OOPS...I FORGOT

I had dinner at a really nice place in Portland. A place of my people, Emilitsa, a fairly new Greek restaurant on Congress Street in Portland. It's what a call I "treat" restaurant. In other words, the price does not make this a weekly visit...and these days, well that could be the last time I visit in a longgg time. the treat was my birthday. But the food is wonderful, the presentation beautiful and the atmosphere is hip and cool (the complete oposite of me). I highly recommend it. Some of the best Greek food going.

But that's not the story. I went with Teddy (you know - the guy we "open" for) and my friend Brenda Broder from Amore Styles. She is the person responsible for making me look 40 and not 60. Dinner was at 6pm. Teddy was there, my BFF was there, I was there...but no Brenda. No problem.

It's now 630pm. Still no Brenda. Could she actually have forgotten? After calling and getting her voice mail on her cell phone, we tracked her down at her house. Guess what? She was in bed after a full day of apple picking. She was in her jammies and ready for a comfortable night at home. Poor Brenda. She was horrified that she forgot my birthday dinner. She hopped in her car and high tailed it down to Emilitsa. We ordered for her (a drink was top on her list) and had such a fun night! We laughed and ate, and ate and ate. I felt bad for dragging her out of bed, but was glad she actually came out to play.

But don't think that I didn't give her a ton of crap for actually FORGETTING my birthday dinner. Isn't guilt wonderful? hehehehehehehe

SNOTTY, SNOTTY MCSNOTTY

Teddy told me about a listener who came up to him at a recent remote. She was excited to see the Q Van and even more excited to meet Teddy McKay. She quickly told him how much she loves the Q and "The Q Morning Show with Meredith, Jeff and Lori". BUT (there's always a but) that Lori is "conceited." Teddy did his best not to laugh and also defend me, but she persisted. She went on to tell Teddy that she just loves Meredith but that Lori is snotty. Snotty? You know what? I started thinking about that. Although I have never thought of myself as snotty - she's RIGHT! I'm totally snotty. I don't mean to be, but hell listen to my credentials for snottydom:

- don't eat transfats, hate chain restaurants
- watches tennis AND plays tennis
- cook with spices like Smoked Hungarian Paprika
- can't stand "America's Got Talent" because I don't think they do
- my pinkie flies out when I pick up a drink
- I won't eat processed food
- I walk the Eastern Prom for exercise

I'm afraid I have bad news too. I think this is only gonna get worse the older I get. I'll be old and snotty. Oooooo, not a good combo!

HOW ADORABLE IS THIS CAT?

Lincoln my kitty found himself a moth. He was a crazed cat about this moth. He was making weird sounds and moving his mouth in a really odd way. But the best part were his crazed eyeballs. It was spooky AND adorable all in the same time. See?

Lincoln the cat

MOVIE REVIEW "BURN AFTER READING"

I saw "Burn After Reading" with Brad Pitt and George Clooney. It's a Cohen brother's movie. Sometimes I love the Cohen brothers, "Fargo" and sometimes I scratch my head and wonder what I'm missing, "No Country For Old Men". I was excited when I read reviews that the new movie was a return to "Fargo". It is definitely the crazy cult comedy of "Fargo". Shocking twists, and very, very funny. It's the kind of funny that "Pulp Fiction" was. But the best part of the movie (or any movie for that matter) is that I didn't check my watch once and when it was over - I wanted more. It won't win any awards, but you won't feel like you wasted your money...as long as you liked "Fargo" that is.

THAT'S PURDY

In the battle of the bulge, I try to walk around the Eastern Prom once to twice a day. It's not that I'm a fatty - it's just that I have a soft, squishy middle...and well - I'm just trying to keep it down to a minimum.

The daytime walks have been great for weather, lots of sunshine and a little bite in the air. But the other night, the sky was a bright pumpkin orange. I could see it as I approached the school on North Street, but didn't' have a clear shot. By the time I actually got to the end of the Eastern Prom, the sky wasn't as orange...but still picture worthy.

Okay, since I'm no photographer...imagine that in bright orange! It was beautiful.

I'M A FASHIONISTA...NOT!

Went to an "engagement party" this weekend. First off, I've never been to an engagement party before. Who knew? The party was on a cruise down in Boston on a big ol' boat called "The Odyssey". Now, I was going as a guest of a family member of the bride to be, and really didn't know what to expect. I did know it was a dressy affair, but not formal or anything over the top.

I also knew that Hanna the storm was messing with our weather. So - here's what I was thinking. I'll dress so that I won't be cold on a boat in a storm out on the water. I looked nice with a dark brown short sleeved turtleneck and light tan linen pants (I'm not a dress person). I also had this adorable short dark brown jacket...it was a pretty nice outfit if I do say so myself.

As I drove from rainy Maine down to Boston, it got warmer, and warmer and sunnier and sunnier.

By the time I got to the boat (a really nice one in Rose Harbor) I was sweating my ass off in my TURTLENECK! It was 85 degrees...and that includes out on the water too! Oh sure, I looked amazing, with my forhead collecting sweat like I had just run a marathon.

