holiday summary

Sweet fancy Suri Cruise I haven't blogged in AGES. At first, it was because I was enjoying The Lull, which is a lazy time when work demands ease up a bit and I, well, slack off a little. Which means reading everyone else's blogs. If you were doing the same, and wishing I'd had a little more reading material here for you, I apologize.

And then, of course, I didn't blog because life quickly reverted away from The Lull and back to The Crazy, and then I just didn't have time. Hence me updating my stuff late at night when I should be sitting comfortably on the couch enjoying the return of my regular TV programming.

So, quickly: holiday summary, and then I'll put the rest in separate posts.

Xmas: AWESOME. We threw the tiniest party ever, which I suppose means it was more a "gathering" than a "party." Whatever, we had a kickass cheese platter and pomegranate cosmos and espresso martinis and then Kim brought those chocolate-covered peanut butter cracker things? And it was rad.

We got stuff shipped out on time, but due to the super extreme Colorado weather, they didn't all show up on time. We got a real tree, and decorated the crap out of our house. For the holiday itself, we went to Santa Barbara where we spent almost an entire day opening copious amounts of gifts, and the rest of the day on a scenic walk with the dogs.


Overall, it was a glorious holiday, and I was reminded again how lucky I am to have all My People in my life, and what a beautiful thing it is to be loved.


New Year's Eve: Due to the inherent suckitude of this crappy holiday, we decided to discard our LA party plans and take off for beautiful Seattle.


We cooked dinner, we played Karaoke Revolution, I kicked ass.


And we rang in the new year like the hard-core party animals we are.


Since then, it's been, well. The Lull, followed by The Crazy. Mostly Crazy. I didn't make resolutions this year, per se, but I did make a mental list of Stuff I Want To Do, which I think is different. I've started some things on my list already, crossed off others, not started most of them, and instead started things that weren't on the list, because I am nothing if not a Master of Procrastination. Overall, not a bad start to the year. If I find a little more balance in my life in 2007, I'll put the whole darn thing in the Win column.

Next up: New hobby! The Best Songs of 2006!

Cavity-free since 2003

THAT'S RIGHT.

Today I went to the dentist, after avoiding those drilling harbingers of pain and guilt for three years. I was certain that I would have cavities. I was having nightmares about my teeth falling out. I was dreading this appointment the way some people dread, well, a trip to the dentist.

Back in the summer of 2003 I had to get fillings. Lots of fillings. I went from no cavities to multiple cavities in something like six months, it was wretched. So, whatever, I got the fillings. Thing is, the cavities turned out to be bigger than the dentist thought. And they had to drill WAY more than expected. And they didn't give me enough novacaine at first, so I could totally feel it and had to get their attention so they could drug me more to make the pain stop. And after they drilled the hell out of my tooth, they held up a mirror, for reasons unknown to me, and showed me my hollowed-out shell of a tooth.

AAAAAAAAAAH!

Yeah. I've had NIGHTMARES about that tooth. After that experience I was shaken. I started being a little more vigilant about brushing & flossing, so I wouldn't have to go back. I had nightmares about all my teeth. I was convinced they were all going to rot and fall out.

And then, you know, we moved from Seattle to LA and finding a dentist just wasn't at the top of my list. Like, the last guy totally traumatized me, and you want me to find someone new to do this? No, thank you. So I just didn't go. Until mAc found a dentist he absolutely loved and, today, I gave them a chance.

They were awesome. Really, really nice and understanding about my dread and worries. Really thorough and professional as well.

But that just makes it easier to go back. The best news of the day, though, is that my teeth are FINE. I don't have any cavities! I'm Cavity-free since 2003, baby! Wooooo!

Of course, I have to get my wisdom teeth out still, but that's a whole other thing. Bring on the Vicoden, I say.

Nice!

Hee!

Tonight mAc & I went to see Dreamgirls which was totally fantastic and everything I hoped it would be. Yeah, uneven & all the other things critics have said but whatever. The songs were great, the cast was great, the costumes were sensational, the choreography was outstanding and that Jennifer Hudson totally blew me away. Good on ya, girl!

