*I remember when I used to blog. More than that: I was a blogger. I don't know what's happened to make me stop writing so much. I think it's vanity. I used to be so vain that I had to write something everyday in hopes that people would like me. Now, I err in the opposite direction: I'm so concerned that people will hang on my every word, that I don't want to write at all. So basically, whether I blog or don't blog, I'm a big jerk.
*Monroe is apparently becoming a haven for washed up bands of the mid 90's. Last week, the Gin Blossoms played at the Paradox. I have nothing against the Gin Blossoms, but I don't really have anything for them either. Apparently, they played in the Monroe area even when they were popular. But I guess the Paradox is trying to cash in on such events now because I heard on the radio that Seven Mary Three is playing there soon. I used to love me some Seven Mary Three. That was 1995. The ad was still playing "Cumbersome" and other songs from that 1995 album. It's kind of sad, really. Before you know it, The Presidents of the United States of America will be singing about peaches at the Paradox.
*It will not stop raining here. Before I moved into my current apartment, I was worried it might flood. If it hasn't flooded by now, I'm not worried that it ever will.
Just because you can get the zipper up, doesn't mean it fits.
*I know I've been guilty of some fashion crimes before, but since summer came around, I've seen rampant disregard for this basic rule and I thought someone should say something*
Last week, I started reading The Great Influenza, by John M. Barry. It's the story of the flu pandemic of 1918 which some estimate killed as many as 100 million people. I'm only about a quarter of the way through the 550 pages and while I have mixed feelings about the book and I suspect a serious spin is being put on some of the material, I still find it really interesting.
The chapter I finished most recently tells of the US during WWI - the efforts, the morale, and the politics. It was really interesting to contrast the attitude of the nation during WWI to our attitude now. Before the war, there were about 100 chapters of the American Red Cross. After we got involved in the war, there were nearly 4,000. They used fruit pits (from peaches, plums, cherries, etc) to make carbon for gas masks, so grocers sold fruit at cost and people bought it en masse to do their part. Fashion designers removed pockets, made lapels smaller, ties thinner, and skirts slimmer to conserve fabric. Daylight savings time was implemented to save fuel. Everyone did their part in the war effort.
According to Barry, much of the high morale came from censorship. The post master had the right not to deliver mail that might be anti-war. Even jokes and songs that might be questionable were banned. Suspision of and disdain for Germans and other foriegners was highly encouraged (hence the "liberty cabbage" instead of sauerkraut). Barry makes the US sound like a sugar-coated version of Nazi Germany.
Now, of course, we have quite the opposite problem - we have much lower morale and are skeptical of everything the president does (for better or for worse) and the press prints whatever they want (which I think they should be able to, for the most part).
I won't get into all the pros and cons of these two differents ways of dealing with war morale. I just found the contrast interesting. Of course, the war is not the point of The Great Influenza and I have learned a lot about the history of medicine and medical education in the US and the world. Once I finish the book, I'll try to post a full review of it.
What a weekend: President Reagan passed away, J. Lo got married again, Smarty Jones sealed his fate as a gluestick, and Josh and Lacey got married.
I really enjoyed the wedding festivities. It all started Thursday night at the bachelorette party...I won't devulge any details because, you know, what happens at the bacholette party, stays at the bachelorette party. (I really hate that word "bachelorette".)
Friday was the rehearsal, and I was the official wedding coordinator, a job I have never really done before. I learned a lot about what to do and what not to do in case I end up coordinating for any other weddings. The rehearsal dinner was delicious. Aaron and Amy cooked for it and did a great job. Then of course, we had all the toasts. I really wanted to give a toast, since I've known them both for a long time and had lots of memories I could have shared, but as I didn't think about it before hand, I decided not to give a toast. Since I find that toasts are almost always better when they are written (or planned) ahead of time, I didn't want to stand up and babble on or *more likely* get all weepy and not be able to finish. Maybe I should start planning a toast now for Rachel and Andrew's wedding.
Anyway, the wedding was Saturday evening. I ran around before hand making sure the little details were taken care of. Lacey looked absolutely lovely and the whole style of the wedding suited her very well. We got started on time, no attendants were chewing gum, no one passed out, and they are now officially married, so I figure I did alright with the coordinating.
The reception was super fun. They did a great job picking out music. I think I danced for 4 or 5 hours straight (I only sat out one or two "couple skate" songs.) I was exhausted by the end of the night, but the fun was well worth the exhaustion. I can't believe it, but I'm kind of sad I won't be going to any more weddings this summer.
It's Monday again and I'm tanked up on benedryl and coffee. Should be an interesting day.
June 2 - Amy's Birthday
June 3 - repeat day
June 3 - repeat day
June 5 - Josh and Lacey's wedding
June 14 - not only is it Flag Day, it's also "Pop Goes the Weasel" Day, which could get really annoying
June 20 - Father's Day
June 21- first day of summer
June 25 - only six more shopping months until Christmas!
June 30 - Superman's Birthday (conflicting information - some say it's June 30th, other's say it's Feb. 29th)
June is also:
*Adopt-A-Cat Month (not that anything could ever make me adopt a cat)
*Candy Month (mmmm. Candy.)
*Dairy Month (Got milk?)
*Drive Safe Month (The cops here are celebrating this for sure. Click it or ticket, baby.)
*Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month (I have a fridge full of veggies to prove it.)
*Iced Tea Month (What month isn't iced tea month in Louisiana?)
*People Skills Month (or as I like to call it, "People Skillz Month" -- I like to stay hip with the kids, you know.)
*Rose Month (hint, hint)
*Turkey Lovers Month (You would think that would be November, wouldn't you? Well, you'd be wrong.)
*Accordian Awareness Month (Oh, I'm aware.)
Other Weekly Observances:
Week 1 -
Gay Pride Week (Isn't it always Gay Pride Week?)
Week 2 -
Little League Baseball Week (yea! baseball!)
Meet a Mate Week (Look out, boys!)
Week 3 -
Hermit Week (Talk about boring parties!)
Take Your Pet to Work Week (What?)
Week 4 -
Carpenter Ant Awareness Week (Why do they get a week?)
So if anyone wants to have a party, we've got plenty of reasons this month. Call me. I'll bring the carpenter ants.