tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63906317732233904102024-03-19T02:54:25.883-04:00A POP CULTURE ADDICT - IN REHABMatthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.comBlogger2027125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-83842234267647851702020-05-18T19:40:00.001-04:002020-05-18T19:40:55.303-04:00Been a long time, hasn't it?<span style="font-size: large;">The last time I posted in this blog was two years ago. Back in those days, we were tuned in to "Riverdale", shows from the 1980s were suddenly hip again, and we could actually leave our homes without a mask on!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, I thought...since it's 2020, and we're all stuck inside until the pandemic decides to go away, I thought I'd resurrect this blog. At least for today. The future of this blog after that? Who knows?<br /><br />Anyway, I thought that after two years, I should probably explain where I disappeared to. I kind of just ghosted all of you, which wasn't really my intention. You see, 2018 was a year in which a lot of things changed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2018 was a year in which I kind of had a mini breakdown of sorts. I was not feeling up to writing, I was feeling more anxious and depressed, and I even suffered from panic attacks back in the day. It was enough for me to decide that I needed a break from writing to find out what was wrong with me.<br /><br />Turns out that I have severe anxiety and depression. Who would have thought?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I was officially diagnosed in August 2018. And in that time, I've been doing a lot of work with trying to cope with it. I can't say that it has been an easy road back. To tell you all the truth, I still have my good days and my bad days. Let's put it this way - COVID-19 has been a major stress factor, especially as someone who is an essential worker. But, being in treatment for almost two years has really made me see things clearly. I may have lost my spark for writing, but I developed a love of creating art pieces. Apparently, I'm a great artist - well, in some aspects anyway. And, once this pandemic ends, I have a lot of future plans that I hope I will share with you sometime soon.<br /><br />In the meantime, you may have noticed that I've changed the name of the blog - temporarily - to A POP CULTURE ADDICT IN REHAB. To be honest, if I consider starting this up again, I don't think I have it in me to write about pop culture anymore. I'm kind of burned out on it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, this leaves things up to you. If I were to kickstart this once more, what topics would you like to discuss?<br /><br />Anyway, that's what I wanted to say. I'm doing okay. A lot better than I was two years ago. And I hope all of you are doing well too.<br /><br />Stay safe, wear a mask, sanitize your hands, and stay six feet away from people - or two metres, if you love the metric system.<br /><br />Nice to "see" you all again!</span>Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-13408843170819543212018-05-06T10:43:00.002-04:002018-05-06T10:43:33.427-04:00One Day At A Time - Season 1 Recap<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
thought that I would take the time to recap the highs and lows of Season
1. Thankfully, I don't have too many
lows to report, as the Netflix reboot of the show has been on the ball since it
debuted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I'll
start with a list of links to the thirteen episode reviews that made up Season
1 in case any of you missed one. I know
the dates are really randomized. I had
intended to do one every Friday, but my work schedule is so unpredictable as of
late that I don't even know what day it is sometimes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://popcultureaddictlifeguide.blogspot.ca/2018/01/recapping-one-day-at-at-time-episode-1.html" target="_blank">1. This Is It</a><br /><a href="https://popcultureaddictlifeguide.blogspot.ca/2018/02/reviewing-one-day-at-time-episode-2.html" target="_blank">2. Bobos and Mamitas</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://popcultureaddictlifeguide.blogspot.ca/2018/02/recapping-one-day-at-at-time-episode-3.html" target="_blank">3. No Mass</a><br /><a href="https://popcultureaddictlifeguide.blogspot.ca/2018/02/recapping-one-day-at-time-episode-4.html" target="_blank">4. A Snowman's Tale</a><br /><a href="https://popcultureaddictlifeguide.blogspot.ca/2018/03/recapping-one-day-at-time-episode-5.html" target="_blank">5. Strays</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://popcultureaddictlifeguide.blogspot.ca/2018/03/recapping-one-day-at-time-episode-6.html" target="_blank">6. The Death Of Mrs. Resnick</a><br /><a href="https://popcultureaddictlifeguide.blogspot.ca/2018/03/recapping-one-day-at-time-episode-7.html" target="_blank">7. Hold, Please</a><br /><a href="https://popcultureaddictlifeguide.blogspot.ca/2018/03/recapping-one-day-at-time-episode-8-one.html" target="_blank">8. One Lie at a Time</a><br /><a href="https://popcultureaddictlifeguide.blogspot.ca/2018/03/recapping-one-day-at-time-episode-9.html" target="_blank">9. Viva Cuba</a><br /><a href="https://popcultureaddictlifeguide.blogspot.ca/2018/04/recapping-one-day-at-time-episode-10.html" target="_blank">10. Sex Talk</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://popcultureaddictlifeguide.blogspot.ca/2018/04/recapping-one-day-at-time-episode-11.html" target="_blank">11. Pride & Prejudice</a><br /><a href="https://popcultureaddictlifeguide.blogspot.ca/2018/04/recapping-one-day-at-time-episode-12.html" target="_blank">12. Hurricane Victor</a><br /><a href="https://popcultureaddictlifeguide.blogspot.ca/2018/04/recapping-one-day-at-time-episode-13.html" target="_blank">13. Quinces</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Now,
just to touch briefly on the episodes of the first season, I have to say that I
loved all of them. I think Norman Lear
hasn't lost his touch when it comes to producing and creating television
moments. I found laugh out loud moments
in nearly every single episode, and each episode talked about a rather serious
topic without being overly preachy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Much
like the original series which aired between 1975-1984, the rebooted show
wasn't afraid to tackle serious issues.
