Voodoo Child v. 17: Welcome to the One Woman Show

Hi all,

Thanks so much for the good wishes, people. I am overwhelmed with all the love in the world from you.

Floyd. It's my birthday, I had a drink, and I think we have stuff to talk about. Now, I know you're badass. You came back in stage 17 and hauled ass. I think I damn near fell in love with you that day. I am a little terrible with hero worship, but I was ready to take Lance down and replace him with your goateed face.

Floyd, you were recently tested with high testosterone levels. Now, we all know that this can occur naturally in men (and some women, I've seen those beards), but I would like to think that this is the case with you. I'd also like to think that you are a freakin' stud and have two balls unlike lance who only has one and therefore might have a considerably higher testosterone level by that fact alone. But if you were cheating, and I certainly hope you aren't - yes I know you aren't cheating - I will be forced to rethink cycling as a sport that I love and embrace fully for its history and the courage of the men who undertake the challenge of the Tour.

One of the thoughts on the article "Weakness" that I wrote had a lot to do with doping in sports. Needing to cheat breaks my heart, not only because there are others who genuinely have been trying to do their best to compete fairly, but because there are people who hold you as role models and respect you for your talents and abilities. This has changed my opinion of Italian soccer (go France, bitches), and I don't know if it can be any easier to walk away from cycling because some of my superheros are now gone: Ullrich, Basso, Vino, Hamilton, and countless others are busted for doping. I rooted for some of you pricks! Damn!

So Floyd, bro, if you did cheat, I forgive you, but I can't take this anymore. The whole matter of cheating just isn't okay with me, so that second test better be legit and good to go. If not, I'm turning in my time trial helmet and picking a new sport: lawn bowling.

Thanks to Yuck Mouth for hanging out today! We went to the De Young (fabulous space, makes the paintings all good these days)...I hope my pictures come out. If you haven't been, be prepared to enjoy it. The space is wonderful and there are some sweet exhibits, particularly the quilts and Chicano exhibits. Easy half day date. Also, Yuck Mouth gets to find a new place to see birds and the Carrousel (which was closed, fresh). It was nice to see the carrousel, a landmark where I played a lot as a child with my brother, Buff.

A trip to Flax was undertaken as well as a trip around some of the painted ladies in SF. Fabulous.

I went to yelp.com's headquarters to pick up my elite gear, so I'm official now! Email me if you want my reviews. I also stopped in at the Cartoon Art Museum, but had only 2 minutes on my meter, so I just ran through the Museum bookstore, one of my favorite things to do at any bookstore.

So that's all for now, kids. Sorry I haven't blogged a lot recently, and yes, Yuck, things have been different. I'm still trying to get used to the MT blog engine, and it's taking me awhile. It doesn't really allow me to be as spontaneous as I'd like to be, but I'll work on it, thanks Yuck for asking about it.

SO anyways, kids, here's to 36 years of ass kickin' and sweet charmin'. I have a goal for year 36, and I'l fill you in as I get there. 

Love and kisses,

Voodoo 

Posted by Voodoo Child at 10:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Okay. much better template, and much better vibe. Sorry this took so long to do, but Movable Type has taken a while to learn (much longer than I thought!). I also changed the comments (the way you do comments, actually), so hopefully this will work out better than in the past.

In a meanwhile, enjoy.

Peas,

Voodoo 

Posted by Voodoo Child at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

I had a life-altering revelation the other day. I was walking to my car, rehashing the day's events on the way home, and I realized that I hate weakness. Weakness, in fact, is a common denominator in some of my lifelong issues and a focal point of some of the problems I've had in relationships.

Before we "go there", I will put this out there: at no point in this essay is directed to an individual or groups of individual, even though it may seem so. Nothing set this off, this was just an observation about life.

As I walked to the car, I almost stopped because there was something shocking about the whole thing, but more so I learned a lot about myself, and I'm grateful for this.

As happy as I was to find a link, it really helped me to realize that the things I hate about others I hate in myself. Weakness, by my definition, is that failure to recognize in oneself the limitations about any situation, not necessarily strength as far as physical strength, although that's what most think of when they hear weakness. Weakness as in, you can't handle something or you can't recognize your breaking point and keep pushing it to your own detriment. Weakness as in not knowing yourself and handling yourself accordingly. Weakness as in not honoring your commitments.

So when I was thinking of certain situations that were on my nerves, I found those things to be in common in other people. So it was real easy to make that list. Then I stopped again and said, those are things I hate in myself, things that I do. Admittedly, I'm not the strongest or even the most savvy at times, but at the very least I feel like I have shitloads to work on. So I thought about my weakspots and decided that something in me needs to change to be more forgiving of other people but also to get to where I need to, I'll need to forgive myself but also get my shit together.

To wrap this all up, and I'll probably have more to say on this later, i was watching the Tour the other day and was pretty sad when Floyd Landis totally bonked and gave up a shitload of time...I think it was stage 16 or something, and then the next day he hauled ass. HAULED ass. That's determination and going on a mission, and part of the reason why I love the sport of cycling. It's incredible what these guys do, so congrats Landis. You are the shiat and an inspiration for me to get my shit together.  

