After trying the two on for size, I've decided to move my blog to wordpress.com. I like the set-up, it's a better fit for me. I appreciate those who have checked out Tough Girl in a Leather Jacket here on blogger.com and I hope you'll come see me at wordpress. Find me at http://toughgirlinaleatherjacket.wordpress.com/ . There's a little "Blog Info" widget at the upper right hand corner that you can use to subscribe or add to your blogroll.
I don't think there's way to delete Tough Girl from blogger, so I guess it'll just be here, floating through the inter-toobz. I can be capricious, so maybe you'll see me here again!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
I Have No Ambition
Well, not much.
I have a dream. My friend has one too. She's remodeling her home, converting the garage into an apartment. She plans to live in the converted garage and rent the house out. Coincidentally, I've been in the process of deciding to either do something similar or just outright selling the house and renting elsewhere.
We want to downsize (a lot) and enjoy our lives. A house full of Cheap Chinese Crap, outrageous car payments, impressing social contacts, back-stabbing career politics and a deadly dull work routine do not appeal to me.
I quit my wage slave job in May; who wants to keep working their ass off helping someone else live their dream while you just hope you can keep making enough money to continue paying the bills month after month, year after year, and getting no further ahead? Add insult to injury: And Then You Die. My girlfriend likens it to the donkey after a carrot, I call it the hamster wheel. A combination of savings and my "little business" (I am by no means rich or even well-off) are keeping me going and even though the situation is experimental and a little scary, I'm in Becca World right now. It's craaaaaazy and coooooool.
I ain't puttin' the pipe down (but I'll share with fellow dreamers).
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Oakland BART Cop Shoots and Kills Young Man
My God.
I've just watched two video accounts of the killing of a man on New Year's Eve. The young man was subdued, face down, struggling a bit, but in no position to do any harm to the police officer. Three police officers were present. One of the officers appeared to put his knee on Oscar Grant's head or neck, another officer stood, took out his gun and pulled the trigger, shooting Oscar Grant DEAD.
Oscar Grant was with relatives on New Year's eve. He was riding home on a BART train and apparently (allegedly) there was an altercation on the train. No one has stated that Oscar Grant was involved in the altercation.
The BART police took him and friends from the train. Multiple witnesses say that Oscar complied with police requests. In the video he appears to be struggling a bit, but this could be because they had him face down, with his face mashed into the cement. My viewing tells me that there was ABSOLUTELY NO REASON to pull ANY WEAPON OF ANY KIND out to deal with this young man.
I won't post the videos here, but they can be easily found on You Tube. Very, very disturbing. It appears that all of the young men removed from the train were black.
As far as I'm concerned, the cop MURDERED Oscar Grant. This is at the very least manslaughter. A young black man is dead, leaving his 4-year old child fatherless.
I'm goddamn sick of PIGS in this country acting like they are not PUBLIC SERVANTS and that they can do whatever the hell they want to the citizenry. Their job is to PROTECT and to SERVE, not terrorize, harass and KILL the folks who pay their salaries and who provide their benefits and retirement pay.
My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Oscar Grant.
I've just watched two video accounts of the killing of a man on New Year's Eve. The young man was subdued, face down, struggling a bit, but in no position to do any harm to the police officer. Three police officers were present. One of the officers appeared to put his knee on Oscar Grant's head or neck, another officer stood, took out his gun and pulled the trigger, shooting Oscar Grant DEAD.
Oscar Grant was with relatives on New Year's eve. He was riding home on a BART train and apparently (allegedly) there was an altercation on the train. No one has stated that Oscar Grant was involved in the altercation.
The BART police took him and friends from the train. Multiple witnesses say that Oscar complied with police requests. In the video he appears to be struggling a bit, but this could be because they had him face down, with his face mashed into the cement. My viewing tells me that there was ABSOLUTELY NO REASON to pull ANY WEAPON OF ANY KIND out to deal with this young man.
I won't post the videos here, but they can be easily found on You Tube. Very, very disturbing. It appears that all of the young men removed from the train were black.
As far as I'm concerned, the cop MURDERED Oscar Grant. This is at the very least manslaughter. A young black man is dead, leaving his 4-year old child fatherless.
