 I am an East Coast expatriate hiding out in the Midwest... I am an urban gal living in the suburbs and occasionally hiding in the country I am a yoga practitioner, fitness enthusiast, believer in the mind-body-spirit connection... I am a mid-life "revert" to the Roman Catholic faith in which I was raised and which has become an enormous source of support, encouragement, inspiration, and joy in my life... I am a mom, sister, daughter, and wife... I am an explorer; adventurous and curious about the world and people around me... I am educated in the formal sense but I gain insight through everyday living... I created this blog at a time of great fear and apprehension in my life. I chose to sustain it because of the discoveries about myself and the world around me that it has revealed. What you can expect to find here: the documentation of a love-hate relationship with the greater Philadelphia area
reminiscing about the good-ole-days (the 80's!)
complaints about my various ailments and injuries, both real and imagined
pictures and stories of gardening, decorating, shopping, sewing
my love of irony
links to kooky news stories
way too much scatological musing for sane people
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Friday, November 12, 2004
...and now Bill Maher (see AP news story, below.)
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Bill Maher is being sued by a woman who claims he shook her at a party and welched on promises to marry her and buy her a home in Beverly Hills.
Nancy "Coco" Johnsen, a former model and flight attendant, is seeking $9 million and other unspecified damages, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court. It accuses the political comic of fraud, battery and assault.
Maher's lawyer said Friday he expects the lawsuit to be thrown out of court.
"This is a completely frivolous lawsuit filed with false allegations that is part of a pattern by Ms. Johnson to seek retribution since the end of their short relationship," attorney Adam F. Streisand said in a statement. "Mr. Maher is looking forward to having this dismissed by the court."
Johnsen claims she fell in love with the HBO "Real Time" host during a 17-month relationship that began in January 2003.
According to the lawsuit, Maher convinced Johnsen to quit her career and in return promised the two would marry and have children, that he would reimburse her for clothing and other expenses necessary for her to accompany him as a "power couple," and that he would support her for the rest of her life.
He also promised to buy her the house in Beverly Hills where Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez once lived or give her money to buy a similar house, the lawsuit contends.
But after she quit her job, Johnsen said, Maher "verbally abused" her, and at a party last May he became angry and shook her, causing back and neck injuries.
She left his home and ended the relationship in May, Johnsen said.
Posted at 01:46 pm by brandy101
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Somewhere Over the Rainbow...
So, I was rather impressed, for a number of reasons, that my husband informed me that he was turning down a night out with the boys at a Chicago nightspot in favor of attending "Sing-along" Wizard of Oz, with me and kiddo tomorrow night.
Wait a minute. Let me understand: Turning down BEER and his friends' BAND for a MUSICAL FILM where everyone around him will be SINGING?! Wow. That is some kind of breakthrough; I'm still giddy about it!
Let me explain: this is the guy who insisted we have NO dj/band at our wedding so that he wouldn't have to DANCE! Well, we did get a pop/jazz combo to play and at least provide some ambiance. And it gets me irritated in retrospect, because I sometimes spy him dancing with the little one ("Get the Party Started" by Pink is her fave!) and he is a GOOD dancer! Well, good for a straight white guy, that is ;)
Introversions of his aside, I am really looking forward to this; WOO is one of kiddo's favorite full-length movies, so I know she'll be able to sit through it. And I, being the eternal extrovert (and nerd!) will enjoy singing along with Judy and the gang.
Plus its only $5 per person and at a local park district community theatre. We plan to get there EARLY as I have a feeling there will be heavy demand for such a fun and afordable family event.
A wonderful old theatre on Chicago's Northside screens "Sing-along-Sound of Music" each year but its $25 a person! Ouch! That's likely the favorite film amongst my sisters and I - and if it would ever screen at a time that they could fly in to visit, it'd be a worthwhile trip. But I'm not going to "risk" $25 to take a 5-year-old who might want to leave after 45 minutes.
