Ah.... I love going out to dinner on Thursday evenings with my friend of 25 years, Richard. Nothing better than winding down the work week with a dear friend who's always been there for me. We typically trade off exactly who is paying for the meal. Our typical place is what we refer to as "Jennifer's" place. No one else around here really knows what that means as it's our lingo.
Last Thursday, we were attempting to meet at a local Mexican restaurant, just to shake things up a bit. As per usual, R is always running behind schedule and this particular Thursday, he was coming from a meeting in DC. so instead of hoofing it all the way back near home- I get the bright idea of meeting him half way at a local Italian restaurant.
Being Italian myself, I can be pretty picky when it comes to Italian food. Olive Garden is so so... Carrabba's has KILLER, i mean KILLER Italian food. No, peeps, it doesn't actually *kill* - but it's pretty darned good eatin'. Carrabba's comes a close second to Amalfi's in Rockville, but that's a bit of a hike. Carrabba's makes divine cannolis... complete with the pistachios and citron. Just like my grandmother and great-grandmother used to make. Reminds me of my childhood.
But- as usual - I digress....
As I said- I'm pretty picky when it comes to Italian food. Richard is Italian as well - but he's not so picky! Still, this local Italian joint has decent enough food.. or I should change the verb tense to had decent enough food up until last Thursday.
My father always said that you can tell the caliber of the Italian restaurant by the calamari. For those of you unfamiliar with what exactly calamari is. it is made from squid (all parts of it) with the most popular version being fried. it is the time of frying that distinguishes a great Italian restaurant from the wannabees. If the squid is fried too long, it becomes rubbery. There is an art to getting this right. I keep waiting for the day that Gordon Ramsay puts it on the menu in "Hell's Kitchen" so he can scream at the participants as he does with the Risotto. Man, that would be some good TV right there.
So- as usual, Richard and I ordered the fried calamari as our appetizer this fateful Thursday. We were both famished so we were really looking forward to it. After what seemed eons, it was finally served. The first piece was one of the rings and for the first time at this establishment, it was chewy- definitely overdone. Not wanting to be discouraged, I reached for a different piece. Put it on my plate.
To my utter surprise, we no longer had simply calamari as our appetizer. We had cala-hair-i. Eeeeep. There, nestled in the tentacles of the squid was more than simple additions. There was a full length hair fried in with our appetizer. Gah-Rossssss. Richard had picked up another piece- and I somehow calmly instructed him to drop it. He looked at me strangely (yeah, differently than he usually does) - I pointed to the calahairi.. and the O formed in his mouth.
I calmly (surprising, I know) took the dish back to the kitchen. Did not make a scene - why bother. Just calmly asked them to take it back. The server came out and actually asked us if we wanted another serving of it. Um- no. Nothing fried please. So we opted for the spinach and artichoke dip instead. Props to this establishment in that they did not charge us for either appetizer. Lucky me since it was my week to pay. Yesssssss.
Needless to say, I'm not quite sure if I'll ever go back there. Ick factor is off the map.
Success was had that Saturday night, however. Before I went out dancing and met a nice gentleman, Richard and I got together with some other friends for dinner. We ordered fried calamari from that restaurant and yippee skippy- no surprise ingredients! Even better- it was Richard's turn to pay for dinner- so *he* paid for this appetizer. Yesssssss!
Tonight- I'm thinking we'll go back to our old standby - "Jennifer's Place". I do still owe you a dinner at Capitol Ale House though, Chard.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Waive and Wave are Homonyms For a Reason, Me Thinks!
Anyone that truly knows me, knows I'm not a legal novice. Call into evidence two of my favorite shows on TV: "Judge Judy" and "People's Court". Well- and "Law & Order" and "Law & Order, SVU" not withstanding.
I get correspondence from an attorney on a legal matter, in my email no less. Part of the correspondence is requesting me to sign a waiver of rights. Um.. no. Not without some discussion, I'm not. As my title suggests, waive and wave are homonyms for a reason.
Without clear understanding of what rights exactly I am waiving and the ramifications of doing so, this just ain't happening. This chick is not blindly waving buh-bye to her legal rights. As much as I want this chapter closed, I'm not naive enough to do so impatiently and impetuously.
Now- why am I even blogging about this?
Well, because as much as I've been disappointed, the depths to which a lack of my intelligence has been insinuated is just flippin' obnoxious. This particular instance is but one of many initiated by a nameless party. For someone who claimed to have known me very well, it's clearly evident that was not the case.
