I was introduced to JibJab on Christmas Day, and immediately had to try my hand at it. Click HERE to see my first creation using members of the Bert Show. But be warned, you'll spend a lot of time doing your own movies.....be sure you have nothing else important to do!
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Melissa Has Fun With JibJab
I was introduced to JibJab on Christmas Day, and immediately had to try my hand at it. Click HERE to see my first creation using members of the Bert Show. But be warned, you'll spend a lot of time doing your own movies.....be sure you have nothing else important to do!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Hayden Gets Christmas Pass
I'm giving my 5-year-old a pass this year. He's so excited about Christmas and he always should be. But last week when I asked him what the meaning of Christmas was he told me that it was the day he got all the presents. He understands it's the day that Jesus was born but the whole present thing is lost on him right now. But he's only five. Next year will be the lesson of "it's way better to give than receive." I think we've also sent him a few too many messages about the holiday. I can remember last year him referring to Christmas as the day that Jesus came down the Chimney.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Eric's Caliente TEASE
(This is an advanced version of Bert's Caliente Kiss from Bert Show listener Eric.)
The “Caliente Tease”
If you really want to take the Caliente Kiss to the next step then follow these instructions. This will drive anyone wild and is sure to get you what you want in the bedroom!
1. Set the Mood:
Start off by setting the mood as you always should.
2. The Usual:
a. Let things go as they usually do between you both. (Kissing, massaging, petting, etc.) DO NOT give them any idea that you are trying something new (this differs from the Caliente Kiss).
b. Get things going for 5 to 10 minutes and make sure you have been kissing for a few minutes. It is normally a good idea to have some articles of clothing removed at this point before you begin the Tease.
3. The Tease:
a. Lay them on their back making sure you are over them. You have to make sure YOU are in control and they have to get that feeling also.
b. At this point you can do one of two things. Hold their head with your hands or gently pin back their arms back by their head.
c. Next is the Stare. Gaze into their eyes, passionately (not creepily), for 10-15 seconds making sure your faces are close to each other but not touching.
4. The Lips, The Hips, & Everything in Between:
a. Making sure your lips DO NOT touch their skin, lean in very close to their lips like you are going to kiss. Everything should feel in slow motion with no fast or sudden movements. Using heavy breathing move around the lips even pretending like you are actually making out with them. Tease the Lips.
b. Now begin to move to one side of the neck gradually breathing down their cheek, ears, and neck. At this point you can give a few small kisses in the neck area but not long or you will ruin what you set up.
c. Move back up to the lips. Now slowly move down the underside of the chin and neck and down the chest and stomach. Slight kisses here and there on the skin, remembering to use the breathing techniques. The heat from your breath is KEY in driving their sensory nerves into overload.
d. Spend a little time in areas on the body and then make your way back up. Once back up to the lips you have a couple choices to make. If they can’t wait any longer and are ready for the kiss, then proceed. If they are calm and are still ok, move down the other side of the neck and back up.
5. The Kiss:
a. Now you are ready to give in and you know you are doing well if they are struggling to kiss you back or try to break loose to get to your lips to kiss you.
b. Give them one last Stare and GO FOR IT! At this point they should be so turned on and ready to kiss.
The “Caliente Tease”
If you really want to take the Caliente Kiss to the next step then follow these instructions. This will drive anyone wild and is sure to get you what you want in the bedroom!
1. Set the Mood:
Start off by setting the mood as you always should.
2. The Usual:
a. Let things go as they usually do between you both. (Kissing, massaging, petting, etc.) DO NOT give them any idea that you are trying something new (this differs from the Caliente Kiss).
b. Get things going for 5 to 10 minutes and make sure you have been kissing for a few minutes. It is normally a good idea to have some articles of clothing removed at this point before you begin the Tease.
3. The Tease:
a. Lay them on their back making sure you are over them. You have to make sure YOU are in control and they have to get that feeling also.
b. At this point you can do one of two things. Hold their head with your hands or gently pin back their arms back by their head.
c. Next is the Stare. Gaze into their eyes, passionately (not creepily), for 10-15 seconds making sure your faces are close to each other but not touching.
4. The Lips, The Hips, & Everything in Between:
a. Making sure your lips DO NOT touch their skin, lean in very close to their lips like you are going to kiss. Everything should feel in slow motion with no fast or sudden movements. Using heavy breathing move around the lips even pretending like you are actually making out with them. Tease the Lips.
b. Now begin to move to one side of the neck gradually breathing down their cheek, ears, and neck. At this point you can give a few small kisses in the neck area but not long or you will ruin what you set up.
c. Move back up to the lips. Now slowly move down the underside of the chin and neck and down the chest and stomach. Slight kisses here and there on the skin, remembering to use the breathing techniques. The heat from your breath is KEY in driving their sensory nerves into overload.
d. Spend a little time in areas on the body and then make your way back up. Once back up to the lips you have a couple choices to make. If they can’t wait any longer and are ready for the kiss, then proceed. If they are calm and are still ok, move down the other side of the neck and back up.
5. The Kiss:
a. Now you are ready to give in and you know you are doing well if they are struggling to kiss you back or try to break loose to get to your lips to kiss you.
b. Give them one last Stare and GO FOR IT! At this point they should be so turned on and ready to kiss.
