You May Want Some Cheese With This

I have no one to blame but myself, but I sure do wish I had someone else to blame.

I am so messed up.  Somehow I missed my morning medication on Thursday.  Which meant I laid around, got nothing done and followed that with something like 20 hours of sleep. 

Then I was so groggy I forgot Friday's meds......slept more.....and forgot Saturdays.

I took them when I woke today....but that was 3pm.

Now it's 11:30 and I am going to have to force myself to sleep.

When I am awake, I am fighting with the laptop.  I love this laptop.  It has accompanied on so many adventures.  It was a gift from a good, good friend, Mary and her brothers.  It was my constant companion during chemo, the transplant and the recovery.  About a year ago, Mary asked if I still used it.  I replied that it slept on the other pillow in my bed, like a lover.  LOL!

But little things have been going wrong.  The battery won't hold a charge despite changing the battery and the charger.  And I got a virus, and after cleaning it, there was damage.  It's hijacked my search capability and I've lost files and Flash.

Don't get me wrong, I won't give up, and if I fix it, it will still be useful plugged into the wall......but the time for a new portable device is in the near future.

Speaking of new things, I finally broke down and got a Kindle.  Holy crap!  What was I waiting for.  I paid $50 for a refurbished device with an Amazon Local deal. Very happy.

So, I'm off to bed.  My Dad is on alert to remind me about the morning meds.

Last Minute Change-Up

My Battleship plans have been shifting as if made on sand.  I've been looking forward to watching the US Navy save the world from aliens.

First I was going with my brother Frankie and my nephews on Tuesday.  Frankie backed out.

Fine! (that's my bratty answer when my plans are thwarted)

So I headed downtown for the 5:30 show Wednesday.  But...I got a little distracted, buying blueberries and stopping to tweet about the guy proselytizing at the top of his lungs in Downtown Crossing.  So I got there a few minutes late.  But that was fine because it was showing every hour.  So I was checking out the other movies to see what I could fit in before a later Battleship showing.  I noticed a line queued against the far wall.  I asked the ticket sellers - there was no one in line for the two registers - "What's going on?"  They had no idea.  Which was weird.  They weren't selling tickets for it, they didn't know what the movie was about or when it started.

So I walked up to the head of the line and asked.  It was a free preview of "For Greater Glory, the True Story of Christiada".  They offered me a ticket and I got in line.  It was starting at 7pm with seating to begin at 6pm.  Someone in the line said the film was a little under two hours.  The closest Battleship showing was 8:45pm.  I figured with all the previews, I could probably make it.  So I got that ticket too.

I was seated a few minutes after six and pulled out my latest read "Guns, Germs and Steel".

The movie was awesome.  It's about a time in the last century when the Mexican government tried to outlaw religion.  There were clashes between the government forces and Catholics fighting for religious freedom.  I was so moved.  And of course, as a Catholic, I felt it on another level.  Really good movie, two thumbs up.

One tiny, itsy-bitsy beef.  President Calvin Coolidge.  Bruce McGill?  Bad fit.  Distracting for this history nerd.

But.......it wasn't under two hours.....it was two hours and seventeen minutes!  So they refunded my Battleship ticket and I try again Tuesday.

My Life Is An O'Henry Story

UPDATE:  As My Marine just pointed out - It's O. Henry.  I want an O'Henry....desperately.  No, everyone is not Irish, they just wish they were.

The Internet connection is fabulous.  The laptop has a virus.

Hero Squares

Today I attended the dedication of two "Hero Squares" in Charlestown.  The first was at the corner of Belmont and Bunker Hill Streets.  It was dedicated to 2nd Lt George R Meehan who enlisted from a home two doors up from his corner.  Lt Meehan was a member of the 1st Infantry Division who was mortally wounded on October 5th 1918 in France during WWI.

The picture above was poached from the Twitter feed of Danielle V Fitzgerald (@dvallefitz), a Townie & Mayor Menino's neighborhood liaison to Charlestown.

The second "Hero Square" was dedicated on the corner of Pearl and Bunker Hill Streets in honor of PFC Philip J Foley who was killed in WWII during the Battle of the Bulge. Philip was born on July 17^th 1916 and lived on School, Cross and Pearl Streets in Charlestown. He was the son of Edward and Helen Foley and was one of three brothers that served in WWII. During the war Philip was a paratrooper with the 82^nd Airborne Division, “The All American Division.”

 

In the picture below a certificate commemorating the event was presented to Pfc Philip Foley's family.

In this picture the Foley family posed with Bill Durette, the Military Historian for the Charlestown Historical Society.  Bill, in addition to doing all the research on Charlestown's military history, is a WWII renenactor. He is also responsible for all the information I have just blogged and three of the four pics on this post.

The next opening of the Charlestown Veterans History Project Exhibit Hall at 20 City Square will take place on Saturday May 26th between 1:00PM – 4:00PM to commemorate Memorial Day. Several new exhibits will be on display. Persons are invited to come down and register any Veteran who came from Charlestown who served in WWI, WWII and Korea. thanks to Bill Durette of Charlestown Veterans History Project.

How Happy Am I?

THIS HAPPY!!!!!

My parents have finally consented, after nineteen, long, expensive months.......

TO LET ME GET THE INTERNET!!!!

The most delicious feeling coursed through my body at the words "You are now connected to the network.  Signal strength: Excellent"

I Know What My Marine Is Going To Say....

... but seriously!

While waiting for my train back to Boston, I popped in the Union Station "WOMEN"s room.  From inside my stall I heard men's voices.  What the...

I heard a surprised woman's voice "This is the ladies.  The men's is on the other side."  They laughed at her and said that was too far.  Then they entered stalls.

I came out of my stall and saw the woman.  She wasn't coming all the way in.  She stayed by the entrance.  I asked "Are there men in here?" She replied in the affirmative.

I went out and saw two men standing near the corridor.  I asked them to flag down the police officer near the seating area.  They said "What?  Police?" a couple of times.  I didn't get it immediately.

Then the two assclowns came out of the "Women"s room and I saw all four were together. 

I reprimanded the two who were in the ladies room and ......  They.  Gave. Me.  Lip. "What?  Is your ass cleaner than ours?" one asked as he walked toward me.  I think I was supposed to be intimidated and back up.

Please.

I walked right at him.

 I said "Don't talk back.  You were wrong and ignorant.  And you are picking the wrong fight, jackass!"  I began to walk towards the police officer.  One told me to "Chill."  I told him to call his mother and tell her what a CREDIT he was.

There were three others guys from a cleaning crew.  One must have said something because the four stopped. spoke to him and stayed near him even when the cleaning guy backed up.

I walked up to the police officer and gave my complaint.  I pointed toward the group.  "Now they are hassling your cleaning crew."