But the lucky couple looked gorgeous and the food was amazing! Speaking of food - I also wasn't sure what the food situation would be so I ate a huge breakfast. Sometimes my doofessness even amazes me.

OSCAR THE CAT

It didn't take me long to shed the joy of "staycation" afterglow and get right back into work routine...although a 3 day week aint bad.

So, I'm doing one of my favorite things: sitting on my incredibly tiny 2nd floor deck with my laptop working. The sun is amazing and it's nice to have the fresh air. There is an older lady that lives in the neighborhood and will walk her dog.

But there is a black and white cat that is always about 10 feet behind this woman...always. She's a regular on the hill, so I see her and her dog and this cat a lot. His name is Oscar.

I asked this nice lady once how she is able to take a cat for a walk...and he stays near. She told me that she rescued Oscar years ago and ever since then...he NEVER leaves her. He is an outdooor cat. His food and water are both outside - but wherever this woman goes, Oscar is right there. She thinks he's showing loyalty for being saved. I have had a lot of cats in my life time and I have never seen anything like it. It truly is one of the sweetest sights.

Just thought I'd share that as I sit and watch Oscar follow behind.

THE FINAL DAYS OF STAYCATION '08

Ohhhhhhhh nooooooo! I have to go back to work tomorrow. I squeaked in an extra day in there. I love listening to the show and hearing Meredith and Jeff bitch about doing the news. Hello?! I do it every ding dong day.

Okay - onto what I have filled my days with for the final two days. I have done an awful lot of walking around. It's the benefit of living so close to town. So, as I walked to get pizza the other night (by the way I wussed out and got a cab for the ride home....WUSS!) I saw some dude walking down Congress Street with a friggin' snake wrapped around his neck like a scarf? Man...there are a lot of weirdos out there.

I made my grilled tuna with the Japanese marinade. Not too shabby and my tomato gratin (got the recipe from the Portland Press Herald) was great! Of course, you put 8 tablespoons of butter in anything and it will be great!

I have been doing stupid stuff that I never have time to do. Like for instance (you'll love this one) I duct taped a 50 pound bag of sand that I hoist up onto my washing machine whenever I do laundry to keep that sucker from shaking off it's perch. I know, I know...totally a loser thing to do. But, it's now done.

I never did get to cleaning out my 3rd floor closets that have become a haven for "shoving stuff" in there. I just couldn't stay inside with the weather so nice. I will do that my next winter staycation!

Today (Tuesday the 2nd) I have been doing my favorites for one last time. Getting up and getting my DD coffee, the paper and doing the Eastern Prom walk with my backpack filled with water. Then I have actually been doing some work and planning the shows for the rest of the week. I think we will have some pretty fun shows.

Actually right now between the kids screaming next door (when does that INSIDE voice kick in anyway?) and the crows I'm getting annoyed as all hell. Ahhhhh, the things you find to bitch about, eh?

I am amazed that people have been reading this blog. It makes me want to blog more. I will try to do it daily - but you may be amazed at just how boring my life can get. I tend to love and hate the routine of it all. I strive so hard to find that rhythm and then when I get it going...I need something to break me out of it. I find that to be a very much Lori trait. My God - I'm rambling.

Okay - I'm off to start gathering the news for tomorrow. Meredith and Jeff are right, I hate doing the news too :)

STAYCATION - DAY 8 & 9

Oh boy...the days are running into each other and becoming one big blur of relaxation. Although the anxiety of ending my staycation and going back to work is starting to kick in.

First a couple of the highlights of the last couple of days. Went and saw "Wall-E" all by myself. Now, I have no problem seeing a movie by myself. One things for sure, no one will be talking to me during the movie or chomping loudly on popcorn.

But the reason I had to see "Wall-E" by myself is because no one would friggin' go with me! DFTO (remember her from a few blogs ago?) said she couldn't even begin to understand why I would want to see that movie since I don't have kids. Hello?! Pixar?! The "Toy Story" people...only one of my favorite movies.

I enjoyed the movie very much...but can't imagine kids digging it at all. It's a little slow moving for kids. And it's very subtle...another trick lost on kids. Here's proof. When the movie was over, a 4 year old in front of me who was very good throughout the movie said...loudly, "Is it over yet?" THAT was the funniest thing in the movie!

Then I ate some street vendor food, (a potato knish* - really tasty!) which is one of my favorite things to do on vacation.

In the last couple of days I have not cooked and have gotten Thai and pizza. But tonight it all changes back to cooking and getting back into the routine. I am making tuna steaks with a Japanese marinade, tomato gratin, steamed fresh beats and grilled corn on the cop (and of course a salad). Man...writing that out, it sounds awesome!

Speaking of awesome (my favorite adjective) how 'bout this weather?! Crazy mo fo good. I couldn't be more grateful! In fact, I'm on the way to my secret beach today! Probably the last time I'll get to the beach this season. Sigh...that just made me sad.


*have you noticed I can't even do street vendor food right? A potato knish? Who the hell eats that over a hot dog? See? I do recognize I'm a weirdo.