Oscars tonight!!! Ok, I'll confess - I am a long time Oscar night fan. I love movies and January's arrival of award season brightens even the dreariest of winter's dark days. I await, along with all the actors the announcement of who has been nominated, and then decide if any of them on my list of favs. The year they upped the 'movie of the year' category from 5 to 10 titles, was the last year I attempted to see ALL of the movies that were nominated.
This year is no different even though we have been on the road for 4 months now. Three weeks ago I made the announcement to my husband that I didn't care where we would be on this date, but it had to be near enough to a major city to get 'very good' TV reception because I was going to be planted in front of the TV for OSCAR nite. And here we are, in Pahrump NV, gorgeous view of the mountains to the East, a clear sky and a view of the lake … I am getting ready to watch the Red Carpet arrivals and give thumbs up/down for the dresses walking down it...
This year I haven't seen as many of the films that I would have normally because we are traveling. However, I have seen the film that I believe will win, The King's Speech. It was fabulous. I adore Geoffrey Rush, and Colin Firth is someone who has now ascended to my favorite male actors list. He will take home the golden statue for this fine piece of film work.
I do not have a speech impediment, but I am terrified of public speaking, so the topic gave me something in which to identify. I have done quite a bit of it over the years, it does not get any easier. I don't really know why I am nervous about public speaking…but I am. I get that dried, scratchy throat and nervous stomach/loose bowel feeling that is so uncomfortable -I just want the floor to open and for me to disappear.
I have never had a Oscar party night, nor have I attended one. I have friends who do, and while it has it's appeal, I prefer to watch in the comfort and quiet of my own home. I can watch the Red Carpet arrivals and give thumbs up/down for the dresses walking down it in peace...and am never disappointed as there is always one or two that fall in the "whatever was she thinking/drinking/smoking when she picked that" catagory - always good for a laugh.
Oh, and the Black Swan's Natalie Portman will win Best Actress. And at a much younger age I was a ballerina - not nearly as talented and yet I still love to dance, and do so in public.
Wonder if I am correct - I'll get back to you on that!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Have You Seen The 'Life' Series On Discovery?
Post contributed by Toni Jensen - Have You Seen The 'Life' Series On Discovery?
I was very impressed with the new show 'Life' on the Discovery Channel. It's a series that follows numerous animals and plants in different parts of the world. The views are breath taking. I have a DVR on my expert Satellite system, so I've recorded the whole series. It's great to put on when nothing else is on TV. It's entertaining for my wife and I, as well at my two daughters.
I was particularly fascinated with one episode, where komodo dragons followed a water buffalo around until they were close enough to get a bite on the leg of the buffalo. Then they trailed the water buffalo, waiting for the venom in their spit to kick in. It finally did after a long journey, and about six or seven dragons had dinner. It sounds a little graphic, but that's LIFE.
I would definitely recommend this show for any animal lover, or just someone who likes nature. From all the beautiful views you get to see, you'll find yourself wanting to take a tropical vacation. From episodes with thousands of colorful, migrating butterflies, to an amazing sea world miles and miles under ice, the series is a hands down must see. You can find the series on the Discovery Channel, or you can purchase it online. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
I was very impressed with the new show 'Life' on the Discovery Channel. It's a series that follows numerous animals and plants in different parts of the world. The views are breath taking. I have a DVR on my expert Satellite system, so I've recorded the whole series. It's great to put on when nothing else is on TV. It's entertaining for my wife and I, as well at my two daughters.
I was particularly fascinated with one episode, where komodo dragons followed a water buffalo around until they were close enough to get a bite on the leg of the buffalo. Then they trailed the water buffalo, waiting for the venom in their spit to kick in. It finally did after a long journey, and about six or seven dragons had dinner. It sounds a little graphic, but that's LIFE.
I would definitely recommend this show for any animal lover, or just someone who likes nature. From all the beautiful views you get to see, you'll find yourself wanting to take a tropical vacation. From episodes with thousands of colorful, migrating butterflies, to an amazing sea world miles and miles under ice, the series is a hands down must see. You can find the series on the Discovery Channel, or you can purchase it online. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Dying to pay taxes...