Millie Pete's Frozen Grandbabies
This is actually a continuation of my previous blog To Be A Mom, Or Not To Be A Mom.
Maybe this new blog should actually be titled A Needle, A Probe, A Fibroid, Oh My...but I'm jumping ahead.
The next step in the egg-freezing process took place a few weeks ago. I had been instructed to call the doctor's office when my cycle started, so that I could come in for testing.
First, I was taken to a small room so they could draw a vile of blood. There is a hormone in every woman that, at elevated levels, could be an indication something is wrong with the eggs. They wanted to test that hormone during my cycle to see how it was responding to my vulnerable egg. The results would return the next day or so.
Apparently at the time of your period, and your body's work in releasing an egg, they can also get a better look at the ducts of your ovaries to see if everything is working properly. This is done with an internal ultrasound, during which they also analyze the condition of your uterine wall. I'm, of course, simplifying something that is very scientific, but that's the gist of the appointment. So, I had to wear the paper skirt as they performed the ultrasound, grateful that any mention of my very-public job wasn't made until after my jeans were back on.
Read more HERE...
Maybe this new blog should actually be titled A Needle, A Probe, A Fibroid, Oh My...but I'm jumping ahead.
The next step in the egg-freezing process took place a few weeks ago. I had been instructed to call the doctor's office when my cycle started, so that I could come in for testing.
First, I was taken to a small room so they could draw a vile of blood. There is a hormone in every woman that, at elevated levels, could be an indication something is wrong with the eggs. They wanted to test that hormone during my cycle to see how it was responding to my vulnerable egg. The results would return the next day or so.
Apparently at the time of your period, and your body's work in releasing an egg, they can also get a better look at the ducts of your ovaries to see if everything is working properly. This is done with an internal ultrasound, during which they also analyze the condition of your uterine wall. I'm, of course, simplifying something that is very scientific, but that's the gist of the appointment. So, I had to wear the paper skirt as they performed the ultrasound, grateful that any mention of my very-public job wasn't made until after my jeans were back on.
Read more HERE...
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
Guest Blogger - Melissa's Girlfriend, Katie Jo
Since it was Spring-like weather over the weekend, my girlfriend, Katie Jo, and I hung out on a deck for hours. Hearing then some of her recent observations lead me to asking her to be my guest blogger. Here are her thoughts:
The biggest lie promulgated by those who fear lesbians is that they hate men.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
What lesbians can't stand are cheesy men with bad taste.
Read the rest HERE...
The biggest lie promulgated by those who fear lesbians is that they hate men.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
What lesbians can't stand are cheesy men with bad taste.
Read the rest HERE...
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Bert's Kissing Technique
Caliente Kiss
This kissing technique was told to me by a friend. He said it will totally spice up your love life for at least 24 hours! I was skeptical but gave it a try anyway. I can give you a 100% endorsement that the "final results" will be spectacular.
Here is the technique:
First of all, you have to tell your kissing partner what you're doing or it'll never work. The mere fact that you're actually taking complete control of the next few minutes makes this technique instantly hot.
Gently but firmly hold their head or face in your hands. Don't be overpowering but be in control. With both your mouths slightly open and lips parted get VERY, VERY close to each other's mouths without really touching. Get so close that you can actually feel each other's breath. Occasionally lightly brush lips. Just hold this position with your eyes closed. But DO NOT KISS!
Now, this is where it might bet a little awkward but it's key. Hold this position but don't sit still! Feel free to move your heads around a little just like you would if you were really kissing. In other words gentle guide her/his face back and forth as though you WERE kissing. But DON'T kiss. Enjoy the incredible intimacy of being so close and almost kissing but not quite.
And here's the important part: Hold this for a few minutes! Not 30 seconds. But continue the technique for like 3 or 4 minutes. Breathe softly on each other. Brush lips. Occasionally lick their lip lightly. If you're advanced a quick nibble/tug on the lower lip might work. But again, DO NOT KISS!
Then finally, after you can't stand it anymore move in for the most amazing kiss ever!
Always remember through this kiss that real art is in the tease of it all. For guys, when you think you've gone three minutes you probably should go one more minute. You'll know if it's working because you'll be able to feel her/his breathe getting deeper and deeper. Feel her/his cues. At that point, still DON'T kiss. Go a little longer. THE ART OF THIS IS IN THE TEASE. Trust me.
Now GET'ER DONE!
This kissing technique was told to me by a friend. He said it will totally spice up your love life for at least 24 hours! I was skeptical but gave it a try anyway. I can give you a 100% endorsement that the "final results" will be spectacular.
Here is the technique:
First of all, you have to tell your kissing partner what you're doing or it'll never work. The mere fact that you're actually taking complete control of the next few minutes makes this technique instantly hot.
Gently but firmly hold their head or face in your hands. Don't be overpowering but be in control. With both your mouths slightly open and lips parted get VERY, VERY close to each other's mouths without really touching. Get so close that you can actually feel each other's breath. Occasionally lightly brush lips. Just hold this position with your eyes closed. But DO NOT KISS!
Now, this is where it might bet a little awkward but it's key. Hold this position but don't sit still! Feel free to move your heads around a little just like you would if you were really kissing. In other words gentle guide her/his face back and forth as though you WERE kissing. But DON'T kiss. Enjoy the incredible intimacy of being so close and almost kissing but not quite.