What made me giggle, however, was when they panned past a building as though it was the outside of a recording studio, and I realized--hey! That's my office building! Look, there's my office! Eddie Murphy's singing like Marvin Gaye in it! Nice!

Sidenote: every time we go to the Arclight to watch movies (the only good place to watch movies in LA, with nary a screaming kid or ringing cell phone to be heard, and a pretty good restaurant & bar to boot) we see a celebrity. Usually a "Hey, it's that guy" type person, although once it was Tom Hanks. Tonight? Dita von Teese, looking fabulous in those ubiquitous, red-soled Louboutin pumps.

side-holding, couch-shaking, milk-snarfing, tear-inducing

If you haven't figured this out yet then I'm just going to tell you: This year's Thursday night lineup of sitcoms on NBC really is Must See TV. Scrubs is a mean-yet-heartwarming, random and hilarious gem. My Name is Earl actually left me cold in it's first couple episodes, and now I love it so much I can't wait to go back to Season 1 and get caught up on everything. The Office is a shameless addiction--the second it's in TiVO I have to watch it. And 30 Rock is straight up brilliant.

There are a million things I love about these shows, but one is that they all feature some of the funniest women on TV, EVER. It's a bold statement but I'm sticking with it. Sarah Chalke, Jaime Pressley, Tina Fey, Jenna Fischer--LOVE THEM.

But also, besides being funny on their shows, they're also completely charming off camera. Check out this TV guide interview with Jenna and Tina. Absolutely DARLING. I don't want to go all stalker-y, but seriously it's stuff like this that makes me want to be all BFF with these women.

In the meantime, I'll settle for side-holding, couch-shaking, milk-snarfing, tear-inducing peals of laughter every Thursday night. You rock, ladies.

all carried away

Golden Globe nominations are out! And while I certainly fall into that group of entertainment consumers who think a Golden Globe isn't as good a TV award as an Emmy, or nearly as good a movie award as an Oscar, it's still exciting. It's nice to see what new TV shows are getting recognition in their first season (Heroes!). Plus the movie nominations often provide clues for what we might see come Oscar time, and I put money on those nominations.

The one I'm most excited about, however, is Ben Affleck's nomination for Best Supporting Actor. SO WELL DESERVED. I'm so freaking happy for him. Like, an unreasonable amount, considering it's not like I know him personally or anything.

It's just, look. I like Ben Affleck. I would consider myself a Ben Affleck Fan. I think he's dreamy, for starters, all tall & swaggering and cute smile, plus the sharp sense of humor and rich vocabulary (yes, a good vocab is a turn on. The rest of you young lads need to read more books). I've seen him do a couple special feature things with Kevin Smith as well as a couple interviews, and he's always intelligent and self-deprecating and funny and charming. And that's just why I like him as a person.

As an actor, I find him wholly engaging. I'm not even going to point to Chasing Amy, though I could, because it's not even my favorite. I really loved his supporting role in Good Will Hunting, actually--mostly understated, but the bit about the sandwich on layaway kills me every time (and I watch that movie a lot). I thought he was the perfect hero in Armageddon, which I've also watched a lot. What? It's entertaining, and that's what movies are FOR. I thought he was viscous and funny in Dogma, I thought he was sympathetic and sweet in Jersey Girl, and I thought he was a perfect Matt Murdock in a somewhat imperfect Daredevil. His entrance in Shakespeare in Love is one of the best, ever.

But y'all, he was AWESOME in Hollywoodland. Really, really good. He delivered a multi-layered performance that was fascinating and heartbreaking. Of course it was absolutely perfect casting, but he really owned that role. I was so impressed, and have been rooting for him to get awards ever since I saw the movie.

I didn't expect to get all carried away with the Affleck love here, but whatever. I'm happy for him. He's got really tough competition in his category ( Eddie Murphy for Dreamgirls, Brad Pitt for Babel, and Jack Nicholson and Mark Wahlberg for The Departed) so I guess we'll just see how the Hollywood Foreign Press votes. (If I had to pick someone else in this category, I'm going with Wahlberg for what was, in my opinion, his Best Role Ever.)

In conclusion: Yay!

