29 March 2010

Brand New Contacts

current mood: Hopeful

We are all made of air
There's stars in my eyes and there's sun in my hair
And I'm running away, it makes me feel better
~ “Brand New Shoes” by She and Him


I picked up my new contacts this weekend. My left eye (the one with the spork scar) got a little worse. My right eye (the one without a spork scar) improved. The new prescription doesn’t affect me much while driving or walking around – but at a computer monitor, there is MASSIVE improvement. I no longer see blurry letters while reading e-mails. My eyes actually focus immediately upon looking at the screen. What a relief!

As you know, my beautiful car is named Lucius Verus, and my license plates say LUCIUS V to honor one of the lesser-known former emperors of Rome. Saturday, when I came out of my car after visiting a local retailer, there was a piece of notebook paper on my windshield. I grabbed the hastily scribbled note and laughed aloud as I read these words:

“Harry Potter is NOT happy about this. . .
-Dumbledor
p.s. I rose from the grave. 926-XXXX”


It took me a few seconds to realize the reference was to my license plates. Lucius Malfoy is a villain in the Harry Potter series (for the one person who hasn’t read at least one of the books) and “V” clearly stands for he who shall not be named, also from the series. Amused at this clever (if not somewhat juvenile) interpretation, I texted the number which was left on the notebook paper. Here is the short conversation which followed:
ME: It says LUCIUS V for Lucius Verus, a Roman emperor. Cute note though.

HP FAN: Haha it says lucius v for voledemort. . .

ME: Ridiculous

HP FAN: The two ppl that passed you. Big car in front of yours that pulled off when you were still in your car was us. The dark lord is no match for harry.
Unfortunately, I did not see the aforementioned car – but based on the torn sheet of notebook paper and the handwriting, I assume they are too young, even for me. Still, they were clever, and I have to appreciate their sense of humour.

I also am considering getting new plates which say L VERUS instead, to avoid further confusion. When these expire, perhaps. Lastly, here is my most recent plea for donations for the Susan G. Komen 3 Day for the Cure.

Hi. As April approaches (far too rapidly for my comfort) my desperation increases. In 124 days, I will embark on a 3 day journey to walk 60 miles to fight Breast Cancer. The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure is a 60-mile walk over the course of three days. Net proceeds from the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure™ are invested in breast cancer research and community programs. Our team, the Second Base Preservation Society, is walking in Cleveland July 30 - Aug 2. Unlike in years past, the economy is such that large donations are very hard to come by. Even my own ability to donate has decreased. I completely understand. That is why I have broken it down to these smaller, much more manageable numbers.

I have to raise a minimum of $2,300 to even participate in the walk. Whatever I don't raise in donations will be going on my credit card due to the walker contractual agreement with the Susan G. Komen 3 Day for the Cure. This means that I have to raise $12.32 a day for the next 124 days. If I could get 124 people to each sponsor a day -- I'll meet my requirement. Or, if you can make a larger donation, I only have to raise $84.83 per week, for the next 18 weeks.

I could break it down by the hour or even the minute, if it would help inspire you to make a donation. Please, tell me what I need to do in order to encourage your monetary support. You can make an online donation with a credit or debit card at: www.the3day.org/goto/jtuck2010

It is secure and safe and easy and the thing to do. Thank you for your moral and financial support as I once again take on this monumental task to stop a disease that stops too many women (and men). Donate to honour a female in your life who means a lot to you.


PERSONAL NOTE: Thank you for your donation today. As Natalie Merchant would say, you are kind and generous

PRIVATE NOTE:
You are smart and handsome and all a girl could want in a guy!

10 March 2010

Perfect Plank for Me to Walk

current mood: exhausted and melancholy

The silence isn't so bad
'Til I look at my hands and feel sad
'Cause the spaces between my fingers
Are right where yours fit perfectly
~ “Vanilla Twilight” by Owl City


Why is it that when one feels vulnerable or hurt the best defense is always a good offense? I am non-confrontational by nature. Therefore, I tend to engage in guerilla warfare (aka passive-aggressive behaviour) disguised as hostility. My tone of voice and facial expressions give more away than I like to admit. Over the past 14 months, I have put forth considerable effort in reducing my passive-aggressive tendencies. I actively practice assertiveness and direct discussion on a daily basis. I made the decision to exercise rational thought and logic – and for the most part, I have succeeded. Strike that – I HAD succeeded, until I started on this special Lenten, high nutrition, primarily liquid, diet. It appears that restricted calories and “grey-colored” smoothies have not done much for my winning personality. For that, I am sorry.

In other news, I received a “tweet” from an ex-boyfriend today that told me my childhood teen idol is dead. Corey Haim apparently died of a drug overdose this morning at the age of 38. I guess he never could kill the demons which haunted him. Why is it that so many child-stars end up so horribly unhappy as adults? What’s really crazy is that his “wikipedia” article has already been updated with his death and it’s been less than 3 hours. His personal; website is NOT updated, however, and instead is advertising his new film:
“Giordano World Entertainment is showcasing AMERICAN SUNSET which is being touted as Corey Haim’s big comeback to movies.”
I have two comments to this: 1. By theatrical release, they mean “RedBox” and 2. Not so sure that this “comeback role” will help his career now.

The website BIO section also had this to say, “BTW, Ladies: COREY is currently absolutely happy, thrilled and completely cool about being single – yes, he’s available!” The website doth protest too much, methinks. Moot point now, I imagine.

Still, I find the situation rather sad. Granted, I am not as profoundly effected as I was when Heath Ledger died – but, perhaps the reason is that most people thought Corey Haim was dead already (except me and the 5 people who watched that show, ‘The Two Coreys’ on A&E a couple years ago). I am interested to see how his death is Corey Feldman’s gain. More royalty checks when USA Network holds a Corey Haim movie marathon, including such greats as “Lost Boys” and “License to Drive”.

PERSONAL NOTE: I love you. I was out of line. My apologies.

CONFIDENTIAL NOTE: Words are more than black and white.

Eidetic Vision

Main Entry: ei·det·ic Pronunciation: I-'det-ik Function: adjective : marked by or involving extraordinarily accurate and vivid recall especially of visual images - an eidetic memory Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.