Bostonmaggie

I'm So Hip!

2012-01-25T23:26:00.000-05:00

How Thick Is Your Bubble?

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Score » 13 out of 20 (65% )
Result

On a scale from 0 to 20 points, where 20 signifies full engagement with mainstream American culture and 0 signifies deep cultural isolation within the new upper class bubble, you scored between 13 and 16.

In other words, you don't even have a bubble.

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Call The Waaahhhhhhbulance!

2012-01-24T14:50:00.004-05:00

I am having a pity party here in Boston. First off, my head cold is totally kicking my ass....still! I have a little laryngitis....shut up!

Also, a bunch of my friends are in San Diego for #West12....and I am not!

Plus, I have another little problem which is of my own doing. The worst part? I have to suffer through a chorus of "I told you so!"s from Jennifer, Grace, Bette, and Pat when she gets the chance.

I had a friend, and I use the term loosely, who liked to tell fish stories. I knew right off the bat, it's not like I even fell for them. I just figured that if this was the way she felt better....whatever.

I mean, it's not like it ever caused a problem for me. She'd make some grandiose statement about a past job or past lover and I'd let it slide. What did I care? I learned long ago that everyone deals with life's ups & downs in their own way. Some people block them, some people wallow in them and some people rewrite history.

Well, she began to spout this nonsense about someone really close to me. Also, she apparently identifies a little too closely with Hedy Carlson. It got pretty messy. I was aggravated, but it wasn't that big a deal. I told her we were no longer friends and blocked her on Facebook.

But of course, the worst part is that I have to admit to my sisters and friends that I was wrong and they were right. I was not beyond being harmed by her behavior.

You know how that kills me, right?

I'm Fighting A Cold....

2012-01-23T13:04:00.000-05:00

...and the cold is winning!

She Lied!!!!

2012-01-20T16:19:00.007-05:00

So last night I watched Marianne Gingrich on Nightline. Yeah, I know, I decried her statements before they were made. I questioned her motives as well as those of ABC & Brian Ross.

But I can't help myself.

Turns out, I'm glad I did. ABC did throw in the story of Marianne Gingrich's near indictment by the FBI on corruption and bribery charges. So she wasn't portrayed as St. Marianne.

Then I find out today, via the Wall Street Journal.....she lied! LOL! It's awesome. She isn't just vindictive (which is an emotion I completely understand), but she is stupid.

You better believe if I were going on national TV to rip my enemy, I would have my story straight. I might even write a few notes/dates on my arm.

This is from a partial transcript of Marianne's interview last night -

"She said Newt moved for the divorce just months after she had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, with her then-husband present.
"He also was advised by the doctor when I was sitting there that I was not to be under stress. He knew," she said"

Let's review -
Newt, after having a relationship with Marianne during his first marriage, marries her on August 8th, 1981. Things weren't all that smooth. They separated in June, 1987 and reconciled six years later. They separated again on May 10, 1999 and Newt filed for divorce on July 29, 1999.

Ok, so after reading this post so far, one would conclude that Marianne Ginther Gingrich was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at least six months before the divorce filing in July 29, 1999. right? She says he asked for a divorce six months after her diagnosis.....you know, when the doctor told Newt not to stress Marianne. You've got to figure the initial conversation was before he actually files for divorce in July, 1999.

But today, the Wall Street Journal links to an AP story dated July 19, 2000. The article begins with the line - "Marianne Gingrich disclosed Tuesday that she has suffered from neurological problems that could be a precursor to multiple sclerosis."

What???? As of July 19, 2000 there was no firm diagnosis? But how can this be? Marianne said Newt asked for a divorce after the diagnosis of MS.

Further in the article -
"The ex-wife of former House Speaker Newt Gingrich sought treatment in September 1998 at the Emory Clinic for tingling in her right hand, said a statement released by Emory with her permission. Tests showed an inflammation in her brain.
''Such an episode could represent a single event, perhaps related to a viral infection, or be a forerunner of multiple sclerosis,'' said her neurologist, Dr. Barney Stern.
She was treated with a two-week supply of steroids but did not begin long-term drug therapy, which is sometimes recommended in such cases.
''We hope that as more and more time elapses, the possibility that she will develop definite multiple sclerosis becomes less and less,'' Stern said."

Is she confused?

Can she bend the space/time continuum?

Or should we go with the most obvious explanation - SHE LIED.

"Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned

Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned".

If I Were Newt Gingrich's Sister......

2012-01-19T14:49:00.002-05:00

.... I would beat the bag out of Marianne Gingrich. She is a nasty, bitter loser. You already know what I think of Newt's personal life from this blog post.

ABC is facilitating this hatchet job. Scummy

I have to tear myself away from this computer to get ready for the #WarOf1812 lecture I am attending tonight.

Lowell Lecture: Prelude to the War of 1812
Thursday, January 19, 2012 6-8 PMat the USS Constitution Museum
The War of 1812 nearly destroyed the United States. New England threatened to secede from the Union as the enemy blockaded the coast and burned Washington. But the United States emerged from this somewhat disastrous war stronger than before. The War of 1812 did not bring Canada into the Union, as its promoters had promised, but it did bring the new nation a sense of unity and purpose, with heroes such as Decatur, Hull, and MacDonough, a national anthem, and a timeless symbol in "Old Ironsides."
Join us for a lecture by Professor Robert Allison, Chair of the History Department at Suffolk University as he discusses the War of 1812. The lecture will be followed by a conversation and light appetizers and drinks.
This lecture is FREE and open to the public. No advance registration is required. Supported by Lowell Institute's Lowell Lecture Series.

Then it's home for the debate. Yeah, I'm a political junkie.

Stop SOPA/PIPA

2012-01-18T08:41:00.002-05:00

Go read

Bouhammer

From My Position....On the Way

Wikipedia

What's Closer than the Seat Of My Pants?????

2012-01-17T17:38:00.002-05:00

The skin of my teeth!

I am in BWI on my way back to Boston. I had all day to pick a flight and arrange for the shuttle.

I dawdled online. I washed my sheets. I made pancakes. I talked to Frankie.

Then, next thing you know, it's 3pm!

Supershuttle was peeved because I was trying to arrange the shuttle in less than the optimum window as far as they are concerned. They wouldn't let me do it online and made me call. then they kept putting me on hold.

Finally, I just called a cab.

Got here and through security with plenty of time to spare......and the flight is delayed, lol!

Watch What You Say About Me, Sen. Tarr & Rep. Jones

2012-01-17T12:44:00.002-05:00

I have been opposed to Robert Maginn's appointment as Massachusetts GOP State Chair since learning of his political contributions to Governor Deval Patrick.

Now I read at Mass Live, that my elected officials say that means I have an ulterior motive! Boy, are you barking up the wrong tree.

Senate Majority Leader Bruce Tarr said calls for a change in party leadership were not helpful to the GOP cause.
“At this point, I think it’s important that the party move forward in a very important election year, and I’m not certain having turbulence in the chairmanship facilitates that goal,” Tarr told the News Service.
Tarr’s counterpart in the House, Rep. Bradley Jones, said Maginn’s critics appear to be those who disagree with his support for Romney, and he added that some were unenthusiastic about the party’s gubernatorial nominee in 2010, Charles Baker.

Well that's a load of CRAP! And I am pissed. I have a very clear record of backing Charlie Baker. I might like Newt Gingrich, but I know Romney will be the nominee and I will back him.

This is infuriating to have these people defend Maginn's mistakes by attacking me.

I have written to both Senator Tarr and Representative Jones expressing my strong disapproval.

Decisions

2012-01-16T11:54:00.002-05:00

It's nearly noon.

Do I take a shower or have a second pancake? They are stuffed with Ghirardelli milk chocolate chips and flaked coconut (FULKL STOP - My Marine - Yes, I know what you think of coconut, don't say it).

Do I leave Annapolis today or tomorrow?

Flying By The Seat Of My Pants

2012-01-14T14:30:00.003-05:00

Literally.

Andi & Mr. Andi invited me to come to their place in Virginia for a party tonight. Even though they invited me weeks ago, I couldn't say yes for sure for many reasons. Not the least of which was wondering if today would be a "I-can-go-places-day" or a "I-am-staying-in-bed-around-the-clock-day".

Then there was my stressful day yesterday.

So it was all up in the air until I woke up this morning.

We are a go!

I showered, dressed, packed, hunted the internet for a good last minute flight, booked a shuttle and jumped on the Bunker bus.

Here I am at Logan.

Soon I will be hanging with milblogger Illuminati and watching the Pats with my friend Mr. Andi.

Did I Call You?

2012-01-14T10:19:00.002-05:00

Did I text you?

Did I almost knock you over walking to the ladies room at East Bay?

I'm so sorry!

It was one of those rare nights when I decided to have a coupla Cape Codders. I was out with Jennifer and Bette....I wish Grace was there! but it was a short notice kinda thing.

I had to do something stressful and I called Jen. Grace was wishing she was closer, but she couldn't be. So she had to settle for yelling at me on the phone. Jennifer tried to talk me out of it. She and Grace had many good points. They are smart and they are reasonable.

Finally I just sent Jennifer a text "I'm going. Are you going to let me go alone?" LOL! Talk about you're rhetorical questions. Anyway she texted back - "Be there in 5"

So we handled it. Not the way Grace want. Not the way Jen wanted. And surprisingly, not the way I wanted. It was somewhere in the middle.

Instead of going straight home, Jen suggested East Bay. So I called Bette and asked what she was doing. When I found out she was free I said we were coming to get her to go to East Bay. She told me that I sounded upset and asked what was going on. I said "Wash your face, we'll be there in 15 minutes." After I hung up, Jennifer looked over and said "Wash you face? What are you, Dad?"

So there were cocktails and nachos and happy bartenders because they have missed us. They've missed Bette in particular. When I walked in I announced "I have brought your gimpy friend!" Since Bette's accident, mobility has been an issue. Note, if you own a standard, don't break your foot.

So, the girl I knocked over.....well almost. She apologized. So on the way back I told her it wasn't her fault, but not to worry, I wasn't driving. A little later her group moved closer to where we were sitting. East Bay was very crowded. It was Friday night after all.

Next thing you know, both our groups are talking.

So, it was nice meeting you Lola, Whitney and Alyssa (sp?). Carry on your great work at Jordan Hospital. But someone needs to pop into the health food store and get Whitney some niacin.....those were the coldest hands I've felt since Harrianne used to live down the street.

Jen dropped me home and it was shocking to see it was just a little after 9pm. I got a MegaMillions ticket. Hope it works/ed.

Have You Missed Me?

2012-01-13T07:11:00.006-05:00

I've been a little off this week. I'm not supposed to talk about all the drugs I am on. I upsets Grace . She envision someone deciding they want them and breaking in. Trust me, no one wants this stuff. So all I'll say on the subject is this - we haven't found the right combo. BlueCross; the Commonwealth Choice people & certain other entities are alternately very helpful and are-you-shitting-me difficult.

Have you heard about this little bureaucratic war between the FDA & the DEA? Certain controlled substances are meted out on a schedule by the DEA. Drug manufacturers take the supplies and make some brand name and some generic prescriptions. When the generic versions run out, the FDA asks for more of the controlled substances to be released. Sometimes they are. Sometimes the DEA says no. They tell the FDA to instruct the drug manufacturers to suck it because they chose to produce too much brand name in an effort to make more money.

Isn't that awful? A private company, employing US citizens trying to make more money? I am aghast.

So, a government agency makes it difficult for these companies by holding back supplies. Ostensibly, the DEA is supposed to be "controlling" these drugs for our safety and to prevent abuse. However some of the drugs on this list are not drugs of choice. Some are chemotherapy drugs. So all I see is a government entity trying to backdoor drive down drug prices. In a capitalist society, that's a function of the market place, isn't it?

You know who produces the best, newest stuff? Places where the producers can make money. You can say that it's wrong for some drugs to cost so much, but that's how they pay for the failures. Do you want them to stop trying?

People cry about the cost of drugs, but there is plenty of help out there. I was taking a drug at one point that cost $10,000 for a month prescription. My copay would have been 50%. The manufacturer helped me out. Drug manufacturers don't want people going without, they just want to collect from who they can. Then they fund more research.

And I want them to keep looking. You see me now and you think I look great and you are all excited about my remission. But they have just kicked my can down the road for a couple of years. The Multiple Myeloma people who are IgG can get 10, 20, even 30 years out of a combination of chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant. Not me, I am IgA. They will begin to look for signs that I am slipping out of remission 18 to 24 months after my transplant. I am fast approaching the one year anniversary of my transplant on February 10th.

I have drugs to put me to sleep and wake me up and dull my pain and counteract other drugs I am taking.

So I am a big fan of R&D.

In the meantime I play with all kinds of pills. And I am grateful to the riders Blue Cross issues so I can get brand name drugs because the DEA is messing where they don't belong.

