I just shared a meal with my darling husband. He walked home from the office, took care of a little business with the hotel and then we walked around the corner to a little bistro for lunch.
Tunis is very French. The restaurant is just what I expected a bistro to be like. Lots of little tables, some outside. Hurried waiters delivering plates and pouring expressos. We decided to split a salad and a pizza. It was excellent. Beautiful presentation, great flavors. The pizza is a little different from what I expected but still tasty. DH pointed out that instead of a sauce layer, the pizza had thinly sliced tomatoes as a base for the cheese and toppings.
What was surprising to me, is that all around us, people were chatting. And instead of hearing snippets of conversation--or overhearing raised voices--it was all a blur of nonsense. Nothing registered.
Not speaking the same language as the population is very limiting. Not that I spend all my time eavesdropping, mind you. When you are surrounded by people, you expect words to register, at least subconsciously.
When everyone around you is speaking one of two languages that you don't know a single word of, your universe is compressed down to the single table and the company you keep.
All around us, people talked. And the only people we understood were each other. I told DH that meant he had to focus on me... just me. I know, it'll be hard on him.
It did get me to thinking though... I use conversations around me when I'm doing dialog in a novel. I try to remember pithy statements and word phrasing that I overhear. It helps me to make a character sound unique--instead of just like me.
Long term, I'm wondering if I'll pick up enough French and Arabic to begin to understand those around me... or if my writing will be affected negatively by the lack of exposure to conversations around me. It could go either way.
--Sandee Wagner
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Where Did The Wireless Go?
We are ensconced in a very nice hotel. The lobby is guarded by statues of Aslan and the staff here is professional and tri-lingual for the most part. I really shouldn't complain. But I do have one beef with this very glamorous place--the wireless connectivity.
I mentioned to another gal that we were not 'finding' the wireless connection in our room. We chatted about it, and she asked if I wanted to come to her room and see if I could connect there? So, I followed her up, typed in the wireless network name, the password supplied by the front desk and Viola! Wireless connectivity for my iPad.
I walked down to my hotel room, opened my laptop, manually entered the network name and it found the network and connected. So my laptop has connectivity that does not require a tether to the wall now. This is progress.
But the wireless on my iPad dropped. And no matter what I do, I can't get the iPad to reconnect to the wireless network.
Now, don't get me wrong, I don't really expect blazing speed from a hotel internet connection. I was even prepared for it to be somewhat limited/filtered/or censored. But it doesn't appear to be anything but weak. My friend's suggestion: ask them to move you to another room.
Our room is at the end of a hall, dead last, outside corner of the hotel. Depending on the Wireless Access Point or equipment, we could just be out of range of the signal. A couple feet past the repeater's waves or something. I don't know.
Wireless is 'magic fairy dust' to me. I know it works, but I have no idea how it works and I don't really care to spoil the magic by learning.
I don't really want to change hotel rooms. This one is quiet, out of the way of tromping foot traffic... and frankly, I've unpacked all my suitcases into the drawers and closet. I don't really want to move.
I wonder if there is some gadget that I could buy to beef up the signal and make my iPad see the wireless?? I may end up spending my afternoons in the lobby. We'll have to see. At least at my alcohol-free bar, they have fruity frozen drinks.
--Sandee Wagner
I mentioned to another gal that we were not 'finding' the wireless connection in our room. We chatted about it, and she asked if I wanted to come to her room and see if I could connect there? So, I followed her up, typed in the wireless network name, the password supplied by the front desk and Viola! Wireless connectivity for my iPad.
I walked down to my hotel room, opened my laptop, manually entered the network name and it found the network and connected. So my laptop has connectivity that does not require a tether to the wall now. This is progress.
But the wireless on my iPad dropped. And no matter what I do, I can't get the iPad to reconnect to the wireless network.
Now, don't get me wrong, I don't really expect blazing speed from a hotel internet connection. I was even prepared for it to be somewhat limited/filtered/or censored. But it doesn't appear to be anything but weak. My friend's suggestion: ask them to move you to another room.
Our room is at the end of a hall, dead last, outside corner of the hotel. Depending on the Wireless Access Point or equipment, we could just be out of range of the signal. A couple feet past the repeater's waves or something. I don't know.
Wireless is 'magic fairy dust' to me. I know it works, but I have no idea how it works and I don't really care to spoil the magic by learning.
I don't really want to change hotel rooms. This one is quiet, out of the way of tromping foot traffic... and frankly, I've unpacked all my suitcases into the drawers and closet. I don't really want to move.
I wonder if there is some gadget that I could buy to beef up the signal and make my iPad see the wireless?? I may end up spending my afternoons in the lobby. We'll have to see. At least at my alcohol-free bar, they have fruity frozen drinks.
--Sandee Wagner
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Frozen Fruit Drinks Without Alcohol
Since I have taken up residence in a dry hotel, on a lake developed by the Saudis and kept alcohol free by their covenants, it has made me remember things.
Like how the mother of invention kicks in when you need her. I believe that there are stores here that sell alcohol. I can carry it by the bottle into the room and consume it here with no worries. What I am lacking is a way to make it palatable... make a drink that I want to consume...with no juice and no ice. I pretty much need both of those to even consider a mixed drink.
The answer to this question is the White Trash Margarita Machine. Made doubly famous by my glorious sister and her genius husband, who--as only engineers can--improved on a design created by his cousin. This machine is a commercial quality garbage disposal unit attached to the bottom of a 5 gallon beverage cooler. It has GFCI outlets and stainless steel piping. In the course of just moments, you can make a 5 gallon container of margaritas. She set it up at a family picnic and I became a huge fan of the device AND the people who cobbled it together.
Right now, I'd give my eye teeth for a bag of ice and one of these suckers. I might be the most popular girl in the hotel if I had this thing. The unfamiliar-ness of a bar that doesn't serve alcohol and a population of people who look down upon you if you do is really quite disturbing. The bar downstairs makes these wonderful fruit drinks. I ordered one for lunch and about four sips into it, thought, "you know what would make this perfect? A jigger of vodka. Maybe rum."
That's when my friend told me that I could go to Carrefour and buy alcohol and bring it into the room. I'm now planning my next foray to that store. I need some time there. Time to search the shelves and read the labels with an English-French dictionary in my hand. Anyone know the French for 'vodka'? It might come in handy.
I think I'll set DH a task of reproducing the White Trash Margarita machine. We might need it by this time next year.
--Sandee Wagner
Monday, September 27, 2010
Hotel Les Berges du Lac
I have a nice room in a very swank hotel. This room is on the back corner, so it's out of the way of traffic. We don't hear much noise from the hallway. It has two small balconies. The first one has a chair and table so you can sit and enjoy the breeze.
The second balcony is just large enough to stand on and overlook the hotel. There's a glassed in roof that covers the pool in the spa area. And the rest of the prospect is over a very nice terrace. They've even done some plantings up here on the roof so that it looks nice. They match the plantings on the terrace two floors below.I'm going to take some pictures off that terrace, but I'm hoping for good light. Maybe a sunset picture. It's really very pretty.