And here's the important part: Hold this for a few minutes! Not 30 seconds. But continue the technique for like 3 or 4 minutes. Breathe softly on each other. Brush lips. Occasionally lick their lip lightly. If you're advanced a quick nibble/tug on the lower lip might work. But again, DO NOT KISS!
Then finally, after you can't stand it anymore move in for the most amazing kiss ever!
Always remember through this kiss that real art is in the tease of it all. For guys, when you think you've gone three minutes you probably should go one more minute. You'll know if it's working because you'll be able to feel her/his breathe getting deeper and deeper. Feel her/his cues. At that point, still DON'T kiss. Go a little longer. THE ART OF THIS IS IN THE TEASE. Trust me.
Now GET'ER DONE!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
From Jenn: I'm A Product Ho
How did this happen? I am a total product ho! Somehow through my friends' finds, free samples and endless magazine ads, it happened. Now I have embraced it... I love beauty products! Not just any random ones, but ones I MUST have. It has to be buried in my female psyche, interpreting the same message delivered to us in a gagillion forms, a gagillion times a day: "You are defined by your looks." As a women's studies minor in college and susbsequently, a self-professed new generation feminist, I should reject ALL OF THEM. I should say that it doesn't matter to me what my skin looks like, which way my hair flips, what is the perfect length of a dress on my legs... or what anyone out there thinks about them! But I do. I do care very much. While I know that it matters most what I say (especially in radio) and what I think (especially in life), it still matters to me that I present myself in a certain way. I wince to think my professors of feminist thought could ever be reading this, but here it is: The way I look matters to me. And I think most women who are being honest with themselves would agree with me. Even though it wastes too much time in preparation, too much money being a product ho and too much brain space thinking about what we are going to wear to the next event, it gives us that extra boost of confidence (contrived or real) to accomplish our goals. Now the theory that I don't subscribe to is everyone looking THE SAME. Blah. Maybe I will blog about that another day. Now I have to go deep condition. :)
FROM JEFF
I update JeffDauler.com and forget to tell you about it here. So, whenever you get a chance ...
www.JeffDauler.com
Have a great day!
www.JeffDauler.com
Have a great day!
Monday, December 3, 2007
Observations from Behind Purple and Gold
Don't fret, Orange Nation. My blood still runs orange, but my face this week is Purple and Gold. That's the result of a great bet gone wrong - since Tennessee's offense decided not to capitalize on the opportunities the defense provided. Not that I'm bitter. But, because LSU won the SEC Championship, I have to wear LSU colors purple and gold on my face ALL WEEK!
Read the rest HERE....
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Bert Fights Demons During Holidays
I know that Thanksgiving is a time for giving thanks. And I totally recognize that I got so lucky when I married Stacey. With her I inherited THE most awesome in laws. However, I think every holiday I go through a little quasi-depression 'cause I wasn't raised where family was a priority. And that's a major understatement. Even though I really do feel that Stacey's family IS my family I sure wish my parents raised me with the same kind of closeness they have. Frankly I'm a little jealous. I guess I should just get over my family history 'cause I'm a grown damn man now and that's in the past. But, to be totally honest, I carry around a little part of me that's kinda bummed this time of year.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Bert's Take on Steve and Vikki
Over the past few weeks I've received some email asking how I feel about Steve and Vikki being off the air. The Bert Show addressed this once on the air. But I figure if I put it into writing then I can just address all others to this when they call or write.
My take on Steve and Vikki is the same today as it was the first day I arrived on Q100 almost seven years ago. I admire them. I respect then. And I'm jealous of them. These two had strong ratings in Atlanta for 17 years. That is UNHEARD of in the radio industry. To be able to evolve for that long and keep strong ratings is really an amazing accomplishment.
In all honesty, I think the Bert Show was a better radio product than Steve and Vikki. I'm proud of my show. But that doesn't take away from the fact that I respect the success that they have had for almost two decades. How can you NOT respect and honor that kind of longevity. I want it for myself and I want it for my team.
One night about a year ago I was having a business conversation with my friend Justin. My contract was up and I had some stations in Atlanta approach me about my future. I was sort of confused and having real loyalty issues 'cause Q100 took a BIG chance on me when they hired me. I had no previous morning show hosting experience but they had the confidence in me to allow me to pick the players on my team and create a show that was in my head. I was part of the Q10O foundation and this station is very personal to me. And Cumulus has really treated me well since they bought us. Anyway, the backdrop for my conversation with Justin was the bar at his restaurant. He said to me that in business I'm no different than one of the Hangar One bottles behind his bar. "When my customers are done drinking Hangar then I'll replace it with Grey Goose. When they aren't buying Grey Goose anymore I'll replace that bottle with Belvedere. In business if you're not the owner you're just a Vodka bottle."
HARSH, right?
There have been times in the heat of competition over the past seven years that we've had fun at Steve and Vikki's expense. But it has NEVER been personal for me. I've had, perhaps, two conversations with Steve McCoy. Vikki sent over a glass of champagne for me and my wife at a restaurant one night.
If they want it, Steve and Vikki will be on the radio again in Atlanta. And they have earned that. I sincerely hope that Vikki's health issues get better.
The truth is that some day people won't be "drinking" The Bert Show as much as they are now. And with any luck I'll be able to stay around as successfully as Steve and Vikki have.