And I am grateful to the Commonwealth Choice people and Blue Cross for their patience while I went about proving I live in Massachusetts. This is no easy feat if you don't have a mortgage or lease or rental agreement or utility bill. But I had to do that because the Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires it of those who deal with the Connector. That's how people in Massachusetts purchase private insurance. Not just people who are subsidised, my premium is $800.88 per month for a single subscriber.

Thanks to RomneyCare, you can purchase insurance privately in case your employer doesn't furnish it or in my case if what your employer furnishes wouldn't take care of a pesky cancer patient like mee......but it's still a lot of "red tape".

So the long and short of it is, between drug experiments and getting the drugs covered, I haven't had time for much else. I've been sleeping a LOT.

And I have missed you too!

The Height Of Political/History Nerdiness

2012-01-08T01:42:00.002-05:00

Yeah, here I am at the pinnacle.

First, I was sitting on a Saturday night watching the GOP debate in New Hamspire.

Second, I actually had snacks and was on my laptop tweeting it.

Third, I was really peeved when John Hunstman said this

HUNTSMAN: Yes. I would have to tell Mitt that the president of the United States is the commander-in-chief. Of course you get input and -- and advice from a lot of different corners of Washington, including the commanders on the ground.
But we also deferred to the commanders on the ground in about 1967, during the Vietnam War, and we didn’t get very good advice then.
Here’s what I think is around the corner in Afghanistan. I think civil war is around the corner in Afghanistan. And I don’t want to be the president who invests another penny in a civil war. And I don’t want to be the president who sends another man or woman into harm’s way that we don’t -- we’re not able to bring back alive.
I say we’ve got something to show for our mission. Let’s recognize that and let’s move on.

It is completely false to state that Vietnam failed because LBJ "deferred to the commanders on the ground". It shows a glaring lack of knowledge on the subject.

I am not saying everyone needs to understand what happened in Vietnam. However, if you don't know....don't speak.

I Made It Back!

2012-01-07T15:55:00.007-05:00

Last night I had dinner at the Stonebridge restaurant in Tiverton, RI. As noted in the post below, I was worried about sitting down in close quarters with three people who are sooooooo good as calling me on my bullshit. But I made it.

First I was happy because I was only ten minutes late! Come on! For me that's practically on time. My sisters and I were heading down on Route 24 and I called to check in with My Marine. My first words are "Why haven't you called to check on me?" Of course, he has the perfect reply "I wouldn't check on you until at least 7:45 for a 6 o'clock date." Too true!

Next, the restaurant was nice, although thinking about it after the fact, I would have opted for the table in the main part of the restaurant. We were in a side room that felt a little crowded. But the food was 4 out of 5 stars. My meal was five stars on it's own. I had a super fresh salad and a melt-in-my-mouth filet mignon. It was cooked exactly how I wanted. Just a beautiful piece of meat........did I mention I was on Day 5 of Atkins. I'm only sorry I didn't order two!

Grace wasn't as happy with her meal, both her chicken and her dessert were overdone. Jen said the fish in Fisherman's Platter was good, but her scallops were delicious. Her dessert was also lacking. My Marine didn't say anything specifically, but that plate was completely empty before I finished my filet.

Our waitress was very pleasant and didn't make us feel rushed. I'm pretty sure we were the last to leave, we showed up a few minutes after six and left after ten.

I always love it when my sisters, who are so important to me, get to meet my "imaginary friends". Especially one I love so much.

I thought the funniest part of the night was when he was telling a story about someone who was bothering Mary Ripley, Media Marketing Director at US Naval Institute. Mary is good friends with all of us, but I don't think My Marine realized that she is also an honorary McInnis sister. I already knew the story, but watching both my sisters perk right up in "defense mode" at the mention of someone bothering Mary was funny. I knew he was surprised, but Jen explained, complete with hand gesture and raised eyebrow "Mary's....in the circle.".

Another funny thing was how people who were mentioned popped up in my email and Facebook today. I came home to an email from the Ogre and I thought "How does he know?". Then this morning, our friend Karen Frecker popped up on my Facebook. I told her that we had told My Marine all about her wine tasting a few months ago. We can't wait for her beer tasting in March! And if you ever find yourself in or near Hudson, MA, pop into the Harvest Cafe. Stuffed French Toast......mmmm..

There was lots of good conversation and some of it was contentious. People who read this blog and know My Marine will back me up when I say that he will stick to his point like a pitbull whose jaw is locked onto your ankle. But we were up for it! And the thing of it is, if he argues with you, it's a compliment. He thinks you are up for it. He thinks you're smart and worth arguing with.

There was however, one downside.....................I couldn't go to the ladies room. I couldn't leave them alone at the table to discuss me!!!!!

What Have I DONE!!!!!

2012-01-06T12:36:00.002-05:00

Tonight I am going to dinner with My Marine.........and both my sisters!

If I'm not out here tomorrow, send a rescue team to extract me.

I Don't Want To Hear Another Word About Newt Gingrich's 1st Wife

2012-01-02T20:11:00.007-05:00

UPDATE #2 - This has nothing to do with politics. I am not saying that you should vote for him based on this point I am making.
Also, sadly, it appears that not every state has an exception written into their statutaory rape laws regarding imbalance of power (i.e. teacher/student).
UPDATE - I've been asked about the 17 year old part. Newt was born 06/17/1943 & graduated Baker High School in June, 1961. He was 17 years old his entire senior year.
I knew that most accounts of Newt Gingrich's first marriage portray him in a very poor light.

I knew that people who want a reason to dislike Newt trot this story.

I knew people who want to back Newt are dismayed by this story.

No matter where you are in the political spectrum, what could be worse than to be tarred with "Served his wife with divorce papers in her hospital bed after a cancer treatment!!!!" He is portrayed as the aggressor, she is the victim.

So I knew that it was not as salacious as his enemies made out. I knew that when a marriage breaks up there are stories and exaggerations and hurt feelings. I know that we can never know and how we feel is colored by how we feel about the participants.

However, thanks to Sunday's Boston Globe (it's a pay site, sorry), I now know everything I ever need to know about Jackie Battley Gingrich.

Jackie was his high school geometry teacher. She was/is seven years his senior. She began molesting him while he was a student in her classroom.

Stop. Read that again. "She began molesting him while he was a student in her classroom." That's not how it's written everywhere else I have read it. It's written that he had or started an affair with her.

No.

That's not how it works. A boy does not start an affair with his teacher any more than a girl starts an affair with her teacher. I don't see any difference. I had boys, two sons and two extra. Anyone who says that boys can't be taken advantage of by female teachers is ignorant or lying. Your choice, I could give a shit and I will call you out no matter who you are.

One - Age disparity, seven years difference. When you are 30, seven years is not a big deal. When you are 17, it is.

Two - In loco parentis. All consent laws make an exception for cases where there is a power imbalance. Jackie Battley was his teacher. Therefore, she was his abuser, not his lover.

Ephebophilia describes an adult whose sexual preference is mid-to-late adolescents. Acting on it is a crime. A crime called statutory rape. The gender of each party is immaterial.

And what is the number one characteristic of all child rapists? Manipulation.

So there is not one thing you can tell me about Newt Gingrich's divorce that doesn't come back to Jackie Battley is a manipulative, sick, criminal. As we say here in Charlestown, she is a diddler. And everyone knows that you don't trust diddlers.

Also, if you want to talk about Newt and his fidelity problem, you must frame it in the terms you would apply to any other child molestation survivor.

We are all a product of the experiences that molded us. Tell me an experience that leaves a more indelible mark than having your early romantic/sexual memories be that of your molester/rapist.

A child is never a willing participant in their own rape.

New Year's Presents!

2011-12-31T22:57:00.006-05:00

What a perfect way to kick off the War Of 1812 Bicentennial Commemoration Year! Some beautiful pictures of USS Constitution from John Bohn of John Bohn Photography.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T21:22:00.003-05:00

Contrary Views

2011-12-30T00:04:00.004-05:00

I've been a registered Republican since I turned eighteen and became a voter. While many Democrats don't want to believe it; Republicans run the gamut from moderate to hardcore. And where you fall depends on the viewers perspective. Most people who know me here in Massachusetts find me to be fairly conservative.....it's a blue state. But "flyover country" people find me fairly liberal. And then there is my Dad ("Diane, Miranda isn't necessary if you are innocent, it only helps the guilty.") who found me to be nearly left wing on civil rights.

So I am conservative on military/foreign policy/economic issues and very open on social issues. I only ask that you close the door. If you want to do your own thing, just don't push it in my face.

But I am up for any discussion and I'll consider other views. I am doctrinaire on few things. I think that's why so many #Occupy people would talk to me on Twitter.

I feel this lets me see past a first impression. Others might say it just makes me wishy-washy.

Now most of my conservative friends get very upset about "Citizens Energy" taking oil from Citgo/Venezuala/Chavez. But I think they are missing the big picture. Citizens Energy, for those of you who may not know is a non-profit that supplies home heating oil to those who can't afford it. They've been doing this for 30 years or so. They started of buying oil at the source, selling some to cover the cost of donating the rest. This idea particularly appealed to me. Instead of just asking for money, they were using their smarts to make money and doing good with it. They also accept donations.

In recent years, with oil prices going up and more and more people needing help, they asked oil companies to make direct donations. Citgo said yes. And just like any other charity, Citgo's generosity was acknowledged in their ads.

Did I mention that the president of this organization is Joe Kennedy? He started this before he ran for and served in Congress. Now Joe Kennedy is far to my left. And in my opinion he was not an effective Congressman. But you can't take the success of Citizens Energy away from him.

Some people think that because Hugo Chavez is not a friend of the United States that Citizens Energy should not accept the donation.

Really? I think that's ridiculous. First off, it's not Joe Kennedy's place to refuse it, it's for the families/people in need. So you want Joe Kennedy to make political statements by punishing people who are up against it? My opinion is that anyone who objects isn't thinking this through to it's logical conclusion.

You don't like Hugo. I get that. I don't either. Hugo uses oil money to repress his people and consort with other countries that are not our friends. I know Hugo makes this donation just to zing us. So what?

Are we that childish that people should be cold because you don't like Hugo's foreign policy? How short sighted! Should people be cold because Joe Kennedy is liberal or from a liberal family or he was born wealthy?

People who carp about it are only adding fuel to Hugo's fire. He's laughing every time someone beefs. Because then he gets to say Kennedy asked for help and only he helped. That's a fact.

It's not Joe Kennedy's place to turn away donors when there are little kids sleeping under ten blankets because Dad got laid off.

It's a worthy cause and if you want to donate, follow this link.

Were There Bumps In The Road?

2011-12-25T21:15:00.002-05:00

Sure!

But it all worked out and it was fabulous!

I can only hope that each of you had a Christmas as happy and funny and satisfying as mine.

There was a plan.....isn't there always? My sons, Tom & Frank were supposed to come on the commuter rail. I went online and printed out the Christmas Day schedule, highlighted the times that their trains backs and forth would leave. I knew the train times too and I was going to pick them up at South Station (across for the #Occupy-Less Dewey Square). Foolproof, right?

Then I went out yesterday and got everything for chutney, assembled everything in a bag. that way I could wake up; make chutney; leave it to cool; pick up the boys; pick up
Jen at Grace's (I had her car from the party last night); deliver some of the chutney in their orange shell portions to Walter & Tom around the corner; and be in my seat at 1300 hours.

I got up at 9 and kinda lazed around for a few minutes. My parents called upstairs, knowing that I wanted to be up at 9. My father called my name and I answered. My mother called up "It's ten past!". I called back "Oh no!" and we all laughed. I showered, dressed, made my bed and took my stuff downstairs.

I sat down with parents to give them their gifts and told them this was the first Christmas since 1962 that I had them to myself on Christmas morning. I went out to the kitchen to start chutney at 10 am on the dot. My schedule was rolling right along. No last minute rushing. No stress. I called Walter & Tom and asked them to look out the dining room window. It looks right into our kitchen window. I held up the cranberries and the orange You see chutney is a tradition and I was too blah to get up and do it on Thanksgiving. I told them I'd be over at noon.

I cut the first orange in half and the phone rang. It was my son Tom telling me that the train was leaving at 10:40, not 11:21. I was confused and protested. Then Tom explained (while I pulled it up on the laptop) that I was looking at "Christmas Day Observed" meaning the holiday that the T gives it's workers because Christmas fell on a Sunday. Today was just the plain Sunday schedule.

Fine, I hurried up making chutney, calling Frank trying to wake him so he could make the 10:40. I put the chutney in a box and outside the backdoor. There was no room in the fridge and it was colder outside anyway.

Then it was off to grab Tom, Frank and Jen. Everyone was loaded up and it was back to Charlestown. We were lucky and there was a parking spot right out front, in front of my Dad's car.

Frank and I walked around the corner to deliver the chutney and enjoyed a visit with Walter and Tom. But Frank was quick to remind me as the time got close, that we had to get back. you don't mess with Papa's schedule. Walter & Tom teased him, but he held firm.