Death. That and taxes, pretty hard to avoid. Well, I guess you can leave the country or just not pay your taxes, but everyone and I do mean everyone will die. The trick is to avoid it for as long as humanly possible. Bear with me please, not all doom and gloom here.
Now, I have 'known' since I was around 8 years old that I would live to see my 88th birthday (for sure) and that when I die - it will be in my sleep. So basically over the years I hadn't given this topic much head space, nor did I 'semper fi' it and risk life an limb with death defying acts. ( By death defying, I mean "extreme sports" type of behavior - other risky behavior that I am for sure guilty of participating in, can be discussed later). It wasn't until June 2009 and an article that I read in the Oregonian about a fairly new service in my hometown and the man that helped get it created there that I started thinking about death and dying.
The article , 'Chance Encounter' by Margie Boule,
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/margie_boule/index.ssf/2009/06/chance_encounter_inspires_man.htmlhaunted me for several weeks before I finally responded to the call to volunteer.
The organization is called 'No One Dies Alone' and it simply is that. At their request or that of their family, volunteers sit with those in transition from this life. It was started by a nurse in Eugene who shares the program to those who wish to create a group at no charge. You can find out more @ http://www.peacehealth.org/shared-pages/Pages/_no-one-dies-alone-default.aspx?from=/sacred-heart-riverbend/services/end-of-life-care.
As I said earlier I was haunted by the article and couldn't let it go, so I reached out to the volunteer coordinator that was listed in the the article, to find out what the process was to become a volunteer. After passing a drug & TB test, and a background check - I had to attend a 1 hour orientation near my home - I was in! My husband was less than thrilled at the thought that I would do this for "I would be around people with illnesses" - he is a germ-phobe so I give him lots of space around these types of events. My inability to be with either of my parents when they passed; over rode any of his concerns.
It was for me a way to 'make amends' to them for not being there at the end - I was too self-absorbed during my father's passing and out of touch with my mother. Neither were 'alone', but I wasn't with them and I should have been able to put the past aside. The fact that I didn't still gives me pause.
I find by doing this gig, if you will, to be a spiritual walk. I find comfort in just sitting next in the room. It's been over a year now and I have been fortunate to sit with a number of patients and although I yet to be with anyone in that moment of transition, I am honored to be a part of the process and this organization. I find that I am getting my dignity back.
Why am I thinking about this topic today? Grief surrounds us even when it doesn't necessarily touch us on a personal level. Recently two people that I know have transitioned out of this life. People around me have been discussing their lives with me. And while I hadn't been particularly close to either one, I knew them and I know their friends and families. Either one will have to worry about paying their taxes this year, or any year going forward.
As I live my life today I think often about what I do or can to "pay it forward", to live a spirit-centered life. To live with intent, purpose, humor and love…what's yours? Begin today by telling those in your life - that you love them. And look forward to paying your taxes.
Now, I have 'known' since I was around 8 years old that I would live to see my 88th birthday (for sure) and that when I die - it will be in my sleep. So basically over the years I hadn't given this topic much head space, nor did I 'semper fi' it and risk life an limb with death defying acts. ( By death defying, I mean "extreme sports" type of behavior - other risky behavior that I am for sure guilty of participating in, can be discussed later). It wasn't until June 2009 and an article that I read in the Oregonian about a fairly new service in my hometown and the man that helped get it created there that I started thinking about death and dying.
The article , 'Chance Encounter' by Margie Boule,
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/margie_boule/index.ssf/2009/06/chance_encounter_inspires_man.htmlhaunted me for several weeks before I finally responded to the call to volunteer.
The organization is called 'No One Dies Alone' and it simply is that. At their request or that of their family, volunteers sit with those in transition from this life. It was started by a nurse in Eugene who shares the program to those who wish to create a group at no charge. You can find out more @ http://www.peacehealth.org/shared-pages/Pages/_no-one-dies-alone-default.aspx?from=/sacred-heart-riverbend/services/end-of-life-care.