Here audio of our conversation HERE!
My take on Steve and Vikki is the same today as it was the first day I arrived on Q100 almost seven years ago. I admire them. I respect then. And I'm jealous of them. These two had strong ratings in Atlanta for 17 years. That is UNHEARD of in the radio industry. To be able to evolve for that long and keep strong ratings is really an amazing accomplishment.
In all honesty, I think the Bert Show was a better radio product than Steve and Vikki. I'm proud of my show. But that doesn't take away from the fact that I respect the success that they have had for almost two decades. How can you NOT respect and honor that kind of longevity. I want it for myself and I want it for my team.
One night about a year ago I was having a business conversation with my friend Justin. My contract was up and I had some stations in Atlanta approach me about my future. I was sort of confused and having real loyalty issues 'cause Q100 took a BIG chance on me when they hired me. I had no previous morning show hosting experience but they had the confidence in me to allow me to pick the players on my team and create a show that was in my head. I was part of the Q10O foundation and this station is very personal to me. And Cumulus has really treated me well since they bought us. Anyway, the backdrop for my conversation with Justin was the bar at his restaurant. He said to me that in business I'm no different than one of the Hangar One bottles behind his bar. "When my customers are done drinking Hangar then I'll replace it with Grey Goose. When they aren't buying Grey Goose anymore I'll replace that bottle with Belvedere. In business if you're not the owner you're just a Vodka bottle."
HARSH, right?
There have been times in the heat of competition over the past seven years that we've had fun at Steve and Vikki's expense. But it has NEVER been personal for me. I've had, perhaps, two conversations with Steve McCoy. Vikki sent over a glass of champagne for me and my wife at a restaurant one night.
If they want it, Steve and Vikki will be on the radio again in Atlanta. And they have earned that. I sincerely hope that Vikki's health issues get better.
The truth is that some day people won't be "drinking" The Bert Show as much as they are now. And with any luck I'll be able to stay around as successfully as Steve and Vikki have.
Here audio of our conversation HERE!
Monday, November 12, 2007
Bert Talks Vision
I gotta tell ya. I miss Vision.
There are few clubs I've been in thathad a vibe like that place had in midtown, right? I lost way too many brain cells and saw too many things I shouldn't have seen in thatplace. And, well, I miss it.
But, there's good news for those of youthat miss Vision, too. I had a walk through today at the new club that the owners of Vision are putting in. It's in the OLD Velvet Room spot. Right up the street from Jocks and Jills on Peachtree. Now, the new place is just a shell of what it's going to be once it opens (not sure of date yet. But soon. February?). In fact they haven'teven picked a color scheme for the dance side of the club. And I'm not sure how much I can tell ya without the owners getting ^&%$ at me. So I have to be careful. But the blueprints and the club itself are hot. It's actually two clubs in one. One side is going to be sorta vip "loungeish." The other is a full on dance club. You can enter the dance side from the lounge but not the other way around. That's how exclusive they are trying to keep the lounge side. The outside sorta has a Miami club feel…lot's of windows out front. It's like they brought the best ideas from Compound, Velvet and Vision and put them into the new place. Lots of VIP space on the dance club side. But it's set up to where you can see everybody in the club. I don't think that there are any "blind" spaces." Oh, and it's two stories withthe VIP cabanas overlooking the dance floor. And, at least by the looks of it, plenty of bathroom space on the club side underneath the actual club.
I'm trying to get them to let The Bert Show/Q100 to do a soft opening just for our listeners. You'd get to see the club before anybody else in Atlanta. I'll let ya know if they buy into it.
There are few clubs I've been in thathad a vibe like that place had in midtown, right? I lost way too many brain cells and saw too many things I shouldn't have seen in thatplace. And, well, I miss it.
But, there's good news for those of youthat miss Vision, too. I had a walk through today at the new club that the owners of Vision are putting in. It's in the OLD Velvet Room spot. Right up the street from Jocks and Jills on Peachtree. Now, the new place is just a shell of what it's going to be once it opens (not sure of date yet. But soon. February?). In fact they haven'teven picked a color scheme for the dance side of the club. And I'm not sure how much I can tell ya without the owners getting ^&%$ at me. So I have to be careful. But the blueprints and the club itself are hot. It's actually two clubs in one. One side is going to be sorta vip "loungeish." The other is a full on dance club. You can enter the dance side from the lounge but not the other way around. That's how exclusive they are trying to keep the lounge side. The outside sorta has a Miami club feel…lot's of windows out front. It's like they brought the best ideas from Compound, Velvet and Vision and put them into the new place. Lots of VIP space on the dance club side. But it's set up to where you can see everybody in the club. I don't think that there are any "blind" spaces." Oh, and it's two stories withthe VIP cabanas overlooking the dance floor. And, at least by the looks of it, plenty of bathroom space on the club side underneath the actual club.
I'm trying to get them to let The Bert Show/Q100 to do a soft opening just for our listeners. You'd get to see the club before anybody else in Atlanta. I'll let ya know if they buy into it.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Melissa Carter Transplant Fund
Nearly 6,000 people die annually - or 18 people each day - awaiting an organ transplant. I was fortunately not part of that statistic, having my kidney transplant 5 years ago this week. Has it really been 5 YEARS? Doesn't seem like it, but my cousin Pam made the ultimate selfless act of donating her life-saving kidney on November 8, 2002. Since that humbling event, things have gone well for both of us.