In this season alone, the issues dealt with were post traumatic stress
disorder, conflict of religion, immigration, the LGBTQ community, and
sexism. And yet the talent of the
brilliant cast helped bring these issues to the forefront and told the stories
with compassion, kindness, and a lot of humour.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
was also surprised to learn that the show taught us a lot about Cuban-American
history. I mean, I suppose since most
of the people on the show are Cuban, this would be inevitable, but from Alex's
school project to Lydia's accounts of her immigrating from Cuba to the United
States...you have a better understanding about what life was really like for
Cubans during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and how many of them fled the only home
they had ever known before that event took place. It was a real eye-opener to many who weren't around during that
time, and I can honestly say that the show (in particular episode 9) could be
considered a great teaching resource for illustrating that history.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
also thought that Elena's coming out story was handled exceptionally well. It's hard enough for teenagers to try and
find their way through the world. Even
harder when you are questioning your own sexuality through it all. But I really like how the show handled it,
and I especially like that the show didn't purposely set out to have everyone
immediately accept her. Penelope and
Lydia had their doubts, and Victor flat out walked out on his daughter during
her quinces because he couldn't handle it.
While it would be nice for them to accept it...real life says that not
everyone will. I really liked how the
show showed both sides without any hesitation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
how cool was it that Mackenzie Phillips returned to the show as Penelope's
therapist? It would have been really
wild if they used the name Julie Cooper (the character Phillips played on the
original series) for her character, but I suppose they had to draw the line
somewhere. I mean, we already had
another Schneider, so...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Were
there some parts of the show that I didn't like? Yeah, a couple. I didn't
understand the point of Penelope's co-workers, Lori and Scott. Though both actors were okay, I felt there
were there just for filler. I also
wasn't a huge fan of the structure of Episode 4, which kept jumping back and
forth through time...though I understand why they chose to go that route.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At
any rate, what makes the show such a success is the brilliant cast of
characters that make up the series, and in the case of the six actors that
receive top billing, each one put in a great performance. Most of these characters I loved, but there
were a couple that irked me. Let's hope
that they improve come season two.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We'll
go in order from the opening credits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
think that </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Penelope</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> is a gem of a character. One that Justina Machado plays with finesse
and excitement. And for the most part,
I think she's doing a great job with balancing her home life with her
professional life. I do think that she
slips up every once in a while (seriously what was up with crawling through a
doggy door to spy on your daughter), but for the most part, she's all right
with me.<br />
<br />
I particularly like the fact that while she may showcase a persona of bravery
and fearlessness, she too has her moments of vulnerability. When she served, she had moments happen to
her that changed how she looked at the world, and her struggle to reintegrate
into society post-service is inspiring.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I've
got nothing against Todd Grinnell's portrayal of </span><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Schneider</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> in this show. He is a fine actor. I just wish that Schneider was an endearing
character. Truth be told, personality
wise, he is the weak spot of Season 1.
A total comic relief character who only serves to be the punchline of
anyone's conversations. A spoiled trust
fund manchild who doesn't know what responsibility is. It's hard to watch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That
said, he has found an adoptive home with the Alvarez family, and since then, I
think Schneider has potential to grow to be a great character. We saw glimmers of it when he supervised
Alex's hotel stay. While that ended in
disaster, Penelope trusted him enough to try it again. I think Schneider still has a ways to go,
but he's getting there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
first four episodes of the series, I found myself annoyed by </span><span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Elena</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. Again, no reflection on Isabella Gomez - who
did fantastic work in this series. I
just found her social warrior persona to be really grating on the nerves, and I
was ready to dismiss her as being the annoying Steve Urkel like character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
then her best friend had to move because of immigration red tape, and I started
to warm up to her. And then her
beautiful coming out story warmed me up even further. By the time she celebrated her quinces in her sparkly pantsuit,
we were seeing a teenage girl ready to embark in womanhood. Here's hoping in Season 2 she continues that
growth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Alex</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> has an underdeveloped personality right
now. As the youngest member of the
cast, I suppose that's only natural.
But one thing Alex (and his actor Marcel Ruiz) has is charm. And believe me, he turns it on in more than
one episode to figure out what is going on.
I also like that he accepted Elena's coming out better than anyone else
in the family and it shows a great brother/sister relationship between the two
- something that's hardly seen in sitcoms these days. I look forward to seeing him mature in the second season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Getting
Stephen Tobolowsky to play the role of Penelope's boss, </span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dr. Berkowitz</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> was smart casting. He
certainly has the talent to be serious as well as goofy. The problem is that sometimes that line is
blurred to the point where he comes across as the most incompetent doctor that
has ever graced Los Angeles. It scares
me that he actually practices medicine with the total lack of knowledge he
seems to have in the real world.
Barring that, it's clear that he's a friend of the family. He respects Penelope as a co-worker, he
likes Penelope's kids, and he REALLY likes Penelope's mom! Time will tell if he becomes a more
prominent character in season 2, but I think for now he has a lot of work to
do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Finally,
we have </span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lydia</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> - and you know, she is my absolute favourite
character on the series because she is the most honest. I suppose the older you get, the less you
worry about offending people.
Certainly, Lydia is very old-fashioned about things. She's deeply religious and doesn't understand
the modern world that much. But she is
fiercely loyal to her family - one reason why Lydia accepted Elena's coming
out, even though it conflicted with her religious beliefs. And the story about how she came to the
country was heartbreaking. I actually
recall shedding a couple of tears during the Viva Cuba episode. And that is largely in part because of Rita
Moreno's beautiful acting. No wonder
she has won at least one of every major entertainment award. It shows in her performances. And at 86 years old, Moreno shows no sign of
stopping. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">So, that was season 1. What did you like about it?