So there was everyone, everyone but Grace and her family who do Christmas with her in-laws.

Tons of delicious food and fun conversation. Family and presents and laughs. My Frankie & Jennifer one upping each other, telling crazy stories....my brother's kids laughing so hard they couldn't talk.

My Tommy gave me my favorite candy, Hersheyettes! But since he left first, it was the least he could do. Other plans? Really...that's ridiculous. LOL

My brother and he family packed up an hour later. Jen and Frankie left minutes before Grace and her crew showed up. More presents, more desserts, more stories, more laughing.

After Grace left I cleaned the kitchen and dining room. We had been cleaning off and on all day, so there wasn't a lot. But I swept and vacuumed and cleaned all the counters and the stove. I washed all the tablecloths and napkins and put the kitchen back together.

Once I was completely tuckered out, I came into the living room and fired up the laptop. I flipped through the channels and that's where I found my last Christmas present.

"Rio Bravo" is on AMC "Christmas With the Duke"

A wonderful, happy, satisfying day. I hope you are all as happy as I am.

Sixteen Hours Later

2011-12-24T11:03:00.001-05:00

I'm awake.

Still no cell phone.

I Am About To Slip Into A Coma

2011-12-23T16:58:00.003-05:00

I have just had a super stressful 46 hours.

Add to that the fact that I have only slept 8 hours since Wednesday morning at 7 am.

Normally I sleep 12 to 15 hours a night.

But the matter was successfully resolved. I am going to bed now and sleeping until noon tomorrow.

Oh and I left my cell phone in Plymouth.

Good night.

What I Should Be Doing....

2011-12-21T21:44:00.003-05:00

Instead of eating this Hershey chocolate nugget

Missing Tampa's Pane Rustica

2011-12-17T14:19:00.003-05:00

Doesn't this blueberry tart look luscious? Trust me, it is. In my many trips to Tampa, this is a place that I ALWAYS made sure to drop in on.

Pane Rustica, 3225 South MacDill Avenue Tampa, FL 33629 (813) 902-8828

There is something for everyone there. Pizza, sandwiches, pastry, gelato. I'm not the only one who thinks so.

But I am missing them even more today because I am in the middle of an energy lull and I have to bring a treat to a party. How much easier would it be to jus pick up a couple of these babies. I would be the toast of the party and I could nap.

Why Am I so Drawn To These Zombie Movies?

2011-12-16T23:14:00.002-05:00

It's not just zombie movies actually, it's any post-apocalyptic movie/story.

Right now I am watching the Chiller Original Movie.... (da-da-ta-da-da!). "Remains" It's low rent. A poor man's "Walking Dead". But hey! Walking Dead is gone until February 12th.

Soooooooo....

Don't judge me.

December 16, 1773

2011-12-16T04:39:00.000-05:00

Arguing With The Childish

2011-12-14T18:59:00.002-05:00

Update - Her last last reply before this post was to tell me to stop tweeting her or she'll block me. Since then, she's sent two more tweets. She's mad she didn't get a link in this blog. Seriously? LOL!

♪♫I'm not touching you.....♪♫
********************************************************************

So, I am amusing myself with Twitter and listening to Howie Carr when I get a tweet from a pro-Elizabeth Warren (Democratic candidate for Massachusetts US Senator). In responding, I find to my delight that @ElizabethNewsRTs is a bot that simply favorites anything someone writes about Elizabeth Warren.

I decide to have a little fun with it and tweet some pro-Scott Brown messages.

A person I don't know or follow pops up in my feed. She tweets @ me
"FYI @BostonMaggie @Eliz4Senate will be a competent addition to Senate. What experience did Brown have besides driving a pick~up truck? #p2"

Ok, I'll play. I talk to people with opposing viewpoints all the time. I've said time & again, if I couldn't talk to Democrats and liberals, I would pretty lonely here in Massachusetts.

So, there is some back and forth where she is sarcastic about the truck and tweets 3 times that Scott Brown hasn't driven the truck since the election. Yeah, whatever, who cares.

Then she tells me i need to be more educated about Senator John Kerry. Really? LOL! What don't I know about him? That he's a military fraud? Check. That he's a gigolo? Check. That he is useless in the Senate and has done nothing meaningful? CHECK. That as much as I loathed Ted Kennedy, I will admit he was tops at furnishing constituent services and Kerry is worthless in this area? Check.

Rodiogal also claimed that I insulted Elizabeth Warren by calling her a "carpetbagger". Umm, look it up, I think Warren's pic is right there next to the definition.

So I answer every tweet. And when she finally realizes that she can't bullshit or cow me, she throws out this one -

":D @BostonMaggie Twenty tweets to me? You know, obsessive compulsive disorders can be treated with medication now."

Nice, imagine a conservative taking a shot with a mental health slur? Yeah, I know.

So I point out that I was merely answering her. That she started with me, I didn't seek her out. Then she threatens to block me...........LOL! Block away! No one's going to miss you.

I So Wanted To Go To This!

2011-12-14T12:02:00.004-05:00

Today I am missing

FREDERICK/MONTGOMERY STAR-SPANGLED 200 CONFERENCE

Presented by Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission

I went to the last one and enjoyed myself so much. They sent a Twitpic of the group at Francis Scott Key's monument.

I'm going to mope all day.

Embarking On a Life Of Crime

2011-12-13T16:33:00.003-05:00

Today I was listening to a local newscast when the subject turned to....what else?....#OccupyBoston

Occupy Boston: 'This is a movement of the mind'

"Protesters are hoping the conservancy will allow them to put a Gandhi statue and a plaque commemorating their time at Dewey Square."

Well, I better start saving my pennies now. I am going to rip it down and get arrested. I'll do it every day if I have to....or as often as I am out on parole.

Be sure to throw a few bucks in my canteen, so I have chocolate, thanks.

One Part Of the Plan Worked

2011-12-11T18:26:00.003-05:00

I did sleep crazy late. I missed the Tea Party Reenactment because I was still asleep when it started. My parents were ready to come up and check on me when I finally surfaced after sleeping 15 hours.

Instead I caught a Pearl Harabor themed MIDRATs and now I am listening to Pundit Review Radio break down last night's Iowa Republican Debate.

Boston Tea Party Reenactment

2011-12-11T00:26:00.002-05:00

Tomorrow night.....actually later today....at 4 pm the Old South Meeting House and the Boston Tea Party ship & Museum are celebrating the 236th Anniversary of the boston Tea Party.

You should go!

I am so grateful for a late afternoon/evening event. I am going to sleep crazy late!

Last Batch Of Cookies Out Of The Oven

2011-12-09T23:00:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow is the Kelley Family Christmas party. I've made a batch of chocolate chip cookies and a batch of milk chocolate/coconut/walnut cookies.

I spent the day fighting insurance issues and meeting my new pain clinic doctor.

Every day this week has been "on the run" so to speak. I can't wait for Sunday. I'm not doing anything.

Pearl Harbor Remembered - 70th Anniversary

2011-12-07T21:53:00.001-05:00

Bill Durette of the Charlestown Historical Society Veteran's Project forwarded this info

"In the early morning hours of December 7, 1941, the Japanese suddenly and without warning launched a surprise air attack on the U.S. Naval Base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. After just two hours of bombing, more than 2,400 Americans were dead, 21 ships* had either been sunk or damaged, and more than 188 U.S. aircraft destroyed. The attack at Pearl Harbor so outraged Americans that the U.S. abandoned its policy of isolationism and declared war on Japan the following day officially bringing the United States into World War II.

This one event would go on and affect every family in Charlestown. By wars end practically every family had their sons serving and in many cases fathers, sons and sisters would serve during the war. For this we must remember their sacrifice and appreciate how they fought to bring peace to the World and preserve our way of life.

KNOWN CHARLESTOWN MEN WHO WERE PRESENT DURING THE ATTACK ON PEARL HARBOR

JAMES D GODDING - US MARINE CORPS
ALBERT J LAPRISE - US ARMY, 212 BUNKER HILL STREET
JAMES E FITZPATRICK - US ARMY, 17 MYSTIC STREET
CHESTER R HOWIESON - US ARMY, 145 BUNKER HILL STREET
JOHN J O’BRIEN – US NAVY, 69 TREMONT STREET

Source - Charlestown Veterans History Project

Had Fun & Stayed Out of Jail

2011-12-04T19:52:00.012-05:00

Today the City of Boston held their annual Pearl Harbor Day Commemoration. It's always the first Sunday in December. This year mark's the 70th anniversary. More reason than ever to turn out. I was just a few minutes late running through Faneuil Hall, slipping off my shoes so I didn't make noise sneaking in the back. The Faneuil Hall Armory is an old building with creaky wooden floors. They were just singing the National Anthem and I was in my seat in time to join in. Once everyone was seated I whipped out the laptop, camera and cell phone (muted) so I could Tweet & Facebook the event live.
This is a shot of invited guests on the podium. There were representatives of the American Legion, AMVETS, Boston & Massachusetts Veterans' Services and others who work to make sure our veterans are remembered and taken care of in various ways. CDR Bonner, 72nd in Command and CDR Gillen, 59th in Command were on hand to represent USS Constitution. This is CDR Bonner, US Navy addressing the audience.

The special guest speaker was Donald Tabbut, past Commander of Pearl Harbor Survivors. Read more about Radioman 1st class Tabbut here.
Then it was back to the Charlestown Navy Yard for USS Constitution's Annual Tree Lighting. The flip the switch just after evening colors.
This is the view from the ship when I turned away from the tree. Pretty awesome, huh?

I got to see CDR Bonner again, CMC Rhodes (she is friends with Santa); CDR Gillen; CDR Cooper, his wife Maryellen and their too cute for words daughter in her little pink mittens. Tom Rudden was there in his 1812 Marine Guard uniform for the festivities. I got to meet his wife Teri as well.

Which brings us to loot! The best adventures come with souvenirs. This is a coin from this to commemorate this year's US Marine Corps birthday. Thanks Tom!

I'm home, I'm exhausted. But I got everything done and in an unusual move, I stayed out of trouble. I'm told that there were #OccupyBoston protesters when people who were on time (yeah, I know that's not me) were entering the Faneuil Hall Armory and that's why there were extra cops.

Now had I been on time......there would have been some trouble. I am deeply troubled by the huge lack of respect the Occupy people are continually rubbing in our faces. They claim to want to open a dialogue for all Americans but they just keep irritating people.

So I Rescheduled Spa Sunday....

2011-12-03T23:36:00.002-05:00

....to Saturday.

I spent the day reading (only for pleasure, thank you Stephen King & Cosmo)........

and watching trashy TV, no news, no C-Span.....

and taking car of my nails.....

and a home facial.....

and my favorite body scrub......

and my Dad made chicken soup.......

and tomorrow there's Navy stuff!!!

At 2 pm, CDR Bonner, USN will be speaking at Boston's Pearl Harbor Commemoration

70TH Annual Pearl Harbor Day Services
Veteran's Services Mayor Thomas M. Menino, in conjunction with the American Legion and AMVETS, will be hosting the 70th Annual Pearl Harbor Day Services in historic Faneuil Hall. This event is open to the public. Refreshments will be served following the program. Cost: Free. Sunday, December 4, 2011, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Faneuil Hall Armory, Faneuil Hall Sq Boston, MA 02109.

At 3:30pm they will begin boarding for USS Constitution's Tree Lighting Ceremony. I will be there and I will get to meet Middleboro Jones!

For Those Of You Keeping Score At Home

2011-12-01T22:08:00.005-05:00

I saw Dr. Miller & Kate today. Eight months post transplant, there is no sign of myeloma. I am considered in complete remission.

There is every indication that I should cruise easily to the eighteen month mark and beyond.

But you know that I only look at the short term. So we are just counting on the 18 months.

I am ten weeks out from the one year anniversary of the transplant. The months between the one year anniversary and the eighteen month mark should be mint! And they coincide with the #WarOf1812 stuff.

Sweet!

Sure, I can't get all my drugs. Sure, I have to fight the insurance company. Sure, the meds mess me up sometimes. Sure, I sleep 12 to 15 hours most days.

But still.......SWEET! LOL!

Stuff

2011-12-01T02:26:00.004-05:00

Let's see.....

I went to see "J.Edgar" tonight. Good movie. Free movie pass. Good batch of popcorn. Good night.

I have the newest Stephen King book, 11/22/1963 and I carry it with me everywhere except the bathroom and the dinner table.

I have to grab up my friend Griffin and head down to the USS Constitution Museum to make an ornament for Sunday. Everyone who stops by the Museum can make one (10am to 5 pm every day until Christmas Eve). They will put it up, or you can show up Sunday put it on the holiday tree aboard the ship yourself.

Sunday, December 4th, I'll be aboard Old Ironsides for the lighting of the tree just after evening colors at 1612 (4:12 pm) and the arrival of ..... wait, I am not supposed to say. Let's just call him a very special guest you don't want to miss.. It's supposed to be sunny and high 40s on Sunday. Come on down.