 Voodoo

Posted by Voodoo Child at 12:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

This is the start of Leo birthday season, something that is always exciting, but is a cause for great weirdness...you see, I'm a summer baby, and us summer babies got robbed of cupcakes and happy birthday songs during elementary school and onwards, and to this day, i get the willies. I can't explain it, but that's just how it goes for me.

Went to lunch with coworkers today. Split two nice bottles of pinot grigio and had some good quality Italian food served up by one wonderful Italian waitstaff. If you haven't been yet, please go to Caffe Delle Stelle. So yummy. We shopped a little on Hayes, and weren't able to check into Nancy Boy, a foofoo lotion and scents store that just smells divine. I kid you not. If you're in the area, stop in there too. I bought some stuff for the house and can't wait to try it out.

I'll be 36 in a few short days, and that's kinda fun...but I enjoy the fact that I'm in what is now the new 20's. I don't think I'd like to redo the 20's. That was fun and all, but man, I like where I am right now. Speaking of which, who's watching the Tour? Other than me, Doh and Pterodactyl? So Alpe D'Huez, one of my favorite days on the tour is today. I have been watching replays the last few days, and I'm watching today's as we go. I might finish it by the time I go to bed...thank god for Tivo. Race has been shaping up to something interesting as the maillot jaune changes hands, but whoever wins the Alpe D'Huez wins it all. Shit, if you can do the grade, you should win, that's all I'm sayin.

I've been experiencing a short creativity spurt. I just recently uploaded some t-shirt designs on cafe press, and if someone (APOSTLE) will get back to me, I can get the link to you all so you can get your brl gear. I've come up with a few lines: BRL stuff, Big Words, Hella Love. BRL is just BRL stuff, Big words is my favorite big words that everyone should know, and Hella Love is my "I (hella) love SF" line. Pretty cool, but not yet ready for prime time. I'll keep you posted. I'm also gearing up for NANOWRIMO, National Novel Writing Month. I'll need to crank out 50,000 words in 30 days. I tried last year, got up to 5,000 words then pooped out. I don't know what it'll take, but I swear to you I'll get it done one of these years. Maybe that will be the theme for my 36 year: Creativity.

I just finished the book for the Girl's Book Club: By a Lady by Amanda Elyot. I was pleased with the book, and I wasn't really drawn to it at the beginning, but I was so into it these last few days. I need to prep for the actual club meeting, with a few questions, but that won't be until later this year (gotta make space for those lovelies who haven't bought the book yet...slackers!). I just recently picked up The Price of Privilege, by Margaret Levine, about how rich kids are often the most depressed. I'll get more into this as I read it, but in short, consumerism has taught kids to not deal with their shit...they are handed everything from day 1, and not taught to deal with adversity and as a result are pretty farked. I have a few kids in this batch who are like that, and whatever I can do to help out the kids, players, I'll do it.

So this is life from Voodoo's perspectives...hope you're all doing lovely. This weather kicks ass, but man, why the hell am I working! I should be enjoying this fun weather like my students are ;-)

You too, kids. Take it easy in the heat!

Voodoo 

Posted by Voodoo Child at 11:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I can't farking believe it. The first half of summer is already gone. In less than 6 weeks, the kids will be back en force, and I don't know if I'm ready to deal. So far my summer has been uneventful. I swear I had some grand plans to take care of and things to do, but I feel unaccomplished as of yet. Oh well, I have let go of it and can move on. I think.

I am slated for some time off in the next few weeks, about a week or so and I plan on some massive chillin'. I'm a little afraid though, because I am leaving at a key point, before a major program kicks off, but I'm totally okay with that! ;-)

Tour de France has been a blur, really. I figured it's because I don't have a tv by the bed, which bugs me...You sort of have to wake up early to catch the good parts before someone spoils it all for you. World Cup is over, and my team, well, LOST. I'll live.

So what's next in life? I sound like I'm risking becoming some prattling old woman giving you updates on my so-called life, and it's all about tv, where did time go and what the hell next. There are little things, and I have to blog more often, truth be told. There is another distractor...yelp.com. If you want the link to my reviews about San Francisco and other points beyond, let me know and I'll get them to you. 

What's next is some life changing stuff.

Still planning on going to Europe in November, which I'm excited about. Still figuring out what the plan is when it comes to starting a family. Things like that. It's funny at this stage in life how things become more lucid, and clarity comes, but at what price? You can see things a little clearer, like the end of the proverbial tunnel. Not that I can see being D-E-D, but more like in a few years I see this happening. I see my life looking like this. If I do this now, I can go to this point. Weird. I don't know if I hate it, or if I LOVE it.