What did you not like? I'm open
for comments.<br />
<br />
I'll begin Season 2 recaps at a later date.
I think I might let you wait a bit for it...I might have another project
on the go. We'll see.</span>Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-81812387990326574622018-04-30T15:14:00.002-04:002018-04-30T15:14:20.229-04:00The Oldest Canadian Railway Tunnel - A Tour<span style="font-size: x-large;">It's been a long time since I've done a video blog, and so for the end of April, I thought I'd introduce you to one of the most iconic tourist attractions in my neck of the woods.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm a bit late in posting this as when I did the walkthrough, it was Monday, April 23. But due to what happened in Toronto, Ontario that afternoon, I decided to hold off on it until some time had passed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I said that I wanted to do more of these video blogs where I take tours of various attractions in my area, and I couldn't think of a better place to start than our railway tunnel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Of course, the tunnel is no longer operational to trains...it hasn't been for several decades. But when the tunnel first opened in 1860, it predated Canada by seven whole years! It lay dormant for years, but was re-opened to the public on August 12, 2017 - a month after Canada's 150th anniversary.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Now, I'll start with the video of my tour of Canada's oldest railway tunnel, and then I'll post some photos that I took on my way back through. Hope you enjoy the tour...and try not to make fun of my voice or camera skills too much. When you're filming with an iPod, it tends to get a bit shaky!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Enjoy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-11465074012449874432018-04-28T19:31:00.002-04:002018-04-28T19:31:33.368-04:00Recapping One Day at a Time - Episode 13 - Quinces<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Well,
here we are. The finale of Season 1 of </span><span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Recapping One Day at a Time</span><span style="font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">- the reboot. Although my scheduling this time around has
been incredibly unpredictable, we're finally here at </span><span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Episode 13 - Quinces</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. Be
warned. Because it's the last episode
of the season, this entry's going to be a bit photo heavy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ah,
so we've finally arrived at the day before Elena's quinces! The little girl who is all about social
justice and who didn't even want to have a quinces in the first place is now
freaking out over her bejeweled tiara!
And Penelope is excited to see Elena so happy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
out of the blue, Penelope transforms into a drill sergeant, issuing orders to
Alex, Lydia, and Schneider who happen to be sitting on the couch in the Alvarez
living room. With dozens of relatives
arriving at the apartment in the next few hours to set up for the party, there
is absolutely no time to waste.
Schneider's job is to pick up everybody at the airport and deliver them
to the apartment. Alex is responsible
for supervising the party decorations with Penelope. And Lydia is responsible for making Elena's dress for the event.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
for Penelope? She was the one
responsible for setting the seating chart for the big day. It seems as though Elena insisted that all
of the tables for the event be named after famous women in history. So, you have tables named for Frida Kahlo,
Rosie the Riveter, Rosa Parks, Eva Peron, and Oprah Winfrey - which sparks a
near flawless impersonation of Oprah by Justina Machado. YOU GET A SEAT! YOU GET A SEAT!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
underneath the tough exterior, Penelope does have one major worry. Victor.
Since she threw Victor out for being drunk, he's been staying with
Schneider since. And while Victor is
going to the quinces, Penelope worries that he will relapse at the party. Well, here's an idea, Penelope. Don't serve alcohol. Which should be easy given that Elena's got
six more years to go before she can down a Tequila shot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Elena
comes out wearing her beautiful ball gown, which she appears to like. But Lydia is unhappy. Lydia believes that if a gown doesn't make a
girl cry in joy, it's not finished.
Well, at least Lydia has a few hours to figure things out before the
party, but I can sense that Penelope is just a few hours away from total
meltdown.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
opening credits roll, and we see the venue for the party...which looks large
enough to be for a high school prom!
The Alvarez family went all out!
And hey, Dr. B. is back for this one...complaining about the acoustics
of the ball room. Because apparently he's
an expert on that sort of thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7zCH6o_SM1pNpASFvNzUv-MTIeJy5WGyK7Vue_pz08H0-kv80IuTyzSz6PRu_Wbmoc_Ij11Mb3edqN8dMwMu_5iuf_W7vkCi6CaLBNp6M4qkN2AoV-z2dPqATBL1gvGtXWalMYk2UqOx/s1600/13odaat6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic7zCH6o_SM1pNpASFvNzUv-MTIeJy5WGyK7Vue_pz08H0-kv80IuTyzSz6PRu_Wbmoc_Ij11Mb3edqN8dMwMu_5iuf_W7vkCi6CaLBNp6M4qkN2AoV-z2dPqATBL1gvGtXWalMYk2UqOx/s320/13odaat6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
Lydia is complaining about the size of the dance floor, and gets into a bit of
an argument with the party planner!
Yeah, that's Lydia...creating memories for the most perfect quinces!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At
least Victor shows up and is pleasant with his kids, even though it's probably
causing a lot of anxiety for Penelope.