The Herald ran an article on the two month anniversary of #OccupyBoston and I was totally pissed to see that the #Occupy people are taking credit for Bank of America backing down on that debit card fee. What blowhards. You know I stood at the corner of Pearl and Bunker earlier this evening.....I think it caused the bus to come there.

Yeah, it's the middle of the night.....they are playing with my meds and I am a little off kilter.

One of the problems is a drug I am having a hard time obtaining. See if this makes any sense. This particular drug, which I won't name, is manufactured by Shire, Teva and Barr Pharmaceuticals. But it's on back order everywhere. What my doctor and I are being told by separate pharmacy sources is that the FDA allows for the manufacture of a certain quantity in a calendar year. Supposedly come January we will be awash in this drug. This is the dopiest thing I have ever heard. But CVS has been telling me since October that they can't get it. Last month, the small pharmacy near my oncologist didn't have it & sent me to the hospital's main pharmacy.

Now yesterday, the main hospital pharmacy had no generic and said Blue Cross wouldn't pay for brand name.

Or "bran" as the pharmacy tech with poor diction said. "Blue Cross won't pay for bran." I asked "Bran?" She repeated it. "Bran? Like cereal?" She stared at me. "B as in bravo; R as in romeo; A as in alpha; N as in November?" She nods and says "D.".

Good. Lord.

At that point I had already been in the building for two and half hours. I had already had to explain that Blue Cross would fill another prescription because it was a change in dosage. I had to instruct them on how to call Blue Cross to get the override. As with their billing department, I am stunned at the lack of knowledge and overwhelming inefficiency in the main pharmacy. It's not just me, I hear them talking to other patients. Just making declaritive statements like "It's not covered" with no explaination. I can't imagine if I had just said stuff like that to people in my old job.

I knew that Blue Cross would cover the "bran" if the generic was unavailable, but I had had my fill of them at that point. I left.

This morning I called Blue Cross. Five minutes. Done. Now I just have to go back and make sure they have some "bran" left for me. And that the copay doesn't croak me. The generic version is already my highest copay. I'm sure the "bran" copay is worse.

So.....how crazy do I sound? You see taking this drug as I have for the last several months and then abruptly stopping is bad. "Prolonged use of "XXX" followed by an abrupt cessation can result in extreme fatigue, insomnia, irritability, and mental depression."

Pissa. I'm a junkie.

Bag of Bones

2011-11-27T21:36:00.006-05:00

So, while I was counting down the nonseconds to #WalkingDead, my mother was watching a "Criminal Minds" repeat. A commercial came on for the movie version of Stephen King's book "Bag of Bones".

I remember reading this book and what a pleasure it was. It was one of two books I took on vacation with me to Dubai, years ago.
I read "Bag of Bones" & Dennis Lehane's "Shutter Island" while lounging by the rooftop pool pictured here. I whiled away delicious days in the sun with Coke in glass bottles. I was catered to by the pool guys who guarded me against sun stroke.

It's like a dream now, but it was a spectacular vacation.

I Made It Out Into The Sun

2011-11-26T17:42:00.002-05:00

I walked up to the Monument and picked a nice bench on the southwest side. I relaxed in the last of the sun and finished off the murder mystery I was reading.

The Pull Of Indian Summer

2011-11-26T13:00:00.002-05:00

(Was that politically incorrect? You know I don't care, I was just wondering.)

I've pushed the envelope with my stamina this past week. So today was scheduled to be "Nothing Day".

I have fulfilled the first requirement of a "Nothing Day" and slept twelve hours. It's 1300 and I haven't showered or dressed yet.

But it's warm and sunny here in Boston. It seems a sin to waste it.

On the other hand, I won't make it far.

One of the drawbacks of our yard is that it is only sunny for a few hours, early in the morning. If I were in Rocky Nook, there is always a way to sit comfortably in a sunny spot. There are places in Charlestown.....but the time & effort it would take kinda defeat the purpose of a "Nothing Day".

If I am going to bother packing up and heading out, shouldn't I go to the gym? Walk over the North Washington Street Bridge to the North End?

Tough decisions.

It's Not Like I Don't Know Better

2011-11-25T16:58:00.002-05:00

I got off the Blue Line and I was thinking "I should just walk home."

But no, I walked through Faneuil Hall and picked up some chicken pad thai and took the 93.

The pad thai leaked on my pant leg when the bus driver had to jam on the brakes - thanks random jaywalker!

Now I am home and I feel a little guilty over not exercising today.

Otherwise, I got stuff done. As I have pretty much all week, which is why I haven't posted much this week.

Adding Fire To Rutherford Ave Flames

2011-11-21T12:49:00.005-05:00

I certainly hope Elizabeth Levin's remark was taken out of context.

"There's nothing more important than this project in...making a difference for neighborhood and making a difference for the city,’’ said Elizabeth Levin, speaking as a Charlestown resident, not in her capacity as a member of the board that oversees the state Department of Transportation. “And yet we don’t seem to be able to take that opportunity . . . because, for some reason, the change makes people nervous."

This is from an article in today's Boston Globe regarding the ongoing plans to redesign Rutherford Ave & Sullivan Square.

Change doesn't make us nervous Ms. Levin, the City "helping" us makes us nervous. As stated further in the article -

"Many skeptics have long memories, recalling past instances when government claimed to know best for the people of Charlestown: busing, urban renewal, construction of the towering, and lead-painted Tobin Bridge."

It's not a "Townie vs Yuppie" battle as Dante Remos of The Boston Globe states on Twitter. It's another skirmish in the long Charlestown vs City Hall and/or some State or Federal entity battle. And if some newcomer is not as skeptical of City Hall help....the should do more research.

The Townies who are battling the current redesign plan are not fighting against "leafy boulevards". That idea is laughable on it's face. We are not trying to fight improvement. We are saying if the plan is not well thought out, it will diminish the quality of life in the rest of Charlestown.

You know, a starvation diet and a new dress will make you look thin, but it will also destroy your health. Let's not "pretty up" what is most definitely an eyesore at the expense of what we now enjoy.

New Spam Email

2011-11-21T12:21:00.002-05:00

I just deleted an email purportedly from "FBI Washington Dc" with the subject line "Re: We found your name in our list".

I had to laugh. My mother has long said, in worried tones, "I bet you have an FBI file!". One day she said it to my father and he replied "Of course she does." and walked from the room.

So if the FBI was actually sending out such emails, my reply would be "Of course you did! And not just any list, the A List!"

UC Davis

2011-11-21T12:00:00.002-05:00

I am quick to point out when the #Occupy people do something wrong or stupid. So let me be clear on the other side.

The actions of the campus police at UC Davis in this video are WRONG.

What they did was inexcusable. The baloney about commissions and investigations offered by Chancellor Katehi is complete nonsense.

The police and police-like entities have pepper spray for their defense. This was not how it was used in this instance.

The Chancellor should be removed, nevermind all this malarkey of asking for her resignation. The head of campus police and those officers who used the pepper spray should also be gone immediately.

Peaceful protest is indeed to be protected and this was clearly that. It doesn't matter what happened before the clip began, in the moment, the campus police are in no danger. Any talk of what happened before the clip begins, or happened earlier in the day or the day before doesn't matter. What matters is the fact that in a moment that the protesters were sitting on the ground, arms linked, they were not in an offensive posture.

We have seen time and again, professional police departments....for example Boston....keep their cool under far more pressure. US Davis campus police clearly have a problem.

The Irony Is Killing Me!

2011-11-19T19:59:00.002-05:00

Well, for once, #OccupyBoston is providing me with entertainment. Right now, November 19, 2011 they are running a live transcipt of their #GA (General Assembly) meeting.

The current discussion is about replacing worn, deteriorated tarps.

You can read it yourself here

They have or want an "Aesthetics Task Force". They are arguing the attractiveness of blue vs brown tarps.

Don't they hear themselves????

They have appropriated this lovely park - which is named for a Naval hero - and trashed it. They've turned it into their own little slice of the Third World complete with Smell-O-Rama.

But they are worried about the fact that the thicker, warmer brown tarps might be bad. You see, as CQ points out "Are you aware that brown was the unfortunate color of the fascist movement?"

Seriously? If you are worried about the "aesthetics" of Dewey Square - THEN GET OUT & TAKE YOUR SHIT WITH YOU!

Or leave it, I don't care, we'll clean it up, just get out.

Seeing what the have done in Dewey Square upsets me as a Bostonian and as a fan of naval history. Dewey Square was planned and commemorated in honor of Admiral of the Navy, George Dewey, USN.

US Navy Blue Angels in Boston Today At Noon

2011-11-17T09:58:00.004-05:00

Navy’s Blue Angels to fly over Boston on Thursday
Boston, MA--Two aircraft from the Blue Angels, the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, will conduct two to three flights over Boston Harbor on Thursday beginning at approximately 12:30 p.m. This will be a routine flight, approved by the FAA and the City of Boston, intended to familiarize Blue Angel pilots with the local area before they perform during the Boston Navy Week War of 1812 bicentennial celebration over the July Fourth holiday next summer. This commemoration takes place in conjunction with Boston Harborfest.

Considered America’s second war of independence, the War of 1812 was the first time our young nation was threatened on our own soil. We demonstrated to the world that, in the face of impossible odds, the United States was up to the challenge of defending our independence and our economy. This is a challenge we continue to live up to today.

In commemorating the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the Star Spangled Banner, the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard will honor these legacies, and remind American citizens that freedom of the seas and the free flow of commerce remain as critical to our country today as they were 200 years ago.

There will be celebrations around the country with signature events in Boston, New York, Baltimore, Norfolk, Va., New Orleans, Chicago, and Cleveland, and smaller events in other cities.

###

For more information about the Blue Angels visit: http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/

For more information about the Navy’s War of 1812 bicentennial commemoration visit:
http://ourflagwasstillthere.org/index.htm

A Book From Me To You

2011-11-17T08:13:00.006-05:00

If you'd like it.

"The Encyclopedia of Angels" by Rosemary Ellen Guiley

I accidently bought two copies, six months apart. The first one was a gift. I forgot I bought it and bought it again. By the time I realized it.....it was too late to return it.

I just did the same thing with the new Stephen King book. But it was a pre-order, so they both came at once and I am sending one back.

So anyone who wants it....drop me a line.

Today Was Better

2011-11-16T18:13:00.003-05:00

Of course, it had to be, the US Navy told me it would be!

But there are new meds and I think I'm pretty high. Still and all, things got done.

Tomorrow at 2:30 pm - "DoDLive Bloggers Roundtable: Bicentennial of The War of 1812"

Huzzah!

Today Was Awful

2011-11-15T23:15:00.002-05:00

Just really sucky.

And to top it off my hat from the Ripley Race doesn't fit.

I was supposed to be searching my room for my bank card and the van keys and something of Frankie's. I was emptying every bag, every shelf. I pulled the hat out of my travel bag, it's not like I've needed it around here, it was 70 today. I pulled it on and it slid right back off my head

I went downstairs to beef to my parents. I showed my mother and she said "Hey, Big-Head, did you find the stuff you were looking for?"

No one wallows in sympathy around Muriel.

Also, thanks to Grace for being Grace. And thanks to My Marine for my new skill set.

Vid From 11/6/11 Ripley Race

2011-11-14T12:43:00.004-05:00

Ripley Race 2011 from Caitlin Kellagher on Vimeo.

Thanks to Caitlin for posting this.

Last Sunday, November 6th many runners, volunteers, walkers, organizers and little kids got together to honor Col. John Ripley. Col. Ripley was a Marine, a Navy Cross recipient and a Wounded Warrior.

We honored Col. Ripley by raising funds for Wounded Warriors via the Semper Fi Fund.

Many veterans, civilians and active duty military participated as well as Wounded Warriors. That brings us full circle, which is a beautiful thing, isn't it?

If you didn't get a chance to participate this year, it's ok. I will soon be telling you the date for Ripley Race 2012.

Pahty, Pahty, Pahty!

2011-11-13T22:34:00.002-05:00

Saturday we had a Girl's Night for Jen's birthday. Today was a family party for Tommy's 30th on November 4th and Jen's birthday yesterday.

Food, family and laughs.

Tonight I capped it off with fresh chocolate chip cookies - thanks Dad - and Walking Dead.

Tomorrow I hope to get a good foot under me. There are lots of things to do. I want things in order before my next trip.

December 14, 2011 - Frederick/Montgomery Star-Spangled 200 Conference

I've got a month to get my ducks on a row.

I Need Someone To Yell At Me....

2011-11-12T12:34:00.003-05:00

....and get my ass in gear.

Jen's 1st birthday party is tonight. Today is her actual birthday (Happy Birthday, Jen) and we are having a Girl's Night/Bruins party tonight at Grace's house. Tomorrow is a family party. It will be a joint Tommy/Jennifer birthday since their birthdays are close.

Last night I made cupcakes and brownies (with and without nuts) and prepped some appetizers.

