GLADIATOR IN A SUIT

Lately, I have been binge watching episodic series on 'Netflix.'  The last series I indulged was "SCANDAL."  Yes, I watched every episode in just a few days never leaving the house.  I ate, slept and drank the series.  If anyone called I quickly hung up the phone indicating I was busy and would call them back another time.  

The series is mesmerizing. I can't get enough of the writing skills of Shonda Rimes.  She is awesome! [Grey's Anatomy].  

I want to be a "Gladiator in a Suit."  That's what the employees in the company call themselves; gladiators.  They are 'fixers.'  They pride themselves on fixing everything; all problems. No problems too big or small from murder to finding hostages in 3rd world countries. The show is set in Washington, D.C.  There are [5] lawyers and [1] IT person composing the 'publicity' firm otherwise known as 'fixers.'  They utilize all of their contacts, brains, and skills to fix all facets of problems. Of which, are done, at a price, of course.  Oh, and one important facet of the storyline is that the lead associate in the company is the mistress of the President of the United States. Small detail, I forgot to mention earlier. 

Eventually, you find out the background of all the 'players.'  Somehow, historically, they are connected.  Just finding out their back histories alone is fascinating.  I am not giving up any more information.  Now that I am completely caught up I am anxiously awaiting the start of Season 3-part 2 [8 episodes] which aires February 27th on ABC. 

Here's my recent Netflix binge viewing:

"Scandal" - High ranking

"House of Cards" - Fabulous

"Breaking Bad" - I started with this one although, still waiting for the last season to become available.

"The Wire" - Next for a redo during a blizzard.  Love that show.

"MY MOTHER SAYS IT'S CHESTNUT"

The other night I was sitting on a bar stool next to a friend of mine.  The topic of the moment was of balding men.  My friend told me his story when he first was dramatically affected by his gradual hair loss.  

He was in JCPenny [Jacque Pennay] buying a shirt.  In the dressing room there were mirrors enabling you to see yourself from behind.  It was at that moment he caught a glimpse of the back of his head and saw that his hair loss was substantially noticeable.  That was his first horrifying moment of his baldness.  He continued to lose his hair, but that was the defining moment.

He has lost most of his hair and has, of course, accepted it.  What can you do. Of course, there are many avenues that can be taken to compensate for the hair loss, ie, replacement, wigs, plugs, shampoos, blah blah blah.. nothing, although, to permanently grow the hair follicle back to a full luster of locks. Although, research and products tell you otherwise. People spend lots of money to use these products with a glimmer of hope that they work ultimately returning their beautiful locks.  Sadly, it doesn't work that way.

 Thankfully, it's quite trendy and sexy to be completely bald.  I would say the majority of men remove whatever remaining hair is left on their heads to give it that shaved look; or, crop it very tight.  

The only comparison I have on how this feels is that after my pregnancies my thick long hair definitely thinned; particularly in the front; to the point it was coming out in clumps.  I am horrified with this even after 22 years.  I look at pictures of myself when I was younger and miss my thick thick hair.

I remember my friends' hair from our high school days.  My friend had a gorgeous mop and I told him so.  I said, 'you had beautiful hair in high school.'  His response was, "My mother called it, 'Chestnut'."  Even better, she continues to express its once beautiful luster and color of Chestnut when the discussion permits. 

Remember the comb overs, or the 'bozo' style [little excessive].  Times have sure changed.  We are so advanced now to accept baldness as sexiness.

SAGITTARIUS 2014-RUN AND HIDE MY FRIENDS OR ENJOY THE RIDE

My Friend shared the 2014 horoscopes online.  I only  read it because for her to post this site it must show a bit of accuracy. For all those who know me, it's amazingly spot on.

SAGITTARIUS – The Promiscuous One (November 22 to December 21)
Spontaneous. High appeal. Rare to find. Great when found. Loves being in long relationships. So much love to give. A loner most of the time. Loses patience easily and will not take crap. If in a bad mood stay FAR away. Gets offended easily and remembers the offense forever. Loves deeply but at times will not show it, feels it is a sign of weakness. Has many fears but will not show it. VERY private person. Defends loved ones with all their abilities. Can be childish often. Not one to mess with. Very pretty. Very romantic. Nice to everyone they meet. Their Love is one of a kind. Silly, fun and sweet. Have own unique appeal. Most caring person you will ever meet! Amazing in bed!!! Not the kind of person you want to mess with- you might end up crying. 4 years of bad luck if you do not share this post.