And Victor is here to practice the father-daughter dance with
Elena. The song they've chosen is a
tune made famous by Julio Iglesias, but I have no idea what the song title is
as Spanish is not my mother tongue. But
Elena assures Victor that she has chosen a more modern version.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6UtQVs2KqCYLPkUvaiQX_vXIlGFKJli2baKrNW3yupQ4SR-LQEnqrzNbkcZ6HpWoUvwBvOT8WdViOTpJqoNcd6DmfYbPbFGLnN5OCpO9MCzVkGZiNWAePfZ7RgzjxGFZQZbn5CHz5G4w/s1600/13odaat7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6UtQVs2KqCYLPkUvaiQX_vXIlGFKJli2baKrNW3yupQ4SR-LQEnqrzNbkcZ6HpWoUvwBvOT8WdViOTpJqoNcd6DmfYbPbFGLnN5OCpO9MCzVkGZiNWAePfZ7RgzjxGFZQZbn5CHz5G4w/s320/13odaat7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In fact, as Elena is dancing with Victor, she decides that now would be a good
time to inform him of the fact that she has come out as a lesbian. And for what it's worth, I think Isabella
Gomez does a great job of emoting her feelings during her monologue. Sometimes I find Elena annoying, but the
actress playing her is a delight to watch!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyY3FV3TjJzHjIrIBKfLaAj1mjGtPD4WmQlj7LtSk6VFx7zYS49w4DE8UmWHkOGUGUM5ugfp1kV2TtY4OwuomjhWfBsE6xGp_O2xIGNK0T2945XBHpMuS9G8jWsuAFOvQuhC4-whK4wSAU/s1600/13odaat8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyY3FV3TjJzHjIrIBKfLaAj1mjGtPD4WmQlj7LtSk6VFx7zYS49w4DE8UmWHkOGUGUM5ugfp1kV2TtY4OwuomjhWfBsE6xGp_O2xIGNK0T2945XBHpMuS9G8jWsuAFOvQuhC4-whK4wSAU/s320/13odaat8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Now,
whereas Penelope had doubts about Elena's choice but ended up being fully
supportive, Victor flat out reacts with anger and basically tells Elena that
she is too young to know what she is.
Wow. Father of the Year right
here. Elena immediately apologizes for
springing it on him and Penelope tries to intervene, but Victor is set in his
ways. He thinks that Elena coming out
is a rebellious phase and that she is only doing it to embarrass him. Penelope essentially tells Victor he's crazy
and it leads to Victor storming out of the ball room. E</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">lena
is visibly upset and wishes that she had chosen a different way to tell Victor
the truth, but Penelope holds her close and tells her that she did nothing
wrong.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">At least Elena has ONE parent
that she can count on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Back
at the Alvarez place, the entire room is filled with relatives of Penelope's
all eager to help Elena celebrate her quinces.
And it seems as though most of the relatives are putting together the
flower arrangements for the big party.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrp0JiSMAjHs7_-G-C3zWaZ0zXpBBmd_wVq2cN0VFSRp2Wkd2oP8JxhrjaHHV9odZ7LcoIJ13LFcqwfVJ2osjMW_C1z2SDCIQ9qCvlWoV48qp0GMUwB5zSa9z2_1XrMB2CLtpVglF5GXZd/s1600/13odaat9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrp0JiSMAjHs7_-G-C3zWaZ0zXpBBmd_wVq2cN0VFSRp2Wkd2oP8JxhrjaHHV9odZ7LcoIJ13LFcqwfVJ2osjMW_C1z2SDCIQ9qCvlWoV48qp0GMUwB5zSa9z2_1XrMB2CLtpVglF5GXZd/s320/13odaat9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Well,
all except Penelope who launches into a Joan Crawford like rant at one of her
relatives for substituting carnations for the flowers that are supposed to go
there. I mean it, it's like total
"no wire hangers" scary. Alex
tries to calm her down and asks her when the last time she slept was. It seems as though Penelope has been putting
forth so much effort into the planning of the quinces that she's managed to
stay awake for two whole days! Yeah, I
get the feeling that she's going to have a mental breakdown any minute now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxtYEoeg5oQ0eTbr1vwyyZRaMxioU5XcVHMVMlPjOq-RJFobAMtCTErBmpM230eUnXeObTmWIZ-2P_OajI9H_YoNpGaSe6UfXq5cKVqNimc4ggFvsGCTtqFu4Su1rJRg7u6YDXzhu3oBS/s1600/13odaat10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGxtYEoeg5oQ0eTbr1vwyyZRaMxioU5XcVHMVMlPjOq-RJFobAMtCTErBmpM230eUnXeObTmWIZ-2P_OajI9H_YoNpGaSe6UfXq5cKVqNimc4ggFvsGCTtqFu4Su1rJRg7u6YDXzhu3oBS/s320/13odaat10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Penelope
goes into Elena's room where Lydia is working on Elena's dress. Also in the room is Elena's best friend,
Carmen, on the laptop via Skype. Carmen
remarks that the dress is gorgeous, but Lydia exclaims that the "diabla
lies", and disconnects the call!
Yikes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Penelope
is understandably frustrated, and while Elena insists that she loves the dress,
Lydia is not buying it - once again citing the fact that for her to really like
the dress she would cry like Niagara Falls.
Of course, Elena tries to compromise by suggesting that when she walks
onto the dance floor in her dress, she could wear Doc Martens underneath and
that way she will bring a piece of herself into the look</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">. But after Abuelita nearly dies of a coronary, Elena decides on something else.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UYPK-LDbQj4pDWl2OiQicKEsCp7BRT4peWLt3kXRG5CKi7HPWTkK5bqplBMvID2a1KkxvHK3oZKq518lYB1fLqaMlKJwNb2f14gktOMYLwEN4NN3eSwjzA7Gr3F3P1PeC8ExlbLF16PD/s1600/13odaat11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UYPK-LDbQj4pDWl2OiQicKEsCp7BRT4peWLt3kXRG5CKi7HPWTkK5bqplBMvID2a1KkxvHK3oZKq518lYB1fLqaMlKJwNb2f14gktOMYLwEN4NN3eSwjzA7Gr3F3P1PeC8ExlbLF16PD/s320/13odaat11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After
Penelope leaves the room - and after she passes by Alex who is yelling at the
same relative for sneaking baby's breath flowers into the bouquets - Schneider
arrives with the last of the Alvarez's on the guest list. A young couple and their child. Unfortunately, after Penelope converses with
the woman in Spanish, she tells Schneider that she doesn't know these people
and that he picked up the wrong family!
