Monday, February 16, 2004

Superiority complex
Is it wrong that I watch Newlyweds to feel better about myself? I may never be a skinny, blond popstar but I can tell the difference between "lair" and "liar." It's the little things.

Sunday, February 15, 2004

Size matters
I recently caught the rerun of the first episode of Airline. I realize the airline employees put up with a lot of garbage with a lot of tact. More than I would in most circumstances.

But I really question Southwest's P.O.S. policy. I will admit I am biased. I have a weight problem, a serious one although I could pass the seatbelt test. I resent them telling this poor passenger who had already had a tough day that he has to buy an extra seat for "his" comfort.

I've flown quite a bit. I've sat next to screaming babies, in front of seat kickers, behind snorers and in the vicinity of people who don't know when to let go of the perfume bottle's button. These are just something a frequent flier must deal with -- especially when on Southwest's cattle car. Cheap doesn't lead to comfort.

I don't see them calling out the management for a S.B., a S.K., a S.P. or a P.P. Would I blame an infant for crying and make the parent buy a seat far from me? No.

But not only do they ask the overweight man to buy an extra seat, they try to convince him it benefits him. The man gets his car stolen that morning, put on standby and then gets to pay for an extra seat. Wow, his day was very beneficial.

By the way, I'm not crazy about the P.O.S. moniker either.

Tuesday, February 10, 2004

In the beginning
How did people meet before online and speed dating?

Well my family began with a letter dated August 18, 1943 that starts 'Dear Miss Shirley' on Camp Shelby, Mississippi stationery. In that note, my grandfather from Texas introduced himself to my grandmother in Michigan. Two people whose paths wouldn't have crossed if my grandfather hadn't been in the Army with my grandmother's best friend's boyfriend.

He describes himself 'blonde' and '5 foot eleven and weigh a hundred sixty six pounds' from 'a small town in West Texas.' He tells her about Army life in Mississippi -- 'hot, chiggers and snakes.' It was only a little over a page in which he tells her he hopes she doesn't mind him writing.

I guess she didn't because they are more letters for the next three years. Most beginning 'Shirley darling.' They talk about living in her hometown which they didn't and moved to his hometown instead. The love literally pours off the pages. And it wasn't just letters.

They married on this date in 1946. It was a marriage that truly lasted until 'death do us part.' They raised three boys; lost a daughter at birth; had six grandchildren. They believed in 'in sickness and in health.' My grandfather's last years were on a ventilator and my grandmother woke up every few hours to take care of him -- moving her bed next to his hospital bed. They held hands up to the last minute of his life. She survived him by two years. And then the girl from Michigan was laid to rest next to her boy from Texas.

Happy Anniversary, Granny and Papa. I still miss you every day.

Friday, February 6, 2004

i've been here and there


create your own visited states map
or write about it on the open travel guide

I obviously need to get out more. There are a few more I've been to on the way to some place else. But I don't think they can count.

Thanks to Bill at Off-Topic, JD at What Makes Me Tick(ed), Tom at Prints the chaff and Jeff at Side Salad for letting me follow in their footsteps.

Tuesday, February 3, 2004

It's official ...
I'm a copy editor. Today while playing poker on Yahoo, I got a dirty im from a stranger. And my first thought was "You spelled 'masturbate' wrong" and then "Eww, gross!"

Sunday, February 1, 2004

A day of TV
Most of my day has been in front of the TV. Not very productive but very relaxing after a long work week.

Slept late. Ordered us a pizza online. And parked ourselves in front of the bedroom television.

Started off with the World Poker Tour Battle of Champions 2003. I am really getting hooked on this after watching only a few times. Maybe it's all the poker I played at my grandparents with the family. Although I'm sure it's probably more exciting with thousands instead of loose change.

Watched the Super Bowl. I wasn't really committed to either team. That probably made the game more fun to watch since I didn't have to worry about my team winning. Enjoyed the commercials. Halftime gets mixed results. So-so on Janet. Make it stop on Justin, Nelly and P. Diddy. And not enough Kid Rock (must be a throwback to my teens when I was into the hair bands. And I really didn't need to see Janet's breast at the end. Apparently I wasn't the only one since Survivor: All-Stars issued a disclaimer. More on this from Tom Mangan at Prints the chaff.

Followed the game with CBS I'm rooting for Rupert. Although Rudy is kind of a sentimental favorite because he reminds my of my grandfather. From next week's preview, I don't expect him around for long. Colby is my eye-candy favorite, so I hope he stays in for awhile.

Finishing up with World Poker Tour Ladies' Night and that should be enough television for one day.