Sign of the Times

I just read that the Rocky Mountain News will cease publicaton tomorrow. We have two newspapers in our city and the best one will be gone.

I'm a little bit of a news "junkie". I love to read the paper with a cup of tea to start my day. Besides just being a better paper, editorially, and more in line with my views, it's printed "tabloid" style which makes it so much easier to read. I love the style section, especially, Evalinda and Judy's column, "Style Matters". The Rocky's cartoons are far better than the other paper's. I guess I'll go online and read "Baby Blues". My favorite section, however, was the "Your Hub". It is a weekly insert focusing on our neighborhood. Readers were encouraged to submit articles and photos. It wasn't uncommon to see people that we knew...kids from school, Girl Scout troops, etc. On Thursdays, it was the part I read first.

Our subscription is, supposedly, being transfered to the other paper, as the two have had a Joint Operating Agreement for a few years. We'll let it lapse and just
get the news online and on television.

This really makes me sad...not just for all those who have lost their jobs but for the piece of my day that will be lost. Wow, I sound like a cranky old lady. Well, right now, I guess I am.

New Books & New Bag

I've been on the waiting list at the library for the new Adriana Trigiani novel,"Very Valentine". Today, my friend, Lori, emailed me and said that she's enjoying it as much as "Lucia, Lucia"...yay! Just what I wanted to hear. Lori has almost the same taste in novels that I do...with one glaring exception...lol...so, I knew that if she liked it, so would I.

I decided to buy the book instead of waiting. I had a 40% off coupon and a $10 gift card to Border's. Doing the math, I figured the hardcover would cost me less than $8...great deal! Or so, I thought...the coupon expired yesterday. I called two different Border's to see if they have a "grace period" but no luck. While one manager who I spoke with was very polite and explained their policy, the other manager was rude and snippy. So, I took my business to their competitor, Barnes & Noble. I called and was told that their copy was 20% off with another 20% for members because it was in hardcover. Again, doing the math, this was a great deal as I had a $25 gift card. When, I got the book, however, the sticker said "20% off/ members save another 10%". As I checked out, I told the clerk that she should tell the staff that they're giving out incorrect information on the phone. She apologized and offered an extra 15% coupon that she had laying by the register. Cool! So, it was even cheaper. I can't wait to start reading it.

The other new book I received is a galley copy of Lisa See's newest novel, "Shanghai Girls". I signed up on a publisher's website and get new books every once in a while. Makes my day to see the packages by the door.

I also received the zebra print bag I ordered from Ebay. it's perfect! While I wanted this bag, I knew it was very trendy. I definitely did not want one that had colored trim. So, it took a while to find one but I did and I love it. It's huge, of course, and as plain as a zebra print purse can be :o). I've said it before, but a bag like this is the perfect "pop" for a solid color top and jeans. Split decision, though, on whether it's liked or not. M doesn't like but my husband does. The other kid, J, my son, could not care less!

Sunday Night Thoughts

~I now have a purple glitter computer keyboard and mouse. M and I were at Claire's and the set was on sale for $5. I LOVE anything purple so I bought it. J and J think it's crazy but it's actually a great set. The keyboard is very quiet. My last keyboard was very loud...all the keys "clicked" when hit. My only complaint is that it lays flat so I propped a book under it and it's good to go!

~I am starting to be obsessed with blog backgrounds. I, seriously, could change it everyday. There are so many great ones! I even found a Bon Jovi background but I can't figure out how to add it.

~We play an online game called "Bookworm", usually scoring about 250,000 points. Last night, J and I played a game and when it finally ended, we had scored over 2,640,000 points. We started at about 9 pm, J went to bed at 1am and I went to bed at 2:30 am. I actually left the computer on last night because you can't "save" the game. I played this morning until I finally lost. I have a feeling that game was a fluke and I'm hoping that we won't try to better that score any time soon.