Why does this not shock me in any manner?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Schneider
tells Penelope that he will fix things...but before he does, he informs
Penelope that Victor is up in his apartment packing up his things. It seems as though he is still having issues
with accepting Elena's coming out and told Schneider that he was leaving. Not if Penelope has anything to say about
it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXv8UrWdtdc_DFbxTfCGCl3Hpuvwkj7-x8iFCZL5FmdsQ7jP-K-RwO3-o2dXLFvELm6qttDjwP1hZWhCXPwqMgVCV76UgVjgSUcqLURs2h0REp5KahUSG2AyMcjehmpzJ8qhIBK4o0mwB/s1600/13odaat13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLXv8UrWdtdc_DFbxTfCGCl3Hpuvwkj7-x8iFCZL5FmdsQ7jP-K-RwO3-o2dXLFvELm6qttDjwP1hZWhCXPwqMgVCV76UgVjgSUcqLURs2h0REp5KahUSG2AyMcjehmpzJ8qhIBK4o0mwB/s320/13odaat13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sure
enough, Penelope storms into Schneider's apartment where she spots Victor
folding up his shirts and putting them into a duffel bag. And you can better believe that Penelope
delivers a scathing "the reason you suck" speech to Victor - which I
will be recapping in the best lines from this episode portion of the blog. She essentially tells Victor that if he is
any sort of man, he will not run away from this and he will be at Elena's
quinces. My love for Penelope grows
stronger as the season wraps up. I hope
she's like this during season two!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
Penelope returns home, she is shocked to find that Dr. Berkowitz is there
serving snacks to everyone. She is
confused as to why he is there now when he said that he would see them tomorrow
at the quinces. It appears as though
Lydia has invited Dr. B. over as she requires his hands for some project. Now, keeping in mind that Penelope knows
that Dr. B. and Lydia have an interesting relationship together, she
automatically assumes the worst and walks away with a disgusted look on her
face. </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Alex
gives Penelope some more bad news.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">According to Alex, a group of Alvarez family members who initially
didn't know for sure that they were going to go to the quinces have now decided
that they are going, meaning that there are going to be extra chairs for
Penelope to have to make room for.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Alex
suggests that they get another table, but Penelope has another Joan Crawford
moment where she screeches that there will be no more tables and she will
figure out how to fix things.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQtW3m8PD6wbFZM0MMF9b_R6OLm8bU2sCIG6T1DcRTO75QPsJI6pkyn9012qJZr-eHgar7MYoGs_6K9rzBs8BTvVknNulclU23-RE8nSejor5O7-xKD_siW8x8hKCEjPEfvTHYvJg5sQP/s1600/13odaat14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQtW3m8PD6wbFZM0MMF9b_R6OLm8bU2sCIG6T1DcRTO75QPsJI6pkyn9012qJZr-eHgar7MYoGs_6K9rzBs8BTvVknNulclU23-RE8nSejor5O7-xKD_siW8x8hKCEjPEfvTHYvJg5sQP/s320/13odaat14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At
least until Dr. B. stumbles and takes out the entire seating chart, mixing up
twelve famous female icons and about a hundred and seven Alvarez family members
on the floor! Dr. B. doesn't feel safe,
and Penelope looks like her brain is about to explode. Cue the nervous breakdown in T-minus four
seconds as she retreats behind Lydia's curtain and lets out a bloodcurdling
scream!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
just like that, Penelope is fine and kneels down to try and reassemble the
seating chart. Dr. B. feels terrible
and attempts to try and help since he was the one to destroy it in the first
place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
when Lydia passes by and tells Dr. B. that she needs him in her quarters now,
Dr. B. gives this hilarious expression and follows Lydia behind the curtain
leading to Penelope giving the camera a "WTF" look and Alex playfully
trying to film both of them behind the curtain. Believe me, it plays out funnier than I can ever describe it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWH5HDqLdXw7uRNiCa5TMfh9-jNjrfi0z1jssVvxzGp5YmKv5Kk5RXe28ykUe233eyT5_go1-wjJHGAp2pakPLMjQ6xXyDOwSLYdMmXHhZbzuRb7qszMe30Zg5w3AIAZvkWa36ZJpLV77Q/s1600/13odaat16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWH5HDqLdXw7uRNiCa5TMfh9-jNjrfi0z1jssVvxzGp5YmKv5Kk5RXe28ykUe233eyT5_go1-wjJHGAp2pakPLMjQ6xXyDOwSLYdMmXHhZbzuRb7qszMe30Zg5w3AIAZvkWa36ZJpLV77Q/s320/13odaat16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Penelope
takes the whole seating chart into her room where a clock radio tells us that
it is 9:10 p.m. Alex tries to tell her
to get some rest, but Penelope - who is in full on Joan Crawford - scares Alex
out of the room. Penelope is all set to
re-create the magic of the seating chart and she gets to work. But somewhere between the spots where the
Hillary Clinton and Sonia Sotomayor tables are supposed to be, Penelope passes
out cold and catches the Z's that she's been avoiding since two and a half days
ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0ZFLHTZl3uGm85uunzWtqvhlFQSukjCfaZBXPJwipj5j7krqjkSoeFeel3a6dvabOYEoOhXM8Oo2xSSjK_PvSh_hetv7Ti_ZVWAAN21hQDia84RoAwwleWWo1qrAkD7zU56BaiARhqVu/s1600/13odaat17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0ZFLHTZl3uGm85uunzWtqvhlFQSukjCfaZBXPJwipj5j7krqjkSoeFeel3a6dvabOYEoOhXM8Oo2xSSjK_PvSh_hetv7Ti_ZVWAAN21hQDia84RoAwwleWWo1qrAkD7zU56BaiARhqVu/s320/13odaat17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In
fact, Penelope is so zonked out that she doesn't wake up until 10:03 the next
morning! Wow, I wish I could sleep for
thirteen hours straight some days!
