40 Years Later...

So my dad is retiring tomorrow.

It makes me feel bittersweet.

I mean, he deserves it. He's worked 40 years in the industry, as an engineer, and another ten before that. So fifty years of work and paying taxes.  And he and mom want to travel and rest and go up north and do what they want to do. But a selfish part of me doesn't want to see him stop working. I want to be young enough to have a dad who isn't retired, you know? I don't feel old enough to have retired parents. And I don't want to be old enough to have them be, well, old....

We joke about wanting to retire all of the time. I mean, we get tired of working. It's hard and long and sometimes utterly exhausting.  But I still have 2/3 of my career left.

It's just bittersweet, you know? Selfish. But happiness. I hope he has a long, long retirement ahead.

Good News from Texas

Conservatives are excited about Ted Cruz making it into a run-off against David Dewhurst in Texas. With Dick Lugar going down in defeat, and the "Tea Party" caucus of Marco Rubio, Mike Lee, Rand Paul, and others, having Cruz in the Senate would be another great conservative pick-up. Yes, I am biased because I know him somewhat.

Here's hoping good things happen on July 31.

Graffiato Review

I finally made it to Graffiato. Despite the City Eats reservation snafu, the service was very good. The Kingdom Come cocktail (bluecoat gin, green chartreuse, passion fruit, lemon) was very refreshing.  Green Chartreuse!

What I particularly enjoyed: the flatbread with the pepperoni sauce, the roasted cauliflower, the crispy gnocchi with mushrooms, the arrancini special, and well...everything was good. The asparagus was a little plain, and the spaghetti was very good, though the gnocchi was just perfectly buttery and crisp...we all would have had a second helping. We did not sample the pizzas or desserts, but I would be up for that next time. We all left a little hungry and headed for some frozen yogurt afterwards before it started to downpour. Perfect ladies night out!

Memorial Day

We had both a busy and a restful weekend. Barbeques with friends, including Moira and Bill and Jenny.  Dinners at home, including salmon pasta and fish tacos. Time on the couch, and lots of time at the gym.  Time watching TV and surfing the internet and just chilling.  Time gardening and time running errands.  And time not quite sleeping in.  And time remembering of those "who here gave their lives, that that nation might live."

The week will be busy, and it all starts at 5 a.m. tomorrow. Tonight it's dinner at Graffiato, which I am looking forward to! I'm just grateful that it is not a year ago, when we were about to move, right?

And today is dad's birthday...65.  I have a post about retirement, about how I feel about that, about the realization that I am getting old, and they are getting old, but that the years ahead will all be good ones.  I am not quite ready to write that just yet.

The Simpsons

I don't think I saw a single episode of the Simpsons this year. After two decades, I would make the case it should be retired. But it still has its moments of brilliance, and this Tumblr Site is pretty cool. The best Simpsons movie moments, compared? Now how about a musicial guest comparison, next?

Detroit Goes Dark

It's Drudge's headline right now.

Detroit, whose 139 square miles contain 60 percent fewer residents than in 1950, will try to nudge them into a smaller living space by eliminating almost half its streetlights.

As it is, 40 percent of the 88,000 streetlights are broken and the city, whose finances are to be overseen by an appointed board, can’t afford to fix them. Mayor Dave Bing’s plan would create an authority to borrow $160 million to upgrade and reduce the number of streetlights to 46,000. Maintenance would be contracted out, saving the city $10 million a year.

 Detroit is bigger, landwise, than Boston, Buffalo, and San Francisco COMBINED. 

Veepstakes?

Speculation on who Romney's running mate will be is growing, and I'm with the author of this Real Clear Politics piece that Rob Portman does have the edge. And the Post also profiled him. I also recall that there is a close Romney advisor who is close to Portman, which might also give him an additional advantage.

So what if he's boring? He's competent, by all accounts a good person, a family man, and from the swing state of Ohio. And that would lend some interesting Michigan/Ohio correlation on the ticket, right?

There are certainly other compelling candidates...Paul Ryan, whom I like a lot; Chris Christie; Marco Rubio; a mystery woman (not Sarah Palin, but maybe Nikki Haley--eh; and an also ran like Rick Santorum. But I'd like to see someone experienced, competent, someone who knows economics...I'd be very pleased if it were Portman. Dare I say even a bit excited.

