Thursday, January 15, 2015

Like a colony of E. Coli, these are the days of my life...

I'm not a professional writer. I wish I was... but I do a fair amount of writing with my job. That said, it's analogies like these that make me wish I'd invest more time into my writing and get that first book over with already.

Thanks to the person who sent me this list. ;-)

(This is a cheat blog, b/c I did very little work. I know. Been busy... and stuff).

Smooches,
G

1. Her eyes were like two brown circles with big black dots in the center.

2. He was as tall as a 6′3″ tree.

3. Her face was a perfect oval, like a circle that had its two sides gently compressed by a Thigh Master.

4. From the attic came an unearthly howl. The whole scene had an eerie, surreal quality, like when you're on vacation in another city and Jeopardy comes on at 7:00 p.m. instead of 7:30.

5. John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds who had also never met.

6. She had a deep, throaty, genuine laugh, like that sound a dog makes just before it throws up.

7. The ballerina rose gracefully en pointe and extended one slender leg behind her, like a dog at a fire hydrant.

8. He was as lame as a duck. Not the metaphorical lame duck, either, but a real duck that was actually lame. Maybe from stepping on a land mine or something.

9. Her vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever.

10. She grew on him like she was a colony of E. coli and he was room-temperature Canadian beef.

11. The revelation that his marriage of 30 years had disintegrated because of his wife's infidelity came as a rude shock, like a surcharge at a formerly surcharge-free ATM.

12. The lamp just sat there, like an inanimate object.

13. McBride fell 12 stories, hitting the pavement like a Hefty bag filled with vegetable soup.

14. His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.

15. He spoke with the wisdom that can only come from experience, like a guy who went blind because he looked at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it and now goes around the country speaking at high schools about the dangers of looking at a solar eclipse without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it.

16. Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka at 4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph.

17. Shots rang out, as shots are wont to do.

18. The little boat gently drifted across the pond exactly the way a bowling ball wouldn't.

19. Her hair glistened in the rain like a nose hair after a sneeze.

20. The hailstones leaped from the pavement, just like maggots when you fry them in hot grease.

21. They lived in a typical suburban neighborhood with picket fences that resembled Nancy Kerrigan's teeth.

22. He fell for her like his heart was a mob informant and she was the East River.

23. Even in his last years, Grand pappy had a mind like a steel trap, only one that had been left out so long, it had rusted shut.

24. He felt like he was being hunted down like a dog, in a place that hunts dogs, I suppose.

25. She was as easy as the TV Guide crossword.

26. She walked into my office like a centipede with 98 missing legs.

27. The plan was simple, like my brother-in-law Phil. But unlike Phil, this plan just might work.

28. The young fighter had a hungry look, the kind you get from not eating for a while.

29. "Oh, Jason, take me!" she panted, her breasts heaving like a college freshman on $1-a-beer night.

30. It hurt the way your tongue hurts after you accidentally staple it to the wall.

31. It was an American tradition, like fathers chasing kids around with power tools.

32. He was deeply in love. When she spoke, he thought he heard bells, as if she were a garbage truck backing up.

33. The politician was gone but unnoticed, like the period after the Dr. on a Dr Pepper can.

34. Her eyes were like limpid pools, only they had forgotten to put in any pH cleanser.

35. Her date was pleasant enough, but she knew that if her life was a movie this guy would be buried in the credits as something like "Second Tall Man."

36. The thunder was ominous-sounding, much like the sound of a thin sheet of metal being shaken backstage during the storm scene in a play.

37. The red brick wall was the color of a brick-red Crayola crayon.

38. She caught your eye like one of those pointy hook latches that used to dangle from screen doors and would fly up whenever you banged the door open again.

39. Her pants fit her like a glove, well, maybe more like a mitten, actually.

40. Fishing is like waiting for something that does not happen very often.

41. They were as good friends as the people on "Friends."

42. Oooo, he smells bad, she thought, as bad as Calvin Klein's Obsession would smell if it were called Enema and was made from spoiled Spamburgers instead of natural floral fragrances.

43. The knife was as sharp as the tone used by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Tex.) in her first several points of parliamentary procedure made to Rep. Henry Hyde (R-Ill.) in the House Judiciary Committee hearings on the impeachment of President William Jefferson Clinton.

44. He was as bald as one of the Three Stooges, either Curly or Larry, you know, the one who goes woo woo woo.

45. The sardines were packed as tight as the coach section of a 747.

46. Her eyes were shining like two marbles that someone dropped in mucus and then held up to catch the light.

47. The baseball player stepped out of the box and spit like a fountain statue of a Greek god that scratches itself a lot and spits brown, rusty tobacco water and refuses to sign autographs for all the little Greek kids unless they pay him lots of drachmas.

48. I felt a nameless dread. Well, there probably is a long German name for it, like Geschpooklichkeit or something, but I don't speak German. Anyway, it's a dread that nobody knows the name for, like those little square plastic gizmos that close your bread bags. I don't know the name for those either.

49. She was as unhappy as when someone puts your cake out in the rain, and all the sweet green icing flows down and then you lose the recipe, and on top of that you can't sing worth a damn.

50. Her artistic sense was exquisitely refined, like someone who can tell butter from I Can't Believe It's Not Butter.

51. It came down the stairs looking very much like something no one had ever seen before.

52. Bob was as perplexed as a hacker who means to access T:flw.quid55328.com\aaakk/ch@ung but gets T:\flw.quidaaakk/ch@ung by mistake.

53. You know how in "Rocky" he prepares for the fight by punching sides of raw beef? Well, yesterday it was as cold as that meat locker he was in.

54. The dandelion swayed in the gentle breeze like an oscillating electric fan set on medium.

55. Her lips were red and full, like tubes of blood drawn by an inattentive phlebotomist.

56. The sunset displayed rich, spectacular hues like a .jpeg file at 10 percent cyan, 10 percent magenta, 60 percent yellow and 10 percent black.

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Quote of the Day

"Pizza works great to build sand castles, Jimmy."

The visual of this still has me cracking up.

Thanks to the creator of this one... what a day.

Smooches,
G

Monday, January 12, 2015

Yet Another Philosophy

This quote is pretty spot on when it comes to relationships: I’m formed and you’re not and you still have changes to go through. You’ll change, then I’ll be Winnie the Pooh to your Christopher Robin.

Pooh outgrows Christopher. It's sad, but that's just the majority of how the world works. This goes back to sentence 1 of my 3-sentence breakdown on love. For some (like me), love is one unrequited experience after another.

It's sad but not.

At any rate, at least enjoy a clip from the awesome movie that it's from.

Smooches,
G


The creepiest, most accurate horoscope I've ever read

Admittedly, I stopped reading horoscopes for some time (although I used to be quite addicted for fun)... this one popped up in my feed today and just blew my mind.

I guess that means that today's word is: Future. (Yesterday, was relax/bum. Took the day off, except for football watchin' and chili makin'. My food gurus have created a monster. I can't stop cooking.)