Then I walked off toward a seat.  After the police officer spoke with them, they headed for the furthest gate.  I don't know if it was the police officer's suggestion or if they had just had enough of the crazy woman.  Either way it was a good idea.  The bag on my shoulder had two pair of high heels.....one to chuck at each of their heads.

I'm Here....

at the hotel. 

Everything went great until the Amtrak people made me walk and walk.  But it was fine, because just when I couldn't step another step......a Marine met me at Ballston and carried my bag to the hotel.

The pool at the Arlington Gateway is closed until 4 pm.  Boo!

I'm tired and hungry and I can't make a decision.

BTW, the endocrinologist just called.  The methimazole is working.  So my hair will stop falling out.

On balance, it's a good day.

Tonight will be the Milbloggies.  I am nominated, but didn't really pimp it.  I want Pundit Review radio to win.

Same with the Donovan.  We're hoping his category goes to Lex.

As Alannis Says.....

At 6:35 am I will board a plane and head down to the 2012 MilBlog Conference.

You may say "But Maggie, you rarely blog.  And of the few posts, not many are related to the military."

Yeah, yeah, yeah.  As I told The Donovan during the 1st Milblog "I'm here for the pahties!"

Besides, I have to go handle that Blackfive guy.  He's forcing people to tweet about how "dead sexy" he is.

Congratulations Captain Michael Junge, USN (sel)

Big news in my world!  And the Naval Blogosphere!  And probably Mike's house.....

Nomination: PN1472-112
Date Received: March 19, 2012 (112th Congress)
Nominee: One nomination, beginning with Michael Junge, and ending with Michael Junge
Referred to: Senate Armed Services

If you want to read some of Mike's musings you can head over to this guest post at Information Dissemination; or this article in USNI's Proceedings.  Then there's always his Navy bio

Mike is also husband to the lovely and talented Paulette and Dad to my pals, Eva and Ella.

His friendship is one of the greatest gifts the blogoshpere has ever given me.

I am thrilled and proud to say I will be front and center in Newport for his promotion.  My sisters already found the perfect gift.  Although we will spend from now until then trying to figure out how to wrap it.

There will of course be pics because both of the Junges are very talented photographers.

Well That Was Useless!

The neurologist who thought my tremor was so awesome he filmed it, scheduled an MRI.  I am not kidding.  He filmed me holding my hands out straight, pouring water from one cup to another and stuff.

We talked about the tremor being somewhat present even on 120 mg of propranolol.  We can't increase the dose because it causes my blood pressure to drop.

Now what would my tremor have to do with an MRI?  Well, what do you have to do in an MRI?  You have to stay still.

Guess, what I can't do?  Stay still.  Two hours and tons of admonitions to "please stay still" all we got was blurry, useless images.

When they finally gave up we were so distracted that I almost left with my IV in place. 

My head hurt from being on that hard plastic for two hours.  I self medicated with a strawberry banana smoothie and some chocolate chip cookies.

I did a lot of walking through downtown and Haymarket.  Which of course, means I slept until nearly two this afternoon.

Name A Navy Ship After MOH Recipient Tom Hudner

***UPDATE - Secretary of The Navy Announces DDG 116 to be Named Thomas Hudner***After watching so many stupid names go on ships, this is a GREAT idea.




There is a movement afoot to name a US Navy ship after Medal of Honor recipient, Capt Thomas J. Hudner, USN (ret).

I can not tell you how pleased I am about this.  You can NOT name a more worthy candidate.

It's not political like naming a ship after John Warner.  It's not irrelevant like naming a ship after Gabby Gifford.  It's not outright stupid in the name of political correctness like naming a ship after Ceasar Chavez.  It's not offensive like naming a ship after John Murtha.

Capt Hudner is a Massachusetts native whose actions during the Korean conflict will really move you when you read them.  And I do encourage you to read the links I will leave at the bottom of this post.

I have had the great honor of meeting Capt Hudner on several occasions.  I've blogged about it, but I could never express how it makes me feel.

Please join  me in this effort and write to SecNav expressing your support.
Hon. Ray Maybus
Secretary of the Navy
1000 Navy Pentagon, Rm. 4D682
Washington, DC, 20350-1000

Read more about Capt. hudner at the following links

Valley Patriot of the Month - Hero in Our Midst
Captain Thomas J Hudner, Jr.
by Ted Tripp

Navy urged to name ship for living Bay State veteran
Written by Linden on April 15, 2012

Wikipedia - Thomas J. Hudner

Screaming Bloody Murder

This is a phrase commonly used in my family to describe someone yelling, screaming or even speaking out in protest.

Before today, I never really, really knew what it meant.

I was hanging with my pal, Griff.  We were strolling down Main Street and had to stop in our fav place, Zumes. 


As you enter Zume's, the counter is straight ahead, the back of a couch runs along the right and a little table with puzzles for kids is on your left.  So Griff goes right for the puzzles and I step up to the counter to order our cookies.  We aren't even two feet apart.  I am ordering cookies, but looking at Griff.  After raising that horrid Frankie, I know about escapees.

Suddenly, there is this horrible, incredibly piercing scream.  I have never heard anything like that.  It drilled right through me and I think for a sec I stopped breathing.  The clerk behind the counter looked completely shell shocked.  I was saying "Griff?  Griff?  What's wrong?".  Then I realize Griff is attached to my left leg.  I peel him off and lean down "Are you alright?  What's wrong?"  I thought he must have pinched something or something bit him.

But from the look of horror on his face.....I get it.  It's not him.  Griff didn't scream.  In fact, the scream is still happening but his mouth is not open.  Plus, he's just as afraid as I am, lol.  That's when we all see this baby who is on the couch three feet from us.  Maybe eighteen months old. incredibly, the baby begins to laugh.

I paid from the cookies with hands shakier than usual.  As we left Griff backed away, waving to the baby - "Bye, baby."  All I could picture was someone backing out of the tiger's cage "Nice kitty!"

Now, that was screaming bloody murder.

I Want You to Pull Out A Credit Card.....

.....and go to this website. Please throw a few bucks in the pot.

My niece Genevieve is participating in "The 2012 Relay For Life of Clark University" to benefit The American Cancer Society. It's tomorrow at 6pm out there in Wisstah.

This link takes you directly to her page.

Thanks.

Isn't she a good kid?

More Pudding Notes

I laugh every day in this house. I know it's hard to read, but this another of my father's notes and it says "This pudding is not for consumption" But my mother wasn't funny. Last night when I came home from P.F. Chang's and told her I had a few drinks she said "Well you won't lose any weight this week. You'll gain a pound."

And I did! She's so mean!

So It Might Be The Coconut Lemon Sours.....

...but I really want to punch Leon Panetta in the face.

U.S. troops posed with body parts of Afghan bombers.

After that, I'd like to take a swing at the assclown that released these pics. That soldier betrayed everyone he's ever served with. He lied about his motives. There was nothing honorable in this.

All this fuss over a suicide bomber. Boohoo! Someone took a pic of Achmed the Dead Terrorist.

