We're settling in ... finally ... after our long stay on Queen Anne. It was a great time, but we're glad to back home. Only thing: we're missing my Mama, as she flew back to SC last night.
Until we get settled in, here's a great poem that I've loved since college days:
THE WIDOW
by W.S. Merwin
How easily the ripe grain
Leaves the husk
At the simple turning of the planet
There is no reason
That requires us
Masters of forgetting
Threading the eyeless rocks with
A narrow light
In which ciphers wake and evil
Gets itself the face of the norm
And contrives cities
The Widow rises under our fingernails
You multiply you cannot be found
You grieve
Not that heaven does not exist but
That it exists without you
You confide
In images in things that can be
Represented which is their dimension you
Require them you say This
Is real and you do not fall down and moan
Not seeing the irony in the air
Everything that does not need you is real
The Widow does not
Hear you and your cry is numberless
This is the waking landscape
Dream after dream after dream walking away through it
Invisible Invisible Invisible
xoxo
Anna
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Wow ... Christmas...
It has been a stellar Christmas. Silas and Xan got WAYYYYYYYY more than any 13 children should have gotten. I, honestly, don't have a clue where we're gonna fit all these toys in our small(ish) apartment. But, we're gonna have to get damned crafty in doing so. We had a wonderful dinner here last night. Then, today, went over to Robin and Noel's for MORE food. And food. And drink. And toys. And ...
Rob and I took a break to go help a friend of hers. He is dying of cancer and she is his touchstone. They met many moons ago and she is like his daughter. He has no other family up here. He does not want to leave his apartment to go to the hospital. So, he has been confined to his apartment. He hasn't been able to walk or leave his bed in days. To say that it is a feat to take care of this dear man is almost unbearable. And ... she has been doing it. Hospice comes here and there. But, he isn't keen on the whole idea. She has been doing all the doctor visits, calls, and help.
I realized today, after helping out with him, that I am such a blessed, blessed gal. To have so many wonderful friends and family in my world that would be there if I were in his situation is overwhelming. I cannot imagine having only one individual in my world that I trusted and had there for me when the shit hits the fan.
So, thank you friends. Thank you, family. Thank you.
I cannot tell you all how much I love and appreciate you.
xoxo
Anna
Rob and I took a break to go help a friend of hers. He is dying of cancer and she is his touchstone. They met many moons ago and she is like his daughter. He has no other family up here. He does not want to leave his apartment to go to the hospital. So, he has been confined to his apartment. He hasn't been able to walk or leave his bed in days. To say that it is a feat to take care of this dear man is almost unbearable. And ... she has been doing it. Hospice comes here and there. But, he isn't keen on the whole idea. She has been doing all the doctor visits, calls, and help.
I realized today, after helping out with him, that I am such a blessed, blessed gal. To have so many wonderful friends and family in my world that would be there if I were in his situation is overwhelming. I cannot imagine having only one individual in my world that I trusted and had there for me when the shit hits the fan.
So, thank you friends. Thank you, family. Thank you.
I cannot tell you all how much I love and appreciate you.
xoxo
Anna
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Mama's arrived ... to a grand reception ...
She's HAS arrived. Mama made it to us on Sunday evening. We've had nothing but a splendid time since then. The Hoodies met up for "Happy Hour with Mama" last night. All I can say is that "happy hour" leads to an un-happy following day. Too much booze and tater tots. We laughed our boobs off (those of us that still have them). It was great for Mama to meet girlfriends that have "been there."
She, in turn, told me that she had never seen a group of women with such beauty and closeness. "Not a snob in the group," said she. And she's right. I'm a very blessed lady to have my soul-mates with me every step of my life.
So, we're having a ball and getting all of our groceries tonight for our huge Southern Dinner. We'll spend most of Christmas Eve cooking. Then, we'll sit back and relax with family and friends.
What a wonderful holidy it will be!
xoxo
Anna
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Changing of the Guards ...
Man I'm a wreck.
Tomorrow will be Silas' last day at daycare. Due to financial issues and the fact that he needs to move on, Mr. Mosey is closing up shop at Janie's and will be home-preschooled until I can find a great (and affordable) pre-school.
Silas has been with Janie since he was 4 months old. She is his second-Mama. I've been worried about it for some weeks. But, today, it really hit home and broke my heart. I had a LONGGGG day at work ... went in very early and was the last person out of the salon. Change is so, so hard. My main worry is for him. I don't want him to miss being with Janie and the other kids. But, as he is now the oldest, it's probably best for him to move on. He's advanced in his letters, numbers, and sight reading. He needs to be in a place where he has more challenges and opportunities. I'm so proud of what a great kid this guy is and how amazing he is with other kids and adults.
But, man oh man, it's so hard to let go of the place that has been his "home away from home" since he was a babe.
Sheesh ... this parenting thing is hard.
Wish us luck.
xoxo
Anna
Sunday, December 13, 2009
To you ...
You know who you are ...
Sending a little smooch and tickle tonight.
Don't forget that we still need to go "Ride the Ferris Wheel" and figure out which pom pom was mine.
Oh ... and if you need a ride home, the LTD is out front and ready to rumble.
xoxo
Anna
Sending a little smooch and tickle tonight.
Don't forget that we still need to go "Ride the Ferris Wheel" and figure out which pom pom was mine.
Oh ... and if you need a ride home, the LTD is out front and ready to rumble.
xoxo
Anna
Friday, December 11, 2009
Rock that hair girl!
This is my buddy Carol. Carol is a bad ass. We first met in October of 2006 at Gilda's Club. We were both diagnosed with The Beast during that time ... she with ovarian, I with breast. From that moment forward, we've been as thick as thieves. Actually, my husband and her partner even ended up in the same support group at Gilda's. So, we're all pretty tight.
In any case, Carol had a recent "flair up" (if you will) of that nasty bastard known as ovarian cancer. So, off to chemo land she's gone. But before losing her hair, she wanted to do something really fun. Thus, the creation above. We buzzed it and left the top longer and shaggy. Jonathon, did some really awesome designs in the hair as well. She later colored her, then, white hair this fiery red ... matches her personality to a T.
Please keep my dear friend in your thoughts and prayers as she gears up for yet another unfair battle. As before, she'll kick its ass and keep us all amazed at her strength and fabulous sense of humor.
I love you, love you Tiny Hiny!!!
xoxo
Anna
Friday, December 4, 2009
Ahhhhh .... E.E. Cummings...
Love the dichotomies in this poem. E.E. Cummings was a brilliant poet and has been one of my favorites since Mrs. Cummin's (sp?) AP English class in 11th grade:
as freedom is a breakfastfood
or truth can live with right and wrong
or molehills are from mountains made
--long enough and just so long
will being pay the rent of seem
and genius please the talentgang
and water most encourage flame
as hatracks into peachtrees grow
or hopes dance best on bald men's hair
and every finger is a toe
and any courage is a fear
--long enough and just so long
will the impure think all things pure
and hornets wail by children stung
or as the seeing are the blind
and robins never welcome spring
nor flatfolk prove their world is round
nor dingsters die at break of dong
and common's rare and millstones float
--long enough and just so long
tomorrow will not be too late
worms are the words but joy's the voice
down shall go which and up come who
breasts will be breasts thighs will be thighs
deeds cannot dream what dreams can do
--time is a tree (this life one leaf)
but love is the sky and i am for you
just so long and long enough
Beautiful, this poem.
Cummings was a quirky lad, to say the least. But, I still find him to be one of the better poets of the 20th century because he, like several other of my favorite poets of that era, didn't confine himself to the morals and ideals of his time. This poem doesn't necessarily reflect that as much as many of his other poems. Nevertheless, he was a bold man and a brilliant writer. And, I am fortunate to have studied his works.
xoxo
Anna
as freedom is a breakfastfood
or truth can live with right and wrong
or molehills are from mountains made
--long enough and just so long
will being pay the rent of seem
and genius please the talentgang
and water most encourage flame
as hatracks into peachtrees grow
or hopes dance best on bald men's hair
and every finger is a toe
and any courage is a fear
--long enough and just so long
will the impure think all things pure
and hornets wail by children stung
or as the seeing are the blind
and robins never welcome spring
nor flatfolk prove their world is round
nor dingsters die at break of dong
and common's rare and millstones float
--long enough and just so long
tomorrow will not be too late
worms are the words but joy's the voice
down shall go which and up come who
breasts will be breasts thighs will be thighs
deeds cannot dream what dreams can do
--time is a tree (this life one leaf)
but love is the sky and i am for you
just so long and long enough
Beautiful, this poem.
Cummings was a quirky lad, to say the least. But, I still find him to be one of the better poets of the 20th century because he, like several other of my favorite poets of that era, didn't confine himself to the morals and ideals of his time. This poem doesn't necessarily reflect that as much as many of his other poems. Nevertheless, he was a bold man and a brilliant writer. And, I am fortunate to have studied his works.
xoxo
Anna
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Sing it Sister!!!!
From CNN:
"Editor's note: Susan Scanlan is president of the Women's Research & Education Institute and chairwoman of the National Council of Women's Organizations, which describes itself as a coalition of more than 240 progressive women's groups representing more than 12 million American women. She helped found the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues and its policy arm, WREI, and was director of the caucus for five years.
Washington (CNN) -- 'I've been digesting the recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for two weeks now. And I'm still swallowing hard.
How else to react to the cockamamie recommendations to discontinue routine breast self-exams, along with mammograms, for 40-something women?
Let's take one giant leap backward for women's health! These task forcers have devalued the only tool available to women for fighting what is practically a health scourge in our country.
I know from scourges. The granddaughter and daughter of breast cancer victims, my time in the barrel came in 2005. Four years and a double mastectomy later, I'm still kicking.
Also stricken: my best friend, my college roommate, two cousins and my sister, whose "unnecessary" mammogram found a stage 3.5 tumor when she was at the invincible age of 42.
And, no, not one of our sad sorority has the BRAC genes that signal a predilection for breast cancer. (The panel says the new recommendations don't apply to them.)
For more than 30 years, I've devoted my life to advancing the rights, responsibilities and well-being of women. In 1977, as a young staffer at the newly formed Congresswomen's Caucus, I supported then-Rep. Barbara Mikulski's fight to expand funding for women's research at the National Institutes of Health and for inclusion of women in clinical trials.
Read about a congressional hearing on the issue
We pushed hard to mandate coverage of mammograms by U.S. insurance companies. We campaigned to empower women to take health care into their own hands. We brought physicians to Capitol Hill to teach staff and members themselves about self-exams.
And we celebrated -- nay, rejoiced -- when early breast cancer detection slowly but surely led to significantly fewer breast cancer deaths.
So now, a few doctors and public health gurus have consulted the statistical tea leaves. They aim to cut down on the number of women who receive unnecessary treatments, they say, and to assuage the "anxiety" of the 10 to 15 percent of mammogrammed patients who receive a false positive result.