LEO:

Casanova was the world's greatest lover or the world's greatest player, depends on your view. One thing's for sure, the man had game. So, Casanova, in the weeks ahead, you have more ability to sex up your life than you've had in some time, do you want to be remembered as a lover or a player? Note that where you tread may seem hidden or magical at present, it is, but that it will not remain that way forever, 2 months from now anything hidden will begin to come to light. This is not only going to pertain to your intimate life, you will have an equal ability to make things happen in deeper ways in your financial life, with the divorce, any mortality issues, reproductive needs, or third party situations. So keep your focus on the core of what drives you and not the number of the outcome, you can move mountains but they are Karmic mountains, be mindful. Your first tests arrive Thursday and Friday.

Smooches,

G

Friday, January 09, 2015

2015 Day 9

Well so much for my disciplined writing every day. But, I have two words and my love of alliteration comes into play. Spoiled and Setbacks.

Let's start with the good news. Spoiled. There is no question that I've been spoiled lately in some pretty amazing ways. I'm so grateful for a surprise visitor, my Advisor de Futura, who is one of the most amazingly talented people I know, especially when it comes to all fun things like food and drinks. He was so impressed by me making him dinner a couple months ago, that he wanted to return the favor. My crockpot dish doesn't come close to his delicious concoctions garlic, red pepper kale, blue cheese mashed potatoes and blackened sirloin topped with grapes and melted blue cheese. You can't even buy a meal like that. It's priceless.

Beyond that, I've really been spoiled in an absolutely fantastical way by certain people who are going out of their way to make me feel absolutely cared for and important. It's truly an amazing feeling and one I don't take for granted. I like smiling as my regular state of being.

And of course, with the spoils come Setbacks, which, of course are just ugh. Yet another fun health issue to deal with this week, but hoping that it's a quick fix. Also having some career struggles. 

All in all, it does feel like there is some ongoing balance to this crazy little thing called life. And even with the bad, the good is definitely winning me over. Here's hoping it keeps up.

Smooches,
G

Tuesday, January 06, 2015

2015 Day 6

Highlight of my day: 

Parents: "Do you mind if we stop by for some of the pumpkin stuff you made last night? It looked good on Facebook." They'll literally eat me out of house and home. I love it. 

Every time they ask, I hear laughter in my head. This is payback for when I lived with my crazy Aunt Jeanne and Uncle Larry for a semester, eating everything they had. They, of course, consider it payback for feeding me as a child. Details.

Despite work being S-L-O-W, life remains well. Have some extra smiles for some good reasons. 

Smooches,
G

25 Years Later...

Today's word: nostalgia. It would've been my grandfather's (aka Poppie) birthday. One of the hardest losses I ever had, which essentially was the final destruction with me and my relationship with "god" and "the church". I was only 13 but if I had to pick who adored me most in life, it was a tie between him and my grandmother.

But, he was definitely a man that loved me like no other. Everything I did seemed to be magic for him. It was awesome to feel that loved. (Not that I'm not loved now... but you people who have kids and see them with your grandparents get the drift).

So many fun memories, learning odds at the track, heading to AC, playing cards, "happy hours," making us fantastic hash browns with the world's heaviest and oldest iron skillet. Before I became a true skeeball champion, I remember when he paid off the arcade so I could have the biggest teddy bear in the place. I'm pretty sure he realized how determined of a person I am, which was why he expedited the procees.

But, out of all, I miss his (admittedly terrible) crooning. He used to belt out songs at the top of his lungs, which drove my grandmother bananas (I believe she used to say that the dogs and cats would appear at the door if he kept it up) and made me laugh.

Here's one of them... I still listen to this song, hear that husky voice and start to giggle.

Enjoy it. The lyrics were always particularly relevant to me.



Smooches,
G


Monday, January 05, 2015

Overcommitment

Today's word is overcommitment. I was so determined to rid myself of the canned pumpkin and so eager to make pumpkin soup. I did not realize that one can of pumpkin can make a ridiculous amount of pumpkin-related food. So naturally, I had two. Now I have pumpkin soup, muffins, bread and there is STILL pumpkin leftover.

I was proud until I sliced myself cleaning the blender.

Awh well. So close to being a grown up.

Smooches,
G

2015 Day 5

Boom Clap... song from my heart today...

Smooches,
G


Sunday, January 04, 2015

2015 Day 4

Word of the day: philosophy.

Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in awhile. Now time to decide if you're the squirrel looking or the nut waiting to be found.

Things just got interesting. Have a very cryptic day.

Smooches
G

Saturday, January 03, 2015

And We're Off...

We'll make Day 3's word: forward.

I realize the ball game changes when work kicks in, but things are running pretty ok. Keeping myself busy, working hard to chill and stay healthy. Taking advantage of any extra sleep I can get.

Getting myself back in the game. I managed to already plan two girl's nights for this month. And I even saw a movie...I so missed seeing movies so I jumped at the opportunity to see Annie when invited. Yes, it was for a kid's birthday party, but who cares? At least I got an invite and maintaining that cool Aunt G status with the kids is always essential. 

Forward motion. I will take it. So much more ahead but working not to dread it, just accept and keep the ball going.

Smooches,
G


Friday, January 02, 2015

I'm just trying to find a way to make it back home

Word of the day: Music. It has gotten me through so much the last few months.

Today, I'm loving this song and its lyrics...

I've got this image engraved in my mind
Of a light that I had in a whole different time
It still breathes and lives at the end of the road

I'm not trying to stop a hurricane
I'm not trying to shake the ground below
I'm just trying to find a way to make it back home



2015: Day 2

Goal of the Day: Sleep. Years have gone by and I have yet to be able to get myself to sleep consistently or even well. I've tried everything and still I either sleep 5 or 9+ hours, but more often than not, it's 5 or less. It's infuriating, I wake up at 3:30 AM and have 50/50 chance of getting back to sleep within an hour or two.

But since I woke up with energy, I put it to good use and started baking my famous chocolate chip banana bread at 7 AM. I don't know why, but this banana bread literally makes people go bananas. I've seen my co-workers run across the office when they see me bring it in. This summer, my family kept "accidentally" leaving bunches of bananas in cars. I was given so many browning bananas this summer, I actually had to start double batching, making bread and muffins at the same time.

I'm definitely on some cooking kick for sure. My Hawaiian New Year dinner went really well... who'd have thought? This is all part of my secret mission to spend next New Year in a warm climate, but also got my creative cooking juices flowing. Now, I have an overwhelming desire to make pumpkin soup which hopefully will happen today or tomorrow.

If I can only overcome my disdain for the grocery store, it would make this a lot venture into cooking much easier. My current solution is a service where I pick out what I want online and then the store shops for me. They even load my car. Worth every penny!

Forward progress. Good things. And despite not getting my Christmas gifts from my parents until last night, they did good too. They fed my latest craze of painting (aka art therapy) with a whole painting set. I'm equipped with brushes, paints and easels. I have no idea why I'm so enthralled with painting, but it's like some passion I never even attempted before that I've become obsessed over. It's delightful.