Life has been kind so far. I have tons of blessings. Too many to mention really. Could we call this a mini mid life crisis? Am I at that point? Shit. Thinking out loud again. I have tons of gray hair now. It's kinda cool, but I was really hoping it would come in nice shocks of thick grey, but it's all over. Kinda boring. ;-)

There are parts of me that have regrets, and yes, yes I know, no regrets, right? But I can't go back and make things better. Those faults/errors/lapses of judgement/drunken moments all contribute to the present. I just hope to not let moments bypass me again. 

Wait, where is all of this coming from? Damn hormones. I should have known it. Um, ignore all of this. ;-)

Voodoo 

Posted by Voodoo Child at 10:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'm thrilled today is Friday. You don't even know. I started to get a tension headache today because I was doing a little too much with someone who has a very intense personality. I felt bad that she was having some issues, but it was only one of those situations where I couldn't help her. She kind of had to let go of some drama and it was really getting in the way.

So any weekend plans? Soccer on Saturday and Sunday, and more Tour de France to come! I'm also going to put Footballers Wives to rest...have one more season to go ;-)

I've been spending more than enough time on Yelp having fun reviewing this and that around San Francisco and even a lot of towns around the US that I've visited. That's a ton of fun and gives me an opportunity to write short pieces here and there.

So here's to France! Kick ass, boys. I can't wait to watch the match on Sunday. I will just keep it real and stay home, probably. Nothing like watching it with a crowd, but I like to be simple about these kinda things.

Hey, is Ikea having the new stuff anytime soon? Sorry, I love to shop. What can I say?

It's late, and I gotta run, but cheers, mate. Have a good weekend!

VDC 

Posted by Voodoo Child at 10:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Italy beats Germany. What a great game. Sorry Mango, but there is no Ich liebe Farfegnugen for you, dollface. I love this sport's passion, and what's 'up with the fans? You guys smoke crack! I can't wait for France's game today...so I'm counting down. France better own, that's all I'm going to say about that. I have my Portugal tank top on standby tho ;-)

I realize why I haven't gotten into the Tour as much...my TV is not in my bedroom. Mango can barely stand my NPR in the AM, so I have to get my ass to the office to watch the race, and then i go back to bed. Horrible. I always seem to catch it in the last third of the race. I'll probably watch it tonight, assuming of course that I remember. I'm horrible at these things.

So Mango and I had lunch at the HiDive and watched the Italy Germany game. Good shit. We went to Borders and picked up a gift for Ms. Woot Woot and we were  cruising around separately. I spy two nerds in the science fiction/fantasy anime section, and I send Mango over to check it out. He races back to me and says, one of them is playing the touching game! So of course I go over to check it out and voila! We have pocket pinball in action. I guess the book is really good.

And I can't just let this go by unawares. There are tons of kids in anime sections of other stores, so I thought I'd tell staff. Mango and I are giggling, trying to figure out how to say this, so I stammer out, "Um, I'm trying to figure out how to say this tactfully, but--" I nearly scream, "there's someone playing the touching game in SciFi Fantasy."

"God, thanks for telling me."

Fresh. I used to think this was the cool Borders (3rd and King), but it's become more aware this is the freaky one. That being said, I'll be back. Go Hincapie, Go France and Go Pervy Guys. Mango and Me are on the alert!

oodoo 

Posted by Voodoo Child at 10:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Two major events happening right now, as we speak: World Cup (which has the hottest men hands down) and Tour de France.

I haven't been able to watch many World Cup matches with work and all, and often by the time I get home some pooper has told me the score and I don't watch them because it's all been spoiled. such is life. We're doing placement testing at work and watching some of the games in pure silence too. You know how hard that shit is? Then god help us the day that we really wanted to watch a match ESPN was giving us no love. Jerks.

Anyway, so the world comes falling down for Tour de France. My boyfriend Ivan Basso gets kicked out for suspected doping. Shit. Then my kraut boyfriend Jan Ullrich gets kicked out too. Vinokourov, my speedy man in green? Out. So to make a long story short, a few top 10 finishers and heirs to the Throne of Lance are out.

Gutted, I was. Gutted.

I get up to watch the prologue and I'm sad that I don't hear more familiar names mentioned in a positive light. Interestingly enough, the UCI is just not havin' it, and that I totally respect. You're suspected? You're out. Kinda rough to kick them out the day before the gig starts, but hey you gotta do what you gotta do.

I hate it when people you believe in are cheaters, and just when you think certain things are pure, they're not. I took this rather hard, and I'm still a little mopey about the damn thing. To be honest with you, I really respect this act, but it still kills me. Every time I hear Lance get accused again, I nearly freak out because after all this time of following him, reading books on him, etc., it would crush my little Lance bubble.

So I'm with Doh on this one. Hincapie. If Landis shows up with a flat tire and late on the prologue, he's slippin' and that's not a good thing. BTW: Bob Roll RULES.

Damn England's keep for sucking in the World Cup. also I'm a little too stressed out about Brazil and France to watch it.  I suck but ALLEZ LES BLEUS!

Voodoo 

Posted by Voodoo Child at 08:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)