Another reason why my mother in law is a jerk

Okay, I know some of you hear my regular complaints about my mother in law in private emails. But I just have to share this one publicly.

Obama came to Japan on Saturday, and Lauren, as chair of Democrats Abroad Japan, negotiated some tickets for a few DAJ officers and members to attend the speech. We were 7 rows back, front and center from his podium, and he even addressed us in his speech by pointing to our section and saying, "There are even a few Americans in the crowd." You all know I'm not very sentimental, and we've all met famous people in our line of work, but I have to say, the whole thing was pretty cool. When I came home, Tim was on the phone with Molly and he told her all about my experiences. I don't know what her reaction was, probably nothing since Tim didn't say anything to me. But today, I get this email, an invitation that she received last year--no explanation, no words at all, just the attachment. And you have to know that since this summer's debacle, Molly and I have not corresponded by email. So this is the first email I get from her since this summer.

She's so petty. How did Tim turn out to be so great, I wonder?

So I know some of you have similar relationships with your mother in law. Care to share? Any one have a good relationship?

Linda

Public Porn

I just read an article in the Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/11/AR2009111127404.html?wpisrc=newsletter) about people watching porn in public places on their laptops and iphones and such. The article mentioned that it is so prevalent on subways, in airplanes, and in libraries! I have to ask you all if you have encountered that kind of thing and what you did? If you haven't encountered it, what do you think about it? Read the article if you want to see how some people handled it.

I don't know. Not that long ago, someone I used to work with sent me a link to a porno site and asked if I thought the girl in the pink teddy looked like me. I'm not a prude, but I was sooo put off by that. First, why would someone ask me to watch that? Second, are they getting off on the idea that I may be watching a porno video? And what did they expect me to say? Yeah, that's me, I used to do porn; yeah, that does look like me, so now you can think of me whenever you watch this; no, it doesn't look like me, and why are you thinking of me when you are watching porn? I told Tim about it and we agreed that I wouldn't even respond to that person's email or any subsequent emails. It is just inappropriate, so how much more inappropriate is it to watch that in a public place.

Linda

Pre-Race Prep

I just finished off a big plate of pasta and bread, along with my 12th 16-ounce glass of water of the day. I've spent most of the last 24 hours mentally and physically (or, really, organizationally) preparing for tomorrow's running of the Marine Corps Marathon. This will be my 7th marathon in as many years, but I am a nervous wreck. Probably just as nervous as I was the night before my first race. (At least this time I don't have bronchitis to contend with and I'm not in a different time zone.)

Yesterday afternoon I headed to the DC Convention Center for "packet pickup" to get my race # (I'm 16929), my timing tag, a (very ugly) MCM shirt, and all sorts of other things that the race sponsors threw into the goodie bags. I also purchased a great running shirt that says "I know I run like a girl. Try to keep up." I can't wait to wear it! The pre-race expo was really great - there was an energy and excitement that really got me pumped. It made me realize that, after months of training, it's really race time. There was also fun stuff to do - sampling free beer (in the name of carb-loading, of course) - and see - more running gear and equipment than you've ever seen anywhere. My favorite thing this year (other than my shirt) was a pair of toe socks. Shoeless running is apparently really taking off, so you wear these socks instead of just going barefoot. I'm skeptical, but I'm hoping to see someone on the course tomorrow with them on. Especially the rainbow striped ones! (Last time I ran this race I did meet a barefoot runner who told me he's never worn running shoes and runs a marathon every weekend. Perhaps there's something to it...)

I started today by gathering all my gear for tomorrow. And, boy, is there a lot! I've got the stuff I'll wear to run, plus sweats to wear to the race since it'll be cool tomorrow morning, gloves just in case, power food for breakfast and along the course, Body Glide to prevent chafing, Gatorade, gum, Band Aids, Advil, and flip flops for the way home. I always tell people that one of the reasons I love running is that you don't need a lot of equipment. Today made me question that rationale!

