it is always tragic when a monarch dies

The sad and untimely passing of MJ, the King of Pop, has struck me oddly hard. I think perhaps it was because of how many times I have danced to his music. Alyson always had some MJ routine, either Thriller, or Beat It, or when we did They Don't Care About Us, and I was so excited because I got to be in front right next to Miss Alyson for the big number! His choreography and attention to detail in his videos can't be matched. No one could move like he could. And I'm sure his personal life was weird but I don't care about that. One, because it isn't my dang business, and two because I think his amazing talent and power as a performer completely outweighs anything else about him in my eyes. We have this video that has some of his best music videos and performances, and the dancing is SO AMAZING! Nevermind Billie Jean and the moonwalk....that is just the tip of the iceberg. Smooth Criminal, Beat It, Thriller-just phenomenal. I feel like there is just going to be a huge void in terms of innovative artists like that. When we were watching the Scream video, with both he and Janet, I wondered, "Does Janet ever feel awful just knowing that even though she made a name for herself, she will NEVER be HALF of what Michael was?" I don't know. I guess this post is sort of pointless and weird, gushing over an artist whose songs changed America's pop culture....but gush I will. I hope his soul is at peace. Thank you, Michael Jackson.

you CAN teach an old dog new tricks

Just not all the time. Or when they get distracted in puppy class and refuse to look at you whilst you are saying "sit" or "down" or "blankie" or anything really. So all that progress you made during the week, during all of your practice sessions, may feel like it was for naught, but it was not for naught. I know tomorrow when we practice, and even if we add the new things in "stand", "stay", "blankie" that Vivi will in fact learn them and watch me and focus. She just can't handle the crowd in class. Much like I can't handle crowds in real life. I didn't get frustrated with her. I know she'll learn. And really, the point of the class is not for her to show off in front of them, it is for her to learn these things for us, for our lives, at home. So I'm ok with it. She did get into another little scuffle with Chachi the lhasa apso, getting all snarly and badass with him when he wanted to play. She's really a brat sometimes. But tomorrow things will be learned, and reinforced, and old things will be reviewed, and it will be good.

In other news, a coworker of mine had a tragedy occur. Her partner of 20 years had a heart attack and died. He was a good guy. They weren't married, but had been together that whole time, and were pretty much inseparable. The worst part is that she doesn't get bereavement time off for it. Because they weren't married, and CT doesn't recognize common law marriage, so the company doesn't have to give her the time. She already used almost all of her sick and vacation time when she was actually sick after an emergency surgery. So now she is basically SOL. I'm going to bake some cookies tomorrow evening and bring them in for one of my other coworkers to bring to her (she is staying at her sisters, which is near where my other coworker lives) because first of all, she is skinnier than a rail to begin with, and I think cookies will help. Plus they are a comfort food. And even if she doesn't eat any, all the people staying at the house and coming around to check on her can have some. I just feel awful for her. Very sad. I keep praying for his soul, and for her and the family members. Even though I don't pray to "god" per se, I figure it can't hurt.

I had a rough weekend. A freakish, scarily low low blood sugar that wound up strangely like Steel Magnolias, where Shelby (Julia Roberts) has her diabetic shock and starts hitting M'lynn (Sally Field) and yelling at her. That would be ME as Shelby, and my poor dad as M'lynn. I was rather hostile and angry, and of course had no idea what I was talking about. Crazy. So that was pretty scary. Then Sunday, I had the flu. Not the swine flu, but the puking up your guts with a HORRIBLE headache. The only good thing to come of that (aside from the realization that stomach bile comes in a really intense shade of green) was that my appetite has calmed down considerably. I'm also on less steroids, but this last bump of intense nausea for two days really really helped me not want to eat all the time. Now, if only I can get back to the gym (patience, grasshopper). 

On the docket for the week: father's day shopping, baking for my coworker, perhaps a new toenail color? I'm just not sure yet. For now, a small snack perhaps and then bed. 

spellcheck pls- and other irritated ramblings

Ok ok, I know I used to be the spelling and grammar nazi, and that it was uber annoying and made everyone want to kill me, and so I gave up my crusade, but sometimes things really bug me when they are spelled incorrectly. Like it makes me want to jump through the computer screen to where the person is, and shake them, whilst crying "damnit you JUST graduated from college, WHY CAN'T YOU SPELL?!?!?" I know my spelling isn't always perfect. I have certain words that present a distinct challenge. Definitely is my worst word ever. But, they do in fact make spell check just for that very purpose. For the words that ALWAYS defy you. Even blogger here has it. So really, kids? Really? 

