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January 29, 2004
His Story
I found out from the son of my HS History Teacher that his father, Mr. Eklund, passed away this week. Mr. Eklund was the epitome of "Curmudgeon". He was witty, and quirky and charismatic enough to intimidate even the fiercest of his Advanced Placement History Students. I must admit, I slept in his class much too often; I was a busy gal between theatre and work and keeping it all together and US History seemed the perfect time to catch up. I still managed some great grades; and I always enjoyed my waking moments too.
I wonder sometimes why Mr. E didn't call me out in some of those moments when I was dozing a little too peacefully. He was a smart man and I am sure he noticed. I tend to think he knew I was overextended and while more than a little disappointed, he was willing to look the other way. Either that or he thought it wasn't worth the trouble if I wasn't going to trouble myself enough to stay awake. Both scenarios seem fitting. I left his class (with an A) with a greater appreciation for History, an idea that learning was more than reciting rote dates and facts but rather critical thinking about the "input" one receives, and a wish that only deepened as time created more distance between the me of that time and the me today. What did I miss in the drowsy moments?
Recently, my partners and I renewed our relationship with both Mr. and Mrs. Eklund through Tex in the City. We'd exchanged a few emails over the last year or so. We were tickled to have rekindled this relationship. Both of the Eklunds were genuinely interested and hopeful for our progress.
We'll miss you, Rolf. Vaya con Dios.
Posted by mermu at 07:22 PM | Comments (3)
January 23, 2004
An open letter to CBS
Well, it seems that CBS is poo-pooing MoveOn.org's ad for the SuperBowl. MoveOn has the money; it has the ads, but CBS thinks it's more important to sell beer and potato chips. Here is my response to CBS' decision.
If you don't accept the good money of the hundreds of thousands of
voters who donated to run this ad, I will have no problem boycotting CBS
indefinitely. I am a young woman who takes censorship seriously. I
have alot of years to not watch CBS.
CSI: Miami is not so engaging that watching it is worth this blatant display
of censorship and a loss of American freedoms. The air waves are public domain.
The last CBS show I watch will be this year's SuperBowl unless I see
that MoveOn ad.
Sincerely,
A TEXAN, living in New Jersey
To sign this Anti Censorship petition and get MoveOn.org's ad on the air click here.
Posted by mermu at 01:10 PM | Comments (5)
January 18, 2004
Friend-cest
I was hanging with the gals after Sex and the City tonight and we were talking about a particular pattern of someone (let's say a guy we'll call Skeet). Skeet apparently likes to date solely within his particular social circle. A group of guys and a group of girls all hanging out and he occasionally goes after one of the girls and then later starts dating another of the girls in the clique. We've determined this guy is into "friend-cest". Last night a guy who on Tuesday told me he was attracted to one of my friends asked me out. Call me crazy but I don't like to consider myself seconds, sloppy or otherwise. I'm not sure how Skeet's gal-friends put up with it.
Posted by mermu at 11:50 PM | Comments (6)
January 09, 2004
Mexico
I would like to send this long distance dedication out to "Jeff Not Geoff" who went to Mexico for 4 months as of last Saturday. Jeff, it was nice to meet you.
Mexico
by Cake
He had a match, I had a lighter
He had a flame, I had a fire
He was bright, but I was much brighter
He was high, but I was the sky
oh baby, He was bound for mexico
oh baby, He was bound to let me go
He don't know much about cinco de mayo
He's never sure what it's all about
He says "i want you", I don't believe him
I say "I want you", but he's got his doubts
oh baby, he was bound for mexico
oh baby, he was bound to let me go
He had a match, I had a lighter
He had a flame, I had a fire
He was bright, but I was much brighter
He was high, but I was the sky
oh baby, He was bound for mexico
oh baby, He was bound to let me go
Posted by mermu at 03:02 PM | Comments (0)
January 08, 2004
Brought to you by ?
