Channeling Mama Bea

Ever stop to realize how silly the things are that we form emotional attachments to?

Mama Bea is notorious for keeping items simply because of their emotional value - my elementary school artwork, Brother Bea's many sports trophies, our graduation gowns and toys/blankets/stuffed animals...and I always tease her because our small house is stuffed to the gills with stuff.

Not artifacts, collections, or anything like that. Just stuff.

Florida and I were moving things around in "his" bedroom in our apartment today and I asked him what this big blue piece of material was. He answered that it was his graduation gown. I laughed.

He blamed it on his mom...but then again if he didn't want it, he could just get rid of it...after all his mom lives in Florida and probably wouldn't notice if it went missing.

And yet, just now, as I clean out my closets and continue the never ending process of packing I find myself channeling my inner Mama Bea (and Lord knows how I try to keep that woman out!)

My denim mini-skirts that I only wear on my birthday...

Mama Bea's vintage t-shirt that says "100% Fat Free..."

or Mama Bea's vintage t-shirt that says "Never trust anyone under 6,000 feet - Lake Tahoe..."

The sequined tube top Grandma Bea made for me...

hell...all my sequined tube tops (there are few. Don't judge...)

The many pairs of pants and skirts that simply no longer fit but were expensive and therefore in my mind should be kept...

It's all so silly...and yet it's causing a major delay in my packing.

I know that I don't want to pack, ship, and store these items...yet my emotional attachment to them is so strong I just know I will break into tears if one day I open my closet and don't see my favorite 100% Fat Free shirt.

Nothing more to this post - just my random thoughts on the packing process thus far (which is terriboo!)

Happy Tuesday evening, sweet friends!

Cheers,



PS - yes I know that I am a woman of a certain age and women of certain ages do NOT wear sequined tube tops and denim miniskirts...

AIDS is DC's Katrina

(Source: http://www.aidshealth.org)

I'm not sure how I feel about this.

Yes, it is provocative. Yes, it is thought-provoking. Yes, it is encouraging debate.

But is it appropriate?

To give a bit of background for those non-Beltway folks (read: people outside of the DC area,) DC does have a staggering AIDS problem. According to the AIDS Healthcare Forum, the group behind this ad, the AIDS rate in DC is over 3%.

The imagery shows President Bush looking from Air Force One over the devastation Katrina left behind - devastation many feel he did not do enough to rectify before leaving office. It is left to the reader to deduce that President Bush's non-action during Katrina is tantamount to President Obama's non-action over the AIDS epidemic (assuming they mean nationwide, as AHF is based in Los Angeles, not DC.)

I've been meaning to write about this for some time now, as it is the ad in my bus stop I sit at nearly every day. In fact, the ads are primarily being displayed in bus stops, and bus riders, at least on the lines I ride, tend to be African-American.

It is no secret that AIDS disproportionately affects minorities. I wonder, however, if President Obama were white (or perhaps, if it were President McCain,) if we would be seeing the same ad. Would the hands gripping the cardboard be white hands? Would there be a different tragedy used as the central image?

I don't have the answers. But, I open this topic up to constructive debate, well aware that I might get hateful comments and email.

Cheers,

Sweet Bea

I need to do laundry like WHOA

I do not know what is wrong with me lately!

I have so much paperwork to do - stupid taxes (which will be a nightmare because of the campaign), medical insurance claims due to the fall, and I know for a fact I need to organize my files that have been neglected since before I went to CA for the campaign (read: May.)

So what am I doing?

Laying in bed, in my jammies, on the blogs.

Now, I could have grabbed all my paperwork and worked on it from my bed. But no.

I'm trying to figure out what to wear to do laundry. Seriously.

I need to wash my pjs.

But if I change out of my pjs, what do I put on?

Jeans? Nope, need to wash them all TODAY.

Other pj pants? Nope, those need to go into the "colors" load.

Workout pants? Nope, those need to go in the "darks" with the jeans.

Ok ok, I'll leave the PJ bottoms on, whatevs. But what about the shirt?

Need to wash the t-shirt I'm wearing with the "darks." UGH!

This might be the stupidest conversation with myself I've ever had. And believe you me...that's saying something. But I felt like sharing with all of you.

Somebody please put me out of my unemployed misery!!!

Cheers,

Sweet Bea

PS - does anyone else have massive problems with the Italic button not functioning? When I try to write something in italics it's fine...but when I try and go back to normal font, it won't stop writing in italics, even when I edit the HTML. The only thing that works is highlighting what I've written in italics (that is supposed to to be normal) and then unclick the Italic button. It's driving me CRAZY!

Keep it in the family, folks!

You know something that just absolutely burns me up?

Its going onto Ebay and looking up my sorority's name to see what cute stuff I find...and am welcomed with an onslaught of badges.

I get that even thought you say you are Greek for life that sometimes that life interferes and you take on other priorities. I won't claim for one moment that I've been the best alumna - not even a good one.