Another humbling event for me has taken place this week. Piedmont Hospital, where Pam and I underwent the transplant, has created the Melissa Carter Transplant Fund in honor of the 5-year anniversary of the surgery!
Read More HERE....
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
From Jenn: Embracing Mistakes
As a self-admitted, life-long perfectionist, I have decided to embrace mistakes. I would like to say I am comfortable in this phase, but it is making me squirm. It may be the curse of the first born child, it may be trying to always make everyone else happy, it may be the fear of doing anything wrong... but it is all out the window. The start of this shake-up of my little life was in taking improv comedy classes. I have been attending for about 5 weeks now and I am terrible. It is the most embarrassing, challenging, uncomfortable experience I may have ever had and I can't get enough of it. I'm addicted to the failure of it all. It's beautiful! Yes and... it's defeating too. Yes and... it is wonderful. Yes and... (just kidding, you get it.) So then I thought, where else should I start failing? I'm not returning all phone calls, not doing laundry (just shopping instead), not cleaning the house like crazy, not saying no anymore to deliciously irresponsible things. I went to a concert until midnight last week! (That is crazy when I get up at 3:30AM.) I'm painting my toes a trashy fire red; doing yoga after wine; listening to my favorite album from high school; I am feeling out of sorts, selfish. It's weird. Am I having an interesting epiphany or a momentary lapse of my typically good judgment? I am thankful to have amazing people around me to lift me up. This is a photo of me with one of my girls, April. She's younger AND much wiser than me. :)
HUBCAPS AND H20 ... from Jeff
Just a bunch of random stuff and pictures, now that the letters are done and I have a minute.
www.JeffDauler.com
Enjoy!
www.JeffDauler.com
Enjoy!
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Bert and Stacey's Phone
I always thought I was pretty secure in my marriage. My wife has never given me any reason to think she is even capable of an affair. But from time to time I find myself picking up her cell and checking the sent and received texts. I'm embarrassed about it. In fact, if the roles were reversed I'd be really upset. I have ZERO reason to distrust my wife. I'm pretty surprised and confused by my insecurity.
Monday, October 29, 2007
JEFF'S OFTEN-REQUESTED HALLOWEEN STORY
In 2005, Jessica and I went to Savannah for Halloween. The following story is true, and happened during our visit. I told it on the air right after our visit, and a replay is requested each Halloween. I think we are replaying it this year, on Wednesday.
Jessica and I arrived in Savannah about 4 p.m. on Friday. We checked into our hotel and lounged around for a couple of hours. We had dinner reservations at 8:30, and while Jessica was getting dressed, I went down to the hotel lobby to work on the computer. The only proper desk in the lobby was the concierge desk, and it was vacant. I took a seat and started tapping away on my laptop. A few minutes later, a woman came up to me, and thinking I worked for the hotel, asked me if I would be willing to recommend her husband's Savannah ghost tours. I explained to her that I wasn't the concierge, but in turn asked her if her husband had any availability for late that evening. She set Jessica and I up for a tour after our dinner ...
http://www.jeffdauler.com/
Jessica and I arrived in Savannah about 4 p.m. on Friday. We checked into our hotel and lounged around for a couple of hours. We had dinner reservations at 8:30, and while Jessica was getting dressed, I went down to the hotel lobby to work on the computer. The only proper desk in the lobby was the concierge desk, and it was vacant. I took a seat and started tapping away on my laptop. A few minutes later, a woman came up to me, and thinking I worked for the hotel, asked me if I would be willing to recommend her husband's Savannah ghost tours. I explained to her that I wasn't the concierge, but in turn asked her if her husband had any availability for late that evening. She set Jessica and I up for a tour after our dinner ...
http://www.jeffdauler.com/
Sunday, October 28, 2007
PICTURES FROM JEFF
I just got back from a visit to NY to see the 'rents. Some pics are online at JeffDauler.com. Enjoy ...
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Melissa's Toby
It's been difficult to write this blog, since documenting the event would make it real. But it is indeed real, and my constant companion of 12 years is now running free in far greener and bigger back yards than Sandy Springs.
I got home around 3pm on October 17th to find my Golden Retriever lying in a seemingly casual position on the living room floor. But seeing his blonde frame a little too close to a chair for comfort and his mouth partially open, I realized something was wrong.
Read More HERE...
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
From Jenn: The more I learn, the less I know
This concept is becoming clearer to me in just the last couple of days. A few randoms...
To begin, I just read Jeff's blog and for the first time realized that the video game everyone on the planet is addicted to right now is spelled "Wii" and not "Wee."
Next, I learned from friends that adopting a baby is a simultaneously slow and fast process. You wait, wait, wait and then in an instant, you are parents.
I would like to learn and apply this quote I read today to my life: "Having a plan is not necessarily a good idea." - Napoleon
No matter how loud I play the music, I can't drown out my thoughts.
The more I think I know myself, the less certain I am of who that is. It's refreshing, exciting even and yet unstable, frightening.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Melissa.....A Mother?
I won't have it as good as my parents. But I will do my best to achieve a big chunk of it.
