I See What You Meme

It was ten years ago this month that I finished graduate school. Although I had held a few jobs in the decade preceding that graduation, that was the moment I launched my career . That was the end-point for 6 years of advanced schooling. I was ready for the next chapter.  In the decade that has passed, there have been a lot of chapters. In fact, I feel like I've experienced more of a novella. Most of you (my devoted blog followers) know the gist of the story so I'll spare you the details.  Sometime in the early 2000s ( the "NAUGHTies?" ), after a conversation that I'm pretty sure emerged during a road trip with the hubby, I made a list.   What were my top 5 Dream Jobs?     I've kept the list in various forms and it currently lives on my iPhone...for handy reference.   I've been thinking a great deal about that list lately.  First of all, I'm living my dream. My job at Commonwealth Autism Service is #3. I love my job and I'm proud to say

I had a bunch of ideas floating in my head for this week's Follow Friday. Summer is coming. There are all kinds of events for the long three day weekend: new movies, concerts, adventures to plan.  This week, however, I re-ignited my interest in a TV show that had lost me way back in October.   When Glee first came on the scene, I loved it. It appealed to all of the things I love in entertainment: snarky dialogue, creativity, and just enough eye candy (have you seen Matthew Morrison? YUM!).  Having served out my high school days in the show choir, I could definitely relate to some of the plot points although I don't remember bursting into song in the middle of the cafeteria or even getting slushied.   So the first season of GLEE was fun but it was also inspiring. Watching the GLEEKS handle poignant issues such as Kurt's coming out or Quinn's pregnancy or Rachel's discovery of her birth mother was, to me, the main attraction. The entertainment provided by spontane

So how was your weekend? I have to admit that all the rapture talk was good for a giggle. Hopefully many of you were able to embrace the idea of living like there's no tomorrow. Unfortunately for some of our neighbors and fellow citizens in Joplin, MO, it was not a happy or relaxing weekend. My thoughts are with those who are currently healing, grieving, and surviving in the midst of disaster.  There was an interesting story on NPR this morning discussing how President Obama is forced to balance priorities when it comes to planned events vs. sudden disasters. It's an interesting predicament: the President has a planned trip to Ireland. Hours before his scheduled departure, the tornadoes hit Joplin, MO. What to do? Stay and manage the crisis "up close" or proceed as scheduled and manage from a distance, reporting for a personal visit upon his return to the States?  This is not a situation unique to the Obama administration. Presidents through the years (in fact,

The apocalypse is approaching .  Maybe.  I want you to be prepared so I'm bringing this week's Follow Friday to you a bit early...with an assignment. I bring you 5 pieces of entertainment that you MUST see before you're raptured.  Take some time to check these out. You might as well. You've got all the time in the world. Bobby McFerrin singing Ave Maria. Quite possibly one of the most amazing voices on the planet. I hope that whatever side of the rapture I'm on come Sunday, Bobby is there as well.  The Conchords are my indie music heroes. I love their show. I love their songs. If I were a little more obsessive, I could be their Mel.  I'm definitely into them so I figured I'd share If You're Into It with you. I discovered Nanci Griffith thanks to my dear husband. She's another national treasure who's completely under-rated. Love at the Five and Dime ranks right up there as a must-listen. You may not have time to see the post-apocalypi

I've been a fan of the ABC show Desperate Housewives since its premiere in 2004. Admittedly, my interest in the show has waxed and waned over the years and I have a feeling that 7 years in, the plot playlist is edging towards shuffle/repeat. I mean, has anyone on Wisteria Lane NOT been a victim of attempted murder, a life threatening illness, marriage infidelity, or financial problems?  It is, after all, a soap opera.  But it's still one of my guilty pleasures.  A few years into watching the show, I realized there was one character with whom I could really relate. As the show has continued, I've sometimes wondered if Wisteria Lane isn't just some alternative parallel universe of my life...at least as far as this one person was concerned. Maybe Marc Cherry had some secret portal into my cul de sac, using my life as his muse (but amping up the juicy details, making me look a million times more glamorous, and giving me a tummy tuck).  So who is my Desperate Housewives

So it’s been a busy week in terms of news. Everyone is still reeling from the May 1 st headlines so in case you’ve been suffering from a mediasphere hangover, I’d like to share a few key news stories that you may have missed: Florida does it again. It seems that the Florida legislature may have inadvertently made sex illegal . Oh, Florida….what are we going to do with you? You can’t manage the 2000 election. You lead the country in bank foreclosures and your government is facing a shortfall of over $3 billion. You’re not even really part of “The South.” Maybe we should give Puerto Rico a turn. Or sell the whole state to Disney World.   Meanwhile, while we’re all still giddily euphoric over the Royal Wedding , we were slammed with the news that a branch of America’s royal family has been pruned.   Arnold Schwarzenneger is no longer a Kennedy. Maybe it’s all part of the Governator’s plan to be the next Bruce Wayne . Maybe Maria feels the need to search for an eligible bachelor p

Today is Monty Python Status Day.  To that end, I'm posting lyrics to one of my favorite Python songs, from Life of Brian.  Without the context the song is actually inspirational and kind of sweet.  In context...well...if you haven't seen the movie, you should check it out. Always Look on the Bright Side of Life words and music by Eric Idle Some things in life are bad They can really make you mad Other things just make you swear and curse. When you're chewing on life's gristle Don't grumble, give a whistle And this'll help things turn out for the best... And...always look on the bright side of life... Always look on the light side of life... If life seems jolly rotten There's something you've forgotten And that's to laugh and smile and dance and sing. When you're feeling in the dumps Don't be silly chumps Just purse your lips and whistle - that's the thing. And...always look on the bright side of life... Al

We interrupt our regular Follow Friday programming for a special tribute in honor of Mother's Day. My mother is not on Facebook. Or Twitter. She does, however, read my blog. Today's post is for her.      Recently, I came across the Mother's Day present I sent her in 2008. That year, she had actually given me an assignment: " Tell me 10 things that I have taught you and 5 things you wish I had taught you." 10 Things My Mother Taught Me My and my mom, circa 1976 Laughter is very important in life. Share your sense of humor and be able to laugh at yourself. When the going gets rough, resort to prayer. God gives us an answer if we are patient. Everything is easier when you are organized. Always count your blessings and remember those less fortunate than yourselves; be a good steward of your resources. Appreciate the arts (as a participant and patron) Follow your child's lead and trust your instincts as a parent. Vitamin C cures almost eve