On what planet did this person ever think I'd quietly (and calmly for that matter, LOL) sign such a ridiculous piece of paper? Gah.. just Gah. So- legal eagle that I am, I calmly (yes, I can be calm after the cuss words have spewed and my emotions have been called back into check) emailed the attorney stating my case and why I'm questioning the waiver (and other aspects of the forementioned correspondence).
I want this chapter closed. I want my dignity as well. I'm confident both can be achieved.
As for the other party... fair winds and following seas.
I get correspondence from an attorney on a legal matter, in my email no less. Part of the correspondence is requesting me to sign a waiver of rights. Um.. no. Not without some discussion, I'm not. As my title suggests, waive and wave are homonyms for a reason.
Without clear understanding of what rights exactly I am waiving and the ramifications of doing so, this just ain't happening. This chick is not blindly waving buh-bye to her legal rights. As much as I want this chapter closed, I'm not naive enough to do so impatiently and impetuously.
Now- why am I even blogging about this?
Well, because as much as I've been disappointed, the depths to which a lack of my intelligence has been insinuated is just flippin' obnoxious. This particular instance is but one of many initiated by a nameless party. For someone who claimed to have known me very well, it's clearly evident that was not the case.
On what planet did this person ever think I'd quietly (and calmly for that matter, LOL) sign such a ridiculous piece of paper? Gah.. just Gah. So- legal eagle that I am, I calmly (yes, I can be calm after the cuss words have spewed and my emotions have been called back into check) emailed the attorney stating my case and why I'm questioning the waiver (and other aspects of the forementioned correspondence).
I want this chapter closed. I want my dignity as well. I'm confident both can be achieved.
As for the other party... fair winds and following seas.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Has It Really Been That Long????
Today marks a major milestone in my life.
More major than when I did my first Century Ride.
More major than when I bought my house.
More major than when I cut my 3 feet long hair.
Not more major than what occured on this day in 1988.
Today, marks the 21st anniversary of the day I first became a mother. Holy crap- T-W-E-N-T-Y-O-N-E. My kiddo, er young adult son, is now of legal drinking age. I could write boohooing about "When did he get so old?" - "I remember when I was ____ with him" (fill in the blank with MOTHER appropriate terms there, peeps- keep it clean) - "Seems like only yesterday", blah blah blah.
Fact is, in spite of the actual age of my eldest, I relish this day, probably more than he does. Well, I'll concede that today he's probably relishing it more than me, as he can now legally purchase alcohol- a MAJOR deal when you're a college kid, er student. Sorry, I digressed into my motherhood mode there for a second.
I relish this day as a celebration of the beginning of this wonderful journey called motherhood. In spite of all that has gone on in my life (I'm sure I'll bore y'all to tears at some point with stories of those events, so I'll hold off for now and spare ya) - there has been one constant. My children. The first child entering this world 21 years ago today, at 3:19PM.
J and I have been through a great deal together. Those of you who know me know some of what I'm talking about. I owe a great deal of who I am today, and even the fact I'm here today, to my son. That is not to say I don't owe each and every one of my children the same honor, because I do. It's just that today is *his* day and I'll point out his importance in my life on his day.
I will say, however, that if not for J, I may not have survived a traumatic event in my life. It was because he was around and needed his mother, that I did not succumb to desires to end God's greatest gift. 1991 was a very dark year for me, but J needed his mother, and she suffered through the depression of the loss of his sister *for* him. They say there is no greater bond than the one between a mother and her son. I am lucky enough to know why someone actually coined that phrase.
Oh- J could tell you story after story about how mean his mother was to him. Like the time I threatened to take a week off of work to "babysit" him in school to ensure he knew how to behave. Miraculously with that threat, he found the behavior button and used it and- poof- no more detention. Imagine that. Or the time he was barred from playing basketball because of his poor grade in English- but mean ole mom took him to the game and had him support his team even though he couldn't play. Hmmmmm.. funny.. the poor grades due to laziness never occured again- wonder why... Or the time I stopped the car after he was yelling at me over something, and I told him to get out and walk home to cool off. (yeah yeah yeah.. it was only about 1/2 mile and it was a gravel private road. so there.. mleh) Or the time he was so spun up, I told him to take a walk around the house to cool off - he said- "I don't have a coat!"- and I replied back- "you'll cool off sooner then, won't you?" - He did cool off.
J could also tell you the stories about all the good things his mother did too. Like hosting a teenaged pool party as the only adult (I removed ALL the liquor from the house- I'm not stupid). Or the time I was with him in the hospital after he broke his leg. Or the present he got for his 17th birthday. Or the present he got me right before he graduated high school.