Enough, Obama

Campbell Brown published a fantastic column in the NYT this weekend, telling Obama to "stop condescending to women."

It’s obvious why the president is doing a full-court press for the vote of college-educated women in particular. The Republican primaries probably did turn some women away. Rick Santorum did his party no favors when he spoke about women in combat (“I think that can be a very compromising situation, where people naturally may do things that may not be in the interest of the mission, because of other types of emotions that are involved”); when he described the birth of a child from rape as “a gift in a very broken way”; and how, if he was president, he would make the case for the damage caused by contraception.

But Mitt Romney will never be confused with Rick Santorum on these issues, and many women understand that. (I should disclose here that my husband is an adviser to Mr. Romney; I have no involvement with any campaign, and have been an independent journalist throughout my career.) The struggling women in my life all laughed when I asked them if contraception or abortion rights would be a major factor in their decision about this election. For them, and for most other women, the economy overwhelms everything else.

Another recent Pew Research Center survey found that voters, when thinking about whom to vote for in the fall, are most concerned about the economy (86 percent) and jobs (84 percent). Near the bottom of the list were some of the hot-button social issues.

...

I have always admired President Obama and I agree with him on some issues, like abortion rights. But the promise of his campaign four years ago has given way to something else — a failure to connect with tens of millions of Americans, many of them women, who feel economic opportunity is gone and are losing hope. In an effort to win them back, Mr. Obama is trying too hard. He’s employing a tone that can come across as grating and even condescending. He really ought to drop it. Most women don’t want to be patted on the head or treated as wards of the state. They simply want to be given a chance to succeed based on their talent and skills. To borrow a phrase from our president’s favorite president, Abraham Lincoln, they want “an open field and a fair chance.”

I am so sick of this so-called "war against women."  Most women are not so parisanly driven to think that contraception is threatened or that one particular party is out to get them. It's liberals who are so obsessed with abortion rights and have no idea how government really works. It's the economy, stupid.

Behind Mad Men

I finally got a chance to watch the Behind the Actor's Studio episode with the cast of Mad Men. I largely agree with these observations--the show was far too edited down and Bravo should make the entire conversation available.  Heck, they have dozens of hours of Housewives specials, right? Hideous.

I really respect the actors and their discussion. John Slattery and Christina Hendricks are such consummate professionals...I didn't realize he went to Catholic! And she lived in Fairfax. It's actually amazing at how they all came from small towns (except Jared Harris), and all had to work so hard to make their careers so successful.  And how awesome is Jon Hamm...can you imagine him as a teacher? And to lose both your parents at such an early age?

I am sad that there are only a few more Mad Mens left this season...I hope the next season comes back soon!!!

Dose of Detroit Good News

Great to hear that there are some good young leaders who are invested in the city.

"The biggest problem in Detroit is not crime," he said. "It's not education. It's vision. Nobody can say what Detroit is in a positive way. You watch TV. Detroit is the butt of every joke on every station on every show. 'Well, do you want to go to apocalypse or Detroit?' ... And there's no one saying, 'That's not what Detroit is.' ... You have all these young, semiprofessional people here who have lived in Atlanta, who have lived in Chicago, who have lived in L.A. or New York, and they say, 'I can do everything I ever wanted to do right here.' "

Though I disagree; I believe education and family values and violence and drugs are a BIG part of it.

And yes, Matthew Stafford is awesome. This made me teary.

Suddenly, the Lions own quarterback began bidding on the package, Dhani teased about being able to watch and play at the same time, saying I know you were good last year, but man that is talent. I assumed he was driving the price of the package up, all the money goes to Mott, I thought it was incredibly cool of him. As the bidding continued he wasn't backing off… he was in it, he wanted to win that package, and had I known why, I'm certain, I would have been in tears. Somewhere in the $15k range  Matt Stafford was the owner of the MNF package, the crowd laughed, but moments later, that same crowd would be giving the Mott newcomer a standing ovation. As he won the package he turned to Will and said, there you go buddy, you go to Chicago, and take your family. The look on my sons face, I will never forget. His chin began to quiver, he was about to cry. He quickly jumped up and gave Matt a hug, and thanked him over and over again.