Please! Spare me such paternalistic pronouncements. Show me a 40-year-old woman who hasn't learned how to roll with life's punches. Show me a mid-lifer who'd trade short-term worry for longer-term death.
Try to sell that bill of goods to my sister or to the millions of women whose lives have been prolonged long enough to send a daughter off to college or see a son start a family -- or to fight another day for women's rights!
Despite the word from Washington health administrators that cost wasn't a factor in the recommendations, I suspect that money was indeed a consideration in their evaluation of screening practices.
Continually stunned by the arrogance of actuaries, I can do my own math. The later a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, the more expensive her treatment, the fewer her options, the lower her survival rate. Cancers found in women in their 40s also tend to be more aggressive, making early detection even more urgent.
So put me and my clan down as doubtful. We're going to fight these wrong-headed recommendations for ourselves, our daughters and the 40,460 American women, according to the American Cancer Society, who are expected to lose their breast cancer battle this year.
We have no intention of grasping defeat from the jaws of victory in what is becoming a winning war.'
The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Susan Scanlan"
Don't recall if I've heard of this woman before, but it's quite refreshing to get input from an ACTUAL survivor that happens to specialize in womens' issues. It's refreshing, considering the make-up of this latest "task force."
It's amazing, the amount of survivors that are speaking out against the latest suggestions by the "Ass-Force", as I so fondly call them.
I've a girlfriend who is closely ensconced in the breast cancer cause "world." Works for Komen and heads up the YSC here in Seattle. She was, actually, asked to speak on a panel at Gilda's Club and this subject came up: "What do you, as a survivor, think of the new recommendations." Her response: "Do you have an hour?" Truly. None of us ladies seems too pleased. And, I'm glad that survivors are now being asked their opinions of the matter by groups that have only their BEST interests in mind, as opposed to folks that are so closely tied to the insurance companies.
The people that are affected by breast cancer: we, our families, and friends, clearly understand the importance of early detection and regular screening. It's not lost on any of us that we are considered numbers. Hell, look at the "stats," as that's what all of us are considered, by the way.
But, we're not stats. And, we're not disposable. And, we're not just another individual checked off the list of an insurance company's burdens.
Our deaths are no longer a business deal gone GOOD for these bastards!
Fortunately, people are becoming aware of this cycle.
It's about time.
xoxo
Anna
"Editor's note: Susan Scanlan is president of the Women's Research & Education Institute and chairwoman of the National Council of Women's Organizations, which describes itself as a coalition of more than 240 progressive women's groups representing more than 12 million American women. She helped found the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues and its policy arm, WREI, and was director of the caucus for five years.
Washington (CNN) -- 'I've been digesting the recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force for two weeks now. And I'm still swallowing hard.
How else to react to the cockamamie recommendations to discontinue routine breast self-exams, along with mammograms, for 40-something women?
Let's take one giant leap backward for women's health! These task forcers have devalued the only tool available to women for fighting what is practically a health scourge in our country.
I know from scourges. The granddaughter and daughter of breast cancer victims, my time in the barrel came in 2005. Four years and a double mastectomy later, I'm still kicking.
Also stricken: my best friend, my college roommate, two cousins and my sister, whose "unnecessary" mammogram found a stage 3.5 tumor when she was at the invincible age of 42.
And, no, not one of our sad sorority has the BRAC genes that signal a predilection for breast cancer. (The panel says the new recommendations don't apply to them.)
For more than 30 years, I've devoted my life to advancing the rights, responsibilities and well-being of women. In 1977, as a young staffer at the newly formed Congresswomen's Caucus, I supported then-Rep. Barbara Mikulski's fight to expand funding for women's research at the National Institutes of Health and for inclusion of women in clinical trials.
Read about a congressional hearing on the issue
We pushed hard to mandate coverage of mammograms by U.S. insurance companies. We campaigned to empower women to take health care into their own hands. We brought physicians to Capitol Hill to teach staff and members themselves about self-exams.
And we celebrated -- nay, rejoiced -- when early breast cancer detection slowly but surely led to significantly fewer breast cancer deaths.
So now, a few doctors and public health gurus have consulted the statistical tea leaves. They aim to cut down on the number of women who receive unnecessary treatments, they say, and to assuage the "anxiety" of the 10 to 15 percent of mammogrammed patients who receive a false positive result.
Please! Spare me such paternalistic pronouncements. Show me a 40-year-old woman who hasn't learned how to roll with life's punches. Show me a mid-lifer who'd trade short-term worry for longer-term death.
Try to sell that bill of goods to my sister or to the millions of women whose lives have been prolonged long enough to send a daughter off to college or see a son start a family -- or to fight another day for women's rights!
Despite the word from Washington health administrators that cost wasn't a factor in the recommendations, I suspect that money was indeed a consideration in their evaluation of screening practices.
Continually stunned by the arrogance of actuaries, I can do my own math. The later a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, the more expensive her treatment, the fewer her options, the lower her survival rate. Cancers found in women in their 40s also tend to be more aggressive, making early detection even more urgent.
So put me and my clan down as doubtful. We're going to fight these wrong-headed recommendations for ourselves, our daughters and the 40,460 American women, according to the American Cancer Society, who are expected to lose their breast cancer battle this year.
We have no intention of grasping defeat from the jaws of victory in what is becoming a winning war.'
The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Susan Scanlan"
Don't recall if I've heard of this woman before, but it's quite refreshing to get input from an ACTUAL survivor that happens to specialize in womens' issues. It's refreshing, considering the make-up of this latest "task force."
It's amazing, the amount of survivors that are speaking out against the latest suggestions by the "Ass-Force", as I so fondly call them.
I've a girlfriend who is closely ensconced in the breast cancer cause "world." Works for Komen and heads up the YSC here in Seattle. She was, actually, asked to speak on a panel at Gilda's Club and this subject came up: "What do you, as a survivor, think of the new recommendations." Her response: "Do you have an hour?" Truly. None of us ladies seems too pleased. And, I'm glad that survivors are now being asked their opinions of the matter by groups that have only their BEST interests in mind, as opposed to folks that are so closely tied to the insurance companies.
The people that are affected by breast cancer: we, our families, and friends, clearly understand the importance of early detection and regular screening. It's not lost on any of us that we are considered numbers. Hell, look at the "stats," as that's what all of us are considered, by the way.
But, we're not stats. And, we're not disposable. And, we're not just another individual checked off the list of an insurance company's burdens.
Our deaths are no longer a business deal gone GOOD for these bastards!
Fortunately, people are becoming aware of this cycle.
It's about time.
xoxo
Anna
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Belated Thanksgiving love ...
This weekend, I'm thinking about my siblings. Giving thanks to them. These are the people that have eaten dirt with me. Chased lightning bugs with me. Skinny dipped with me for years. Been with me during the highest heights of my life and the lowest of lows. They've known me since birth ... either mine or theirs, or both. My brother and two sisters are 3 of the most adorable and kind people I've ever had the honor to meet ... not to mention, be related and close to.
The four of us are a rare breed. All of us are extremely independent. All of us are hard heads. All of us are fighters ... in the best sense of the word.
If push came to shove, I'd pit the four of us against ANY army on Earth.
We've all been so blessed to have grown up with one another and with such an amazing and hysterical family. Cannot imagine a better "breeding ground."
I love you Allison, Angi, and Josh.
I'm so very thankful for you and blessed to have you as my partners in crime.
I give thanks to the 3 of you and your significant others ... and how HARD we laugh, always. We're a rare breed. And, we're so, so blessed with that!
xoxo
Anna
p.s. Poochie-Boy! Here Now, Poochie-Boy!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Priceless...
My Mama-in-law sent this to me today. Hopefully the pic will come up large enough so you can see the house on the right. If not, their lights simply say "Ditto" and there is an arrow pointing to the house on the left! I nearly lost my lunch with laughter.
Enjoy...
xoxo
Anna
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Love is bliss...
Well, glory be, Mr. Otis is fitting in here like a fly on a cow pie. I don't believe I've ever seen him behave so "properly" in the 3 years that I've know him. Tootsie, in turn, has not chewed a paper, a shoe, a bill, ALL the recycling, a toy, toilet paper, cat litter, my scarves, my socks, etc. That's a first for her. When left alone, she melts the hell down. The crate doesn't work so well, as she howls. But, then, she gets this old man of a dog, curled up on a dog bed, and her heart is at rest. Man, to be an old boy on a dog bed all day!
Kevin had to leave the house to pick Silas up from Janie's. And, after his leaving to pick Silas up, he returned to find her still cuddled up in the same spot.
I say "Hallelujah!" They both win, as do T and we. Don't wanna put the cart before the horse on this one, but I'm praying that it helps everyone out.
Sometimes Fate's curve balls lead to a Grand Slam!
xoxo
Anna
Kevin had to leave the house to pick Silas up from Janie's. And, after his leaving to pick Silas up, he returned to find her still cuddled up in the same spot.
I say "Hallelujah!" They both win, as do T and we. Don't wanna put the cart before the horse on this one, but I'm praying that it helps everyone out.
Sometimes Fate's curve balls lead to a Grand Slam!
xoxo
Anna
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Welcome home Otis...
Well, the tiny Schumacher abode just inherited another canine. My Love, Otis ... T's "other" dog. Otis has been a part of our family for years. But, after much training, him running rampant upstairs, and hard work on her behalf, the latest hip issues are going to make it virtually impossible for T to care for a strong willed Irish Wolfhound mix considering she still owns a Great Dane. The Dane is well mannered. Otis is a handful. I've never had a problem with him. That's the odd thing. He's a love ... but, he's also a "lug." For whatever reason, the damned dog only listens to me. I've no doubt that it's probably because I'm a lug and accident prone and hard-headed too. If you've read earlier posts, this whole "love affair" betwixt myself and Otis will make more sense. T and I have come to the conclusion that it might just be "meant to be." We're gonna continue to live like sardines in this little can. But, I have to give it a chance. Fate sometimes throws you a curve ball. Gotta go with your gut.
In any case, I'd rather him be here with us as opposed to going to another (a 4th) "strange" family. It broke my heart tonight when we spoke about that option. Tootsie loves him more than any pup in the universe. He calms her and she, in turn, humps him. Don't know why in the hell she does it. But, she does. She is enamored with him and he her. I'm banking on their union saving me more shoes, as I'm down to ONE pair that I am able to wear regularly, as she has this "Mama" separation anxiety deal going on. I've no explanation why this dog behaves nearly perfectly when he's with us. It's quite bizarre. So, we're gonna give it a whirl.
Thus, we now have a new member of the family. Welcome home Otis.
Loves Silas. Loves Us. Loves Willie and Hank. Loves Tootsie.
Here's to new beginnings.
xoxo
Anna
p.s. these pics are of Tootsie and Otis' first meeting. She is, now, his size.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Missing you tonight...