Today I have to finish and go to Grace's to setup stuff with Debbie. I have to pop over to Lyndells in Ball Square for almond discs, Jen's favorite cookie.

But I am emailing and commenting and blogging.

CWTT Fundraising Kick-Off

2011-11-11T11:52:00.000-05:00

So what are YOU doing this Veteran's Day? Do you want to honor the day in a meaningful way? My good friends Blake & Bob explain how you can do that in the video.
You can click on the link in the side bar or follow this one to get information on donating/sponsoring Cook with the Troops.

November 10th

2011-11-10T23:19:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday USMC! Go read what My Marine posted.

12 Hours Sleep and A Shower Later....

2011-11-09T22:24:00.004-05:00

The ride back from Annapolis was AWFUL! Next time Mary tells me to wait until morning....for the love of God make me listen.

The rental car was due back Tuesday at 6 pm. The original plan was to leave Annapolis Tuesday morning. But Monday, when I was enjoying my leisurely, warm day, I changed the plan to leaving after dinner. I don't mind driving at night and there is less traffic and I would get some stuff done with my son Tom......blah, blah, blah.

So I hit the road at 2145/9:45pm. Full tank of gas ... snacks ... water ... clear weather....

I made great time up to the Maryland/Delaware border when I realized I had much less cash on my than I had previously thought. Normally, I would have used my bank card, cursed the extra fee for using it in the rest area ATM and moved on. After all I had a regular credit card for gas and stuff. But I had left the ATM card in Boston. If I had left in daylight/business hours, I could have gone to a bank branch and made a withdrawal. But it was nearly midnight. I could turn around and tap, tap, tap on Mary's door a little after 0100/1 am....yeah, not with a gun to my head. The credit card has a PIN number for cash withdrawals....but that number was at home and it's not like I could call my parents and ask for it.

Fine, I have maps and the car had a compass, I would just drive non-toll roads. I just needed to avoid the New Jersey Turnpike ($9.10) and the George Washington Bridge ($12.00) and something coming up on the Delaware border.

That was going just fine, in fact it was pleasant to drive through the Pennsylvania farm country under a nearly full moon. But at 3 am or thereabouts I stopped for gas as I always do when I hit the half tank point.

Credit Authorization Denied.

WHAT?

I couldn't get through to the credit card offices. Fine I kept driving. I figured worst case I would pull over when I was within 50 miles of empty and wait until I could go to a bank.

I tried again at a gas station at 4am. That denial said to call credit card issuer. I did and got through. It was a "security block". The customer service agent said "Ma'am, there are charges from multiple states." I told her that was me driving. I answered 7 security questions and they released the card.

Whew!

So I at the road again and made it back to Massachusetts with $6.00 in my pocket.

At that point, sleeping would have messed me up. So I did things, stayed awake, returned the car and then went to bed.

But everything drove me crazy, I was so on edge from lack of sleep and stress. Do you know the Salvation Army has bellringers out already? I don't care how bad the eonomy is, it's wrong for them to be out before the Christmas Season!

The woman who lives up the street was behind me on High Street when I signalled to turn down Elm. There was a car backing out of Elm, so I had to wait. The woman behind me almost hit me. After the car parked I moved forward a foot and a pedestrian stepped out into the crosswalk. The woman behind me beeped her horn. I put my hand out the window and pointed my index finger back in her direction, like I was scolding someone and said "STOP!". If I could have focused my angry eyes on her, I think she would have been vaporized on the spot.

Then when we get to our section of Elm, we both pull in to what is a wide open section of resident parking. She calls out "You should be careful, the meter maids are out this time of day" in this cheery tone, like we're buds. You see, once I was out of the car she realized who I was. The rental car had New Jersey plates, so she thought I was an outsider when we were at the corner of High and Elm. If I didn't think my mother would have beat me with a wooden spoon I would have told her to shut up. But my mother WOULD HAVE KILLED ME. So I just said "Yeah, I'm just dropping something off". I was just dumping my luggage before returning the rental.

I told my mother I had to play the MegaMillions. She said "Why?" I reminded her that whenever we told Mama Kelley about bad luck days, she said "Play the lottery, you're due for some good luck." LOL! I didn't work.

Lesson Learned - I put a $20 in the suitcase pouch with the maps. Now I'm all set.

I Apologize To Badge #69999

2011-11-08T19:18:00.002-05:00

Today the MBTA called me about the incident on the Route 93 bus. The rude and uncaring driver was substituting for the scheduled driver, operator #69999.

I don't know Operator #69999 and I wrongly accused him.

The starter at Sullivan Square who gave me that number was reading it off the schedule. That day Operator #69999 was supposed to be driving the #93 (Sullivan to Downtown via Bunker Hill Street), but he wasn't.

The person from the T didn't volunteer the correct number. But they were clear that Operator #69999 was not involved.

I was wrong and I asked that they relay my apology.

Otherwise, the story is still correct and there is an ongoing investigation.

Loot From the Ripley Race!

2011-11-07T13:10:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was a win all around. I was up early enough to be there for the Ripley Race, not just on time....but early! (Somebody pick up My Marine off of the floor.)

Mary and I arrived and promptly split up. She was participating, I was looking for a job. I registered and said "I'm not running, do you have something for me to do?" with that I was motioned behind the sign-up table and got to work.

Here's my shirt, cap, Semper Fi Fund newsletter, (losing) raffle tickets and my official number "857". My race number looks pristine, doesn't it?

Brant Alexander who was visiting from Chicago was the overall/Men's winner. Brianna Stewart, a sixteen year old from St. Mary's High School was the Women's 1st place finisher....for the 2nd year in a row!
Then there was the Semper Fi Team - After the race, it was off to Fado's for raffles and revelry and hanging with my USNI friends.

Later in the day, I needed to nap. My Marine asked if I didn't mean "pass out".....seriously, I can't get away with anything.
Here is an article and slide show from the Capitol about the Ripley Race.

The article highlights the more than one thousand participants and the race organizers and the Ripley family. They congratulate everyone who helped in raising more than $87,000 for this great cause. It's the third year and every year is better than the last.

But one great thing I don't want anyone to miss out on is the serendipity of this event. (I don't think I've ever blogged this word and I hope I have it right). Col Ripley was all the things the article highlights. A Marine, a hero, a recipient of the Navy Cross.

But Col. Ripley was also a Wounded Warrior. His injuries from Vietnam led to his death in 2008. So yesterday, the participants included civilians, Naval Academy midshipmen, active duty military, veterans and Wounded Warriors ran and walked in honor of a Wounded Warrior, to raise funds to help fellow Wounded Warriors.

And it was a beautiful thing.

In Annapolis, Ready For the Ripley Race!

2011-11-05T20:24:00.002-05:00

Going to bed soon. I'm wicked happy about "falling back" tonight. I'm not worried about smoke detector batteries......Mary will have to take care of that.

So we'll be up and at 'em early so we are ready for the 9 am start of the Ripley Race.

No, I am not running. Silly.

If you are in or around Annapolis, stop by, cheer on the runners.

From their website -

Established in 2009, the Ripley Race is a 5K road race to raise awareness and support for our men and women returning home from war. In just three years, we’ve raised more than $20,000 for returning veterans.

The Ripley Race is powered by the Cincinnatus Fund , a 501 (c) 3 that serves returning veterans where the system stops. This often means providing wounded soldiers with prosthetics and other tools that help them reprise a healthy, active life.

With nearly 1,000 runners, the 2010 Ripley Race raised $10,000 for the Semper Fi Fund and had tremendous support from the military community and their families. This year, we’re aiming higher. Join us by signing up for the race or making a tax-deductible donation to the cause.

I Have So Much To Do!

2011-11-05T09:10:00.002-05:00

And so much to blog about...but it will have to wait. I'm driving to Annapolis. So I will write later about the fabulous "LT William Bush Breakfast" at the USS Constitution Museum. My effed up sleep schedule. Going out with Jen and her gang last night.

For now just focus on The Ripley Race. It's tomorrow. Go/donate/support it any way you can.

....And Litter

2011-11-03T21:24:00.002-05:00

Iwalked over the the Cambridgeside Galleria and on the way home, I passed this.Some Ron-Paulians was apparently standing on one of the traffic islands near Community College - which is a high traffic area.

"Dedicated to PEACE"....and litter.

"First Blood: The Minutemen of '61" From Old South Meeting House

2011-11-03T15:35:00.005-05:00

Today, thanks to the efforts of the Old South Meeting House & Boston National Historical Park Ranger Dan Gagnon, I learned more about the Civil War....my weakest subject.

Dan told us of the 6th Massachusetts Volunteer Militia who were sent south in response to the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter April 12 through the 14 of 1861. Massachusetts was able to send troops immediately because they were so well prepared. As Dan put it, they were the Minutemen of their day.

On April 19, 1861 the 6th Massachusetts arrived in Baltimore to hostile crowds.

There was no direct railway to DC at the time. You had to go to Baltimore and then the train cars were pulled through the streets by horse from President Sreet Station to Camden Station...which just that fact had me saying "Hmmmm...".

The crowds blocked their passage, so the Militia got out and started walking in formation and things got really ugly.
Corporal Sumner Henry Needham who died in the riot is regarded by some as the first Union casualty of the American Civil War. There is some question though because he and three others were killed by civilians in a Union state.

Great job OSMHBoston & Dan Gagnon.

Ever Lust After A Muscle Car?

2011-11-02T14:47:00.002-05:00

Ripley Race will Auction a 1970 Dodge Super Bee

November 2, 2011
Attention car enthusiasts. Due to a generous donation from Mr. Jeff Kimbell, Ripley Race will be auctioning a 1970 Dodge SuperBee! The SuperBee has plenty of modifications and an investment by the owner of more than $45,000. The reserve limit has been set for $25,000, and 100% of the proceeds go to the RipleyRace! You get a classic muscle car that has been restored, and 100% of your purchase goes to support wounded veterans. The car will be on display in the parking lot at Fleet Feet Sports Annapolis from 10:00-4:00pm during Saturday packet pick up and also at the race and post-party held at Fado's.
About the 1970 Dodge Super Bee
Originally, the Super Bee series was a more powerful version of its close cousin - the Dodge Coronet. However, this particular Super Bee boasts a few angry additions worthy of mention. "King Bee" has a 440 block that has been stroked to 451 cubic inches, dual quads (Holley’s), 4 speed pistol grip transmission, 391 gear, custom exhaust/headers and high performance tires. It is street legal and runs on regular/pump gas, however, quarter mile track times in the 12 second range are certainly possible with slicks. Bottom line - this is not a car for children or the timid.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Good Again Today....My Reward....

2011-11-01T15:56:00.003-05:00

Eclectic meets Eccentric: Harvest's Taste
In France, South West means good food! Harvest Café, Bacon's Wine and Spirits have joined forces with Wine Traditions and Hangtime Wines to bring you a sampling of wines from the South West of France paired with Harvest's legendary small plates. The South West of France is one of the oldest and most diverse wine regions in France. We love food and wine diversity at Harvest Café and will share these regionally influenced small plates and traditional wines. The one thing that most French wines have in common, it is that most styles have developed as wines meant to accompany food. At Harvest we have always felt that Good Food and Good Wine make the best experiences.So Join us: Tuesday, November 1st at 7pm. Harvest Cafe, 40 Washington Street, Hudson. Six Wines, Six Plates $50 including tax (not including gratuity). Seating is limited. Reservations required by Friday, October 28th. (call Harvest with credit card) Tel: 978-567-0948. s and Wines from Southwest France ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So I went to the gym for an hour, walked 2.3 miles.....snuck in the Starbucks Vanilla Chai.....

Even though I don't drink wine, I'm up for regionally influenced small plates!

Now let's see "Eclectic"....."Eccentric"....of these two elements, which do you suppose I bring to the table?

Check Marks On The WHOLE List!

2011-10-31T17:35:00.002-05:00

Every day is a list. I do some. I do none. But today - I did all!!!! Dry cleaning; gym membership; drug store; library; UPS store; supermarket. Venti vanilla chai tea latte was my reward. I walked around the North End and not through it.....so no pastries were consumed during this adventure. A mile and half is pretty good for me.

Happy Halloween, so far we have had just a single Trick-or-Treater. It's not like the Nook.

Oh well, I've taken the Nyquil and I am going to pass out now.

Reprinted With Much Love

2011-10-30T14:18:00.002-05:00

Red Journalism: Michael Yon’s Medevac of Righteousness Failure; the Golden Hour of Truth.

An Open letter to Micheal Yon.

Somewhere near FOB Gabe, Iraq in 2005 there was an action, which resulted in two casualties, Truth and Justice. Immediately a 9-line was called in as Truth and Justice were quickly bleeding out. There is a “Golden Hour of Truth”, which, as defined by Don Freed, is a period of time immediately following an incident when events should be put to paper, as they are freshest in the mind and will give the greatest most accurate accounting of an event. Everyone with a background in reporting information, from policemen to journalists know this, that’s why the Medevac of Righteousness is always on stand-by.This particular Medevac of Righteousness mission was given to the pilot, Michael Yon, who received it with great enthusiasm. But something went horribly wrong. Somewhere between his bunk and the pilot’s seat, he forgot about the mission. Truth and Justice kept calling for evacuation, but something more important seemed to be afoot.