--Sandee Wagner
A Whole New World
I went to Carrefour today. It's a big deal. Think of this as the WalMart analog. A big box store, Tunisian style. I didn't even get out of the parking lot before I busted out my camera. Ugly American, that's me!
In order to get a shopping cart/buggy/trolley (can you tell I went shopping with a Scottish gal?) you have to insert money into the coin holder, which allows you to remove one shopping cart from the line.
I told my new friend that we didn't charge for shopping carts in the US. In fact, I think we give them away to homeless people. She said that they do this in the UK all the time, she was used to inserting a coin into the trolley handle to pull it out.
I'm sure this is just one of the many things that are going to appear strange and unique to me. Walking through the store, I realized the scope of my inabilities.
I need sunscreen. The movers wouldn't pack aerosol cans. The airlines frown on you including them in your checked baggage because the cargo holds are not pressurized. And I couldn't carry it on because it's more than 3 ounces of liquid. So I decided to just buy sunscreen when I got to Tunisia.
I got a little pink yesterday in my tour of the town. I don't really want to have a sunburn, so we went to Carrefour. Where they sell everything and they even take credit cards! That's actually a big deal. Very much a cash economy here in Tunisia.
Of course, the brand of sunscreen I like isn't even sold. There are absolutely NO aerosol cans. There are just a few selections available. Most of the kid's stuff goes on colored and I don't need that. Reading labels became my first priority.
So I told my friend Wendy that I needed high SPF and waterproof. High SPF is easy. They print a number on the label just like we do. Then she busted out her phrasebook and we tried to determine what 'waterproof' would look like on a label in French. We finally figured it out and I got some sunscreen. But here's the rub. I usually buy PABA free, because that stuff burns my eyes. Most sunscreen is marked 'PABA free' in the US. That's considered something that differentiates brands in the market. Here, not so much.
I'm not sure if it's because they don't allow any PABA products to be sold in the country, or if they don't care. Either way, I bought sunscreen and I'm going to have to 'road test it' to see if it makes my eyes sting or not. There's no way to tell.
Some brands are easy to identify. You can still pick out a Snickers bar or a Coca Cola at twenty paces. The packaging looks exactly the same only with French and Arabic writing. But there is a world of new brands, new packaging and new labels that I cannot read. I have a feeling that Rosetta Stone is not going to help me read ingredients on packages.
--Sandee Wagner
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Tunis Tour
This morning, I met up with Dalenda Sabri who took me around the neighborhood. We were determined to do a 'familiarization tour' so that I would know which areas/neighborhoods in the city that I'm interested in for housing.
We started up the hill in Sidi Bou Said. Sidi means 'saint'. There's a holy man buried in this quaint town that overlooks the harbor. We went to a very famous cafe to drink Tunis Tea and enjoy the prospect.
My native guide, Dalenda Sabri, was very gracious and welcoming. She quizzed me on how Americans view Muslims, Arabs and Tunisians. In that order. She had a daughter who came to California for a one month foreign exchange years ago. Apparently, the CA teens didn't know where Tunisia was and her daughter told her that Americans were lacking in geography skills.
This marina is called the Port de Plaisance Sidi Bou Said. The pleasant port of Saint Bou Said. And it is pleasant. Gorgeous really. I was surprised that more of the boats weren't out on the harbor.
The little village (or borough) of Sidi Bou Said sits on a hill above this marina. There are 360 stone steps that lead up to the town from the beach. Dalenda said when they were kids, they would walk up the stairs to the village. There's one tread for each day of the year (yes, that's right, the Muslim calendar has fewer days than the Gregorian calendar that we use). We opted to drive up the hill.
Every single house in this village is painted white with blue shutters/doors and fretwork. It makes for a charming little tourist place and the prospect overlooking all of Tunis was stunning. On the way back out to the car, I saw one door painted yellow and I thought, "Rebels live here!"
--Sandee Wagner
Saturday, September 25, 2010
We Made It!
We landed in Tunis, Tunisia this afternoon... after a long LONG plane ride. Well, the whole trip was hard.
First, we stayed at the house in Tulsa cleaning up and making sure all the walls were touched up. Then we packed up the truck and Mustang and headed down the turnpike for OKC. We arrived at my daughter's house after a little drama... the Mustang overheated and we had to stare at it and wait for it to cool down before we could continue on. We were unpacking all the stuff at 8:30 pm. We were starving. So after getting all the storage wedged into their attic, we went to a local bar and had a couple drinks and some 'bar food'. We slept on the blow up mattress in their guest room and were awoken by the smell of sausage and blueberry pancakes. Nice breakfast with DD and SIL before we bolted north to Minnesota.
The drive was a little longer from OKC, and we stopped often to stave off hunger, tiredness and boredom. We got to the hotel at about 10:00 pm and checked in. We got up early on Friday and had breakfast with #2 Son and two darling grandkids. Momma was at the doctor, so we took them for pancakes. We met up with DIL after her appointment and took the drive out to see the rental home they are hoping to contract.
Nice house, good space and perfect layout for the kids. We're praying that this one goes through with no hitches so they have the keys by Monday.
After looking at the rent house, we went to a restaurant to get lunch with the whole clan. We had a nice relaxed visit. Then we changed into our traveling clothes and got dropped off at the airport.
The Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport is very nice. We got through security and waited at the gate. The flight loaded timely although we did sit on the runway for a while. It was a ten and a half hour flight to Paris. We landed there this morning 7:00 am local time (which was like midnight or 1:00 am Tulsa time). We had a three hour layover in the Paris airport, which is like a work of art. So pretty, big stainless steel tubes lined with glass or bent wood, airy atrium ceilings with exposed metal rafters that are as decorative as they are structural. Even the jetways to the planes were glass and pretty.
The transfer to the flight bound for Tunis included a bus trip around the airport. Saw a lot of the exterior of Charles De Gaulle International as we circled from one terminal to another. We got on a very new plane to fly to Tunis. It took off and landed on time.
One comment about the flight attendants on Air France... they are happy people. So nice. Friendly and capable. I'm not sure I've ever had a better customer service experience on any airline. They were wonderful. Both flight crews had the same number of passengers, but the Air France flight seemed nicer, friendlier and more laid back. It was so great. Made us feel like rock stars.
We landed in Tunis at 3:30 pm local time. We were picked up by a driver who zipped us to our hotel in under 15 minutes. One thing about Tunisian drivers, they consider lane striping to be advisory, not mandatory. A little scary. I closed my eyes for part of the drive. Maybe I was just tired? Not completely wimpy?
The hotel is lovely. I'll take some pictures tomorrow and blog them. For now, I'm doing well to keep my eyes focusing. I've been up for something like 28 hours. It's no time to try my photog skills.
So, we're here. We made it safe and sound. I predicted that it would be limiting not knowing the two primary languages, and I was right. All through customs--when people talked to me--I turned to DH and said, "what was that?" As soon as I spoke English, almost everyone responded to me in English... but I do think it would be better to try and learn some Arabic and French. That's on my list of things to do. After I get some sleep.