I talk to these two "when I have no one to talk to." It's been over 10 months since Dawg left us. Pop Pop passed nearly two months ago. I had the opportunity to chat with Pop in June about him passing and how much we both meant to and loved one another ... how we would NEVER be apart, regardless of death. It was such an amazing experience to be able to share that, even if was heartbreaking. Not pleasant, yet amazing. Being able to share that moment with such a dear person to me will be one of the pentacles of my existence. It, sort of, closes the circle of relationships and life ... and death ... and whatever follows both.
I did not get to share that with my girlfriend. She did not live the long life she should have been able to live. It still haunts me. An amazing girl. This dry-witted little spit-fire. I just got a reminder on my cell phone yesterday that I needed to "resave" a message. And, it was her. The message was hysterical. It still makes me laugh. But, now, it gives me chills every time I hear her voice. I cannot call her back ... ever. But, I chat with that lady almost daily. I cannot believe how unfair life is sometimes. So, so unfair. I cannot tell you how much I wish she was still here.
xoxo
Anna
Friday, November 13, 2009
Belated birthday love to my soul-mate/sistah...
Well, I missed the boat on blogging about my best buddy's birthday. I did call to wish her some birthday love. But, failed to write a word or two about her here for her birthday (11/10). I won't disclose the year as that would allow you, dear readers, the ability to judge her on a geriatric basis.
Angi Neely Kemp was born on Novemeber 10th in York (or was it Rock Hill), South Carolina, to my sweet Aunt Pam ... my Mama's sister. From that moment on, she was my sister. Now, I would not be born for 3 more years. But, those must have been three VERY, VERY long years knowing that yours truly would be missing from her life for such a long, arduous time!
Glory to the heavens!!! I was born ... 3 years later.
From that moment to today, we have been inseparable ... at least, in spirit. As I moved around so much as a child, I would spend my vacations and summers with her and the rest of my family in South Carolina. She, in turn, would spend her vacations with us ... wherever the Warren clan was at the time.
Angi and I "get" one another more than anyone else "gets" us. We have NEVER had a bitter fight. We are way too tight to even imagine that. We can disagree on ANY subject without withdrawing. We can pull each other out of the darkest of holes. We laugh harder than any two sisters/cousins/friends I have EVER met in my life. We are infinitely comfortable with one another. We are infinitely comfortable in our own skin. We are infinitely dorky. And, we are extremely protective of one another. That happens. After this many years of love and life, I'd rather be set on fire than see her harmed. THAT, my friends, is such a blessing to me, because I know that she feels the same way.
I'll be seeing her and the fam in early March, as I will be attending the YSC conference in Atlanta with my cancer-club girlfriends. Once the conference is finished, Sarah and I will be road-tripping through South Carolina and bunking with my family from town to town. We're gonna have a BALLLLLLLL in Charleston with Angi and I'll be able to show Sarah many of our old college haunts. If I went to Atlanta and did NOT, later, spend time with the family, I would be disowned ... as, Georgia butts up to SC.
I cannot wait to give my girl a big hug and smooch. Cuddle and play with the kids ... and my love Matthew!
So, Happy Birthday my love. I'll be home soon and will give you the BEST birtday spanking ... EVER! I'm so very proud of you and what you've become. A wonderful woman, mama, wife, sister, friend, nurse, and tramp. Way to over achieve!!!!
xoxo
JR
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Tuesday update...
Good evening, ya'll.
All's well at the "Shoutmacher" homestead. Kevin is at band practice tonight. A new band ... sort of thrash-metal. The man is a vocal wizard. So, he was asked to head up an existing Seattle band, as he's got the pipes of a God. That guy can sing you to sleep, sing at your wedding, rock the house, scream to demons, hum your baby to sleep, sing the blues, melodically share the Hymn book ... and, certainly, the phone book.
He, also, just got asked to do a voice-over by a music producer that he's worked very, very closely with for years. But, this time it's nothing to do with music. It's, actually, for a video game. Kevin has worked with actors for years. He was the second in command to my agent. He happens to have a great voice. This producer has known him for years. So, now, my husband is picking up where I left off. Oh Lord!!!! Do not tell me I'm gonna have to start singing ...
In other news, my nephew Briggs has been battling the swine flu. He's on his way outta the woods. Angi and Matthew have had him in isolation this entire time. Angi has been holed up with him ... when she's not working. Breaks my heart to know that sweet Briggs has been so very sick.
But, the boy is in the VERY BEST hands imaginable.
Mama is starting to feel it. The chemo. She had a rough day yesterday. We chatted tonight and I told her that I thought that it'd be best if she started to take Mondays and Tuesdays (after chemo) off. She was so sweet and receptive. She was totally nauseated yesterday. She had chemo last Thursday and then has, only, the weekend to recoup. Then, she goes back into a classroom of 3rd graders on Monday. I love my Mama ... but she's crazier than that shit-house rat for taking that nonsense on. This isn't news to her. I've already told her as much.
All I know is that the chemo is working. We've chatted about the mental issues and the physical issues it brings up. The mouths sores, the mental fog, the nausea, the lethargy. It's a bitch. And, I'm so very irate that my Mama has to deal with all of this. But, these symptoms are so, so close to my experience. And, it makes me aware of the fact that the chemo is kicking every last rogue cancer cell in the nuts! And for that, I am grateful!
xoxo
Anna
All's well at the "Shoutmacher" homestead. Kevin is at band practice tonight. A new band ... sort of thrash-metal. The man is a vocal wizard. So, he was asked to head up an existing Seattle band, as he's got the pipes of a God. That guy can sing you to sleep, sing at your wedding, rock the house, scream to demons, hum your baby to sleep, sing the blues, melodically share the Hymn book ... and, certainly, the phone book.
He, also, just got asked to do a voice-over by a music producer that he's worked very, very closely with for years. But, this time it's nothing to do with music. It's, actually, for a video game. Kevin has worked with actors for years. He was the second in command to my agent. He happens to have a great voice. This producer has known him for years. So, now, my husband is picking up where I left off. Oh Lord!!!! Do not tell me I'm gonna have to start singing ...
In other news, my nephew Briggs has been battling the swine flu. He's on his way outta the woods. Angi and Matthew have had him in isolation this entire time. Angi has been holed up with him ... when she's not working. Breaks my heart to know that sweet Briggs has been so very sick.
But, the boy is in the VERY BEST hands imaginable.
Mama is starting to feel it. The chemo. She had a rough day yesterday. We chatted tonight and I told her that I thought that it'd be best if she started to take Mondays and Tuesdays (after chemo) off. She was so sweet and receptive. She was totally nauseated yesterday. She had chemo last Thursday and then has, only, the weekend to recoup. Then, she goes back into a classroom of 3rd graders on Monday. I love my Mama ... but she's crazier than that shit-house rat for taking that nonsense on. This isn't news to her. I've already told her as much.
All I know is that the chemo is working. We've chatted about the mental issues and the physical issues it brings up. The mouths sores, the mental fog, the nausea, the lethargy. It's a bitch. And, I'm so very irate that my Mama has to deal with all of this. But, these symptoms are so, so close to my experience. And, it makes me aware of the fact that the chemo is kicking every last rogue cancer cell in the nuts! And for that, I am grateful!
xoxo
Anna
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Congrats my sweet Johnny!!!!
Well, Lordy Do! The salon just got an e-mail from Seattle Magazine stating that my co-worker and dear friend Jonathan had been named Seattle's Best Hair Stylist of 2009.
Holy, frickin', Hank! What an amazing honor. Considering the plethora of salons in and around our great city, I cannot tell you what this means to all of us that work with and love our dear Johnny.
This man is one the hardest workers that I've EVER had the honor to work with. He's been there for me, innumerable times, when I've been facing the worst of news or life situations. He's like a brother to me. His wife and son are his world. His friends are his soul-mates. His work is his passion. He lives and breathes hair. And he is brilliant at said passion.
He is a man truly deserving of this honor.
I'm so, so proud of you my Johnny. I cannot imagine having never met you and had you as my dear colleague and friend for over 6 years.
I hope you find the time, during your busy day(s), to sit for a moment and reflect on how hard you've worked and that, now, EVERYONE knows! You deserve it.
I love you, honey!
xoxo
Anna
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Round Two...
Tomorrow marks the second round of chemo for Mama. She has proven to be one of the most resilient folks I've ever witnessed on chemo. Her hair, as noted earlier, is falling out. Not a worry for her. She's more concerned with being able to fit in her damned work-day with 18-20 3rd graders before heading into treatment. That, in itself, is enough to make you want to pull your hair out, sans chemicals. The side-effects didn't get to her too terribly much on the first go round.
Even if she DOES experience an increase in them this second time around, I imagine that she'll take it in graceful stride ... just as she did before. And, if she doesn't, that's fine too.
Go get 'em Sistah (Paw Paw's nick name for you means even more to me now).
So, so proud of you.
xoxo
Pussy Willow
Monday, November 2, 2009
Mama's losing it ...
Her hair that is. Yes indeed. Started this weekend and has continued to come out in clumps for days. Ahhhhhh the memories. She's as chipper as Mary Poppins about it. Actually left me a message saying that it was falling out in the shower and that she "had a good laugh" about it. And, I'm sure she did. But, I cannot help but believe that she's chronicling this in such a happy manner to help me out. Editorializing in order to set my heart at rest. I'm really doing fine with it, though. Honestly, she's a lot like me in the sense that the hair isn't an issue ... or lack thereof, rather.
She's rocking this portion of her treatment. She's continued to teach a load of 3rd graders ... and you thought YOUR job was tough? So, she's gonna have to deal with explaining to 20-something 7 and 8 year olds why she is bald. Thank God I never had to do that. It was a blessing that Silas was so young (7 mos.) and he had no clue.
However, she WILL be coming here for Christmas. I'm sooooo excited. So, I'm sure we'll do the quick explanation of why Nonnie's hair is gone and then he'll fart and then laugh and then run off and TOTALLY forget or care what was said. Children's resilience never ceases to amaze me. Hair or no hair, nipples or no nipples, boobs or no boobs: that child could care less. At least it's been a good lesson in diversity for him. I hope he remains as open and non-judgmental as he is right now. Would be a refreshing change from most of the rest of the human race.
I happened across the lyrics from one of my favorite Billy Joel's songs tonight: Goodnight Saigon. It's written about the young soldiers sent to Vietnam and what they went through. I remember listening to it when I would house sit for my Aunt Sam and Uncle Johnny in Charleston. I don't know why I was always so drawn to it. But, it makes sense now. Reminds me of my Cancer Club girlfriends and our fight:
We met as soulmates
On Parris Island
We left as inmates
From an asylum
And we were sharp
As sharp as knives
And we were so gung ho to lay down our lives.