On the list of "to-do's" for today is: return videos (whoo-hoo) and shop for Hubby's "Big" X-mas gift. He circled a bunch of power tools from a local retailer's weekly ad, so I 'll go today with the kid and try to locate and purchase at least one thing on the wish list. Hmm, power tools...very MACHO...yet agian makes me wonder about the Wizard of Oz thang ;)
I was thinking about what I might like for xmas but honestly, there isn't much out there that I want or need. My heart is still set on SOMEDAY getting a kicka** Tri-bike, but that's something I'd have to test, get measured for, etc so it's not the greatest "gift" idea. Then I'd love one of these combo binoculars/digital cameras so that I can start to take some GOOD pictures of my bird visitors, but I don't know much about what brands are good, what features to look for, etc. Plus, hubby has noted that he might be able to rig somethig up with a cameraaimed at the feeding station, a shelter for it for the outdoors, and then connect it to our server and have "Bird TV". Geezus, we ARE nerds!
I guess the only other thing is the 90's version of trival pursuit (I already said I was A NERD!). Maybe a small pair of silver "huggie" hoop earrings for when I wear my hair in a ponytail...hmmm, come to think of it, I like silver earrings in many styles... that's all I can think of for now. But considering the state of our necessary frugality these days, it's a GOOD thing .
Posted at 10:09 am by brandy101
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Wednesday, November 10, 2004
I already admitted to being fickle...thus, the O'reilly/Matthews thing is totally out of my system now. So you can all breathe a sigh of relief. Speaking of crushes though...
Yesterday after school I went through my usual routine of asking my soon-to-be-5-year-old what kids she played with today, what kids are her friends, etc. She was a bit defensive and answered with some reluctance and irritation in her voice.
"Uh, I play with lots of kids. Lauren and Shana, and you know, lots of kids."
I backed off the questioning and then a moment later she ambled over to me, sheepishly looking at her feet. "Uh, Mommy, (heavy sigh), I'm in love. With Bobby. He's the new boy in the class."
I had to hide my grin and bite my lip. It was just too cute.
I thought of my reply and came up with, "Oh, you have special feelings? That's neat. But you know sometimes you can also be just friends with boys, and you don't have to be their 'girlfriend'. "
I said that because I have seen this little boy in the classroom and I suspect her crush is unrequieted. I had he re-tell her story to her dad that evening and he practically fainted! It was really cute, though.
Speaking of my husband...
He came home from a one-day trip to Phoenix and brought back some little gifts for us, including a pretty sterling cuff bracelet for me. Hmmm, I think I'll keep him ;)
Posted at 10:39 am by brandy101
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Monday, November 08, 2004
Contrary to my usual patterns of fleeting crushes/fantasies/fetishes, my Chris Matthews "interest" is still going strong. I went to the library today and checked out his 1988 book "Hardball" and just to mess with the heads of any FBI dudes who might be checking my library records, I also checked out a book by Ann Coulter and a biography on the life of St. Francis of Assisi. Hehehehe, sneaky me! Although, I do genuniely intend on reading them all. Even Ann...unless some of her rants make my blood pressure go up, of course!
To all of my blog buds out there who are experiencing hardships of one kind or another, please know that I am sincerely sending all many positive thoughts and prayers your way!
Posted at 09:25 pm by brandy101
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Saturday, November 06, 2004
My disgusting media fantasies...
So...
*ahem" *cough* *cough*
I'll just blurt out my GRODY, SCARY but puzzlingly "erotic" dream-man from Thursday night was none other than admitted phone-sex harasser, Bill "no spin zone" O'Reilly.
Now, I have read other blogs where people interpret their dreams. In my case, my dreams usally reflect something that entered my visual cortex sometime shortly before falling asleep. In the case of " Don't look at me sideways 'cause I have a waddle like a turkey" O'Reilly, I happened to catch part of his show, while he was administering a verbal spanking to the Democratic party, and Al Sharpton was taking it as the spank-ee. The conversation between the two of them stuck in my mind because Al was genuinely cracking Bill up, they seemed to have some sort of camraderie going on, and I wagered in my own mind's off-track betting parlor that they'd be going to grab a drink together after the show.