Listen, if this guy wanted a nice burial, he should have stayed in his village on his prayer rug.

I Got Everything On the List!

Unfortunately, I made the list to go with my one priority errand - picking up my prescriptions.

I am really messing this up. I have already noted that I was behind schedule getting the "Grave's disease" medications.

It's a vicious cycle. I'm tired so I don't go get the meds. The lack of meds is making me tired.

So last night I went to bed at early, got up early and headed out.

Since I was headed downtown, I made a list.

CVS is between Downtown Crossing and NEMC. Check!

The pharmacy is in the Atrium, which is two buildings up from Dr. Miller in the South Building. I have some paperwork to drop off. Check!

There is a patient lounge for the oncology patients. The lounge has a computer & a printer and I have to print something. But the print4er is out of ink. What to do? Well there's a hotel across the street and I know where the business office is. Check!

The thing I needed to print was a Groupon for a haircut at Amaci. So off I go down Stuart St. Great haircut, nice stylist who had some experience with chemo hair. It is finally starting to straighten, but the ends are friend. Very happy Maggie leaves Amaci......check!

I head down Arlington toward the Public Garden. I get an ice cream from a truck on Boylston. I start thinking that I have just enough oomph to make it to Downtown Crossing to catch the 93 home.

And then I stop mid-lick.....I have no prescriptions.

Ok, well, we'll try tomorrow. We'll put it on the list.

Dear 98 Cents

Yesterday I published my thoughts on Hilary Rosen. I got two responses, three actually because my anonymous commenter had poor reading comprehension. The first was my friend Middleboro Jones & I published it. The second two were from the same hateful anonymous coward. He commented, couldn't comprehend the "comment moderation" response and typed out his hateful rant a second time.

I didn't publish either version. I don't mind disagreement. A quick search of the blog will find I have published opposing views. But only the reasonable ones. Not the hateful, nasty ones.

But I did leave a response -

"I thought long and hard about publishing your hateful comment. But that's the point of moderating comments and having your own blog - your hate has no place here.


For you to say that Ann Romney uses her MS as a "crutch" shows that you can't be reasoned with. Ann Romney didn't bring it up in this discussion, I did.

Frequent readers of this blog know that my sister was DX'd over 10 years ago. No amount of money makes up for her suffering. And I have cancer, not breast cancer, but cancer none-the-less. No amount of money could make up for what I have gone through.

You tried to drop a steaming pile here while you cruise the blogosphere with your baseless rage.
Thanks to comment moderation, you can't.

Go back to HuffPo and the other hateful Obama-bots."

My Two Cents on Hilary Rosen

So we've all heard by now that Hilary Rosen beclowned herself attacking Ann Romney.

Today on WTTK "Joe Ligotti Show" locals called in with their opinions.

One caller in particular was spewing such horrible envy. She went on and on, yelling over the host that Ann Romney had help. She had money to buy help. The caller stated she had ten children (which I didn't believe) and no one helped her.

What a stupid, stupid woman. Ann Romney has multiple sclerosis. If you have never been with an MS patient in the midst of an attack, you should STFU about Ann Romney. There's no help you can hire that can ease that pain.

Hilary Rosen should be ashamed.

Anyone who thinks they would trade places with Ann Romney because she is wealthy, should remember that life comes with breast cancer and Multiple Sclerosis.

As I am quick to say, if we all stood in a circle and threw our problems in the middle....we'd be quick to take our own back.

An Important Guest Post - "Respect For The Lost"

This is a guest post by Anastacia Visneski.

In March we lost 4 shipmates in the crash of CG6535. I wanted to wait a little while before posting this so to be sure it wasn’t anger and grief talking. Having given it some time, I think a discussion about social media when it comes to the loss of a shipmate needs to be had.

The day of the crash, a friend of mine expressed to me his anger over finding so many people posting on the Facebook page of one of the lost crew within only a few hours of the crash. I was- sadly- not terribly surprised that some people were posting that quickly.

Let me say it straight: Just because you, as a Coast Guard member, might have knowledge of who has died in a Coast Guard accident… posting on their Facebook page within a couple of hours of the crash that ‘you are going to miss them’ not only is a violation of policy, but makes you a bit of a jerk.

Coast Guard Public Affairs has a policy of holding names of members for 24 hours for next of kin (NOK) notification. Why? It is the time it takes to get the right people in place to tell the family members of the lost, to make sure they have the support they need from their Coast Guard family, to make sure those that need to know hear it from someone in person, someone in uniform, someone trained to break tragic news and provide support in the storm of grief that follows.

I am not going to say that grief and wanting to express your grief isn’t natural. I know that when the crash happened I was utterly desperate to find out who had been onboard. I did in fact find out before the NOK 24hr timeline and I was heartbroken. That being said, I did not go posting about it anywhere. As a matter of fact I waited until it had been released in the media and I had seen it in print on public sites before I said anything. Why? Not because of policy (though that played a part)… but out of respect.

So… to those of you posting on the Facebook pages of the missing members… who are you posting to? The deceased will not be reading that you are “going to miss” them (btw, the search was on and they were still only missing not declared deceased when many of these messages appeared). No, the people who are going to see your little heartfelt messages are the member’s girlfriend, or their cousin, their brother, heck possibly their Mom.

Is social media how you’d want to find out you lost someone you loved? That the one who holds your heart, that is your very joy, your everything… is dead? All because some person you don’t know wanted to be the first to post on their Facebook page? Is it a race to prove to everyone that you “knew first?” Can’t you wait and find a more respectful way of expressing your grief?

And now we have lost two more members in a shooting. I implore all of you to really think before you post. Are you violating policy… and more importantly are you breaking someone’s heart? If you really care about the lost crew member, if you really are their friend… it is your responsibility now as a member of the Coast Guard Family to look out for their loved ones. That is a far better way of showing them you care than posting on a website that their deceased loved ones will never be able to read.

Even When I Try.....

....I mess it up. I checked my calendar, I checked the bus schedule, I picked the bus before the one that got me there just in time. When I arrived in the Navy Yard I was sooooo pleased that I was there at ten past six for my six thirty event.

Unfortunately, it was a six pm lecture.

Last night was an installment in the USS Constitution Museum's War of 1812 series. For this lecture, Sidney Hart, Ph.D., Senior Historian at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery came up from Washington, DC. He presented an illustrated lecture about the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery's upcoming bicentennial exhibition, 1812: A Nation Emerges, which will open on June 15, 2012 in Washington, DC.

It was very interessting and I might try to get down to DC to see the actual artwork.

Afterwards I said "Hi" to some people I knew as I made my way over to my friend Tom, from the Navy League. I was hoping he would be there because I had an 1812 calendar for him.

And Tom had something for me!

So How Are Those New Scripts Doing?

Oh, you mean my Propanolol & my Methimazole?

Well I wouldn't know.....I don't have them yet.