I'm goddamn sick of PIGS in this country acting like they are not PUBLIC SERVANTS and that they can do whatever the hell they want to the citizenry. Their job is to PROTECT and to SERVE, not terrorize, harass and KILL the folks who pay their salaries and who provide their benefits and retirement pay.
My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Oscar Grant.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Bless the Beasts
This morning started off badly. After I dropped my son off at work, I decided to drive to the 7-11 for a quickie coffee, since I'm out at the house and have been too lazy to actually shop for groceries.
In the road, just ahead of me, were two pigeons. As I neared the pigeons, one walked away like pigeons always do; the other barely moved.
I'll blog about it another time, but I am an animal lover and have rescued many animals throughout my life. It doesn't matter what kind of animal they are, I simply cannot pass by a creature in distress and do nothing.
I didn't want to see that pigeon: I had a strange summer full of animals in need of help, and oftentimes it's very distressing and time-consuming. I told myself, "I'm not going to do anything about that pigeon". I went into the 7-11 and got the coffee, thinking of the pigeon the entire time. When I walked outside, I was hoping it had moved out of the road, flown away, whatever. It hadn't.
I drove out into the street and pulled my car over to get the pigeon. One look at it was enough to know that there was no way I was going to leave it there, it was injured badly, though it was still standing up and put up a bit of a fight when I grabbed it.
Went home, left the pigeon on the dashboard of my car (which is where it had planted itself), got a box, managed to get the bird into the box, ran back in, washed my hands, got back into my car and drove to the West Side to the Wildlife Rescue. That organization is a god-send to those of us who can't look away.
Pigeons are tough birds. I guess they've got to be to live in the city, so close to humans. Maybe the veterinarian I handed it over to will be able to save it. Or maybe they had to put it down. Either way, it's no longer standing in the middle of the street, suffering.
Man, that poor bird bummed me out.
In the road, just ahead of me, were two pigeons. As I neared the pigeons, one walked away like pigeons always do; the other barely moved.
I'll blog about it another time, but I am an animal lover and have rescued many animals throughout my life. It doesn't matter what kind of animal they are, I simply cannot pass by a creature in distress and do nothing.
I didn't want to see that pigeon: I had a strange summer full of animals in need of help, and oftentimes it's very distressing and time-consuming. I told myself, "I'm not going to do anything about that pigeon". I went into the 7-11 and got the coffee, thinking of the pigeon the entire time. When I walked outside, I was hoping it had moved out of the road, flown away, whatever. It hadn't.
I drove out into the street and pulled my car over to get the pigeon. One look at it was enough to know that there was no way I was going to leave it there, it was injured badly, though it was still standing up and put up a bit of a fight when I grabbed it.
Went home, left the pigeon on the dashboard of my car (which is where it had planted itself), got a box, managed to get the bird into the box, ran back in, washed my hands, got back into my car and drove to the West Side to the Wildlife Rescue. That organization is a god-send to those of us who can't look away.
Pigeons are tough birds. I guess they've got to be to live in the city, so close to humans. Maybe the veterinarian I handed it over to will be able to save it. Or maybe they had to put it down. Either way, it's no longer standing in the middle of the street, suffering.
Man, that poor bird bummed me out.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Hot Italian Priests
My sister is living in Italy right now (soooo jealous!) and for Christmas she sent me a calendar depicting priests in Rome. She said, "I knew you would enjoy it". And I do. Two of my favorites:
Possibly the most adorable priest evah. The Italian version of the All-American Boy, a la Matt Damon. He grins with forgiving delight in the confessional upon hearing the naughty things you've been up to. So approachable, you could confess the things you've been thinking about him, he'd duck his head and blush a bit and have you recite only one Our Father. He looks forward to your weekly visits. So do you.
Mysterious, with a touch of danger, just the priest you need when you're looking to do some REAL penance for being SO BAD. His is a tortured past and he fights his demons (and a few of his worshipful parishoners) daily. His smouldering eyes pierce your, um, soul, and he knows that you, just like Samantha in Sex & the City, only want to kneel before him and offer canned goods to the poor.
