Monday
south knox bubba is back
Check it out; R. Neal, aka SKB, is back with a bigger, better blog called KnoxViews.com.
It has a lot of features that allow "citizen journalists" to join the ongoing civics lesson known as online community. Be sure to check it out, and welcome back, SKB.
It has a lot of features that allow "citizen journalists" to join the ongoing civics lesson known as online community. Be sure to check it out, and welcome back, SKB.
betsy's theory
My sister has decided that I am only attracted to men who are completely unsuitable for me. She thinks I lose interest in men who are "too nice." Now she wants me to seek out Baptist preachers who listen to Kenny G. (or Jimmy Buffett --SHUDDER--) or something. She's sort of on my case about it.
becky is cool
I have just laughed myself silly reading my friend Becky's new profile at MySpace. She's hilarious. Who wouldn't want to know this woman after reading that profile.
Lucky boy, that Randall B. ;-),
Lucky boy, that Randall B. ;-),
Saturday
good news on the burglary front
Both burglars are in jail. Their fingerprints were found on stolen items at a pawn shop.
In even better news, I am very happy to report that the cop called me a while ago to tell me he shamed the burglar into admitting he stole my computer and the burglar says he will have the person who has it bring it in later tonight...and I can get it back next week sometime. They hadn't pawned it yet.
I have my fingers crossed.
These are some seriously dumb criminals. They never would have been caught had they not used my cell phone after they stole it and CONTINUED to use it after it became clear the # was back in my possession and attached to a replacement phone.
In even better news, I am very happy to report that the cop called me a while ago to tell me he shamed the burglar into admitting he stole my computer and the burglar says he will have the person who has it bring it in later tonight...and I can get it back next week sometime. They hadn't pawned it yet.
I have my fingers crossed.
These are some seriously dumb criminals. They never would have been caught had they not used my cell phone after they stole it and CONTINUED to use it after it became clear the # was back in my possession and attached to a replacement phone.
Friday
leave drew barrymore and her breasts alone!
My celebrity gossip rant o' the day:
So Drew Barrymore eats ACTUAL MEALS and her breasts are made of human tissue instead of silicone. This is a good thing, not a bad thing, and I'm sick to death of the bashing she's taken over her healthy, normal body after her recent Golden Globes appearance.
Good for Defamer.com, the one gossipista that seems to agree
with me on the Drew issue.
So Drew Barrymore eats ACTUAL MEALS and her breasts are made of human tissue instead of silicone. This is a good thing, not a bad thing, and I'm sick to death of the bashing she's taken over her healthy, normal body after her recent Golden Globes appearance.
Good for Defamer.com, the one gossipista that seems to agree
with me on the Drew issue.
current listening
Since almost all my music was stolen in my burglary (sob), people have been GIFTING me with some weird stuff they think I'll like. This is one of those. It's quite interesting, though. I think it's sort of growing on me.
(Thanks Mike)
the pain diet
The only good thing to come out of my recent, messy romantic disentanglement is I think I've lost about 6 pounds...
more on the burglary saga
The investigator called. They nailed this Kyera person for pawning a camera reported stolen from another North Knox house the same day of my burglary. They have just sent a police car to her work to arrest her for that and hopefully, when they bring her in, scare her enough to spill on the boyfriend (who is actually stealing the stuff she then pawns).
She admitted on the phone to the investigator that she has my cell phone (says she didn't know it was stolen -yeah, right) but doesn't know anythig about my computer and other stuff. The investigator believes he MAY get her to 'fess up to where it is when he talks to her quite sternly today.
She's definitely going to jail, though, at least for a couple of days, because she has some other outstanding misdemeanor burglary charge for which she did not appear in court.
I am cautiously optimistic...
She admitted on the phone to the investigator that she has my cell phone (says she didn't know it was stolen -yeah, right) but doesn't know anythig about my computer and other stuff. The investigator believes he MAY get her to 'fess up to where it is when he talks to her quite sternly today.
She's definitely going to jail, though, at least for a couple of days, because she has some other outstanding misdemeanor burglary charge for which she did not appear in court.
I am cautiously optimistic...
matt edens on schools
My friend Matt has an excellent op-ed this week on the schools issue I deal with as a parent who owns a house in a "transitional," historic, city neighborhood (in fact, he references my dilemma in his commentary).
I do disagree with him about vouchers, however, as I wrote in this commentary.
I do disagree with him about vouchers, however, as I wrote in this commentary.
wilco
I just found out from Benny, the station manager at WUTK that my favorite band, Wilco, is coming to Knoxville March 16, to play my favorite larger venue, the amazing and newly restored Tennessee Theatre.
I am really excited about this.
I am really excited about this.
I went to see two bands tonight at The Corner Lounge and was having a perfectly pleasant time when an overly aggressive guy literally drove me out. He offered to buy me a drink. I said no thanks. I moved to another spot. He followed. He would not leave me alone. I finally had to leave. This irritated me. I had brought my knitting and he wanted to chat me up about what I was knitting. I moved again. I gave him every POSSIBLE signal that I wanted to be left alone and he wouldn't. It was really annoying. The only time I was left alone all night was when I was having a very nice chat with the singer for the Westside Daredevils.
Who teaches men that this is a good strategy? Who tells some guys that women who change seats, say no to a drink, etc, etc want them to keep trying? Do single men have to deal with this when they go out? Overly aggressive, don't-have-a-clue women following them all over a bar? I'll bet not.
Sheesh
Who teaches men that this is a good strategy? Who tells some guys that women who change seats, say no to a drink, etc, etc want them to keep trying? Do single men have to deal with this when they go out? Overly aggressive, don't-have-a-clue women following them all over a bar? I'll bet not.
Sheesh
Thursday
I've only been dating again (since my divorce, three years ago) for about 18 months now. I gave myself about 18 months before that to get over the break up before so much as having coffee with someone. That was a good plan on my part. But for the past year and a half or so, I've been dating various folks.
SOme of it has been fun. Some of it has been notably, hilariously awful. One of the best things that's happened is I made a very good new friend: Dr. Neighbor. We started out dating last winter, but realized after a month or so that we were actually meant to be really good. platonic friends. And so we are. (He actually has a newish girlfriend at the moment who seems absolutely great.)
