I'm not kidding...

Although I should be. I woke up all sweaty and exhausted because I had wildly erotic dreams about Seth Rogen all night. Seth Rogen? Seth Rogen? Who has erotic dreams about Seth Rogen? I think I'm losing my mind....

Movie Night

Last night, Ian and I went to the classic movie series presented two Wednesdays a month at our local multi-plex. They take a poll each year, and then present 24 classic movies that people really want to see again on a big screen.

Last night's movie was The Sound of Music. We met CondorBlue and AforAllie there, and had a great time. It was good to see them, and they are both doing well. We had some laughs about the good old days of the Bookshelf, and Allie and I discussed how hard it is to try to explain to anyone how delightful it was--how much fun we had and how many laughs! It sounds lame and pitiful. But really, it wasn't (was it?)

The theater has a docent presentation before the movie begins, with interesting facts about the movie, how it is ranked by movie historians, etc. We were amused to hear that Christopher Plummer hated the film and later referred to it as "The Sound of Mucus." He said that filming with Julie Andrews was like being hit over the head with a big, flowery Valentine card every day. (However, the two remained good friends after the filming was over.)

The docent kindly reminded us NOT to sing along, so with effort, I restrained myself! It was tough, though!

So she came again!

I waited last Monday morning in fear that she just wouldn't show, and I'd eventually hear some apologetic explanation from Libby about how she was *too busy.* But she came again, and we got even more on top of things. I am thrilled! While she cleaned, I took on a few projects, including using leather treatment on all my leather furniture. (It was called Leather CPR and it really did a great job!)

I am ridiculous

I have a new cleaning lady coming tomorrow. My last one retired more than five years ago because she was diagnosed with lupus. She was wonderful, and over the years organized every drawer, cabinet and closet in this house. She'd clean my oven, my refrigerator--whatever she decided needed to be done. I had no secrets from Vicki. She knew the depths of my messiness and disorganization and she didn't reject me for them.

I agreed to "take over" the day and time of my friend Libby's cleaning lady when Libby recently had to move to an assisted living center. She was really fretting about leaving her longtime helper in the lurch in this tough economic climate, and was trying to find somebody to take her slot--every other Monday.

I woke up a few days ago, realized that THIS Monday was the appointed day, and immediately went into panic mode. I have been madly decluttering, straightening up, trying to organize the most embarrassingly disastrous areas of my house. It's not so much that I'm "cleaning for the maid," as that I'm trying to make it even possible for her to get to the surfaces that need to be cleaned. Now it's T-minus-24 hours, and I'm still not ready. So yes, I know that i'm ridiculous. And now, Hefty trash bag in hand, I must return to my labors.

I eradicated Christmas

It's gone, baby. Not a light or a candle or a sprig of evergreen to be seen. Feels good.

E-readers

I asked for an e-reader for Christmas, and after checking out all the options, Dave got me an iPad. He said it does so much more for the slightly larger investment that he couldn't justify buying another type of device. Anyway, as an e-reader, I love it! I've already downloaded and read two books, and am shopping for a third!

I wouldn't have believed it could be so "book-like" to read on an electronic screen! And I love the instant gratification--no drive to Borders, no waiting for Amazon.

With all that said, I can't see myself ever completely giving up real books. I hope books stay around forever.

As far as the iPad goes, I haven't tried to use any of its other functions other than reading. Where technology is concerned, I move slowly.

A huge weight has been lifted

I finished my out-of-town family Christmas shopping today and will ship it tomorrow.

Now I can be happy!