After getting my gear together, I was still a bundle of nervous energy. I set out to distract myself. I cleaned and did laundry, grocery shopped, went out for a protein-and carb-filled brunch, reorganized a closet, took my trash and recycling out a day early, cleaned the cats' litter box, and even ordered a couple Christmas gifts.

I plan to turn in early tonight since I have to get up before 5:00 tomorrow for the race. I just hope I can sleep. I've already mentally run the race about a dozen times today and have gone through every possible scenario of what could go wrong - I get a flat tire on the way to the start, I wake up sick, my hip (which has been giving me trouble) locks up, I lose my way along the course, I collapse and die from a heart attack which happened three times over in last weekend's Detroit Marathon. Yikes.

I'm sure the race will be great and even though (because of my hip) I've pretty much given up setting a personal record, I am still really excited. I can't wait for the gun to go off tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. and set off on another 26.2 mile journey with 30,000 other people who, like me, have just one goal - to finish.

It Really Does Take a Village

While I was at home today, I heard some odd noises in my carport, then Sparky started barking. Before I could get to the window to see what was up, I heard a little, weak voice at my door saying, "Sensei." That's teacher in Japanese, and it was one of my students who is about 7 years old. He said he had fallen on his way home from school and showed me his injuries on his hand and his knee. I had to look really close to see anything, but sure enough, in both places there was a little scratch; no blood, and the skin barely broken, but I sat him down with Sparky, ran to the back of the house for neosporin and bandaids, then fixed him up.

The reason this is such a cute story, though, is because his house is about 5 minutes from mine, but my house, I guess, was the first one where he knows someone, so he stopped here for a quick fix. Tim says this is the perfect example of how we are living the "It Takes a Village" life here. And this is the second time this has happened, although the last time, the girl really had fallen and cut herself. I really like that the kids feel so comfortable with us that they see us as being just another part of the community. You may all take that for granted, but as a foreigner here, we aren't always so welcome. At least the kids and their moms have embraced us.

Linda

Don't you love, love, love this time of year?

I am soooooo happy that fall is here. Right now, the sun is shining, the sky is crystal, the leaves are starting to turn, I am not sweating, and I feel energized.

On top of that, Halloween is almost here (my favorite holiday), I'm working on a haunted house for my English students (and loving it) and planning for the other events coming up. And except for the fact that I have a cold, I don't feel tired. IN fact, I feel like I could do more, more, more!!

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this time of year.

What do you think of David Letterman's situation?

What do you think of the scandal? I have always liked Letterman but thought the announcement was a bit weird. The audience obviously thought he was kidding. There hasn't been any mention of when he had sex with these women. I assume it was while he was married or it wouldn't be such a big deal. Or, maybe he pressured an employee(s) to have sex. The news reports seem to focus on the simple fact that there was sex. Anyone else think that's strange?

Sue

P.S. Last time I tried to post it appeared as someone else's post. Perhaps we're using the same password. I'm not listed as an author and don't know how to be.

So its September, what's on your list?

Ok, I admit it, I'm a list person- I have the big in my lifetime list, the this year list, the this week list and the today list. Oh, and of course, there are two sets of these lists- personal and business.
So my personal list (abridged somewhat lest I make you guys way too bored) for September through December.
1. Finish writing my online and face to face to classes for Wilmington University.
2. Lose 5 pounds- I've given up thinking I'll lose what I really need to lose, right now I'll settle for five freaking pounds.
3. Plan trip to Florida - bless my horse trimmers heart she and her husband are going to let Gerry and I use their Orlando, FL condo the week after Xmas and they are only going to charge us peanuts, so it will be a relaxing vacation that won't break the bank.
4. Ride, ride, ride - find more time to ride.
5. Figure out a way to do Xmas without spending three months getting ready- there has got to be an easier way, would love some ideas.
6. Try to carve out some time to spend in the studio- I've got so many ideas for new jewelry designs and no time to try executing them.

OK, ladies, that's my list, what's on yours?