We're off to a decent start 2015... we have 363 1/2 days to go, but we're doing alright. And that's really all I can ask for right now.

Smooches,
G





Thursday, January 01, 2015

Word of the Day: Slow

I'm really not good at being slow and have little patience for people that take their time. Just ask my sister, since she's the queen of moving at her own pace and making others crazy. In the spirit of trying something new, I moved slowly today. It's a simple concept but a big step. I realized that I have nothing to move quickly for... at least not today. What a difference! I lazed around... dozed in and out of sleep, made me some coffee then headed back up to my giant bed to doze some more. I even watched the natural light pour in through my window while I took a super slow, hot shower. 

I may be able to get used to this. Well, probably not on a daily basis, but, at least I know I'm capable of it and not because it's dictated by my body yelling at me for running around or other people holding me up.

Cool stuff. I dig it.

Smooches,
G

2015: Day 1

Thanks to all of you that declared this the Year O' G. I'm really hoping it doesn't disappoint. I must say it was nice to ring in the year with my parents, sister and some close friends. It was funny to not have to call them. To start the year off right, I already did something I've been yearning to do...continue to make good use of my slow cooker and turn this place into a luau. I give you Kalua pork. If it tastes as good as it smells, then lots of happy people will be here in a few hours. Up since 7:30. Time for a nap.

Smooches
G

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

So Close...

I hate New Years Eve. Hate is a strong word, but seriously, I hate it. Plans always go awry, nothing is the way it is supposed to be. This year really isn't that different save for one thing. I NEED, not even want, NEED, this year to be over. 

I need a fresh start in the worst possible way. I don't even know that I can call it 2015, it's more like 2014 v. 2.0. 

My therapist summed it up best as I left her tonight, "Never a dull moment and that goes double when it comes to you."

Too much to even sum up. Many tears, much stress... balanced out by some serious shows of love, caring and laughter. Drunken moments, both good and bad. 

So many of you by my side for this ride and I'm so thankful for that. But, as I've heard numerous times from many people, it's time to draw a line in the sand and declare 2015 The Year of G. 

I have no idea what that means at the moment. But according to my doc, it means I need to go and have as much F-U-N as possible in one year. I've earned it, I'm told. 

Fun isn't usually an issue for me, so I think that's a doable first step. What else is in store, I have no idea. I'm hoping for some travel... many laughs... seeing so many people that I've lost touch with over the past few years, which I thankfully have already started. 

Hopefully less identity theft both literally and figuratively.  This hasn't happened yet (considering I spent two days ago with the po-po reporting the latest). And regaining my true identity is still pending, but I hope in the near horizon.

A few other hopefuls up my sleeve, but I am definitely ready to get this Year o' G started. So with 3 minutes to go before the 24 hour countdown... I wish you joy and happiness, but above all this, I wish you love.... 

(awh yea, I really just worked in some Whitney for ya).

Smooches to all... may you be safe tomorrow.

xo,
G

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Blah Humbug

Applesauce and antibiotics. #sothisisChristmas

Smooches
G

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Happy Ha-choo

Idle time. Not my friend. But many have counseled that I need this time. So here's Christmas/Flu 2014 by the numbers:

52+ - episodes of Scandal watched. I've learned such amazing things about internet stalking. So useful!
40 - hours spent on said Internet doing nothing of value.
34 - the minutes I was on hold w United to get my flight rescheduled. Thanks again to them for putting me in the first row of first class, free of charge. Much needed.
18 - the number of hours I slept the first day I was sick which sadly was in Denver
15-cups of tea, note to all: switch to decaf. That stuff gives you the shakes when combined with honey.
10 - bottles of Gatorade I've consumed
9 - the number of days without any voice at all
8 - bowls of white rice and soy sauce I've eaten since that was about all my stomach could take until yesterday
6 - the number of trips my family made to pick up all my medicine and stuff (very grateful)
5 (?) - the suspected number of hours I made it outside my house in the last 11 days.
4 - meals of Chinese food. Oddly, my stomach was cool with Chinese only.
3 - the number of boxes of tissues I've gone through. Even though they're the lotion ones, I still resemble Rudolph.
3 - also the number of Christmas trees I have - a 9 foot artificial, 2 foot artificial in my bedroom since my parents realized I was pretty much bed ridden and 1 real stuck in garage.
2 - bags of Doritos. Yea, not healthy but extremely effective for sore throat.
1 - bottle of Makers gone (doctors order)
1/4 - bottle of honey. I truly dislike the taste of honey but that stuff is sheer magic when mixed with tea and bourbon.

Infinite- the number of minutes I wished for this to play out differently and pondered about what the f I'm doing with my life.

The good news is that I'm on the mend. The bad news is that is only the beginning to playing two weeks of catch up. And then, the real work begins.

I was told that 2015 is supposed to be "my" year. We shall see how that works but doing my best to tame my negativity and head back to G-ality.

Smooches
G

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

3 Sentence Philosophy on Love

Love is one unrequited experience after another. Everything is a triangle or a circle back to yourself. Whoever gets to find a path forward with someone and walk a parallel line, those are very lucky people.


Flu Day 10?

Is there like a Nobel Prize if I invent a stronger cough syrup than the codeine one? How about like morphine cough syrup? Bourbon flavored morphine cough syrup even?

I have watched every episode of Scandal. I give two emphatic thumbs down to Wolf of Wall Street. I am losing my mind. 

Today, I even saw Wink Martindale on TV trying to sell me a timeshare in Florida. It took me awhile to focus and wonder if it was real or that my fever reached new heights and my end is near.


Monday, December 22, 2014

I'm here to Pump You Up (aka Flu Day 8)

I've now reached fever and complete delirium. Well, I likely had fever and I bet I've been accused of being delirious too. It turns out that my regular body temp is not 97.1, but my digital thermometer has been broken. Probably for quite some time since I think I bought that thing in college. I realized that I was sporting a fever when I started sweating like a whore in church while doing things like walking up my stairs or breathing. Then when my broken thermometer read 98.6 instead of 97.1, I figured it was time to hit up the doctor... just because they get lonely when I go a week without calling them.

I ran out of bourbon on Saturday, so it was time. And now I'm on an awesome new regimen of antibiotics and steroids. Yay. I'm supposed to take 6 steroids today alone, except I didn't get them until 7 pm, so I'm frankly a little disturbed and afraid. 

This is literally the sickest I ever recall being. And no joke, has tanked my entire holiday. I couldn't even take my mom to her Christmas present of seeing the Nutcracker. And, well, I've been too sick to shop for anyone else. 

The people around me have been awesome and I'm so thankful. My wacky parents decided it would be a good idea to buy me a real tree. I was out of the house once in 8 days, so I don't know why they thought that. But now there is a lovely tree in my garage, where it sadly will stay considering I have no way of getting it in or decorating it.