--Sandee Wagner
First, we stayed at the house in Tulsa cleaning up and making sure all the walls were touched up. Then we packed up the truck and Mustang and headed down the turnpike for OKC. We arrived at my daughter's house after a little drama... the Mustang overheated and we had to stare at it and wait for it to cool down before we could continue on. We were unpacking all the stuff at 8:30 pm. We were starving. So after getting all the storage wedged into their attic, we went to a local bar and had a couple drinks and some 'bar food'. We slept on the blow up mattress in their guest room and were awoken by the smell of sausage and blueberry pancakes. Nice breakfast with DD and SIL before we bolted north to Minnesota.
The drive was a little longer from OKC, and we stopped often to stave off hunger, tiredness and boredom. We got to the hotel at about 10:00 pm and checked in. We got up early on Friday and had breakfast with #2 Son and two darling grandkids. Momma was at the doctor, so we took them for pancakes. We met up with DIL after her appointment and took the drive out to see the rental home they are hoping to contract.
Nice house, good space and perfect layout for the kids. We're praying that this one goes through with no hitches so they have the keys by Monday.
After looking at the rent house, we went to a restaurant to get lunch with the whole clan. We had a nice relaxed visit. Then we changed into our traveling clothes and got dropped off at the airport.
The Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport is very nice. We got through security and waited at the gate. The flight loaded timely although we did sit on the runway for a while. It was a ten and a half hour flight to Paris. We landed there this morning 7:00 am local time (which was like midnight or 1:00 am Tulsa time). We had a three hour layover in the Paris airport, which is like a work of art. So pretty, big stainless steel tubes lined with glass or bent wood, airy atrium ceilings with exposed metal rafters that are as decorative as they are structural. Even the jetways to the planes were glass and pretty.
The transfer to the flight bound for Tunis included a bus trip around the airport. Saw a lot of the exterior of Charles De Gaulle International as we circled from one terminal to another. We got on a very new plane to fly to Tunis. It took off and landed on time.
One comment about the flight attendants on Air France... they are happy people. So nice. Friendly and capable. I'm not sure I've ever had a better customer service experience on any airline. They were wonderful. Both flight crews had the same number of passengers, but the Air France flight seemed nicer, friendlier and more laid back. It was so great. Made us feel like rock stars.
We landed in Tunis at 3:30 pm local time. We were picked up by a driver who zipped us to our hotel in under 15 minutes. One thing about Tunisian drivers, they consider lane striping to be advisory, not mandatory. A little scary. I closed my eyes for part of the drive. Maybe I was just tired? Not completely wimpy?
The hotel is lovely. I'll take some pictures tomorrow and blog them. For now, I'm doing well to keep my eyes focusing. I've been up for something like 28 hours. It's no time to try my photog skills.
So, we're here. We made it safe and sound. I predicted that it would be limiting not knowing the two primary languages, and I was right. All through customs--when people talked to me--I turned to DH and said, "what was that?" As soon as I spoke English, almost everyone responded to me in English... but I do think it would be better to try and learn some Arabic and French. That's on my list of things to do. After I get some sleep.
--Sandee Wagner
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Tulsa in the Rear View Mirror
Well, after more than ten years, today I will be leaving Tulsa for good. I've been giving this a lot of thought lately.
I was born in a military family and moved around a lot during my young life. Once my dad retired, we stayed in one house, one town, one place. I lived there for seven years. It felt like forever. But as an 18 year old, I married a guy who joined the military and the moving started up all over again.
I've lived in Tulsa--in this one house--longer than I've lived anywhere in my whole life. Tulsa is more of a 'home town' to me than the place where I graduated from high school. You know those people who say, "you can't go back"? I think they were talking about my home town of Arlington, TX. Because it's nothing like it was when I was a kid. Driving around there just makes me feel strange, not like I'm 'home'.
So, as I leave Tulsa, I'm leaving a place where I've been really comfortable. It's home. I'm going to miss this town like crazy. I'm going to miss my friends and acquaintances. I might even miss my house and my dogs. I'm not sure about that last bit...
When we leave Tulsa today, it won't be for the last time. I'm pretty sure that the friends I've made here will lure me back time and again. I'm positive that I will find some reason to swing through Tulsa on road trips and drives across the country. Route 66 will call to me like it has so many other travelers. The Mother Road.
I can still remember the day I left Arlington, TX for the last time. I looked at it in my rear view mirror and thought that it was a new chapter in my life. I'm going to feel the same way this afternoon.
This move is a unique change in my life, but it's not the last I'll see of Tulsa.
--Sandee Wagner
I was born in a military family and moved around a lot during my young life. Once my dad retired, we stayed in one house, one town, one place. I lived there for seven years. It felt like forever. But as an 18 year old, I married a guy who joined the military and the moving started up all over again.
I've lived in Tulsa--in this one house--longer than I've lived anywhere in my whole life. Tulsa is more of a 'home town' to me than the place where I graduated from high school. You know those people who say, "you can't go back"? I think they were talking about my home town of Arlington, TX. Because it's nothing like it was when I was a kid. Driving around there just makes me feel strange, not like I'm 'home'.
So, as I leave Tulsa, I'm leaving a place where I've been really comfortable. It's home. I'm going to miss this town like crazy. I'm going to miss my friends and acquaintances. I might even miss my house and my dogs. I'm not sure about that last bit...
When we leave Tulsa today, it won't be for the last time. I'm pretty sure that the friends I've made here will lure me back time and again. I'm positive that I will find some reason to swing through Tulsa on road trips and drives across the country. Route 66 will call to me like it has so many other travelers. The Mother Road.
I can still remember the day I left Arlington, TX for the last time. I looked at it in my rear view mirror and thought that it was a new chapter in my life. I'm going to feel the same way this afternoon.
This move is a unique change in my life, but it's not the last I'll see of Tulsa.
--Sandee Wagner
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Did I Forget Anything?
Any time I pack for a trip, I'm pretty well certain that I'm going to forget something vital. I always do. Sometimes, it's a relief to realize WHAT it is that's forgotten, then I can just let go of the idea that it's hanging over my head.
With the packing going forward full speed, it's becoming obvious that our window of opportunity to correct any last minute omissions is thundering past. As each box gets taped shut, more and more items are beyond our reach.
I know I've forgotten something. I'm just hoping it's not vital. I have my passport. I have my identification. I have my plane tickets and reservations printed out.
We've made the arrangements for the yard to be cared for while the house is on the market. I've notified all the utilities of my change of address. What is left to forget? Because it's a guarantee that something will be forgotten. No one pulls off a move like this with no drama.
Toothbrush, check. Medicines, check. What IS it? What is it that is missing from this picture?
--Sandee Wagner
With the packing going forward full speed, it's becoming obvious that our window of opportunity to correct any last minute omissions is thundering past. As each box gets taped shut, more and more items are beyond our reach.
I know I've forgotten something. I'm just hoping it's not vital. I have my passport. I have my identification. I have my plane tickets and reservations printed out.
