Bits of This & That

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Happy anniversary to me! It was one year ago today I got rid of my skanky gall bladder.

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Friday morning I mailed the last of my holiday cards. I know! Before Christmas! It just might be a personal best record for me. I made 104 cards, which includes 12 spares for my inventory. I work production style but this year I accidentally got smart. I finished up half the batch, sorted my mail merged envelopes by state and mailed that first batch to the people who live the furthest away. Then I finished the second half up for the locals. I'll post a picture of the card next week.

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This is pretty darn funny. Bev linked to it the other day. It's pretty long so I almost didn't read it but I'm glad I stuck it out. That place is now on my to-do list next time I'm in Manhattan.

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My head literally did a double take last night when I heard a commercial for Living with Ed on HGTV. Ed Begley, Jr, the Greenest Guy in Hollywood, is what I think they called him. I loved him for years on St. Elsewhere and most recently in his recurring role on Six Feet Under. I've known for years he's an environmentalist in a really big way. This show was made for me! My Tivo is ready to go!

Ed and Rachelle give us a glimpse into their environmentally friendly home, including organic vegetables in the yard, solar panels on the roof and the All-American white picket fence...made out of recycled milk cartons.

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Speaking of Six Feet Under, Steve and I recently watched the final season on DVD. We used to love the series but the last season, as is often the case, wasn't very good. We knew that one of the main characters, Nate, dies near the end of the series - it was in the newspaper back when it aired. But the episodes leading up to that were so bad (boring and depressing as shit) that I found myself saying, "Jeez, c'mon & die already - get this over with."

Then he died. And I spent the final 3 episodes crying my eyes out. It was so wrenching and emotional and real - I totally loved it. I try to work on stitching some cards while watching TV but quickly had to give that up; couldn't see my work through my tears. I tried to not make noise but finally couldn't keep it in - sniffling and sobbing on the couch. At one point, Simon came home and walked into the room.

Simon: What's wrong, Mom?

Stefani: N-n-n-nate died!

Steve, quickly reassuring Simon: On TV. She's been like this for an hour.

Simon: Oh. (recognizing familiarity)

Stefani: Simon, c-c-an you please get me a K-k-k-leenex?

And dutifully he did.

That was one episode. The next night we're watching another one and Simon happens to call me while it was on.

"Hi Mom, what you are doing?"

"Watching Six Feet Under, trying to work up another good cry."

"Oh, okay. I'm on dinner break. Have a good night."

Business as usual around here.

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