Capitol Hill Classic

With my sore foot, I knew it would not be my best 10K. And it wasn't, at 57 minutes plus. But the Capitol Classic might be the only race of the year, and I am ok with that.  On a gorgeous Sunday morning, though quite warm, it is always great to be running past the Court and RFK and Stanton Park and Lincoln Park and the streets of Capitol Hill.  And Steve rocked it, too.  I forgot that last year when we ran this race, it was the same day as the Taco championship.  Funny how fast time flies, and how things change or not. And I will take 9:16 miles any day, especially with that damn sore right foot.

15 Years Ago...

Carolyn Hax started her column. Wow, have I been reading her nearly that long?

I was 21 and just leaving DC after an awesome Spring semester. I had the DC bug, and I never will forget that barren, dead-tree ridden car trip home.  And I knew I would be back in twelve months.

I was starting work at Giffels in the Business Development Department, my first full-time job. And I was about to be a Senior in college.

I had a summer trip to Chicago to look forward to with Donna, and we saw Robert Downey Jr. and Tommy Lee Jones filming in the street.

My youngest brother graduated from high school.  I did buy them beer once that summer. I was a good sister!

Black Eye for Detroit

Marvin Winans, who delivered the eulogy at Whitney Houston's funeral, was beaten and carjacked in Detroit yesterday. His $15K rolex was stolen.

I think it's ridiculous that they're calling for 24/7 security surveillance for overnight. It's making Detroit a police state, it's making Detroit like some African colony that needs constant surveillance.

But the carjacking is "the talk of the city." And maybe it is low as it can go.  But further down on the site, there's an article about a 96 year old and her daughter being robbed at gunpoint on the west side. And how do you get lower than that?

It seems Detroit can. And has.

Checking Out Bloomingdale

We met up with Katherine and Brian for dinner in Bloomingdale last night. First, Rustik.We took advantage of the happy hour specials for Bell's Oberon and IPAs and pizzas. They were good, not great, but I liked the very neighborhoodly vibe of the place. And it was perfect weather, until the rain came, to sit outside.  Afterwards, we headed a half of block away to Boundary Stone for a nightcap.  Good beer and bourbon selection.  And the place was packed. Again, a great neighborhood vibe, and I was a little jealous of their corner. Perfect for sitting outside on a warm night. And as always, great conversation.   

Must See

Mad Men was good again last night. Any Roger storyline--liking bribing his ex Jane to attend his "Jewish" dinner--is always must-see worthy. And I really like Megan. And Fat Betty. And Brat Sally. And Don. Sigh.

But this--the cast appearing on Inside the Actors Studio--is certainly a must see recording.

And Don not sexy enough? Umm, Jon Hamm is SO sexy enough.

TV

I haven't watched as much television over the last few years. Just not as many good shows.  But with it being May, there are a few finales I'm really eager to check out. Like Grey's Anatomy. It jumped the shark for me a couple of times, but I've been digging this past season. Like who is going to die? I am going with Arizona or Callie. Or perhaps someone totally unexpected, who isn't even on that plane. Like someone getting hit by a bus like George was. 

I've also enjoyed the Big Bang Theory. I thought this season was flatter than previous ones, though I did find a sweetness to last night's finale's last season, when Bernadette and Raj held hands, then Leonard and Penny, and then Sheldon with Amy. Awww...and the wedding was super cute.

I am also into How I Met Your Mother. I am looking forward to the big reveal of whom Barney is getting hitched to. I can't believe it'll be Robin, but who the heck knows?

I might also DVR the Desperate Housewives finale. And maybe House, though both those shows jumped the proverbial shark a while ago.  But I do care a bit about how DH will end up. I hope someone will get a happy ending.

Of course, there is Fringe, too, but we are so far behind. I do have 1.5 seasons saved up on the DVR.

I will also tune into American Idol out of habit. I am going to predict Jessica or Phillip will prevail. 

And finally, there is Mad Men. Um, I am going in serious withdrawals even contemplating the season finale. How awesome is that show! And yeah, I do predict a death on that one, too.

Bullying Bogus

The Post has written a horrid story painting Romney as anti-homosexual bully.  Because actions fifty years ago are THAT relevant in the campaign!