Dr. Neighbor is the kind of wonderful guy friend every single woman needs in her life. He takes very good care of me, even when I am being petulant or brooding or difficult. He never holds these spells against me. Recently, I was being very petulant and brooding and difficult because I was in the process of desperately trying to make a relationship that clearly wasn't meant to work, work. Then I was brooding and cranky because it ended in a very weird, inexplicable way that I still don't completely understand. (The good news is I no longer have any interest in figuring it out. It's very fucked up, but not because of anything I did except believe everything I was told without question. That was, I discovered, not a good plan.)
This week, Dr. Neighbor gifted me with a hilarious book. I read it last night and now I am even less interested in figuring out why my recent first-foray-into-having-a-real-boyfriend went so horribly awry and ended so bizarrely. It was just the sort of silly, "you go girl!" thing I needed to read.
I heart Dr. Neighbor. I hope I can find someone just like him and have amazing NON-platonic chemistry with him and fall madly in love with him.
SOme of it has been fun. Some of it has been notably, hilariously awful. One of the best things that's happened is I made a very good new friend: Dr. Neighbor. We started out dating last winter, but realized after a month or so that we were actually meant to be really good. platonic friends. And so we are. (He actually has a newish girlfriend at the moment who seems absolutely great.)
Dr. Neighbor is the kind of wonderful guy friend every single woman needs in her life. He takes very good care of me, even when I am being petulant or brooding or difficult. He never holds these spells against me. Recently, I was being very petulant and brooding and difficult because I was in the process of desperately trying to make a relationship that clearly wasn't meant to work, work. Then I was brooding and cranky because it ended in a very weird, inexplicable way that I still don't completely understand. (The good news is I no longer have any interest in figuring it out. It's very fucked up, but not because of anything I did except believe everything I was told without question. That was, I discovered, not a good plan.)
This week, Dr. Neighbor gifted me with a hilarious book. I read it last night and now I am even less interested in figuring out why my recent first-foray-into-having-a-real-boyfriend went so horribly awry and ended so bizarrely. It was just the sort of silly, "you go girl!" thing I needed to read.
I heart Dr. Neighbor. I hope I can find someone just like him and have amazing NON-platonic chemistry with him and fall madly in love with him.
Wednesday
more on the burglary
Last night was uneventful. My children chose to sleep at their grandparents' house and I slept at home, feeling a little nervous, but the police assured me they would patrol front and back (there's an alley) and I saw them come by.
The latest is that the mother of the girl who told me as much as I know called last night. The mother says she does not want her daughter mixed up in this and will tell cops what she knows. The thief's girlfriend, Kyera, is apparently her niece. This woman is the first in the whole mess to call me from a landline - all the other #s I have are cells. She gave me the last name that comes up on her caller ID when the thief guy calls her house. So now I have a last name. I gave all this info to the investigator this morning and hopefully, something will happen today.
I am going to get motion detector lights installed on all 4 corners of my house (gotta find some handyman person to install them, if anyone knows anyone who does jobs like that).
I am very tired from all of this. It's been really upsetting and exhausting. I went by 2 pawn shops on Broadway after work yesterday looking for my stuff and just noticed there is one right under my nose near my office that is only a few blocks from my house, so I will look there today.
The latest is that the mother of the girl who told me as much as I know called last night. The mother says she does not want her daughter mixed up in this and will tell cops what she knows. The thief's girlfriend, Kyera, is apparently her niece. This woman is the first in the whole mess to call me from a landline - all the other #s I have are cells. She gave me the last name that comes up on her caller ID when the thief guy calls her house. So now I have a last name. I gave all this info to the investigator this morning and hopefully, something will happen today.
I am going to get motion detector lights installed on all 4 corners of my house (gotta find some handyman person to install them, if anyone knows anyone who does jobs like that).
I am very tired from all of this. It's been really upsetting and exhausting. I went by 2 pawn shops on Broadway after work yesterday looking for my stuff and just noticed there is one right under my nose near my office that is only a few blocks from my house, so I will look there today.
Via Elaine Evans:
"Nashville's The Believers, joined for this Knoxville appearance by Bill Reynolds of Donna the Buffalo, will headline a great non-smoking show at Knoxville's finest listening room, the Corner Lounge, this Thursday, January 19.
Opening for The Believers, K-town's own Lost Brakemen in their club debut, featuring members of the acclaimed local band Roundhouse.
Get you some deep-heated Americana for a chilly Thursday evening--without the smoke!"
Thanks to Elaine for the heads-up. As regular blog readers know, the Corner Lounge is my favorite Knoxville watering hole/music venue. I like The Believers a lot and although I haven't heard the new incarnation of Lost Brakemen, I liked Roundhouse when I heard them play a few months back with The Ghosts. They sound like Whiskeytown. Very good. Plus, bandmember Dustin is a good guy. I met him recently at a gathering of people working on an upcoming music-fundraiser thing (more details soon on this very cool project).
I will definitely be at this show. Hope to see you there.
"Nashville's The Believers, joined for this Knoxville appearance by Bill Reynolds of Donna the Buffalo, will headline a great non-smoking show at Knoxville's finest listening room, the Corner Lounge, this Thursday, January 19.
Opening for The Believers, K-town's own Lost Brakemen in their club debut, featuring members of the acclaimed local band Roundhouse.
Get you some deep-heated Americana for a chilly Thursday evening--without the smoke!"
Thanks to Elaine for the heads-up. As regular blog readers know, the Corner Lounge is my favorite Knoxville watering hole/music venue. I like The Believers a lot and although I haven't heard the new incarnation of Lost Brakemen, I liked Roundhouse when I heard them play a few months back with The Ghosts. They sound like Whiskeytown. Very good. Plus, bandmember Dustin is a good guy. I met him recently at a gathering of people working on an upcoming music-fundraiser thing (more details soon on this very cool project).
I will definitely be at this show. Hope to see you there.
Tuesday
frances bean
Check out this interview with 13 year old Frances Bean Cobain, daughter of Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain (who was in my elementary school class in Montesano, Washington, by the way). She sounds like a really bright, friendly, modest kid with a good head on her shoulders. And who would have guessed she'd be a big Mariah Carey fan? Obviously, despite all her problems, Courtney's doing something right.
you go, mr. and mrs. mmm, III !!