I just googled "Hot Priests" and see I am several years behind the curve on these guys. Furthermore, it remains a mystery which of the men in the calendar are actually priests. I, however, am not one to let reality get in the way of a good fantasy.
The calendar isn't worth a damn for keeping track of anything, but it'll look perfect on the ceiling over my bed. I mean on my night stand. You can get one of your very own at www.veneziaoro.org.
Happy New Year!
Possibly the most adorable priest evah. The Italian version of the All-American Boy, a la Matt Damon. He grins with forgiving delight in the confessional upon hearing the naughty things you've been up to. So approachable, you could confess the things you've been thinking about him, he'd duck his head and blush a bit and have you recite only one Our Father. He looks forward to your weekly visits. So do you.
Mysterious, with a touch of danger, just the priest you need when you're looking to do some REAL penance for being SO BAD. His is a tortured past and he fights his demons (and a few of his worshipful parishoners) daily. His smouldering eyes pierce your, um, soul, and he knows that you, just like Samantha in Sex & the City, only want to kneel before him and offer canned goods to the poor.
I just googled "Hot Priests" and see I am several years behind the curve on these guys. Furthermore, it remains a mystery which of the men in the calendar are actually priests. I, however, am not one to let reality get in the way of a good fantasy.
The calendar isn't worth a damn for keeping track of anything, but it'll look perfect on the ceiling over my bed. I mean on my night stand. You can get one of your very own at www.veneziaoro.org.
Happy New Year!
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Time for the Annual LISA Awards!
Yes, ladies and gents, it's that time of year again. Okay, this is actually the very first year I've handed out this award. As a matter of fact, the award is named IN HONOR of its very first recipient: My Former Boss.
What exactly is the LISA Award? Well, it's to be awarded to my least favorite person I have personally known in the year for which it is awarded.
My Former Boss wins this distinguished Award because of what the following photo depicts: my severance package, after having worked with her for ten years:
In the interest of fairness I should disclose that there was also a jar of olives included in the kit. My son and I ate those.
The 2008 Winner of the LISA award may visit my new office on any week-day, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to receive her award, a bottle of Boone's Farm Apple Wine, which I will will be happy to present by shoving it up her bum, sideways.
What exactly is the LISA Award? Well, it's to be awarded to my least favorite person I have personally known in the year for which it is awarded.
My Former Boss wins this distinguished Award because of what the following photo depicts: my severance package, after having worked with her for ten years:
Deluxe Martini Kit
In the interest of fairness I should disclose that there was also a jar of olives included in the kit. My son and I ate those.
The 2008 Winner of the LISA award may visit my new office on any week-day, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to receive her award, a bottle of Boone's Farm Apple Wine, which I will will be happy to present by shoving it up her bum, sideways.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Worst Christmas movie ever?
So there I was, laid low with my awful cold, watching dvds on the tube last night. I decided to watch a movie called "Four Christmases".
Bluntly put, SIMPLY CRAPTACULAR. Don't say I didn't warn you!
I hated everything about the movie. There wasn't a single character anyone could care about; as a matter of fact, I was sorta hoping that one of the main characters, say, Reese Witherspoon's, had a highly infectious, totally lethal disease and that everyone she came in contact with (starting with her boyfriend, played by Vince Vaughn) would die, instantly.
Bluntly put, SIMPLY CRAPTACULAR. Don't say I didn't warn you!
I hated everything about the movie. There wasn't a single character anyone could care about; as a matter of fact, I was sorta hoping that one of the main characters, say, Reese Witherspoon's, had a highly infectious, totally lethal disease and that everyone she came in contact with (starting with her boyfriend, played by Vince Vaughn) would die, instantly.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
My Top 5 Christmas Movie Picks
I would've liked to do a Top 10, but these are the only five I can think of; I've got a cold that's getting worse as the day goes on. These aren't reviews, just my recommendations:
1. The Ref. Probably my absolute favorite, I've watched it at least 20 times and my funny bone is tickled with each viewing. Denis Leary, Judy Davis and Kevin Spacey star and I love all of them. Beyond the stellar cast, it has so many elements I love in a movie: a Rottweiler, loads of cursing, cat pee, and wealthy snobs who get theirs during the course of the movie. Oh also, it has a happy ending.