*SLAP*

Someone recently sent me a celebrity survey asking, "Who would you want to be best friends with" (John Waters), "Who would you want to call for advice" (Amy Sedaris), and, my personal favorite,

"Who do you want to slap some sense into?"

Oh, dear. Where to even BEGIN?

Here's the thing: I am TIRED of all these young celebrity shenanigans, okay? It just WEARS ME OUT.

There is no good reason to be ridiculously malnutritioned and anorexic when you can afford a team of people to help you look thin and healthy. (This includes psychological help.)

There is absolutely no good reason to have your poorly-written, misspelled blackberry musings pasted all over the internets when you have a personal assistant handy to at least proofread some of that shit for you.

There is no good reason to be flashing your lady bits all over whatever when you can have a La Perla thong stashed in every possible purse, pocket and limo seat cushion imaginable. (And seriously, girls: WHY ARE WE NOT WEARING UNDERWEAR WITH OUR MINISKIRTS IN THE FIRST PLACE? WHEN DID THE VA-JAY BECOME THE SEASON'S MUST-FLASH ACCESSORY?)

Speaking of this horrific new "vadge as accessory" trend, there is absolutely no good reason to be whipping off your pants in public when you just get too hot while partying in Vegas, when you can send any one of your minions to Versace to pick up something more comfortable for dancing. People who are not famous don't take their pants off, for fear of becoming the latest YouTube joke, so what has to happen in a famous person's head to tell her that taking her pants off in a crowded club, with photographers, is an alright idea?

There is seriously, absolutely no good reason to get busted high or drunk on whatever driving your car the wrong way down the 134 at 4 in the morning, when even the average non-millionaire shmoe knows how to call a cab when she gets wasted. And YOU, my dear, can call town cars and limos & shit. Or, again, your assistant.

What the hell is going on? I'd accuse these morons of eating brain tumors for breakfast, Heathers-style, if I thought they ever even ate breakfast.

One theory: none of these chicks have positive female role models in their lives, clearly. They have Paris effing Hilton, which is 6 different kinds of SAD right there.

What they need, is one big sister each. At least one person in their lives to say the things every girl needs to hear from time to time. Like, "Don't call that guy." Or, "Ignore that bitch, she sucks and only wants to make you look bad so she looks better." Or, "Let's eat something delicious and not worry about our asses." Or, "Let's get blow-outs before hitting the premier so our hair doesn't look all stringy." Or, "Give me that blackberry." Or, apparently, "Ooh, honey, put your drawers back on before getting out of the limo in front of photographers, m'kay?"

I know, it's old news. Even the comedians won't touch it because it's all just old, sad news. It's just, you know. Just when you thought the wave of shenanigans was over? It begins anew. Some of these girls are actually talented, too. They have people pulling for them. Rooting for them. And they're just crapping all over whatever good will they receive.

I'm over it, girls. *SLAP* Snap out of it!

Pie!

It's a short week here at work and everyone's on vacation, which should be great? But it's requiring more concentration and work than I expected, and it's been a struggle for me. Partly because I'm so tired, having stayed up til midnight or 1 a.m. the last couple nights in preparation for company, and still getting up early for work. Mostly, however, it's because every corner of my mind is starting to become occupied with thoughts of turkey and gravy and cute napkin rings and place settings and PIE. A quick peek inside my brain this week:

Boss: I need this report to be on my desk first thing Monday morning.
Me: Pie?

Client: Hey can you switch out the links on this page of your site?
Me: Pie!

New hire: Can you show me how to do this?
Me: No problem. Pie pie. Pie pie pie. And also pie. Got it?

Coworkers: Can you help me with this annoying thing I should probably do on my own, but you could do faster?
Me: *sigh* PIE.

it will be GLORIOUS

WELL. Okay. Hi! It's been awhile. Let's see here...

Halloween was fun! We got the house decorated at the last minute and I carved two pumpkins. We went to three parties, I stole my friend Amanda's idea and went as Little Dead Riding Hood and no, you may not see pictures. (Corpse Dinah = not pretty.) My friend Anna came over on Halloween night and we gave out tons of candy while drinking wine, talking about boys and playing the American Idol Scene It game. (Except really, we were just singing karaoke into the toy mic. Did I mention the wine?) Overall: Fun holiday!