But I would never, no matter the cost, give my badge to someone outside of the sisterhood.

I realize that many of these are from deceased members who didn't leave instructions for their badges and pins. I get that.

But, even if you were dealing with the death of a loved one and in cleaning our their items stumbled onto their badge, why on EARTH would you think it was acceptable to give that person's badge away???

Grandma Bea is in a nursing home and we know that she will never live in her home again...so when I was home during the campaign I'd try and help Mama Bea go through some of her things. I was specifically looking for her pin, from Alpha Delta Pi (Psi Chapter, UC Berkeley, 1930 I believe), because I want to make sure that it doesn't get into the wrong hands. I will return it to the headquarters where it will be properly looked after.

Even if I wasn't Greek, Mama Bea (who didn't go to college and doesn't really understand the whole thing) wouldn't just give Grandma Bea's pin to someone, or sell it on Ebay!

When you enter into a sorority or fraternity there are certain rules, certain standards and traditions, that you subscribe to. Your initiation - and the several weeks of hard work that often precede it - teach you these rules and traditions. Just as I don't sign off as Sweet Bea, MD because I didn't earn it, you don't get to wear my letters because you didn't earn it. I didn't get to wear an honor cord at my graduation because I didn't earn earn it, and you don't get to learn the history and symbolism of my rituals because you didn't earn it.

Please don't think that just because you purchased a Greek pin on Ebay you have the right to wear it, display it, share it, or do anything with it. You do not. You did not earn that right. Speedos can be purchased on Ebay too, and Lord knows nobody, outside of this guy has earned the right to wear them.

Chill out Bea...calm down Bea! I know, I know, I'm ranting like a lunatic (I'm actually on Ebay procrastinating setting mousetraps...ugh!) but still, it just really frustrates me to see people pledge themselves to something with so little care and thought.

Ok done. Soapbox neatly tucked away under the bed (with the mouse, who my cousin says should be named Thundersnow, after the crazy phenomenon happening in Wisconsin, my second home, right now.)

Cheers,

Sweet Bea (MD)

Thoughts on new living situation...

Have you ever felt like a stranger in your own home?

That's how I feel right now.

I just moved into a new apartment, and after living alone for the last 3 years, I have a roommate.

And the roommate has a boyfriend, of course.

And the boyfriend's old roommate is my old boyfriend, Badger.

Lovely.

Today was my first day in the apartment, after spending all day yesterday moving boxes and furniture...I don't have keys yet, so I literally couldn't leave the apartment and go anywhere (including to get food!) because I couldn't get back in. Which is fine, as I am not paying rent until January 1, but still.

So right now, roommate and her boyfriend are watching a movie in the main room, and I'm hiding out in my room.

This is silly right? I should be able to go out into the main area and watch a movie with them...but they're all mushy and kissy and frankly it is depressing me because I want to be mushy and kissy with Badger, and I can't be because he broke up with me.

So I ask you: is it wrong that I feel like I'm not supposed to come out of my room? I mean, there is a TON of unpacking for me to do, and I have a cold, so I'm sure it doesn't seem weird that I'm hiding out in here, right??

Just needed to get that off my chest...I suppose now I'll start unpacking...ugh.

Sorry to be a grump...I'm just a bit out of sorts right now I suppose.

Cheers,

Sweet Bea

RIP Cousin Jean

So I woke to some sad news this morning, my mom's cousin Jean passed away about 3 hours after requesting to be pulled off the machines.

Her problems started years ago when she had an ingrown toenail. She went to get her regular pedicure, and her pedicurist offered to remove the ingrown part, and it all went downhill from there. She developed a staph infection in her big toe, and for years the doctors couldn't get rid of it. They finally figured out that the reason they couldn't cure the infection was because they wouldn't get the antibiotics down to her big toe because of incredibly poor circulation. At this time, she was also diagnosed with emphysema and put on an oxygen tank.

About a week ago, she went into the hospital and I think most people knew that she wouldn't be coming out. Last night she grew tired of being hooked to all the machines and requested the machines be removed.

Cousin Jean was a staple at all our holiday gatherings (there are only about 4 or 5 of us) and never ceased to keep us in stitches the entire time. She was absolutely hilarious and she and my mom were really close (they are only a few months different in age.) Jean's favorite activity at our house was to tell embarrassing stories about Mom, which was awesome for us and drove my mom absolutely insane. But the holidays weren't complete without Jean and her constant teasing.

So today, though I am sad and wishing I was back in Cali with my family, I give thanks for my cousin Jean and her ability to always light up a room. Though she isn't with us anymore, her memories will always continue to bring a smile back to our faces.

Cousin Jean, you will be missed, but never forgotten.

Cheers,

Sweet Bea

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!

Well sweet friends I'm finally back in DC and starting to settle back in to real life...though being without a job and sleeping on a friend's couch I suppose hardly qualifies for "real" life. But, at least, in this week of counting blessings, I can be thankful that I have such wonderful real life friends with a couch for me to sleep on.