As I said earlier I was haunted by the article and couldn't let it go, so I reached out to the volunteer coordinator that was listed in the the article, to find out what the process was to become a volunteer. After passing a drug & TB test, and a background check - I had to attend a 1 hour orientation near my home - I was in! My husband was less than thrilled at the thought that I would do this for "I would be around people with illnesses" - he is a germ-phobe so I give him lots of space around these types of events. My inability to be with either of my parents when they passed; over rode any of his concerns.
It was for me a way to 'make amends' to them for not being there at the end - I was too self-absorbed during my father's passing and out of touch with my mother. Neither were 'alone', but I wasn't with them and I should have been able to put the past aside. The fact that I didn't still gives me pause.
I find by doing this gig, if you will, to be a spiritual walk. I find comfort in just sitting next in the room. It's been over a year now and I have been fortunate to sit with a number of patients and although I yet to be with anyone in that moment of transition, I am honored to be a part of the process and this organization. I find that I am getting my dignity back.
Why am I thinking about this topic today? Grief surrounds us even when it doesn't necessarily touch us on a personal level. Recently two people that I know have transitioned out of this life. People around me have been discussing their lives with me. And while I hadn't been particularly close to either one, I knew them and I know their friends and families. Either one will have to worry about paying their taxes this year, or any year going forward.
As I live my life today I think often about what I do or can to "pay it forward", to live a spirit-centered life. To live with intent, purpose, humor and love…what's yours? Begin today by telling those in your life - that you love them. And look forward to paying your taxes.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Update on the "RANT"
Earlier this month I blogged, well ok - I did a rant on 'facilities' - mainly women's restrooms in public places. And no, I am not recanting. I still prefer, and I believe 98% of the women I know want to tinkle in clean restrooms. We want the entire room to be clean AND it would really be great if restaurants, in particular, did NOT use the "universal" uni - room that both men and women must share. Because let's face it ladies, men/teens/boys are pigs in bathrooms. (I'm just sayin'!) And if the owners would at the bare minimum have the toilet seats securely fastened AND stocked with plenty of tissue - we could at the minimum not be repulsed during the entire time we are using their bathrooms.
Now that I think of it, do these same owners have bathrooms in their own homes that are disgusting? Do they not sweep the floors or empty the trash when it is full? If you are going to have soap dispensers hanging on the walls - could you have them filled? If not, remove them - then I will know you are harboring germs in ALL areas of your establishment - because the means the employees who are preparing my food/drinks are also NOT washing their hands with soap and water. EEuuwwww.
Again this past week I had the extreme pleasure to use the women's restroom at the Desert Museum in Tucson. Beautiful park setting, great docents and volunteers, lots of interesting exhibits AND the piece de resistance...SUNSCREEN in the ladies room.
Now that I think of it, do these same owners have bathrooms in their own homes that are disgusting? Do they not sweep the floors or empty the trash when it is full? If you are going to have soap dispensers hanging on the walls - could you have them filled? If not, remove them - then I will know you are harboring germs in ALL areas of your establishment - because the means the employees who are preparing my food/drinks are also NOT washing their hands with soap and water. EEuuwwww.
Again this past week I had the extreme pleasure to use the women's restroom at the Desert Museum in Tucson. Beautiful park setting, great docents and volunteers, lots of interesting exhibits AND the piece de resistance...SUNSCREEN in the ladies room.
And they had hand sanitizer as well, just inside the entrance.
Classy, classy place ~ !
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| Hand Sanitizer |
Must be telling that so many places are now feeling the need to put sanitizer out for the masses. Or maybe it was there all along and I am now just noticing that they are available.
Ciao!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Finding the repair shop prior to the breakdown...
Reality is smacking me upside the head. I am about to start a job of sorts…writing about certain products or businesses on the internet in my blog. Let's see where this new path takes us…that old universal 'us' don't you know…as always feel free to send me your thoughts .
