Thought for Thursdays - I don't really like interviews...

As promised, I'm giving you all (my 2 or 3 loyal readers) an update on my J.O.B. interview:

The interview was okay. It's really hard to tell with these things, especially since it was one of those group things where they have 4 of their key people and they ask you some questions in a kind of round robin. Really, it's sort of a hot seat thing. They started off asking me to pick 3 adjectives to describe myself and explain why I picked them (ugh, I hate those kind of questions). Then they wanted me to repeat my whole resume with details (obviously they didn't put it that way). Then they described the job I'm already doing (remember, I'm applying to keep the job I already have, but get paid less for it) and asked me how that sounded (um, like the job I'm already doing?). In answering a question about working with diverse groups (mainly of the ethnic differences variety) I digressed once into describing the independent project I did in grad school, but I think that may or may not be seen as a good thing depending on how they took it (which is hard to say...dealing with a group).

Overall, I think I answered things fine. I pretty much have an edge since I'm already in the position they're filling and they actually plan to hire two people to cover everything that I was mostly doing on my own. The key will be how much they offer me pay wise and if they'll let me work the north half of the region we cover. Based on the salary schedule, I can get up to 12 years of credit when worked in the last 14 years. So, going back to the 94-95 school year that's 10 years. If they count the years regardless of whether I was full time or part time, then I think my salary would be around $55k. I think I'll make close to $50 an hour factoring in the benefits and taxes paid by the district, etc. That would be fine, but of course I'd be working a lot more than I've been doing for the last few years and also right now I make $60 an hour. The trade off is a more disciplined schedule. I think I might also get more mileage refunded than I get right now, so that can make up a few bucks.

My thinking right now is that if they give me 10 years experience credit and they give me a mostly north end of town assignment I would try it out for a year and see how it goes. If it stays fun then I could make it a career. I think I need to work about 14 years more years to qualify for a monthly pension (I think I have like 6 or 7 years of pension credit already). I have to have 21 years at 59 to retire get a 52.5% of my 3 highest years average income. So, if I retired making $85k, that would pay me about $44K or about half of what I'd need in order to maintain my standard of living if I don't have my house paid off by then. But of course, I would have my condo paid off by then or have most of the house I plan to build on "My Land" (because Yenbar wants to know what I call my land) paid off.

That means my finance business still needs to bring in some money. I think if I make $15k a year I can save a third of it and use the rest to cover business expenses, taxes and pay down business debt first, then the car loan, school loans and mortgages. I guess if they offer me the job at the pay I think I should get, I'll take it and then run my financial analysis program with new numbers and start my acceleration plan. Worse case scenario, if I can't stand the full time J.O.B. after a year or two I can move on to the next great idea and do it with a lot more savings and a lot less debt! And that's the whole point. Oh yeah, and I still have a couple months off every summer either way!

Wednesday's Wine - Kono Baru Unwooded Chardonnay, 2006

I know you all have been waiting all day for a wine pick. And some of you have been waiting for a few weeks for a white wine pick (apparently Water, 2008 doesn't count as a white wine). So we're going to actually leave Australia again and venture to the western part of the southern hemisphere (I think the southern hemisphere must be very nice to grapes) to visit my former favorite wine country...Chile. Now, I only say former because it's obvious I've fallen in love with the wines of Australia, but some of my favorites in years past have come from Chile. The fact is, I really started exploring wines back in 1997 after Consumer Reports did a wine issue (I know, what could a magazine devoted to testing appliances and cars know about wine!?!). As with everything they do, they find experts in the product. In this case, sommeliers (aka wine experts) were brought in and they compared several low cost wines with more expensive ones in the same grape from France. Anyway, they selected the best Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, a white and a pinkish wine. They lumped all the whites together for some unknown reason and all the pinks (which I do understand...heh). Anyway, the two reds were from Chile I think. I'll check on that some other time. Anyway, on with my wine pick:

The first thing you notice about Kono Baru Unwooded Chardonnay, 2006 is the label. It's upside down and the back label is partly sideways too...kinda. The second thing you notice is that the label says unwooded... Hmmm, what could that mean? These are the the tasting notes I made this weekend when I was drinking the last glass: I found it crisp with a slightly buttery edge to it. More fruit than viognier, but not sweet. In fact it has some tart kinda citrusy notes...but in a good way. Since it's not barreled in oak it's less buttery than some chardonnay and therefore a bit more refreshing. Good with chicken and I think would complement a turkey dinner very nicely.

