Rant & Rave

I had just finished watching the movie "The Jane Austin Bookclub" with my book club gals when I checked the time. 6:40!! Shoot, I had a "black tie optional" dinner to go to in the Bluffs at 7:00! Sorry gals for rushing you out! I'm proud to say that I got myself together (dress, pantyhose, make-up, hair brushed) and there at 7:10 as people were at the tables, but dinner had yet to be served.

I was invited to the dinner by one of the men being honored, so it wasn't something I wanted to blow off or arrive noticably late. About two minutes after I sat down- he stopped by the table to greet us. "Hi" "Glad you could make it." "Congratulations" etc. etc. I then was shocked to find that it wasn't the rudeness of my being late that was then noted in the exchange, but my audacity to only reply "plus one" to my invitation as we all stared at the empty chair beside me. I'm not sure if it was stated as "I was hoping" or "You know you could have" but bringing a guest (i.e. a date) was definately implied. "I RSVPed for one," I lamely responded to my host and then pathetically twice more to a couple sitting next to me at the table.

I (thankfully) repressed my desire to "defend myself" and report that only 24 hours earlier, I had in fact been out on a date with a respectable man and we both "hoped to do it again sometime." Argh! I'm not sure if I'm more frustrated with the unnecessary pressure that is put on people (I know men get this too)to not show up alone at these types of things or if I am angry at myself for getting flustered by it?

The Rave is On
Back to the beginning of my rant. . . book club was most excellent. It was wonderful to catch up on life events (Malia's upcoming wedding or Megan's pending graduation and Joanna's new kitchen)and eat good food (I served a cheese plate: brie, soft bleu cheese and a "stinky cheese.") As always my review of spending time with these magnificant ladies is a RAVE! Thank you for being a bright spot in my day and never EVER judging me for being a "plus one."

Where Are You Mr. Darcy?

Take the Quiz here!

"Bitch is the New Black"

I don't mean to make my blog a string of videos . . . but this is a must share gem from the very brilliant Tina Fey. My favorite line is the last one delivered, "Bitch is the New Black." This is a very different sentiment than the previously posted video from Mr. Rogers, but ironically just as inspirational to me. BTW, I highly recommend her show 30 Rock You can watch full episodes of the second season online.

A Good Message from a Good Neighbor

Daddy/Daughter Date and the Ditch

February 5th was a dark and snowy day. Yet I was motivated to head west to Lincoln to rendezvous (those Pemsler French CDS are really working for me) with my Dad. The occasion was an awards banquet honoring Nebraska artists, including one of my Dad's coffee buddies a 92 year-old calligrapher, appropriately named, Art. After a mutually treacherous journey, my Dad and I both silently agreed that Mom was truly the smart one among us for deciding to stay home. She wasn't the only one homebound. For the honoree and appropriately fifty K-townies failed to appear after the bus they chartered was CANCELED! So, my Dad, myself and one other person sat at a table for ten, ate substandard banquet food, endured a program where our “man of the hour” that we had intended to salute was not there and the drive home was looming ahead.

If you read the title of this entry, you know where this story is headed. . . I lost control of the civic just west of the Platte river, and was t-boned by an Omaha Steaks delivery truck (note, the irony that I was t-boned by a truck delivering meat- guess who won't be getting a box of free steaks?) And then my car proceeded into a snowy ditch. Fortunately, I am past the experience without a scratch. I wasn't even sore the next day. My car was not as fortunate. It is still in the body shop and should be done with major re-constructive surgery on Friday.

Haute Couture

Where shall I go when I visit the fashion capital of the world. Chez Chanel, Dior, Hermes, Givenchy . . . ? C'est possible. But then again, what is the sport in that? I DO plan to visit Tati. Check out the website. You don't have to be fluent in French to see that you can purchase your workout attire and your wedding clothes in the same place. Now that's my kind of store. I hope they have some great shoes!

Foodies Unite!

One has to admire the Zagats who turned a love of food and eating into a way to make a pretty good living for themselves. Watch this clip and learn that the first Zagat guide was published on a mimeographed pages! (Those aren't like pdf files for anyone under thirty that read this.) And bless him- Mo works so hard to be clever and funny at every turn and he truly charms the Zagats.