Countless deployments and 6 ½ years later, while gabbing with some old friends in the DFAC, an old faded memory began nagging at the fringes of Michael’s memory. My God! It was the call from Truth and Justice! He grabbed his gear, and headed to the bird.

After flying to the site posthaste, he landed and began a frantic search. He found the remains of truth, he thought. Maybe. He couldn’t really tell because Truth was so badly decomposed. All that were left were some bones. But maybe they weren’t even bones…maybe petrified wood. Who knows. A search of the area for Justice met with negative results. It seemed person(s) unknown had taken him away. Justice is officially listed as MIA.

How could this happen? A person that makes a living as a professional reporter of information gets a scoop on a war atrocity, does not follow-up on reporting the crime to authorities, and does not write a dispatch about this huge gross criminal act and the following cover-up? Can one professional reporter be so inept? Or could it be something else? One could look at said reporter as having participated in the cover-up because he wanted to protect his “Brothers”, a group which up until recently he did not seem to have a problem with publicly associating himself.

Michael, open up and tell us what really happened. Who did you notify? Why did you not follow-up? Why did you not report this atrocity if the first officials did nothing? Do you feel you could have done more? Do you think this could be viewed as a lack of intestinal fortitude to do the right thing…or maybe things didn’t exactly happen the way you said? Being on the receiving end of line of questioning like this is uncomfortable, no?

I hope we do find out what happened so we can get Justice back, but maybe when we do, Justice will point to a villain no one is expecting.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I am reposting this from the Professional Soldiers Forum with love and respect for exposing Michael Yon for the self-absorbed, narcissistic, bastard he is.

You see, Michael Yon talkks a lot of shite on his Facebook page. Then he deletes comments that don't agree with him. But don't worry about only getting one side of the disccussion. You can meander on over to the PS Forum and see where Yon was an asshat and got called on it. You can see all of it because Yon can't delete or manipulate that forum.

I am more proud than ever that I, Princess Crabby, the Empress of La Moata, she who has no equal, Princesa Malhumorada, Maggie has been "Banned By Michael Yon"

Just Finished Sunday Dinner

2011-10-30T14:08:00.001-05:00

I didn't make it.

I had to fight to clean up some of it.

It was delish.

You people wish you lived with my parents.

Where Is the Damn Snow?

2011-10-30T11:04:00.003-05:00

Last night, the French toast Alert was up and I made the decision to return the rental car early. It was due back today at noon. I thought "Why deal with this?"

So first, I forget to gas it up and pay more than top dollar to the car rental place.

Then, I open my eyes this morning to.......NOTHING! No snow, no storm, bright sunshine.

Argghhh!!!

Then at breakfast I was chastised for going outside last night and telling some party-goers under my window to pipe down.

I'm staying in my room.

I Just Paid $5.32 For A Gallon Of Gas

2011-10-29T20:35:00.002-05:00

My head cold is killing me and the rain is scheduled to turn to snow. So I made a snap decision to return the rental car early. It's due Sunday at 11:00 am. But I wanted it done with.

The whole drive over to Eastie I had the feeling I was forgetting something.....

I was.....

I forgot to gas it up at one of the million places I passed selling gas for $3.69 or $3.79.

When you don't fill the tank, car rental companies charge you a higher price.

My own fault.

As Kathy would say "Repeatan usedes.......Ammadick...Ammadick....Ammadick"

Shhhh! It's Nearly 2 AM

2011-10-29T00:54:00.003-05:00

Ok, today was a total "here-we-come-on-the-run-with-a-burger-on-a-bun" day.

Up early to hang with Griffin, we went to Zume's Coffee House for hot chocolate & cookies.

Saw Spankie Frankie for all of three minutes, but apparently I am "the best mom ever". Sounds good.

Home to do some actual real-life business.

Stopped at Cake in Milton on Eliot Street. I had a Group-on and it was about to expire. I needed something to bring when we went to Cara's....Voila! OMG! Loved them!

Down to hang with Jen at East Bay before we went to a Tupperware party. Yeah, that's right, Tupperware. We are diverse. Seriously it was a chance to hang with Cara, our friend Chris' wife who we never see. And the bonus was Kevin's wife was there too.

I just didn't get enough Rocky Nook time this summer.

Then I drove home, but had a serious hankering for Beachmont Roast Beef. While I was waiting for my order (they are open until 2 am, but cash only) I realized that it's not such a big deal to get there anymore. When I lived in Rocky Nook, it was a pain to go over the bridge or through the tunnel. But now that I am mostly on the T.....Beachmont is tucked under...Beachmont Station!!! LOL!

Then I came back through the Sumner tunnel so I could take a spin around Dewey Square and see the #OccupyBoston-cicles. It was 37 degrees when I drove by. I gave myself a giggle because I was paying such attention to them that I followed the pickup truck in front of me right up onto the plaza. Pay no attention to the woman banging the "Uey" on Dewey Square.

I'm Home....I'm Unpacked...

2011-10-27T20:41:00.000-05:00

...my laundry is done.....

When's my next trip?

#OWS Comparisons That Irritate Me

2011-10-25T18:21:00.002-05:00

First we have people who tell us that

"The Occupy Wall Street protests are explicitly inspired by, and modeled on, the Tahrir Square protests in Egypt"

Now Stacey Hessler says

"Military people leave their families all the time, so why should I feel bad?” a defiant Hessler said. “I’m fighting for a better world."

Get a grip! You are not fighting a war. you are not risking your life for a cause. You are not being shot at. The government is not suppressing your right to free speech.

As a matter of fact, mayors and government officials are bending over backwards for you. People are bringing you food and clothes.

You are not at war. You are at a Boy Scout Jamboree. You are staying up all night and eating marshmallows even though you know your mom would disapprove.

Get over yourself.

Bicentennial Commission Visits Naval Academy Museum - Video - WBAL Baltimore

2011-10-25T14:24:00.000-05:00

This is video from part of our tour/conference yesterday. I am in the crowd at the bottom of the steps as the piece begins.

My Marine viewed it and said "You look so......civilized" LOL!Bicentennial Commission Visits Naval Academy Museum - Video - WBAL Baltimore

Well! That Hasn't Happened In A Bit.

2011-10-25T13:36:00.003-05:00

I just slept 14 hours...through breakfast.....through lunch plans.....through wandering around Annapolis.

Just this past spring that was an every day occurrence.

Then every other day.

Then just a few times a week.

You get the drift. But I think it's been two weeks since that happened. Mind you, I'm not saying the rest of the time I'm getting along with 6 or 8 hours, lol.

Anyway, I am still at Mary's house. which is awesome by the way. It's this mix of Mary and her parents and family. My house was a little like this, but Mary's is pulled together like a designer did it. But like mine, you know most of these object have a story attached. I don't need to know the stories - although I do know some - to be comfortable and comforted.

So now, I am packed and can leave at my leisure, it's time to blog about yesterday and revise plans and see if I can't move lunch to dinner.

I'll be back here in less than two weeks for The Ripley Race - don't even by silly enough to ask if I am running. I'd be thrilled if you came - to run or cheer on the runners - and donated.

I'll be posing for pics and autographing body parts! How can you resist?

USS Constitution Turn Around

2011-10-24T22:41:00.005-05:00

Last Friday Old Ironsides took a spin around the Harbor to celebrate the anniversary of her launching. J. Michael Rodriguez took these pics and tweeted them

This one above is my favorite.

You can follow him on Twitter @JMR_Boston

I Am the 2%

2011-10-24T20:14:00.003-05:00

Mary showed me this and I howled laughing. I got this from Reddit. Go over there and give it a thumbs up.

Apologies For Being A Day Late - 23 OCT 1983

2011-10-24T07:21:00.002-05:00

Beirut: In Memoriam
Posted By Laughing_Wolf • [October 24, 2011]

*******
23 October 1983; A Blast that Still Echoes

*****************
October 23, 1983

I'm Off!

2011-10-23T11:34:00.002-05:00

I am hitting the road to Annapolis.

No blogging.

No Facebooking.

Minimal tweeting from the phone and even then, unless you DM me, I can't see what anyone else writes.

It's a #WarOf1812 road trip - yea for me.

In the meanwhile be entertained by my friends B5; Sal & the guys (& DeltaBravo) on the porch; my fellow Denizennes at the Castle; and everyone at USNI.

Miss me!

Lack Of Passion?????

2011-10-22T21:57:00.002-05:00

Whiskey
Tango
Foxtrot

As Kevin from Heaven used to opine "MuthraGawd!"

If there is one thing I have never heard from a man in my life - it's that I lacked passion.

I think someone should call the doctor - My Marine must have bumped his head.

"Welcome Back!"

2011-10-22T18:43:00.005-05:00

We're at Grace's watching the Bruins game. She made us a fabulous dinner of fish & asparagus. Debbie made snacks; brownies.......cookies.....salsa....nachos.....nuts...

Boone's Farm Wine???? Seriously Deb? She claims it's good. I don't drink wine, but I know this is wrong. She wanted neon blue, but she had to settle for wild cherry and some berry thing.

Grace, Jen and I were working on the ornaments for the Kelley Family Christmas Party. Deb came over with her glass of wild cherry. It smelled just like cough syrup. I took a sip, guess what it tasted like? Yup, cough syrup. So now we are relaxing, watching the Bruins, talking during the commercials. The conversation meandered about and touched on a family we know where the two children were not good to their father. Jen said she didn't like them. I started to defend them. Jen was yelling at me. Then I said that it was harder for me because I knew them and liked them before.

Jen yelled at me, "You are looking at this through rose colored glasses!"

I started to remember the actual circumstances - how I had tried to intervene. How I couldn't understand how they didn't see how poorly things were going to go if they continued with their plan.

I looked at Jen and said "I remember how I offered to help. I begged them not to do it. I forgot that. Guess I was blocking."

Jen says "Welcome back!"

I Am Beside Myself

2011-10-20T22:16:00.004-05:00

I just watched Channel 7 WHDH in Boston. They were interviewing Mary Rizzo. She was crying. I started crying.

The Rizzo are genuinely nice people that I have had interactions with for years. Eliot played soccer with Frankie; Nick played with my bosses' son Mark; Mike coached Frankie in soccer; and I would hang with Mary on the soccer field sidelines.. I didn't know Jonathan, but everyone who did loved him.

The Rizzo's lives were irreparably harmed when serial killer Gary Lee Sampson murdered their eldest son Jonathan. Sampson confessed to Jonathan's killing and the killing of others. He received the death penalty. Jonathan's parents set up a successful Memorial Foundation in his memory and tried to live their lives.

Now ten years later Judge Mark Wolf has thrown out his death penalty.

Three jurors gave "incorrect answers" on their questionnaires. There is no question of guilt. There is no exculpatory evidence. There is no crucial DNA. Sampson confessed.

Now ten years later, Judge Wolf hits the family with this?

What. The. Fuck.

If there is a new trial, it will begin in December. Merry Christmas.

Hey MBTA Badge Number 69999!

2011-10-20T18:46:00.004-05:00

Correction - Today, November 8th, the MBTA called to say Operator #69999 was scheduled to drive this bus, but someone else substituted at last minute. So Operator #69999 was not the person who was rude and uncaring in this incident.
I apologize.
That's right jackass, I got the number despite the fact that when asked, you gave a different four digit number. You ticked me off enough that I took the bus back to Sullivan Square and asked the starter. I also called in to the T and filed phone complaint with Carlos.

And now, it's time for your lesson in Social Media 101: "You never know who is sitting on your bus."

A late start on errands today - is anyone surprised? I left the house around 4:30 pm. When I got to the Route 93 bus stop aka "The Bunka Bus", I checked the schedule. A bus had left Sullivan Square at 4:30pm and would be cresting the top of Bunker Hill in a moment. Lucky for me.

I got on and sat in the first forward facing seat on the door side. There was a woman in the middle of the side facing seats in front of me. She was two seats from the door. She had a cane. I didn't notice anything past the that. I sent my Frankie a text message at 4:37 pm and then just gazed out the window.

Someone rang the buzzer for the next stop. The bus stopped at Medford Street and North Washington, the first stop after the North Washington Street Bridge. the woman in front of me slid forward in her seat like she was going to get up but she didn't. She was facing the driver and she was getting agitated. A different woman walked up the aisle, got off the bus and the doors closed.

As the driver pulled away from the curb, the woman with the cane asked "Was that Medford? Where is Medford?" The driver replied "I told you before I didn't know where Medford was"

I was just listening because I was confused, there is a Medford Street in Charlestown, but the 93 bus doesn't connect with that at all. Besides, now we were in the North End.