We've made the arrangements for the yard to be cared for while the house is on the market. I've notified all the utilities of my change of address. What is left to forget? Because it's a guarantee that something will be forgotten. No one pulls off a move like this with no drama.
Toothbrush, check. Medicines, check. What IS it? What is it that is missing from this picture?
--Sandee Wagner
Monday, September 20, 2010
How Important IS Water, Anyway?
They've been doing work on the water line down my street for the past month. They broken up my driveway. They've replaced the culverts and redone the grade so everything will drain correctly. I appreciate the work they've done, but once in a while, I wonder about these guys.
Each day they are working on the line, our water has been shut off. They either leave a note telling us that it will be out from 0900-1700 or they knock on the door and tell us personally. I'm okay with that. Let me get my shower before you cut it off, then I'll make other plans for the day...
But today, they went a little too far. They did the work, then they were ready to quit for the day. A guy came up to the door and asked us if we HAD to have the water turned back on?? Or could they leave it off over night and come back in the morning and finish up...
Are you kidding? Do we need the water? Yes. Yes, we need the water. You cannot leave it off for 12 hours just because it would make your job easier in the morning. That's too much inconvenience for any homeowner.
I wonder how many people polled would say, "Go ahead, leave it off. I don't need to flush a toilet or wash my hands."
Water is important. I comprehend how difficult it is to keep the system working and all the lines in good repair. I'm willing to be patient when they have to shut off my water while they work. While They Work. Not 'while they sleep' or 'while they watch sitcoms'.
Yes, water is important to me. Go the extra mile and get it turned on for the next twelve hours. You can shut it off again in the morning. After I have my shower.
--Sandee Wagner
Each day they are working on the line, our water has been shut off. They either leave a note telling us that it will be out from 0900-1700 or they knock on the door and tell us personally. I'm okay with that. Let me get my shower before you cut it off, then I'll make other plans for the day...
But today, they went a little too far. They did the work, then they were ready to quit for the day. A guy came up to the door and asked us if we HAD to have the water turned back on?? Or could they leave it off over night and come back in the morning and finish up...
Are you kidding? Do we need the water? Yes. Yes, we need the water. You cannot leave it off for 12 hours just because it would make your job easier in the morning. That's too much inconvenience for any homeowner.
I wonder how many people polled would say, "Go ahead, leave it off. I don't need to flush a toilet or wash my hands."
Water is important. I comprehend how difficult it is to keep the system working and all the lines in good repair. I'm willing to be patient when they have to shut off my water while they work. While They Work. Not 'while they sleep' or 'while they watch sitcoms'.
Yes, water is important to me. Go the extra mile and get it turned on for the next twelve hours. You can shut it off again in the morning. After I have my shower.
--Sandee Wagner
Sunday, September 19, 2010
What to Take?
I'm sitting here on my bedroom floor surveying my stuff and looking at my suitcases. We have carry-ons, checked baggage, and a 200 lb air shipment. All of this has to hold us for at least two full months. We won't have our household goods until November at the earliest.
So, what to take?
What do you carry-on? Laptops, check. Jewelry and medicines you need daily, check. A change of clothes and all toiletries, check.
What do you put in the air shipment? How much IS 200 lbs? Thank goodness the movers do this all the time. They said they'd pack the boxes and put them on scales. They will only pack 200 lbs for the shipment. We can add and subtract until we get to the magic maximum. So, what will we need in the first two months that we don't want to pack in our bags, or carry in the carry-ons?
In the 200 lb shipment, I'm putting in a lot of over the counter medicines that we might need for a long stay in a hotel. I'm putting in a power converter/step down device that works up to 750 watts (whatever that means!) I'm also putting in all my manuscript pages that I haven't gotten around to final edits on. Too heavy to carry, but it will keep me busy in a hotel room for 8 hours a day...
When you don't know what social obligations will come up OR what the weather will be like, it sure is hard to pack. I know that we'll be coming back to the states for Thanksgiving, so I'll need some Fall clothing, but I might not need that in Tunis. Hard to say. It's going to be dependent on where we end up living... near the coast or inland. I'm hoping the weather is temperate. I'm taking a light jacket and some long pants, but not a lot of sweaters or layering clothes. Hey, I'm menopausal, I don't usually get cold anyway!
There is a lot to fret about. Will I have enough to keep me engaged? Will the hotel just close in on me? How will the internet speed be at the hotel? Wireless or wired? Should I carry network cable? There's just a lot to consider. And my mind is spinning with it.
Also, there is going to be a huge pile of stuff they will refuse to pack. I'm going to need to bundle that all up and give it to someone. It's just crazy making. Well, back to my chores. I'm just crossing things off my list and hoping for the best. When you pack for a big trip, you always forget something anyway...right?
--Sandee Wagner
So, what to take?
What do you carry-on? Laptops, check. Jewelry and medicines you need daily, check. A change of clothes and all toiletries, check.
What do you put in the air shipment? How much IS 200 lbs? Thank goodness the movers do this all the time. They said they'd pack the boxes and put them on scales. They will only pack 200 lbs for the shipment. We can add and subtract until we get to the magic maximum. So, what will we need in the first two months that we don't want to pack in our bags, or carry in the carry-ons?
In the 200 lb shipment, I'm putting in a lot of over the counter medicines that we might need for a long stay in a hotel. I'm putting in a power converter/step down device that works up to 750 watts (whatever that means!) I'm also putting in all my manuscript pages that I haven't gotten around to final edits on. Too heavy to carry, but it will keep me busy in a hotel room for 8 hours a day...
When you don't know what social obligations will come up OR what the weather will be like, it sure is hard to pack. I know that we'll be coming back to the states for Thanksgiving, so I'll need some Fall clothing, but I might not need that in Tunis. Hard to say. It's going to be dependent on where we end up living... near the coast or inland. I'm hoping the weather is temperate. I'm taking a light jacket and some long pants, but not a lot of sweaters or layering clothes. Hey, I'm menopausal, I don't usually get cold anyway!
There is a lot to fret about. Will I have enough to keep me engaged? Will the hotel just close in on me? How will the internet speed be at the hotel? Wireless or wired? Should I carry network cable? There's just a lot to consider. And my mind is spinning with it.
Also, there is going to be a huge pile of stuff they will refuse to pack. I'm going to need to bundle that all up and give it to someone. It's just crazy making. Well, back to my chores. I'm just crossing things off my list and hoping for the best. When you pack for a big trip, you always forget something anyway...right?
--Sandee Wagner
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Routine and the Life of a Child
My grandbabies are the best. Really. They are gorgeous, smart and fun to be around. This weekend, we are babysitting two of them so my son and his wife can enjoy a little adult weekend together. It's been a riot.
These kids have very ordered lives. They follow a routine and are very well behaved. Until you mess with their program. Last night, I put the darlings to bed. At night, they take baths, get in their pajamas, read a book together, sing "You are My Sunshine" and then hugs and kisses goodnight. How could I screw that up?
Oh, but I did.