The back label of the bottle (which you must read before opening or after draining the last drop out of it) says that this wine is "from the Casablanca region best known for white wines (really?). The unoaked profile highlights tropical fruit aromas with rich texture, finished with ripe apple and a hint of citrus." - Richard Bruno, winemaker. The label also says that the name of the wine comes "from tales of South Sea Prirates crude pronunciation of the Latin cornu baro, which means horned fool." Interesting. Just for that, I might have to serve it at a party sometime! Finally it's nice to know that as you experiment with wines and write down your thoughts as you go, you might actually know something about wine after awhile. Compare what I said above to what Don Sebastiani & Sons say about their wine:

This Chardonnay is devoid of oak in order to highlight the tropical fruit aromas and flavors. The aromas are filled with tropical guava, lychee and passion fruit and are framed by the mineral capacity of the varietal ripeness. The palate is rich and mineral driven but also almost creamy in texture due to receiving extensive lees contact throughout the aging process. The overall finish is complete and ripe with red delicious apple and baked pear with a hint of lemon citrus and suble clove spice.

This versatile white wine, is an excellent choice with grilled fish and chicken dishes. Try it with roasted pinenut encrusted chicken breast, with a lemon pesto oil, fresh hearts of palm, and Palta (avocado), a Chilean delight. Wild Salmon is always a good choice served over jasmine rice with lightly sautéed spinach in sesame oil, and dressed with meyer lemon juice and celery salt.

So, like I said, it's good with chicken! By the way, I pick this one up for about $7.00 or so on sale (I can't remember exactly how much, because I bought several weeks ago with a few other wines...so sue me...no wait, don't do that. Just go out and see what it costs in your neck of the woods.).

Tuesday's Time Waster - Overrated Restaurants

I've had a busy day, so when a friend asked me if I wanted to go for a bite to eat (after I looked at her new benefits package...for free), I said sure, I'll even drive. She always drives...everywhere. All the time. Because then she can dictate when we leave. But, I found out that the cost of gas is the great equalizer! Now I get to dictate when we leave...woohoo! Anyway, we went to a new restaurant (which I won't name since I know you all don't live anywhere near me, so what difference does it make anyway?) and while it's in a lovely location and very new, they definitely need to improve a few things. Basically the good part was 3 out of four dishes had good flavor...that's it. The hot items weren't hot enough and the Caesar salad was all inner chopped hearts of romaine (not green) with boring store bought croutons and flavorless (and egg-less) Caesar dressing. Total tab for two appetizers and two entree size salads with tax and tip was $36.00 (no beverages). Oh yeah, and our waiter looked and sounded bored (before we ordered I might add). Yeah, not going back there for a good long while, if ever. That was both a waste of time and money. And as you know, I hate to waste money.

Make My Monday - Memorial Day and Movies

Happy Memorial Day to all...especially our fallen ladies in the various branches of military, etc. (yeah, I'm behind the guys too, but since they have years...decades...centuries more of memorializing I thought an extra special shout out was called for...)! Anyway, I'm glad to live in a free country despite the foibles of some of our leaders. Thanks to all the protect our freedom, especially those forced to fight in stupid wars even if they don't agree with the specific action.

On to movies now. The weather here is cold and rainy, so I talked a friend into going to see "Baby Mama". Yay! I finally got to see it! Most of you know it stars the lovely Tina Fey and the also lovely Amy Poehler. Additionally it has Sigourney Weaver, Maura Tierney, Steve Martin (with a very funny look for this flick) and Greg Kinnear (playing the same guy he always plays). It was very funny, especially for something that Tina Fey did not write. But I agree with most reviewers that there were a few mild clunkers and it would have been better if she would have written (rewritten?) it. But, easy to overlook. And apparently this is a way better movie than that new Indiana Jones movie. Did I mention that Tina Fey has some nice legs? Even Amy Poehler's character notices!

Sunday Surf - Not...