2. Love Actually. I adore this movie, it is so cheezy-sweetie-good in so many ways, with some typical, predictable dark spots. It's an ensemble piece and my favorite stars are Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman. I sometimes want to hate myself for loving it, but I do anyway. Also, it has a happy ending.
3. A Christmas Story. I know this choice is totally predictable, but let's face it, there's a dearth of good Christmas stories out there. Why recite the exploits of Ralphie and his family and friends, you've probably seen the movie 56 times like I have. Let's just say it's a cute story and every kid (big and small) ought to see it. Also, it has a happy ending.
4. It's a Wonderful Life. See #3 above, first sentence. Both of my kids HATE this movie and we've never watched it together. Still, when I'm in the mood to overdose on treacle and angel miracles (and to look at Jimmy Stewart's adorable face), this is a great pick. Also, it has a happy ending. And you resolve to try to be good, good, good from this moment on.
5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The cartoon, not the one with Jim Carrey. A classic that I've been watching for almost a century. In real life, I've never witnessed the miracle of someone's heart growing from "two sizes too small" to one with gut-bursting generosity (in fact, maybe just the opposite), but hey, I guess it can happen. Also, it has a happy ending.
I haven't forgotten Dickens' Christmas Story, it's just been so long since I've actually seen it (and there are so many different movies that have been made of it), that I didn't feel like including it. That, and I'm running out of steam here. But it also has a happy ending!
So you see, I have a hard, crunchy outside and a soft, squooshy middle.
1. The Ref. Probably my absolute favorite, I've watched it at least 20 times and my funny bone is tickled with each viewing. Denis Leary, Judy Davis and Kevin Spacey star and I love all of them. Beyond the stellar cast, it has so many elements I love in a movie: a Rottweiler, loads of cursing, cat pee, and wealthy snobs who get theirs during the course of the movie. Oh also, it has a happy ending.
2. Love Actually. I adore this movie, it is so cheezy-sweetie-good in so many ways, with some typical, predictable dark spots. It's an ensemble piece and my favorite stars are Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman. I sometimes want to hate myself for loving it, but I do anyway. Also, it has a happy ending.
3. A Christmas Story. I know this choice is totally predictable, but let's face it, there's a dearth of good Christmas stories out there. Why recite the exploits of Ralphie and his family and friends, you've probably seen the movie 56 times like I have. Let's just say it's a cute story and every kid (big and small) ought to see it. Also, it has a happy ending.
4. It's a Wonderful Life. See #3 above, first sentence. Both of my kids HATE this movie and we've never watched it together. Still, when I'm in the mood to overdose on treacle and angel miracles (and to look at Jimmy Stewart's adorable face), this is a great pick. Also, it has a happy ending. And you resolve to try to be good, good, good from this moment on.
5. How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The cartoon, not the one with Jim Carrey. A classic that I've been watching for almost a century. In real life, I've never witnessed the miracle of someone's heart growing from "two sizes too small" to one with gut-bursting generosity (in fact, maybe just the opposite), but hey, I guess it can happen. Also, it has a happy ending.
I haven't forgotten Dickens' Christmas Story, it's just been so long since I've actually seen it (and there are so many different movies that have been made of it), that I didn't feel like including it. That, and I'm running out of steam here. But it also has a happy ending!
So you see, I have a hard, crunchy outside and a soft, squooshy middle.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Speaking of Christianity
There is a woman I see periodically around town. She and her daughter make baked goods and dolls and such and she stands outside the post office or the grocery store or the bank...
Which is where I ran into her again today. This time I was flush with $$$ and decided to buy a poppy lemon cake from her. I have no intention of eating it but I'm sure I'll find someone who will. I just wanted to help her out a little.
At the same time, she asked if she could give me some literature. I said, OK, even though I was certain said literature would not interest me (I could see it coming a mile away).
Was I wrong. If you're an agnostic like me, you'd be highly entertained by the mini-mag I was offered.