Ideally children are meant to do better and have more than their parents. My parents were married for 50-years, had 3 children, and built the home I grew up in. And, once retired, they were able to live debt-free.
As a gay woman, my path isn't as smooth in regards to life's goals like marriage and children.
This came to mind after I shared with The Bert Show my decision to freeze my eggs. It was last Friday when I had my consultation with the fertility doctor about my choices. It's not that I plan on being a mother any time soon, but I want to be able to still have the choice to be a natural mother when the time comes. As a kidney transplant recipient, and a woman in my late-30's, I didn't want to take for granted that I - or my eggs - will be at optimum health in a few years if my girlfriend and I decide to start a family.
Read the rest HERE.
Ideally children are meant to do better and have more than their parents. My parents were married for 50-years, had 3 children, and built the home I grew up in. And, once retired, they were able to live debt-free.
As a gay woman, my path isn't as smooth in regards to life's goals like marriage and children.
This came to mind after I shared with The Bert Show my decision to freeze my eggs. It was last Friday when I had my consultation with the fertility doctor about my choices. It's not that I plan on being a mother any time soon, but I want to be able to still have the choice to be a natural mother when the time comes. As a kidney transplant recipient, and a woman in my late-30's, I didn't want to take for granted that I - or my eggs - will be at optimum health in a few years if my girlfriend and I decide to start a family.
Read the rest HERE.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Back to high school
JENN:
So prom is this weekend, yes, it is a second chance prom, but I do feel like I have been whisked right back to the high school days. Preparations for prom (first or second) are exactly the same. What to wear, who to go with, where to eat dinner, who is going to sit next to whom, will we dance together, etc. And then the same high school insecurites creep up too! Here are a few of the conversations going on in my head right now. "How is my dress going to look compared to the other girls? I mean, I like the dress I have planned to wear. But it's short, I bet all the other girls are going to wear long dresses. I wonder if I will feel out of place. Maybe it's too short. I wonder if I will get any dirty looks. Plus if I wear my heels, am I going to be taller than my date in all the pictures? So what, I like those heels. But maybe I should go looking for another dress, a long flowing one. But really, who cares if I look different? I probably don't have time anyway, between the nails and hair appointment in the next two days. Wait, but I care! It is PROM!!" Seriously, I need to get a grip. High school or not, prom stresses me out, puts me back inside my 17 year old mind and make me worry all over again what my friends will think. So do we ever grow up? Apparently the answer for me is simply, no.
So prom is this weekend, yes, it is a second chance prom, but I do feel like I have been whisked right back to the high school days. Preparations for prom (first or second) are exactly the same. What to wear, who to go with, where to eat dinner, who is going to sit next to whom, will we dance together, etc. And then the same high school insecurites creep up too! Here are a few of the conversations going on in my head right now. "How is my dress going to look compared to the other girls? I mean, I like the dress I have planned to wear. But it's short, I bet all the other girls are going to wear long dresses. I wonder if I will feel out of place. Maybe it's too short. I wonder if I will get any dirty looks. Plus if I wear my heels, am I going to be taller than my date in all the pictures? So what, I like those heels. But maybe I should go looking for another dress, a long flowing one. But really, who cares if I look different? I probably don't have time anyway, between the nails and hair appointment in the next two days. Wait, but I care! It is PROM!!" Seriously, I need to get a grip. High school or not, prom stresses me out, puts me back inside my 17 year old mind and make me worry all over again what my friends will think. So do we ever grow up? Apparently the answer for me is simply, no.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Melissa Attempts To Save Halloween
I may have learned it from my mother, Millie Pete, first. And then it was reinforced by my first educational experience - Granny Gayle's Pre-School. That lesson? Halloween is in October, Thanksgiving is in November, and Christmas is in December. You trick-or-treat for one, make a decorative hand turkey for another, and leave out cookies and milk for Santa at the end of the season.But as I've grown older retailers seemed to start placing their Christmas products out on shelves and aisles earlier and earlier, to the point I see Christmas decorations as early as August!
This has inspired me to start the CAMPAIGN TO SAVE HALLOWEEN!
Read more HERE....
From Bert
Isn't it rare that you can actually get peace of mind about a stressful decision you've made? Are you ever quite sure you made the right decision? After I posted my blog about struggling with the decision to give up our two dogs I got this email from the family that ended up adopting them. I can't tell you the sense of relief I got when received this.
My name is (omitted) and I am writing you about Dude and Bodie. I understand that a few people have gotten in touch with you letting you know that the dogs are OK. My family has adopted Dude and Bodie and they are doing TERRIFIC!! Jason called and told me about them and our lives haven't been the same since. I was so honored that Jason thought of us when he talked to you. I hesitated getting in touch with you because I wasn't sure if it would be too painful for you. After reading your blog, it is very obvious that you love these dogs very much and that you agonized over this decision. You are not selfish because you put the dogs needs ahead of your own wants.