Next up: Thanksgiving! I've already bought too much crap. I'm just so excited!! We're going to have a full house this year, dinner for 9 or 10, AND my sister and her husband are coming out from Minnesota. YAY!! We're going to drink some of the delicious wine we've picked up in Napa & Australia, eat copious amounts of turkey and bread and gravy and mashed potatoes, and it will be GLORIOUS.

On a somewhat unrelated note, mAc and I have come to realize that the A-list of people we hang out with in LA, the ones we call most often, the ones who call us most often, the ones most likely to show up at movies & parties? Actually are the A-List: Allistair, Amanda, Alf & Anna. It may look suspiciously like we just can't be bothered to move farther down the address book when making plans. In reality, however, they really are just the coolest people ever. Trust me.

What else can I tell you? Work is kicking my ass, and that is enough on that topic. I'm toying with the idea of ballet classes. I know, what the hell? I'm also thinking about starting running. You can stop laughing aaaaaany minute now.

I guess I will just leave you with one of the prettiest pictures I've ever seen. Our friends Sarah & Ben in Australia got married last month, and they just sent out their photos. The photographers were absolutely fantastic, and this is only one of many fabulous shots they got.

Aren't they a pretty couple?

Seven years ago

mAc and I have one of the most romantic stories around. We lived in different states and met at a conference for work. (Fate!) He stole forks for me. (Criminal, yet sweet!) I came back to Denver all, "I met the most Obnoxious guy!" (Doth protest too much!) But then I realized I lurrrrrved him and needed to make him mine and so we started emailing and calling and then finally, we organized a visit.

Seven years ago, mAc flew to Denver from Seattle to visit me. Seven years ago I was working at this agency as a promotions coordinator for a boss who promised the people who applied for my job after I left, "You WILL cry at this job." Seven years ago I was easily 20 lbs lighter and was rocking size 8 black stretch pants, a red top and black pumps because I wanted to look hot for the guy I'd been crushing on since August. Seven years ago, I escaped my sucky job in the afternoon, hopped into my red '85 VW Scirroco, then got stuck on east-bound I-70, cursing the construction and the traffic getting in my way and slowing down my trek to Denver International Airport. Seven years ago the airport was still relatively new and the parking situation was jacked, and I had to stash my car in the furthest possible parking space before running into the airport.

Seven years ago, security at the airport was much different, and I was able to haul ass all the way to the gate. And that's where, seven years ago, I spied mAc, waiting patiently, playing with a yo-yo, looking as handsome as I remembered. I ran up to him, all apologies and breathless from running, and he smiled, said, "Come 'ere," and that's when, seven years ago, we kissed for the first time.

See, I TOLD you it was one of the most romantic stories around.

I know now we're married we're supposed to celebrate our wedding anniversary & all, but I don't think I'll ever stop remembering October 20 as the date of our first kiss, our first date, our first realization that this might be more serious than either of us ever thought it would be.

So happy anniversary, baby! I'm still so happy you came out to Denver seven years ago. And I'm still sorry that I showed up late.

Us, seven years ago.

What I did on my Australian Vacation

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

hooey

THIS is my horoscope for today. There's not even any advice in here, it just says, "You feel like crap, and your day will likely suck." I'm probably making it too personal with some stuff that's been on my mind a lot lately, and of course I must add the disclaimer that astrology is, of course, all a bunch of hooey (that just happens to resonate like hell sometimes), but DAMN.

From tarot.com: Unsettled feelings may add to your general uneasiness, for it's difficult to get clarity about your current circumstances. Your frustration may tempt you to seek an escape route as you consider closing up shop and cashing it all in. On the other hand, you may feel ready to make a great personal sacrifice, but playing the role of martyr doesn't suit your style. And although you cannot single-handedly save everyone, it's still probably worth a try.

Um, Mom?

Dinah to Mom Sep 26
Subject: Um, Mom?

Hi! I hope you and Dad have been having a fun time on your Minnesotan vacation. I just wanted to say hello, plus I need to update my blog with a "What I did on my Australian vacation" post, and I wanted to give you a heads up about something first.

I got a tattoo.