The endocrinologist prescribed them late Friday and I couldn't bring myself to go out and get them.

The pharmacy in NEMC is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

And today......surprise.....there was ANOTHER problem with the health insurance. Another miscommunication between Commonwealth Choice and Blue Cross. Commonwealth Choice is a clearinghouse to help people buy insurance at group rates. I knew early on in my illness that I wanted something top drawer because of my illness. So I opted out of my employer's policy and went through the Commonwealth. It's not subsidized because I made too much money. Of course now I qualify for everything, lol.

Every month it's something. Every month.

I'm exhausted.

And of course it was 5:01pm. blue Cross was there, but not the Commonwealth.

Found A New Blog.....

....that's right up my alley!

The Boston Bakery Babe.

Her motto is - "Savoring Boston, one cake, pie, and dainty at a time..."

I'm in! LOL!

I think my first trip will be to Crema Cafe. The cupcakes looked fabulous. Crema Cafe is just outside Harvard Square. I'll pick a nice sunny day and hopefully grab an outdoor table where Griff and I can have lunch.......and cupcakes....

No Ice Cream For Breakfast

I pulled myself together and decided today was going to be an adventure.

My father said once that he'd really like to try knishes. So late last night I looked up "knish" on Yelp. The top three were in Coolidge Corner close to each other. I took the Green Line out to Coolidge Corner and my first choice, Michael's wasn't even a block away from the "T" stop.

They had four different types, potato, spinach, roast beef & pastrami. I got two of each.

I wanted to get some chocolates for my mother so I also picked a chocolatier from Yelp. The most interesting choice was Blue Tierra in South Boston. So there I went....into enemy territory. A Townie on the #9 bus riding down West Broadway.

Again, I was lucky and the bus stopped exactly across the street from the shop. The first thing I noticed was gold foil wrapped coins. I had to get that right away for my cousin Griffin. We watch"Jake and the Never Land Pirates". Jake and the gang collect "Gold Doubloons". So we have to have them! Then I say a chocolate Easter bunny pop. The solid milk chocolate bunnies were gone. Then I saw a bag of milk chocolate nonpareils. I picked those up for my mother. I saw a bag of beautifully colored malted milk balls. And finally I picked a few individual chocolates. One was shaped like a shamrock and had Guinness in it. Guess who that was for?

Then it was back on the bus to the Red Line to South Station. I was soooooo in the mood for a fruit smoothie and I like the place in South Station.

My final thing on the list was Easter cards. So I walked up Summer to CVS. I have their frequent customer card and my transaction spit out four coupons. One was for hair color. I walked up that aisle and picked my brand which was on sale. Then one coupon took $2 more off that and the $4 in "ExtraBucks" made it......FREE! Sure it's blurry, but you can see the total is $o.oo!

I walked up to the bus stop & didn't the 93 roll right up! It was perfect. I told the driver his timing was impeccable, I was tired & I only had a $1 left. He laughed and said "Thank you."

So everything is perfect, right? Not exactly. I signed my card for my parents and put it on the buffet with my Dad's bunny pop and my Mum's bag of nonpareils. My father walks out and asks who the non-pareils are for. When I tell him, he says "Mummy (this always cracks my up, we never called her Mummy, only he does when he talks to us) doesn't like them."

What?

I go in the living room and ask her. She shakes her head and says no. "But I get them for you a lot." I say. She replies "I know."

I Know I've Told You This Before....

......but eight and a half years after I stayed at the Taj Palace in Dubai, they are still sending me emails. I love them. It was the best vacation ever. And I need a boost, lol. Just got the official word on the results of today's visit with the endocrinologist and the blood work.

I have Grave's disease. Pissah.

Preliminary studies show a slightly higher incidence of Grave's disease in Multiple Myeloma patients. They are both auto-immune disorders.

I want ice cream but it's Good Friday. My mother pointed out that I am exempt if I want to be with all my disorders and diseases. But I declined. The point of the exemption is to make sure sick or weak people don't become more weak. Not so I can have ice cream.

Ok, The #Occupy People Got Me

They finally found an issue that I care about. They are focused on it and I hope they are successful.

And I will lend support.

Today the Herald reported on the "Occupy T Sit-in". Recently there has been a lot of attention on the "T" because they are running a deficit. The T Board has decided that their best options are to decrease service and raise fares.

Now this is not a problem for me. I live very close to downtown Boston on a popular route. And the fare is not a problem.

But the complete lack of foresight on this matter is stunning.

One of the most basic things that a person needs to survive is transportation. You need to get to your job, your home, your school.

People in this state are always wailing about helping the poor. They want them to have EBT cards and housing subsidies and all kinds of other entitlements.

Did you never hear that fish/teach him to fish story???????

Instead of giving people entitlements, why not give them a way earn their own food, house, degree, etc.?

Someone, the Governor or someone else needs to step in and make up that deficit. The "T" helps everyone. The "T" creates a level playing field.

Want to lower traffic? Support the "T".

Want less pollution? Support the "T".

Want an easy way to help people advance and get themselves out of poverty? Support the "T".

It's so glaringly obvious I want to shake them!

So for once #Occupy, good on you! You have an issue that's relevant. You've got a focus. You really are helping those less fortunate.

I Always Think....

that if I can just explain what I am thinking, the other person will "get it".

I tried this with my children. I resolved that I wouldn't punish, I'd explain. Then they would say "Yeah, I get it, I'll never.......(fill in the blank)....... again".

What I ended up with was two world class debaters. I'm not kidding, Tommy won awards in high school.

It hardly ever works and yet I can't give up on it.

Yesterday I was angry and posted something petty and small. Two people questioned it and I was ashamed and deleted it.

The first person made a joke. He understands we all make mistakes. I'm sure he hopes, as I do, that I try to do better in the future.

Was It Fun? Of Course It Was!

I overslept, and had to rush into Boston with Tommy to get cake. But then I changed my mind and got cupcakes from Cakeology on Province St. I picked them because they had such a great rating on Yelp. However, once I was there I realized this was the place with the cake truck outside the Boston Public Library. I already loved them!We got German chocolate and double chocolate and Boston cream pie - which my mother loved - and key lime.

Then we hauled all our stuff to Grace's house and she just rolled her eyes. We ate.....and ate....and ate!

It was great to have our parents and nieces and nephews and cousins together to celebrate our birthdays.

Getting together with my family never gets old.

Almost Ready For Tomorrow's Party!

I made tuna salad; chicken salad; spinach dip; onion dip; a fruit tray; and cole slaw.

I have chips and pretzels and soda and Nutella and crackers and bruschetta and mozzarella.

Mum made potato salad and my Dad bought more snacks.

Grace is making meatballs and chicken wings.

I told Grace I would take care of the cake.....and true to form I have waited until the last minute.

So I guess we know what I'll being doing tomorrow morning!