Of course, part of the reason it bothers me is that it is people who have been annoying to me lately. Not that they've done anything in particular to deserve my being annoyed at them, but I am. Actually, I could be annoyed at their drunken behavior, but it has been a whole week since that and so I can't still be mad that they kept pushing at my head, a la those "could have had a V8" commercials, and then attempted to body shove me off the curb at 4am. I can't still be irked by that. Though everyone knows I hold grudges longer than mormons hold on to their morals, so perhaps no one would be surprised by my snarky attitude towards them. I'm probably just jealous of the person's great life and great job and happiness and all that. I just manifest it in a bitchier way. I think once I feel like my life doesn't completely blow, I will feel better.

On that note, starting a bit more serious diet regimen. Just healthier really. Gotta get my cholesterol down, and the refined carb thing needs to go. Veggies*, fruits and some meats. But mostly other proteins like beans and nuts. And eggs occasionally. I can't stand the sight of myself, and even though my meds are being adjusted, I can't blame the meds for it all. It was my BAD eating habits. Like all those baked goods. Deliciously deadly. And hopefully I'll feel good enough to hit the gym again soon (oh and the fact that I owe them money and have to wait till I get paid to go back- blast this constant state of poverty!) but until then just taking it slow on the treadmill at home. And by slow I mean walking. For like 10 minutes at a time, since that seems to be all I can take. I know, I'm a wussbunny. But I try a bit at least. So we'll see how that goes. As of this morning, I am at a whopping 153 pounds. Not only is it above what I am supposed to be according to the BMI chart, but it is really bad for my bones because I actually have rather petite bones & bone structure. So it is too much weight on a weak frame. Like, trying to hang a Persian carpet to dry on one of those teeny bamboo drying racks you have in college to try and save money by air drying your clothes. Poor little frame doesn't stand a chance under all that weight. So that is my thing. I have to lose at least 20 pounds, though I wouldn't mind losing more (it always irritates me that my ratty mother only weighs like 115 or 120). So, goal = 20+ pounds. We'll see. 

*- I consider rice and potatoes to be veggies. I think they are healthy carbs. Or so I keep telling myself. :)

I love my friends

family bonding- beer pong

And there you have it. Memorial Day we had a nice little family lunch in the back yard, with our dogs all having fun, and all of a sudden, George decides she wants to learn to play Beer Pong. Mind you, in a month, George will be 54. FIFTY-FOUR! But she wanted to learn to play. So we obliged. Even EA, who generally disdains and scorns anything having to do with George. Of course, EA had already been drinking some, and continued to do so through the game, so perhaps that was her sneaky way of it being OK. As you can see, EA and Slim were on a team and George and Christopher. Later I played with EA against SisterK and Christopher, but I wasn't very good. It was interesting to say the least. My father sort of just watched in disbelief. Drinking games with one's mother. Hum.

In other news, getting new glasses, as my vision has changed again. Will post pictures when the new spectacles arrive. Had to get a wider set of frames to accommodate my giant head (stupid steroids) but they're cool. It is funny that NOW my reading vision is fine, but my distance (ie driving, movie viewing, trying to read the clock) is awful. Lovely. This time we went with brown, but still Nine West. Expensive buggers (especially since stupid Aetna doesn't cover it). 

Also, began dog obedience training with Viv. Disastrous thus far. She is afraid of the clicker and training in general- continuously runs away from me and acts as though I'm trying to "get" her. Ratty dog. And, being that I am the LEAST patient person in the world, I'm already getting frustrated with her. But trying not to. Really. We'll see how it goes.

gray gray go away

It is incredibly dark outside right now. Like mad cloudy yo. I'm trying not to let it drag me down....aka trying to not be completely unmotivated to do anything, including running to the store for tp and butter (two things we are out of that are kind of crucial. yes it may be gross that we love butter, but whatevs. loves it we do, and we're out). If I obtain said things, then I can return home and make breakfast. Which is less fun nowadays since I'm the only normal carb eater around. Mom and EA only eat GF, and dad doesn't eat pancakes or french toast and whatnot, trying to be all healthy like. BOO. So if I make breakfast, it is just for me, and then I feel like a cow. Which, in all honesty, I am right now. But I finally got to lower my steroids a bit so hopefully that will be changing soon. A little less puff, please.