We're traveling and of course being gone this long means that we have to find somewhere to do car maintenance. This is definitely one of those times when having the internet and search engines works to narrow the field down to businesses in your vicinity. We are considering Southern Texas for a winter vacation, and in looking about for the services we will need to live there for 4-6 monthsI wanted to be sure that if using search engines it could help me find a Houston auto repair shop - so I clicked on this link: http://repairpal.com/ and viola` I was able to find http://repairpal.com/houston-auto-repair. The yellow pages of auto repair/maintenance for the entire nation - all in one website: http://repairpal.com/. Now if there was such a website for housepainters and gardeners I'd be in heaven!
Two tabs which I thought would work best for us was the 'Directory' and the 'Estimate' tabs, the first allows one to search for car repair/maintenance shops by zip codes and car make, the other allows you to plug in what service you need and that gives you an estimate range of the repair. I plugged in an oil change http://repairpal.com/engine-oil-filter-changeand brake job (http://repairpal.com/brake-rotor-replacement) for an Acura TL (http://repairpal.com/acura-tl-1999). In addition to the estimate it also includes an Encyclopedia of terms, which is used throughout the website-so when you hover over highlighted words-descriptive text boxes appear with the information. So, if automobile repair and maintenance isn't your passion - as is in my case - both you and I are able to become educated about your particular vehicle.
Additionally there is a tab/page, MY CAR which enables the car owner to keep all repair/maintenance records in one place. This website http://repairpal.com/ is easy, containing drop down lists, thus, allowing the user access across the site quickly and accurately; it's very user friendly.
I really do not like having to shop for car service and I no longer have warranty coverage on my beloved car, thus having a website that consolidates this type of information will certainly come in handy when I need to get some repair done without closing my eyes, flipping open the yellow pages and thrusting my forefinger onto the page - praying that this business isn't the one to take advantage of a woman's ignorance of 'all things mechanical' (aka - male oriented).
We're traveling and of course being gone this long means that we have to find somewhere to do car maintenance. This is definitely one of those times when having the internet and search engines works to narrow the field down to businesses in your vicinity. We are considering Southern Texas for a winter vacation, and in looking about for the services we will need to live there for 4-6 monthsI wanted to be sure that if using search engines it could help me find a Houston auto repair shop - so I clicked on this link: http://repairpal.com/ and viola` I was able to find http://repairpal.com/houston-auto-repair. The yellow pages of auto repair/maintenance for the entire nation - all in one website: http://repairpal.com/. Now if there was such a website for housepainters and gardeners I'd be in heaven!
Two tabs which I thought would work best for us was the 'Directory' and the 'Estimate' tabs, the first allows one to search for car repair/maintenance shops by zip codes and car make, the other allows you to plug in what service you need and that gives you an estimate range of the repair. I plugged in an oil change http://repairpal.com/engine-oil-filter-changeand brake job (http://repairpal.com/brake-rotor-replacement) for an Acura TL (http://repairpal.com/acura-tl-1999). In addition to the estimate it also includes an Encyclopedia of terms, which is used throughout the website-so when you hover over highlighted words-descriptive text boxes appear with the information. So, if automobile repair and maintenance isn't your passion - as is in my case - both you and I are able to become educated about your particular vehicle.
Additionally there is a tab/page, MY CAR which enables the car owner to keep all repair/maintenance records in one place. This website http://repairpal.com/ is easy, containing drop down lists, thus, allowing the user access across the site quickly and accurately; it's very user friendly.
I really do not like having to shop for car service and I no longer have warranty coverage on my beloved car, thus having a website that consolidates this type of information will certainly come in handy when I need to get some repair done without closing my eyes, flipping open the yellow pages and thrusting my forefinger onto the page - praying that this business isn't the one to take advantage of a woman's ignorance of 'all things mechanical' (aka - male oriented).
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Community~~~~the center is in my head....
Currently I am sitting inside out RV - space #53 of Gilbert Ray State Park, SW Tucson area. It's been gorgeous outside, although the wind is gusting at a good clip. Lola and Lucy are both asleep in their baskets, conveniently located in front of windows with the Sun warming our space. Saguaros surround our space, we have a long distance view of the valley below us.