OK, so maybe I'm the only person in America who feels this way, but I'm rooting for Eminem and Kim, now that they've remarried. I'm a romantic, and I find it quite lovely that high school sweethearts who had a child together, got all messed up, and divorced have reconciled. I choose to believe they've both actually kicked their habits and have figured this whole relationship thing out now that they're older, wiser and (we hope) soberer (if that's a word). I hope they stay happily married for the next fifty years. They can be like the hip-hop, white trash Johnny and June.
superweird burglary update
Major, superweird update:
So I never got hold of the cops yesterday and my phone kept ringing. They would hang up when I answered. I also got a few text messages for someone named "Kyera."
Last night I was at my sister's and the phone rang. I decided to let my son answer it and see if he could get the person to talk. So he answers it with "Yo, whassup?"
Wonder of wonders, the girl on the other end starts chatting with him (after asking for "Kyera") and after a moment he asks if she willtalk to someone else. She says sure and he hands the phone to me.
So I launch into my spiel about how I know she knows she's calling a number for a stolen phone and how I'm a single mom without a lot of money and all I want is my stuff back. I explained how my kids' baby pictures, etc had been on my laptop, blah, blah, blah. She hesitated just a minute before spilling her guts and telling me that the thief is her friend Kyera's no-good boyfriend, who only uses Kyera because she will drive him around to rip off houses. She gives me the guy's first name, his cell phone #and tells me where he pawns the stuff he steals. I thank her profusely and hang up, amazed.
So I called the cops and they said to call my investigator back in the morning, so I say I will.
Then my phone begins ringing incessantly from "restricted" numbers; clearly the girlfriend's buddy has tipped off the thief, who is now freaking out. He calls me every three minutes for thirty minutes, then begins text messaging me increasingly threatening messages.
So I called 911 (the guy knows where I live, after all) and ask an officer to come by the house, which he does. I explain the situation (the phone is rininging while the cop is IN my house. He even answered it once, but of course the burglar hung up). The cop says it's highly unlikely the burglar will come bu the house, but says he will have my house put on a special watch overnight. This sounds fine to me, but my children are now freaking out. It is very unnerving to have your phone ringing over and over and someone texting you scary messages.
My daughter asks to be taken to my sister's to spend the night, but the boys say they "aren't leaving Mom!!" (adorable, misplaced chivalry). So I take Jane to Betsy's and the boys and I come back home and finally get ready for bed. Henry decides to sleep on a pallet on the floor next to my bed clutching his pellet gun and a hunting knife. Eight year old Elliot climbs in my bed with his lacrosse stick (yes, I slept all night with a squirmy second grader and a large LAX stick). Elliot falls asleep quickly, so Henry and I settle in the living room to watch the and of the Golden Globes.
SO we're sitting there watching TV and I'm knitting when the dogs start barking like crazy. I walk in the front room and there IS A MAN WITH A LARGE METAL PIPE STANDING ON MY PORCH!!! I stared at him and he stared at me and then he took off into the pouring rain. So I called 911 again and the cops came back and this time, they park a patrol car on our street overnight.
The guy never came back and stopped calling and hopefully, we will get started on getting him arrested today. Plus, I hope my stuff is at this pawn shop.
So I never got hold of the cops yesterday and my phone kept ringing. They would hang up when I answered. I also got a few text messages for someone named "Kyera."
Last night I was at my sister's and the phone rang. I decided to let my son answer it and see if he could get the person to talk. So he answers it with "Yo, whassup?"
Wonder of wonders, the girl on the other end starts chatting with him (after asking for "Kyera") and after a moment he asks if she willtalk to someone else. She says sure and he hands the phone to me.
So I launch into my spiel about how I know she knows she's calling a number for a stolen phone and how I'm a single mom without a lot of money and all I want is my stuff back. I explained how my kids' baby pictures, etc had been on my laptop, blah, blah, blah. She hesitated just a minute before spilling her guts and telling me that the thief is her friend Kyera's no-good boyfriend, who only uses Kyera because she will drive him around to rip off houses. She gives me the guy's first name, his cell phone #and tells me where he pawns the stuff he steals. I thank her profusely and hang up, amazed.
So I called the cops and they said to call my investigator back in the morning, so I say I will.
Then my phone begins ringing incessantly from "restricted" numbers; clearly the girlfriend's buddy has tipped off the thief, who is now freaking out. He calls me every three minutes for thirty minutes, then begins text messaging me increasingly threatening messages.
So I called 911 (the guy knows where I live, after all) and ask an officer to come by the house, which he does. I explain the situation (the phone is rininging while the cop is IN my house. He even answered it once, but of course the burglar hung up). The cop says it's highly unlikely the burglar will come bu the house, but says he will have my house put on a special watch overnight. This sounds fine to me, but my children are now freaking out. It is very unnerving to have your phone ringing over and over and someone texting you scary messages.
My daughter asks to be taken to my sister's to spend the night, but the boys say they "aren't leaving Mom!!" (adorable, misplaced chivalry). So I take Jane to Betsy's and the boys and I come back home and finally get ready for bed. Henry decides to sleep on a pallet on the floor next to my bed clutching his pellet gun and a hunting knife. Eight year old Elliot climbs in my bed with his lacrosse stick (yes, I slept all night with a squirmy second grader and a large LAX stick). Elliot falls asleep quickly, so Henry and I settle in the living room to watch the and of the Golden Globes.
SO we're sitting there watching TV and I'm knitting when the dogs start barking like crazy. I walk in the front room and there IS A MAN WITH A LARGE METAL PIPE STANDING ON MY PORCH!!! I stared at him and he stared at me and then he took off into the pouring rain. So I called 911 again and the cops came back and this time, they park a patrol car on our street overnight.
The guy never came back and stopped calling and hopefully, we will get started on getting him arrested today. Plus, I hope my stuff is at this pawn shop.
Monday
currently knitting...
I'm making this faux feather boa scarf for Jane (she wanted one for Christmas and didn't get it) using this Bernat eyelash yarn:
It's VERY easy to work with for such slippery, feathery yarn. Highly recommended.