In other news, got a pedicure from a nice little fellow yesterday....Kat wanted to get a manicure and I figured since I haven't been able to really reach my feet to do a good pedi, I could let some stranger do it, do a nice job, massage my feet for a while, and in return I would tip him very very well (like too well, good thing my math skills suck I just made that guys day). It was nice, and now my toes are adorned with a fun bright shade of summer pink, and my heels aren't covered in dead gross skin. It is amazing how much they exfoliate you in these places.  And how much comes off, ick. I shouldn't spend money on such things, but having well taken care of feet is actually one of the things diabetics are supposed to do, so I consider my once every million years pedicure that I let myself get to be a medical thing.

Also, I had the stellar idea of the TRON family taking a trip in an RV....which sparked the conversation that S actually HAS an RV (though the bathroom is broken, perhaps we can get it fixed for cheaply....since knowing me and our group, it would probably be best to have a working bathroom) though I don't even know if her parents would be even remotely ok with us taking it. Nor do I know how large it is, and there are like 7-8 of us at any given time. Good thing we all love bunking up? Well, it is just a thought. I really had this vision of a great cross country (perhaps not the whole country in one sitting. That is a lot of miles and a lot of hours with the same people in one tiny space) trip with us chillin out, and we could find campgrounds and make s'mores and stuff at nights, and basically everyone could drink to their heart's content except whoever had to drive the next day, and it would be great. We'd see things we haven't seen yet, and we would totally TRONonize the whole thing. Plus frankly, I miss spending time with these people as a group. And if we had an rv, the whole notion of everyone getting up mad late the next day wouldn't even apply. Only the driver and navigator would have to wake up and everyone else could just sleep in the back until they felt like getting up. Ugh it would be perfect for us. Anyway, I know it is a long shot, everyone is busy, poor, etc, but I still thing it would be awesome. 

That is pretty much my round up. For the memorial day holiday, having a basket lunch at Harkness Park, we'll have to go early and stake a spot (near trees and a griller) and then we can play with the dogs all day and then have food and fun and (not for me) sun. And perhaps a walk on the beach, or through the lovely mansion gardens. I'm pumped. I think the count is me, Kat, Chris, Beth and maybe Wills, then the parents if they so choose to come. Our parents that is. Not the boys'. Should be nice. 

commencing to....?

So Friday I went over to Purchase to witness the remaining children of the TRON clan graduate. I was shocked to have the benefit of seeing Stevie walk as well, and was most upset that I hadn't known he was going to, so didn't have a gift for him. So his will be sent via post. But KHawk, Al and A I had their little commencement presents and it was wonderful to see them. Of course I, being the Momma Meg that I am, just starting crying. Didn't get all crazy though because 1-no need for drama, and 2-I don't actually produce a large amount of tears unless under extreme duress. I also got to see JoseMiguel who was there to see his bf graduate, and a few professors. It was rather nice on the whole. I miss them. I was informed that Cole and Phil live in Brooklyn, about 4 blocks from A and S, and then Stevie is like 10 minutes away. So I guess it is true about everyone living there. Almost. KHawk will be on campus for summer, and Al home in Queens, so I am hoping we can all get together soon and have a real family type dealy.

Then I returned home, and had a McG girl night with my sisters. At C & K's. It was very amusing. A bunch of folks, good drinks, good times. Then Saturday lazed around feeling poorly (not hungover mind you, but might as well have been, since I stayed over and missed two med doses I just was icky. boo) then later took Viv's to the park with cousin Levi, then went over to help with the cupcakes for sisterK's wedding tea for her friend today. They came out ok. Then today, Pablo, EA and Ab's drove down to DC to bring Ab's back to her new residence, and EA will stay down there for a bit. So since I'm home alone con los perritos, I did a shit ton of laundry (still going), did dishes (have another load to toss in), and baked banana bread with some bananas that weren't long for this world (came out rather tasty). So now to finish the chore stuff, and make dinner, and find a good film to watch. 

Have been feeling pretty good lately, hopefully can cut the steroid dose down, since the weight issue is annoying. The face and tummy fat needs to go. I'll probably get to the gym this week, hopefully, but it will be better if the steroids are down. Not 100% yet, but I will be soon. And then, back to life with a renewed sense of vigor. Or something like that. Still waiting to hear back about job interviews, and working on the grad school list. Whittling down the 15 to how many I want to visit. 

That's all, folks.