The woman with the cane, who I would come to find out was named Andrea, said "I told you it was the first stop after the bridge."

Operator who was substituting for #69999 replied "Well I stopped and you didn't get off."

Andrea "You didn't tell me"

Operator who was substituting for #69999 "Was I supposed to pick you up and carry you off?"

Now let's pause for a moment - I am know for hyperbole, exaggeration, etc. But I promise you, the above is a direct quote.

Another woman began speaking to the driver as well, telling him he shouldn't be talking to her that way. Andrea meanwhile is getting very agitated because it turns out she has two canes and one is WHITE. I, with my lack of situational awareness, just then realize, Andrea has one cane because of physical disabilities and a white one because she has a 90% vision loss.

I told the driver "You might not have known where Medford St was, but you certainly knew which was the first stop after the bridge."

The bus driver replied with some nonsense about how he had to pay attention to driving the bus.

An important note here - at no time was the bus driver upset, remorseful or angry. He was dismissive. He smirked the entire time.

I hit the button for the next stop which would leave us off in front of City Hall. I leaned forward and put my hand on Andrea's arm and told her "Don't worry, we will get off at the next stop and I will take you back."

The other woman said she was going to call and complain, I said I was too but I was waiting for his number to scroll by on the bus marquee. The driver called out a number over his shoulder - and it wasn't "69999". So on top of everything else.....he lied. This paragraph is wrong, on November 8th, the MBTA called and said it was not Operator #69999, but a last minute substitute.

Surprise!

After we got off the bus, Andrea and I crossed Congress Street to the Haymarket T Station and got on the 93 heading back toward the bridge. I asked her where on Medford Street she was going and she replied that she was headed to Endicott Street, Medford Street was just the closest T stop. So I took her down Thatcher to Endicott and escorted her right to her front door.

After I ran my errands, I was back on the 93 to go home. Different driver. But I was kicking myself that I couldn't remember the other driver's number. I was so peeved, it just slipped my mind. After all, the important part was getting this woman where she needed to go, not getting out paper and pencil to take notes.

But, it was a warm night and it wasn't late, the buses were still running fairly frequently..........so I stayed on the bus all the way to Sullivan Square and spoke to the starter.

I told him that I had been on the 4:30 pm Route 93 bus and I wanted the driver's number. He joked "Operator number, right?" I smiled and said yes. I told him I needed to be sure it was the right guy. I said he was Caucasian, young, good looking, facial hair and wearing a knit cap. The Starter said "So in other words, he looked like me?" We laughed and I said "Yes, except for the knit cap, he was good looking, just like you."

So that's how I know who you are T bus operator #69999. correction - it wasn't #69999, but a substitute driver.

I told the starter my story.

I called into the T's main line and told Carlos my story.

I really hope some of my fellow passengers call in. I think that woman who said she was going to cal will follow through, she was really steamed.

But for now Operator #69999 welcome to Blogger..........and Facebook..........and Twitter.

I'm Like A Two Year Old - Why? Why? Why?

2011-10-18T22:04:00.006-05:00

By coincidence I walked over two bridges today that gave me some insight into questions I would come to ask later this evening.

I bought something at Radio Shack for my Dad, it wasn't right and needed to be returned. So I walked through Thompson Square, over the Prison Point (Gilmore) Bridge, crossed McGrath Highway and over a little bridge that spans the Lechmere Canal. The Galleria Mall is right on the other side. It's just over a mile, very pleasant, sunny, warm.....but you can feel fall right underneath it, know what I mean?

Anyhow, this evening I attended a meeting if the Charlestown Neighhood Council down at the Knights.

Now everything from here forward is my opinion and my understanding of the situation. It's not reporting, I could have some stuff wrong. It was my first meeting on this subject and there have been many others.

It was hosted by the Real Estate Project Development and Transportation subcommittees of the CNC and the guests were representatives from Boston Transportation Department (BTD). Also in attendance were planners and subcontractors who are trying to come up with solutions to traffic problems in Charlestown. In particular, Sullivan Square, Rutherford Ave and Austin St/Prison Point Bridge.

I'll be posting more about this and attending all future meetings when possible. But for now let me posit an answer to one of the many "Why?s" that came up for me and others.

The BTD plans suggest that Rutherford Ave become a total surface road. Right now there are two underpasses. The BTD plan fills in those tunnels.

There is my first "Why?". We were told that less than a quarter of the current traffic travels through the underpasses. That if we fill them in, these vehicles will be forced to the surface. So....why add any cars? Even if it is a small percentage?

We were told that it would allow for shorter pedestrian crossings. Right now crossing from
Austin Street to the Prison Point Bridge/Community College buildings and T station runs about 200 or so feet. Now remember - I just made this trek today. It will be shortened approximately 100 or so feet to about 90 feet. Also, there will be better sidewalks and Rutherford Avenue will be a boulevard with green space, trees and parking spaces.

Ok, my next "Why?" - why is that a fair trade? You add all those cars/trucks from the underpass to the surface congestion to get a shorter crosswalk and some trees? One woman called out "Quality of life" when I was questioning this. Listen, if Cancer Girl here can make it across from Austin Street to the Bridge side.....almost anyone can.

The real answer came out from another question - What costs the City of Boston less - closing the underpasses or leaving them open? Closing them is cheaper.....I'm sorry....more cost effective.

Ahhhh, I see.

After the meeting I spoke informally to some of the other attendees. Their "Why?s" included "Who cares about multiple crosswalks that take us to the industrialized side of Rutherford Avenue? Who cares about parking spaces along Rutherford Avenue?"

Here is where my afternoon trip came in.
This picture is the Lechmere Canal Park from the overpass near the Cambridgeside Galleria.
This is about the midway point of the Prison Point/Gilmore Bridge about a quarter mile north of the first picture.

When I was young the top picture and the whole of the 2nd picture was a mess. All industrial and bleak and weedy. But now development, landscaped public spaces, new condos and office space have crept from the Charles River north toward Charlestown.

Can you see the chain link fence separating the landscaped area from the wild area? That wild industrial area stretches to Rutherford Avenue.

Now, why would you want Rutherford Avenue to be an attractive boulevard connected to Charlestown as opposed to the highway-esque scar that cuts this wild area off from Charlestown, one of the hottest residential neighborhoods in the city?

I'm not against development. Go ahead, build condos and office space and create jobs and landscape your way all the way from that chain link fence to the other side of Rutherford Ave.

But........

Don't pretend it's for us. Don't pretend there isn't lots of benefit to the City (more development/bigger tax base).

And don't try to do it on the cheap - keeping the underpasses costs more, but it is a bigger benefit to the Town.

Saturday From The Rose Kennedy Greenway

2011-10-17T16:42:00.007-05:00

So, you have seen all the pics in the papers and on TV and on Howie Carr's page of #OccupyBoston on the rose Fitzgerald Greenway. But they are only on part of the Greenway. For those who don't know what the Greenway is, it's this public space that came about when they put the Expressway underground. The elevated highway that used to put this area in shadow all day was named after Rose's father, "Honey Fitz". And rose's son, Ted secured most of the pork to fund "The Big Dig", so I guess I am ok with the name, lol.

Anyway, I had been tweeting about #OccupyBoston. Some of their Twitter supporters said that couldn't talk about it if I didn't go myself. So Friday night and Saturday morning I did - two separate visits mind you......Princess Crabby doesn't camp.

I have no good pics from Friday night despite the fact that I used the flash, it was just the cell phone and not the camera. Plus it was raining and everything was blurry. By raining, I mean that at times it was like standing under a waterfall. I saw filth and garbage and ruined plantings. There were people dancing under a tarp and playing music and chewing up all the grass. There was every kind of tent and shanty. And there was a 3rd world stench. They are going to be lucky if no one gets cholera or malaria.

Saturday morning I walked from Aquarium on the Blue Line to South Station for the Red Line.

This is how it looks Little parks, all different but connected between traffic intersections.
A world of difference from when I was a little girl. Just lovely.
And at the last intersection, just before crossing Congress Street to where the #OccupyBoston encampment is, I found this guy -
"We honor those who serve" I introduced myself and asked why he was there. He said he wasn't there to pick a fight. But that the story of some from the #OccupyBoston camp verbally and physically assaulting a uniformed member of the Coast Guard has moved him to act. He said he was there in solidarity with her.
The first thing I did was send it to Blackfive because I knew he would get it online much faster than I could - I really need to get a fancy-schmancy phone.

My Problem With #OccupyMath

2011-10-16T22:12:00.002-05:00

I've got lots of problems with #Occupy & #OccupyBoston. I've written, tweeted & FB'd about it before. But my biggest problem is with their audacity to say they speak for me.

I am not super rich, so I am not the 1%.

Therefore, I am in the other 99%. #Occupy says they represent the 99%. That's pretty damn ballsy.

Hey #Occupy, you speak for yourself and your supporters. Fini.

Your mindless whining and complaining should be no reflection on me.

Also, My Marine was MIA for the season premiere of #WalkingDead......so I am pouting.

#WalkingDead Is Back Tonight!

2011-10-16T14:41:00.003-05:00

I almost forgot.

See a clip here.

Now I have to speed up my pace from glacial to just slow.

And the dinner decision has become a focus.....no red sauce.....no rare meat. What to do?

Sleepy Sunday Is Going Just As Planned

2011-10-16T12:35:00.003-05:00

The plan for today is chugging along just fine folks. I slept until noon, put on sweats and started laundry. I "swiffered" the hard wood floor and soon I will vacuum.

But my pace is glacial. I stopped to Tweet. Gotta keep up with my #USNavy; #WarOf1812; #Charlestown and other fav topics.

I've been on the go so much lately that it seems, I dump things in this room and can't find them again. I have to update my "go bag".

I stayed up last night for The Military Channel's "Officer and a Movie". It was "PT 109" with the first CO of the USS Samuel B Roberts, FFG58. Captain Paul X. Rinn is an important figure in modern Naval History. I'm guessing it was scheduled this was because the Navy's 236th birthday was this past Thursday. I went to bed before it ended.....but I think I know what happened.

Ok, back to napping and laundry.

Leave suggestions for dinner please

Watch Out! I'm Having An Insta-lange!

2011-10-15T23:07:00.004-05:00

Right now - midnight - I am the top post on BlackFive.

Holy Moly!

Attention - I love it!

Let's Celebrate!

2011-10-15T14:31:00.002-05:00

My laptop is fully functional again.

I have numbers -
1234567890

I have symbols -
!@#$%^&*()

Thanks to Curt Middlebrook (The Computer Whisperer) who told me what to do step-by-step and emailed me the link to purchase the new keyboard and Steve, the Therap-Ease IT guy who installed it for me.

I'm so happy!!!!

OK, So You Know #OccupyBoston Is Making Me Crazy

2011-10-14T18:20:00.002-05:00

You don't need to read the post to know that, huh?

They are allegedly fighting corruption by doing illegal things. Yeah, that makes sense.

They are trying to garner followers by aggravating the very people the purport to represent.

First off, I'm peeved they have no permits, etc., the way any other group would need to have. They are cowing local pols - yeah, I mean you Menino - and blatantly disobeying city regs.

Next, they tie up traffic on North Washington Street bridge and make a commute that is already miserable, more so. You know, for the working people they supposedly represent.

Then they try to expand into other areas, refuse to move, bait police and cry when they get arrested. All forms of stupidity irritate me. You dared them to arrest you....they did....shut up.

How can you make it worse? Well you can cause the cancellation of the Greenway Mobile Food Fest. You know, with my friend TSO's fav food truck, Roxy's Grilled Cheese. I was gonna saunter on over there....it's supposed to be sunny tomorrow, and the Greenway just had all new plantings done. And now it's wrecked by people crying about their student loan debt.

But now, I'm really mad.

"'Occupy Boston' Protesters Spit on Coast Guard"

When I first heard the story on Twitter, it was a rumor and I waited. Then the local Fox affiliate reported it. So I started Tweeting about it.

Then opponents of FoxNews - FauxNews as they call it - and Occupy Boston backers said "No real news outlet is reporting it.

Fine says I..... I can get my own confirmation. So I emailed the PAO over in the North End. This was the reply.

Ms. Miller,

The assault did occur. We do not have an active statement. The Coast Guard member filed a report today with Boston Police Department and we have the utmost confidence in how they handle the situation. I hope this answers any questions you may have.

Best,
Petty Officer 3rd Class Luke Clayton

Still some on Twitter protest that it's not proof. For pity's sake! Take off your tinfoil hat. The Coast Guard has no dog in this fight. Read Admiral Neptun - who I have met - would not let this blossom into a news story if he didn't believe the Coastie involved.

I also told the doubters that I am certainly going to put more stock into the word of a uniformed member of the Coast Guard than I am in the protestations of the lawbreakers on the Rose Kennedy Greenway.

Every Day Something Fun!

2011-10-12T21:59:00.005-05:00

Monday Jen, Grace and I went down to the Newport Octoberfest. We were invited by my friend Mike, his lovely wife Paulette. It was also my first chance to meet their daughters.

