Excess!

I now have FOUR remote controls.

Television
DVD player
CD player
Window air conditioner unit (???)

Who needs FOUR remote controls?

How many do you guys have?

This Chick Loves Nik!!!

Thanks to my lovely, beautiful, and engaged to be married mom for letting me know that my all-time favorite NHL hockey player, the illustrious Niklas Lidstrom, famous for his left-handed slap-shots from the point, will take over as Captain of the Detroit Red Wings in the wake of Steve Yzerman's retirement.

Yessssss.......

Quirk

Reading a new issue of National Geographic always gives me a headache. I think it's the way they treat the paper. I dread turning a page - the big whiff of chemicals.

Funny Games

Several years ago, Michael Haneke's film The Piano Teacher traumatized me severely. It wasn't until recently that I was able to sit down and watch it again. I've since decided to face Haneke head on, and a few minutes ago finished his more recent film, Funny Games.

I'm not sure where to start, except to perhaps paraphrase Haneke himself by saying that this is a film reserved for those who need to watch it. If, he says, the viewer is upset with the film by it's end, he would simply ask, "Why did you stay to finish it?" And indeed he presents some interesting concepts that an ordinary person might need to be walked through - or, more likely, might wish he had never be shown.

The genuis of the film is the way Haneke makes the viewer an accomplice in the violence. You'll see what I mean if you watch it. And beyond that, he generates the most acute frustration, as you realize that the victims are acting in a tragedy but the aggressors in a comedy. Watching the interaction is maddening.

Between this film and last night's Janghwa, Hongryeon (A Tale of Two Sisters) I'm in need of some serious comedy.

Little Girl Home

Natasha went in for her spay this morning. Rob was my hero as always and dropped her off for me because I could not arrange to leave work. I don't know who I was worried for more - Natasha under the cold, hard medical lights or Elena, home alone separated from her sister for the first time.

When I got home from work Elena plastered herself to my ankle and would not remove herself. She held onto me as I changed clothes and followed me into my bedroom. On the bed, she mrrow-ed pitifully and marched up and down my body. Finally she curled up pressed into my armpit for a little snooze. We woke up and I got ready to pick up Tasha - Elena stood with all four paws on my right foot as I brushed my teeth.

Natasha is home now and doing fine, grooming herself right in front of my monitor, in fact. I usually shut them out of my bedroom at night, but I think tonight I'll let them sleep with me for a while at least. I'm sorry that I have to go to work tomorrow and leave them alone.

Why I Do Not Like Accepting Rides

1. I know that it inconveniences the other person. Each and every time I have given another person a ride, it has been an inconvenience. This is not to say that I've minded in the least - in fact I'm often thrilled to be able to help. But I would be lying if I said that it even once fit perfectly into my schedule or made the day easier. That said, I cannot stand being an inconvenience, even if I'm relatively sure that the other person is genuinely happy to help.

2. I become extremely embarassed if the person I ask is not available to give me a ride. This is because if a ride is denied then I am not only stranded, but stranded publicly. All I can do is murmur "That's okay, I'll figure it out" and slink away in my own humiliation, knowing that another person knows I'm stranded and is secretly thankful that they're not me.

It Begins!

DC Restaurant Week.

Rob and I and two friends of ours are heading out twice this week - tonight to Ten Penh, and Thursday to DC Coast. I can't wait.

God Answers Prayers

I've always known it to be true, but today it is SO true. Now the question is, can I walk down the path that I prayed would be illuminated?

Pillow Talk

There's a new coffee shop going up in my neighborhood, I say to Rob last night. It's not open yet, but it looks really cute. It's called Sips. It's right next door to the dry cleaning place calls Zips. I wonder if they're both owned by the same person.

They should put up an S&M club on the other side and call it Whips, Rob says thoughtfully.

They should put up a calligraphy place on the other side and call it Tips.

They should put in a comedy club and call it Quips.

They should put in a lingerie store and call it Slips.

This morning, a friend adds: How about a hair accessory place called Clips?

Ciao

I'll be offline for the weekend. See everyone on Monday!