But for now I am lazing in the parlour watching "Lost Weekend". The music sounds like the music in the original "The Day The Earth Stood Still". Gort, Klaatu barada nikto!

Dear Redhead at Today's #OSMH Lecture

I'm so glad you ran away without facing me yourself. I wouldn't want to upset Griff by dressing you down as you deserved.

Griff and I took the Main Street bus downtown and walked down to the Old South Meeting House. Today's lunchtime lecture was the final installment in the series "The Sum of It's Parts; A Boston Neighborhood Review" Charlestown-Rebuilt after it was burned by the British following the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775, and annexed to Boston in 1874, today Charlestown is home to extraordinary historical architecture; major national landmarks and a new generation of immigrants and young professionals that have joined its traditionally Irish-American population. Carl Zellner, Historian of the Charlestown Historical Society, explores the city’s oldest neighborhood, which today is a thriving 21st Century community.

Griff and I took a seat off to the side as opposed to front and center. Just in case he got itchy. But overall, he was great. I didn't think much of his whispers and moving about. You see, during lectures, tourist are still roaming around the periphery. Floorboards squeak and people talk in hushed tones. That's why they gave Mr. Zellner a microphone so he could speak to his series of slides.

I try never to miss tours or talks about Charlestown because I always learn something new. I enjoyed Mr. Zellner's talk very much.

But not everyone did and they didn't want to be unhappy alone. I noticed a redheaded woman three people to my left leaning over, away from the screen. I didn't get it. But someone made sure I did.

To my immediate right was a young girl, 10, maybe 12. Her mother was between her and the redheaded grump. The young girl's mother got up and walked over to me to say "He (meaning Griff) is bothering her (indicating the redheaded woman). You might want to move."

I was speechless. I looked down, the redhead wouldn't meet my eye. I stayed right where I was.

Then the redheaded woman called over one of the OSMH people and apparently voiced her displeasure. The woman from the OSMH brought Griff some crayons and a clipboard with Paul Revere pages to color. Griffin was very good. It's not like I brought a three-year old Frankie to the lecture.

When the lecture ended, I looked over, but Miss Fussy had hurried away.

Very wise.

After the lecture we bought books, had lunch and went to the bank. Everywhere we went Griff charmed people, he is so cute and very polite.

Well, That Didn't Go As Planned!

This weekend the Somerville Theater in Davis Square is hosting the 13th Annual Irish Film Festival.

Yesterday was a "down day" where I didn't even shower, but I knew today would be better. So I checked the listings and I saw that Sunday's offerings included "Bernadette: Notes On A Political Journey". I was struck immediately! This documentary is the story of Bernadette Devlin. I had read her book "The Price of My Soul" when I was 16 and it impacted me deeply. I didn't always agree with her views, she is a socialist, but you can't help but be in awe of her. At least I couldn't.

So today I got up and showered and not wanting to risk the "T" on a Sunday schedule, I took a cab to Davis Square.

I went up to the ticket window, very happy to be 30 minutes early for a 2 pm showing. I put my money on the counter and asked for a ticket.

"It's sold out and started 30 minutes ago."

Ah yes, I am so good aren't I? It was a 1 pm showing not a 2 pm showing.

THIS Is What Should Come To Mind When You Hear "Dewey Square"

Dewey Square was named for Admiral of the Navy George Dewey. This lovely park should inspire thoughts of Dewey's US Naval Service.

Where There Is A Will.....

This will be a little cryptic. Sorry about that.

Today, I had to go somewhere and stand for....I don't know.....5 minutes. This was after some walking. Grace didn't want me to do it. She is against all exertion until after I see the endocrinologist.

Oh yeah, did I tell you? They think I have hyperthyroidism. Kate told me and I laughed. People with myeloma experience weight loss. Not me. People with anemia experience weight loss. not me. People on chemo experience weight loss. Not me. People with hyperthyroidism experience weight loss. Not me. It makes me wonder...if I didn't have these medical problems....would I be 500 pounds????

My oncology team says it's unrelated to the cancer; the chemo, or the transplant. So, why? How? Who knows. But it means that most of the time I shake. People who know me are saying right now "But you've always had a tremor". Yeah, but this is ridiculous. I shake all over and have vertigo. If they are right, they think a specialist can solve it either with medication or radiating my thyroid (which sounds awful). But I can't wait for them to fix it. People are always looking at me. Telling me to slow down. Or calm down. But it's not nerves or upset, it's just minor exertion that brings it on.

So I go. Luckily I wasn't alone. My Frankie and my good friend Bette took me. I can't drive anymore.

Jen & Grace had to go to the funeral of our cousin's grandmother, which is actually where I should have been.

It was sooooo embarrassing. I nearly collapsed. The trembling was so bad. Then the room got all murky and shaky. People came up to me, helped me to my seat. Gave me water - which was a great idea, lol. And I was able to pull myself together a little.

Frankie & Bette made me laugh afterwards. I am so grateful for their support.

Should I have gone? Was Grace right?

A great man once said "Never give up. Never give in." Some things matter.

Ha!

Haha!

It's My Birthday!

It started the day before and it won't end at midnight. That's how I roll!

First there was a beautiful bouquet of flowers waiting for me when I got home from the doctor's office. It was a huge lift! Aren't they beautiful? They are from my Uncle Walter and Tom, so naturally they are from Bunker Hill Florist. Then when I opened my Google page. When I ran the mouse over it, it said "Happy Birthday, Maggie". Nice touch Google! A little while ago I saw an episode of "Unique Sweets" on the Cooking Channel. They were visiting Clear Flour Bakery. I made a note in my calendar to go on my birthday. So that was my primary mission. Totally worth the trip out on the Green Line. In the pic above you can see a raspberry/apple tart and one of the delicious chocolate things and half of a chocolate macaroon. You can also see the chocolates that Grace & Jen sent me.
In the foreground are Walter & Tom's flowers. In the back are the flowers from Grace & Jen. In the bowl is a birthday card for Grace. Her birthday is next Tuesday. That card and mine have been in the bowl for a while. My Dad is always ready way ahead of time.

This is stuff Grace & Jen brought from a different bakery.

This is blueberry lemon cake and another chocolate dessert, again from Clear Flour Bakery.

And another treat came on Facebook. Pictures of my newest niece, Lily Grace. Congrats Jessa & Sean, she is beautiful! I can't wait to meet her. Is my birthday over? No way. There's still a party on March 21st.

I'm Not Saying I Have a Problem....

....but I am just wrapping up the replay of #TalkingDead. That's after watching last week's episode once and tonight's season finale twice.

But I have to go to bed now. Tomorrow is scheduled pretty tightly.

Starting off we have the opening round of voting for #TwitterFightClub. Please vote for @HerbCarmen tomorrow between 0900 and 1200.

Then I have to head over to NEMC for PFTs. I did this once before when I wasn't so weak. They're gonna be lucky if I don't faint from the exertion.

