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May 25, 2006
Hoffa-mania
You all remember Jimmy Hoffa, right? The Teamster that vanished in the late 70's? Well, for some reason unknown to me, the FBI has decided that it's new imperative is to find him. As a result, the town of Milford Township is having a blast with the whole thing. Perhaps the funniest take on the excavation is this artisitic cupcake version of the happenings.
And this ain't all folks. They have business posting signs daily outisde the shops poking fun at the search, as well as restaurants serving meals with catchy titles like Hoffa Steak Salad ''buried under field greens with mushrooms and edible flowers.'' The jokes are endless- and did I mention the t-shirts? Did I hear y'all say roadtrip?
Posted by dvaldesd at 09:28 AM | Comments (2)
May 21, 2006
Happy Birthday to Me
Yesterday was the big day-my 44th birthday. While I don't have a baby picture to display like Derek, I do have this image of a portrait that my father commissioned when I was 11.
This is me now. Have I changed much?
I like to think I'm pretty well preserved for a woman of my age, thank you very much. What I haven't decided is when I should start counting backwards! No doubt, that day is closer than I'd like to admit.
Posted by dvaldesd at 01:40 PM | Comments (1)
May 19, 2006
The Best Things in Life are Worth Waiting For
Prom Night: The night most parents approach with fear and trepidation. What will happen at this prom? Will there be drinking, grinding, and other acts we all know we did at our proms (and DO NOT want our children to do)? Who's hosting the after party, and are the parents going to be home? Like most parents, I had some of those anxieties, but I have to say I have been blessed. I have three wonderful daughters that (so far) have not given me any reason to be apprehensive about anything save the times when they try to kill each other. But Amanda's prom night was magical for me. Not because she is the oldest (that title goes to Ariana), or because I indulge in blatant favoritism. It was one of the best moments of my life simply because she got to experience it without the interruption of illness; every malady that she has been fighting recently subsided as my angel got dressed, did her makeup, got stressed out about who she would hang out with after the prom, took 5 hours to get ready, and finally arrived for pictures at a friends house before the night officially began. Later, as I sat in the bleachers listening for her name to be announced as she participated in The Grand March , all I could think about is what she has been through lately, and how if anyone deserves a worry free night, it's her. And I got to have the normal night as her Mom; holding my breath as she walked across the gymnasium praying that she wouldn't trip on her heels, smiling as other folks called her name, and annoying her by taking as many photos as I could! Yes, I even felt like the cost of the dress was justified-definitely normal maternal delirium! All in all, a long awaited (normal) night-something it seems she has been waiting a lifetime to have. And so, this entry is dedicated to her- here's to you, my beautiful songbird. May this night be symbolic of many typical adolescent experiences sure to come your way and fill your life with joy, (necessary growing) pain, and new found wisdom. I love you.
Posted by dvaldesd at 03:14 PM | Comments (2)
May 16, 2006
A Bush Grows in Borderland
So we're back to patrolling the borders. Great. But as stated in this wonderful entry the problem lies more with what is allowed in the name of convenience than righteousness. I want to see employers of illegal immigrants put in jail. I want to see those that exploit these illegales be made responsible for utilizing poverty and powerlessness to further their own causes. Bush's doublespeak doesn’t fool me or anyone else that understands that the only thing he cares about is maintaining a "working business" relationship with Mexico so that he can further his own capitalistic goals. We all know that if the relationship between Mexico and the U.S. becomes hostile, then Bush will be forced to steal what he wants (aka going to war), and aren’t we already overextended in that capacity? Exactly. Of course, I'm not holding my breath. Latinos have been the pawn of rich whites for a long time. But I have to admit that I still hope for the day when I can exhale, and politicians like Bush get exactly what they deserve-in every way.
Posted by dvaldesd at 09:53 AM | Comments (0)
May 11, 2006
A Sad Parting
Goodbye, Pretty Boy Floyd, you were awesome in your time-the only heavyweight to ever regain the title after a loss. You will be remembered by many who fought against all odds and won, just as you did. Rest in peace.
Posted by dvaldesd at 06:12 PM | Comments (0)
May 09, 2006
Maybe it's me...
But is it really newsworthy that David Blaine didn't break the world record for holding his breath? We have soldiers dying, families suffering great losses everyday, hunger, poverty, racism, gay bashings, etc., and this is what we, as a society, have proclaimed as important news? I'm not suggesting that Blaine’s impending liver failure is not important; I just think there's a difference between the misery you choose and the misery that people are subjected to because of their race, ethnicity, socio-economic class, or sexual orientation. I really could care less that David Blaine is suffering. I'm more concerned with the folks who don't have the luxury of that sort of autonomy, or the agency to do whatever they feel would make their lives more fulfilling.
Posted by dvaldesd at 12:11 PM | Comments (1)
May 05, 2006
A Little Bit O' History
Happy Cinco de Mayo to all who celebrate this great holiday. For those unsure about all the hulabaloo, here's the story. Take a minute to check it out...it's not what most folks think.
Posted by dvaldesd at 06:35 PM | Comments (2)
May 03, 2006
Something old, something new...
At last there will be something new that ALL children should watch with there parents-the national spelling bee. My reaction to the recent film Akeelah and the Bee was enthusiastic, and I am pretty excited to see that the complexities surrounding this annual competition is going to get it's 5 minutes of fame. Once again I would like to suggest a visit to Scripps website, just so that you can be on top of your game before the fun begins. It bears repeating...this competition is not kid stuff!
Posted by dvaldesd at 01:24 PM | Comments (0)