It's VERY easy to work with for such slippery, feathery yarn. Highly recommended.
things moms should not do while out with adult daughters
I like going out drinkin' with my mom as much as the next girl. And my mom is fun - often the life of the party. But I am really glad she's not THIS much fun.
burglary update
One of the things taken from my house was my cell phone. On Saturday, I finally had time to go get a new phone and then I had my old # switched over to this new phone. Within minutes - literally - of my phone being turned on with my old #, it began ringing and I started getting calls from people who would either hang up when I answered or say "wrong #" when I answered. I also got a text message from someone.
Since I was only without my phone for a few days, I assume the idiot who stole it has been using it and these are his pals ringing him up. So this morning I will call the KPD and see if they can get anywhere by tracking the thief down via one of these phone #s. I've gotten about ten calls total, including one last night.
So I have my fingers crossed.
Since I was only without my phone for a few days, I assume the idiot who stole it has been using it and these are his pals ringing him up. So this morning I will call the KPD and see if they can get anywhere by tracking the thief down via one of these phone #s. I've gotten about ten calls total, including one last night.
So I have my fingers crossed.
Sunday
ode to ray
You know, my brother in law, Ray, is a good guy. I had a flat tire today, and he fixed it, which wasn't easy, because it involved shoveling all the junk out of my trunk to get to the spare tire, then taking the (also flat) spare tire to be patched, then bringing it back to my house and putting it on my car. And while he was looking at my car, he realized he can screw my bumper back on so it isn't hanging askew (due to holiday run-in with nasty, intrusive shrubbery).
Ray always does things like this for me, ever since I began living sans guy about three years ago. For better or worse (yeah, I know some of you think I am an idiot because of this) I don't know how to do a lot of things like fix flat tires, turn on the pilot light on my furnace and install shelves on my walls. When I was married, my extremely handy husband did all of this stuff, but now, of course, he does not. So Ray generally gets the call and he is always so, so nice about it. I know he would rather have spent his Sunday afternoon doing any number of other things, but he never complains.
I actually foisted Ray, who was a friend of mine, on my sister, encouraging her to go out with him for a full year or two before she finally did. As I knew she would, she fell in love with him. Now they have two children.
He's a good guy.
Ray always does things like this for me, ever since I began living sans guy about three years ago. For better or worse (yeah, I know some of you think I am an idiot because of this) I don't know how to do a lot of things like fix flat tires, turn on the pilot light on my furnace and install shelves on my walls. When I was married, my extremely handy husband did all of this stuff, but now, of course, he does not. So Ray generally gets the call and he is always so, so nice about it. I know he would rather have spent his Sunday afternoon doing any number of other things, but he never complains.
I actually foisted Ray, who was a friend of mine, on my sister, encouraging her to go out with him for a full year or two before she finally did. As I knew she would, she fell in love with him. Now they have two children.
He's a good guy.
happy news
I know a lot of my blog readers followed the story of my little cousin Ward, who died last summer.
We all miss Wardie a lot and I know the holidays were hard for his parents and brothers.
But I do have some happy news to report; James and Julie are expecting a new baby. Our whole family is beyond thrilled.
Congrats James and Julie :-) Betsy and I will be planning the mother of all baby showers....
We all miss Wardie a lot and I know the holidays were hard for his parents and brothers.
But I do have some happy news to report; James and Julie are expecting a new baby. Our whole family is beyond thrilled.
Congrats James and Julie :-) Betsy and I will be planning the mother of all baby showers....
knitting in knoxville
I am so psyched! I just found out that there's a knitting circle meeting regularly in Knoxville.
the lost savant
There's a great new, independent bookstore in North Knoxville called The Lost Savant. I'd been hearing raves about it for weeks and finally went by yesterday. It's on Broadway in the Fountain City area. It's a wonderful, small store with good books, good food, good coffee/hot chocolate, etc. I'm really excited that this place is on my side o' town. They apparently also have live music some nights. If you live in Knoxville, be sure to check it out. I know I'll be hanging out there a good bit.
physico
I saw something amusing at Target a little while ago - the Target in Fountain City.
It was very carefully and professionally painted on a totally tricked out truck with all sorts of fancy accoutrements. It read:
"Cute but physico"
I think it was supposed to say "psycho," but I like "physico" much. much better.
It was very carefully and professionally painted on a totally tricked out truck with all sorts of fancy accoutrements. It read:
"Cute but physico"
I think it was supposed to say "psycho," but I like "physico" much. much better.
Friday
ha!
I like Ben Lee a lot and I fancy this post on his blog (scroll to December 20 entry) where he tells about having a dream where he "taught Coldplay how to have fun again."
I find this amusing.
I find this amusing.
what to do
On Friday, January 13, I recommend that you go see/hear local popsters Angel and the Lovemongers play at Preservation Pub on Market Square. The show starts at 10 pm and you also get to see two Nashville bands, 13 Stories and Bang Bang Bang. Lovemongers drummer Eric Nowinski tells me his band will take the stage between the other two. Cover is $5. I definitely plan to see this show.
Rob Russell and the Sore losers are playing Friday night at my favorite Knoxville venue, The Corner Lounge. This would be a nother great show to catch this weekend.
Also this weekend, you can see photographer Carie Thompson's new exhibit, "Who We Are" opening Friday, January 13 at 6pm at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church on Kingston Pike. Carie's my favorite local photographer. I love her stuff, particularly her portraiture. For more info on the exhibit, call 523-4176.
On Saturday night, the wonderful Americana group, The Everybodyfields is playing at the Unitarian Church in Oak Ridge at 7:30 pm. (Although I am Unitarian, I swear I'm not purposely steering you that way. It just so happens that several good events are happening at local UU churches this weekend.)
Rob Russell and the Sore losers are playing Friday night at my favorite Knoxville venue, The Corner Lounge. This would be a nother great show to catch this weekend.
Also this weekend, you can see photographer Carie Thompson's new exhibit, "Who We Are" opening Friday, January 13 at 6pm at Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church on Kingston Pike. Carie's my favorite local photographer. I love her stuff, particularly her portraiture. For more info on the exhibit, call 523-4176.
On Saturday night, the wonderful Americana group, The Everybodyfields is playing at the Unitarian Church in Oak Ridge at 7:30 pm. (Although I am Unitarian, I swear I'm not purposely steering you that way. It just so happens that several good events are happening at local UU churches this weekend.)