Easily the worst Christmas ever to top off just a craptastic year. 

Can't wait for that mother of a ball to drop in a week or so.

Smooches,
G

Friday, December 19, 2014

Bourbon & Doritos (Goodbye Cruel World)

Over the past 5 days or so, I've done enough drugs to qualify for at least a stand-in role in any quality drug movie... personally I'd pick Drugstore Cowboy. From stomach meds to cold meds, I've literally reached the point where my tolerance is so high nothing works. I mean not codeine cough syrup, NyQuil, cold & flu... you name it... except, bourbon & Doritos. Yes, get your research grant applications ready, I have found the cure for the common cold. I don't know why it works, but it's the only thing that has numbed the most painful sore throat I have ever experienced. Still no voice, but as someone once said to me "women should be seen and not heard", so you know, at least I'm pleasing someone out there just maybe on a delay.

Someone mentioned this week that my body is probably so spent from the year I had that it probably needs at least a week's vacation. If they're right, then my body is getting it's way.

Except with doctor's orders of my two least favorite words "rest and wait," I'm trying hard not to go bananas. The Netflix binge of Scandal Seasons 1,2 and closing in on 3 plus the drugs are starting to make me feel like I could be a super spy as my next career. And thankfully, I'm not living in DC or else I'd probably be full of paranoia right now.

A big ol' UGH and a bunch of whine is all I have. Not the weekend to be sick and have no voice. In one week how did I go from my cushy first class seat, landing to head to a brewery to sitting on my couch watching Elf?

Life can just be cruel. It's times like these where I refer to the sage words of Weezer...

And I don't wanna be an old man anymore
It's been a year or two since I was out on the floor
Shaking booty, making sweet love all the night
It's time I got back to the good life
It's time I got back, it's time I got back
And I don't even know how I got off the track
I wanna go back, yeah

That sums it up pretty well for now.

Smooches,
G

PS - Yes, I was being slightly ironic in referring to Weezer as 'sage.' This blog is meant to be humorous. So if you're not funny, do not read it. Or if you do, take it with some sodium.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Day 4 Flu: Please Just Shoot Me

I think it's the flu. At this point, I don't care what it is... it delayed my trip home, cancelled my entire week and has successfully had me laid up in bed for days. I'm literally under doctor's orders to drink whiskey (with tea and honey) as the only medicine to stop my throat which is so sore and scratchy it makes it impossible to swallow, breathe, eat, live... 

I never thought I'd dislike the sound of a doctor ordering me to drink. (And I totally dig this doctor, so when I squeaked out a laugh since I joke all the time with him about bourbon....I was shocked when he said "I'm not kidding, I'm just getting over it and it is the only thing that will help you.") 

Getting sick this time of year is a pretty regular occurrence... but this is a whole new level of ill.

Couple that with t-minus 2 days to the biggest day of the year for me and I'm just a blues traveler. 

Silver lining and shout out to my elves that were hard at work... assembling a tree in my home and lights outside my house. Despite feeling like the walking dead, it was still nice to see the house lit up when I got in. (Even if I haven't left my 1/2 acre bed all day).

Once again, I need a Christmas miracle... or at least enough energy to recount my fun travel tales.

Smooches
G

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Perspective from Denver

"You just sit there and giggle so clearly you amuse yourself more than others. It's not like you're just sit there and laugh like you're retarded or something."

These are the days.

Smooches,
G

Saturday, December 06, 2014

In loving memory

For the first time in 15+ years, the first Saturday in December is not G Gets a Tree day aka TREE Day!!!!!!!. In fact, no tree at all this year. Guess traditions are meant to be broken. I'm thankful for all the memories of going to get the tree, and all of those who trudged along with me. Also, the one year where the tree came to me because I was too sick to leave the house. (Stupid Utie).

Sad that I will miss my annual Facebook naming contest too.

Just not happening this year.

Stay well friends.

Smooches,
G

Friday, December 05, 2014

The Guy Who Rocks My World

Yes, I just fooled all of you who are reading this. And weirdly, according to Google Analytics people are reading this... which is even stranger since this blog can't be found through typical channels and the people that know about this blog haven't been reading it (mostly because I haven't really told them and I forgot to resend the link).

But I digress... my heart goes to Marc Broussard. This guy's voice, his lyrics... could listen all day long. Sadly, only got to see him once in concert, but I hope he comes around nearby sometime soon.


So, enjoy strangers.

Smooches,
G

Wednesday, December 03, 2014

I'm sorry

Wish I felt like the fighter more than the coward. Here's hoping tomorrow is a better day.


Tuesday, December 02, 2014

Not So Merry...

Here's a list of all the times I've blogged about my beloved Hallmark snowmen. So to open up the Christmas boxes this year and find at least 3 are busted... doesn't exactly bode well for a Merry Christmas.

These are just things. I will persevere, but right now it hurts in here.

Monday, December 01, 2014

Advice to Me (Visuals Included)

I would say: Quit acting like a fool and chasing waterfalls. You're only embarrassing yourself, when you ruminate about the things in life that don't want you. Focus on what does want or need you.

A friend phrased this better: Most people don't realize how much passion they put into what they don't want. When you speak to a friend and you tell them all about an "awful" situation, you are putting passion into what you don't want. When you react to an event negatively, with the response that it is "terrible," you are putting passion into what you don't want.

But this video, does a great visual of all of the above and encapsulates my life as it stands to date.


Stepping into one trap after another...

-G

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Quality Time

While today was far from my best day, I guess there is something to be said with spending the day with your mom who is thrilled you invited her to go run errands. Then capping it off watching 22 Jump Street with your dad while splitting Doritos and drinking wine. 

You never know when your last moments are with people... guess it helps curb the other things that easily translate into disappointments and pain that remains unstoppable. 

So today, I made my mom feel important and my dad happy. Will take it as a win even if I don't feel like a winner in the game of life.

-G

Friday, November 28, 2014

Thanksgiving by the Numbers

Well, I did it folks. I hosted my own Griswold thanksgiving. For the record, there were no fires, black eyes and no one locked themselves in a room by mistake. While a long time dream complete, holy crow, hosting is exhausting - even with a full team of people helping before and after given that I had yet another upper respiratory infection days before. Continuing to turn my house into a home, it was a fantastic moment in time overall. But here's a look at T-day by the numbers.

1 bottle of Makers down (people love their annual manhattans)
2 out of 3 - the number GI procedure I had thanksgiving eve (to keep things interesting)
4 kids racing around the house with boundless energy
5 loads of laundry
6 pies - equalling one for each house guest
8 loads of dishes (and counting)
13 guests around the table
20 dollars for the last minute, day of shopping trip (I like lemonade, I only eat regular chips)
24 pieces of stemware prepped
25 pounds of turkey
72 stickers I had to remove from all the plates, cups and platters
100 (apprx) - ridiculous yet Mangiaracina-esque decorations around the house not limited to turkey chairs, a cuckoo holiday clock, streamers, wind sock, solar powered dancing turkeys (I could go on, but why)
8,100 - the number of miles one guest flew to not miss out

Smooches,
G

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Once, Twice, Three Times... (yea, not even close to) A Lady

Apparently, I like doing things twice. Sometimes even three times. Take closing on real estate... I had my 6th closing just last week, and now once again I own my home. My eye surgeries - two go rounds there. Current GI work, 3 times will hopefully be a charm. 