And somehow my thoughts of " spanking" and " O'reilly" got all jumbled up in my subconscious and decided to make a nocturnal inner-mind video combing the two, and um, throwing me in the mix as well. Now you KNOW I must be a pretty self-assured person to admit to THAT! ;)
Which now leads me into my true media crush-of-the-moment.  It is none other than loud-mouthed Philly-expatriate himself, Chris Matthews. I developed a crush on him while watching extensive coverage of the two conventions and catching an occasional episode of Hardball now and again on also-ran cable news channel MSNBC.
I found out on some blog somewhere in the vast rumor-mill that is the internet, that he dyes his hair that yellowish hue. And that, though you can't see it on camera, that he has a sizeable paunch going on under the news desk. Ick.
Nonetheless, its obvious to me why Mr. Hardball (!) puts a twinkle in my eye: he looks, speaks, and has the same attitude and sense of humor as another smart-ass, older, charming Irish guy I knew many years ago. But that's ancient history. I think I'll give Chris a few more days on my fantasy list; then perhaps I'll move on to a new flavor of the week.
But who is left?
Anderson" my mom used to make cheesy bluejeans in the 70' and now is a major designer for Khols" Cooper? Uh, no.
George " I got that Davy Jones thing going on" Stephanopoulos? Doubtful.
I think I'd like to poll the readers and find out who their crush-able, "spongeworthy" media types are. Note: Limited to news and quasi-news only. Does that mean we can include super-hunky rocker Mark McGrath because he's a co-host of EXTRA? Sorry, but no. Can women be included? Of course! I once had a non-sexual "admiration" for Ashleigh Banfield, so why the heck not.
Start channel-surfing, folks, and let me know who makes your heart skip a beat.
Posted at 12:16 pm by brandy101
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Friday, November 05, 2004
As it turns out, the visit. as I suspected, was strictly a social call. Her teacher told me that it gives the kids a chance to talk one-on-one with her. My little one enjoyed the visit immensely.
I wasn't worried this morning when my husband noted while getting dressed for work, "Wow, the place looks great." He never notices things like that so I knew I had "done it up" and didn't need to worry. In fact, I was even able to squeeze in a workout this morning before my shower!
Now last night was a different story ...ahem...a middle-of-the-night rendevous with my bedmate was thrilling for him ( I haven't been too "enthusiastic" lately) and satisfying for me. And I was the one who initiated it! heheh, I guess maybe my menopausal symptoms are coming to a light simmer after boiling for awhile! So hubby should be in a pretty good mood this weekend, especially if I can maintain my "activity" level. :)
What is REALLY wierd though is that it was spurred on by a wild dream I had involving a certain TV "news" commentator/host. Someone I really despise, too. I guess it was fresh in my mind after watching his show last night as there ws nothing else on. I guess my mind juxtaposed my passionate dislike for this individual and instead made him over into a hot-stuff dreamlover. Talk about a flip flop! Oh my!
Since my blog visitors have had fun playing my guessing games before, I'll let you speculate in the comments section as to which TV personality swept me away in my dreams. Let me know if you need any hints...
Heheheheh. Good luck on your guesses.
Posted at 02:48 pm by brandy101
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Thursday, November 04, 2004
I feel kinda like Sadam Hussein must have felt when Hans Blix was making the rounds inspecting for evidence of WMD's. You see, tomorrow, my daughter's teacher and a classroom aide are coming over to the house for a "home visit." This isn't like a social services call...its totally voluntary and is partly an excercise in social skills for the children.
Many of the children in my little one's class have speech development issues, or other issues such as socialization problems, etc. Apparently the teachers in this preschool program have found that the children are thrilled to have teacher visits and love to give "tours" of their homes and talk about things that are very familiar to them (family, toys, pets, etc.)
But I am not sure if they are "looking" for something or not...in our case we have a bookcase full of kids books and a quiet place, away from TV, to read. We have easily-accesible toys of diffent types: games, puzzles, "pretend play" stuff, stuffed animals, craft supplies... what else could she need?