So, today is the 21st anniversary of my rite of passage to motherhood. This isn't about me, however, this is about my son and his special day. I love you, son. I'm so darned proud to call you my son and even prouder to be your mother. Enjoy your special day and we'll kick it up when I come visit and you can buy your drinks!
More major than when I did my first Century Ride.
More major than when I bought my house.
More major than when I cut my 3 feet long hair.
Not more major than what occured on this day in 1988.
Today, marks the 21st anniversary of the day I first became a mother. Holy crap- T-W-E-N-T-Y-O-N-E. My kiddo, er young adult son, is now of legal drinking age. I could write boohooing about "When did he get so old?" - "I remember when I was ____ with him" (fill in the blank with MOTHER appropriate terms there, peeps- keep it clean) - "Seems like only yesterday", blah blah blah.
Fact is, in spite of the actual age of my eldest, I relish this day, probably more than he does. Well, I'll concede that today he's probably relishing it more than me, as he can now legally purchase alcohol- a MAJOR deal when you're a college kid, er student. Sorry, I digressed into my motherhood mode there for a second.
I relish this day as a celebration of the beginning of this wonderful journey called motherhood. In spite of all that has gone on in my life (I'm sure I'll bore y'all to tears at some point with stories of those events, so I'll hold off for now and spare ya) - there has been one constant. My children. The first child entering this world 21 years ago today, at 3:19PM.
J and I have been through a great deal together. Those of you who know me know some of what I'm talking about. I owe a great deal of who I am today, and even the fact I'm here today, to my son. That is not to say I don't owe each and every one of my children the same honor, because I do. It's just that today is *his* day and I'll point out his importance in my life on his day.
I will say, however, that if not for J, I may not have survived a traumatic event in my life. It was because he was around and needed his mother, that I did not succumb to desires to end God's greatest gift. 1991 was a very dark year for me, but J needed his mother, and she suffered through the depression of the loss of his sister *for* him. They say there is no greater bond than the one between a mother and her son. I am lucky enough to know why someone actually coined that phrase.
Oh- J could tell you story after story about how mean his mother was to him. Like the time I threatened to take a week off of work to "babysit" him in school to ensure he knew how to behave. Miraculously with that threat, he found the behavior button and used it and- poof- no more detention. Imagine that. Or the time he was barred from playing basketball because of his poor grade in English- but mean ole mom took him to the game and had him support his team even though he couldn't play. Hmmmmm.. funny.. the poor grades due to laziness never occured again- wonder why... Or the time I stopped the car after he was yelling at me over something, and I told him to get out and walk home to cool off. (yeah yeah yeah.. it was only about 1/2 mile and it was a gravel private road. so there.. mleh) Or the time he was so spun up, I told him to take a walk around the house to cool off - he said- "I don't have a coat!"- and I replied back- "you'll cool off sooner then, won't you?" - He did cool off.
J could also tell you the stories about all the good things his mother did too. Like hosting a teenaged pool party as the only adult (I removed ALL the liquor from the house- I'm not stupid). Or the time I was with him in the hospital after he broke his leg. Or the present he got for his 17th birthday. Or the present he got me right before he graduated high school.
So, today is the 21st anniversary of my rite of passage to motherhood. This isn't about me, however, this is about my son and his special day. I love you, son. I'm so darned proud to call you my son and even prouder to be your mother. Enjoy your special day and we'll kick it up when I come visit and you can buy your drinks!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Dating Pool at My Age Needs Chlorine and a Lifeguard
well.. about 95% of the time. I did have some success Saturday night which I'll fillabitch in here in a minute.. but first- the sad part.
Apparently- if you're a professional (with any sort of degree or good job), older (I'd say over 40) mother on the dating scene, you are prime meat for scammers. I mean Grade-A prime meat. I seem to attract a plethora of these wingnuts.
here's one that just landed into my okstupid mailbox
"Oct 26, 2009 - 7:58am
well am chris Stephen by name am 39 year old gentle man ........am a widowed i lost my late wife three years agos in an auto car accident and that was the same year i lost my father the same way. i do hav one with me he is 15 year old boy his name is johnson . am building and construction enginner .....am a type of a man that is totally ready for a truelove relationship ....... this all i want offer a woman am going to love honest, caring, loyalty, kindling. christianity , saved , trustworthy, romantic, financially, understanding , loving, joyfulness, maturity in love,fun, sex,happiness, joyfullness, (LOVECONVENANT), pureheart, puresoul, and TRUELOVE......that is all what am going offer a woman cuz all woman deserved more that ..........well am seriouly looking for a serious relatioship . you try to reach me on my private emial adress (StephenDonald34@yahoo.com) so that we can hav heart to heart conversiation for each other. "
Here's my PSA for these. To a T - these jokers are in the construction field in some capacity. Either a builder, architect (but when pressed- they're really not), or plain construction. To a T- they have either lost their wife in child birth or in a car accident (typically around a holiday and may or may not have had the child die with them) - I guess it's a play on your heartstrings, ladies. To a T- they do not live near you and are looking to move. To a T- eventually their poor grammar or English comes through (as you can see above- with the three years agos). To a T - they want to YIM with you almost immediately. If any of you single gals come across ANYONE like this.. RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN! Srsly.