And then there are my talents that accompany those takes. My personal favorite was during my procedure today when I went to "hop up" on the 'just a wee bit high' exam table. For the record, that paper is slippery which I never knew until I went careening off the side. Lesson for all: use that little stool. 

Well, today, I was feeling brave so I attempted to change my own air filter in the furnace. Yep, I googled and seemed straight forward. Until I realized it was cold in here. Like REALLY cold. 

Thankfully, a simple phone call to my village people, and there comes yet another gent to help this distressed damsel. And fortunately given my bills continue to rise, it was just a simple switch and a lesson in how to properly put the lid back on my furnace.

All in a day... as they say in G-ality, that's why God invented Makers.

Smooches,
G

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Giving Thanks

There's a big part of me that has felt like a fish out of water these days or insert whatever cliché you'd like, but what it breaks down to is that once again, I've taken this massive 180 in my life plan. Alright, maybe I've never been much of a life planner… but I did have some semblance of direction which led me here which is now no longer.
Confused? Yea, me too.
So, here's the deal. I was getting pretty down about it… like way far down. Truth be told, I don't feel like much of a match for these parts since I live a vastly different life than most here in suburbia.
Most of you would agree that there's nothing sadder than a sad G. When the bubbly is gone, it leaves a pretty dark hole that's never good. Most of you never see the dark places where my mind goes, but they are there and a fair number of you have saved me from them, whether you knew it or not.
I've had to jump through so many hoops and hurdles this year. Again. I'm really feeling like a trained circus animal. And for every hurdle, it's been one step forward, two steps back, followed by a "let's hit her in the crotch with a curve ball" for good measure.
But just when I throw my hands up in the air, give up hope and call it quits, there comes a pull. What I like to consider the "magic" or "zest" of what makes my life a little different or at least lets me view it as such. This would be considered "G-ality" a state I've been accused of living in instead of reality. (For the record, G-ality ain't the worst place to be, it's usually quite fun here in the land of rainbows and ponies).
Case in point, after a rough few days in the fun land of rebuilding, I was crashing hard. Then out of the blue, I see a car pull up in my driveway and up comes Santa. Alright, not the *real* Santa, if anything more like Hanukkah Harry, but a friend who stopped by in the middle of working to drop off his company's latest Christmas Ale and an awesome snow hat. Just to wish me a happy holiday. Another called randomly to check in and then I got a message from yet another which just said "You are greatly loved!!"
And to cap it off? Jumping in the car later that day and hearing Piano Man blaring through my radio, a tradition for a group of my bestest peeps.
Well, y'all know how to make a girl feel welcome when she's feeling at her worst, that's for sure.
Blues fade and the smile widens. The roller coaster continues on, but, those moments make it all worth holding on for the next turn.
Humble pie for me this Thanksgiving… and I'm grateful for it.
Smooches,
G

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Good Musing from My Morning

You need to believe that you're writing your own story and making your own soundtrack. You need many co-authors to help make it rich in content and full of good songs, but the minute it feels like someone else is developing your storyline, that's when shit goes awry.

Smooches,
G


Tuesday, November 18, 2014

To Lucky...

Lucky,

Wherever you are, this one is for you. Thanks for being the best teacher of "Listen, smile, agree, and then do whatever the f**k you were gonna do anyway."

Miss you always, my furry best friend.

Smooches,
G


Monday, November 17, 2014

Oh No, It’s the Cops…

The irony of my identity being stolen and credit (or credibility) being destroyed is just too good for the Universe to pass up. As with all things G, I seem to live the Groundhog Day of life – I go through every bad thing at least twice. It comes as part of a series of aligned occurrences that might as well have been a giant billboard or blinking neon sign of my need to burn myself down and rise from the ashes, that includes, but in no way is limited to:
-          My chest requiring surgery after a supposedly harmless cyst literally swelled up, exploded and had recurring infections throughout the summer (left another awesome scar too)
-           My entire GI tract being completely ripped to shreds, including pre-cancerous polyps, swollen stomach and bleeding in parts that aren't meant to. (still under repair, check back in early 2015)
I was in the middle of NYC when I first heard about my stolen identity and destroyed credit. It was an awesome day filled with fits of rage, fits of tears (sorry Penn Station), fighting with all 3 credit bureaus, not winning an award that I was up there for in the first place (nice extra kick to the crotch) and ended with a fantastic train ride in which I won the title of "worst day ever" by the guy sitting next to me listening to my calls. (We'll ignore my sister being an hour late and me freezing outside the station).

 But let's get funny. After all that, I picked myself up, the credit issue got resolved and I was excited to see "deleted" on all 3 reports. I contacted my mortgage company that was waiting for my "go" to re-run my credit so I'm not paying out the butt to re-fi. I sent them all the reports, gleeful. Until the next day when I got the alert that said I was in collections again. WTF?!, you ask. Indeed, friends, indeed.

The same fraudulent company that filed the first time, filed again for a new amount, immediately tanking my score back down less than 24 hours after I was cleared.

I was familiar with the drill, so I hopped back on with my favorite customer service folks who told me I needed to file a police report which I was supposed to do in the first place. Funny, since, I was on the phone with each bureau at least 5 times and no one even mentioned it.
Not one to F around, I call the local cops asking what I need to do to file. When I asked their hours, I got the lovely Jersey response of "we're the cops, ma'am, we're here all the time." (For the record, that's not true, their hours are 8-3:30).

I've never willingly entered a police station before. I was falsely abducted once and taken to the Hoboken one…a story for another time. And of all the ways that I envisioned having to go and especially seeing if someone would go with me, this was the least likely scenario. But dear ol' dad and I hop in the car and head off at 7:45 pm. We were told to have a seat. And waited… and waited… (Dad makes a couple jokes a bit TOO loud about them eating donuts in the back) and then finally we hear "it may be awhile, there's a pursuit" followed by the officer's radio going off and him yelling back "yes, pin down the woman too." Does this stop my dad from asking him if he knows the one cop that went to high school with my sister? Of course not.
And so, I'm shuffled off and told to return the next day, which I do solo and even more nervous that I'll make some dumb joke that will lead to questioning.

Fortunately, I do not. But, I do now have a collection of pictures, a FBI file and a specialized ID that if I'm detained (which never happens – see every airport post ever) will pop up in the system and I'm required to provide. If I forget said ID, I will be held. I even had to tell them about any identifiable scars or tattoos. Nothing is more amusing then talking about your great miniature golf incident that led to your only identifiable marking.