Really...I thought I'd surf the net this morning like I always do, but I didn't. I did watch Brunch with Bridget (whose guest was the very funny, yet wimpy, Kate Mckinnon), followed by the Retro Reviewing of "Go Fish" and I finally got around to watching the latest episode of Imaginary Bitches. After that, I just didn't have time to do any net surfing. I don't even have the Sunday paper to blame, as the good folks at the Denver Post finally cut me off. Here's the thing, it's summer and therefore I play outside. If the weather is decent, I either go swimming or I go hit golf balls (and get annoyed). There's also home improvement stuff to do. Of course, once the school year is over, I can do some of these things during the week, until August when it all starts up again. But then there's traveling and maybe some visits to my land (see the view from my land way down at the bottom of the page), not to mention all the bars with patio's hosting Sunday afternoon parties. Bottom line, Sunday's online may be curtailed, unless weather permitting (i.e. it's raining). Don't worry, if I run across something interesting or fun (even if it's not exactly on Sunday when I find it), I'll let you all know, so at least it's worth checking here for that random surprise!

Thought for Thursday - Grey's Anatomy has HAWT kiss

Yep...all day I was trying not to have too many thoughts. It helps reserve brain cells ya know? So it's a good thing I save them because tonight's episode of Grey's Anatomy ended with a montage of couplings...well kissing couples...which included Drs. Erica Hahn and Callie Torres. HAWT...two times over even. Key to this last montage is that it sets up the season for next year...dang it. Now I have to watch Grey's Anatomy on top of everything else...sigh. But it's my duty to watch...really...okay, maybe not. However, they had a drawn out lead up, so it wasn't one of those gratuitous sweeps week things for ratings. And it wasn't so drawn out that it became frustrating. I thought it was fairly realistic, given the medium of TV. So, the relationship is interesting and I actually want to see how it plays out. And hey, I don't mind the idea of maybe seeing the two doctors in bed...I'm just sayin'. Anyway, if someone more tech savvy than I puts up a video somewhere, I'll add a link here. In the meantime, did you see it? Or were you too busy watching something else?

Wednesday's Wine - Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet, 2006

I have found that I seem to be drawn to both the low low prices and the very good quality of wines from Australia lately. As a result, we're now back visiting Southeastern Australia to try out Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet, 2006. According to their website, this is a wine you can "cellar" for a medium term amount of time, but it's made to be delicious right away. I do not have enough wine experience to know how long a "medium term" amount of time is for "cellaring" a wine, but if it's meant to be good right away, why wait? By the way, this is how someone starts "cellaring" according to winepros.org:

Typically, the one-bottle-at-a-time wine buyer will at some point discover their regular merchant is sold out of their current and typically new-found favorite wine. So, embarking on a desperate mission of serious wine shopping, they get lucky enough to find another source with a few remaining bottles and make the decision to stock up. And so it begins: The Cellar.

This "cellar" may wind up in a counter top wine rack on display (how did they know that's where I put my cellar!?!), a kitchen cupboard, or a cardboard box in a closet, crawl space, or garage. But make no mistake about the implication, this IS the ominous beginning of a wine collection. However, only a very small percentage of all wines produced will improve in sensory or economic value with age, and the risk of ultimate disappointment is quite high.

Personally, I don't have enough room in my condo to cellar anything more than about dozen bottles. And when it comes to losing money on spoiled wine, I become risk adverse. I think I'll just drink them as I buy them. Seriously, I only have maybe half a dozen wines hanging out at any given time.

Back to Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet, 2006 and why I chose this one. This wine was on sale a few weeks back at Applejack's (that liquor warehouse I go to in the Golden, Colorado area that is mostly wines from everywhere) because they had it on sale for under $10.00 (the magic number). Actually, it was on sale for $7.00 (regularly $12.00 to $15.00) and it's a blend of my two favorite grapes. They send me emails about once a month with a wine or two that they have on sale, most of the time it's a $40.00 wine for $35.00 or something like that. But once in awhile, they hit my price point. This is what they included in the email regarding this wine:

"Purple-colored, the wine offers meaty black currant, blackberry, and blueberry aromas. On the palate, the wine exhibits remarkable focus structure for it's humble price. It should evolve for several years and drink well through 2022 if not longer. It is a fantastic value." Wine Advocate Issue #173 - 91 Points!