I've written of my experience being bullied, and no, I don't think all of this is so easily forgiven and forgotten.  But this is all very one-sided, based on ancient history, and involves teenage boys, who probably are not terribly mature. 

And more signficantly: what is the greater character flaw? Cutting some kid's hair, or doing cocaine? I'm waiting for the interview of Obama's high school friends? Or were they all too drugged up to remember their high school years?  Relevant, much?

Uganda

Come July, we're going to Uganda. And I ordered some books to prepare. As if anything can prepare me.

Yeah, I am a bit nervous. It seems so far away. And it'll be so hectic. And I'm worried about sleep deprivation and bickering with the husband and getting sick. But it's a whole new world. And while I am a bit apprehensive, I am also excited about going somewhere big. Somewhere completely new.

Block Party

The block party was a lot of fun. Lots of great tacos, lots of great music, lots of great opportunities to meet new neighborhood friends.  I even won the salsa contest, whoo hoo!  We went all afternoon, and the turnout stayed strong all afternoon and evening.  And no rain! That was a bonus, since it downpoured in Arlington.

It reminded me of those days in Detroit, when everyone knew their neighbors and kids were in and out of each other's homes.  Neighbors stopped to talk to neighbors on the stoops. Was it Eric, that older man that dad talked garden with? And Emil....he always remembered us with kind cards and recognition. He lived next door to that mean older lady...maybe she was just lonely.  And Art & Emma, and the Millers and the teenagers at the corner.  And the cop with the big dogs.  And Chris R's uncle across the street.  There was the Mitchells and Jerry's family and of course Diane. We all lived near other and grew up together on Edmore. And around the block there were always others we knew, Brett and Marisa.  And a block away even more.  We all knew each other on that block. And when neighbors gathered together, eating and drinking and talking and dancing, it reminded me of those days 25+ years ago.  I wasn't sure if that camaraderie could exist today, but of course it can. So here's hoping there will be another.

So Emotional

I was watching a CNN video today that showed amateur video of the Challenger disaster.  The interview made the point that immediate video is so common now with camera phones that the novelty of this is really unique. Now anyone can whip out their iphones to record footage, but 26 years ago it was so rare. The narrator's voice was so excited to see Christa McAuliffe lift into space, and then so saddened after the explosion.  Seems like yesterday.

Just after that, there was a video of Junior Seau's mother upon learning of her son's suicide.  It was frankly too troubling to watch. The deep grief, the sorrow...ugh. Some tragic footage to piece together.

Anyway, no real point other than the fact that we all share in this kind of grief, and prayers are for those difficult days ahead.

May Days

May has always been a favorite month of mine.  Spring is in full swing, and it's Mother's Day/birthday time/graduation season etc. and just everything is in bloom and everyone is happy.  It's not yet the steamy summer and the days are nice and long. I always like to play the 10,000 Maniacs song "These Are Days" for that line about "when May is rushing over you...to be filled with desire...to be part of the miracles you see, in every hour...you know it's true...that you are blessed and lucky."

This months marks my 18th year after high school, which truly reflects half of my life lived before high school and half of my life as an adult, so to speak.  You know what stat I heard the other day that was scary? That it's now been twenty years since the Cosby Show went off the air.  Two decades! You can be 20 and have never been alive when a new Cosby show aired. Wow.

So not much of a point to all of this, except to say that I love May, and I love Spring.  And time is already going by so fast, and it's sure to be a busy summer....

Traveling Times

The last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind. We were in NYC a week ago, with dinner at La Grenouille.  And Chicago this weekend, at Sepia. Two different meals, both good, though I'd give the edge to La Grenouille, despite the fact that the chicken was ok. That chocolate cake and salmon tarte were both very tasty.  Sepia's highlight was probably the gnocchi, if only because most people could not figure out the skate and the salad was rather ordinary.  In between the dinners, of course, we served our gourmet bratwursts to watch the NFL Draft. 

Though the best meals might have been at Heaven on Seven (shrimp and crab) and Cafe Grand Lux for brunch (an omelet).  Really, because those were purely dinners with friends.  Quite simply memorable.  And shopping with Michelle.  Days like that are too few in between.