Friday, October 29, 2004

Halloweeny

First off, I would like to apologize for my cruel addendum about CS. I truly respect and admire him as a ball player; it does not matter what his personal political beliefs are once he is on the pitcher's mound. I was just really disappointed to find that he supports a President who enforces and believes so many things that seem antithetical to the bravery, heart and intelligence shown by Schill on the mound. I had to share my disappointment and horror. So, it's done. I still love Santa Claus and the Chanukah Fairy, etc., etc.

Speaking of horror. To say that I am a Halloween enthusiast might be one of the biggest understatements I could make all year. I dislike Halloween decorations that involve cute pumpkins, goofy ghosts and silly witches. This is like buying a too-precious snowman to symbolize Christmas (everyone knows that Christmas is just about pine trees and presents - I'm kidding). Every once in a while, a well-meaning loved one will get me "something for my 'collection'" and it is absolutely, undeniably, 100% freakin' cute. In the future, just smack me in the face - you'll save money and I'll save space in my attic.

What I LOVE about Halloween is all the darkness and spookiness that accompany the holiday. It might be the pagan in me or the little kid simultaneously delighted and terrified by the monster under my bed, but I am fascinated by things dark, demonic, witchy, scary and fierce. And I find that Halloween is such a great time to celebrate those things in life that most people try to forget about once they stop bringing a flashlight to bed (just in case). I love horror movies and stories about monsters and ghosts. One of the reasons I love the holiday may be that I am not someone who lives her life in such a way that anyone would know that I love these weird, creepy elements. I am not a 'Goth' or a horror writer, and I'm certainly not a satan worshipper. I don't like 'real-life' horror or crime stories and I have a hard time watching gory scenes in movies.

Maybe it's because I fell in love with Dracula at an early age. Yes, the slightly cheesy Stoker invention of the elusive, sensual, ageless Count who can control people by tasting their blood. I had and still have NO interest in actually running into this person or becoming like him, but I was fascinated by the story of Lucy and Mina and Jonathan Harker. And by Dr. Van Helsing, whose life work was to prove Dracula's existence and eradicate it. I love the story of good vs. bad particularly where bad is not quite human and has a 'story' and an aura that seems to enchant as it repels.

The idea of Halloween comes from a time when people thought that all souls were released on November 1st (smart souls, to get away before it really gets cold [in New England anyway]).
"The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain (sow-in), when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort and direction during the long, dark winter.

To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities. During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other's fortunes." (from the History Channel)

So, when we buy Spiderman masks and mullet wigs and fairy wings and fake butts, we are harkening back to a time when the lines between death and life were not so defined, and the ceremonies to say goodbye to those lost to death were not so formalized and stiff. For one night, one holiday, we suspend some of our logical, more scientific thought to embrace a moment of pagan revelry and to give in to those beliefs that seemed so real when we were small, making sure the closet door was closed and turning on the nightlight so we could see what was coming out from under our beds before it got us. I, for one, will never stop believing in those monsters and ghoulies that may get me when I'm not looking. In fact, if I see them, I may hire them to scare the shit out of my friends as they walk through my 'haunted basement' at my Halloween party.

Do you know where your flashlight is?

Thursday, October 28, 2004

Justice. Victory. WHAHOOOOO

86 years

31, 458 days

45,299,520 minutes

And now, WORLD CHAMPIONS!

As I jumped around, tears streaming from my eyes, hugging, high-fiving, laughing everyone in sight, I had the thought, "How do I find the words to explain this feeling and what it means?"

How indeed. I get goosebumps every time I repeat the words, World Series Winners, to myself, and I smile when I think of the flip to first from Keith Foulke, then Varitek rushing the mound and sandwiching Foulke with Doug Mientkiewicz. I have decided that it can be explained as better than 'a wedding day/just had a baby/just completed my master's degree/won the lottery' feeling. Wow! Course I haven't had some of those days, but in my mind, that is what I am likening it to. Deal.

My FAVORITE story about the win. I double heart Curt Schilling.

I will just end this on this note: Thank you Red Sox players, thank you life. There is still next year, but we don't have to wait for it, though I still will, and it may never be this sweet again, but it will still be pretty great, and I will always be a fan looking forward to the win.

CurtSchilling bless America!!



Addendum at 2:35pm
I am feeling a little crushed right now. I just found out that Curt Schilling is a born-again Christian and when he was interviewed on Good Morning America this morning and he said, 'Get out there and vote. Vote Bush.' Ahhhhhhhhh! My hero has been drafted by the dark side. Supporting right-wing, 'god-told-me-to-do-it' politics? NOOOOOOO. I still love and admire him as a baseball player, but I just can't love him in the same die-hard, hero-worshipping way that I did this morning. Next I'm gonna find out Santa Clause doesn't really exist...



