, Doubt, and Marley & Me. Note that this is unusual because I currently want to see 4 movies and normally that number is 0.

I hope to see BB this weekend, so I'll post my thoughts, even though most of you have probably seen it by now.

Also want to thank my sisters Nikki and Maria and my cousin Amy for all the haikus they composed in the comments section of my last post. You guys are so talented, really... smartasses... (one can clearly see how it runs in the family).

2008: A year in haiku.

I have been contemplating 2008 and came up with a few haikus to recap the year. Please feel free to add your own haikus in the comments section if you feel so moved.

Ahem:

All my nemeses
This year were victorious
Each may kiss my ass.

To Sarah Palin
You were a fine woman-crush
I’m glad you stopped by.

Taco love knows no
Limitation or reason
Cute, small, tiny paws.

Maddie, Sugarbear
Lights of my life, so furry
Love treats, hate sweaters.

Economy sucks.
But I'm ok; People love
To sue our clients.

Dear Auburn Tigers:
Don’t ruin my life again
Next season. Love, Bets.

Got in my car and
You got to be kitten me
Guilt. Tears. Rabies shots.

I feel a little zen now. I'm still thinking about New Year's resolutions.... will post soon...

Things I am excited about in the New Year

Wow, folks. Time is a mysterious dimension. I can’t believe it’s already almost 2009. John Lennon was way right when he said that life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans. We've got to make every moment count.

Gavin and I are looking at our 5th wedding anniversary this year, and our 30 birthdays. I’m going to cry about that one, because I’m still so young and hip at heart. Ok, not really, because even when I was genuinely young, I never was hip, but I tried. I feel like I’ve always been kind of hip in a geeky, pun-loving way. Right friends? Right. Well, 30th birthday or not, here are some things I’m really looking forward to in ’09.

1) Erin and Adam’s wedding in Tampa in a couple weeks. FUN! Gavin and I go to an absurd number of weddings, and we love every single one we go to.

This one will be great because we will see all our old law school friends again. I am also especially excited about this wedding because Adam and Erin first got to know each other at our wedding. So basically this wedding is happening all because of me.

In light of that, I’m pretty sure this one has serious “I’m going to get out of control with my old cohorts knowing that I’ll wake up feeling like the cat I ran over last month but not caring because alcohol and nostalgia are involved” potential. So, definitely check back for pictures.

2) Las Vegas in February. The team is in training, getting ready for the big trip.

Imagine a musical montage if you will, (a la “Rocky” or “Team America”). The song is “Eye of the Tiger” and each member of Team Vegas is engaged in various preparatory activities:

• Leah is practicing blackjack (she’s a high stakes player, which intrigues me);
• I am bringing the pain at the gym, trying to get my stamina up for the late nights, sweating on the elliptical, lifting weights, drinking beer instead of Gatorade between reps;
• April is assiduously browsing, purchasing, and reading Las Vegas travel books, taking notes while listening to Elton on the ipod;
• Meg is doing tai chi or yoga;
• Holly is hitting a large punching bag.

3) Vacation with Gavin. We are thinking about doing something low key this year, meaning that we are not going to Europe like we have the past two years. We will prob do a beachy-type relaxing vacation in the spring. Can’t wait!

4) Football season. I’m tentatively adding this as something I’m looking forward to, but let’s face it. It’s going to be difficult for Auburn to show absolutely no improvement over last year. And even if they crash and burn again, I still have tailgating activities to enjoy for FSU and Florida.

5) Visits with friends and family throughout the year. I'm pretty sure the rest of my crazy college pals that aren't making the Vegas trip will plan a get-together at some point this year, and we will make trips to visit family on weekends, as we always do.

I’m sure there are many more things that will happen in 2009 to make the year a great one. I am going to start thinking about resolutions to make the year even better. I will post them when I come up with a healthy list.

Back!

Wow - sorry I was away for so long... the holidays hit me like a blitzing linebacker, along with all the parties and social engagements, then things at work turned to pandemonium at an inconvenient juncture, and then we had to hurry and pack it up and head down to central FL for Christmas, so I haven't had time to blog, but I am back in business.

Ok, first of all, we had a great Christmas in Deland with the rest of the Burgi. Here are some highlights:

1) Going to Universal Studios Islands of Adventure. Folks, I love roller coasters. Love them love them, and the more extreme the better. So while we were in the neighborhood, I convinced Gavin, my cousin-in-law Giffin, and Giffin's wife Mari to take me to this awesome theme park. We purchased express passes (worth every penny) that enabled us to skip all the super long lines and I rode all the big rides twice. Here are some pics!


Here's me with Giffin and Mari in front of the Hulk ride. I rode it thrice.

Here's me in Cartoon-land. I often use the fist-in-air move to convey frustration when my own plots are foiled, so this text bubble seemed to be designed just for me.



Here's some pics of me and my Chinchilla; both of us were drenched from the Jurassic Park ride.

2) Playing the Wii with the fam. One of my other cousins-in-law, Erin, was awesome enough to bring over her Wii to share with the rest of us. I love this thing! I got so into the tennis and bowling. It is just a matter of time before I own one. Just a matter of time.

3) The Chia pet. A few weeks ago, Gavin's brother Garrick had a Christmas party complete with Dirty Santa. Everyone had to bring a $20 gift, so I purchased a Chia Pet as our gift (hilarious!) and Gavin's dad ended up with it. My father-in-law joked about how he was going to re-gift it, which prompted me to present him with a challenge: I want to see some serious chia fur by the time I get there for Christmas. Well, this is what awaited me when I arrived. Glorious! I want one now... one of my very own.


4) Hanging with friends and family. Friday night we got to hang out with our old friends Gareth and Vanessa, along with their families, and a bunch of Gavin's other old friends from high school. We also got to visit with family and just relax and have fun. It was such a great week.

So tomorrow it's back to the old grind, but at least we have the new year to look forward to. I am thinking about New Years Resolutions, so check back!