Too [Expletive Deleted] Many Hours:

Quitting smoking can truly change your outlook on life. Ten days ago, I was a moderately laid-back sort of dude with generally convivial view of the world. I enjoyed life and laughter. But now I am a crotchety old man, bitter and vindictive at the malevolent universe. I spend my days scheming up ways to torment the ill-fated people who’s life course has the misfortune of crossing mine. What is it they say? Misery loves company?





But enough about me and my day, how are you?

An old friend is closing.

On January 14th, 1927, the University of Oregon Ducks beat Willamette University, 38-10, in the first basketball game ever to be played at McArthur Court. On Saturday, January 8th, 2011, the UO women’s basketball team will officially close Mac Court, hosting the Huckin’ Fuskies in the final Duck game to be played in the revered arena. Mac Court is the second oldest on-campus arena still in use; still in use for 3 more days.

Is nothing sacred?

129 Hours, 15 Minutes

There are very few perks to quitting smoking.

But one often overlooked bonus, you can get away with the occasional rude comment and just brush it off by saying that you’ve given up cigarettes. I’m sure you can all imagine the hypothetical dialogue.

“My god, Phoebe, you are wearing what is indubitably the ugliest dress I have ever seen in my entire life.” That comment would be followed by an awkward silence, and finally by, “I can’t believe I just said that out loud. Please forgive me, Phoebe. I’m trying to quit smoking. I’m sure I’ve seen an uglier dress at some point during my long, arduous life.” Phoebe, being the kind person she is, would forgive and forget. (Actually, Phoebe is not that genuinely good. She would try to forgive and forget, but the cutting cruelty of the comment would set in her heart, festering and smoldering until one day, many moons from now, you will read about Phoebe taking a sawed-off shotgun to the mall and mowing down hundreds of people during a holiday shopping frenzy. You would also read that she was impeccably dressed, leading you to conclude that your despicable comment had a true benefit. So, extrapolating that somewhat fuzzy theory, you will deduce that although quitting smoking makes the world a more dangerous place, it also makes it infinitely more fashionable)

As soon as I can think of any other advantages, I'll let you know.

And One For My Sisters!

Thanks, Lola.

See Jane, there are reasons some of us don't own tiaras!

81 Hours

But who's counting?

36 Hours.

And I am able to report, in all honesty, there are still no corpses to deal with. Seems damn near anyone can outrun me these days.

Besides, the Crank-O-Meter is only at 60.

Happy 2011

The New Year has clambered into our little corner of the world with some notably Minnesota-esque attributes. It is cold. I admit not Frostbite Falls cold, but Upper Valley cold. It is dry. And we have snow on the ground. It’s not the normal snow of the Cascades: the heavy, water-laden snow that hits the ground with an audible thud and just sets there until some poor sap with a snow shovel comes along and forcibly moves it to a theoretically better location. No, this is the light fluffy stuff that is destined to make powder buffs ecstatic and uses the wind to create an ever changing landscape.

It was in such a wintery scene that 2010 came to a close. Richard and I spent New Year’s Eve day on a mad shopping excursion to Portland. I haven’t had so much fun since my root canal. I love to shop!

Oh, and before I forget to tell you, once again I have quit smoking. Let me rephrase that. I have given up cigarettes. I am still smoking hot! (Okay, I thought everyone could use a little humor, but you – second row, far right hand side – stop laughing! It wasn’t that funny.) I’m proud to say that it has already been 14 hours and there are no dead bodies to be disposed of in an cladestine manner. I’m saying that 2011 has been a rousing success, so far!