I learned this week:
…that my daughter has kicked “Georgie” to the curb. She took exception to his giving out her phone number without her permission. “I gave him two chances, Mom. He’s not getting a third.” Good girl. Of course, it came out during casual dinner conversation that his offenses were far greater than just mishandling her private telephone number. He was two timing her with a 13-year-old. “I saw them together, Mom.” Little bastard. Good riddance.
…that I am getting the hang of this whole elliptical thing. 45 minutes/4.8 miles total. Lots of calories burned. I love it when I burn calories and sweat – a lot. I think my loyalties are waning.
…that speaking of loyalties – I have been a Roger Federer fan for years. Seriously, since he burst onto the scene and became a nagging thorn in Pete Sampras’ side. However, during the last couple of tennis seasons, I’ve watched while my champion has slowly lost his mojo. I am disturbed by this because, if he is on his way out, who will be worth of my unwavering devotion? Nadal? Egads, no. There is just something about him that makes me want to box his ears and tell him to stop digging his undies out of his butt crack before every serve. It’s so….ew. I didn’t get to watch much of the US Open this year, but I did catch the semis and of course, both the men’s and women’s finals. I watched the men’s final – well, in two parts. I was glued to the first two sets, but was forced to drag myself away from it to take Megan to gymnastics. When I returned an hour or so later, they were still battling it out. It was a fierce game – almost as exciting as the 2009 Federer/Roddick epic Wimbledon final. Almost. In the end, Djorkovic dominated Nadal. I think I may have found my new champion.
…that I was right about Mother Nature’s vindictive side. Just when we thought we were making a clean break into fall, she zapped us with a few more days of scorching temperature. I think we’ve been properly chastised, don’t you? I mean, who are we to think that we are anything more than mere pawns on the board of whatever sick game she is playing? Let’s hope that the 107* record high on Tuesday was her last little jab at us. I think it’s time for her to move on and torture someone else for a while. Perhaps our neighbors to the far north? I think they are due for a little snow right about now.
…that two people died as the result of a fire on board a cruise ship off the coast of Norway. First, let me say: What the heck is going on in Norway? They seem to be in the headlines a lot lately, and not in a good way. Second: This is one of those “I told you so” moments. I have come a long way in conquering my fear of boats, but I have steadfastly maintained that nothing – and I mean nothing – would ever possess me to step one foot on board a cruise ship. Ever. Not even in the pursuit of personal growth. I have to draw the line in the sand somewhere. If you would like to read more about this story, you can do so [here].
…that even after ten years and numerous remembrance ceremonies, the footage of 9/11 still breaks my heart and makes me cry. In a very unpatriotic move, I didn’t watch anything but tennis this past weekend. I just couldn’t do it. I feel selfish.
…that the Iliad was not as difficult or as boring as I remember. Who knew? Oedipus Rex is wonderfully tragic and chock full of irony. I love irony.
…that caterpillars possess a gene that makes them vulnerable to a certain virus. What makes this interesting enough for the old Friday blog, you ask? This virus takes over of the caterpillar’s brain and turns it into a freaking zombie! Under the control of this virus, the caterpillar climbs to the top branches of a tree, where it is then liquified. As the oozy remains of the caterpillar rain down from the tree tops, the virus is spread, thereby ensuring its longevity. Ingenius…but what I want to know is, if it is this evolved now, how long before it mutates and we find ourselves with a real life zombie crisis on our hands? Quick! Somebody send me the rules for surviving a zombie attack. You can read about these caterpillars [here].
…that there are people out there who think Do-it-Yourself botox is a good deal. And a good idea. Okay, I can’t even wax my upper lip without taking off my chunks of skin and breaking out in a nasty rash. Why would anyone attempt to paralyze the muscles of their face with an injectable toxin all by themselves. Is this stupidity at work or the desperation of a society dying to be what the media and Hollywood have defined as youthful and beautiful.
…and this weeks awww moment:
Tell me, how on earth could any mother walk away from that face?
Of Bears and Boating 