Tuesday, October 26, 2004

Redundancy

Ok, I feel like a broken record when writing that I heart the Red Sox again. But I do. This past weekend brought with it some joyful baseball watching. Despite 8 team errors, each one tearing a little bit of my stomach lining, the Sox showed up at the field and put the ball in play. Schilling continues to amaze with his seemingly superhuman will to win. I like our chances at 2-0, but I am not even close to celebrating yet.

I did get my bathroom floor tiled over the weekend and I bought my microwave cart and some curtains for the den [my house is slowly but surely looking like a nice place to live]. However, I also came down with a whopper of a migraine and a bit of a stomach bug. I may have to take a sick day to rest up in anticipation of several more nights of tense Sox games and the late night revelry on Saturday in celebration of the best and spookiest holiday of them all, Halloween.

Here's hoping Pedro gets a hit in addition to preventing them and that Ortiz doesn't split his pants stretching to make an out at first.

Sox! Sox! Sox!

Friday, October 22, 2004

The Cards, cards, a cart, discards and a departure

The Sox will play the Cardinals in the World Series - I think that it will be a great match-up and I am looking forward to watching every minute this weekend.

Before baseball starts, I have a memorial service and a wedding on Saturday. I have to get cards for these and how very different the content of these cards. One is for the family of Kristie Ley, my friend and co-worker, who left this world too soon due to stomach cancer. We will celebrate her life and her funny, cynical, cat-loving self. Too bad I probably won't find a card that says how shitty it is that she's gone; instead, I will find an inadequate, moronic card dripping with banal drivel about 'memories sustaining you' and 'going to a better place'.

The second card is for my friend Jen, who is getting married after dating her boyfriend Dave for 7 years (5 or 6 of which have included Dave's undergrad and grad school work at Northeastern for PT). Jen and I met in seventh grade and have been through a lot together. She is the only person with whom I still keep in touch with from my Framingham school days. It is gonna be really great to watch her walk down the aisle. Too bad that I won't find a card that says you're finally marrying the guy that you've waited for and worked with and even though your family is crazy and your wedding day may be filled with more drama that you'd like, I'm happy for you; instead, I will find an inadequate, moronic card touting 'forever love' and 'congratulations'. Actually, that's not too bad. But, maybe I should think about writing up some of my card ideas and sending them on to Hallmark. Ha!

On Sunday, I will pick up a microwave cart that I found on Craigslist. I have been looking for the perfect cart since July and I think I've found it. It has an extra drawer for Saran Wrap or whatever (we only have 1 drawer in the kitchen and it has our silverware in it), a bottom storage area for cookbooks and kitchen towels and wheels that lock in place. Very exciting. I also plan to install a new bathroom faucet and finish sanding and sealing my kitchen floor. Could my life get any more thrilling?

I also have to do some weeding. I am not really a packrat or a sentamentalist, but I have accumulated a lot of crap that is currently sitting in my mom's attic. I did notice that she brought a few boxes of my shit down to my house and put them in the garage - she is a wily discarder, that one. I'll never forget the look on my sister-in-law's face a few weeks after she and my brother bought their house; my mom pulls into the driveway with a van, opens the doors and starts loading all the boxes of ephemera (and a dirt bike) that my brother had never thought about again once he left home. There were old games and comics and clothes and god knows what else.
So, one day, I may come home to find every single thing I've ever left at her house in my garage. Course, I had to move just 4 doors down, thus making it easier for her to dump the junk, and it is my stuff and I should take responsibility for it one of these days. Mom, I know you read my blog, Don't Worry, I'm coming for it all.

It is almost time to get out of here on this dreary gray Friday. Tonight is Heather, the Notice-Giver's, going away party. She is leaving the library that I used to work at and believe me, walking out those doors is a liberating and empowering experience. She still has a few weeks of work, but a group of current and former employees are gathering to drink ourselves silly in her honor this evening 'cause it worked for everyone's schedules.

Go Sox!!

Thursday, October 21, 2004

YES!

WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO!!

I have pinched myself so many times this morning that I am getting a small bruise on my arm!

It is such an amazing experience to believe in a team, a whole group of players who have bonded together and with determination and dignity have played with one heart, and to see that team's hopes come to fruition. And to do it with such aplomb and drama! Oh, how I love being a small part of Red Sox Nation this morning.

I suppose there are other, important things going on today, but I can only focus on one HUGE accomplishment at a time. First New York, next the World!

Wednesday, October 20, 2004

It all comes down to this

YES, YES, YES!!!

A moment of silent gratitude for Schilling's tendon. My favorite quote so far about his performance (from Ian Browne, MLB.com):
"The Red Sox hopped on Schilling's back, and somehow the big righty's ailing right ankle -- which will be operated on as soon as this season ends -- didn't buckle."