Hilariously, what wakes Penelope up is the sudden realization that the
Rosa Parks table should NOT be at the back!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSjFjAR57xTh0vS8UwQ6q4FTf2qyxDlXkjKli5Kd9x20S3JK98Nr7RY5jpX7iBzUgmTCg7OfLPIzr2f66sfuzn08mtYHztDx8GSopM9_tm6T8qHqcwxNwEwFvMGpEei59Zq1O_Yxm_Fhb/s1600/13odaat18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSjFjAR57xTh0vS8UwQ6q4FTf2qyxDlXkjKli5Kd9x20S3JK98Nr7RY5jpX7iBzUgmTCg7OfLPIzr2f66sfuzn08mtYHztDx8GSopM9_tm6T8qHqcwxNwEwFvMGpEei59Zq1O_Yxm_Fhb/s320/13odaat18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Penelope
looks at the time, realizes that the quinces starts in less than two hours and
she has gotten nothing done. To her
surprise, everybody is out of the apartment, everything has been cleaned up,
and Penelope realizes that somebody has brushed her teeth while she was
sleeping. She openly wonders if she
died and went to heaven...but a knock on the door from Schneider causes her to think that she
died and went to hell!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zjq9dS7PtZF978ZWMTFLaU0-CLPI-G48HcNRG93jXl5-2-PHLU0qOfDmNRf-wIZqU3HD_MKWFLz-CBxTDTIbCpiH3XRxqkxVINgrWFp3mYmUWn67kTRqySkpJHrznGoS-L2gxifKtsX9/s1600/13odaat19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zjq9dS7PtZF978ZWMTFLaU0-CLPI-G48HcNRG93jXl5-2-PHLU0qOfDmNRf-wIZqU3HD_MKWFLz-CBxTDTIbCpiH3XRxqkxVINgrWFp3mYmUWn67kTRqySkpJHrznGoS-L2gxifKtsX9/s320/13odaat19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">To Penelope's shock, Schneider is clean-shaven, free of
spectacles, and actually looks like he stepped out of the pages of GQ magazine. Penelope is creeped out because not only
does he look different but she finds herself strangely attracted to him! Schneider explains that he's come to take
Penelope to Elena's quinces, and Penelope is confused as to what happened.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvuUHVtATwtG6T_XXClYXOEIBlGs3QXVDheAnC12B8250eTlZvXIXsIuY0LrD6R66SCng_LclY805GeRxfROMwLmJufI1jITph_H618TDSGWQMXhP6_S_RLiF1-ylQX273o_HBTPrSqqa/s1600/13odaat20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFvuUHVtATwtG6T_XXClYXOEIBlGs3QXVDheAnC12B8250eTlZvXIXsIuY0LrD6R66SCng_LclY805GeRxfROMwLmJufI1jITph_H618TDSGWQMXhP6_S_RLiF1-ylQX273o_HBTPrSqqa/s320/13odaat20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Well,
it seems as though Alex has a secret talent of being a leader when the
situation calls for it. And when
Penelope arrives wearing a dress that shows off...well...everything, Alex has
the quinces venue looking pretty fly for a bunch of high school students! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyLFLOSwSH3pGx8nx27TWYBSJoSChNed6vyEKaQpI2TywBqxwc3SUUC9BdVE54kehxc99B2qtbXz_f02CetfbREjda3CHzfrVr3DtpUySsH0_cP8mtZn3B6g-eTqEnUhVYHPB0yj9TW7i/s1600/13odaat21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyLFLOSwSH3pGx8nx27TWYBSJoSChNed6vyEKaQpI2TywBqxwc3SUUC9BdVE54kehxc99B2qtbXz_f02CetfbREjda3CHzfrVr3DtpUySsH0_cP8mtZn3B6g-eTqEnUhVYHPB0yj9TW7i/s320/13odaat21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
also appears as though Penelope's words got through to Victor because he
happens to be at the party as well...though given the way that Penelope and
Victor interact with each other, I get the feeling that there's still going to
be a frosty reception between both of them for years to come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-JDpa4n43PQDqJSkLAz6AZ8nPvtD1u7z8Oz7iDceBspk_AD-2JePJs0wp3_44gS5sEiQifFlEv3ueysNikLxmqWJ-V9DOlfUNcUSZK3MEf0d68qE7jAvzbZ4Z6irCeYO9JHUTN8Up0Qg/s1600/13odaat22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-JDpa4n43PQDqJSkLAz6AZ8nPvtD1u7z8Oz7iDceBspk_AD-2JePJs0wp3_44gS5sEiQifFlEv3ueysNikLxmqWJ-V9DOlfUNcUSZK3MEf0d68qE7jAvzbZ4Z6irCeYO9JHUTN8Up0Qg/s320/13odaat22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Penelope
takes a break to go into the dressing room where Elena is putting the finishing
touches on her makeup. You know, for
someone who was against the idea of having a quinces to begin with, she sure is
having a lot of fun with it. And
perhaps the greatest moment comes when Lydia reveals to Elena the dress that
she will wear to the quinces...and Elena is so moved with emotion that she
bursts into tears at the sight of it and gives Lydia a huge hug! Even Penelope seems ready to tear up. It has me wondering what Lydia did to make
it so beautiful. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNR_VBFQejB3HoujgOnS4xuYwzjsaR2UBrXWVlJ6TuDOw8kIcycqlzxPXKYAXVrwWvsWpJ_iQaDrTswdVOJz6vFAP9cE3VgYDjNr3CyVraBT6BLHx4I1iQBy-JWiwV8WnVwJgmm7xjq0eU/s1600/13odaat23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNR_VBFQejB3HoujgOnS4xuYwzjsaR2UBrXWVlJ6TuDOw8kIcycqlzxPXKYAXVrwWvsWpJ_iQaDrTswdVOJz6vFAP9cE3VgYDjNr3CyVraBT6BLHx4I1iQBy-JWiwV8WnVwJgmm7xjq0eU/s320/13odaat23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At
any rate, it's time for the introduction of Elena's quinces, and Penelope is
trying to get people's attention. It's
not until Lydia screams out HEY, YOU GUYS (a brilliant poke at the past when
Rita Moreno said the same words on "The Electric Company") that
Penelope begins her speech. There's
nothing really major of note in the speech.