~I ordered a really cute purse on Ebay last week and can't wait to receive it. I already have the outfit I will wear with it planned. Yes, I do that :o) More often than not, I will choose a purse first and then plan my outfit around it. I have tomorrow's outfit planned starting with the bag.

~I read a lot of blogs mostly "Mom" blogs and adoption blogs. I read somewhere that 36 million women blog. I think that number may be high but what an interesting concept blogging is. It amazes me how open some people are about very intimate details of their lives...and then strangers (me and many, many others)can read all about it. I blog "surf"...going from one blog to another that is linked from the first. Usually, I choose a title that sounds interesting and go from there.

~Speaking of blogs, I completely understand how a lot of blogs are all about the children. It's a 21st century way of keeping family informed of what's going on. I'm trying, though, to make my blog about me. Is that selfish? Probably. Does that make me a bad Mom? I don't think so. Even though I have my blog set to "private', I don't want strangers knowing a lot about my kids. Of course, I will mention them...but I won't post pictures or even write their full name. That, however, has more to do with my laziness (not wanting to type it out) than secrecy :o) Also, those who know them...know what they look like and what their names are.

~ My husband's name also starts with a J. I think it's fairly easy to figure out who I'm talking about.

~I can't think of anything else to write about and I'm tired so I'll end this here and blog again another time.

New Principal

We received a note in M's Friday Folder that her elementary school will finally have a new Principal starting next year. We've been subjected to a "lame duck" principal for two school years and, believe me, the school has suffered because of her. There is, literally, not one nice thing I can say about her. GOOD RIDDANCE!!!

Our new principal is the current assistant principal at a nearby junior/senior high school. This school has an exemplary reputation and has to hold a lottery because so many people want their children to attend. It was also recently in the news as the best school in Colorado. So, his reputation proceeds him. I hope he'll do good for our school. Even though M will only be there for his first year, it's a neighborhood school so, even without students in the school, we are still "invested".

I was on the selection committee last year and it was, truly, an invaluable experience. We interviewed ten candidates, asking them the same prepared questions. It was eye-opening to say the least. There were candidates that were so underqualified, I felt everyone's time was being wasted. There were also candidates, that while qualified, just weren't the right fit for our school. In the end, the committee could not recommend any candidate and the Community Superintendent decided to offer the position to a candidate that the we (the other parent representative on the committee and I) called Howdy Doody. We were beyond furious! Of all the candidates, he was ABSOLUTELY the worst possible fit for our school. Needles to say, we "sprang into action". We voiced our strong dissatisfaction not only to the CS, but to the Superintendant of the district. We were told that we would have the opportunity to speak to him again and question him but the offer had already been accepted. We came prepared with a list of questions specific to our school and his vision for it. The phrase "guns blazing" comes to mind :o) The meeting was to start at 8:00am. When he wasn't there at that time, I knew something was up. We were told that he had called the CS that morning and declined the offer. My guess is that he was told that there was very strong opposition to him and that his job wouldn't be as easy as he might have thought it would be. Our school is very highly rated and we wanted a Principal who would not only keep it that way but make it even better. When we were told the news, it took everything I had not to jump for joy!! Even though it meant one more year with idiot Principal, it was worth it not to have Howdy Doody as Principal.

I have high hopes for our new Principal. I truly wish him luck and hope he's exactly what we need.

On a lighter note, I carried a Liz Claiborne black and white cheetah print hobo with deep red patent trim and handles. While it's a little on the "wild" side, I like to wear it when I wear a lot of black. It adds just the right "punch".

Birthday, Books and Sully!

Like every person who's followed the crash of Flight 1549 into the Hudson River, I think Captain Sullenberger is a hero. After watching the 60 Minutes interview tonight, I am in awe of this man. His calm demeanor, presence of mind and abilities during this near-catastrophe only scratch the surface of his humanity. What a remarkable man.

Today is my birthday. I actually received birthday greetings via text message. While I'm not always a fan of texting, it made me laugh to receive them. Thanks, C and D :o)

I am really looking forward to two novels being released soon. There is a new "Maisie Dobbs" book..."Among The Mad". Jacqueline Winspear will be doing a signing here which I'll probably attend. I've seen her two or three times and she is a very engaging speaker.