I'm not a great singer. I don't go to Karoke Bars and subject people to my tone deafness, but I can sing that song. I even know the second verse. Who knew that it would freak out the kids?
Apparently, Mom & Dad just sing the one verse and then tuck everyone in. When I started singing the second verse, my grandson ejected out of my lap and tried to clap his hands across my mouth. Then started the tears and hysterics. I have to admit, it just made me laugh. But he was really upset.
Mom & Dad don't sing it that way at all.
Once I got my grandson calmed down, I had to read him another book to make up for my faux pas. Finally, got him settled and put to bed. Then I went out into the living room and admitted my mistake to DH. His only comment, "I didn't know there was a second verse to that song."
So, tonight my husband gets to read to them and sing the song. I'm not sure I could hold myself back from belting out the second verse again. I'd want to teach them the words...if I could get them calmed down enough to do so.
--Sandee Wagner
These kids have very ordered lives. They follow a routine and are very well behaved. Until you mess with their program. Last night, I put the darlings to bed. At night, they take baths, get in their pajamas, read a book together, sing "You are My Sunshine" and then hugs and kisses goodnight. How could I screw that up?
Oh, but I did.
I'm not a great singer. I don't go to Karoke Bars and subject people to my tone deafness, but I can sing that song. I even know the second verse. Who knew that it would freak out the kids?
Apparently, Mom & Dad just sing the one verse and then tuck everyone in. When I started singing the second verse, my grandson ejected out of my lap and tried to clap his hands across my mouth. Then started the tears and hysterics. I have to admit, it just made me laugh. But he was really upset.
Mom & Dad don't sing it that way at all.
Once I got my grandson calmed down, I had to read him another book to make up for my faux pas. Finally, got him settled and put to bed. Then I went out into the living room and admitted my mistake to DH. His only comment, "I didn't know there was a second verse to that song."
So, tonight my husband gets to read to them and sing the song. I'm not sure I could hold myself back from belting out the second verse again. I'd want to teach them the words...if I could get them calmed down enough to do so.
--Sandee Wagner
Friday, September 17, 2010
Man's Best Friend
I think folks are 'dog people' or 'cat people'. Maybe some are just animal lovers. I was not raised with animals, so I'm not as comfortable with them as others. We have dogs. Two of them. Chip and Sophie.
Both of these dogs were throwaways. Chip belonged to my brother in law, but he fell on hard times and couldn't care for Chip. So Chip bounced around the family some, and then ended up with us. After Chip settled in, we got Sophie. She was a puppy and Chip was so patient with her.
They have been our constant companions for more than six years. And now we have to give them up. We are not allowed to take animals overseas with us. So we've had to find new homes for the dogs. Of all the things we've had to do, this is the hardest.
I'm not sure why. I'm not the sloppy dog lover that some of my friends are. But finding a new home for these dogs has been traumatic. And saying goodbye to them is about impossible. My good friend has agreed to take them, and we are dropping them off this weekend. It's better to have someone I know care for them than to just leave them at a 'no kill' shelter. I appreciate the fact that she's willing to care for the pups.
But saying goodbye to constant companions is never easy. Not even for me.
--Sandee Wagner
Both of these dogs were throwaways. Chip belonged to my brother in law, but he fell on hard times and couldn't care for Chip. So Chip bounced around the family some, and then ended up with us. After Chip settled in, we got Sophie. She was a puppy and Chip was so patient with her.
They have been our constant companions for more than six years. And now we have to give them up. We are not allowed to take animals overseas with us. So we've had to find new homes for the dogs. Of all the things we've had to do, this is the hardest.
I'm not sure why. I'm not the sloppy dog lover that some of my friends are. But finding a new home for these dogs has been traumatic. And saying goodbye to them is about impossible. My good friend has agreed to take them, and we are dropping them off this weekend. It's better to have someone I know care for them than to just leave them at a 'no kill' shelter. I appreciate the fact that she's willing to care for the pups.
But saying goodbye to constant companions is never easy. Not even for me.
--Sandee Wagner
Thursday, September 16, 2010
One Step Closer
Last night I had a final farewell dinner with my writer buddies. One of them was kind enough to blog about it today. Reading her blog about memories got me thinking.
We've moved a lot. I stress about it some, but for the most part, I like changing things up in my life. And every place we've ever lived, I've enjoyed. I've found something unique that I've liked about every single place I've ever laid my head. It's true. I bloom where I'm planted.
I believe that my life has a purpose. Every place I move, I think that God has put me there for some reason. When I've accomplished what He expects, it's time to move on.
So, I'm guessing that whatever I was scheduled to impact in Tulsa has been completed. Maybe it was nagging my critique partners into completing their books? Maybe it was being there for a friend when her mother passed away. No telling. God has a plan that I am not privy to. But I believe there's a plan.
The next step for me is North Africa--Tunis, Tunisia. On the Mediterranean Sea, a resort town. There's nothing wrong with this picture. I'm hoping to make some good friends, enjoy the surrounding countries and do a little traveling. I'm sure there will be challenges, but I also hope that I'm one step closer to following my assigned path. Wherever it leads.
--Sandee Wagner
We've moved a lot. I stress about it some, but for the most part, I like changing things up in my life. And every place we've ever lived, I've enjoyed. I've found something unique that I've liked about every single place I've ever laid my head. It's true. I bloom where I'm planted.
I believe that my life has a purpose. Every place I move, I think that God has put me there for some reason. When I've accomplished what He expects, it's time to move on.
So, I'm guessing that whatever I was scheduled to impact in Tulsa has been completed. Maybe it was nagging my critique partners into completing their books? Maybe it was being there for a friend when her mother passed away. No telling. God has a plan that I am not privy to. But I believe there's a plan.
The next step for me is North Africa--Tunis, Tunisia. On the Mediterranean Sea, a resort town. There's nothing wrong with this picture. I'm hoping to make some good friends, enjoy the surrounding countries and do a little traveling. I'm sure there will be challenges, but I also hope that I'm one step closer to following my assigned path. Wherever it leads.
--Sandee Wagner
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
VHS Collection
For years the media of choice was VHS tapes. Over the course of that time, I collected quite a few movies. Ones I loved that I could watch over and over again. I even had a few that I only watched when I was feeling pitiful--comfort movies.
When DVD became the new improved media of choice, I got a DVD/VHS combo unit and started collecting DVDs. But I still had the ability to play the old tapes. It might not seem important to some, but timing-wise all the high school athletics and shows I had for all three of my children was still in VHS format. How could I show other parents my kids' antics if I didn't have the ability to still play VHS tape?
Just recently, I popped in an old movie and got ... nothing. The VHS portion of the combo unit doesn't work any more. I looked at that mess of old video tapes and wondered what to do.
When we got the contract for the overseas job and had to really look at our household goods with a gimlet eye, I came up with an idea. I would donate my VHS collection to charity and just make a list of the titles I wanted to re-acquire in the new format... which, once again, has been eclipsed and is now BluRay.
So, today, I chunked the movies into a box and made a 'wish list' on Amazon of all the replacement DVD/BluRays. For any gift giving occasion, my kids and family will already know what I want or need. Some day, my movie collection will be whole again.
