3 Ring Binder

Turns out my afternoon was full of reading, reading, reading, some driving, then some more reading.  I am happy to report that I finished Emma early this morning.  I'd like to write five things I've learned from Emma , but because I was reading my daughter's giant book, Jane Austen ~ Seven Novels , didn't want to mark it even with a pencil, and temporarily misplaced my paper, I can not now find my favorite of her quotes about why Mr. Knightley is a superior man! (I believe that Emma and I are of one mind on that particular subject.)  So deep is my disappointment, that I may not explore the subject any further in writing. But I'm all set for the book club meeting. Enough of that. That's another evening entirely. Without further ado, here is a 51 second glimpse into my evening last. Because you needed to know. Also because you needed to know: Yes, that pull-up bar is hanging in the doorway to our downstairs bathroom, I don't think that loud crack was ...

I was planning to do a Day in the Life in pictures, but I forgot how badly blogger handles photos.  So here is my morning in pictures - because you needed to know. Jane Austen and coffee in bed (no cappuccino, yet). CrossFit, coffee, and water. Why So Negative? In which I have a dumbbell complex. My non-commuter's morning commute. The Diva does Algebra. (The shades are part of an allergy attenuation plan. - now if we only had a "geometric idea" panic attenuation plan in place . . .) Showing my mettle as a modern housewife: Pressing some buttons Turning some knobs Hitting some keys (with the ever-present bottle of Blu Italy sparkling water and bowl of chicken soup for breakfast - just outside the picture). Making things happen! Discuss why I have strings attached to the tulip in this month's chalkboard doodle. The UPS man cometh: He taketh away bad cappuccino maker and leaveth more books! Love the UPS man.  And now...

It’s not quite right without the tie. It begs that distinct formality. Burnside is calling, I’m not sure why. Talk ends with dismissive finality. But some days later, within my quick glance, A tie’s seen worn 'round his neck; In front of his ear, not merely by chance, Hirsute patches meet my peck. Recognition dawns in an adoring smile, You’re so wonderful! , I cry. He’s taken aback at my reaction a while, Thanks , he says thinking, I try . It’s not the superficial: not manner nor dress, Certainly not in his trying to please. It’s his benevolence, his very being, no less: Rationally selfish – the rest is at ease.

“The forms of tango are like stages of a marriage,” explains Barbara Garvey as she rests on the sidelines. Garvey, a true tanguera, and her husband Al go on an annual pilgrimage to Buenos Aires just to make the rounds of the milongas. “The American tango is like the beginning of a love affair, when you're both very romantic and on your best behavior,” she says. “The Argentine tango is when you're in the heat of things and all kinds of emotions are flying: passion, anger, humor. The International tango is like the end of the marriage, when you're staying together for the sake of the children.” As she and Al ocho crisply over the parquet, it's clear that after 34 years of marriage, they're still in the Argentine phase. The tango is more than a dance - it's a moment of truth . Smithsonian   24.n8 (Nov 1993): p.p152(9). 

On Friday night, Stephen and I got up close and personal with one of the 100 million offspring of the mind of Mikhail Kalashnikov . With appropriate caution, determination, and earplugs, and despite my best efforts to retain the bragging rights I earned years ago at the ancient Lake Placid biathlon rifle range (5 out of 5 to Stephen’s 4 out of 5), Stephen proved to have a much better shot than I did.   And do you know what he got for his trouble? One big-ass, in-no-way-will-I-allow-recoil shoulder hickey.   But for the temporary loss of bragging rights and a tiny scar from the red-hot .22 brass casing that landed on – and stuck as it sizzled into – my forearm, I remained mostly unscathed by the shooting experience and look forward to improving my aim and recovering my title. Saturday, after abandoning the seemingly hours-long, fruitless search of our 750 cubic foot walk-in sauna, I mean closet, for my Lorelai Gilmore-ish black patent croc leather, rounded-toe, single-buttoned ...

Like industrialists extracting materials Used to power the world, I happily exploit your potential. Like settlers working the land, Laying claims on their efforts, I eagerly seek to possess you. Like single-minded pursuit of purpose Indelibly marks its pursuer, Your life is inscribed on mine. As deliciously entwined as we choose to live, We are distinct: Each defined by his values. For in as long as we remain true to our selves, It is our virtue which sustains this perfect love.

Although I could do with a lot less Blake Ritson (Richard Grant and a few others I don’t even know), a lot more Colin Firth , Alan Rickman , and at least some Ioan Gruffudd as Horatio Hornblower , I do appreciate the addition of JJ Field, Ciaran Hinds, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Mark Strong (what is that Clive Owen movie?), and Gabrielle Byrne. More importantly, this little compilation of actors portraying (mostly) heroic men in period costume set against Justin Timberlake’s 2006 big promise works for me.   Which is good news.   I was beginning to get concerned that I had lost my appreciation for, and ability to celebrate such things.

I love Barbie , and I’m not afraid to say it.   I reject the idea that playing with Barbie negatively impacts a child’s self-esteem. Even the Ph.D. author of that post admits to the hours of creative fun she had with Barbie. In exploring how homely dolls might improve one’s self-esteem, the Onion reported “ Mattel also announced that it would begin production next year on Timorous Tim, a fey, cowardly action figure designed to boost the confidence of shy young boys. ” The ridiculousness of that effort is a source of humor, so why are the imagined beauty standards of a doll so often seen as harmful? Millions of little girls (and boys, I would guess) have played with Barbie and very few have been scarred, or have chosen to be permanently re-configured as a result.  Clearly, the overwhelming majority of children who play with Barbie go on to lead normal, productive lives. In fact, Barbie may be an inspiration toward those future careers. More than simply not ...