And of course, I'll spend all day feeling guilty for wishing that Lily would hold out for Tuesday & be my birthday buddy. It's kind of mean to keep hoping that since my niece Jessa has just been admitted to the hospital with contractions. Even I'm not mean enough to hope for 23 more hours of contractions.

I'm All By Myself

Regarding this Kony2012 video. I don't get it. The backlash has me baffled.

Have you seen it? You should. Here's a link. It's just under 30 minutes long.

It gives a very simple overview of the situation in Uganda ( and surrounding countries) and Joseph Kony. Joseph Kony is the leader of the Lord's Resistance Army. He is, without doubt, a war criminal.

What I got from the video was that Jospeh Kony should be brought to justice. That the more public pressure that can be brought to bear on Western governments (particularly the US) the more likely that Kony can be brought down.

The filmakers other point were that Uganda will need lots of help rebuilding what has been destroyed in the fighting. He also points out that if public pressure wanes, not only will no further progress be made towards these goals, but the US may withdraw the 100 special forces presently deployed in Uganda.

I firmly believe that more people need to educate themselves on what goes on outside of their own little bubble. Particularly the college age people he has clearly aimed this campaign toward.

So, why the backlash?

It's oversimplyfied. Ok, who is going to watch the expanded, nuanced, comprehensive version? Probably the people who are already aware and looking to further educate themselves. I look at this like a trailer. Of course there is more to this story. Duh.......

Kony hasn't really made a move in over a year. Umm, so? Is there a statute of limitations on murder, rape, torture and kidnapping?

Other leaders in Africa do bad things too. LOL! This defense didn't work when you told your parents "All the other kids do it!" and it won't work here.

The makers of the video want US military intervention in Uganda to hunt down Kony. I didn't hear that. I heard them say that the US could assist/advise - and I agree. I also heard them say that if Kony falls off the radar, the troops currently deployed there may be withdrawn.

My favorite though was from a Facebook friend "Lastly, this video is little more than Kipling's 'white man's burden' repackaged and remessaged for the 21st Century"

But I am used to it. I take flak from Jennifer all the time about my feelings on Darfur. Today was probably the first time I ever agreed with George Clooney.

Whose Idea Was This?

When did they move Park Street Station 30 blocks further up Tremont?

Who is letting me go out on these adventures unsupervised?

Shouldn't someone tell my parents?

So I get on the Bunker bus and ride to Haymarket. I get on the Green Line to Boylston. It's right across from the AMC Loews. I like this theater. Plus I have passes that I bought on Living Social and AMC's frequent flier card, Stubbs.

This should be a piece of cake, right? Wrong. Boylston is not handicap accessible. No elevator, no escalator. I was dying by the time I got to the top and crossed Tremont.

Have you ever gone out on a cold day and after a few breaths had a pain at the base of your throat? That's what happens to me whenever I exert myself and they can't explain it. It started during chemo and got bad after the transplant. But it faded and by last summer I was doing great. But now it's back. And no one has a clue. Paging Dr. House!

But the theater has escalators and it turns out the two movies I want to see are playing side-by-side. So I was in theater 19 for the 5:55pm showing of "Gone". I liked it. I had my Coke & ice and my smuggled Cadbury mini-eggs and pretzels.

Then at 7:35 I went into theater 18 for the 7:30pm showing of "Act of Valor". I didn't miss anything but a few previews.

Do I have to tell you that I loved it? Of course not! We knew this going in. Everyone I know who has seen has liked it or loved it. Well, except for that assclown Dax Shepard.

So what went wrong? Well between seeing Kate and Dr. Miller today and taking the "T" and sitting through two movies... I was pretty wiped out. And I have this depth perception problem, so I get nervous going downstairs. So, instead of crossing back over to Boylston, I decide to walk up to Park. I crossed Avery, I crossed West, I crossed Temple, I crossed Winter....it felt like miles!

But there was the elevator.

The elevator someone just peed in. My pants were too long to wear with sneakers. So there I was, standing with pant hem in pee. Then I realized I wouldn't make the 9:45 at Haymarket, so I had to walk down the Winter St concourse to the Orange line.....where there were no elevators. I made it to Sullivan where the bus was late. Everything on the "T" tonight is effed up because of an explosion in the Hilton near Mass Ave.

And the thing is, I did it to myself. Why didn't I just walk down Avery to the Chinatown station? I know where that elevator is and it stops at Haymarket & Sullivan. And it's not like I don't know that Park Street is the smelliest, most peed in station. Whenever something smells really bad I say "That's worse than Park Street Station in the summer!"

End result? I was later than I wanted to be and I had to take my sneakers and pants off in the back yard so I didn't slime the kitchen floor.

By the way, can you guess my favorite character in "Act of Valor"?

Having Faith

Things are happening in my life that I can't control.

Whatever is happening healthwise is not cancer. So I have to see a neurologist, a pulmonologist and something else I can't remember right now.

Someone is trying to trash my life, but I'm not going to let them.

I have faith it will all work out.

But since I don't want to think about it, I am going to the movies.

Eva & Ella Came To Visit Me

This post is a little late. They came during February vacation, but I had such a good time, I must tell you all about it!

So a couple of Wednesdays ago, Eva, Ella and their mother met Griff and I down at the USS Constitution for a tour. They went everywhere on the ship and loved it. Afterwards we went over the the USS Constitution Museum, which Griff loves! The three of them climbed into the hammocks for a swing in the children's exhibit on the second floor. They also checked out the faux galley with it's barrels of food, plates and utensils for mess. The museum also has some rigging set up so kids can climb like Sailors did/do on the Ship.

Next was lunch. We took the 93 bus from City Square into the North End. After a short wait out on the sidewalk we were seated in the original Pizzaria Regina on Thatcher Street. There is nothing like their pizza! We polished off 3 small pizzas and headed back out to scout up some dessert. We wended our way up to Salem Street and got some awesome cupcakes at Lulu's.

Then it was off to the Rose Kennedy Greenway where the girls gave me three awesome gifts. I know it's a little blurry, but this is actually the least shaky pic of the three I took. There is a beaded bracelet and a matching pin. Eva & Ella actually made the pin. I love the colors! I am not surprised that I suits me, I already knew I like their taste. Ella was the first to have tinsel her hair, that's where I got the idea! In the upper left corner is a bar of "Only In Rhode Island" pine soap.

Then Griff and I went back and fell asleep on the couch.

Thanks A Lot Rush, You JackAss

I saw the stupid Rush Limbaugh story and rolled my eyes. Great job you assclown! Now no one is going to see the real issue. You gave a great gift to those who would violate the Catholic Church's freedoms.

I would love to walk up to him and whack him in the back of the head. Who would even know about Nancy Pelosi's hearing if Rush hadn't attacked Sandra Fluke? No one but hardliners on either side and political junkies like me.