That's right, I went from identity theft victim to FBI file… bad ass, street cred. Just me and that Snowden guy, right?

At the same time, I also complained to the town about my garbage people who I watch every Tuesday use my trash can as target practice. Normally, I chose to ignore it, since hey, it's a crappy job but after fully denting in the side and ripping off the handle, it was time for action. I arrive home from the police station and a brand new trash can is delivered to my door step courtesy of the town.

Feeling very Godfather…

Smooches,
G

Friday, November 14, 2014

I went right somewhere

As the roller coaster continues its never short on moments that give me pause and make me think for everything that hasn't gone the way I thought, that somewhere, somehow I did do something right. Below is a message from someone I barely knew. I did a quick favor for this person and when he asked how I was I couldn't lie. I said "could be better". This was not the response I expected but it was a nice surprise:

"What ever it is, time heals all. Persevere and make yourself number one in your life. Be the best Gina you can be. Only let people into your life that will help and most of all understand. It is important to find people who have been in similar situation so that you know you are not alone. Faith and courage Gina, I hope you overcome this moment in time with grace and dignity. Get back to basics and things that make you happy. I know We weren't to close however I know you have all the qualitys that make a good friend. If you want to talk I am always here."

Thank you friends, near and far, close or not.

Smooches
G

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Wait For Me...

Admittedly, I've been a bit down when it comes to thinking about this, but I have to say, it would be pretty stellar if someone was waiting for me. The lyrics to this song are quite lovely. I'd Google that shit if I were you.

Stay tuned for some great stories about me and the police. (sadly, not Sting-type police, but actual po-po)

Smooches,
G

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

great writing.

Totally not mine... but man, this dialogue made such an impact on me, I just had to post it:

"I know what this is. Why you're with me. You're a man who dares to dance with the freaks. I perpetuate that deviance for you. Allow you to show the world that you live outside the box. But I know that's where it ends for us and I understand. It comes with the territory of my complicated identity. But my feelings for you are simpler. They live very much inside the box. I'm afraid that I may have fallen in love with you."

The credit goes to Sons of Anarchy, which really is usually more biker and violent... but one of the best episodes of TV I've ever seen.

Sunday, November 09, 2014

Welcome to Zone 5

If you know me, you've heard me say this before. I'm always flagged as a potential terrorist. If I had a nickel for every time I've heard the phrase, "Step aside, ma'am, you've been selected for special screening, I would be slowly rebuilding my dwindling savings.

In addition to being the next shoe bomber, I apparently am on the 'last to board' Zone list. In the summer in Ohio, I was Zone 6. THERE IS NO ZONE 6 – even my boss was floored when she saw my ticket.

So, as my work schedule kicks in to high gear, it was no surprise that I not only couldn't get on an earlier flight despite working several 12+ hour days, but that I was Zone 5 on both ways.

After a 5:30 AM start, boarding a 4:30 PM flight home from Boston just sucks ass. I was doing whatever it took to keep me awake, which included smacking myself to stay awake. Sleep deprivation does weird stuff to you including giving you that feeling like you're badly hung over and are about to be ill.

So, as I prepare my sad self to finally mosey over to the gate as the last person to board (again), the flight attendant stops me because, of course, they JUST ran out of space on the plane for my teeny-tiny carry on and I simply have no choice but to check my bag.

After much grumbling, I start doing a drunken pirate walk to my seat. I finally get there and try to prep by grabbing my seat belt as the gentleman next to me is on a conference call.

Problem – the seat belt doesn't budge. Agitated and exhausted, I proceed to yank on the belt nearly over top this handsome gent who is now staring bewildered. Pulling away, until, he finally excuses himself in the middle of his conversation to look up at me and say, "um, I'm really sorry, but that's actually my belt you're pulling on."

So, how tired was I? Tired enough to molest the passenger next to me. Thanks to the fact that it was a full flight, I got to sit next to this man with my nose stuck in a book avoiding eye contact on one of the bumpiest flights ever.

Ah, yes… I have returned.

Smooches,

G

Sunday, November 02, 2014

Fake It Until You Make It

When you can't say it better yourself, imitation is the highest form of flattery. So is plagiarism. 

G's advice of the day

Fall hard, fall fast, get up and get over it. Laugh at your own silliness. (It's better than sitting there feeling like an idiot)

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

Smooches,
G

Saturday, November 01, 2014

Breakfast Art

I see anxious hipster. (Feel free to have authorities pick me up anytime, given that I'm cooking and seeing things in my food)

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

This is Not My Beautiful House

Or “how did I get here?” is probably the better question to ask right now. What’s amusing is as I’m writing this I couldn’t possibly be more domesticated. I’ve just baked pumpkin bread, cooked chicken, conquered the death of an insect and even reorganized the recycling which was out of control due to some additional usage of cans and bottles. Well, we all have our moments.

I really didn’t see myself here. I certainly didn’t anticipate becoming the Kim Kardashian of my friends and having one of the shortest marriages on record. It seems fitting, given that I have the same ample butt issues she has. But, when all is said and done, I'd much preferred Brit Brit's 48-hour affair which, for the record, I came close to during one of many trips to Vegas (breathe, he was gay and I just thought it would be hilarious). But it happened and here I am in the ‘burbs living out my life on a grand stage in front of friends and family. While lucky to be surrounded by loved ones, it is the equivalent to walking around sans pants and everyone you know is watching.

In fact, I now consider myself the Mormon sister wife that my guy friends didn’t even see coming. It’s so lovely that I have the aid of multiple men including dear ol’ dad the hero to come help me. I’m stuck having to humble myself and accept help. It’s probably the most embarrassing place I’ve ever been in my life. In DC, when things got hard, it was way easier to hide with a smiling voice through the phone. I’m so good at that voice. What I’m not so good at is showing my face or living my life out in the public eye. For as many times as I’ve had to ask for help, it never gets easier and the humiliation never gets easier. If I said that out loud, I’d likely have a mixture of hands in the air or eye rolls telling me to not even go there.

I could say there’s really little sense in reviewing the past or how I got here. But I’ve done nothing but that over the past 6+ months. I spent most of the last year hanging on by a very thin thread in the game of life. If I can get to the point where life is not run by anxiety, panic attacks, medical issues or medications, I will consider myself a lottery winner. It’s led me on some interesting paths and even reconnecting with some of the characters in this blog – mostly ala High Fidelity-style to figure out where exactly I go wrong.

So where does that leave me today? Oddly, filled with a renewed sense of hope. I’ve learned there is always that moment when the clouds part and you see that tiny ray of light. Let me be the first to tell you to grab it if you’re lucky enough to see it.

Trust me when I tell you that I have no expectation of a white knight, Prince Charming or otherwise. After numerous go-rounds, the Universe has made it quite clear that shit like that does not happen to a girl like me. And even if it did, I would likely fuck it up anyway. But, I’ve been told the Universe will match whatever vibration you put out. And you can't fool the Universe. Because, I assure you I have tried and I have failed. Royally.