Their web address is www.aggressivechristianity.net. Here is a sampling (and I'll try to stay true to their format):
"Are you tired of a dead church existence? Are you sick of the once a week, song and dance routine? Are you being told the TRUTH by those who call themselves "Men of God"? Why not get bold, why not get radical, why not go ALL THE WAY FOR JESUS!! What are you waiting for, the "rapture"? Souls are slipping Christless into Hell all around you, what are you doing about it?"...
Beneath this screed is a seal with Bleeding Jesus and his crown of thorns, surrounded by the words "OPERATION RESCUE THE PERISHING".
Hahaha, you can't make this shit up. Except, they did.
Which is where I ran into her again today. This time I was flush with $$$ and decided to buy a poppy lemon cake from her. I have no intention of eating it but I'm sure I'll find someone who will. I just wanted to help her out a little.
At the same time, she asked if she could give me some literature. I said, OK, even though I was certain said literature would not interest me (I could see it coming a mile away).
Was I wrong. If you're an agnostic like me, you'd be highly entertained by the mini-mag I was offered.
Their web address is www.aggressivechristianity.net. Here is a sampling (and I'll try to stay true to their format):
"Are you tired of a dead church existence? Are you sick of the once a week, song and dance routine? Are you being told the TRUTH by those who call themselves "Men of God"? Why not get bold, why not get radical, why not go ALL THE WAY FOR JESUS!! What are you waiting for, the "rapture"? Souls are slipping Christless into Hell all around you, what are you doing about it?"...
Beneath this screed is a seal with Bleeding Jesus and his crown of thorns, surrounded by the words "OPERATION RESCUE THE PERISHING".
Hahaha, you can't make this shit up. Except, they did.
What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding?
In February of 2000, my relationship ended with my best friend. No point in going through the reasons why, but it just ended. Like that, with no "f**k you" or harsh words or even "don't ever call me again".
At the time, I was sort of relieved because we'd been on each others' nerves more than usual, though honestly I just thought we were "on a break" (shades of Friends) and that it would be a few months at most. Well, here we are, almost 9 years later...
A couple of weeks ago I was suffering from existential angst and made a list of everything I was sorry for. I kept each thing I was sorry for succinct, one sentence only. It was 5 pages long, lol. Hey, I'm neurotic, everything is my fault, and besides, I've had a colorful life and I've left a few dead bodies in my wake. She was on the list.
She really was my best friend, we were like sisters we had been lucky to choose. Losing our friendship was worse than my divorce from the father of my children. I've spent years being hurt and confused over the whole thing.
A week after I made my list, I saw my ex-friend in a store. My first instinct was to steer my cart away and down another aisle, and to get far, far away to the other side of the store. Then I said (to myself), "Don't be an asshole", and walked over to her and said hello.
She grabbed me and hugged me and was so happy to see me. We had dinner last night. It really was just like old times, except for the part where she's become a Christian and isn't a bad girl anymore, lol. Will it work out, the Born-Again and the Heathen? I dunno, but I'm happy she's back in my life.
A nice prelude to a new year.
At the time, I was sort of relieved because we'd been on each others' nerves more than usual, though honestly I just thought we were "on a break" (shades of Friends) and that it would be a few months at most. Well, here we are, almost 9 years later...
A couple of weeks ago I was suffering from existential angst and made a list of everything I was sorry for. I kept each thing I was sorry for succinct, one sentence only. It was 5 pages long, lol. Hey, I'm neurotic, everything is my fault, and besides, I've had a colorful life and I've left a few dead bodies in my wake. She was on the list.
She really was my best friend, we were like sisters we had been lucky to choose. Losing our friendship was worse than my divorce from the father of my children. I've spent years being hurt and confused over the whole thing.
A week after I made my list, I saw my ex-friend in a store. My first instinct was to steer my cart away and down another aisle, and to get far, far away to the other side of the store. Then I said (to myself), "Don't be an asshole", and walked over to her and said hello.
She grabbed me and hugged me and was so happy to see me. We had dinner last night. It really was just like old times, except for the part where she's become a Christian and isn't a bad girl anymore, lol. Will it work out, the Born-Again and the Heathen? I dunno, but I'm happy she's back in my life.
A nice prelude to a new year.
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