We came in spastic
Like tameless horses
We left in plastic
As numbered corpses
And we learned fast
To travel light
Our arms were heavy but our bellies were tight
We had no homefront
We had no soft soap
They sent us playboy
They gave us bob hope
We dug in deep
And shot on sight
And prayed to Jesus Christ with all of our might.
We had no cameras
To shoot the landscape
We passed the hash pipe
And played our Doors tapes
And it was dark..
So dark at night
And we held onto each other
Like brother to brother
We promised our mothers we'd write
(chorus)
And we would all go down together
We said we'd all go down together
Yes we would all go down together.
Remember Charlie?
Remember Baker?
They left their childhood
On every acre
And who was wrong,
And who was right?
It didn't matter in the thick of the fight,...
We, held the day,..
In the palm of our hands
They, ruled the night
And the night, seemed to last as long as six weeks
On Parris Island
We held the coastline
They held the highlands
And they were sharp
As sharp as knives
They heard the hum of the mortars
They counted the rotors
And waited for us to arrive
(repeat chorus)
Beautiful song. Not one of us is going down without a fight of mammoth proportions. But, I have a bit of a sneaking suspicion that we're gonna come out on top of our enemy. Just saying ...
xoxo
Anna
She's rocking this portion of her treatment. She's continued to teach a load of 3rd graders ... and you thought YOUR job was tough? So, she's gonna have to deal with explaining to 20-something 7 and 8 year olds why she is bald. Thank God I never had to do that. It was a blessing that Silas was so young (7 mos.) and he had no clue.
However, she WILL be coming here for Christmas. I'm sooooo excited. So, I'm sure we'll do the quick explanation of why Nonnie's hair is gone and then he'll fart and then laugh and then run off and TOTALLY forget or care what was said. Children's resilience never ceases to amaze me. Hair or no hair, nipples or no nipples, boobs or no boobs: that child could care less. At least it's been a good lesson in diversity for him. I hope he remains as open and non-judgmental as he is right now. Would be a refreshing change from most of the rest of the human race.
I happened across the lyrics from one of my favorite Billy Joel's songs tonight: Goodnight Saigon. It's written about the young soldiers sent to Vietnam and what they went through. I remember listening to it when I would house sit for my Aunt Sam and Uncle Johnny in Charleston. I don't know why I was always so drawn to it. But, it makes sense now. Reminds me of my Cancer Club girlfriends and our fight:
We met as soulmates
On Parris Island
We left as inmates
From an asylum
And we were sharp
As sharp as knives
And we were so gung ho to lay down our lives.
We came in spastic
Like tameless horses
We left in plastic
As numbered corpses
And we learned fast
To travel light
Our arms were heavy but our bellies were tight
We had no homefront
We had no soft soap
They sent us playboy
They gave us bob hope
We dug in deep
And shot on sight
And prayed to Jesus Christ with all of our might.
We had no cameras
To shoot the landscape
We passed the hash pipe
And played our Doors tapes
And it was dark..
So dark at night
And we held onto each other
Like brother to brother
We promised our mothers we'd write
(chorus)
And we would all go down together
We said we'd all go down together
Yes we would all go down together.
Remember Charlie?
Remember Baker?
They left their childhood
On every acre
And who was wrong,
And who was right?
It didn't matter in the thick of the fight,...
We, held the day,..
In the palm of our hands
They, ruled the night
And the night, seemed to last as long as six weeks
On Parris Island
We held the coastline
They held the highlands
And they were sharp
As sharp as knives
They heard the hum of the mortars
They counted the rotors
And waited for us to arrive
(repeat chorus)
Beautiful song. Not one of us is going down without a fight of mammoth proportions. But, I have a bit of a sneaking suspicion that we're gonna come out on top of our enemy. Just saying ...
xoxo
Anna
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Musical reminiscence ...
She happened across one of her favorite Eighties songs tonight ...
The lyrics are pretty damned amazing considering that she and many of her young friends are cancer survivors. We don't want handouts, don't want pity, just want a cure and to make it out of this shit:
OUT OF THE RUINS
OUT FROM THE WRECKAGE
CAN`T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE THIS TIME
WE ARE THE CHILDREN
THE LAST GENERATION
WE ARE THE ONES THEY LEFT BEHIND
AND I WONDER WHEN WE ARE EVER GONNA CHANGE
LIVING UNDER THE FEAR, TILL NOTHING ELSE REMAINS
WE DON`T NEED ANOTHER HERO
WE DON`T NEED TO KNOW THE WAY HOME
ALL WE WANT IS LIFE BEYOND
THUNDERDOME
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING
WE CAN RELY ON
THERE`S GOTTA BE SOMETHING BETTER OUT THERE
LOVE AND COMPASSION
THEIR DAY IS COMING
ALL ELSE ARE CASTLES BUILT IN THE AIR
AND I WONDER WHEN WE ARE EVER GONNA CHANGE
LIVING UNDER THE FEAR TILL NOTHING ELSE REMAINS
ALL THE CHILDREN SAY
WE DON`T NEED ANOTHER HERO
WE DON`T NEED TO KNOW THE WAY HOME
ALL WE WANT IS LIFE BEYOND
THUNDERDOME
SO WHAT DO WE DO WITH OUR LIFES
WE LEAVE ONLY A MARK
WILL OUR STORY SHINE LIKE A LIGHT
OR END IN THE DARK
GIVE IT ALL OR NOTHING
WE DON`T NEED ANOTHER HERO
WE DON`T NEED TO KNOW THE WAY HOME
ALL WE WANT IS LIFE BEYOND
THUNDERDOME
Yup ... looking for life beyond this "Thunderdome" of cancer ...
After thinking about this movie that I had seen years ago ... and forgotten ... it seems so, so much like what our worlds are like. The harsh and barren worlds of cancer survivors.
No cancer survivor-friend of mine is weak. No one asks for handouts. Not one asked for this shit. We, simply, know that we're living with a chronic disease. No cure. I get it.
But, we're here. We're in this "Thunderdome." Trapped. Threatened. Living in fear.
We're not wimps ... we're not lazy ... we're not "sick" ... AND WE'RE NOT ASKING FOR "ANOTHER HERO."
We're, simply, asking for life beyond this "Thunderdome." Praying and begging for The Cure. Praying for life. Praying to see our babies grow to be big boys and girls ... without having this beast on our backs.
I guess cancer is my "Thunderdome."
xoxo
Anna
The lyrics are pretty damned amazing considering that she and many of her young friends are cancer survivors. We don't want handouts, don't want pity, just want a cure and to make it out of this shit:
OUT OF THE RUINS
OUT FROM THE WRECKAGE
CAN`T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE THIS TIME
WE ARE THE CHILDREN
THE LAST GENERATION
WE ARE THE ONES THEY LEFT BEHIND
AND I WONDER WHEN WE ARE EVER GONNA CHANGE
LIVING UNDER THE FEAR, TILL NOTHING ELSE REMAINS
WE DON`T NEED ANOTHER HERO
WE DON`T NEED TO KNOW THE WAY HOME
ALL WE WANT IS LIFE BEYOND
THUNDERDOME
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING
WE CAN RELY ON
THERE`S GOTTA BE SOMETHING BETTER OUT THERE
LOVE AND COMPASSION
THEIR DAY IS COMING
ALL ELSE ARE CASTLES BUILT IN THE AIR
AND I WONDER WHEN WE ARE EVER GONNA CHANGE
LIVING UNDER THE FEAR TILL NOTHING ELSE REMAINS
ALL THE CHILDREN SAY
WE DON`T NEED ANOTHER HERO
WE DON`T NEED TO KNOW THE WAY HOME
ALL WE WANT IS LIFE BEYOND
THUNDERDOME
SO WHAT DO WE DO WITH OUR LIFES
WE LEAVE ONLY A MARK
WILL OUR STORY SHINE LIKE A LIGHT
OR END IN THE DARK
GIVE IT ALL OR NOTHING
WE DON`T NEED ANOTHER HERO
WE DON`T NEED TO KNOW THE WAY HOME
ALL WE WANT IS LIFE BEYOND
THUNDERDOME
Yup ... looking for life beyond this "Thunderdome" of cancer ...
After thinking about this movie that I had seen years ago ... and forgotten ... it seems so, so much like what our worlds are like. The harsh and barren worlds of cancer survivors.
No cancer survivor-friend of mine is weak. No one asks for handouts. Not one asked for this shit. We, simply, know that we're living with a chronic disease. No cure. I get it.
But, we're here. We're in this "Thunderdome." Trapped. Threatened. Living in fear.
We're not wimps ... we're not lazy ... we're not "sick" ... AND WE'RE NOT ASKING FOR "ANOTHER HERO."
We're, simply, asking for life beyond this "Thunderdome." Praying and begging for The Cure. Praying for life. Praying to see our babies grow to be big boys and girls ... without having this beast on our backs.
I guess cancer is my "Thunderdome."
xoxo
Anna
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Vote Mallahan for Mayor ...
The following quote comes from some "Ning" thing on the interweb.
All I know is that I admire Mallahan. I know his wife, as she's been a long standing client of the salon and I have done her hair when her stylist, my "husband", was out of town.
She's so down to earth and easy. She's one of those people that makes you enjoy your job. They also are involved in a cause close to my heart, as they have adopted two children from Russia.
As many of you know, I've spent the past few months nannying Xander. My nephew ... my charge ... Silas' cousin. He's such a dream. And he has come home (after spending two years in a Russian orphanage) to dreamy parents. I saw how hard that process was. Robin and Noel worked so, so hard to bring him home. And he is THRIVING, now. So, I know what the Mallahans had to go through. It ain't easy. It's a labor of love and commitment.
After seeing what Mallahan has accomplished in his professional life and what he (and his sweet wife) has committed to in his personal life, I choose him.
I hope you do too.
Thanks ... and vote with your heart.
xoxo
Anna
"The Mallahan for Mayor campaign is proud to announce Governor Chris Gregoire’s endorsement of Joe Mallahan to be Seattle’s next Mayor. Gregoire highlighted Mallahan’s experience, his understanding of how transportation and job creation go hand in hand, and his determination to rebuild Seattle’s economy as reasons why he is the best candidate to lead Seattle forward.
“Seattle’s next mayor needs to be someone who understands that rebuilding Seattle’s economy and creating family wage jobs must be the top priority of their administration. To do that, the mayor must be someone with proven experience and a willingness to work closely with Seattle’s diverse citizens, businesses, unions and state and local elected officials. The candidate in this race who has those qualifications is Joe Mallahan,” Gregoire said.
“I am deeply honored to have the Governor’s endorsement,” Mallahan said. “Governor Gregoire is right – voters have a clear choice in this race. We have an opportunity to move forward together to strengthen our economy, create new jobs, improve our transportation system and create safe neighborhoods. I will work effectively with the Governor to create jobs, make sure our transportation projects are built on time and on budget, and ensure Seattle city services work for all of us.”