We learn that Elena's birthday is August 7, 2001, she was born eight
days premature, and one of her first school plays had her playing a tree or
something like that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7v2WM1rfPhNHoeuKkGDRIhoL17s3pgHqfChPkx4L3O4VQmPYzvOeNIxSdW8az78xslzsPGUl_UUof0BguuyEY3XZz0pZ4V-RVISQmjCWjrOhB4r_yGNpCJMaGsCvCmoDNYcfzJIsqYacw/s1600/13odaat24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7v2WM1rfPhNHoeuKkGDRIhoL17s3pgHqfChPkx4L3O4VQmPYzvOeNIxSdW8az78xslzsPGUl_UUof0BguuyEY3XZz0pZ4V-RVISQmjCWjrOhB4r_yGNpCJMaGsCvCmoDNYcfzJIsqYacw/s320/13odaat24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Whatever
the case, the quinces court comes out onto the floor with the guys dressed in
black tuxes and the women all wearing blue dresses. The song playing in the background is Diana Ross' "I'm
Coming Out" - a rather ironic song given everything that Elena went
through this season. And we also learn
that when Penelope introduces her daughter she has so many middle names that I
don't even remember what order they fall in!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoie9vT95XqGuyIplE8ZolP9HLf8C1ZsfPVRFc8Ce8KiWVXnXWMCXdQbi9uMyHLlFEqShs1FKkxY0PXCkhKxCosbFp2Dm4IN1fC3EQG1mvuTXEwcwXgemxGfvBpcNGwiNyJAwgpINSRwSr/s1600/13odaat25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoie9vT95XqGuyIplE8ZolP9HLf8C1ZsfPVRFc8Ce8KiWVXnXWMCXdQbi9uMyHLlFEqShs1FKkxY0PXCkhKxCosbFp2Dm4IN1fC3EQG1mvuTXEwcwXgemxGfvBpcNGwiNyJAwgpINSRwSr/s320/13odaat25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Elena
walks out onto the floor with her date Josh...and she isn't in a dress at
all! Instead, she's wearing a pantsuit
complete with a sparkly shirt underneath it.
She looks incredibly gorgeous in the ensemble, and most importantly,
Elena looks like she is having fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gpFggFViGRVJoazU_94UQlbBaPK-lsyBdrD1nPBLF_aHGpWLhMKp2XATPXLH6vgUGtbzvjokmktK52UTwzW6IPdjFoOJtZ8OCqrOH2YNh3T92N7kvZdRvr0CfQSPa-yqXz1Xzn9P6NDA/s1600/13odaat26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gpFggFViGRVJoazU_94UQlbBaPK-lsyBdrD1nPBLF_aHGpWLhMKp2XATPXLH6vgUGtbzvjokmktK52UTwzW6IPdjFoOJtZ8OCqrOH2YNh3T92N7kvZdRvr0CfQSPa-yqXz1Xzn9P6NDA/s320/13odaat26.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
another surprise! Carmen's at the
quinces too! Turns out that Carmen's
arrival is Schneider's gift to Elena as he purchased the plane ticket to fly
her out. Awwwww!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYM8oCu7fWokqlSp2zMin1XYNKAfrtg4ImGRvhjoZsG4ZjDO1PCqziTKs0worOlb7gd5mx23Z9eVmyIN50F1kkaqaWAAU1KAw88H8GCfbcd76_DZqjWrbGUokySGWMe0q8rbFjCEOn_mpT/s1600/13odaat27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYM8oCu7fWokqlSp2zMin1XYNKAfrtg4ImGRvhjoZsG4ZjDO1PCqziTKs0worOlb7gd5mx23Z9eVmyIN50F1kkaqaWAAU1KAw88H8GCfbcd76_DZqjWrbGUokySGWMe0q8rbFjCEOn_mpT/s320/13odaat27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A
slow song begins and Elena and Josh start to dance, as does Carmen and Alex. Turns out that Lydia has been Skyping Carmen
in secret to teach her the choreography for the dance numbers! Of course, Lydia was quite mean to Carmen,
but Carmen secretly loved it! Oh,
Carmen...don't ever change. But at any
rate, almost everyone in the room is happy.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjEb3R_6tOOimGAsqvKgowQPjv1JG_QuligTV3AFKxXnG-zkqAXwlW-JDL5RilClBEvi24Urw3tSmfP7k69oXo2DUeiI365ZQzUVVbs4osRKl0jMvTVUA_vMOBrLjBjicTdBrd_6pm2d0/s1600/13odaat28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBjEb3R_6tOOimGAsqvKgowQPjv1JG_QuligTV3AFKxXnG-zkqAXwlW-JDL5RilClBEvi24Urw3tSmfP7k69oXo2DUeiI365ZQzUVVbs4osRKl0jMvTVUA_vMOBrLjBjicTdBrd_6pm2d0/s320/13odaat28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Almost
everyone. As soon as Elena walked out
in her pantsuit, Victor cringed with embarrassment. And each minute you could see him getting angrier and angrier. I hope he doesn't do anything to ruin the
day for his daughter because that would make him despicable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9B3vyGaJDNKy3iROMbRrJzXYUs0A9NYcxMIR5wEhDRJZ2dH7axRjeIhjxrg2XH1MOiAYZkZGW93PxZSIuY2tdFNyl9XTcmPfbFBw7QZdFXHCE5hHarLAzGMDtQ-ZuKivgcWKj7q5Iy2Mz/s1600/13odaat29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9B3vyGaJDNKy3iROMbRrJzXYUs0A9NYcxMIR5wEhDRJZ2dH7axRjeIhjxrg2XH1MOiAYZkZGW93PxZSIuY2tdFNyl9XTcmPfbFBw7QZdFXHCE5hHarLAzGMDtQ-ZuKivgcWKj7q5Iy2Mz/s320/13odaat29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At
any rate, Elena is having a great time at the quinces, and Penelope asks Lydia
how she got the pantsuit ready in time.