Dude and Bodie are doing great. Here's a little info on our family. My husband, (omit) and I are both 38. We have two boys as you do…..(omit) is 12 and (omit) is 9. We also have a 2 year old English Springer Spaniel, who was ready for a playmate, but surprised to get TWO!! I am a stay at home mom and the dogs are right with me pretty much all day. They love taking rides to pick up the boys after school. My boys are both involved in travel soccer so we are on the go just about every evening. Dude and Bodie have been to the soccer fields with us (when it is not too hot). They bark at the other dogs (it is a very dog friendly field) and as you can imagine, they draw all sorts of attention. They love to take walks in the neighborhood and again the attention. They get along great with (dog's name omitted). Dude and Casey will run around all morning. Bodie will, too, but he takes breaks!! He will get a burst of energy and then lay down under the fan on the patio. I ha ve a rope that all three can tug on and they drag each other across the yard. The boys are having a blast with them. The dogs are loving all of the attention and are exhausted at the end of the day. The way that Bodie starts snoring about a second after closing his eyes, and the way that Dude sleeps with his tongue hanging out are just a couple of ways they have stolen our hearts. My husband has always wanted a bulldog. He is a former Marine (who served in the first Gulf War) and their mascot is the bulldog. He loves their attitude and their ugly (but cute) faces. We certainly did not think we would ever get a bulldog (or two) this way, but we have definitely embraced the opportunity.
Sorry if I rambled, but I want you to be at peace with your decision. I would love to send you a picture of all of us so you can see for yourself that they are OK. I can assure you that we always love and take care of these dogs. They are full of spunk and personality and are so special.
We live about 10 minutes from Jason (puppychase.com ) in Loganville right off Highway 78. If you are ever out this way or passing by, we would love to meet you in person.
Take care.
My name is (omitted) and I am writing you about Dude and Bodie. I understand that a few people have gotten in touch with you letting you know that the dogs are OK. My family has adopted Dude and Bodie and they are doing TERRIFIC!! Jason called and told me about them and our lives haven't been the same since. I was so honored that Jason thought of us when he talked to you. I hesitated getting in touch with you because I wasn't sure if it would be too painful for you. After reading your blog, it is very obvious that you love these dogs very much and that you agonized over this decision. You are not selfish because you put the dogs needs ahead of your own wants.
Dude and Bodie are doing great. Here's a little info on our family. My husband, (omit) and I are both 38. We have two boys as you do…..(omit) is 12 and (omit) is 9. We also have a 2 year old English Springer Spaniel, who was ready for a playmate, but surprised to get TWO!! I am a stay at home mom and the dogs are right with me pretty much all day. They love taking rides to pick up the boys after school. My boys are both involved in travel soccer so we are on the go just about every evening. Dude and Bodie have been to the soccer fields with us (when it is not too hot). They bark at the other dogs (it is a very dog friendly field) and as you can imagine, they draw all sorts of attention. They love to take walks in the neighborhood and again the attention. They get along great with (dog's name omitted). Dude and Casey will run around all morning. Bodie will, too, but he takes breaks!! He will get a burst of energy and then lay down under the fan on the patio. I ha ve a rope that all three can tug on and they drag each other across the yard. The boys are having a blast with them. The dogs are loving all of the attention and are exhausted at the end of the day. The way that Bodie starts snoring about a second after closing his eyes, and the way that Dude sleeps with his tongue hanging out are just a couple of ways they have stolen our hearts. My husband has always wanted a bulldog. He is a former Marine (who served in the first Gulf War) and their mascot is the bulldog. He loves their attitude and their ugly (but cute) faces. We certainly did not think we would ever get a bulldog (or two) this way, but we have definitely embraced the opportunity.
Sorry if I rambled, but I want you to be at peace with your decision. I would love to send you a picture of all of us so you can see for yourself that they are OK. I can assure you that we always love and take care of these dogs. They are full of spunk and personality and are so special.
We live about 10 minutes from Jason (puppychase.com ) in Loganville right off Highway 78. If you are ever out this way or passing by, we would love to meet you in person.
Take care.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Jeff: The Two-Day Walk
48,404
According to the pedometer I was borrowing, I walked 48,404 steps today in the Atlanta Two-Day Walk. I also burned 2000 calories.
According to the Two-Day route planners, it was just shy ...
SEE THE REST, AND THE PICTURES, AT www.JEFFDAULER.com
According to the pedometer I was borrowing, I walked 48,404 steps today in the Atlanta Two-Day Walk. I also burned 2000 calories.
According to the Two-Day route planners, it was just shy ...
SEE THE REST, AND THE PICTURES, AT www.JEFFDAULER.com
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
From Bert
I've managed to live my life relatively regret free. I jumped down a flight of stairs at a fraternity and jacked up my knee. It's never been the same. I regret that. When I left my hometown of San Diego for a job offer in Washington, DC I brought with me a girl I knew wasn't going to last forever. Within six months she was on a plane back to California. I just was too scared to move alone and made a huge mistake by asking her to move with me. I regret that.
Now the latest.
Everybody told me not to do it. Everybody told me to wait. Everybody told me the timing was all wrong. But I was bullheaded and arrogant and selfish. I bought two English Bulldog puppies months before our second son, Hollis, was born. I figured I'd have them trained and when the new baby came they'd rely on each other while my family adjusted to the new baby. Then life would be back to normal and I'd have plenty of time to spend with the dogs.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. I was naïve and stupid and totally wrong. I never had time for the dogs. I was so stressed out trying to finish up work to spend what remaining time I had left in my day with my kids that the dogs were neglected. Yea. I'd spend ten minutes here and ten minutes there with them. But for most of the day, they were by themselves with little family interaction. My wife was juggling both kids and sure didn't have time to spend with them either. It was totally unfair to the dogs. I saw them begging for attention and I just couldn't give it to them. I saw them getting more sad each day.