The last line, best of all... since I have bad luck on a regular basis. So, I am sharing with the WWW in hopes of a change.    :)

FUR OR NOT TO FUR

When I was 18 years old, which seems a million years ago, I just stopped eating veal which, coincidentally, used to be my favorite food.  One day, after reading or watching the preparation of veal I simply couldn't bring a bite of veal to my mouth let alone over my gums. Over the past several decades I may have accidentally eaten it twice and one time knowingly. Don't misinterpret, I am not a vegetarian or vegan by any means.  I do enjoy my rib eye steaks [cooked rare or med rare] with mashed or baked potatoes and a glass of cabernet.  

This boycott preceded not wearing fur coats.  Not just seal coats, but all fur coats including rabbit. I couldn't stomach the idea of wearing any fur coat.  Although, I had, at the time, my grandmother's fox stole and white mink collar hanging in my closet for safe keeping. While they weren't being worn, they were hers, and I couldn't possibly get rid of them.  The last picture taken of my grandmother was of she and my grandfather together on a cruise.  She was wearing the white mink collar.  To this day those two pieces hang safely in my closet.

Needless to say, 29 years later [4 years ago], I found myself working in Detroit, Michigan where the weather is freezing cold comparatively speaking, to let's say, North Carolina and southward to Florida.  Anyway, the car companies had either closed or re-organized leaving many individuals and families unemployed.  The women were literally discarding their valuables for small amounts of $ just to be able to help support themselves and their families. 

I found myself searching craigslist for fur coats. I found two that interested me for whatever reason.  I am still dumbfounded as to what changed my mind about the fur trade altogether allowing myself to buy a fur coat; let alone two.  I called each person arranging to see and try on the coats.  The latter of which, was the most difficult.  I nearly cried in their living rooms.  Regardless of the tears and sadness at the thought of the poor animals, I bought a beautiful mink espresso fur coat and a chocolate brown seal coat.  Both are extremely warm and absolutely beautiful.  

Convincing myself to buy the coats was simply that these women were going to get rid of; perhaps, even toss in trash, these beautiful skins of cute little animals. In honor of the animal I bought the coats [for a total of $300]. I have yet to wear the seal coat, but it also hangs safely in my closet along with my grandmother's pieces.  I have worn the mink on several occasions including pick up excursions to the airport while wearing pajama bottoms, the pharmacy, and out on the town three times, tops.  I have to say, they are extremely warm.  

While I don't condone the purchasing of brand new fur coats, I would be hypocritical to not give tacit approval to buy a used coat especially if they are to be tossed disrespectfully to the wayside.  Maybe I am saying this just to further convince myself that it was okay for me to buy and wear the coat/s that peacefully hang in my closet. If someone has interest in wearing or caring for a fur coat then, albeit, then buy, wear, care and bury it in the end.

OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES

Typically, that adage references something out of the mouth of a young child.  However, in my case, I am referring to my two daughters whose ages just commence the 20s.  Just prior to celebrating the New Year with our annual 'linner' party [meal served between lunch and dinner], my two daughters and I were in the kitchen preparing for our guests; a small group this year of 14. The discussion went completely ary in a very obscure direction.

Before beginning, let me just say that in no way whatsoever do I do drugs or encourage the use of drugs.

Our conversation commenced with the odd inquiry.... "Mom, if you had the chance to hang out with Barbara Streisand, but you had to do shrooms, would you?"  Yes, I did respond to that.  No idea as to why, but I did.  "No way; not even for Babs."  

The girls had returned from their New Years' Eve festivities just shortly before.  One of which still had a bit of vodka racing through her veins along with the giggles and an advancing headache.  Hello hangover.

Anyway, the conversation escalated into our making a list of whom we would do what drug with from the past.  The following is what we came up with?

John Lennon        -   mushrooms

Bob Marley           -   weed

Jimmy  Hendrix    -   acid

Jim Morrison        -   heroin 

Not that we would ever do any of the aforementioned substances, but simply stating who we would party and with which appropriate poison.  

Of course, we took it a step further when daughter #1 included:

Betty White        -   weed

Seth Rogen         -   mushrooms

It's hard to believe and imagine that our conversations have surpassed the simple light-heartedness concerning their friends, boyfriends, schoolwork to now hardcore silliness.  Albeit, in a light-hearted manner, but still ridiculous and absurd.  Except, the thought of smoking pot with Betty White is kind of amusing. 

side note:  IF anyone is reading please forgive as it was simple banter with the kids. I thought it was funny.