“We took enormous steps in the last legislative session to invest in building a transportation system that will create thousands of new Seattle jobs, and help us emerge stronger from this recession” added Gregoire. “What we did was truly monumental – not just for Seattle, but for Washington’s economic future as a whole. Joe understands the importance of this investment and the need to turn those dollars into jobs now.”
Mallahan added, “Governor Gregoire has shown principled leadership to lead the state through difficult economic times. She has had to deal with the harsh reality of how to lead when tough economic times cripple a budget and she knows the next mayor of Seattle is going to have to do the same thing. I appreciate the governor’s support and leadership and look forward to partnering with her to revitalize Seattle’s economy.”
Joe Mallahan has a history of finding innovative solutions to difficult problems and knows we need to learn how to do more with less. Mallahan has a long track record of finding ways to trim the fat off budgets while still improving services. He will use this experience to make sure Seattle’s budget has more resources available for our priorities. Joe is the only candidate in this race rated "Outstanding" by the Municipal League. He has been endorsed by the King County Democrats, 36th, 37th and 46th District Democrats, Seattle Police and Fire Fighters, King County Labor Council, Alki Foundation, and received all "A" ratings from SEAMEC. Mallahan’s list of group and individual supporters represent the diversity of Seattle.
All I know is that I admire Mallahan. I know his wife, as she's been a long standing client of the salon and I have done her hair when her stylist, my "husband", was out of town.
She's so down to earth and easy. She's one of those people that makes you enjoy your job. They also are involved in a cause close to my heart, as they have adopted two children from Russia.
As many of you know, I've spent the past few months nannying Xander. My nephew ... my charge ... Silas' cousin. He's such a dream. And he has come home (after spending two years in a Russian orphanage) to dreamy parents. I saw how hard that process was. Robin and Noel worked so, so hard to bring him home. And he is THRIVING, now. So, I know what the Mallahans had to go through. It ain't easy. It's a labor of love and commitment.
After seeing what Mallahan has accomplished in his professional life and what he (and his sweet wife) has committed to in his personal life, I choose him.
I hope you do too.
Thanks ... and vote with your heart.
xoxo
Anna
"The Mallahan for Mayor campaign is proud to announce Governor Chris Gregoire’s endorsement of Joe Mallahan to be Seattle’s next Mayor. Gregoire highlighted Mallahan’s experience, his understanding of how transportation and job creation go hand in hand, and his determination to rebuild Seattle’s economy as reasons why he is the best candidate to lead Seattle forward.
“Seattle’s next mayor needs to be someone who understands that rebuilding Seattle’s economy and creating family wage jobs must be the top priority of their administration. To do that, the mayor must be someone with proven experience and a willingness to work closely with Seattle’s diverse citizens, businesses, unions and state and local elected officials. The candidate in this race who has those qualifications is Joe Mallahan,” Gregoire said.
“I am deeply honored to have the Governor’s endorsement,” Mallahan said. “Governor Gregoire is right – voters have a clear choice in this race. We have an opportunity to move forward together to strengthen our economy, create new jobs, improve our transportation system and create safe neighborhoods. I will work effectively with the Governor to create jobs, make sure our transportation projects are built on time and on budget, and ensure Seattle city services work for all of us.”
“We took enormous steps in the last legislative session to invest in building a transportation system that will create thousands of new Seattle jobs, and help us emerge stronger from this recession” added Gregoire. “What we did was truly monumental – not just for Seattle, but for Washington’s economic future as a whole. Joe understands the importance of this investment and the need to turn those dollars into jobs now.”
Mallahan added, “Governor Gregoire has shown principled leadership to lead the state through difficult economic times. She has had to deal with the harsh reality of how to lead when tough economic times cripple a budget and she knows the next mayor of Seattle is going to have to do the same thing. I appreciate the governor’s support and leadership and look forward to partnering with her to revitalize Seattle’s economy.”
Joe Mallahan has a history of finding innovative solutions to difficult problems and knows we need to learn how to do more with less. Mallahan has a long track record of finding ways to trim the fat off budgets while still improving services. He will use this experience to make sure Seattle’s budget has more resources available for our priorities. Joe is the only candidate in this race rated "Outstanding" by the Municipal League. He has been endorsed by the King County Democrats, 36th, 37th and 46th District Democrats, Seattle Police and Fire Fighters, King County Labor Council, Alki Foundation, and received all "A" ratings from SEAMEC. Mallahan’s list of group and individual supporters represent the diversity of Seattle.
Monday, October 26, 2009
A few more pics from girls' night...
Considering that my camera is dead, I'm beholden to dear friends that have good aim. Enjoy.
xoxo
Anna
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Night at our impromtu pizzeria ...
First off ... here are some pics of our fabulous ladies night. One includes the adorable John Howie, himself. What a love that fellow is. So generous and so kind. A real gem.
Secondly, my house smells like Italy.
I awoke last night (or rather, this morning) ... at 1:00am ... to Silas yelling at Tootsie. At any other time, this would not have been an anomaly. But, at 1:00am it was perplexing.
I got up to find that Mosey had (while I was sleeping) gotten into my drawer-o-herbs and proceeded to dump them into the pets' water bowl, Tootsie's food dish, and the fish bowl. Not only that, but he had emptied 3 containers of fish food into the fish bowl. OH, and he dumped a bottle of this naturopathic calming shit (for kids) into the the fish bowl as well. Needless to say, I ended up with a floater. Poor little Cheryl. At least she passed in a "calm" manner.
After unloading on Silas and making him watch me pull all of the, ten, empty herb containers out of the trash where he so stealth fully placed them, I put him back to bed. There were herbs all over the carpet, kitchen, animals' food dishes, fish bowl, counter, etc.
It smells like Pasta Bella in here. I am now certain that oregano is the strongest smelling herb on earth. I thought that garlic was the king. Garlic just got trumped.
At least it covers up any pee pee smell from Tootsie's potty training. Oh, and it makes us appear to be fabulous cooks. Not bad...
xoxo
Anna
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Long, lovely night with the girls ...
What a great night. Some of my dearest ladies and I got together tonight. We needed a ladies night out and wanted to support some establishments that are honoring Breast Cancer Awareness this month. So, off we went ...
First up: John Howie's new restaurant in Bellevue. Not only was the place gorgeous, but they had created a signature drink (with the help of Colie) to honor the breast cancer cause. John Howie, himself, was there and came out of the kitchen to chat with us and take some pics. He was a doll and so, so gracious. It was such a treat to meet him. No pretensions, no attitude, no "hurry it up ... I've got better things to do, like yell at my minions." He took his time and chatted with all of us. Carrie told him that she'd like him to get hooked up with an interview on Q13, as they have been huge advocates of ours. He seemed very interested. So, if you're in Seattle, do visit one of his establishments ... and he owns many. The food is always fantastic and the staff is ALWAYS amazing. What a stellar man.
Then: off to Palomino. We visited this restaurant this very same time last year. They have their own signature "pink" drink there as well during the month of October. Last year we had a huge table reserved for the "Cancer Club." This year, we bum-rushed the bar. Just grabbed some booths as people were leaving. It was, again, an amazing night.
K-Dawg wasn't there with us tonight. It was surreal. She gave me my beautiful "two-bird" necklace last year when we made our first trip to Palomino. The same necklace that broke (as I slept) the night she died. Though she wasn't there, physically, I cannot help but believe that her sweet spirit was there the whole time. We all felt it.
xoxo
Anna
First up: John Howie's new restaurant in Bellevue. Not only was the place gorgeous, but they had created a signature drink (with the help of Colie) to honor the breast cancer cause. John Howie, himself, was there and came out of the kitchen to chat with us and take some pics. He was a doll and so, so gracious. It was such a treat to meet him. No pretensions, no attitude, no "hurry it up ... I've got better things to do, like yell at my minions." He took his time and chatted with all of us. Carrie told him that she'd like him to get hooked up with an interview on Q13, as they have been huge advocates of ours. He seemed very interested. So, if you're in Seattle, do visit one of his establishments ... and he owns many. The food is always fantastic and the staff is ALWAYS amazing. What a stellar man.
Then: off to Palomino. We visited this restaurant this very same time last year. They have their own signature "pink" drink there as well during the month of October. Last year we had a huge table reserved for the "Cancer Club." This year, we bum-rushed the bar. Just grabbed some booths as people were leaving. It was, again, an amazing night.
K-Dawg wasn't there with us tonight. It was surreal. She gave me my beautiful "two-bird" necklace last year when we made our first trip to Palomino. The same necklace that broke (as I slept) the night she died. Though she wasn't there, physically, I cannot help but believe that her sweet spirit was there the whole time. We all felt it.
xoxo
Anna
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Another blast from the past ...
Ani DiFranco ... one of my favorites since the ol' college days ... her songs meant so much to me and my best girlfriends back in college. She's still one of the creators of our lives' soundtracks. My best girls from college and I have dealt with much, much, much. Life, death, birth, and rebirth...
Tonight, I wanna send my crazy girls some love. We're all, now, on the fifty-plus corners of the universe. In the past and present, we've lived on many coasts, boats, in African villages, in the farthest corners of Alaska, in NYC, in LA, in Seattle, in corn fields, on farms, high-rises, basements, houses, and dorms. But, we're still as thick as thieves. We may only talk or get together here and there. But, those little ladies are stuck to me like glue. Maybe cobwebs grow upon us when we get busy with life's whatnots. But, in a pinch, we'd find a way to rip those cob webs off and settle in and chat, giggle, hug, smooch, and blast music and dance on whatever beach is available.
I miss them, madly. I love them dearly. They are brilliant ladies. And, I am today and forever blessed to have them in my life. The following was one of our theme songs when we were seniors in college. On the verge of spreading our wings. Funny how it all comes full circle.
32 Flavors, By Ani DiFranco:
squint your eyes and look closer
I'm not between you and your ambition
I am a poster girl with no poster
I am thirty-two flavors and then some
and I'm beyond your peripheral vision
so you might want to turn your head
cause someday you're going to get hungry
and eat most of the words you just said
both my parents taught me about good will
and I have done well by their names
just the kindness I've lavished on strangers
is more than I can explain
still there's many who've turned out their porch lights
just so I would think they were not home
and hid in the dark of their windows
til I'd passed and left them alone
and god help you if you are an ugly girl
course too pretty is also your doom
cause everyone harbors a secret hatred
for the prettiest girl in the room
and god help you if you are a pheonix
and you dare to rise up from the ash
a thousand eyes will smolder with jealousy
while you are just flying back
I'm not trying to give my life meaning
by demeaning you
and I would like to state for the record
I did everything that I could do
I'm not saying that I'm a saint
I just don't want to live that way
no, I will never be a saint
but I will always say
squint your eyes and look closer
I'm not between you and your ambition
I am a poster girl with no poster
I am thirty-two flavors and then some
And I'm beyond your peripheral vision
So you might want to turn your head
Cause someday you might find you're starving
and eating all of the words you said.