What fun. Schnitzel, spray on tattoos - mine fooled Frankie for a minute or two - cupcakes......but no strudel!

How does that work???? I am going to file a complaint with the International Commission of Octoberfests.

When I got back to the cottage it was time to Tweet the PBS showing of the "War of 1812". Did you see it? It was great. I saw the sneak peek a few weeks ago and got more out of it the second time.

I can tell you, I fell into bed that night.

Tuesday was my Dr. Miller check-up and finally.....finally.....a white blood cell count in the NORMAL RANGE - 6,300! I celebrated with a venti, vanilla chai tea latte from Starbucks.

I couldn't decide about dinner, so Frankie and I had ziti, meatballs, chicken parm, meat ravioli, garlic bread and garlic broccoli with mozzarella. I was in a carb coma.

Today I had a gift certificate for a facial at an Aveda Salon and it was fabulous! Thank you Val at Tropez Salon in Natick.

Then I took myself to the movies with one of my AMC passes. I saw "50/50". I know, you are thinking "Maggie, why would you do that?" But it was really good and I am all the more grateful than ever for my fabulous support system.

Lastly, it was a visit to my favorite and longtime hairdresser. We went brown, dark brown. It looks so strange to me. I have had white hair for so long. It kinda looks like a hat. But I know that's just me. It's a fabulous dye job. If someone who hasn't seen me in the last ten months saw me, they would only notice my hair was very short. But I am getting there too, one half inch per month.

The parking gods smiled upon me and just as I pulled down the street a great big spot opened up in front of where my Aunt Helen lived when I was young.

Now I am off to bed because I have to get up early to go hang with my pal, Griffen and play with Matchbox cars.

Genevieve Says Papa Shouldn't Be.....

2011-10-10T00:24:00.002-05:00

.....funding our deviant behavior.

Saturday night Grace, Jen, Deb and I went to Maxwell's Pub in Ogunquit. We picked it because it was just down the street from our motel. the plan was to have a few drinks and watch the Bruins.

Before we ordered I announced I had forty dollars and a credit card. Grace said she had forty. Deb tried to tell us what she had and we just laughed. Jen said she had forty and our father's credit card. She was supposed to pick something up for him, so she had it on her.

So we get Nicole, our waitress to change one of the many TVs to the Bruins - all the others were on football games. We order drinks and appetizers.

After a bit they start setting up for karaoke right next to us. We get Nicole to move us and change another TV for us.

We had a GREAT time.

At one point I walked outside to talk to My Marine, who was not having nearly as much fun. During the conversation I noticed a candy shop across the street. My mother had mentioned earlier she would have liked a piece of fudge - seaside vacations do that to her I guess. So after I hung up, I went across the street and grabbed some fudge and other things.

So now I didn't have forty dollars.

I drank, don't tell my oncologist. I'm not saying it was a lot, but I was keeping up.

When the bill came, it was steep. So I reached in my pocket for the credit card.

It wasn't there, I had my driver's license..........

We were cracking up laughing, but we had no choice - out came Dad's credit card.

Fast forward to today at his and Debbie's joint birthday party. I came up to him with the money and he waved it away. I tried to explain that we had used his card. He said he knew that and to put the money away.

Genevieve, who couldn't attend "Girl's Weekend" due to other committments piped up -

"Papa you shouldn't be funding their deviant behavior"

Who's a little green with envy, Gen?

Thanks Dad.

Being Forced To Tip

2011-10-09T23:56:00.003-05:00

Some restaurants have a policy where they add in a tip for big parties.

This morning we had breakfast at The Wild Blueberry Restaurant in Ogunquit Maine.

The food was excellent, the service was sub par. I was baffled, didn't this guy care about his tip?

Um, no, he just knew his TWENTY PERCENT tip was secure.

I am a good tipper, so are Grace, Jennifer and our mother. This automatic tip business usually backfires with us, since in most circumstances we would give more than what is forced upon us. However, today that was not the case.

I complained to the owner but she just kept repeating he was her best waiter and everyone loved him.

So what, I didn't. I was forced to tip for good service and I didn't receive it.

After our food was delivered and it was awesome, we didn't see him again until he delivered the check. We wanted more napkins, cream and water.....but that was our loss.

So if you go to the place, I recommend that you try the french toast with blueberries.....and only bring four friends, not five. That way the waiter will have to work for his tip and he may well pay attention to you.

Ever Thought About Being a Bone Marrow Donor?

2011-10-09T08:59:00.003-05:00

Years ago, long before I was diagnosed, I registered my bone marrow. Now of course, it doesn't matter if I match a dozen people.....no one wants my myeloma filled marrow.

My transplant was an "auto", meaning they took my own myeloma and used it after high dose chemo. But some people can't do "auto", they are "allo"s. They need matches. And sometimes those matches are hard to find.

But tomorrow there will be a drive to register down in Connecticut.

This email is from someone in my support group -
A Young Mother in Our Community is in Need of a Match.

Is the "needle in a haystack" among us at Yale? Help us find out on Monday, October 10th at Slifka Center.

A member of our community - an alumna of the Yale School of Public Health, the spouse of a Yale graduate student, a leader in our Jewish community, and mother of a nine-month-old baby - is searching for a bone marrow transplant match. And Slifka Center is rallying Yale's Jewish Community to help find him or her.

Working with Gift of Life, a nationwide public bone marrow matching organization, we have the opportunity to register 500 potential donors immediately to help her search for a transplant needed in her battle againstacute myelogenous leukemia (AML). It all starts with finding a match.

Please donate: The laboratory fee required for processing each registration is $54, but we have arranged with Gift of Life that up to 500 registrations will be processed immediately without waiting for the fees. We promised Gift of Life that we would ask our community to support this incredible effort with a donation. Please visit Bone Marrow Registration Drive to make a gift of any amount today. 100% of the proceeds from these gifts will go directly to Gift of Life.

Thank you for your compassion.

Grace Is Ranting

2011-10-08T17:20:00.002-05:00

We're in Ogunquit at the Seaview Motel. It's on the trolley line, but service is a little sporadic. The six of us; Grace, Jen; Debbie; my Mum; Ruth and myself had a delicious lunch at the Front Porch right in the center.

We had tons of laughs walking through the shops and reading the funny mugs and plaques. Lots of lobster and moose jokes.

The weather is just gorgeous. Of course, no fall foliage yet...I think there was too much rain this summer.

Jen called from the beach and asked if I could pick her and Ruth up. The trolley wasn't coming on schedule and they had bags.

Grace and my mother was in the deck watching me drive away. Two people were walking to the trolley stop to go into town, so I offered them a lift. Very nice couple visiting from England.

Grace saw me.

She is still yelling at me.

New Email Scam

2011-10-06T19:20:00.002-05:00

I wouldn't have even opened this except that I drove through New York last Saturday. And I was speeding, lol. Anyway, I was no where near New York in July, so......

But, it was quite well done. I couldn't copy the background, but it was good. No misspellings, etc. If I had been in New York around that day, I might have clicked on the attachment to dispute it.

New York State — Department of Motor Vehicles
UNIFORM TRAFFIC TICKET (ID:11317),
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POLICE AGENCY
NEW YORK STATE POLICE
Local Police Code 727
THE PERSON DESCRIBED ABOVE IS CHARGED AS FOLLOWS

Time: 7:25 AM
Date of Offense: 07/02/2011
IN VIOLATION OF NYS V AND T LAW

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

031 Description of Violation

SPEED OVER 55 ZONE

TO PLEAD, PRINT OUT THE ENCLOSED TICKET AND SEND IT TO TOWN COURT, CHATAM HALL., PO BOX 117

Took Myself To The Movies Last Night

2011-10-05T12:43:00.003-05:00

I have made a huge mistake in this post....I meant to say that I am my SECOND favorite movie date. My apologies and I shall make every effort to be more accurate in the future.

I was down on the South Shore, so I decided to take myself out to the movies. I am my own favorite movie date.....I buy myself popcorn....I never talk....I'm open to a wide variety of movies.

So last night was "The Guard", an Irish comedy with Brendan Gleeson and Don Cheadle. Accents were thick, but I made it through.

I like watching movies at Plimoth Cinema. It isn't expensive, just ten dollars - eight if you spring for the Club Card. Plus they pop fresh popcorn just before each showing.

I'm a fan because it's somewhere nice and clean to see indie or foreign films.

Think She Was Saving For This Trip For Long?

2011-10-02T19:23:00.003-05:00

Look, you know I am nutty and that crazy things peeve me. So I am not going to pretend this is all that reasonable to anyone but me.

On my way home to Charlestown, I slowed and entered the lane for paying the toll on the Mystic River Bridge. It's three bucks....way better than the twelve on the George Washington Bridge in New York.

It's a toll. It's a toll bridge. Big signs "Last Exit Before Toll"; "Slow-Pay Toll"; "Have Toll Ready".

I try to have exact change, but I always make sure I have something, right?

There are four or five cars in front of me. Each stops, pays, moves on. But not the woman right in front of me in a Mercedes. Nothing is happening.

Then an arm comes out with a bill.

Then the arm comes out and deposits change into the toll takers hand.

Then more change.

I am incensed - insert the exclamation point that my keyboard still can't type.

There is still a pause while she realizes her right hand turn signal is on and she shuts it off.

I get up to the tollbooth, the toll taker looks like a Townie or a mick from Southie or Dorchester.

I said "Think she was saving for this trip for long?"

He replies "Yeah, I know. Some people have no consideration."

After my quick, efficient transaction, I easily catch the Mercedes and pass her. She was on her cell phone.

Gee lady, sorry our toll caused any interruption to your driving/talking on your cell phone.

Well, It Seems....

2011-10-02T10:53:00.002-05:00

....that chocolate therapy was not enough. I know, that seems ridiculous, doesn't it? But sometimes we need more.

No, not for me. But someone close to me is upset, so yesterday, I spent time with them.

We ate chocolate, talked and got stomach aches.

Today, we will move on to weepy movies, I think.

Truth Time...

2011-09-30T07:26:00.002-05:00

Well, some truth.

Someone has hurt me. Let me down. I didn't want to see it. I have foolishly internalized it.

And I have suffered where I shouldn't have. And others close to me have suffered needlessly.

I know many of you have seen my recent absences as "cancer/transplant/recovery" related. In truth, they have not been. They have been stress related.

Although most people in my life and in my "blog/online" life have come shining through for me during my battle, not everyone has. One person couldn't bear up under the pressure. One person couldn't take my increased emotional neediness. One person couldn't handle my emotional turbulence.

This person promised to see me through this no matter what.

But..........

This person got........as they put it.........tired.

I couldn't/wouldn't see it.

It was too distressing to think I had put so much faith in this person's love for me and was so terribly, terribly wrong.

There is a recurring theme in my Multiple Myeloma email group - and I supposes it is in all cancer email groups - about people who can't deal with you. Spouses, lovers, friends who can't take some aspect of the battle. And it is a battle. I have shied away from that term because to me it seemed disrespectful to people in the military. But I've changed my mind. Anyway, when I first read those emails from fellow cancer patients about their experiences of loss, I thought "That won't be me." But since the transplant, I have just deleted them without reading them. It was hitting too close.

I felt this person pull away. And I made one excuse after another. Excuses for their stress and their fear and the added burden of my nuttiness.

And believe me, I have been nutty.

I have gone from a self-assured, carefree person to a person I really don't like sometimes.

And I fight it. And I know I will come out the other side.

And that process begins today. I am letting go. I am acknowledging that this person is not who I thought. This person was selfish and cowardly. It's hard to do after eight years of believing otherwise.

But I need to focus on other things. Other things including myself. I have been so stressed about this. I haven't been able to sleep or focus. It's overwhelmed other parts of my life.

No more. This isn't my fault. This wasn't my choice.

Sorry

2011-09-29T20:42:00.002-05:00

I know it's like I fell of the face of the Earth!

Between staying at the cottage and now, being in Virginia, life has been chaotic to say the least.

Things are good and I am getting stuff done. More blogging soon, I promise.

Actually, I came upon an unexpected opportunity tonight. My ex's daughter has a school field trip coming up to meet USS Indianapolis survivors. I was floored and begged to come along. We have to check dates, but if there's any way to make it happen, I am going!

What an incredible opportunity.

Also, Curt is helping with my odd laptop problem.....the numbers 1,2,3,4,7,8,9,o and their associated symbols are not working (I am on the hotel computer right now). Do you know how hard it is to do ANYTHING with just the 5 & 6????

I have been keeping up on Twitter.....if you missed me, maybe you should have a Twitter account...I'm just saying. I was making a point out there the other night and said that even though I was a Republican, I was socially liberal. I friend sent me a text after seeing that and said that was like describing Patton as "mildly aggressive". I'm not sure how to take that, lol!

So this computer doesn't have (or I can't figure out) the capability to open multiple windows. So there are no links, etc.

OK, off to do other things, but I will be good from now on....promise.