So...needless to say I have eschewed a "workout"; in its place I have been furiously whipping through the house vacuuming every baseboard, cobweb, and air duct. I even vacuumed out the fireplace. I organized toys, put all papers in a neat pile, cleaned out the cat litter box, hmmm...I feel like there is something I am forgetting. Oh yeah, I need to spray FEBREEZE everywhere and put the slipcover back on the sofa.
Tomorrow will also be busy as I will put fresh linens on the table, mop the floors, and brew some coffee. Hmm...or maybe I should make tea? Argh! The visit is only supposed to be 30 minutes long. I think it should be ok (fingers crossed.)
Posted at 03:03 pm by brandy101
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Wednesday, November 03, 2004
I am feeling sad all of a sudden...that is, the nausea has mutated to sadness...I am listening to Kerry's concession speech. Its pretty ironic that now, after its too late, he's generating emotion in his speeches.
I noted on a fellow blogger's site that at least in my state we have the hope and promise of a new, energetic Senator, the so-called "superstar", barak Obama. I am really nervous about Obama in that I was so excited and energized when Carol Moseley Braun won that seat back when - imagine: an African-AMerican woman in the senate! How excitng and new! But she really disappointed us Illinoisans and did virtually nothing in office but exploit the "perks" of it. We felt so "used" after that. Some became cynical, apathetic. That is one of my concerns now: that previously apathetic people who went out to vote may lose its steam for many who felt that theie efforts didn't effect change.
I really hope that Obama can be the next Senator Paul Simon - a true statesman, a leader, a result-getter, liked across party lines. I am concerned that he's facing an uphill battle in a newly-Republicanized Senate, but we can only hope. Hope. Hope.
Obama's very REFRESHING, positive campaign slogan was "Yes, We Can!" This has to now become the mantra of our country if we are going to make a go of it over the next four years. Yes We Can create better relationships with other contries and cultures around the world. Yes We Can learn to be empathetic of others in our community, our country, our world. Yes We Can be inventive and tenacious and create new industries and jobs and opportunities. Yes We Can do all of this while respecting our land, our oceans, our planet.
Yes, We Can keep our ideals alive, sustain interest and energy in the world around us, and be active members of a dynamic and diverse society.
Its up to all of us to do so.
Posted at 01:25 pm by brandy101
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This is what happens when graphic artists work OT
I was watching the CNN and MSNBC websites like a car wreck...when I came across this graphic on CNN.com at 12:09 am CDT:
What the heck is it?? It looks like Bush and Kerry are having some sort of psychic war! It was supposed to correspond with the headline: "Eyes on Ohio".
I dare you to post a witty caption for the above graphic in the COMMENTS section below. I am streaming so many in my brain right now...but each time I try to type I start to giggle!
"Use the force, John!" (in Yoda and/or Obi Wan Kenobi voice...)
Posted at 12:13 am by brandy101
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Monday, November 01, 2004
I think I mentioned once that my kiddo nominated "Annie for President"
Annie is our very calm, cool, and collected Beagle. Here is her cirrculum vitae:
Name: Annie the Beagle
Age: Unknown; estimated to be about 7 years old
Size: About 25 lbs.
Education: School of hard knocks vis-a-vis McHenry County Animal Control/Shelter
Critical Skills: Totally housebroken and is vocal about when she needs to go; "sit" "down" and "beg" on vocal command; excellent cuddling and nuzzling abilities; internal clock tells owners when it is time to pick up child from school or go to bed. Keen ability to sniff out WWMD's in one whiff (Wascally Wabbits in My Driveway).
Likes: food, chasing rabbits and squirrels, belly rubs, more food, relaxing on the lawn on a warm day, sunshine, and dark quiet places to nap, and of course, people.
Dislikes: rowdy, rambunctious dogs and puppies, rabbits and squirrels that get away, getting her nails trimmed.
I find her to be quite "Presidential" looking...whaddaya think? :)
Posted at 10:39 am by brandy101
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