And therein lies the silver lining to failure. I had the courage to try and the balls to admit when I knew I had failed. But, I dust myself off and get back up. It’s a new day, a new world.

Or better put, I don’t know where I’m going, but I sure know where I’ve been.

(You can sing it with me… “here I go again on my own…”)

But you knew that, right? Because where would I be if not on my own?

Smooches,
G

Monday, October 27, 2014

G Version 3.0


Aloha Readers - 

As a fleet of people work once again to rebuild me, it’s nice to actually feel myself getting better and stronger. The new chapter is here and when the door closed, I jumped out the open window and haven’t looked back since.

A special shout out to the Universe for giving me a 48-hour hall pass that involved nonstop laughter and good times.  It’s been a long time since reality exceeded my expectations.

Thanks to all of you who made that happen – your help, support and love have made me come out the other side smiling. That was no small feat, as those of you who I let see me at my worst can attest. Text convo as example:

Me: “fair warning, I haven’t stopped giggling, laughing and smiling for the last 24 hours.”
Friend: "I'm warning you now - I'll believe when I see it, it's been awhile, but I'm so glad."

Let’s not fool ourselves; we all know there will be plenty of G antics and issues to come. But, for today, I’m happy to say I had my moment and will relish it.

Smooches to all,

G

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Counting Blessings

There are many things that make me unlucky.  I am a klutz.  I’ve had some very interesting medical issues.  And, when it comes to being in love, well, it’s sort of like watching the Titanic sink with the burning 9/11 towers in the background.  Epic disaster.

And then there are those that make me among the luckiest people I know.  I have a crazy, yet lovable family.  I have a rather strong sense of humor and creativity.  I normally know how to make lemons from lemonade – or more realistically, I can make you a lemon drop shot.  And of course, I have many loving friends. There is a laundry list of those and it ranges from people I’ve known all my life to people I work with.  I’m not usually a person who asks for help but when I do it’s like watching an army assemble. 

Despite whom I chose as a romantic partner, I have a decent ability to choose the right people to surround myself with.  They are people that not only care about their friends but the well being of others they don’t even know.  How do I know that?

At a backyard BBQ, my friends and I watched a man running after a frantic dog.  At first we were concerned the dog got loose.  But then, we realized the dog was searching for someone.  My friend stopped the man who told him that his 8-year-old autistic son went missing.  Before he could finish getting the words out 4 of us were out of chairs racing out the door.  We searched the woods and a creek trying to see if the dog’s sense of scent was leading us anywhere.  Another friend jogged up a busy road to make sure the boy hadn’t gotten lost up there.  Fortunately, the boy was wearing a locating device and was found, unharmed within 15 minutes. 

Maybe a lot of people do things like that.  But, in this world, you don’t get to hear or even witness that every day.  Add in the layer where as you’re walking around realizing, these are just people, they are my friends - you find yourself feeling quite grateful.  Because if they are on a manhunt for someone they don’t know, imagine if they were looking for you.  It’s a feeling of security that truly can’t be matched by any one person or thing.  These are your people.  They have your back.  I wish everyone had that experience in his or her life, but sadly they do not.

These are the friends that hold your hand and let you silently weep, as you know that you’ll never be who they are – despite hoping or even trying to lead the “normal” life they lead.  No one wants to live on the Island of Misfit Toys, let alone be one of the toys.  But here I am, again.  And while it hurts knowing I’m the misfit, there is comfort in knowing that I’m loved regardless of that fact.  Living an ordinary life may never be in the cards for me… being loved by one person, having a family, these aren’t the hand I’ve been dealt. 

But, I have been blessed.  And I can appreciate that.  Instead of one loving person, I have an army of loving people.  Instead of my own child, I have a fleet of kids who still manage to always light up when they sing out “Hey Aunt G!”… And it’s a great feeling to have all that.  It’s one I don’t take for granted.

Here’s to the next chapter.

Smooches,
G


Saturday, October 18, 2014

Once Upon a Time...

There was a girl who stopped believing in stories that started with "once upon a time"...

And so it goes.

Smooches,
G

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Growing

The other day I was about to leave the house and grabbed my sweater hoodie. A giant (and really, not G's perception of giant - legit prehistoric size giant) spider was curled up and comfy on my white Chenile garment.

At first, I screamed the cry of my people, which goes a little something like "AHHHHHHHHHHHHH. HOLY SH*!T SPIDER GOING TO KILL MEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!" and ran out of the room as if my pants were aflame.

But, after running to grab hairspray, I regrouped and realized that I could handle this. So, I ran back inside the room, looked at the spider and yelled, "STAY".  Then hurled myself downstairs and got the vacuum instead so there was no margin for error.

After figuring out how that thing even works, I got the longest attachment and I sucked up spider - and half my hoodie... but I DID IT.

And that, dear readers, is growing.

Smooches,
G



Thursday, October 02, 2014

Time is Short and I Love You All

I wrote this awhile ago and some of you have seen it. But tonight, it seems appropriate since we lost a classmate. So grateful that I have so many of you to call my home. 

Tonight I went to Darlington House.  For those of you that remember it was the "fancy" place we ate dinner and then spent the night in the basement where we belong.  It's been about 10 months and it has been a whirlwind adventure.  Due to sickness, death and general chaos, I have never had my moment with any of you.  And those of you who know the moment know what I'm talking about.

I entered Darlington House and I was flooded with memories.  Mr.Magnus dancing to J. Timberlake.  Knowing it was Halloween and the East Coast's worst hurricane was approaching.  Would that stop my friends?  Hell freakin' no.  Neither would the fact that just a week before that I was in a hospital room eating the world's worst food and drinking half frozen fruit juice. I saw the pictures from Missy.  Oh goodness, I looked terrible.  Yet, despite me on an antibiotic for that week and weeks following, you were there.

You are always there.  Do you know how lucky I am?  How lucky we are?  I do.  I wish there were words or something to describe you all.  You're not just friends, you're not just family, you are MY LIFE.  And had my wedding solely been about me, I would've gotten up and said these very words.  

Each of you come with your own moment, your own story that attaches me and you forever.  I could list them, but at some point they would all intertwine and become the same thread.  

I don't want you to fret, I just want you all to know that I thank God and everyone else involved each day for each of you.  

There's no reason for me writing this right now.  No big epic drama.  I just love all of you.  So much.  And usually there is a Christmas party or a time that I get to tell you.  But, I never had that time.  So, I apologize for the email, but I am someone who likes to live for today.  And I just don't want to wait to tell you that I love you all.  Every day.  More than anything... maybe even more than I should.  But I don't care about that, I care that you guys know right now and forever how I will always feel.  It's not a dress, it's not an occasion, it's just because.  I love you and miss you all.  I hope we get to see you soon.

love you,
G  

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Following Orders

It's not something I do, but when I get advice like this, it's hard not to:

"You need to stop doing what you think 'you are supposed to do' and do what you think. You have some of the most fantastic instincts in the world. Use them.