Also, there is a new Adriana Trigiani novel, "Very Valentine". This is the first in a trilogy that sounds very much like one of my all-time favorite books(by her, incidentally)called "Lucia, Lucia". That's the good news...bad news...the other triology she wrote I hated! I couldn't even finish it. I'm really hoping this triolgy is as good as "Lucia, Lucia".

I'm re-reading an old Ed McBain "Precinct 87" mystery. Those were the first "adult" mysteries that I read. I forgot how good they are! I've put a few others on hold at the library. I'm reading "Widows" and it ws signed by Ed MaBain when I met him years ago. It's great to rediscover an old favorite.

My bag today was a new black hand-held tote by Vera Wang. It has a very subtle black logo that adds just the right amount of design. The piping and handles are black patent with the hardware in gold. I've come to the conclusion that black bags with gold/brass hardware tend to be more classic while silver/nickle hardware makes a black bag look "edgier". I know I put way too much thought into this but that's a conclusion that I've reached. Even though I have bags that disprove my theory (black bags with gold/brass that are edgy as well as black bags with silver/nickel that are very classic), I think it's mostly true!

Carrying KVZ While Watching D&B

Let me preface this by saying I know this is silly...
I'm sitting here watching Dooney & Borke on QVC. It makes me very happy to watch this! Had I known, in college, that talking about Dooney & Bourke handbags on TV was a legitimate career opportunity...I would have definitely majored in that!Can you imagine that...getting paid for discussing handbags on TV. The host today was not one of my favorites but I love Susan from Dooney. I could so be her friend!


I feel like a traitor as I watch the D&B presentation. I'm not carrying one of my many Dooney and Bourke handbags today. I'm carrying a Kathy Van Zeeland bag today. It's very "blingy", according M. I only carry it when I'm wearing solid colors. Today, it's a black shirt and jeans. In my opinion, it's just the right amount of bling for that outfit.

Chinese Food, Student Council & Bowling

Today is an odd day for the kids...although they would probably tell you they love it :o)

M has a late start and didn't have to be at school until 11am. J has an early dismissal at 1:30pm.

After J gets home, My Mom and I will take him to Panda Express for a late lunch. M has Student Council after school. She is so proud to be the fifth grade representative. They are both in a bowling league after school but M will skip that today because of Student Council.

We are not one of those families that has oodles of activities but it seems that every activity that J&M do, is on Thursdays. Even M's Girl Scout meetings are every other Thursday night. Add to that...our family favorite TV show, Survivor, is on Thursdays :o)


My bag today is a Dooney & Bourke tote that I bought on QVC years ago. It was chosen for me today by my "Fashion Girl"...M. When I need some fashion advice, I'll ask her. Sometimes, it's what earrings look best but, usually it's which bag should I carry that day. Yes, I'm training her well!

I thought I'd also post a picture of what I carry every day in my various bags. The first question I seem to get when someone finds out that I change my handbag every day, is how do I do that. It's actually very organized so switching bags is very simple. Also, I'm nosy and always think about what other women carry in their bags! Here's a list...my wallet, my LG ENV2 cell phone with a pink cover (LOVE this phone), day planner (with pictures of handbags and shoes, naturally! My friend, Lori has the same one. I think about her sometimes when I'm using mine),keys, Dooney & Bourke Wrislet in Grape (it holds my chapsticks and lip glosses), makeup case (with Impressionist painitings...my favorite), gum and favorite mints as well as a cute cheetah print sunglass case and sunglasses. My wallet and day planner are switched out often but definitely not every day.