Alright! Now we know what medium term is: about 16 years, "if not longer". According to Penfolds, they seek to maintain the same taste every year, so the percentage of Shiraz vs. Cabernet Sauvignon varies based on that season's grapes. The 2006 year resulted in 78% Shiraz to 22% Cabernet and was aged in oak or with oak (not sure if they used oak barrels or put in oak chips). I did enjoy this wine quite a bit. It wasn't overly heavy with fruit as I've found some Shiraz's to be and it went well with my Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. At $7.00, and 91 points from Wine Advocate, it is a fantastic value. I've enjoyed other wines a tad more, but then I've probably paid a tad more for them. I would definitely buy this one again.

Tuesday's Time Waster - Chatting Online

Yes, I've been known to chat online for hours at a time. Usually, this occurs on the weekend. But sometimes I play hooky from my career to chat with known and unknown people. I pick their brains, they attempt to pick mine. There are several chatting options (and more developed everyday). Now we can even chat on web cam. Though that is a bit much for me. I only used my web cam a couple of times before abandoning it for the written word.

The earliest chat option I ever used was 12 years or so ago when I chatted regularly in the AOL chat rooms. Then I stopped paying for AOL and that was the end of chat for a year. Later, I discovered planetout.com and then gay.com. Yeah, it was nice at the beginning. They had room monitors to boot out the "bad" people and you could actually have intelligent chat about romantic notions. Well, maybe not. Now a days, you have to be really careful there as they gave up monitors several years ago to save money and in fact started charging lots of money to get some services that used to be advertisement supported. And they still have ads. Too many nasty predator types hanging out there to go regularly.

Now a blog site can get any number of chat applications to embed in the page to provide a private chat option available to regular visitors. I've thought about doing it here. It would cut down on the need for having all the various messenger services now available. And although, I have accounts with them all, I rarely use them these days. Unless, of course, I'm in the mood to waste time chatting with known and unknown people...to pick their brains, etc.

Make My Monday - Melanie Susuras Band

I just found out that my pal Melanie and her band have completed their new CD, "Stop to Stand". It has some awesome tracks. Right now if you visit her site you can hear two of her songs "Unfinished" and "Fingerprints" along with a few other cool tunes. I've heard all of them live as well, and Melanie's band rocks! I hope you think so too!

On another note, the daughter of Raul Castro (Cuba's new President taking over for his brother Fidel), Mariela presided over a meeting on Saturday promoting the rights of "sexual minorities" and then they all watched "Brokeback Mountain". This after California's Supreme Court pretty much approving gay marriage. Last week was a good week, too!

Sunday Surf - Saturday's Newspaper's Top 25 Heroes list...in the movies that is...

I'm still getting the paper. They've warned me it's going to stop one of these days since I haven't paid or said I want to renew. At this point, I'll see how long it lasts... Anyway, since I still get it, I read it. And on Saturday the Rocky Mountain News had an article in which they listed their top 25 heroes from the movies. Guess what!?! They actually have some women on the list. Of course I bet you can guess who they are. I'll give you a hint: 20% of the list of heroes are women. Not enough of a hint, huh? Okay, one woman is definitely there because the author of the article is a man. You need more? Another woman seems completely unlikely for the list given her role in the movie franchise. You need another hint anyway? Um, well one woman's role doesn't seem like a hero so much as a bad guy...er...gal. That's it for the hints. Tell me who your top five women heroes in the MOVIES are and then go here for part 1 of the list and here for part 2 of the list (for as long as the link is available).

Thought for Thursday - Applying for JOBs

JOB: Just Over Broke, Journey Of the Broke, or Just Out of Belief.

I've been mostly self-employed for the better part of 17 years now. Once you go self-employed it's really hard to go back to a j-o-b. I've never been good a playing politics or kissing ass. And the last few times I applied for a job that required an interview...well, let's just say it was an exercise in both humility and futility. Nevertheless, the good folks I'm working with right now are asking that I apply to continue working with them via a relationship with a new school district. That means filling out an online application and attaching a resume. Seems rather redundant if you ask me.

In actuality, the online application is the problem. Just because they have the technology doesn't mean they should use all of it. So after going through the hassle of updating a resume and putting in all this detail that they asked for, then they want each and every job entered into the application all over again with additional and redundant detail. But the worst part is the question they asked in the area about felonies and other charges. They want to know if the applicant has ever been terminated or asked to resign. Yes, it's true. I once was fired, allegedly for insubordination. But given that an unemployment mediator found in favor of me and both my immediate supervisor and her supervisor were fired within six months for several reasons including how I was dismissed, I think I was vindicated. But I still had to answer the dang question and explain myself.