I only had to pop 2 Pepcids last night during the game. Not too bad. The poem for today:

There once was a pitcher named Lowe
who agreed to go out and throw.
Game seven we'll win,
he said with a grin,
Since I'll strike 'em all out in a row.

Not perfect, but it'll do - I'm drained (but ready for more).

In other news, I laid absolutely no linoleum nor did I sand any of my wood floor last night. When baseball is over, I may actually finish a home improvement project once I start it. Not that I'm complaining - there is NOTHING better right now than having a stake in October baseball. I also managed to talk to the five people who called me during the game (better than it sounds since there are times that I can't sit and watch and talking is as good a distraction as any). And I worked on my Halloween costume a little - hope all you readers who are joining us have done the same - only 10 days away!

Sox! Sox! Sox!

Tuesday, October 19, 2004

Am I too young to have a heart attack?

And am I really stupid enough to continue to believe that it's possible? Hopefully, the answer to the first questions is no, but the answer to the second question is a resounding yes. My belief in the Red Sox is ingrained in the fabric of my being. I cannot give up hope that they will do the impossible. But watching the games is painful on the stomach and the heart. I am a bit incredulous that Schilling is going to pitch this evening though I just can't believe that he would put himself out there if he weren't REALLY confident that he can get the win. If only Damon and Ramirez would hit the ball, is 3 for 5 so much to ask? And when does David Ortiz get his Red Sox Nation Hero award? He is amazing.

Bryan and I met Lauryn this weekend. She has an official middle name, Elizabeth, just like Bryan's niece 'Lauren Elizabeth'. The two names do sound good together. She is tiny and adorable, with lots of dark hair and very blue eyes. She looks a lot like my nephew Noah did when he was born, but her skin is rosier. I am amazed by infants; everything is just so darn tiny: fingernails, ears, toes, lips. Quite an incredible experience to hold a 3-day old.

Rain, rain, go away, Let the Sox and Satans play.
And when we make those meatheads pay, we'll get to play another day :)

Go Sox!!

Thursday, October 14, 2004

Welcome to the world

I will only dwell on the good today since my new niece Lauryn was born this morning at 8:00am. I have no other information about her because my mother is a terrible messenger, but it is pretty exciting.

My nephew Noah (2&1/2 years old) is already perfect at saying, "I have a baby sistah" Ahhh, Boston.

I have given up on the idea of getting work done today in favor of thinking about all of the little girl stuff that needs to be purchased.

Tuesday, October 12, 2004

RED SOX!

Friday night, drove to Saratoga to see Wilco at Skidmore and babysit for Bryan's niece. More importantly, we listened to the Sox game on the radio, switching from a Boston to a Springfield station (and listening to 3 songs of a Bjork CD after Guerrero tied the game with a freakin grand slam). Then, as we pull into Skidmore, bottom of the 10th, tied, top of the order batting, both of us snapping at one another as the tension starts to eat at our normally sunny dispositions, the radio station cuts away from the Boston game (which was fuzzy at best) and starts to broadcast the SATANS game! What the ef! We actually had to find out if the Sox won the game and how it happened from college kids waiting in line.

Anyway, now I am sitting in front of a tv while the great, indomitable Curt Schilling takes the mound to hand the Spankees their collective asses. ***Addendum at 10:25pm: Or not. Ok, so I was wrong about this, but I still have faith in this team and this year. Dropping this game will just cause these guys to battle back harder tomorrow night. Hopefully Pedro doesn't forget how to pitch...

I apparently have nothing more interesting to write about and I can't think of much else that doesn't involve a leather-covered ball, so I will sign off.

I did write a little mantra thingy to help those of us in the Nation who suffer so badly for this team:

damon manny ortiz millar
mueller tek cabrizzle nixon
curtschilling can save us
yea, though we walk through the shadow of the valley of fear, we are not alone.
red sox. amen

Thank you. Go Sox.

Friday, October 08, 2004

I had to wait a few days after the vice-presidential debate to blog to ensure that the bile produced upon listening to and seeing Dick Cheney speak had settled enough for me to write without throwing up on my own keyboard (that and I'm damned busy at work). The entire 2 hours was more of the same allegations and reiterations and half-truths. And while it was difficult to watch Cheney dismiss and ignore Edwards, it was pretty tough to watch Edwards take it. There were moments when JE managed to get his point in and really question and attack Cheney and the Bush administration, but on the whole, I think that he was swiped aside time and again by the big Dick. So, it was a draw. Ok. I suppose that many of the people who sit through 2 hours of political rhetoric already have an idea for whom they will be voting.

Then to put the next presidential debate on a Friday night - yeah, that says "watch me" to the American people.

