Once again, feeling normal is weird

Perhaps you did not know that for the past five years I have only enjoyed one television station in my home--pbs.
Well, everything has changed again after Mas made the always surreal trip to Radio Shack for the big rabbit ear antennae purchase.

He was inspired by the Winter Olympics and knew that it would irresponsible for us to mooch off of publicly situated televisions or friends for the two week duration of the games. Now, after three sessions of coverage (Saturday Nordic combined, Sunday evening men's downhill and half pipe competition and last night's women's half pipe competition) I can carry on appropriate work conversation.

Already I get it. It is fun to stand your ground on debates about the beautiful simplicity of timed versus judged events. Also, the Shaun White drama, so compelling. Though, I admit, I fell asleep after he qualified in that second run.

Last night, I asked Mas to wake me up for the women's final halfpipe runs, but he slacked. I woke up to see the American women in giddy celebration and complained about his lack of effort. "You need the sleep, and it looked the same as the qualifying runs" was his unapologetic answer.

A top 10 day

1. The sun shines
2. I have time in the morning to check email, listen to NPR, and/or cuddle with beloved dog and husband
3. Breakfast is prepared for me
4. Tasks are accomplished in an efficient manner
5. I go for a bike ride, run, ski, snowboard, or go for a walk--in order of preference
5a. Even better *with Mas, another friend, or as a group activity
6. While running errands, I meet familiar faces along the way. Incidental conversations are stimulating and provide food for thought
7. I have a good book to read as I sit in the afternoon sun
8. My house is warm, clean and in order
9. Dinner plans include friends, wine, savory cuisine and discussion
10.Travel dates are calendared or conspired

keeping house

Bendfilm link should work now...thanks to skeet who pointed out that previous link was not making it to said destination. Check it out sometime.

Questions of the day

Where do you draw the line to protect civil liberties while allowing the searches that could snare a potential terrorist? How is one day of Alberto Gonzalez testimony sufficient to address this issue? Who has the power and who is conceding (again)? Will somebody please come forward?

You don't have to be a bike nerd

to enjoy this dvd rental. Hell on Wheels is a German produced documentary focused on the Tour de France. The year is 2003 and the film focuses on racers on the Telekom team as it reveals the fantastic production we know as the Tour de France. Eric Zabel and Rolf Aldaq are Telekom riders who have been roommates, teammates, and true blue professional racers for over a decade. Their observations and modest, yet insightful remarks about the tour stages, combined with footage of the dramatic three-week-long race, makes for a compelling and inspirational film. The soundtrack is a little euro-synth but it doesn't suppress the beauty and drama of the story being told. Rent it locally at Sunnyside Sports.

My seestar's birthday!

She's sporting her "Spies Like Us" attire

Familiar sights where I live

The sisters stand out

the parking lot scene at Swampy, notice anything?

Sunday outing

cross country skiing...it's alway an adventure with Mas, we crossed the stream here
maggie takes it all in stride

A slice of Southern Culture

Junebug is the 2005 festival darling that was recently released on DVD. It depicts newlyweds Madeleine and George as they visit North Carolina in Madeleine's pursuit of a folk artist for her gallery in Chicago. George's family lives nearby and they return to his home town to introduce Madeleine to his family.
Every character is given justice in this movie. Likeable or not, they are depicted with sincerity. The standout character is clearly Ashley. She is George's sister-in-law, due to give birth at any moment. She is warm and genuine and reflects the values of the culture she inhabits. She is married to Johnny, George's younger, less accomplished brother. Johnny struggles with his brother's visit and copes by being annoyingly insensitive to everyone in his family. Peg is the family matriarch suspicious of George's glamourous new wife. She criticizes and scrutinizes while George's father quietly neutralizes and polishes relationships behind the scenes.
This movie is simple and modest but so powerful. The family dynamics are realistically complex. The conundrum of how family's support, shape and frustrate simultaneously is portrayed with care. This is another one of those quiet, character-driven films that I love and recommend.

Did you notice that?

We have just entered the sun influence of Aquarius. From now until February 17th, we could all do well by practicing altruism. This is the time to exercise all of your humanitarian, independent and inventive inclinations. Be careful not to go overboard with any rebellious tendencies. This is also a good time to enjoy group activities and friendships.
Star Detective encourages everyone to have a good time, be social and consider how we are all in this life together.

What is the story here?

I am intrigued by this house. What goes on here? Who are the people behind this place? Anyone have the scoop?

Investigate This!

What is up with the continued overuse of the word clearly? It has been the pet word øf politicians and people wishing to sound like they believe in transparency for years now...Here's a little game for you NPR listeners. Count how many times you hear the word Clearly on any given morning. Also, share any other ubiquitous words with as little meaning that you hear.

Cheers for Mad Hot Ballroom

New Year's Day was tough. We couldn't motivate to ski and found ourselves lounging at noon. Lazy and full from breakfast we decided that it was acceptable to further waste daylight by watching this movie. But a waste of time it was not.
Mad Hot Ballroom grabbed me from the first dance lesson scene and kept me cheering, sighing and even crying. The film follows threee New York 5th grade classrooms as they prepare for a citywide ballroom dancing competition. By now, all of you blog readers know I am a softie. But, MHB, captures the exuberence and fragility of youth. Even more effective is its potrayal of the best kind of teacher. The teacher that recognizes the many perils awaiting kids and seeks a way to guide them towards some goodness. The beauty of MHB is that it does not patronize its young subjects but lingers on their insights and wisdom. At the end of the film I wanted more of the student's biographies. What happens? Where do they go from here? Alas, there was no special feature to tell the tale. What the viewer can take from the movie is an appreciation of life. Who among us has not strived for something and fallen short? Or, other times succeeded. Who do we have to thank for our inspiration?

Inspiration is everywhere

Happy New Year!

We celebrated with all sorts of bubbles...How about you?