Be what you set the people you promote up to be.  Think and talk about yourself the way you do about others, because the fact is you are MORE impressive then you suggest they are."

Thank you my everlasting friend who has been saying this for more than half my life. I keep trying to prove you wrong, but I've yet to do it.

And thanks to all of you for having a place to call home even if it doesn't feel like it right now.

Smooches,
G

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

To Robin Williams...

Whether the coverage of Robin William’s completed suicide has been overdone remains a debate. To me, celebrating the life of someone who has influenced the lives of others can never be done enough. But, among the most important things to remember about celebrating lives of those who passed is that it should never be solely about celebrating the lives of celebrities.

Celebrities are people. And while some people aspire to be a celebrity in his or her own right, I’d argue their lives are among the most difficult of all – especially given today’s realm of social media. I can’t imagine anyone would want to live the isolated life of being followed by paparazzi, having every word scrutinized and knowing that there are very few people around you that you can indeed trust. The minute you become “someone”, everyone wants to have a piece of you. They will agree with you no matter what you say.

Working with and meeting various levels of celebrities throughout my career, you realize that some get caught up in this world of being adored, while others do not.

But, to celebrate Robin Williams, shouldn’t be about celebrating his celebrity. While people post quotes of what characters he played have said, they should know that while he delivered the words and made them impactful, it is often that he didn’t not invent the words (even though he was known to improvise). What he did know, that can’t be replicated, was how to bring those words to life. The art of communication and delivering messages is what he knew. As PR professionals, we often tell our spokespeople, to be prepared. Have your talking points. Never have an original thought when you’re about to go on – whether that is TV, an interview or a presentation.

While it can be trained, Robin had an artistic instinct to create impactful delivery. And maybe his publicist and manager cringed when anyone would hand him a mic because they never knew what would happen. Or maybe they just enjoyed the ride.

That is Robin Williams, the celebrity. But, behind “the celebrity”, is Robin Williams, the now icon for mental health (or illness, depending on how you look at it). There is no question that his death re-ignited another debate about the state of mental health in the U.S. It’s a terrifying spot we’re in and if the ongoing mass shootings haven’t been enough to turn the tide, then maybe it will take the death of an influential celebrity to look at the need for care in this country. It has been said quite often that comedians are among the most depressed people. Their innate ability to use that as a springboard to make others laugh and smile is a gift that certainly not all who struggle with mental disorders can achieve. It’s fascinating to me that some people think that Robin was a coward that he “gave in” or “took the easy way out”. Completing suicide isn’t a fleeting thought. It isn’t an impulse. You don’t have a bad day and decide that’s it. It takes serious contemplation and is brought on by a state of mental health that would chill anyone who hasn’t experienced it to their very core. These aren’t “sick” people. They’re mostly people that function in every day society living with a huge secret for fear they will be called “crazy” if they tell the world how they really feel.

But beyond celebrity and now unintended voice for mental health that Robin Williams will be remembered for, is Robin Williams the human being. And if you celebrate nothing else about his life, you should celebrate the words he didn’t write, but the accomplishments he made. The most touching moments are the ones that aren’t scripted, not in a movie. Perhaps the best tribute or pieces of footage I’ve seen is Robin Williams as he reacts to a “retreat” while visiting troops overseas. Just watching the minute facial changes every second is mesmerizing. First its confusion, then slight fear, then sheer humility as he realizes there is something bigger than him that is taking place. After that, you see his expression change and the light bulb go off as if he’s thinking “how can I even make an impact on these people who are saving our lives… what can I say to brighten their day?” Yet, when his performance resumes, he nails it.

If you move beyond this footage, there is one brief clip where he talks about his experience with other service men. But again, it’s less about the jokes he makes about this experience. It’s when he pauses his conversation to turn, shake someone’s hand and say “did you get your photo that you needed? Good. Merry Christmas.”

You can see it here at the bottom of the article.

My point in all this is that I’m not real sure that many cowards or selfish people are ones that think to turn to someone and say that. And there is a wide number of people who believe that those that complete suicide are cowards or selfish. But in my experience, they’re often the ones that care more about others than they do themselves.

And that's my two cents.
Smooches, G

Monday, August 11, 2014

We're Bringing It Back.

Stay tuned, dear readers... stay tuned. It is time. Smooches, G

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Thank you jimmy stewart

I've been up for hours. Despite the awful cold I have, I'm forcing myself to stay in bed. What I want to do is run down the boardwalk and yell at all the buildings. Funny how much I feel like jimmy Stewart at the end of its a wonderful life. It has been a wonderful journey and life and I can't wait to start the newest chapter today.

At this moment, life is good. And the girl who has written this blog about life, love, both happy and sad, is really looking forward to the happy ending. And the new beginning.

Smooches to all
G

Sent from my iPhone

Thursday, November 01, 2012

An Open Letter to the Universe

Dear Universe –


My goodness do you like to keep me on my toes.  Within the last 8 months you've brought me happiness, heartache and everything in between.  It wasn't enough to lose some family members and have some suffer with severe illnesses.  You decided I should have a hospital stay of my own.  Ok, I guess we can deal with that.  But I never thought you'd mess with my beloved Jersey. 


As if seeing some of my nearest and dearest just days before you flooded everyone out didn't point out where my heart is, I assure you, Dear Universe, that making me agonize over the last few days feeling helpless and trapped far away absolutely did.


Yet, moments after you kick me in the crotch, forcing me to remember that everything can be replaced except the people you love… you at least reward me with a rainbow.  Knowing that I didn't lose anyone in that horrible mess and that everyone was ok – even though some got stuck w/o power or having to seek shelter.  Making my parent's house ok was quite the Christmas miracle.  I assure you, I'll be thankful. 


And now, I'm openly asking you to let me ride out this roller coaster of a year as quiet as a merry-go-round.  You have exhausted me.


Deal?


Half smooch,

G

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Still here

11 years later, I'm still thankful for the people with me that day. And to Jeff for carrying me out of the station. But the only memory I chose to relive is the outpouring of love from my friends and family when I went home a few days later. I will always remember being smothered with hugs and greeted by smiles.

Smooches
G

Sent from my iPhone

Wednesday, September 05, 2012

Good guys win too

Sometimes, even a dysfunctional princess gets a prince. Hard to believe its been 730 days, the second anniversary of when The fiancé and I got reunited.

He even managed to not laugh when I got stuck in my dress this morning and then my elbow decided to try to beat up my closet wall and take me with it.

That's some love right there.

Smooches all,
G

Sent from my iPhone

Sunday, July 08, 2012

A New Philosophy

After some hard times, got to spend the weekend with some great friends and tons of laughter, which is almost always the best medicine.

It's where I picked up my new literal and metaphorical life philosophy: shower off the shit, jump into bed and worry about tomorrow...tomorrow.

Too funny. Few things make me happier then leaving somewhere with my stomach hurting from laughing too hard.

My thanks to all of you for that.

Smooches
G

Sent from my iPhone