Ya can learn something new every day...

Imagine my surprise that an intelligent and mature woman such as myself, did not know that men's shirts and women's shirts (blouses) button on different sides. Whoda thunk? Not that along the way I haven't noticed that, it's just that I merely attributed button designation as a designer choice or quirk.

Having just returned from my trip to Los Angeles and then to Bakersfield --where it was even hotter than it is here-- my gas tank was almost empty. The gas prices had gone up so markedly of late, that I thought I would make the trip to Costco to fill up at inexpensive (when has $2.99 a gallon ever been inexpensive?) rates. When I attempted to pull into the station, the cars were lined up at each bay and out into the street. Was there a run on gasoline? Rationing? I was behind an SUV from out of state that chose to stay in the first lane she turned into and did not monitor other choices or slots to fill, which left me the car dangling out of the driveway and someone behind me waiting. Then Mr. Macho-Jerk-Guy-in-the-Big-Truck-with-the-Spinning-Wheels decided we were not moving fast enough or in a manner that suited him, so he started honking and yelling at everyone. OK, as you can tell by the monicker I gave this driver, I had some judgment going on. Did he reallly think that his shouting and honking was going to help move the lines along? Once he got into his gas lane and he opened his door to stare at the other drivers that he would get his gas any faster? And finally, did he really think that those spinning wheels made him cooler or more desirable in someone's eyes?

As I was sitting in my smugness, my minister's collar spun around on me and I began to soften. Could it be possible that some of his aberrant behavior was being motivated by his being laid off or a recent death in the family? Stress and grief can create unusual behavior and actions. Who was I to judge that those wheels weren't the highlight of his life; that he saved months to purchase them to make his son proud? The fact is, I didn't know and probably wouldn't. Damn. It was much easier to be pissy at him in the quiet confines of my automobile. Well, his piss-osity was just louder and not as private and that doesn't mean it was less justified than mine. OK, Spirit, your point was made.



In the news....
• Ellen Pompeo of "Grey's Anatomy" just signed a new, retroactive contract from the beginning of the season, giving her $200k per episode. Sweet. Other cast members signed up for $125k per show; and a few are still in negotiations. It seems Isiah Washington may not get an increase because of his recent bad publicity about his contretemps with fellow castmate about outing him as gay.

• Kate Winslet won a recent lawsuit with a British tabloid about her "...being fat." Oh pahleeeze. This harks back to my recent posting about the scene in "Little Miss Sunshine" where the father is planting a seed of doubt in his daughter's mind about what body types are considered beautiful. My opinion is that Kate Winslet is beautiful. Real women have curves and Kate was even quoted as saying "Curves are womanly." And the new Dove Pro-Age campaign is going to help that along, too.

• Rev. Ron Threatt (known to many here in San Diego and from Pacific Church) will be accepting the Senior Minister position at the Bakersfield church as of next Sunday! Congratulations, Rev. Ron. I was tickled that they asked me back to speak and I got to be the last guest speaker there and pave the way for my buddy. The folks at Bakersfield are really wonderful and the church itself is a great facility. How exciting for all concerned.

• It is rumoured this week, that Sir Paul McCartney will be the first musical artist to record for the Starbucks music label.

Sweeeet.

Soon I shall be putting together a listserv or subscription type of e-mail for people interested in getting an e-mail from me about my guest speaking gigs, classes and such. If you are interested, let me know and I will add you. As soon as I get my mother settled, I will be starting up a four-week class on "The Secret" and will be held at The HeartSpace. More details to come.

Till then, enjoy this week; get out your green garb and get ready for St. Patty's Day on Saturday. Because I have figured out a way to cyber pinch you if you aren't wearing green.