In other, MUCH happier, news:
The Red Sox have won their 2nd game against the Angels. The game had its share of tense moments, but in the end, the offense came through to ensure a definitive victory.
Bryan and I are heading to NY to attend a Wilco concert at Skidmore, and to babysit for his niece Lauren so that his sister and brother-in-law can get a quiet, hopefully romantic, night away for their 5th wedding anniversary. We will have the game on whatever am station comes in, and while I'm a bit sad to miss it and to have to catch the presidential debate on a Web cast later tonight or tomorrow, I am really looking forward to the concert and the weekend.

A few observations:
The Emerald Nuts ad campaign is brilliant. Bryan and I have guessed maybe one of the "E" "N" combinations so far and in this time of horrible, fucking commercials that have the absolute loosest connection to the product being sold, these stand out as a small blip of joy for our viewing pleasure.

The Nobel prizes were announced this week. The prize in literature went to Elfriede Jelinek, an Austrian novelist. Feminism, leftist politics and pacifism are common themes in her works; her most famous novel, "The Piano Teacher", was written in 1983 and adapted into a movie in 2001. I haven't read anything by her, but she is one of only 10 women who has received this award since it was first handed out in 1901, so I think that I will at least check out this book.

Happy Birthday to Eric, Shayna, John Lennon, and Nick. Happy Anniversary to Kristen & Tyler. Happy Divorce to LJ.
And last, but not least, Happy Columbus Day - boy am I glad we honor this explorer who came to 'America', enslaved hundreds of natives, those he and his men didn't kill with small pox and other diseases, and then returned to Portugal with furs and gold and cheap labor. Now, 500 years later, we get a day off from work. Well done.

Tuesday, October 05, 2004

Ramblings

This past weekend:
Nothing happened. It was nice.

The Red Sox just won game 1 of the ALDS. It started at 4pm, which was a terrible time for a baseball game. I had to run to my desk between a meeting and doing work where GameDay was showing me that the Sox had taken an early 1 to nothing lead. Then at 5, we were able to turn on the tv to find it was the fourth inning and Millar was hitting a 2-run homer, Damon then hit 2 more in and Manny hit another homer. I ran to my car to hear another inning on the radio and finished up the game back at home in front of the tv. Whew. MLB is really inconsiderate. Course tomorrow night the game is at 10pm and, sadly, I will struggle to stay awake until the end.

I continue my Curt Schilling worship. I kinda wish Shonda Schilling would be struck mute for the rest of the season.

I have to mention this: Just saw a commercial on ESPN advertising the Red Sox/Anaheim series and over the clips was a cover of "All of My Life" sung in hard rock style. When did it become ok to use Phil Collins to entice people to watch baseball?

VP debates are on tonight. It will be interesting to watch the man really running the country 'debate' the man who probably should have won the nomination (if not for his lack of 30 years of Washington ass-kissing and elbow-rubbing).

My left foot is asleep.

That's all I have for you today. Go Twins! Suck Dick!

Saturday, October 02, 2004

For the Record

In Thursday's debate, George Bush said
'Hard' (as in "It's hard work" and "It's a hard job" when referring to the presidency) 23 times
'Saddam Hussein'' 17 times (to Kerry's 9 times)
'Osama bin Laden' 4 times (to Kerry's 7 times)
'Freedom' (as in "I love freedom") 10 times

I may need to seek counseling for anger management if our country re-elects this moron. He couldn't directly answer anything and he spoke as slowly as possible to say as little as possible in his allotted time. Meanwhile, Kerry was composed and articulate and he actually outlined ideas and plans that he has for the future.
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We're still not sure who the Sox will be playing in the first round, though I am hoping that Minnesota loses today so that we are playing either the A's or the Angels. I think that we have a better shot against either team and that Minnesota has a better shot of beating the Satans.

This weekend, Bryan is going to grab himself a little piece of baseball history as he heads to Shea Stadium to watch the final game of the Expos in the Montreal uniform. I have big plans to work in the morning (which I'm in the middle of doing right now - obviously), watch most of the day/night double header the Sox are playing against the Orioles, buy carpets for my bedroom and den, and finish laying tile and smoothing out my bubbled wallpaper border in my bathroom.
____________________________________________________________

At work this past week, I successfully ran a book sale in which I made over $100 selling old library books that we were going to toss anyway; and I became part of a team of 4 working to propose and write a grant for $$ for next year. We are attempting to partner with Boston charter schools to offer them the benefit of the extraordinary resources at Primary Source. We have 2 weeks to get 3 to 5 schools to agree to partner with us, write up the proposal and send it in. I am feeling pretty energized at this opportunity since it is the first time that I have been involved in writing a grant. And because it is such a cool opportunity for these schools to make connections and bring more resources to their teachers and students.