Thursday
current reading
I know, I know. I am certainly the last person in America to read this now-20-year old novel, but I am. Why? Because I found it on the sidewalk on my street. Yep. It was just lying there, as if to say, "Pick me up and take me home, Katie. You should have read me back in my 80s heyday..."
But anyway, I did pick it up and took it home and am about 2/3 through it now. The first thing that I noticed about it is that it contains frequent references to Knoxville, as the place one of the protagonists believes he SHOULD be living to escape the excess and greed on 80s Manhattan. Who knew 'Bonfire of the Vanities' had a Knoxville connection?
I am not a huge Tom Wolfe fan. I find his writing a bit much a lot of the time, although I love his plots. But I feel like my hands are dripping with sticky testosterone whenever I put a Tom Wolfe novel down. There's too much verbal chest beating, especially with the dialogue.
But I guess I'll plow on through now. As I said, his plots are fab and this one is no exception.
ask jeeves
I wasn't aware that PG Wodehouse characters are now serving in Iraq
From the article:
"The blistering critique, by Brigadier Nigel Aylwin-Foster, who was the second most senior officer responsible for training Iraqi security forces, reflects criticism and frustration voiced by British commanders of American military tactics."
new martha stewart magazine
It sounds like I am the target demographic for this new magazine from Martha, to be called "Blueprint," but I can't for the life of me figure out what the concept is. Can you?
Wednesday
marrit is so right
My friend Marrit is so right about how stupid all those commercials are - the ones where people say stuff like, "Now that we have a baby, I want to be sure I have the right car insurance." NO ONE actually thinks that, right? Right?
She says:
It's more like, "Fuck, do we still have car insurance?" Or "You paid that, right?" Or "Oh, yeah. I'm totally going to pay that" and then you didn't pay it because you sort of couldn't right then because of your broke ass, or you could pay it but you just fucking forgot because you got twenty minutes of sleep and you ate some really ancient summer sausage for breakfast because you could get to it with one hand while you were holding the baby.
Read the rest right here
She says:
It's more like, "Fuck, do we still have car insurance?" Or "You paid that, right?" Or "Oh, yeah. I'm totally going to pay that" and then you didn't pay it because you sort of couldn't right then because of your broke ass, or you could pay it but you just fucking forgot because you got twenty minutes of sleep and you ate some really ancient summer sausage for breakfast because you could get to it with one hand while you were holding the baby.
Read the rest right here
baby grohl
My sistah is gonna be so disappointed...because she always wanted to have Dave Grohl's baby
dear burglar,
Dear Burglar,
Perhaps you thought, when you came in my house yesterday and took my stuff, that I could easily replace it. Maybe you thought it wasn't that big a deal to take my laptop, for example, which you will no doubt sell for $100 somewhere so you can get high.
Well, you are wrong. My ENTIRE FUCKING LIFE was on that computer. I am a writer. This is how I EARN A LIVING. You have taken my notes for work in progress, half a completed novel, hundreds of family photos, and at least $1000 in digital music you will never listen to unless you are a big Neko Case fan, which I seriously doubt.
And I also want to tell you that the thought of you inside my house has inspired a primal, not-very-peaceful violent rage in me that I can't remember ever feeling before. If I had come in while you were there, I believe I would have been driven to beat you to death with the lacrosse stick propped near my front door. That's how out-of-control mad I would have been to see you in my home, near my children's toys and beds and bedrooms, with your scummy hands on my belongings.
Just thought you would want to know how I am feeling this morning,
Catherine Brittain Allison Granju
Perhaps you thought, when you came in my house yesterday and took my stuff, that I could easily replace it. Maybe you thought it wasn't that big a deal to take my laptop, for example, which you will no doubt sell for $100 somewhere so you can get high.
Well, you are wrong. My ENTIRE FUCKING LIFE was on that computer. I am a writer. This is how I EARN A LIVING. You have taken my notes for work in progress, half a completed novel, hundreds of family photos, and at least $1000 in digital music you will never listen to unless you are a big Neko Case fan, which I seriously doubt.
And I also want to tell you that the thought of you inside my house has inspired a primal, not-very-peaceful violent rage in me that I can't remember ever feeling before. If I had come in while you were there, I believe I would have been driven to beat you to death with the lacrosse stick propped near my front door. That's how out-of-control mad I would have been to see you in my home, near my children's toys and beds and bedrooms, with your scummy hands on my belongings.
Just thought you would want to know how I am feeling this morning,
Catherine Brittain Allison Granju
Tuesday
buried in...clutter - literally
A cautionary tale for those of you who collect clutter.
I myself tend to be a rather ruthless de-clutter-er. I throw everything away.
I myself tend to be a rather ruthless de-clutter-er. I throw everything away.
good cop
Yesterday I was pulled over and the cop told me I was:
A.) Speeding
B.) Following the SUV in front of me too closely
C.) Did not have current tags on car (still driving w/temporary tag I got when I bought the car in July)
D.) Have one brake light out
I explained very, very politely that I usually go too slow and that I didn't realize that I was too close to that other car. I told him that I would have put my new tags on but don't know how to affix them to my car and that I had no idea about the brake light. I asked him if he could recommend a good mechanic to fix it.
He was SO NICE. He did not give me a ticket and took time to show me how to put the tags on, explaining I could even use a butter knife if I don't own a screwdriver. And he wrote down the name of a friend of his who does repairs.
A.) Speeding
B.) Following the SUV in front of me too closely
C.) Did not have current tags on car (still driving w/temporary tag I got when I bought the car in July)
D.) Have one brake light out
I explained very, very politely that I usually go too slow and that I didn't realize that I was too close to that other car. I told him that I would have put my new tags on but don't know how to affix them to my car and that I had no idea about the brake light. I asked him if he could recommend a good mechanic to fix it.
He was SO NICE. He did not give me a ticket and took time to show me how to put the tags on, explaining I could even use a butter knife if I don't own a screwdriver. And he wrote down the name of a friend of his who does repairs.
Monday
marion winik
Here's a great interview with my friend Marion Winik about her life as a writer. If you are interested in writing or publishing, it's a good read.