I don't have near as many as some folks do. I am more selective about the movies that I will watch over and over again. Some things are just better on the 'big screen' and some don't bear repeating. But there are a few that I can watch over and over again.
I even used a lot of them as examples in a class I taught on screenwriting techniques. It was easy to imagine the film I enjoyed and suss out the device to use for explanation.
What I never expected was to find that some of my VHS tapes were worth a bunch of money. That's right. Real money. Like $70 or $80 dollars. Some of the old films have never been moved to DVD, and apparently, that has affected the price of the now scarce VHS versions. Hard to believe, but there you go. Those VHS tapes, I delicately packed back into the sleeves and put them carefully away. Can I play them? No. Will I keep them? Yes. I'd rather have the movie on a version that's hard to play than not to own it at all. Crazy? Maybe. But I must have good taste.
--Sandee Wagner
When DVD became the new improved media of choice, I got a DVD/VHS combo unit and started collecting DVDs. But I still had the ability to play the old tapes. It might not seem important to some, but timing-wise all the high school athletics and shows I had for all three of my children was still in VHS format. How could I show other parents my kids' antics if I didn't have the ability to still play VHS tape?
Just recently, I popped in an old movie and got ... nothing. The VHS portion of the combo unit doesn't work any more. I looked at that mess of old video tapes and wondered what to do.
When we got the contract for the overseas job and had to really look at our household goods with a gimlet eye, I came up with an idea. I would donate my VHS collection to charity and just make a list of the titles I wanted to re-acquire in the new format... which, once again, has been eclipsed and is now BluRay.
So, today, I chunked the movies into a box and made a 'wish list' on Amazon of all the replacement DVD/BluRays. For any gift giving occasion, my kids and family will already know what I want or need. Some day, my movie collection will be whole again.
I don't have near as many as some folks do. I am more selective about the movies that I will watch over and over again. Some things are just better on the 'big screen' and some don't bear repeating. But there are a few that I can watch over and over again.
I even used a lot of them as examples in a class I taught on screenwriting techniques. It was easy to imagine the film I enjoyed and suss out the device to use for explanation.
What I never expected was to find that some of my VHS tapes were worth a bunch of money. That's right. Real money. Like $70 or $80 dollars. Some of the old films have never been moved to DVD, and apparently, that has affected the price of the now scarce VHS versions. Hard to believe, but there you go. Those VHS tapes, I delicately packed back into the sleeves and put them carefully away. Can I play them? No. Will I keep them? Yes. I'd rather have the movie on a version that's hard to play than not to own it at all. Crazy? Maybe. But I must have good taste.
--Sandee Wagner
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Traveling North
We took a road trip this weekend. We drove a trailer full of tools up to my son in Minneapolis, MN. I've been to Minneapolis before, but I flew in, I never drove it. So, we left Oklahoma and drove North. We went through Missouri, Iowa and Minnesota. It was a long drive, but so scenic.
I really understand all that terminology in the song now... you know what I mean, the "amber waves of grain". We drove through the heartland--America's breadbasket--real farm country. It was beautiful. Truly a lovely drive. And I can say that even though I was in torrential rain for about four and a half hours of the drive up.
Minneapolis is a lovely city. I'm sure I was seeing it at its best--green and lush, not sub zero temperatures and covered in snow... After driving around for a couple of days, I think I could happily live there. It's a delightful place filled with very friendly folks.
Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to be home and back in my own digs. I'm pleased that I'm not sitting in the car for 10 hours tomorrow. My back really needs a break. But I'm so glad I made the drive.
Traveling north was eye opening. Seeing another part of this amazing country--a part that is so distinct and different from my normal stomping grounds--was great fun. I'm glad I got a chance to make that trip. And I recommend the drive to anyone who hasn't done it. The roads are fine, the traffic is light and the scenery is gorgeous.
Just don't do it in the winter. I get the feeling that would be a very bad idea.
--Sandee Wagner
I really understand all that terminology in the song now... you know what I mean, the "amber waves of grain". We drove through the heartland--America's breadbasket--real farm country. It was beautiful. Truly a lovely drive. And I can say that even though I was in torrential rain for about four and a half hours of the drive up.
Minneapolis is a lovely city. I'm sure I was seeing it at its best--green and lush, not sub zero temperatures and covered in snow... After driving around for a couple of days, I think I could happily live there. It's a delightful place filled with very friendly folks.
Don't get me wrong, I'm glad to be home and back in my own digs. I'm pleased that I'm not sitting in the car for 10 hours tomorrow. My back really needs a break. But I'm so glad I made the drive.
Traveling north was eye opening. Seeing another part of this amazing country--a part that is so distinct and different from my normal stomping grounds--was great fun. I'm glad I got a chance to make that trip. And I recommend the drive to anyone who hasn't done it. The roads are fine, the traffic is light and the scenery is gorgeous.
Just don't do it in the winter. I get the feeling that would be a very bad idea.
--Sandee Wagner
Sunday, September 5, 2010
So Many Chores, So Little Time
So, the clock is actually clicking now. We have a pack out date and we're definitely moving. We had the realtor over to fill out paperwork so the house can be listed and sold. The most amazing part of this transaction: All the things we thought we had to do? He told us not to bother doing.
My to-do list got shorter instead of longer. Does that ever happen on "Designed to Sell"?
Seems like there's a clause in the contract that says the seller builds in some random amount for repairs. According to the realtor, you need to leave some things undone for the inspector to find. Let them spend some of that allowance for the repairs. Really? I guess I hadn't thought about it, but it's a way to allow buyers to make sure the repairs are to THEIR satisfaction.
Buying and selling property is all a mind game. It's such a personal thing. Some people won't buy a house if the Feng Shui is off. If there's a street pointing at your front door (so a car could t-bone you by running a stop sign), you'll lose buyers who worry about that sort of thing.
I have to like the way a property 'flows'. I'm not sure I can quantify it, but when I walk around a house or apartment, I can tell you almost immediately if I'd be able to live in it or not. Something about the floor plan can be okay or completely off. There's no in between for me. I pity the realtor who has to show me around. Even with years to consider it, I can't really narrate what I'm specifically looking for.
I'm hoping my house will appeal to someone. I'd like to get it sold and then quit worrying about it. Get on with the next phase of my life.
We still have some stuff we need to get rid of. It cannot go overseas with us. We need to dust the big weight machine off, take pictures and post it on Craig's List. Kind of a 'free to good home' advertisement. Or donate it to the Boy's Club, or something.
We have a load of stuff to take to our son up north, and another load of stuff to deliver to DH's sister in Texas. We'll be on the road these next few weeks, trying to get all the last minute stuff delivered.
I still have so many questions. Will my Sirius Satellite Radio work in North Africa? How is my car insurance going to be impacted by parking a car for a couple of years? Can I download maps for North Africa and Europe for my Garmin? Will they pack up my canned goods and dry goods? Inquiring minds want to know.