Limbaugh has so muddied that waters that the real issue - forcing religious organizations to pay for services that they find morally wrong, is lost. Those who would force Georgetown to pay for contraceptives are violating their first amendment right to freedom of religion.

As long as we allow people to frame the argument as being about woman's "reproductive health", we lose.

To those who would say "The government can not force someone else's views on my behavior and what I do with my body."; it is hypocritical to then turn around and say "The government should impose my views on religious organizations."

If you want freedom, you must respect the freedom of others.

I Am Still In Remission!

Now some of you are thinking "Huh, why is this news?"

Well it's news because since New Year's Day, I thought I was out of my remission. I was soooo angry. I felt cheated. I had been promised 18 to 24 months and it hadn't even been 11. I had things to do!

And now I can still do those things.

New Year's Day I noticed - GROSS ALERT - that my urine was cloudy. I mentioned it to Grace & Jen. What did it mean? I promised them that I would call Kate and mention it.

A few days later I was curious enough to Google it. I typed "cloudy urine" and immediately got upset. I didn't bother reading the results, I changed the search to "urine protein". The first result listed the possible causes and there it was "Multiple Myeloma". I laughed nervously. I know that I block unpleasant things, but this was ridiculous. I knew somewhere deep down what it was all along. I just didn't want to know it.

So I kept it to myself. Not altogether mind you, but pretty much. Grace and Jen and my parents knew something was up. They were watching me get weaker and weaker. My parents didn't push it. But my Dad just started going into my room and taking my laundry and other stuff like that. But finally on February 2nd, I just felt I had to tell someone. So I told my parents. My mother had to confide in her brother. Unfortunately, Grace overheard one of their subsequent conversations. She and Jennifer demanded to go to my February 10th appointment. I refused and my mother backed me.

So on February 10th I go and we talk about and it turns out that there is no sign of it in my blood. They have tested for the IgA protein and the level is in the normal range. They wanted a urine sample, but I was too tired to stick around and promised to come in another day. So that was enough to bolster my spirits. The assured me that the fatigue had nothing to do with the myeloma. My white blood cell count was down, which led them to believe I was having a tough time recovering from a virus.

I explained all this to Jen and Grace and little by little some other people.

I got the urine test. I also got a blood test to see if I was low on a different protein, IgG.

And today Kate called -

"You were right about the urine. You were right about the protein. But it's not Bence-Jones."

I was flabbergasted. There is no trace of cancer in my blood or urine. They've ruled out diabetes and kidney failure. They gave me antibiotics for the resurgent head/chest cold. I have an echo scheduled for the 12th and I see them again on March 13th. March 13th is Mama Kelley's birthday, she would have been 99 had she lived. Everyone thinks it's a good omen. My appointment is at 1300 hours.....3.....13.....13, her actual date of birth.

Mama Kelley will take care of me and my mystery protein and my mystery fatigue.

I'm Just Here To Whine

Frank and I are here in Virginia. We're staying in a ski resort in Basye, VA. It was a terrific deal on SkyAuction because of the lack of snow and the general state of the economy.

So why am I whining?

1. The fatigue - Their latest guess is I am short on some protein. Isn't it ironic? as the song goes. We test Monday.

2. This head cold. I coughed so hard, I retched. Yeah that's gross, but not as gross as some of the other stuff I've written here.

3. This trip has caused me to miss EPIIC, although to be honest I wouldn't have made all the panels.

4. The timing of the drive home means I will miss "Walking Dead" tomorrow night.

5. Most devastating of all and again this is more the fatigue than the trip....I am missing the Navy League's 23rd Annual Symposium at BU. It would have been my first war game!!! Plus, My Marine is there. They sent my all the reading materials and I was ready.

Although there is a bright side - I get to see all Frankie's relatives on his Dad's side.

Janet Napolitano Owes Me $20

And the DEA owes me $345.

Where to start.....

Around 4pm, I decided to go in and pick up a few prescriptions. The pharmacy at Tufts/NEMC is open until 6pm, so I didn't have to rush. A 20 minute ride downtown would leave plenty of time for the nonsense I would have to go through at the pharmacy.

You see one of my medications is among the 300 or so which are experiencing shortages due to a little feud between the drug manufacturers, the FDA & the DEA. They are not necessarily the ones with the highest street value. Actually some of them have NO street value. Mine is in the middle. Part of my medication is a controlled substance and it must be "released" by the DEA to the drug manufacturing companies. The drug companies divvy up their supplies and make some generic and some brand name. When they run out of generic the ask the FDA to ask the DEA to release more raw material. This apparently happens every fall with a growing number of drugs. If the company has brand name drugs in their supply - and the FDA knows if they do - the DEA says "Why did you make so much brand name? You haven't planned well. We won't release more."

How the drug manufacturers plan or don't plan is none of the DEA's business. It's a free country. As long as the controlled substance isn't being abused, the DEA should have no say in this matter. It would be like the police telling car manufacturers to only make cars that saved gas.

Anyway, this nonsense causes people to hunt for the generic version.

For my specific prescription, I hunted in September, October, and I think November. Blue Cross only covers the generic. But in December I had no success and had to get a script for the brand name. I know a little of how insurance companies work so I called and asked for an override. After all, Blue Cross is well aware of this little kabuki dance between government agencies. So they issued a rider, but I still had to pay a much higher copay. $115 more than the generic. This was already my most expensive copay at $67 for the generic.

So when I filled it today I had to wait and be called up 3 different times even though I explained up front that Blue Cross had placed a rider in the system and yes, I knew it was a high copay. Aggravating.

While I waited, I tweeted about the TSA conducting random searches in the Orange Line Tufts Medical Center T stop. I saw them on my way in. First off, no one is safer because the TSA and the MBTA police search random bags anywhere in the MBTA system. It's a waste of money and manpower. It has absolutely no value in fighting/preventing terrorism. Secondly, I feel it's a violation of due process. No one else gets searched without probable cause as they meander around Boston. And don't waste my time arguing that the airlines & airports do it, they are not public transportation. Also, they do it to everyone and you know it. Not a select few at random locations.

So, anyway, I tweeted that if, on my way back I was chosen for the search, I would refuse & leave.

And don't you know it.....after slowly working my way down out of the hospital, across Washington St, and down the staircase (escalator only goes up at this station).....I was picked.

A very nice young transit officer said "Good evening ma'am, would you please step over to that table."

"No."

"No?" he looked confused.

"No." and I turned around and walked over the "up" escalator and left.

Now, let me tell you something I haven't really talked about here yet. I have experienced a precipitous decline in my energy levels. I took a prescription in December that had me sleeping a ton. Then in January I had a virus that really sapped what was left of my energy. Dr. Miller assures me I will "climb back up that hill" but in the meantime, I am once again breathless after climbing up to my bedroom. I have fallen right back to the March/April fatigue levels. Seeing my recovery slip so easily through my fingers is depressing. It's like pushing a rock up the hill with all your might.....and then one slip up and you're watching it roll to the bottom.