Then the district has a company do a survey on how one feels about or deals with various teaching situations. I wouldn't mind it so much, but a lot of it is irrelevant to what I do since I'm not a teacher but a psychologist. Sigh. I spent several hours on the resume and the basics of the application before I got into the redundant parts which took hours all by themselves. Then I had to track down an old supervisor's name and references' phone numbers as well as figure out my grade point average from graduate school. For some reason I thought it was 3.7, but actually it was 3.86...woohoo! My college GPA was only 3.48 and just short of Magna Cum Laude (thanks to a professor for a class I didn't actually need when it was all said and done...I was robbed!). My high school GPA was 3.92. I guess you could say I was mostly an "A" student. I'm pretty sure they'll want my transcripts anyway, but I won't know until tomorrow when I call them.

So the upshot of all this time and effort? I have no idea if I even want the job. A lot is dependent on how much time they'll want from me (the job posting says full time, but who knows if they'd offer part time) and how much they'll pay for that time. Most people look at jobs as a way to get guaranteed benefits and then they look at how much money they'll take home after taxes. And that's also how most people stay broke. It's much better to figure out how much gross you make including the dollar value of the benefits and then divide that amount by the number of hours you're expected to work. Right now as a consultant I make $60.00 an hour for my time as a school psychologist (I make more in finance, but it takes a bit more effort). I pay about 10% in taxes, because I can write off all of my mileage, expenses and most lunches when I'm consulting with educators. I pick my own benefit package (i.e. health insurance, etc.) and it's tax deductible too. Since I make way more money being self-employed and pay way less in taxes, that leaves money for investing for retirement and other goals. It's hard to take a pay cut that also involves having a boss and politics, not to mention an inflexible schedule (probably 7:30 to 4:30 five days a week vs. 20 to 30 hours a week and vacations whenever I have the inclination). Less time and more politics...hmmm...it better pay a lot of money.

Wednesday's Wine - Gala Rouge Pinot Noir 2004

I thought we'd leave Australia for the modern world cradle of wine: France. Now, if you're like me, when you hear the words "wine" and "France" in the same sentence you think, that's gonna be expensive. Actually, there are some good values to be had in wine from France. Today (okay, this evening) I'm sharing with you a nice find, recommended by my wine guy, Bob. The Gala Rouge Pinot Noir, 2004 was available a couple weekends ago for $9.00 although generally it's usually priced between $10.00 and $15.00. It's a lightweight Pinot Noir and seemed a tad closer to a Merlot than some Pinot Noirs I've had. I'd consider having it again as a general table wine since it goes well with beef, pork and even a fish like salmon. Here's what Gala Rouge said about their wine: the "Pinot Noir has subtle touches of black cherry and blackberry mixed with highlights of woody oak and soft tannins". An interesting thing about this wine is that some of it is aged in oak barrels and the rest in steel barrels. Then the oak barrel aged wine and the steel barrel aged wines are blended. This is to develop some wood notes while keeping the fruit notes. Who knew!?! And you gotta love that wine label too!

For those of you who are wondering about tannins: the astringency from the tannins is what causes the dry and puckery feeling in the mouth following the consumption of red wine, strong tea, or an unripened fruit. I think there are some tannins or tannin like components of dark chocolate too. Tannins generally promote a strong or sharp taste in red wine. If it's fermented correctly, it complements the fruit and takes the edge of the sweetness. Done wrong, it might as well be vinegar. Tannins are one of the reasons I like red wines. I prefer strong flavors and spicy foods. That said, I'm training my palate to enjoy the more subtle flavors too. That's why I'm willing to try more white wines. I'm just not ready to go back to the sweet wines (Strawberry Ripple anyone?) so don't ask me. Next week...who knows what I might pick, so check back then to find out!