Marion's memoir, "First Comes Love" is one of my very favorite books of all time.
Marion's memoir, "First Comes Love" is one of my very favorite books of all time.
eeeeew
Via my friend Susan, a very weird story about how some clergymen snuck into the Senate Judiciary meeting room and anointed the seats of Alito and Committee members with holy oil.
I've managed to remain friends with just about every guy I've ever dated. A few have even morphed into longterm best friends. So it really bugs me when I'm not able to pull that off -- remaining friends. I think it's sad when someone you've been very close to disappears from your life altogether just because the relationship evolves.
Some female friends of mine tell me that they feel very differently about this - that they do not want any sort of relationship with exes. But for me, having a relationship just disappear as if it never existed is very depressing.
Some female friends of mine tell me that they feel very differently about this - that they do not want any sort of relationship with exes. But for me, having a relationship just disappear as if it never existed is very depressing.
parenting
Lately I feel like the primary discipline of my parenting is to NOT react. One of my children tends to get very gloomy and whiny and my tendency is to want to tell him all the time that he needs to cheer up, look on the bright side, etc. But that's no good.
And my daughter - previously the sunniest, friendliest person in my world -- is entering a phase where she informs me that I am wrong and misguided a lot of the time. And she lets me know this via a tone she's never used with me before. And I find myself reacting negatively.
So what I'm really trying to do lately is just step back and not react, unless one of them tells me to fuck off or something, in which case I'd find it hard not to fuss at them. I am backing off commenting on the way in which they say things or the tone they use or the mood they are expressing.
It's hard, because I am a "fixer" by nature. I tend to want to control every detail of my environment and by extension, their environment. But I'm trying to let it go.
And my daughter - previously the sunniest, friendliest person in my world -- is entering a phase where she informs me that I am wrong and misguided a lot of the time. And she lets me know this via a tone she's never used with me before. And I find myself reacting negatively.
So what I'm really trying to do lately is just step back and not react, unless one of them tells me to fuck off or something, in which case I'd find it hard not to fuss at them. I am backing off commenting on the way in which they say things or the tone they use or the mood they are expressing.
It's hard, because I am a "fixer" by nature. I tend to want to control every detail of my environment and by extension, their environment. But I'm trying to let it go.
Friday
DRR
I really like this music blog run by Dave and Kip. And I love David's sketch blog.
David was a college sweetie of mine. He's one of the cleverest folks I know and has recently relocated from hydro-ravaged NOLA, where he lived for the last few years, back to Brooklyn.
You can (and should) buy his illustrations on his website
David was a college sweetie of mine. He's one of the cleverest folks I know and has recently relocated from hydro-ravaged NOLA, where he lived for the last few years, back to Brooklyn.
You can (and should) buy his illustrations on his website
spying on amanpour?
This story raises interesting questions about the government possibly spying on CNN
from cas walker to jake butcher
I am producing this series for the rest of 2006. The video is really cool.
Thursday
westside daredevils
I've said it before and I'll say it again: Knoxville is producing more good pop music these days than at any time since I've lived here.
More evidence of this came my way last week in the form of the new release by local band the Westside
Daredevils (thanks Gray). The CD is called "Twilight Children" and it's awfully good. I heard the WSDD play on a boat of some kind at a summer festival on the river downtown last summer and loved what I heard. The new CD doesn't disappoint. It's tight, jangly power pop with singalong lyrics and a sweet, happy vibe.
Run right out and pick this one up. I know you can get it at both locations of the Disc Exchange and probably some other places too (I'll get the scoop on this).
-katie
More evidence of this came my way last week in the form of the new release by local band the Westside
Daredevils (thanks Gray). The CD is called "Twilight Children" and it's awfully good. I heard the WSDD play on a boat of some kind at a summer festival on the river downtown last summer and loved what I heard. The new CD doesn't disappoint. It's tight, jangly power pop with singalong lyrics and a sweet, happy vibe.
Run right out and pick this one up. I know you can get it at both locations of the Disc Exchange and probably some other places too (I'll get the scoop on this).
-katie
Last Mother's Day, I had an essay in the New York Times, and until now, you had to pay to read it online in the NYT archives, but someone just e-mailed me to point out that some advocacy site that can't spell "Courts" has apparently gotten permission to run it in its entirety, so now you can read it online, here
public vs. private
My eighth grade son wants to go to public school for high school next year because he is feeling oppressed
He is oppressed by the khakis, button downs and loafers he has had to wear every day since he was six. He is oppressed by the fact that he cannot grow his shaggy head of hair below his ears. He is oppressed by having to attend chapel each morning when he is questioning his own religious views. He wants to go to school with more progressive kids, or at least a few more leftie Democrat kids.
He has a legitimate interest in attending a more diverse school, but he also has some misconceptions about public school, I think. He's seen "Rock and Roll High School" too many times.
He believes he will have fewer rules and more freedom at a public school, but I think he will find himself very turned off by the "school resource officers" (cops at school) roaming the cinderblock halls. He's used to being outside on a 100 acre farm setting many times each day and in classrooms with big windows that open, etc, etc, etc and I think he'll find the whole public school setting very closed up and depressing, but hey, he's a teenage boy and he thinks I know very little at the moment.
He also wants to go to a school with more kids who want to be in his nascent rock and roll band.
Oh yes, he also told me this morning (in his constant, nonstop lobbying to go to public school) that at a public school, he would no longer be the only teenager with an "unusual mom." I asked him what exactly this meant and he said that he is now embarrassed because I am so much younger than his friends' mothers - he says he's afraid people think I had him when I was 15 years old. I am now officially embarrassing as a parent for something I have zero control over: my age.
He is oppressed by the khakis, button downs and loafers he has had to wear every day since he was six. He is oppressed by the fact that he cannot grow his shaggy head of hair below his ears. He is oppressed by having to attend chapel each morning when he is questioning his own religious views. He wants to go to school with more progressive kids, or at least a few more leftie Democrat kids.
He has a legitimate interest in attending a more diverse school, but he also has some misconceptions about public school, I think. He's seen "Rock and Roll High School" too many times.