So for me to turn around and try to walk to the Chinatown T stop two blocks away was a great undertaking. I didn't make it. At Kneeland I hailed a cab. Which besides costing $20, took forever because it was rush hour.

I must falling for my own shit.

Aris BBQ Faneuil Hall Boston YUCK!

So Thursday, My cousin Griffin and I went on an adventure to Faneuil Hall. We took the bus in - big treat for a three year old. We walked on the bricks and the cobblestones and each other's shadows.

We walked through Quincy Market to see what would be good for lunch. Griff wanted a cheeseburger. So this was the first place I saw with cheeseburgers. Griff asked for a cheeseburger with friesI got a cheeseburger w/bacon, oinions & lettuce and we shared a small Pepsi. The total? $15.47. Really? I thought that was completely unreasonable.

But it was so much more unreasonable then I knew.

Both burgers were wafer thin and over done. The bacon on mine was old and hard, the onions were dry and old.

Griff's fries were limp and room temp.

To tell you the truth, if I weren't with a 3 year old I would have gone back and dumped it on their counter..AVOID THIS PLACE!

One Year Later

February 10, 2011 I was in NEMC having my bone marrow re-introduced into my system via a catheter in my neck.

One year after my bone marrow transplant.

I opened this post because it seemed I should say something. But now I have nothing to say.

Mimi Alford Is Disgusting

I just accidentally flipped into the interview she is giving Meredith Vieria on TV.

And now I'm queasy.

Whatever her motive is, I don't care. But I'll tell you one thing, it isn't telling the truth.

You know, people are so quick to believe salacious stories about a man who can't defend himself because he's been dead for 48 years. It's sad. They don't even calm down and think about it logically. This Alford loser says it so it must be true? Really?

How about this? Jack Kennedy had so many medical conditions that I probably can't name them all here. But chief among them, he had Addison's, anemia, Celiac disease, a bad back, recurrent urinary tract infections and constant bouts of diarrhea.

Think about that for a minute. Historians believe that Kennedy was in terrible pain nearly every day. You really think he was doing every piece in sight? Please.

I know what you're thinking. "Plenty of people have charged JFK with infidelity, why are you so excited about this one?"

Well this particular assclown decided that it wasn't enough to jump on the bandwagon. Alford decided that she would also drag Dave Powers name through the mud as well.

Guess if you want the big bucks after all this time, you have to sink even lower than the pond scum that preceeded you.

So, Something We Haven't Talked About In A While

My hair.

You know how in love with my hair I am. And how upset I was when it fell out. Everyone said "It will come back!" Yeah, it did and it looks like this. I am always trying to do something with it. So the other day I pinned up the back and now I look like this.

Kevin White's Funeral

I had thought about getting up early enough to be along the procession route. I figured I'd take the 93 downtown and stand near his statue across from City Hall. But yesterday was a full day. I just couldn't make it.

But....all the local TV channels were covering it. So I plopped on the couch with my breakfast to watch WCVB.

If you've read anything else here, you know I'm a political nerd, a staunch Bostonian and I loved Kevin White. To me, Kevin White epitomized all those things. He was a brilliant, incandescent political animal. He loved Boston and his vision for the city is why we are a world class city today. Everything about him fascinated me. So of course, I was looking forward to listen to the eulogies.

Menino did a good job. He's always better when he has prepared remarks to read from. Menino was followed by Barney Frank. Loving Kevin White is probably the only thing that Barney and I would agree on. And for the most part, he did a good job. Frank did drift off into politics for a few moments, but then got back on track.

The front of St. Cecilia's had a few rows of chairs on each side to make more space. The right side was for family and the left side was for political VIPs. The camera moved around but was on that political front row fairly often. Menino, his wife, Barney Frank, Bob Crane.....and in the middle, much to my disgust.....gov Patrick and Sen Kerry. Could there be anyone less worthy? I mean....Muthr-A-God! as the Mayor himself would say.....Patrick didn't even know Kevin White. Mayor White suffered from Alzheimers and stopped being politically active before Cadillac Deval moved to Massachusetts. And Kerry? Well you know how I loathe him. And didn't he look ridiculous with his two black eyes and slack jaw. My mother and I were laughing. Hockey injury, my eye!

Kerry lived up ..... or should I say down....to my lowest expectations. The Senior Senator from Massachusetts, in a spectacularly classless move, left halfway through the Mass.

Seriously? What in Heaven's name could have been so crucial? Disgusting.

Although I'm sure no one is as pissed about that as I am. After all, there were two more speakers after the Mass.

Mark White, Kevin's son gave a heartwarming speech about his Dad. I was a little misty.

But the corker? Former Massachusetts Treasurer, Bob Crane. He's 85, even older than the Mayor who was 82 when he passed. Sitting there in the front row, he looks it. When Jack Connors helped him to get to the lectern, I wondered how it would go.

I shouldn't have worried. As the saying goes.....He smiled and the sun came out! Crane began to speak and the years fell away. His wit, his warmth, his perfect timing....all still there. What a lovely surprise!

All in all, it was just what I hoped for. A spectacular tribute to a remarkable man.

I Knew She Reminded Me Of Someone!

LOL! The other day I was hanging with my little cousin Griff and he wanted to watch a movie. So I was running through the guide and up popped "Goonies". I turned to Griff and said "Hey, let's watch "Goonies", my Frankie loved that movie".

So we settle in with our tuna sandwiches - no chips, my bad. We laugh at the funny parts and hide our faces at the scary parts. When the scenes on the deck of the pirate ship roll around, I was struck!

There was a person who was a little too strange about the blog. This person believed that things were being written here that meant something in her life. LOL! How ridiculous! Everyone knows that this blog is all about me!

Anyway, when this actress turned to speak to her screen sons, I burst out laughing! I have always thought this person seemed familiar and now I get it. She looks like Anne Ramsey/Mama Fratelli. Especially the raspy, smokers voice and the creased, wrinkled skin.

That's what I'll have to call her from now on - Mama Fratelli.

Kevin From Heaven!

I am so sad this weekend! My favorite Democrat has passed. Yeah, see, I am not so rock hard Republican, I have loved a Democrat.

Kevin Hagen White passed away Friday and I nearly wept. Kevin was Boston and Boston loved him. He did so many great things for the City.

The enthusiasm he brought to being Mayor and doing good was infectious. He roused many young people to public service here in Boston.

Kevin White's vision is a large part of why Boston is a world class city.

His stories and antics were larger than life. The Rolling Stones. James Brown. The Vault. Barney Frank. There are very good reasons that he is considered a legand.

I very much enjoyed this write-up/story .

Did I mention he was smart enough to marry a Charlestown girl? Kathryn White went to school with my Dad.

I'm So Hip!

How Thick Is Your Bubble? Guest 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. Quiz School Take this quiz & get your score

How Thick Is Your Bubble? » Online Exam maker