BulgingButtons

Not bad for a fat girl


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My Imperfect World

house-for-saleThe race is on. It’s mid-way through February and the house isn’t on the market yet. That’s my fault. There are things that need to be done, and they’re getting done, piece by piece. Boxes have been packed, tubs have been filled, and multiple trips have been made to the storage unit. Whew!

Slowly but surely the house is getting into shape. The new light fixtures look great, and the long unused satellite dish has finally been removed, as has the broken screen door. We’ve power washed the exterior, pulled up all the weeds, and washed the windows. Item after the item on my list has been checked off, but the list is long and there are still plenty of items on it. This is where I need to say to myself, “STOP!”

It’s time to put everything away, wash the floor and wipe down the appliances one more time, and list it. Seriously, I could spend forever trying to make it perfect, and it will never be quite the way I want it. We live in it. A potential buyer will just have to deal with it. It’s not messy, it’s not dirty, it’s a nice house. Want to come see?


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Feeling a Little Low Brow

sochi_winter_olympics_opening_ceremony_23Did you catch any of the opening ceremonies of the Olympics last night? I did, and it wasn’t what I expected.

I don’t want to sound ridiculous, but I probably will anyway. The thing is, I was underwhelmed. Hear me out. I loved the projections on the floor. It was super cool to watch the “ice” breaking apart, and to see the fleet of ships sailing across the choppy sea. There’s no question that the technology involved in making that show happen is awe inspiring and cutting edge. I get it. But something was missing for me.

I like to imagine that I’ve been exposed to the fine arts more than the typical American. Surely not as much as someone who actually is involved with theater or dance or music or art, but more than the average guy or gal on the street. I’ve been to art galleries in Athens, New York, and Florence.  I’ve been to the ballet in London and the theater there as well. I’ve visited museums of all types from San Francisco to Washington; Brussels to Tel Aviv. I’ve been to shows on and off Broadway, and attend plays and concerts regularly. Heck, I even attended the New York Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center when I still had baby teeth. More than once.

I don’t tell you all this to make you think I’m a snob. I am not. I listen to pop and rock music on the car radio. Katy Perry and Ke$ha make me smile and sing along (badly). I love watching Mike and Molly and Big Bang Theory. I’m not high brow. Maybe that’s why the opening ceremonies left me a little cold.

I appreciated the preparation and artistry that went into the performance, but it lacked energy. I kept waiting, but it never quite got there. I was waiting for the part when the crowd would dance along and everyone in the building would be one big happy family, but nope, I didn’t see it or feel it.

Spice-Girls-Olympics

The Spice Girls at the London Olympics 2012

I get that Russia has a grim history. I get that the Soviet regime was oppressive and that life in Russia, under the Soviets or not, is difficult. I get that they are geographically isolated from the rest of the world, and that they do things their own way. Points conceded. But don’t they ever like to have fun? The opening ceremonies didn’t give any hints that they might.

The dancing was lovely, the red industrial machine was interesting and thought-provoking, and the time and effort that went into the show was commendable. I will grant you all of these. But honestly, I kept hoping the Spice Girls would show up and save the show.


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Throwback Thursday – Exercise

You, my loyal readers, know that health, exercise, and wellness are lofty goals of mine. However, I’m a rather sedentary creature at heart. I have, however, had some success with some types of exercise. Here are a few of my hits and misses through the years.

1.  Swimming- I have been a water person as long as I can remember. Swimming lessons at the pool club paid off. I even used to life guard. I still enjoy swimming as my favorite form of exercise.

2. Water Aerobics – Back in the life guard days I used to teach this class to seniors. I loved their energy, and I loved doing the class. Again, this is exercise I still find enjoyable.

3. Walking – Whether its in a park, around the block, or on the treadmill, I can usually handle a walk.

4. Bellydancing – Ok, I pretty much suck at this, but I really enjoy it. Shout out to the Goddess for introducing me to this one.

5. Stairmaster – Even the name sounds awful. I felt enslaved by this piece of equipment, but dammit I climbed!

6. Volleyball – Way way way back I enjoyed this sport enough to join a league or two. Nothing serious, but for me a milestone!

7. In Line Skates – Mine were from a discount store. My commitment wasn’t that deep. My balance wasn’t that good. Easy come, easy go.

8. Aerobic Dance – Yes, I did the grapevine to a pulsating Eurythmics beat in full regalia. I had the pink and grey chevron striped leotard, the Reebok high tops, and of course leg warmers. I also had two left feet.

9. Bike Riding – This was my main form of transportation as a kid and teen, and I logged a lot of miles. Over the years I’ve ridden now and then, but frankly it hurts my hands and bottom to ride, which makes me very sad.

10. Hula – This is my newest form of movement. I hesitate to call it exercise the way I’ve been moving, but when I find the right DVD I know it will be a workout!