I have a blessed life. It's true - I do. However, lately it feels, well-unfulfilled. There is something I am suppose to be doing and I have yet to figure that piece out. Recently in meditation the awareness that something was missing was revealed. It feels like a longing, it haunts me. Am I imagining it? I don't think so. I have for years had a desire to work as some sort of exercise instructor and I could never figure out how to support myself with that as a job…so I'd let it go. Whether it was yoga or aerobics the desire didn't leave. It still hasn't, so when we get home I'm going to do a bit of investigation to see what is available in my town to become a yoga instructor.
In tree or dog years - I am old. Inside I feel much, much younger…so I drift off into the world of yoga teacher training and wonder whether I could "that"? Not so much to support myself, but as a means of community as we travel. It would also keep me engaged in fitness outside the 3-4 mile walks that my husband and I do together.
'Community' has become a new word for me. Last week over laundry I met another woman, a few years older than I, as we did our laundry. Funny thing about laundry facilities….no matter who you are, laundry evens the playing field. Everyone has dirty laundry…doing it in RV parks is a bit easier than some of those suburban coin operated places that one approaches with care. I digress…Back to community with Lenore, she and her husband are from Wisconsin and have now spent the last 3 winters in the Tombstone area of AZ, for a variety of reasons which they compromised to reach. She used the word community and it resonated. I also felt an instant connection with her - which at the time felt odd, as I think of myself as a bit of a loner.
At home I have a 'community' of women and activities that I miss. I am wanting to create that for myself on the road - teaching a yoga class when we are parked for a period of time would be a way to engage that concept. At least the exploration will stimulate new dendrites and maybe a larger community for me.
Ciao~
Thursday, February 10, 2011
A "RANT" about "facilities"
Bathrooms are a necessity room! A "needs to be" clean bathroom/restroom has become a pet peeve of mine. Until recently I would take note and move on before actually using a facility that was in need of cleaning in a major way. When traveling and no "rest area" is available when nature calls, the next town with a Mickey D's gets my business. I loathe those portable "potty" barns, however in desperation I will use one AND make darn sure I don't touch ANYTHING inside other than the door lock - and then I sanitized like crazy! I have highly developed thigh muscles...
Recently, during the last week, I have had the misfortune and the pleasure of being confronted with the worst and the best of public restroom facilities. We recently stopped at a restaurant in Benson AZ. I am one of those people who needs to wash their hands after eating - am freakish about this. But I digress...once done with my meal I went to wash my hands. The room was a mess and I was instantly wishing I'd visited it prior to my meal. The good news was the manager appeared and in front of us informed her wait staff that they hadn't been checking and would need to do so in the future. Then she went to clean the room. If I want Mexican food in the future, I'll go back knowing that the bathroom isn't a hazard area to be avoided.
Earlier this week we visited the Chiricahua National Monument http://www.nps.gov/chir/index.htm - kudos to the National Park Service!!! Both parks we visited had restrooms that were almost pristine! One was located at the visitor center, so that should be a given...however, the other was 8 miles off the beaten path! Not only was it spotless they had a waste basket AND hand sanitizer! A full container in both locations! I was stunned and thrilled.
We visited a historic hotel in Douglas, AZ - so much effort to maintain the elegance of the past was evident throughout the lobby. Then why was their lobby women's room disappointing? Walking in was fun, looked quaint and clean, deco tiles around the waiting area - trim and grooming mirror.
Lovely.. right?
Only to find this >>>> around the corner. Come on people...paint the area that now reveals that you removed a MUCH larger mirror. Tacky, really tacky!
But after this frustrating visit and we return to our RV my guy decides to cure our own bathroom window leak! We can now say that we temporarily rolled over to 'trailer trash' - if only for the night-for the temps dropped into the teens.
And yes, it is what you might imagine it is!
Cheers...