Mah Jong and Girl Scout Cookies

I "played" Mah Jong today with two friends. Although, we usually play at least one game, it, more often than not, turns into a great time sharing with them over a great lunch at a cute bistro. Today, though, we didn't even play. One of my friends shared some pretty life-changing news. She's holding up much better than I ever would if I was in that position. I have always admired her but seeing her today...my admiration soared! She is a wonderful person and will get through this with her usual humor, sophistication and dignity not to mention her much-loved sarcastic wit!

M is selling Girl Scout Cookies. I will freely admit, up front, that I'm SO not a "rabid" seller. I won't let M sell to people we don't know nor will I allow her to sell at the booth with her other Scout "mates". I understand that the money helps the troop but, honestly, I just rather pay for those activities and such. That said, I received an email from the troop's Cookie Dad. After the first round of orders, our troop has sold something like 3200 boxes...averaging 207 boxes per girl. Great news, huh? Unless you're my daughter. She sold 78 boxes...not really helping the average, is she? Oh well, I'll take all the blame :o)

My bag today is a Dooney & Bourke black leather backpack. I love this bag. It's their great AWL and it's big enough to hold my Mah Jong books. My only complaint...it's a little difficult to get into. The front buckle and drawstring have to be undone each time.

Saturday

It's funny but I'm really having fun with this blog. I've spent way too much time looking at other blogs and browsing blog creator websites. I'll probably end up changing things around on here quite often. I don't do FaceBook or MySpace so I guess I'll have my fun here.

I carried my Dooney & Bourke medallion satchel today. I bought it when we went to Vegas. We went with Sarah and Gary to celebrate her 40th birthday and our 20th wedding anniversary. The bag has multi-colored medallions on it. It reminds me of casino chips. It was a perfect bag for Vegas! Now, I wear it with a lot of different outfits as there are so many colors in it.

M went to a dance workshop today. A new studio opened and they had free workshops. She learned a little bit of ballet, jazz, modern and hip-hop (her favorite). The instructor said her M's moves were more "pom" oriented so I'd like to have her take a pom class to see if she likes it. I think she just likes wearing the dance clothes :o)

Bag, Surprise Book and Jon

Today's bag is an "Army" green suede hobo. While I think it has too many pockets on the front (I tend to like bags without any), the color makes up for that! I know this picture doesn't do it justice. I really need to use the digital camera we received for Christmas as opposed to my cell phone.

I was pleasantly surprised to receive a copy of Firefly Lane in the mail. According to the letter, I filled out an online survey about books and this was a "thank you". I haven't read anything by her, so, it'll go in my TBR pile and I'll try it.

Jon Bon Jovi was on Oprah yesterday discussing the Inauguration. It was nice to see some family pictures that he shared. He is very well-spoken and looked, as usual, great. Loved his pocket square!

Bag & Book of the Day

This is one of my favorites! It's a chocolate brown woven tote bag that has a strand of brown tone beads on one handle. I added a scarf that has brown, tan and orange tones. The bag is really big but I love it! So much so, that I bought it in black, as well :o) I promise the pictures will get better!


I've been reading "American Dreams" by John Jakes. It's a great family saga with lots of characters. It's the sequel to "Homeland" which I have not read. However, this book stands on it's own and I really don't feel like I've missed anything. John Jakes is the master of the family saga and a great author to read when nothing else will hold your interest.

The First of Many...Hopefully!

I'm not quite sure why I'm doing this. Peer pressure, I guess! At my age, that's almost laughable. It seems that all my online friends are blogging so who am I to be left behind?!?

I will try to blog whenever I think there is something that needs to be forever recorded in cyberspace :o)

I also want to use my blog to post pictures of the bags that I carry each day. Those who know me, know that I have a lot of bags and change them daily. Yes, daily! Crazy, I know but I love purses and want to show off my collection! I think my collection is so great! I love them all equally...my Louis Vuittons, Dooney & Bourkes as well as the bags I buy at Target and Kohl's!

I will also blog about books. Again, those who know me, know I love books! I belong to two book clubs and read all the time. Thank goodness for carpools as that's when I do a lot of reading...waiting in my car. I'll not only blog about books I'm reading but just about anything book "related".