Love you girls.
xoxo
Anna
Tonight, I wanna send my crazy girls some love. We're all, now, on the fifty-plus corners of the universe. In the past and present, we've lived on many coasts, boats, in African villages, in the farthest corners of Alaska, in NYC, in LA, in Seattle, in corn fields, on farms, high-rises, basements, houses, and dorms. But, we're still as thick as thieves. We may only talk or get together here and there. But, those little ladies are stuck to me like glue. Maybe cobwebs grow upon us when we get busy with life's whatnots. But, in a pinch, we'd find a way to rip those cob webs off and settle in and chat, giggle, hug, smooch, and blast music and dance on whatever beach is available.
I miss them, madly. I love them dearly. They are brilliant ladies. And, I am today and forever blessed to have them in my life. The following was one of our theme songs when we were seniors in college. On the verge of spreading our wings. Funny how it all comes full circle.
32 Flavors, By Ani DiFranco:
squint your eyes and look closer
I'm not between you and your ambition
I am a poster girl with no poster
I am thirty-two flavors and then some
and I'm beyond your peripheral vision
so you might want to turn your head
cause someday you're going to get hungry
and eat most of the words you just said
both my parents taught me about good will
and I have done well by their names
just the kindness I've lavished on strangers
is more than I can explain
still there's many who've turned out their porch lights
just so I would think they were not home
and hid in the dark of their windows
til I'd passed and left them alone
and god help you if you are an ugly girl
course too pretty is also your doom
cause everyone harbors a secret hatred
for the prettiest girl in the room
and god help you if you are a pheonix
and you dare to rise up from the ash
a thousand eyes will smolder with jealousy
while you are just flying back
I'm not trying to give my life meaning
by demeaning you
and I would like to state for the record
I did everything that I could do
I'm not saying that I'm a saint
I just don't want to live that way
no, I will never be a saint
but I will always say
squint your eyes and look closer
I'm not between you and your ambition
I am a poster girl with no poster
I am thirty-two flavors and then some
And I'm beyond your peripheral vision
So you might want to turn your head
Cause someday you might find you're starving
and eating all of the words you said.
Love you girls.
xoxo
Anna
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Old school...
This one is really hard to see, as it's from college. A dear girlfriend of mine, actually, did the "right" thing by taking pics during college. I ... did not. I've no pictures or albums by which to remember that wonderful time.
In any event, she has been kind (or evil) enough to have held on to all these pics of all our old theatre peeps from the College of Charleston. This happens to be one of them.
To set this up, we were doing a "mock" beauty pageant during an awards ceremony for the theatre department.
All I can decipher from the pic is that I'm wearing my Paw Paw's plumed hat that was stolen from my locker, my prom dress from '93, my aunt's cowboy boot (on right foot), and my favorite platform wedge bought from a thrift store (left foot). Oh, and that ivy was a decoration in my own bedroom ... I guess I figured it would look good as a sash.
What in the hell was I doing up there?????????
Don't remember.
All I remember is that it was a fun night.
Sure wish I was a drinker at the time and had an excuse!
xoxo
Anna
Monday, October 19, 2009
Night investigating family lore ...
And boy, what a blow. Throughout all of our lives, we hear all of these amazing stories about our ancestors. Some make us so proud to have been born of such a family ... others, make us believe that there is NO way that we could be related to such monsters.
Well, tonight, after doing a bit of investigative interweb work, I have officially confirmed a horrific story about one of my family members. After growing up hearing about this individual's general nature, I do not doubt that he is guilty of said actions.
My mother's father, my Paw Paw, was a wonderful and kind man. He grew up in Hickory Grove, SC. His mother was a dear and kind person ... I was named Anna after her. Unfortunately, Anna McGill fell in love with and married a man with the last name Pratt. He, too, was a great soul. They lived there in the big family home with her other siblings: Maddie, Belle, Tommy, and Meek.
Stories abound about Meeks ire, attitude, and hatred towards the black community. He was an eternal bachelor that was rumored to have had affairs with several of the married southern bells there in tiny Hickory Grove. The irony in that is that Meek was an asshole (not at all meek) and so ugly he'd make a freight train take a dirt road. I guess it was the "bad boy" syndrome. Why are we women such idiots sometimes?
Apparently, brother Meek was a hand-full and, basically, ran her husband off ... leaving her to raise 3 boys (John, Marvin, and Marion). John being my Paw Paw, Marvin and Marion being his twin brothers. We're not certain what other family members were involved in the ostracizing of the kind and gentle Pratt.
Pratt moved on to remarry and start an amazing family in Florida. I have, by the way, met them. They are such lovely people. And, I am so proud to call them family.
However, lore tells me ... and the few of us that have spoken about it ... that my great, great Uncle Meek was involved in a lynching. Rumor had it, he had killed a black man for having "relations" with a white woman.
WOW! The lore is enough to put ones heart into overdrive and to want to disown such a filthy beast. I don't care if he was sweet Anna's brother.
And, after doing some research tonight, I fear that the "lore" isn't so much an unknown. It seems to be, on some level, the truth. The circumstances are unknown, as I've not been able to unearth them. I, personally, doubt it had anything to do with race-relations, as that was oftentimes an easy excuse for KKK pussies.
But, I looked ol' Meek McGill up on Google.
Low and behold: a publication written by the NAACP (founded in 1910) called "The Crisis" states:
"By the decision of the Grand Jury, Postmaster Meek McGill and Carson Lattimore of Hickory Grove, S.C., have been put in jail for complicity in the murder of W.T. Simms, a colored preacher." Seems it was quoted from local paper, or the like.
MURDER. My great uncle MURDERED a black man. I do believe this. And you best believe he would have NEVER murdered a WHITE preacher.
I'm in awe. Nauseated. I've not been able to find anything out about that poor man, W.T Sims ... God rest his soul.
I wonder if he was married ... or left children behind ... or a Mama ... or siblings.
I imagine that didn't matter to Meek and Carson. I imagine that their God complexes firmly held the blinders over their eyes as they harassed the community and, eventually, took the life of an innocent man. They were and still are cowards and evil, evil men. I may be related (by blood) to this man, but I will NOT acknowledge him as human. He is, truly,a MONSTER.
I need to add that the man that brought this publication (The Crisis) to the forefront of America in the early 20th century was a brilliant African American man named William Du Bois. He spent his entire life fighting for freedoms for blacks and women. He was the first African American individual to graduate with a Ph.D from Harvard. He was integral in many equal-rights causes.
I thank him for allowing me to, finally, know the truth about this horrific family secret. I'm glad that it's secret no longer.
Sims, that poor soul, deserves to have his truth told.
It is the "truth" as far as I can tell. And, I believe it as such.
So, I'd like to personally apologize to him and all of his family for the horrific crime committed against ALL of them. I do this on behalf of everyone related to Meek McGill. My family is chock-full of amazingly loving, kind, and fair individuals that would NEVER accept this act.
I never met my Uncle Meek. Probably a good thing. I feel honored to have NOT met him. He better hope that I don't get an inkling to hunt down his grave when I have a full bladder.
At least, now I know. After all these years of wondering ...
The truth WILL set you free.
xoxo
Anna
Well, tonight, after doing a bit of investigative interweb work, I have officially confirmed a horrific story about one of my family members. After growing up hearing about this individual's general nature, I do not doubt that he is guilty of said actions.
My mother's father, my Paw Paw, was a wonderful and kind man. He grew up in Hickory Grove, SC. His mother was a dear and kind person ... I was named Anna after her. Unfortunately, Anna McGill fell in love with and married a man with the last name Pratt. He, too, was a great soul. They lived there in the big family home with her other siblings: Maddie, Belle, Tommy, and Meek.
Stories abound about Meeks ire, attitude, and hatred towards the black community. He was an eternal bachelor that was rumored to have had affairs with several of the married southern bells there in tiny Hickory Grove. The irony in that is that Meek was an asshole (not at all meek) and so ugly he'd make a freight train take a dirt road. I guess it was the "bad boy" syndrome. Why are we women such idiots sometimes?
Apparently, brother Meek was a hand-full and, basically, ran her husband off ... leaving her to raise 3 boys (John, Marvin, and Marion). John being my Paw Paw, Marvin and Marion being his twin brothers. We're not certain what other family members were involved in the ostracizing of the kind and gentle Pratt.
Pratt moved on to remarry and start an amazing family in Florida. I have, by the way, met them. They are such lovely people. And, I am so proud to call them family.
However, lore tells me ... and the few of us that have spoken about it ... that my great, great Uncle Meek was involved in a lynching. Rumor had it, he had killed a black man for having "relations" with a white woman.
WOW! The lore is enough to put ones heart into overdrive and to want to disown such a filthy beast. I don't care if he was sweet Anna's brother.
And, after doing some research tonight, I fear that the "lore" isn't so much an unknown. It seems to be, on some level, the truth. The circumstances are unknown, as I've not been able to unearth them. I, personally, doubt it had anything to do with race-relations, as that was oftentimes an easy excuse for KKK pussies.
But, I looked ol' Meek McGill up on Google.
Low and behold: a publication written by the NAACP (founded in 1910) called "The Crisis" states:
"By the decision of the Grand Jury, Postmaster Meek McGill and Carson Lattimore of Hickory Grove, S.C., have been put in jail for complicity in the murder of W.T. Simms, a colored preacher." Seems it was quoted from local paper, or the like.
MURDER. My great uncle MURDERED a black man. I do believe this. And you best believe he would have NEVER murdered a WHITE preacher.
I'm in awe. Nauseated. I've not been able to find anything out about that poor man, W.T Sims ... God rest his soul.
I wonder if he was married ... or left children behind ... or a Mama ... or siblings.
I imagine that didn't matter to Meek and Carson. I imagine that their God complexes firmly held the blinders over their eyes as they harassed the community and, eventually, took the life of an innocent man. They were and still are cowards and evil, evil men. I may be related (by blood) to this man, but I will NOT acknowledge him as human. He is, truly,a MONSTER.
I need to add that the man that brought this publication (The Crisis) to the forefront of America in the early 20th century was a brilliant African American man named William Du Bois. He spent his entire life fighting for freedoms for blacks and women. He was the first African American individual to graduate with a Ph.D from Harvard. He was integral in many equal-rights causes.
I thank him for allowing me to, finally, know the truth about this horrific family secret. I'm glad that it's secret no longer.
Sims, that poor soul, deserves to have his truth told.
It is the "truth" as far as I can tell. And, I believe it as such.
So, I'd like to personally apologize to him and all of his family for the horrific crime committed against ALL of them. I do this on behalf of everyone related to Meek McGill. My family is chock-full of amazingly loving, kind, and fair individuals that would NEVER accept this act.