In these tough economic times, I am grateful that I was able to live at home while on the campaign trail and save money, so that if it takes me a while to find a new job I will still be okay.

I am thankful that I have a wonderful family who let me stay with them, not just so I could save money, but because, in their minds, where the heck else would I stay?

There will be more things that I am thankful for in the upcoming days (perhaps this becomes my very first "daily" post series??) but for now, let us turn our thoughts to other thanks-worthy things.

J. Crew.

I haven't mentioned it before, but I am *slightly* obsessed with J. Crew. Courtesy of my dear college friend Lulu (one of those women who is always so together and whose friendship I am also thankful for) and her blog, The Dirty Martini Diaries, (YAY! Now that campaign season is over I actually have time to read it!) I have recently stumbled onto this gem: J. Crew Aficionada.

Now I'm sure I don't need to tell anyone about how fantastic J. Crew is, but to find a blog where everyone shares my, um, passion(?) was a wonderful gift. Lots of fun chatting to be found, as well as insider information on sales, promo codes, and other information. It, along with checking in on Lulu, has become one of my daily addictions.

So, if you're off from work this week, or want to start reading some fanciful other sites instead of working, def hit up Lulu's site and J. Crew Aficionada. I promise you will enjoy every blissful moment.

OR - you could watch reruns of the Golden Girls, like I'm doing right now. On today's episode, Dorothy is tutoring a young student, Mario. Mario is played by Mario Lopez. It is pretty darned funny.

Cheers,

Sweet Bea

Sweet procrastination, release me from thy grip

I am procrastinating more than you could imagine, sweet friends.

My plane for Arizona leaves at 3pm on Wednesday...its 11:30pm on Monday and so far I've spend a grand total of 30 minutes packing.

It's not like I only have a few things to toss in a bag for a quick vacay...I've been here in Cali for over 5 months and came out here with 3 suitcases and about 7 boxes.

If I'm a bit sparse in my postings, its only because I'm either 1) STILL packing, or 2) having a fabulous time with my bestie KJ, whom I haven't seen in nearly 4 years (I've been a naughty bestie, haven't I?)

So, wish me luck that I finish packing and actually make it to the airport in time for my flight! If I can post from Arizona I most certainly will. If not - the next time you will probably hear from me is once I've returned to DC!

Cheers,

Sweet Bea

Just for funsies, here's what the weather is going to look like where I am...

Tempe, AZ:
High: upper 70s
Low: upper 50s

Washington, DC:
High: low 40s
Low: 30s with snow.

:(

I. Do. Not. Like. Babies.

So as I prepare to move back to DC after this campaign, I am dealing with so many emotions that I am in a constant struggle to keep composed.

An example of just how far out on my sleeve my emotions are right now?

I'm crying at reality TV.

Not sweet, mushy, romantic reality TV. No no - that would be understandable, and frankly, quite normal for me.

I am crying at baby shows. BABY shows. All of 'em.

Jon & Kate Plus 8? Check.

Bringing Home Baby? Double check.

Tori & Dean? Yup - currently crying (its on now.)

Why is this so strange? you may ask. Babies are cute and wonderful and miracles! you squeal.

I. Do. Not. Like. Babies.

I don't like any babies. I don't want to have babies. I do not want to hold babies. I do not coo. I do not ooh and aah at babies.

In fact, I get quite nauseated at the entire prospect of babies.

Case in point: My mom works in an elementary school and her teacher just had a baby. Mom, brother and I went to go visit my grandma (Ba) in her nursing home earlier this week, and the hospital where Mom's teacher had her baby was a few blocks away, so we got the okay from the 4-time mom (seriously. On a TEACHER'S salary!) and popped into the hospital.

Yes the new baby (Hope? Grace? I can't remember) was adorable. She was also quiet, which made her more adorable. But did I want anything to do with her? Nope.

In fact, when teacher's husband (first time dad) started talking about baby things I started to get queasy. Luckily teacher saw me turning green and quickly shushed him. Have I mentioned that I like teacher?

Another case in point: my old boss had her first baby last spring and came by the office to show off the new baby girl (Maddie maybe?) I came over from my office to see her (the mom) and offer my congrats. But I had no interest in the baby. She asked me if I wanted to hold her, and I said no - I was there to see her, not the baby. I think she was a little offended.

I certainly didn't mean to offend anyone, but babies are just not my thing.

So as I stress about packing, moving (back) across country, finding an apartment, finding a job, AND planing and serving Thanksgiving dinner (where I'm not sure yet) for some reason babies are getting to me. Who knows why.

Anywho, instead of finishing up my cover letter and getting it and my resume out to prospective employers, here I am watching Tori & Dean (yay!!) and writing about crying (yay to writing, boo to crying.)

Seriously pathetic. Ugh.

Okie dokie, time to get productive before dinner with my former boss and campaign team!

Cheers,

Sweet Bea


PS - you know what I just realized? I def announced this blog as if it were a baby being born. What is going on with me??