Some of Shirley Temple’s first acting jobs were for Educational Films in a series called Baby Burlesk. They’re practically toddlers playing adult roles. They were shown during the Depression Era so there were many out of work men watching these shows. Anyone else besides me find this disturbing?

“With all due deference to the separation of powers,” said Obama, last week the “reversed a century of law that I believe will open the floodgates for special interests — including foreign corporations — to spend without limit in our elections.”

Let’s hope it is for our senators this time.

Colts fever has taken over the office. shhhhhhhhhhh…go Jets!

blurry image my iphone decided to take of my living room below. It captured the right feeling for that room so I’m posting it.

How do you lose Massachusetts?

That’s ok. Who needs healthcare anyway. Jeez……..

Giving money to the Red Cross for Haiti is great. That’s where I gave before I heard about another institution which has been working with the Haitian government for years. They are called Partners in Health and they work with other charities like Doctors without Borders. Because the infrastructure is such a mess outside sources are really strained getting in to the people. This group had something set up previous to the earthquake, so they are currently the only ones successfully providing medical aid to the Haitians. They have enough supplies at the moment, but with so many needing help they will quickly run low.

Now something from my new TV husband.

It could of used less Guy Ritchie and more Conan Doyle.

Still glad I saw it on the big screen…very entertaining and the chemistry between Law and Downey was perfect. Such fun banter.

Radio City Music Hall + existentialism = NINE
I liked it better than Fellini’s 81/2. But that may be because the original now seems dated. I thought NINE was a bit long and tedious. It was the song and dance scenes with Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, and Marion Cotillard that saved this film. Not to forget Fergie’s number which stole the show.

Even Kate Hudson’s bit was enjoyable in her own overly adorable way. Nicole Kidman’s solo not so impressive. In fact, her entire performance seemed flat. Sorry ole girl but no matter who much Botox you inject you’re a touch over the hill to be playing the muse. I get it. You are supposed to be aloof. You still need to be alluring…not ice cold. Her song selection didn’t help either.

It was a good not great show but the lush scenery and choreography needed the big screen. I did end up singing Be Italian all the way home in the car.

So you little Italian devils, you want to know about love?
Saraghina will tell you. If you want to make a woman happy, you rely on what you’re born with, because it is in your blood.

What did I actually do last night? Laundry. It wasn’t bad. I opened a bottle of Prosecco and toasted to the new year sometime around 8 PM. By eleven I was fast asleep and all the more happier for it. My room mate ended up canceling his plans and I had no plans of my own. So there you have it.

I’m on Facebook. That means I read countless New Year’s wishes. My favorite was from a hometown girl I once knew in highschool. She just friended me yesterday. I liked it so much I thought I would share it with you.

Let us try to be good and content, kind to each other, healthy, gentle and brave..like heroes of old, patient, seldom rude or cross and never cruel, always in truth. HAPPY NEW YEAR and HAPPY NEW DECADE Everyone!!!

Thanks Lauren. Bravo! I wished I had said it.

I really do love New York. Even more so now that my wonderful friends and family have helped me reclaim it. There’s no place on earth like it. I’m also discovering that one of my favorite sounds is the voice of male New Yorkers. Tres sexy.

Something else I discovered. After six plus years, I finally figured out what held me to Tom through so much difficulty and pain. It felt like love, but it showed all the signs of addiction; the hangover, the anger, regret, and the hint of shame each time I returned to the relationship only to have it fall apart again. And every time I’m sure I’m over him something he says or does indicates I’m certainly not. Sure, my feelings are not in the same place they once were… but I am not as clear of him as I thought. Like a smoker who no longer enjoys their cigarette but lights up anyway… I have developed a habit with Tom. Like one does with nicotine or alcohol or heroin. And like with the use of heroin there were many euphoric times. (I’m not an idiot. I had my reasons for returning.) It’s easy to become addicted. I tell you it’s easy to fall in love with the ecstasy. But like any honest junkie (now, there’s an oxymoron) could tell you… you may for a time fall in love with heroin… but no exceptions… heroin loves no one.

So Christmas has past and New Year’s eve is here. What are my big plans… well let’s see.

1. I got a gorgeous Christmas tree yesterday (the last one of its kind in that store). Tom hated Christmas. I may never enjoy Tom’s company, but I will always from now on enjoy Christmas (Thanks Liz). Originally 250.00 … I paid $65.00 because of a 75% markdown at Target. I may go back today for some snowflakes.
2. I’m painting my kitchen cabinets white. I’m not doing a terrible job. There isn’t paint all over the floor. On the other hand, I’m practically covered in paint and look like a snowman.
3. I’ll probably go down the block tonight with my room mate and his friends to a pretty cool neighborhood bar. I better finished #2 on my goals as it’s likely Jeff’s friends will be overnight guests. (That would mean getting off this blog.)
4. I just signed up for a writing class at Butler University. I have been thinking about it for a very long time. I finally got the nerve. It’s nothing serious. Just one night. I can always sign up for more if I think I can keep up. Butler has a very prestigious program and one marvelous guest speaker program. Amy Tan (Joy Luck Club); Seamus Heaney (Beowolf) and Kurt Vonnegut, Jr
(who unfortunately died the day before his speaking engagement…bastard ). Anyway, well see if I can cut it with writing. Truth is I’m terrified to find out.
5. Only one New Year’s resolution: Going forward… I treat Tom like an addiction and not like an ex. I think he’s earned the distinction.

Good Riddance 2009. Hey 2010, try not to be so difficult, ok. Tonight, a blue moon will be rising. It is supposed to mean a good decade coming. Let’s hope so. Be safe everyone!

Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not, remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.- Epicurus