I never met my Uncle Meek. Probably a good thing. I feel honored to have NOT met him. He better hope that I don't get an inkling to hunt down his grave when I have a full bladder.
At least, now I know. After all these years of wondering ...
The truth WILL set you free.
xoxo
Anna
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Update on Mama and Angus...
Well,
The Ol' girl is doing just fine. She's 4 days out and, basically, asked me today, "Is this it?" Other than a headache the day after her treatment, she's as good as gold. Her appetite is just fine and she's not dealing with any nasty side-effects. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am about that. Her treatment ends up being a bit different than mine. She's on a relative of adriamycin in combination with the Cytoxin. But, it seems to be working just fine with her system and she is tolerating it splendidly. I'll keep everyone updated regularly. Thanks so much for all the e-mails and calls to check in on her. It means the world to me and my family.
Angi/Angus/Sister-Cousin had knee surgery on Friday. She's laid up and has to deal with not being able to run around and juggle the three kids. She's doing just fine ... other than some burning in the surgery site. But, it's driving her nuts to have to sit still and let others "do" for her. Matthew is an amazing man and has held the fort down brilliantly, as he always does.
I'm pissed to be so far away when two of my dearest family members/friends are going through all this. They have both flown up here ... incessantly ... for me during all my surgeries and treatments. To not be able to be there for them is quite the downer. A girl can only make those two laugh so many times on the phone before feeling a burning desire to jump through the phone lines and grab them both up and kiss their faces off.
But, alas, I'm here.
Here is fine. Just wish, no matter where I was, it was with the two of them right now.
I love you girls.
xoxo
JR
The Ol' girl is doing just fine. She's 4 days out and, basically, asked me today, "Is this it?" Other than a headache the day after her treatment, she's as good as gold. Her appetite is just fine and she's not dealing with any nasty side-effects. I cannot tell you how thrilled I am about that. Her treatment ends up being a bit different than mine. She's on a relative of adriamycin in combination with the Cytoxin. But, it seems to be working just fine with her system and she is tolerating it splendidly. I'll keep everyone updated regularly. Thanks so much for all the e-mails and calls to check in on her. It means the world to me and my family.
Angi/Angus/Sister-Cousin had knee surgery on Friday. She's laid up and has to deal with not being able to run around and juggle the three kids. She's doing just fine ... other than some burning in the surgery site. But, it's driving her nuts to have to sit still and let others "do" for her. Matthew is an amazing man and has held the fort down brilliantly, as he always does.
I'm pissed to be so far away when two of my dearest family members/friends are going through all this. They have both flown up here ... incessantly ... for me during all my surgeries and treatments. To not be able to be there for them is quite the downer. A girl can only make those two laugh so many times on the phone before feeling a burning desire to jump through the phone lines and grab them both up and kiss their faces off.
But, alas, I'm here.
Here is fine. Just wish, no matter where I was, it was with the two of them right now.
I love you girls.
xoxo
JR
Friday, October 16, 2009
Summer fun ...
I know it's been a while since the scorching summer was upon us here in Seattle ... but, I just got these pics from a beautiful day spent at Zoo Tunes (in July) with my girlfriend Kate and her gorgeous daughter Sophia. Kate and I met when she cast me in her amazing show "Lilac Winter" during the Seattle Fringe Fest." It will always be one of my favorite theatre gigs. The cast was stellar and we laughed incessantly. It was one of those amazing experiences that actors happen across once in a blue moon.
Silas and Sophia had so much fun together during the concert. It was stifling ... and we kept rubbing ourselves with ice cubes. Thanks to the wine we smuggled into the zoo, Kate and I could have cared less about the heat.
It was a beautiful evening...
xoxo
Anna
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
They're Baaaaacccckkkkkk....
Didn't think that the little (and big) guys had it in them. But the family of raccoons that made their home in our back yard last year are back. They showed up tonight. Who in the hell knows what they spent their time doing all summer. I imagine they were at Bumbershoot and must have ridden "The Duck." In any event, they came "home" tonight. And, they were quite congenial.
I was fortunate enough to sit and "chat" with them.
So, so, so weird.
But, I'm sure they have much better stories to tell me...
xoxo
Anna
Tomorrow, Mama begins chemo...
And, as much as I was hankering for her to start after all these damned medical snafus, I cannot begin to tell you how unhappy I am that I'll not be there for her first treatment. Luckily, Allison (my sister) will be there with her. Allison was such a great help with us when I was going through treatment. So, she knows the ins and outs, the side-effects, the nausea and pain that one goes through during chemotherapy. The family is blessed to have her there to help with Mama's process.
I remember chemo days. As much as you'd think that it was AWFUL ... it really wasn't too, too terribly bad. I mean, the process itself. You know that you're fighting and killing a beast. I quite liked going to Dr. Fer's office and settling into my lazy boy and chatting with all the other ladies while we got poisoned. Granted, I was about 30 years younger than most of them at the time. But, in that moment, in those lazy boys, age alluded us. Because we were all fighting the same enemy. And our nurses and doctor were (and still are) our saviors. My Tuesdays were the highlight of my treatment period.
I DO know what "Nam" was like. I know this because I fought a battle that I was fortunate enough to share with other cancer survivors. And, in the aftermath, have remained close to these women. As much love and support that we got (and get) from family and friends, no one will ever really know what it's like to go through that war and come out on the other side.
My wish for my Mama is a smooth ride on the chemo-train. I wish for her to maintain a high and healthy white blood-cell count, an appetite, a high red-cell count, an appetite, LITTLE pain ... or as little as possible, her positivity, her love for life, to know that we all love her so much and are with her during and after this battle, to remain cancer-free until she's WAYYYYYYYYYY too old to be here on earth, and to know that this shit is just a speed bump. That's it.
Cancer, you're the nastiest speed bump of them all.
And ... my sweet Mama is gonna beat your ass to a bloody pulp.
Nighty night!
xoxo
Anna
I remember chemo days. As much as you'd think that it was AWFUL ... it really wasn't too, too terribly bad. I mean, the process itself. You know that you're fighting and killing a beast. I quite liked going to Dr. Fer's office and settling into my lazy boy and chatting with all the other ladies while we got poisoned. Granted, I was about 30 years younger than most of them at the time. But, in that moment, in those lazy boys, age alluded us. Because we were all fighting the same enemy. And our nurses and doctor were (and still are) our saviors. My Tuesdays were the highlight of my treatment period.
I DO know what "Nam" was like. I know this because I fought a battle that I was fortunate enough to share with other cancer survivors. And, in the aftermath, have remained close to these women. As much love and support that we got (and get) from family and friends, no one will ever really know what it's like to go through that war and come out on the other side.
My wish for my Mama is a smooth ride on the chemo-train. I wish for her to maintain a high and healthy white blood-cell count, an appetite, a high red-cell count, an appetite, LITTLE pain ... or as little as possible, her positivity, her love for life, to know that we all love her so much and are with her during and after this battle, to remain cancer-free until she's WAYYYYYYYYYY too old to be here on earth, and to know that this shit is just a speed bump. That's it.
Cancer, you're the nastiest speed bump of them all.
And ... my sweet Mama is gonna beat your ass to a bloody pulp.
Nighty night!
xoxo
Anna
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Open letter to Sarah Thompson...
You walked into the party
Like you were walking onto a yacht
Your hat strategically dipped below one eye
Your scarf it was apricot
You had one eye in the mirror
As you watched yourself gavotte
And all the girls dreamed that they'd be your partner
They'd be your partner, and
You're so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You're so vain
I'll bet you think this song is about you
Don't you? Don't you?
You had me several years ago
When I was still quite naive
Well, you said that we made such a pretty pair
And that you would never leave
But you gave away the things you loved
And one of them was me
I had some dreams they were clouds in my coffee
Clouds in my coffee, and
You're so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You're so vain
I'll bet you think this song is about you
Don't you? Don't you?
I had some dreams they were clouds in my coffee
Clouds in my coffee, and
You're so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You're so vain
I'll bet you think this song is about you
Don't you? Don't you?
Well, I hear you went up to Saratoga
And your horse naturally won
Then you flew your Lear jet up to Nova Scotia
To see the total eclipse of the sun
Well, you're where you should be all the time
And when you're not, you're with
Some underworld spy or the wife of a close friend
Wife of a close friend, and
You're so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You're so vain
I'll bet you think this song is about you
Don't you? Don't you?
xoxo
Anna
Like you were walking onto a yacht
Your hat strategically dipped below one eye
Your scarf it was apricot
You had one eye in the mirror
As you watched yourself gavotte
And all the girls dreamed that they'd be your partner
They'd be your partner, and
You're so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You're so vain
I'll bet you think this song is about you
Don't you? Don't you?
You had me several years ago
When I was still quite naive
Well, you said that we made such a pretty pair
And that you would never leave
But you gave away the things you loved
And one of them was me
I had some dreams they were clouds in my coffee
Clouds in my coffee, and
You're so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You're so vain
I'll bet you think this song is about you
Don't you? Don't you?
I had some dreams they were clouds in my coffee
Clouds in my coffee, and
You're so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You're so vain
I'll bet you think this song is about you
Don't you? Don't you?
Well, I hear you went up to Saratoga
And your horse naturally won
Then you flew your Lear jet up to Nova Scotia
To see the total eclipse of the sun
Well, you're where you should be all the time
And when you're not, you're with
Some underworld spy or the wife of a close friend
Wife of a close friend, and
You're so vain
You probably think this song is about you
You're so vain
I'll bet you think this song is about you
Don't you? Don't you?
xoxo
Anna
Tribute to Young Survivors...
Check out this sweet tribute to young survivors. Many of my girlfriends ... and yours truly ... are there...
Wonderful Weekend...
Working 6 days a week ... in a row ... doesn't afford much play-time. But, We got in quite a bit on Sunday.
Marco's birthday party was held at Chuck E. Cheese's. Yes, I just couldn't go another year without visiting THAT peaceful haven. So, off we went: at 10:30. That was key. There were barely any kids in there and we had access to most all of the games without having to see any crazy old ladies ride that life-sized horse and an overly seductive manner ...
So, we ate some pizza, I drank a beer with my new Chuck E. Cheese cup, and we played lots and lots of games.
That afternoon, Grammie and Grandaddy drove up from Yakima to celebrate my belated birthday with us. As always, they came bearing wonderful gifts of fruit and veggies from their garden, lots of treats for Silas, and a great birthday gift for me: a fabulous (and plush) vest for winter. Fashion AND function!
We took them (or rather, they-us) to Fremont to Kevin's restaurant. It was, as usual, a wonderful visit. We hope to make it back to Yakima soon. Our schedules are so, so crazy right now that it's hard to even get a moment to sit here at home. But, today I have a day "off." Meaning, a day of running to the bank, spending half the day on the phone with my damned insurance company fighting with them about why they are not paying bills that should be covered by them, and continuing this fight against the army of fruit flies that have taken over this house.