As I mark off my tasks, one by one, I'm hoping I not only get a sense of accomplishment, but that I manage to shake some of the stress that's beginning to plague me. My hair is falling out and I'm not sleeping well. I need for this to be over.
And it will be. In a few short weeks. Whether I'm ready or not.
--Sandee Wagner
My to-do list got shorter instead of longer. Does that ever happen on "Designed to Sell"?
Seems like there's a clause in the contract that says the seller builds in some random amount for repairs. According to the realtor, you need to leave some things undone for the inspector to find. Let them spend some of that allowance for the repairs. Really? I guess I hadn't thought about it, but it's a way to allow buyers to make sure the repairs are to THEIR satisfaction.
Buying and selling property is all a mind game. It's such a personal thing. Some people won't buy a house if the Feng Shui is off. If there's a street pointing at your front door (so a car could t-bone you by running a stop sign), you'll lose buyers who worry about that sort of thing.
I have to like the way a property 'flows'. I'm not sure I can quantify it, but when I walk around a house or apartment, I can tell you almost immediately if I'd be able to live in it or not. Something about the floor plan can be okay or completely off. There's no in between for me. I pity the realtor who has to show me around. Even with years to consider it, I can't really narrate what I'm specifically looking for.
I'm hoping my house will appeal to someone. I'd like to get it sold and then quit worrying about it. Get on with the next phase of my life.
We still have some stuff we need to get rid of. It cannot go overseas with us. We need to dust the big weight machine off, take pictures and post it on Craig's List. Kind of a 'free to good home' advertisement. Or donate it to the Boy's Club, or something.
We have a load of stuff to take to our son up north, and another load of stuff to deliver to DH's sister in Texas. We'll be on the road these next few weeks, trying to get all the last minute stuff delivered.
I still have so many questions. Will my Sirius Satellite Radio work in North Africa? How is my car insurance going to be impacted by parking a car for a couple of years? Can I download maps for North Africa and Europe for my Garmin? Will they pack up my canned goods and dry goods? Inquiring minds want to know.
As I mark off my tasks, one by one, I'm hoping I not only get a sense of accomplishment, but that I manage to shake some of the stress that's beginning to plague me. My hair is falling out and I'm not sleeping well. I need for this to be over.
And it will be. In a few short weeks. Whether I'm ready or not.
--Sandee Wagner
Friday, September 3, 2010
Tulsa Loses a Landmark
This afternoon, the Admiral Twin Drive-In movie screen caught on fire and burned completely. This comes on the heels of that theater being picked as one of the best and receiving a $20,000 grant to make improvements to the screens. Fan voting pushed the Admiral Twin over the top in the Hampton Inn's "Save A Landmark" contest.
The history of the drive in theater is actually pretty interesting. I would have thought they had risen to prominence in the 50's when cars were king, but they really started in the 30's.
The Admiral Twin was opened in 1950 with just a single screen (so probably not called the "twin" at that time) and they added the second screen the next year. It's been in business for over 60 years. It IS a landmark in Tulsa.
I didn't realize that that huge double screen was built of wood. And apparently, because it was built of wood, it was not commercially insurable. This begs the question, "will the drive in be rebuilt?" I guess the Admiral Twin could go the path of so many other drive ins and be shut down. But I sure hope it's not.
--Sandee Wagner
The history of the drive in theater is actually pretty interesting. I would have thought they had risen to prominence in the 50's when cars were king, but they really started in the 30's.
The Admiral Twin was opened in 1950 with just a single screen (so probably not called the "twin" at that time) and they added the second screen the next year. It's been in business for over 60 years. It IS a landmark in Tulsa.
I didn't realize that that huge double screen was built of wood. And apparently, because it was built of wood, it was not commercially insurable. This begs the question, "will the drive in be rebuilt?" I guess the Admiral Twin could go the path of so many other drive ins and be shut down. But I sure hope it's not.
--Sandee Wagner
Thursday, September 2, 2010
State Fairs and Culture
I heard a story on NPR this morning about a concessionaire at the Texas State Fair who has perfected "deep fried beer" as his entry into the fair's contest for concessions. I'm sure it helps that it's deep fried, it is Texas after all.
The host of the show tried to tickle out the process for deep frying a liquid, but the guy was pretty close lipped. He has a patent pending.
Last year, my son went to the Texas State Fair with the express purpose of trying every fried food that was sold. He did it. He was actually pretty sick for days afterwards. Apparently, humans are not plumbed to ingest that much fat.
The winner in his mind last year was "deep fried butter". Yes, you heard that right. Deep fat fried fat. I have to say, this did not attract me in the least and I can be seduced by a funnel cake. He said they took flavored chunks of butter, battered them and deep fried them. When you bit into the chunk, you had a big mouth full of buttery flavored dough. Makes my teeth itch just thinking about it.
The deep fried beer appetizer is more like a ravioli. They say that the deep frying process doesn't diffuse any of the alcohol potency, so it's just like drinking a gulp from a can. He's using Guinness beer, which is served at room temperature any way, so maybe this one will be good. I'm withholding judgement.
I love state fairs. I think you can tell a lot about a city or state by the annual fair and the people who turn out for it. Our first Oklahoma State Fair was enlightening. I had my first Scotch Egg and my first Indian Taco. It wasn't all about the food. I also got "the last mop you'll ever own!" on the midway and saw some great stuff being hawked by professional salesman.
At the Oklahoma State Fair, you see salesmen who are pitching tornado proof shelters. You don't see that at other fairs. FEMA and the Emergency Management System both had booths set up with storm preparedness literature. I chatted with those guys for quite a while.
You learn things about folks in your state. One thing I know about Oklahoma from the state fair? The local pecan growers have all formed a coalition and take their fallen trees and culls to a lumber yard. You can buy pecan flooring with the sure knowledge that these trees were sustainably harvested and you're keeping a family farm in business.
I also learned a lot about Indian culture. A lot of the tribes are represented at the State Fair. There are celebrations with singing, dancing and drums. There are cultural exhibits with historical information available. It's a world away from other state fairs.
I like the fair. I like seeing what they'll carve out of butter. I like watching some of the FFA shows. Seeing the little kids dressed all spiffy showing off the glamorous livestock they hand raised. It's a fun, family experience.
Oh, and the food. I need a funnel cake.
--Sandee Wagner
The host of the show tried to tickle out the process for deep frying a liquid, but the guy was pretty close lipped. He has a patent pending.
Last year, my son went to the Texas State Fair with the express purpose of trying every fried food that was sold. He did it. He was actually pretty sick for days afterwards. Apparently, humans are not plumbed to ingest that much fat.
The winner in his mind last year was "deep fried butter". Yes, you heard that right. Deep fat fried fat. I have to say, this did not attract me in the least and I can be seduced by a funnel cake. He said they took flavored chunks of butter, battered them and deep fried them. When you bit into the chunk, you had a big mouth full of buttery flavored dough. Makes my teeth itch just thinking about it.