I had great fun messing with a joker about 2 months ago. The guy claimed to be from Florida, Claimed to be a grad of University of Miami. Something didn't seem right. Could have been the phrase "what will you like to know about me". Could have been the phrase "we will wait for you" when I said I would BRB. Dunno what it was, but something seemed like he was flip flip flipping through a dictionary to talk.. so- when he revealed he went to U of M, as shock- an architect, I decided to mess with him and find out. Being the wise cracker I am, I wanted to see if he was flipping through a dictionary. I said "University of Miami, wow.. I love watching those Miami Tsunamis" - his reply back "oh yeah". My response- BLOCK.
Fool.
So ladies- run if you come across fools like these. Oh- these are just a few. I've had double digits contact me. At least I'm not a fool cause this chick and her money won't soon be parting over these idjuts.
Apparently- if you're a professional (with any sort of degree or good job), older (I'd say over 40) mother on the dating scene, you are prime meat for scammers. I mean Grade-A prime meat. I seem to attract a plethora of these wingnuts.
here's one that just landed into my okstupid mailbox
"Oct 26, 2009 - 7:58am
well am chris Stephen by name am 39 year old gentle man ........am a widowed i lost my late wife three years agos in an auto car accident and that was the same year i lost my father the same way. i do hav one with me he is 15 year old boy his name is johnson . am building and construction enginner .....am a type of a man that is totally ready for a truelove relationship ....... this all i want offer a woman am going to love honest, caring, loyalty, kindling. christianity , saved , trustworthy, romantic, financially, understanding , loving, joyfulness, maturity in love,fun, sex,happiness, joyfullness, (LOVECONVENANT), pureheart, puresoul, and TRUELOVE......that is all what am going offer a woman cuz all woman deserved more that ..........well am seriouly looking for a serious relatioship . you try to reach me on my private emial adress (StephenDonald34@yahoo.com) so that we can hav heart to heart conversiation for each other. "
Here's my PSA for these. To a T - these jokers are in the construction field in some capacity. Either a builder, architect (but when pressed- they're really not), or plain construction. To a T- they have either lost their wife in child birth or in a car accident (typically around a holiday and may or may not have had the child die with them) - I guess it's a play on your heartstrings, ladies. To a T- they do not live near you and are looking to move. To a T- eventually their poor grammar or English comes through (as you can see above- with the three years agos). To a T - they want to YIM with you almost immediately. If any of you single gals come across ANYONE like this.. RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN! Srsly.
I had great fun messing with a joker about 2 months ago. The guy claimed to be from Florida, Claimed to be a grad of University of Miami. Something didn't seem right. Could have been the phrase "what will you like to know about me". Could have been the phrase "we will wait for you" when I said I would BRB. Dunno what it was, but something seemed like he was flip flip flipping through a dictionary to talk.. so- when he revealed he went to U of M, as shock- an architect, I decided to mess with him and find out. Being the wise cracker I am, I wanted to see if he was flipping through a dictionary. I said "University of Miami, wow.. I love watching those Miami Tsunamis" - his reply back "oh yeah". My response- BLOCK.
Fool.
So ladies- run if you come across fools like these. Oh- these are just a few. I've had double digits contact me. At least I'm not a fool cause this chick and her money won't soon be parting over these idjuts.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Who Me?
Oh dear lawd - Marie's taken the plunge. Watch out.
I've been reading some friends' blogs and have realized that it would probably do me some good to blog. why? The voices in my head are lonely and need to be heard by others.
Too much is being held inside. Too much is going unsaid. Too much emotion is festering. Too much is too much.
So- watch out blogosphere. I've got a blog and I'm learning how to use it!
I've been reading some friends' blogs and have realized that it would probably do me some good to blog. why? The voices in my head are lonely and need to be heard by others.
Too much is being held inside. Too much is going unsaid. Too much emotion is festering. Too much is too much.
So- watch out blogosphere. I've got a blog and I'm learning how to use it!
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