He believes he will have fewer rules and more freedom at a public school, but I think he will find himself very turned off by the "school resource officers" (cops at school) roaming the cinderblock halls. He's used to being outside on a 100 acre farm setting many times each day and in classrooms with big windows that open, etc, etc, etc and I think he'll find the whole public school setting very closed up and depressing, but hey, he's a teenage boy and he thinks I know very little at the moment.
He also wants to go to a school with more kids who want to be in his nascent rock and roll band.
Oh yes, he also told me this morning (in his constant, nonstop lobbying to go to public school) that at a public school, he would no longer be the only teenager with an "unusual mom." I asked him what exactly this meant and he said that he is now embarrassed because I am so much younger than his friends' mothers - he says he's afraid people think I had him when I was 15 years old. I am now officially embarrassing as a parent for something I have zero control over: my age.
the book of daniel
I really can't figure out why all the fundamentalists are so riled up about this new NBC show, "The Book of Daniel," because it's about an Episcopal priest and they already hate the Episcopalians as wine-swillin', gay-marryin' perverts...
initially
A blog reader has informed me that my monogram, KAG, actually stands for "Klingon Assault Group.
That's funny.
That's funny.
Wednesday
remembering robert webb
I'm an alum of The Webb School in Bell Buckle, TN, as are most members of my family. My children's father is an alumnus of Webb School of Knoxville. And currently, I am in the process of rushing around trying to get my 14 year old son Henry's application for admission to Webb Knoxville completed before next week's deadline, so I've had Webb on my mind lately.
As it happens, Robert Webb, an alumnus of Webb Bell Buckle and founder of Webb Knoxville died over the holidays and my friend Jack Neely, a Webb Knoxville grad, has written a lovely tribute to him. I met Mr. Webb once at a Webb Alumni event here in Knoxville and he was charming and gracious. He shared some Bell Buckle memories with me and we talked about my hometown and alma mater. I told him I thought my children would likely attend Webb Knoxville, since I make my home here now, and he said he hoped they would.
Jack's article introduced me to some facts about Mr. Webb and Webb Knoxville that I hadn't known. It made me wish I had had the opportunity to get to know him beyond our one meeting.
should this guy lose his job?
My old college pal Lee Gardner ( former Knoxvillian and writer for Metro Pulse) is the editor of Baltimore's award winning alt.weekly, City Paper.
This week City Paper ran a very interesting investigative piece looking into plagiarism by one of Maryland's best-known political columnists, and it looks like the guy has lost his job as a result.
Read the story (linked above) and tell me what your take is. Should this journalist lose his job over lifting this particular material? What do you think?
Comment below.
This week City Paper ran a very interesting investigative piece looking into plagiarism by one of Maryland's best-known political columnists, and it looks like the guy has lost his job as a result.
Read the story (linked above) and tell me what your take is. Should this journalist lose his job over lifting this particular material? What do you think?
Comment below.
meditative
I've been meditating every day for a week now and let me just say, it's the bomb. The cat's meow. The bees' knees. You get the idea.
I definitely have ADD. If I were in public school today, they would likely put me in the "special" classes because my ADD is so pronounced. And every day that I meditate, I find my monkeymind softening and also becoming more focused.
Meditating is a lot like running. You can't do it for very long when you first start and I am taking babysteps because I am so out of practice, but I'm getting a little more focused each time I do it.
I definitely have ADD. If I were in public school today, they would likely put me in the "special" classes because my ADD is so pronounced. And every day that I meditate, I find my monkeymind softening and also becoming more focused.
Meditating is a lot like running. You can't do it for very long when you first start and I am taking babysteps because I am so out of practice, but I'm getting a little more focused each time I do it.
Tuesday
hmmmm...
I can't decide whether this kids' book, "Why Mommy is a Democrat" looks very cool or vaguely unsettling.
Have any of you read it?
Have any of you read it?
crushed
I have a crush. And I'm trying to decide whether to tell him.
Here are some hints:
-he's athletic in a not-obnoxious way
-he's never been married
-he tosses off some pretty amusing non sequiturs
-I don't see him all that often
-He has a hat I like
Here are some hints:
-he's athletic in a not-obnoxious way
-he's never been married
-he tosses off some pretty amusing non sequiturs
-I don't see him all that often
-He has a hat I like
motherswhowrite
Are you a mother who is also a writer? Or a writer who is also a mother? Either way, you'll dig my friend Meagan's new site.
elliot is eight years old
Today is my youngest child, Elliot's eighth birthday. He almost died at birth (here is a story I wrote for a parenting magazine about the support I received when he was so sick and in the NICU).
Elliot is a GREAT kid.
He's in 2nd grade, super athletic, sweet natured, a little hyper at times, and currently fascinated with WWII and "peat bog mummies."
He's extremely charismatic; other children are naturally drawn to him and he's often the center of attention on any group of children.
He's the most "Allison-looking" of my three kids, with sandy blond hair and bright blue eyes (my other two are all Granju, with dark, olive skin and brown eyes - they look just like their father - not a bad way to look, if you ask me).
Having my youngest child turn eight and my oldest currently applying to high schools for next year makes me feel sort of weird. Because I had my children pretty young, I've defined myself as the mother of young children for all of my adult life. And now I find mine growing up just as many of my friends have babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Elliot is a GREAT kid.
He's in 2nd grade, super athletic, sweet natured, a little hyper at times, and currently fascinated with WWII and "peat bog mummies."
He's extremely charismatic; other children are naturally drawn to him and he's often the center of attention on any group of children.
He's the most "Allison-looking" of my three kids, with sandy blond hair and bright blue eyes (my other two are all Granju, with dark, olive skin and brown eyes - they look just like their father - not a bad way to look, if you ask me).
Having my youngest child turn eight and my oldest currently applying to high schools for next year makes me feel sort of weird. Because I had my children pretty young, I've defined myself as the mother of young children for all of my adult life. And now I find mine growing up just as many of my friends have babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Monday
sit
AT various times, I have committed to a regular meditation practice. I've been a slacker about it in the last few years but am trying to ease back into it now. I gain immediate and tangible benefits when I do this.
Here's a really good article I ran across on the basics of Vipissana mediation (the kind I do).
Here's a really good article I ran across on the basics of Vipissana mediation (the kind I do).
tom delay and the notorious (maybe) lesbian cheerleaders...