Last night was another swanky event for the Tex in the City crowd. This one was hosted by a Texas friend who promotes the "Flirt" parties. While at the party, my friend...who I'll call "Pyro" because of his Women-with-Fire fascination... and I decided we should marry. No he doesn't own boots. This deal is just to good too pass up.
Our goal is to outlast Brittney. That's 56 hours of wedded wifedom for me! In order to sweeten the deal we have decided that we will only stay married for each hour that is sponsored. Instead of Jumping Rope for Jesus we'll be Wedded for Wheelchair Reform or some such (taking into account there will be a hefty "administration" fee that all legitimate 501(c)3s take). So it's possible we'll only be married for 10 hours. On the other hand we could end up being married for years as long as there is a market for it. This could really be the next big thing. This hour of connubial bliss brought to you by Mr. Gee's Steak and Shake. . Perhaps you could even call Mr. Gee during their sponsored hour and get a dollar off the Blue Plate special.
I really think we're on to something here. Gotta run. Pyro and I are having a marketing meeting later to decide on the official Wedded for Wheelchair T-shirts. Woo-HOO!
Posted by mermu at 12:19 PM | Comments (1)
January 07, 2004
The Boy that I marry
Or at least date in 2004....
Well, the triumvirate of the Weehawken Ladies Social Circle (That's me, F_ and D_) finally reunited after the holidays for Martini Madness at Madison's in Hoboken. Somehow the talk turned to the bright prospects of the New Year and the kind of men with which we would like to be saddled since we've all certainly had our share of those foundered creatures that should be put to pasture like our gentle old equine friends. After much merry making and thought and a pint of beer I have determined these are the things a guy should possess to make me swoon.
He is taller than I (am tall) wearing moderate heals.
He knows how to play Euchre.
He can use power tools. (Extra points if he can woodwork, build a chair or weld.)
He can dance.
If he owns a pair of boots he must have ridden a horse at least once.
He owns a pair of boots.
He tips 20% unless the waitperson is just awful in which case he tips no less than 15%.
He gives up his seat for old people on the subway.
He was in a spelling bee when he was in school.
*He knows how to spell "lier" and "minter".
If he didn't know what "syzygy" was when I asked him; he would, of his own accord, go look it up and tell me later.
He knows at least 10 phrases in a language other than English.
He abolutely adores my dog.
Okay, well that's it for now. Hopefully I'll meet this swoonworthy fellow before this list gets toooooooo looonnnnng.
* "liar" and "mentor"
I suppose it can't hurt to give them a little bit of a head start. I learned these the hard way.
Posted by mermu at 01:31 AM | Comments (1)
January 04, 2004
Hair of My Chinny Chin Chin
Today I just got the final paperwork and confirmation of a canceled check from my ex-beau and partner Mr. Cheaver aka Rhett. My brainchild Provenance, LLC is now mine, all mine. I feel like I really dodged a bullet with this one. I have been loathe to enter into any contracts or continue my work on the venture until this issue was settled as anything I could do would be considered an asset. As far as getting into biz with Mr. Cheaver in the first place...I know I know. What was I thinking? Don't shit where you eat and all that. It sucks that this is true but it is. Besides that, Mr. Cheaver may have some fantastic qualities- being a partner (in life or business) is certainly not one of them. I must shamefacedly admit that the only reason I got into business with him in the first place was that I cared about him. Without going into too much detail of Cheaver's personal woes, I felt he really needed something to hang on to...This is NOT a good reason to get involved with anyone for any reason. What can I say? I am a sucker for strays and the underdog.
This could easily have been a nasty affair that ended acrimoniously and with the best idea I've had in years chopped into little pieces. I also found that when it comes to separating myself from a partner my Operating Agreement was embarassingly weak. So I've learned alot from the relationship and the ordeal I've managed to escape relatively unscathed. For that I am thankful.
Now that I own the cow, stayed tuned for the sweetest milk this side of the Pecos.
And Uncle John, I am now awaiting titles for your pieces with bated breath. Let's get this website thing going.
Posted by mermu at 11:50 PM | Comments (2)