Recently, during the last week, I have had the misfortune and the pleasure of being confronted with the worst and the best of public restroom facilities. We recently stopped at a restaurant in Benson AZ. I am one of those people who needs to wash their hands after eating - am freakish about this. But I digress...once done with my meal I went to wash my hands. The room was a mess and I was instantly wishing I'd visited it prior to my meal. The good news was the manager appeared and in front of us informed her wait staff that they hadn't been checking and would need to do so in the future. Then she went to clean the room. If I want Mexican food in the future, I'll go back knowing that the bathroom isn't a hazard area to be avoided.
Earlier this week we visited the Chiricahua National Monument http://www.nps.gov/chir/index.htm - kudos to the National Park Service!!! Both parks we visited had restrooms that were almost pristine! One was located at the visitor center, so that should be a given...however, the other was 8 miles off the beaten path! Not only was it spotless they had a waste basket AND hand sanitizer! A full container in both locations! I was stunned and thrilled.
 |
| US National Park Svc - AZ - KUDOS! |
Lovely.. right?
Only to find this >>>> around the corner. Come on people...paint the area that now reveals that you removed a MUCH larger mirror. Tacky, really tacky!
But after this frustrating visit and we return to our RV my guy decides to cure our own bathroom window leak! We can now say that we temporarily rolled over to 'trailer trash' - if only for the night-for the temps dropped into the teens.
And yes, it is what you might imagine it is!
 |
| Our trailer trash moment - eh, night |
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Blowing in the wind-while trying to stay put.
San Pedro River....
Being on the road since the first of November has been fun, adventurous and, at times, amayzing! However, I miss my women friends, yoga classes, the accessibility of Trader Joe's AND my hairdresser.
So there are days that I struggle to remain centered and present in the day. Prayer and meditation helps, so do frequent calls, Facebook and email also helps with adjustmenting my attitude. I perserve!
The fun part is learning about the history of a specific area - I have learned factos that my grade school history teacher never ever mentioned. Example would be that Wyatt Earp - that bastion of justice and law enforcement married Sadie Jo, a prostitute working at the Bird Cage Theatre/Bordello. Now that wasn't part of any history lesson I had as a child. The photo above shows a picture of Sadie Jo, Wyatt (lower right) her "ill fame" license which Earp had signed and Sadie's nude photo for her former 'live-in lover' Sheriff Behan.
I have no judgement on her morals - prostitution was legal in those days. While I personally wouldn't work in the business, I feel that making it legal today would insure the health of the women, possibly insure legal age requirements to work, leave the justice system open to more violent crimes to prosecute and states where it was legal, such as Nevada, would have the ability to tax it, thus creating more revenue for their currently strapped budgets. And it just might help with the illegal sex trafficking issue that is so rampant today. And it would stop law enforcement from focusing just on the women they arrest, which could be called harassment or profiling.
Just some thoughts. The wind continues to blow and we are getting ourselves ready to blow out with it.
Cheers!
 |
| Not far from our site |
Here I sit, inside our RV near Tombstone, AZ - the sun is shining. It all looks good, that is until the whole RV vigorously shifts from side to side. The wind is blowing 30-40 miles per hour! I'm waiting for Mike to complete his search of our next great RV spot - nearer to Tucson and one that does not cost a freaking fortune. We are mostly prepared to go on a hike at the Chicicahua National Monument park today, just need to get him re-focused.
Being on the road since the first of November has been fun, adventurous and, at times, amayzing! However, I miss my women friends, yoga classes, the accessibility of Trader Joe's AND my hairdresser.
So there are days that I struggle to remain centered and present in the day. Prayer and meditation helps, so do frequent calls, Facebook and email also helps with adjustmenting my attitude. I perserve!
I have no judgement on her morals - prostitution was legal in those days. While I personally wouldn't work in the business, I feel that making it legal today would insure the health of the women, possibly insure legal age requirements to work, leave the justice system open to more violent crimes to prosecute and states where it was legal, such as Nevada, would have the ability to tax it, thus creating more revenue for their currently strapped budgets. And it just might help with the illegal sex trafficking issue that is so rampant today. And it would stop law enforcement from focusing just on the women they arrest, which could be called harassment or profiling.
Just some thoughts. The wind continues to blow and we are getting ourselves ready to blow out with it.
Cheers!
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