My thought is that when you buy a dog you make a life-long commitment to that dog. So, I tried for months and months each day to carve out more time each day for the dogs. But every time I seemed to have any extra time for the dogs, my five year old was begging to play baseball or play with him. Or the new baby was crying and needed to be fed or held.
So, after painfully struggling with this for months I knew what the right thing was to do. Find the dogs a better home. But I couldn't bring myself to do it. I was having big time loyalty issues. Until I realized that I could make the initial bad decision to get the dogs even worse by keeping them. I didn't see any way to make more time for them.
My only thought was that if I couldn't find a family that would adopt BOTH of them then I'd figure out a way to make this work . They grew up together and they are inseperable. I called my breeder. A great guy named Jason at Puppy Chase kennels. Nobody cares more about these dogs than he does and I knew he'd place them in a great home. He totally understood and said he already knew the perfect family for them. A family that had a few kids that probably couldn't afford the initial costs but has always wanted Bulldogs. Within twenty four hours he placed them in a better home than I could provide.
I am 100% clear that the right decision was finding them a better family that could give them the time that they need. But I can't seem to stop beating myself up for getting them in the first place.
Now the latest.
Everybody told me not to do it. Everybody told me to wait. Everybody told me the timing was all wrong. But I was bullheaded and arrogant and selfish. I bought two English Bulldog puppies months before our second son, Hollis, was born. I figured I'd have them trained and when the new baby came they'd rely on each other while my family adjusted to the new baby. Then life would be back to normal and I'd have plenty of time to spend with the dogs.
Stupid. Stupid. Stupid. I was naïve and stupid and totally wrong. I never had time for the dogs. I was so stressed out trying to finish up work to spend what remaining time I had left in my day with my kids that the dogs were neglected. Yea. I'd spend ten minutes here and ten minutes there with them. But for most of the day, they were by themselves with little family interaction. My wife was juggling both kids and sure didn't have time to spend with them either. It was totally unfair to the dogs. I saw them begging for attention and I just couldn't give it to them. I saw them getting more sad each day.
My thought is that when you buy a dog you make a life-long commitment to that dog. So, I tried for months and months each day to carve out more time each day for the dogs. But every time I seemed to have any extra time for the dogs, my five year old was begging to play baseball or play with him. Or the new baby was crying and needed to be fed or held.
So, after painfully struggling with this for months I knew what the right thing was to do. Find the dogs a better home. But I couldn't bring myself to do it. I was having big time loyalty issues. Until I realized that I could make the initial bad decision to get the dogs even worse by keeping them. I didn't see any way to make more time for them.
My only thought was that if I couldn't find a family that would adopt BOTH of them then I'd figure out a way to make this work . They grew up together and they are inseperable. I called my breeder. A great guy named Jason at Puppy Chase kennels. Nobody cares more about these dogs than he does and I knew he'd place them in a great home. He totally understood and said he already knew the perfect family for them. A family that had a few kids that probably couldn't afford the initial costs but has always wanted Bulldogs. Within twenty four hours he placed them in a better home than I could provide.
I am 100% clear that the right decision was finding them a better family that could give them the time that they need. But I can't seem to stop beating myself up for getting them in the first place.
Break a Leg? Melissa Just Might...
Nervous? Me? Absolutely, as I repeat my monologue in my head over and over and over again. I'm working on the piece I will do for this week's Atlanta premiere of "A Memory, a Monologue, a Rant, and a Prayer," by Eve Ensler. The readings are an effort to end violence against Women and Girls as part of VDay. Other performers who will be on stage include our own Jenn Hobby, Eve Ensler HERSELF, OSCAR-WINNER Jane Fonda, THEATRE COMPANY FOUNDER Kenny Leon... and INDIGO GIRL Emily Saliers! So, yeah, I'm nervous.
My piece is called, "In Memory of Imette," which talks about women's fear of being raped. Imette St. Guillen, a victim of a brutal rape and murder not long ago, is honored in the monologue. One night at home as I was reading and re-reading the piece, Katie went online to look up St. Guillen, and as she told me the story of how that fatal night went I had to stop her. I couldn't hear it all, especially right before bedtime. Before that point I had been trying to figure out how to "perform" the reading, without an emotional connection to Imette. But I soon realized in order to truly be responsible for "In Memory of Imette," I had to know. But even then I couldn't take in all the details.
Ladies, if you can't see the play then at least buy the book. But more importantly, share the stories with the men in your life. The whole Idea behind this joined effort is to End Violence, and it takes everyone to do it.
It will be an honor to say Imette's name on stage.....but I'm still nervous.
UPDATE: See the performance HERE!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Looking forward to blogging... I think
JENN:
Aside from my hand-written journals in college and high school, I have no blogging experience. I am looking forward to it and a little nervous about it. I guess I am only nervous that I will blog while drinking wine and thus, spill my guts. I guess that is what it is all about, right? In Vino Veritas! Here's a photo of me and Ryan from this summer's vacation in Paris, France... a trip that included plenty of wine! This is our "self-portrait" at the Musee D'Orsay, a former railway station that is now a 19th and 20th century art museum.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)