The deep fried beer appetizer is more like a ravioli. They say that the deep frying process doesn't diffuse any of the alcohol potency, so it's just like drinking a gulp from a can. He's using Guinness beer, which is served at room temperature any way, so maybe this one will be good. I'm withholding judgement.
I love state fairs. I think you can tell a lot about a city or state by the annual fair and the people who turn out for it. Our first Oklahoma State Fair was enlightening. I had my first Scotch Egg and my first Indian Taco. It wasn't all about the food. I also got "the last mop you'll ever own!" on the midway and saw some great stuff being hawked by professional salesman.
At the Oklahoma State Fair, you see salesmen who are pitching tornado proof shelters. You don't see that at other fairs. FEMA and the Emergency Management System both had booths set up with storm preparedness literature. I chatted with those guys for quite a while.
You learn things about folks in your state. One thing I know about Oklahoma from the state fair? The local pecan growers have all formed a coalition and take their fallen trees and culls to a lumber yard. You can buy pecan flooring with the sure knowledge that these trees were sustainably harvested and you're keeping a family farm in business.
I also learned a lot about Indian culture. A lot of the tribes are represented at the State Fair. There are celebrations with singing, dancing and drums. There are cultural exhibits with historical information available. It's a world away from other state fairs.
I like the fair. I like seeing what they'll carve out of butter. I like watching some of the FFA shows. Seeing the little kids dressed all spiffy showing off the glamorous livestock they hand raised. It's a fun, family experience.
Oh, and the food. I need a funnel cake.
--Sandee Wagner
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Keeping Up With The Ridiculous
When my sister was visiting me, she made some comment about not even knowing who those Kardashians were and why was anyone bothering to keep up with them? I just laughed. I told her it was like any other train wreck that you can't take your eyes off of. Jersey Shore. Pretty Wild. Keeping Up With The Kardashians, the two that take Miami, etc. Some shows are just created to titillate the viewer with the lives of the rich and famous.
The Kardashians were children of a highly paid LA attorney. When he died they opened a clothing store. Their mom married Bruce Jenner. They became friends with the rich and famous because they were rich fashionistas. They started walking the red carpet with their BFFs and got famous for being famous.
Now, when I am not paying attention to TV--read this, 'watching TV with my laptop or a book on my lap'--I often end up with the channel on HGTV, The Food Network, or E! Entertainment. These channels are ones that I can watch out of the corner of my eye and not be distracted too much. When I'm paying bills, or researching, even catching up on emails, I generally have this TV on as company.
So, I see way more of the Kardashians than I'd like. Because they do doggone marathons of that show.
I saw a new one last night. They were, in turns, bemoaning the fact that Kim Kardashian is single and needs a date, and showing her in her new home. When the family forced a 'house warming party' on her, against her will, she rented people corrals from a local movie theater so that she could bar off rooms of her house. She erected shoe racks in the foyer so that the party attendees would take off their shoes. When her mom saw it, she made Kim take it all down saying she couldn't be rude to her guests.
So, Kim had all these people over and had a nervous breakdown because they spilled drinks and messed up a pillow. She fled upstairs crying like a baby about her stuff being ruined. When Bruce Jenner (the voice of reason in this crazy family) went up, he told her that having a home was a place to make memories. All the stuff could be fixed or replaced, it was the memories that you made in a home that you treasured. Good advice.
So, the little rich girl went down, crammed a cupcake in her mother's face and got in a food fight in the kitchen. It sounds stupid, but it really was her way of relaxing and having fun.
The thought that circled through my mind the entire episode was this: "THAT is why she's single. No man would put up with that craziness, no matter how pretty or rich she is."
When I watch shows like this, it reminds me how good I have it. It doesn't matter to me that I'm not rich, or famous, or living an LA lifestyle. What matters to me is family and love. I've got that in spades. If you want to come over to my house and spill a drink, you can. I'll fling a towel at your head and bark at you to clean it up. That's it. If you ruin something, I'll replace it. Because I've never cared about my stuff... not more than my friends.
There's a lot of good TV on these days. Excellent dramas and comedies were feted on Sunday night at the PrimeTime Emmys. I'm pretty sure none of the shows I'm watching were even nominated. But who cares? I watch mindless TV when I want NOT to be engaged. And this show is mindless TV.
My sister is right to ignore these antics. They can have no impact on her life. She doesn't care about celebrities and they don't care about her. When she watches TV, she pays attention. So she watches better shows than I do. Generally, when I'm watching TV, it's with a book in my lap. I should just turn it off, shouldn't I?
--Sandee Wagner
The Kardashians were children of a highly paid LA attorney. When he died they opened a clothing store. Their mom married Bruce Jenner. They became friends with the rich and famous because they were rich fashionistas. They started walking the red carpet with their BFFs and got famous for being famous.
Now, when I am not paying attention to TV--read this, 'watching TV with my laptop or a book on my lap'--I often end up with the channel on HGTV, The Food Network, or E! Entertainment. These channels are ones that I can watch out of the corner of my eye and not be distracted too much. When I'm paying bills, or researching, even catching up on emails, I generally have this TV on as company.
So, I see way more of the Kardashians than I'd like. Because they do doggone marathons of that show.
I saw a new one last night. They were, in turns, bemoaning the fact that Kim Kardashian is single and needs a date, and showing her in her new home. When the family forced a 'house warming party' on her, against her will, she rented people corrals from a local movie theater so that she could bar off rooms of her house. She erected shoe racks in the foyer so that the party attendees would take off their shoes. When her mom saw it, she made Kim take it all down saying she couldn't be rude to her guests.
So, Kim had all these people over and had a nervous breakdown because they spilled drinks and messed up a pillow. She fled upstairs crying like a baby about her stuff being ruined. When Bruce Jenner (the voice of reason in this crazy family) went up, he told her that having a home was a place to make memories. All the stuff could be fixed or replaced, it was the memories that you made in a home that you treasured. Good advice.
So, the little rich girl went down, crammed a cupcake in her mother's face and got in a food fight in the kitchen. It sounds stupid, but it really was her way of relaxing and having fun.
The thought that circled through my mind the entire episode was this: "THAT is why she's single. No man would put up with that craziness, no matter how pretty or rich she is."
When I watch shows like this, it reminds me how good I have it. It doesn't matter to me that I'm not rich, or famous, or living an LA lifestyle. What matters to me is family and love. I've got that in spades. If you want to come over to my house and spill a drink, you can. I'll fling a towel at your head and bark at you to clean it up. That's it. If you ruin something, I'll replace it. Because I've never cared about my stuff... not more than my friends.
There's a lot of good TV on these days. Excellent dramas and comedies were feted on Sunday night at the PrimeTime Emmys. I'm pretty sure none of the shows I'm watching were even nominated. But who cares? I watch mindless TV when I want NOT to be engaged. And this show is mindless TV.
My sister is right to ignore these antics. They can have no impact on her life. She doesn't care about celebrities and they don't care about her. When she watches TV, she pays attention. So she watches better shows than I do. Generally, when I'm watching TV, it's with a book in my lap. I should just turn it off, shouldn't I?
--Sandee Wagner
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