It's really pretty! It's kind of inspired by you, actually, although I don't know if that makes you feel any better about it. It's a lily design, originally sketched by my favorite, Alphonse Mucha. I found it in a book I bought in Prague, it's on one of his "Documents Decoratifs" plates. It kind of reminds me of the big stargazer lilies you picked out for our wedding arrangements. Did I mention it's really pretty?

It's also pretty big, and on my back where you can't see it if I'm wearing a top with a high neckline, but you can totally see it if my upper back is at all exposed.

So, I love it. I've always wanted a tattoo, and now I have one and it's beautiful. I know I don't need your permission or approval for these things at my age. I just wanted to let you know I did it before I posted it to my blog and you saw the pictures and freaked right the hell out.

You might be freaking out anyway, but hey, it could be worse. You could be mAc's mom--he got his 10th. :)

We'll be in Denver next month for Jeremy's wedding, so you can see it then. I love you! Hope you & Dad are doing well!
oxox
D

Mom to me Sep 29
Subject: Uh, Dinah...

HI! Thanks for the Warning!!!! I might have been shocked, so I appreciate the pre-information. It was probably just a matter of time what with you being married to a walking art gallery. Isn't he running out of room for more body art? How big is BIG? I mean the lily...I guess I'll find out soon.

Dad and I had a really good time on our trip. I'm looking forward to seeing you guys (and your new embellishment). You know, our next trip will be to see you, but I don't know when that will be either. We'll talk.
Love you, Mom

CONCLUSION: MOM = AWESOME
p.s.
Yes. It really hurt.

Ace

How to speak Australian:

G'day! = Hello! Yes, they really do greet each other like this. It's not common, but it's really cute.
How you going? = How you doing + how's it going. Charming!
Aggro = Overly aggressive.
"Crack the shits," or "Crack it" for short = Pitch a fit, throw a tantrum. "By the end of that long march around Sydney I almost cracked it."
Skull = Chug, or slam, as in the beer in your hand. "Seriously dude, we're all ready to go. Skull it."
BYO = The sign a restaurant will hang in the window if they're not licensed to serve you booze, but you can bring your own.
Good on ya! = Good for you! Well done!
Runners = Sneakers, tennis shoes, trainers.
Brekky = Breakfast, only cuter.
Lippy = Lipstick. "A bit o' lippy and I'll be ready to go."
Dunny = Port-a-potty. Also, the subject of the awesome new Aussie film, Kenny.
Lolly = Candy, not just suckers. Also seen: Confectionary.
Uni = University, as in, "When I was at uni..."
Sunnies = Sunglasses. Picked up on a theme with the nicknames yet?
Daggy = Dorky, seriously uncool. As in, "Why am I such a dag?"
Dickhead = An idiot; Jackass.
Wazz = Wizz. Pee. Also the subject of Kenny. (But, again, it's really funny and I recommend it!)
Tart fuel = Vodka cruisers, fruity pastel-colored sugar & vodka concoctions served in 4-packs.
Bogan = A yokel, white trash. Typically sports a mullet, has at least one car up on blocks in the front yard.
Stubby holder = can coozie, styrofoam beer holder.
Bottle shop = The liquor store, as in "I'll just pop round the bottle shop and grab a slab of VB."
Slab = Case of 24 beers in a flat rectangular box.
VB = Victoria Bitter, yummy Australian beer.
Milk bar = Corner store with takeaway food.
Takeaway = To go, or takeout.
Yummo! or Yum Yum Pig's Bum! = Mmm, delicious!
Ginger = Prounced with hard G's, "geengah." A person with red hair.
No worries = No problem, forget about it.
Pashing = Making out.
I reckon = I figure, I imagine, I guess... it's not as "rednecky" sounding here in Oz as it is in the states. Here it's a common figure of speech: "I reckon I ought to wrap this up if we're going to get to the tattoo place on time."

Ace = The best, tops, awesome, brilliant. Everyone we've met since we've been here. I'm in love. I mean, I'm kind of ready to come home and hug my dogs and sleep in my own bed and enjoy the end of summer heat and, like, detox after all the food and drink and all that, but I'd like to bring all of our friends with us. They're ACE.