Good Idea, Bad Idea

Waaaaay back when my teen was a tot, he and I would spend a little time on Saturday mornings watching Animaniacs. We both loved it, though for different reasons. General zaniness appealed to a four year old, and the clever songs and writing roped me in. How could you not relish the opportunity to sing along with Wakko during the 50 States & Capitols, Cheese Roll Call, Parts of the Brain, or Schnitzelbank?

There are a couple of things from the show which seeped into the family traditions:

• Before DD was born, B1 & B2 were known affectionately as Yakko & Wakko, so it was only natural for a baby girl to become Dot.
• For the last decade, any action taken which leads to a Doh! moment is greeted with the words Good Idea, Bad Idea

Today's Good Idea, Bad Idea moment for Joy?

Good Idea:
Taking photos of pretty flowers to send loved ones from a long run route.
Bad Idea:
Taking photos of bloody kneecap to send loved ones from a long run route.

As I learned today, that second type of photo tends to cause a panic. I tripped in spot where a missing chunk of sidewalk was masked by a few leaves. Narrowly averted face plant. Scraped up both hands, both knees, and jammed two fingers by bending them the wrong direction while trying to roll to one side... and scraped right shoulder & elbow when I got there.

No head trauma or bones protruding from skin, so my old tomboy mindset kicked in. The soon-to-be-swollen-purple fingers, road rash, scraps of skin dangling from kneecap, and all the blood... well, it's kind of cool. Helluva way to kick off the official fall half marathon training schedule, eh?

Just call me Grace.

Americathon

Asked during a conversation this past weekend about all the goings-on...

Do you remember the movie Americathon? John Ritter was president, in the 1970s. Supposed to be a glimpse into the "distant future" - you know, around 2000? He had to sell the White House and move into a condo when the country went broke?

I did not remember that movie. Thankfully, we have YouTube.



Since it's from 1979, I'd guess it was on after my bedtime. And, if it was shown earlier than 8:00 p.m., it's not the sort of movie my mom would have let me watch.

Shame it's not available through Netflix.

Reason TV: Stimulis Ad

I'm avoiding conversations about the current battle over bailouts and stimulus packages as much as possible. It's gotten tiresome, both with liberal friends and with my ultra-right wing mother. Thanks to Reason TV, I no longer have to say a word. I can just send this link:

Dinner Conversation

I'm a little embarrassed to admit this, I could completely see this conversation happening at our table. Add a middle child of the boy variety, and toss in a mention of space aliens or monsters from mythology, and... OMG! I think it may have actually happened, more than once.

Ode to... Me

Ode To Joy from Beaker on Vimeo.

The Christmas season is an "interesting" time of year when you have my name. You never know when you'll be greeted by an enthusiastic, off-key version of Joy to the World. Or when handing a cup of hot coffee, or even just a memo to a co-worker, friend or loved one inspires them to sing thanks for bringing "tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy... oh-oh tidings of comfort and joy".

We're entering the height of holiday cheer, now that it's only 1-1/2 weeks to Christmas Day. How do I know? I've been sung to everyday, four days in a row. Different person, each time.

I don't mind it. It's far better than all the "jump for joy" comments during the middle & high school years.

Escape Plan...