Tuesday's Time Waster - Surfing the Net

I wake up most mornings, watch the weather report and sports recaps. Then I wander around the condo for a minute ('cause it's a small condo). I usually end up in the bathroom...shower now, later or tomorrow? Eventually, I have a breakfast shake, a cup of coffee and sit down with the laptop. I visit all my favorite sites to catch up on pop culture and presidential politics (yes, Hillary is still in the running for today). The thing about the net is that it's a population explosion of new sites everyday. And within each site, the net continues to expand (I think "nodes" is geek for site page expansions, but I'm not geeky enough to know for sure). Then I click on interesting links and the next thing you know, I'm watching a video in China...or some place that uses Chinese like characters for captioning English language videos (I have a large collection of links to fun websites for watching old TV shows, Movies, etc. that I can access anytime I want). Today I found a new site for tech tips (but I managed to tear myself away after 30 minutes or so). It's amazing actually how much content I can access on the net. Of course that leads me back to thinking about how much time I really can waste just surfing the net... So what interesting things have you found lately?

Make My Monday - New Blogs I Like

Being a psychologist, I'm into listening to other people's voices (better than listening to the ones in my head). So it seems that in this day and age of blogging, that I could read other voices more easily than listen (it also helps with the auditory attention deficit issue I have with voices talking from behind me...). I digress. Anyway, between last night and this morning I found two new voices to read. I found one from a series a links starting at a fellow blogger's site and found the other in a comment link from the first new voice. Are you confused yet?

Moving on. The first new voice is that of Syd. She has funny things to say about what she has observed in her day to day life. Apparently, Trop agrees. Trop makes similar observations, but she lives in East Jesus, VA. That, alone, made my Monday. I feel much better knowing that I don't live there! Give these gals some of your time to read their voices and laugh along with them...it'll make your Monday too!

Sunday Surf - Googling my family for Mother's Day

One time when I was visiting my mom, after my dad passed away, my mom was telling me about a special she watched the night before on "ring" seals. She wanted to know more, but there wasn't that much in our really really really old World Book Encyclopedias, so I googled the seals on my Treo 700 (or maybe it was my Treo 650...I forget). Lots of entries about seals and rings...and o-rings, for some reason. I showed my mom how I did that googling on my tiny "toy" and narrowed it down to a site (maybe it was wikipedia) and she was duly impressed. In fact, she asked me to look something up the next day too!

Anyway, after the seals, we were chatting about missing my dad and I decided to google him. There were lots of entries. Mainly related to all of his volunteer work. I mentioned to her how when I've googled my brother, he shows up all over too. But when I googled myself...nada. Since I have a less than common last name and the spelling is even more rare, you'd think not much would come up at all. But actually, there are lots of entries, just none about me. I have found that most people out there who have the same last name spelling are usually some distant cousin. Or, in the case of one, an actor who changed his name to one that mine resembles. But still, none are me.

Even my mom shows up on google, right near the top of the list when I put in her name. Yeah, it surprised both of us enough, that she registered (or rather had me register for her) at the particular site, so she could read all about herself on my tiny "toy". She's since turned off her own internet access, so even if she wanted to go look on her own computer, she can't. Sigh. She likes my toy a bit, but she'd never use it if I gave it to her because the buttons are way too small. So much for a potential Mother's Day gift. Anyway, for Mother's Day, I googled us all again. Still no me, or so I thought.

My mom is famous for amassing a lot of Master's points playing Bridge (it's a card game, if you're wondering)! My brother for being an academic and for writing a book on blogging. My dad for a variety of things that involved helping people. And finally me. Of course, the first mention of me was related to my dad's passing as I was mentioned in a booklet put out by the United Methodist Church on former clergy and/or spouses that passed away (the entry was written by my mother doncha know). Another google entry is for being a Democratic Delegate for the county where I live. Oh, and the only way to find me by google is to also know my middle name. Go figure...

Update: I'm also found a new entry without my middle name in a school district list of supplemental retirement program providers...woohoo...that means business!

Thought for Thursday - Headaches

If a headache lasts for more than 24 hours. Take something for it and call me in the morning. Ugh.

Wednesday's Wine - WATER

Plain filtered water...yum. Tastes great when you have a headache like the one I have! No funky flavors for me...just plain cold filtered water, no ice. I know you were expecting a wine selection, but it was one of those mornings when I had to jet out of the house and then came home with a raging headache. Dang spring weather in Colorado. We've had cold rain, sunshine and more clouds today. I think the rapid changes in barometer readings was too much for me. I'll be back next week with a new red wine that I picked up on Saturday. It was highly recommended by Bob my other wine guy (I love chatting with him). Joe's on vacation for a couple of weeks, so Bob is working Saturdays...lucky me. So, check back here next week to see what he recommended!