What is it with the little shits this year? I mean, I've set all sorts of booby traps and sweet (toxic) drinks out for them. Not doing a damn thing. And, how are they multiplying so quickly?! I mean, with all that procreating, you'd think they'd have very little time to be buzzing around and driving one mad.
Back to google I go!
xoxo
Anna
Saturday, October 10, 2009
From Wikipedia...
"Healthy narcissism has to do with a strong feeling of “own love” protecting the human being against illness. Eventually, however, the individual must love the other, “the object love to not become ill". The person becomes ill, as a result of a frustration, when he is unable to love the object.[6] In pathological narcissism such as the narcissistic personality disorder and schizophrenia, the person’s libido has been withdrawn from objects in the world and produces megalomania. The clinical theorists Kernberg, Kohut and Millon all see pathological narcissism as a possible outcome in response to unempathetic and inconsistent early childhood interactions. They suggested that narcissists try to compensate in adult relationships.[7] The pathological condition of narcissism is, as Freud suggested, a magnified, extreme manifestation of healthy narcissism. With regard to the condition of healthy narcissism, it is suggested that this is correlated with good psychological health. Self-esteem works as a mediator between narcissism and psychological health. Therefore, because of their elevated self-esteem, deriving from self-perceptions of competence and likability, high narcissists are relatively free of worry and gloom.[8] Other researchers suggested that healthy narcissism cannot be seen as ‘good’ or ‘bad’; however, it depends on the contexts and outcomes being measured. In certain social contexts such as initiating social relationships, and with certain outcome variables, such as feeling good about oneself, healthy narcissism can be helpful. In other contexts, such as maintaining long-term relationships and with other outcome variables, such as accurate self-knowledge, healthy narcissism can be unhelpful."
xoxo
Anna
xoxo
Anna
When will Ann Coulter shut her face????
From Wikipedia:
"Coulter's fifth book, published by Crown Forum in 2006, is Godless: The Church of Liberalism. In it, she argues, first, that liberalism rejects the idea of God and reviles people of faith, and second, that it bears all the attributes of a religion itself. Godless debuted at number one on The New York Times Best Seller list."
Wow. She's such a transparent attention whore. This woman is brilliant ... intellectually. Otherwise, she's a total douche. If you're going to hold others to the "ideals" of the bible, then you should follow suit. Right?
Not so for Miss Coulter. Not only is she "casting the first stone", as a sinner, but she's berating others for their beliefs and telling the world that those of us that are liberal are "Godless." Wow. I'm sure, one day, she's gonna have to answer to that. If Ann Coulter is my judge and jury, I best start fashioning a space-craft and find a new planet upon which to live. Since when did she become God? I know I didn't vote in THAT election.
She's unbelievably attention-crazy.
Considering that she is "THE" go-to girl and truth seeker on the Republican side (media wise), it's so confounding to me that she has lied about her age and won't admit to having those HUGE implants. Hell, I've got 'em ... thank you cancer. But, if you're gonna spew "truths" and rail against others that aren't as bold as yourself, at least have the balls to own up to your own age and plastic surgery(s). You're the one, after all, that has sought the spot-light. If you're gonna incessantly judge others, why be shocked and awed that others will, eventually, know your truth(s). And to be so bold to say liberals are "Godless" ... well, good luck to you ... Hope your "judgment day" goes okay ~ after all, you ARE a "believer" ... right?
Is it just me, or is this nonsense becoming common place? Narcissistic disorder. Look it up.
xoxo
Anna
"Coulter's fifth book, published by Crown Forum in 2006, is Godless: The Church of Liberalism. In it, she argues, first, that liberalism rejects the idea of God and reviles people of faith, and second, that it bears all the attributes of a religion itself. Godless debuted at number one on The New York Times Best Seller list."
Wow. She's such a transparent attention whore. This woman is brilliant ... intellectually. Otherwise, she's a total douche. If you're going to hold others to the "ideals" of the bible, then you should follow suit. Right?
Not so for Miss Coulter. Not only is she "casting the first stone", as a sinner, but she's berating others for their beliefs and telling the world that those of us that are liberal are "Godless." Wow. I'm sure, one day, she's gonna have to answer to that. If Ann Coulter is my judge and jury, I best start fashioning a space-craft and find a new planet upon which to live. Since when did she become God? I know I didn't vote in THAT election.
She's unbelievably attention-crazy.
Considering that she is "THE" go-to girl and truth seeker on the Republican side (media wise), it's so confounding to me that she has lied about her age and won't admit to having those HUGE implants. Hell, I've got 'em ... thank you cancer. But, if you're gonna spew "truths" and rail against others that aren't as bold as yourself, at least have the balls to own up to your own age and plastic surgery(s). You're the one, after all, that has sought the spot-light. If you're gonna incessantly judge others, why be shocked and awed that others will, eventually, know your truth(s). And to be so bold to say liberals are "Godless" ... well, good luck to you ... Hope your "judgment day" goes okay ~ after all, you ARE a "believer" ... right?
Is it just me, or is this nonsense becoming common place? Narcissistic disorder. Look it up.
xoxo
Anna
Friday, October 9, 2009
Next week Mama starts chemo!!!!
I know that, generally, the exclamation points wouldn't be desired. But, considering the arduous process that she's gone through, IT'S ABOUT DAMNED TIME. She wants nothing more than to start chemo and get this nonsense behind her.
Her port was placed yesterday and she's feeling just fine. She will begin her treatment at 3:00pm on Thursday, October 15th. As all chemo patients are, I imagine that she'll be a bit nervous. But, at this time, she is not. Just as I was three years ago, she's ready to make sure that Cancer gets a good ass whoopin'. So, onward she marches. I'm so proud of her bravery, her patience, and her drive. But, this is no shocker to me. She's always been a tough as nails lady.
She'll, actually, be doing the same chemo drugs that I did. However, she will be doing treatment every three weeks as opposed to my every two weeks. This will afford her an extra week of recovery ... and she's gonna need it, as she's planning on continuing teaching her 3rd grade class ... FULL TIME. I don't know if she's amazing or just plain crazy. I have a feeling it's a bit of both, but weighing more on the latter.
My family has been handed the shit end of the stick quite a bit within the past few years. I'm constantly in awe of their strength and fortitude. They don't falter ... no matter what. I'm certain that Mama's process and healing will prove just another example of why I'm so proud of my family.
I'm so, so honored to have been born into the fold.
I love you, Mama. You're gonna kick ASS, my girl!!!!!!
xoxo
Pussy Willow
Her port was placed yesterday and she's feeling just fine. She will begin her treatment at 3:00pm on Thursday, October 15th. As all chemo patients are, I imagine that she'll be a bit nervous. But, at this time, she is not. Just as I was three years ago, she's ready to make sure that Cancer gets a good ass whoopin'. So, onward she marches. I'm so proud of her bravery, her patience, and her drive. But, this is no shocker to me. She's always been a tough as nails lady.
She'll, actually, be doing the same chemo drugs that I did. However, she will be doing treatment every three weeks as opposed to my every two weeks. This will afford her an extra week of recovery ... and she's gonna need it, as she's planning on continuing teaching her 3rd grade class ... FULL TIME. I don't know if she's amazing or just plain crazy. I have a feeling it's a bit of both, but weighing more on the latter.
My family has been handed the shit end of the stick quite a bit within the past few years. I'm constantly in awe of their strength and fortitude. They don't falter ... no matter what. I'm certain that Mama's process and healing will prove just another example of why I'm so proud of my family.
I'm so, so honored to have been born into the fold.
I love you, Mama. You're gonna kick ASS, my girl!!!!!!
xoxo
Pussy Willow
True Blood at 2:00am...
Yep ... that's right. Just introduced Kevin to True Blood. I started with the second season, as it was on "On Demand" whilst house sitting. So, we're borrowing Sandi's copy of the first season to catch up (for me) and to be introduced (for Kevin). As hokey as this show might be, at times, it has some pretty organic characters and some good adult material ... if you know what I mean.
I'm not a fan of all that "Twilight" nonsense. Cannot get into the high school vampire stuffs. But, to be able to watch a show and hear cicadas and crickets in the background is pretty real for me, as it breathes "home."
So, Kevin spent his first hour(s) making fun of the show. Now, he's hooked and still playing episodes as I type. Sucker!
I've not seen this side of 2:00am in some time. Ouch. But, a fun night, nonetheless.
xoxo
Anna
Thursday, October 8, 2009
New article highlights YSC Seattle gals ...
We were honored to be covered in a local journal recently. If I were more interweb savvy, I'd be able to post the exact link. But, alas...
If you go to "http://www.journal-newspapers.com/" and then click on the "Young and Surviving" article it'll take you there.
xoxo
Anna
If you go to "http://www.journal-newspapers.com/" and then click on the "Young and Surviving" article it'll take you there.
xoxo
Anna
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
RIP sweet Pop ...
My heart is terribly heavy tonight. My "Pop" passed away this afternoon. He was surrounded by dear family and the spirits of his friends and family. His death is not a surprise. But, man what a blow. I, fortunately, had the chance to have a heart to heart with my buddy in June. When I flew home to help out with Mama, I spent quite a bit of time with Pop, as well. He wasn't doing well. At that point, I thought that he might pass while I was there. But, as he always has, he rallied.
I spoke with him this weekend. Thank God. He sounded VERY, very tired and listless.
For the past week, he has been saying that he is "crossing the bridge", out of the blue. He had also been speaking of his mother and his brother Toots ... who have both died. I find no irony in that. I KNOW that they were there ... with him ... comforting him ... welcoming him during this transition.
My Pop was an amazing man. He was stern, loving, not so stern, crass, an animal lover, an extremely hard worker, strong, not so crass, hysterically funny, simple, complex, an amazing friend, an amazing grandfather, AN AMAZING FRIEND to his grandchildren and son, a brilliant craftsman, an eater of squirrel (don't ask), a savior to wounded animals, grew the most beautiful gardens I've ever seen, a straight shooter ~ with game and with words, a great snuggler.
Last time that we made it home, Silas and I spent the night in Pop's bed with him. I laid there with my son and my grandfather ... all night. Silas was sandwiched between the two of us and our arms were around one another. All night long. That was one of the best night's sleep I've had in years.
I miss you already, Pop. And, as I said in our "heart to heart", I will be talking to you ... probably too much. But, you told me that you would be fine with it.
So, if you're out at the local pub or riding a motorcycle right now (do angels do that?), I hope I don't interrupt your much deserved moment.
God's speed, my dear friend.
My heart's broken.
xoxo
Anna
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Happy Birthday Sarah...
Yeah, you ... with the boobs ...
Happy Birthday, dear girl.
Love you to bits and pieces.
xoxo
Cooch
Happy Birthday, dear girl.
Love you to bits and pieces.
xoxo
Cooch
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