...BOTH made the TSG's list of top 15 mugshots of the year
i love pema chodron
Quote o' the day:
"Gloriousness and wretchedness need each other. One inspires us, the other softens us."
-Pema Chodron
PC is my fave Buddhist writer. She's a big believer in leaning into the things that hurt us, rather than trying to escape. This helped me during childbirth, to go into the contractions (men may have a hard time understanding what I am saying, but if you have ever given birth, you know).
"Gloriousness and wretchedness need each other. One inspires us, the other softens us."
-Pema Chodron
PC is my fave Buddhist writer. She's a big believer in leaning into the things that hurt us, rather than trying to escape. This helped me during childbirth, to go into the contractions (men may have a hard time understanding what I am saying, but if you have ever given birth, you know).
more cowbell
I am going to order this t-shirt...because I just really like it.
I would also like a t-shirt that says :"More disco whistle, hand claps and space noises."
Because I like songs with cowbell, disco whistle, hand claps and space noises.
I would also like a t-shirt that says :"More disco whistle, hand claps and space noises."
Because I like songs with cowbell, disco whistle, hand claps and space noises.
Happy New Year! Who the heck are you?
My blog traffic is way up lately. It's a good time to ask you, gentle blog reader, WHO YOU ARE.
the last bunch of search queries people used to find my blog
Google: soleil moon frye before reduction
Google: granju CPSC
Google: dr.Sears+critics+attachment
Google: elliott alison blog chicago -omg
Google: napoleon dynamite "drinking game"
Google: Pappagallo flats
Google: 14 yr
Google: Allison Crews essays
Google: kizz blog new-york
Google: depression or unhappiness
Google: "david ordoubadian"
Google: "second harvest house"
Google: jurga martini and her family
Google: taoist sayings "new place"
MSN Search: cinderella feminism
Google: oak ridge ex-girlfriend pictures
Google: pug dachshund mix
Yahoo: Sandy Fawkes
Google: granju CPSC
Google: dr.Sears+critics+attachment
Google: elliott alison blog chicago -omg
Google: napoleon dynamite "drinking game"
Google: Pappagallo flats
Google: 14 yr
Google: Allison Crews essays
Google: kizz blog new-york
Google: depression or unhappiness
Google: "david ordoubadian"
Google: "second harvest house"
Google: jurga martini and her family
Google: taoist sayings "new place"
MSN Search: cinderella feminism
Google: oak ridge ex-girlfriend pictures
Google: pug dachshund mix
Yahoo: Sandy Fawkes
Sunday
happykate
My children come home tomorrow night after 9 days or so away at their father's. I've missed them rather madly. I cannot WAIT to get them home. I am counting down the hours.
drinking: a love story
I just finished this book. I'd read Caroline Knapp's book about her dog and I liked her "Alice K." columns very much. SHe was (she died of lung cancer at age 42 a year or two ago) a singularly graceful essayist. I love her writing.
I wanted to love this book. I thought I would, but it just didn't stick to the bones. There isn't much there. It's worth reading for the writing alone. Her descriptions of the social customs that surround drinking are wonderful, lyrical things.
But the story at the core -- of her own realization that she has a drinking problem and her decision to go to rehab and quit - falls flat. I never fully believed she had a problem and her decision to get help and quit drinking altogether seems rather abrupt. I can't figure out why she went to rehab and her involvement with AA isn't fully fleshed out.
But again, she is such a good writer that I read it in one sitting (it's a very slim, little book).
happy new year
Why, oh why am I up at 7:30 a.m. after being out fairly late last night? Good question. For some reason, I woke up a while ago and can't seem to get back to sleep.
Unlike some people who sleep well after a night of drinking, I sleep horribly. And I indulged a bit last night. It was very nice of my friend Steve K. to handle the driving so I could handle the drinking. Or something like that. Oh wait. That reminds me. I have to get someone to take me to get my car, which I left parked on Cumberland.
I saw an awful lot of good music last night and chatted up lots of friends, including some folks I hadn't seen in a while. Very pleasant.
I saw Mic Harrison and The High Score. They were awesome, as usual, but the crowd there was very...odd. It wasn't a fun crowd and SK and I knew no one there, so we decamped to Barley's, where we caught some of the Todd Steed show and much of Dixie Dirt's swan song.
TS and the Suns were great. I like it when Jeff Bills is on drums and I got to visit with him some after. Dixie Dirt was GREAT. I had never seen them so energetic and happy. They always sound great, but last night they really seemed to be having a good time. Everyone else who was there was having a good time too. It was a very happy vibe. I did get grabbed and kissed by a complete stranger at midnight, but I was in such a good mood that I really didn't mind so much.
It was a fun, happy evening and I hope it signals the start of a spectacular year.
Unlike some people who sleep well after a night of drinking, I sleep horribly. And I indulged a bit last night. It was very nice of my friend Steve K. to handle the driving so I could handle the drinking. Or something like that. Oh wait. That reminds me. I have to get someone to take me to get my car, which I left parked on Cumberland.
I saw an awful lot of good music last night and chatted up lots of friends, including some folks I hadn't seen in a while. Very pleasant.
I saw Mic Harrison and The High Score. They were awesome, as usual, but the crowd there was very...odd. It wasn't a fun crowd and SK and I knew no one there, so we decamped to Barley's, where we caught some of the Todd Steed show and much of Dixie Dirt's swan song.
TS and the Suns were great. I like it when Jeff Bills is on drums and I got to visit with him some after. Dixie Dirt was GREAT. I had never seen them so energetic and happy. They always sound great, but last night they really seemed to be having a good time. Everyone else who was there was having a good time too. It was a very happy vibe. I did get grabbed and kissed by a complete stranger at midnight, but I was in such a good mood that I really didn't mind so much.
It was a fun, happy evening and I hope it signals the start of a spectacular year.
i am trying to break your heart
Finally saw this movie too (catching up this week on movies I've been meaning to see but haven't).
Mostly it's full of good music, but also gives a very interesting glimpse into the record-making process. I'd be happy to watch/listen to Jeff Tweedy sing the phone book for two hours straight,so I liked it a lot. The person I saw it with -- a musician himself and less of a Wilco fan than I am -- found it a bit tedious.
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