Tuesday's Time Waster - YouTube

You ever click on a link to a YouTube video and find yourself still watching crap 2 hours later? I have. I once went to watch some fan "vid" of Xena and Gabrielle and next thing you know I'm watching "lesbian kisses", girl girl make out sessions, etc. Egads! So what have you found yourself wandering off to watch for hours on end at YouTube?

Make My Monday - Methodist Lesbians Defy Church

Over at Towleroad they posted a story about a long time couple (25 years and going strong) who held a "Union Ceremony" at their church in defiance of the Methodist Church's vote "to keep the statement that the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching". They said, regarding the situation, "When the church turns her back on us, withholds blessing from us, does God withhold blessing? Does God stop loving us? We continue to be the church to and for each other. We continue to be the instruments of God's light and love." My dad, a former Methodist minister, would have approved of that thought.

Sunday Surf - Imaginary Bitches

So, today started off a bit late. I decided to sleep in a bit and work out this morning. Then I called my mom to tell her that I have a small health issue (What?...I always call my mommy when I'm feeling sick or otherwise unhealthy...you don't!?!). Anyway, Brunch with Bridget was a bit late this morning. However, totally worth the wait as Bridget had Eden Riegel and Elizabeth Hendrickson in bed with her!!! Eden and Liz are most famously known as BAM (Bianca and Maggie) from All My Children. For those of you who have no idea what that means, I'll explain:

Bianca is the daughter of Erica Kane (major character on All My Children, a soap opera on ABC). Many years ago when she was a teen she came out to her mom and the rest of Pine Valley as a lesbian. And then she was lonely for a long time. Then Frankie (also played by Elizabeth Hendrickson) showed up. She was supposed to be scamming Bianca and her big heart, but they fell "in like" and then suddenly Frankie died. And she was lonely again. Then Bianca met Lena and around the same time Maggie showed up looking for info on Frankie. Eventually, after things didn't work out with Lena (other than the first lesbian kiss on a soap) and Maggie got beat up by a boyfriend, BAM became a couple. Eventually they moved to Paris (soap opera purgatory actually). Maggie eventually cheated on Bianca, but with another woman not a guy, as would have been expected. Bianca came back to Pine Valley for a short stay and fell "in like" with a trans woman named Zoe (or Zarf the rock star, when she was a he, who was from England). And then they went back Europe. By the way, the actor playing Zoe did a credible job, even my mom said so! But the idea that a long time lesbian like Bianca would be romantically involved with a pre-op trans woman is the stuff of soap operas. Because it's just too unlikely in the real world (though not impossible).

So lucky duck Bridget McManus, scored BAM for her vlog. Of course they were there to promote their new project Imaginary Bitches (see link to the right) which debuted it's first webisode on Friday. My heterosexual readers will be quite pleased with my inclusion of their site on my links list as the show is definitely not gay or lesbian. At least, not so far (though, there is a gay reference in the first webisode). It's basically about a woman (Eden) who is single and finding it hard to relate to her long time friends now that they all have boyfriends. So, she invents imaginary friends to talk to abut her life...well they're kinda bitchy actually. Hence, the title of the show: Imaginary Bitches. The webisodes are short and funny, so go enjoy. For the rest of you non-heterosexual types who read my blog, run over to After Ellen (link to the right) and watch today's BwB vlog for a juicy lesbian kiss (actually two kisses) courtesy of Eden and Liz for all the long time BAM fans!

Thought for Thursday - Hot 100 Voting

So over at After Ellen, the voting is open for the now Annual Hot 100 List (see link to the right). Because let's face it, women know women better than men do...hehehe. So if you want to weigh in with your top 10 list, have at it! I must say, I know it was too hard for them last year with the random way it was done (since it was a bit of a whim), but limiting my list to my top 10 proved to be a tad difficult. So rather than share the women for which I voted, I give you my top 10 list of runner ups (in no particular order):

Leisha Hailey
Jordana Brewster
Mariska Hargitay
Mary-Louise Parker
Kristanna Loken
Mandy Musgrave
Maeve Quinlan
Jill Bennett
Nicole Kidman
and
Susan Sarandon