Well, that's where Dr. B. comes in.
Because of his work stitching up patients, he's developed an eye for
sewing...and it was he who helped stitch up Elena's suit. Oh my goodness, I am LOVING this. It's almost as if Schneider and Dr. B. have
become honorary members of the family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6_IV8QmrqlawStJCJr1pJYaLm3rOXgZufKDj-s83tWtw6Ss8VqAiWqZncLJ5Pt_PojG2FrGbQzoihj-NKhGvI-DBY25zpsmOChT-7-OFQLbNMkdL2p0CaBMyTt91jStfP1VosGzoHAHX/s1600/13odaat30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6_IV8QmrqlawStJCJr1pJYaLm3rOXgZufKDj-s83tWtw6Ss8VqAiWqZncLJ5Pt_PojG2FrGbQzoihj-NKhGvI-DBY25zpsmOChT-7-OFQLbNMkdL2p0CaBMyTt91jStfP1VosGzoHAHX/s320/13odaat30.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It's
now time for the father-daughter dance, and true to form, Elena has chosen a
version of the Julio Iglesias song sung by a female artist. Elena is standing on the floor waiting for
Victor to come and join her. And she
waits. And waits. And her expression starts to transform from
a smile to a frown as she continues to wait.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iD8IbBv-kZh1_9-ZgfvsXT4dGuMXT_ajG37QIz9yQ4BNiZiR7JmbqIVuGav8h_3PVvbljYW3AvbI6WVtqCZdVSuE0M07-Fn_qIr8T2JdP2Dz1VSzNfJjcRoxySEqTSucC8eptBhRBQL6/s1600/13odaat31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iD8IbBv-kZh1_9-ZgfvsXT4dGuMXT_ajG37QIz9yQ4BNiZiR7JmbqIVuGav8h_3PVvbljYW3AvbI6WVtqCZdVSuE0M07-Fn_qIr8T2JdP2Dz1VSzNfJjcRoxySEqTSucC8eptBhRBQL6/s320/13odaat31.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Penelope
is visibly confused and notices that Victor's place at the table is empty. When her gaze focuses on Schneider, his
facial expression says it all. Victor
couldn't handle his daughter's coming out, he left the party, Schneider tried
to stop him, but Victor walked out of his OWN DAUGHTER'S QUINCES. What a horrible thing for him to do. He truly is a jerk, and Penelope made the
right choice by walking away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1pbhFy04VVgw5Pcix1M5gF2M-Iw5DQU3jCPtbRQ1rUyfZJc_ek4A56peEwARTzIbGmWYmQxwtzEp7-PaCzy_VW5dHt4g4WJw8-SRfuSRvDLRxAtUmEyKFAUrn03U2eoK48B_itdTaiJA/s1600/13odaat32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1pbhFy04VVgw5Pcix1M5gF2M-Iw5DQU3jCPtbRQ1rUyfZJc_ek4A56peEwARTzIbGmWYmQxwtzEp7-PaCzy_VW5dHt4g4WJw8-SRfuSRvDLRxAtUmEyKFAUrn03U2eoK48B_itdTaiJA/s320/13odaat32.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At
first Penelope starts to break down and curses Victor for breaking their
daughter's heart. But then she does
something that actually nearly makes me start to shed tears. Remember how at the very first episode,
Penelope stated that all she wanted was for someone to come up to her, hold
her, and say "I got you"?
Well, she walks up on the dance floor, tells Elena "I got
you", and she joins Elena in the slow dance on the floor to a cheering
crowd!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoaYWo3nIHWcc7E3DyKkDXS4h1M0DhxZADZ_zoGOnncOhYAfEr5FArXQuU3b05jyd8TfhgJscsRios20Mjnjbdge9iVJtUJ0AhH4A3cQtZkAMB1iRB8VcD3MRZoBGdVqJud3MDCYJaMWF/s1600/13odaat33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSoaYWo3nIHWcc7E3DyKkDXS4h1M0DhxZADZ_zoGOnncOhYAfEr5FArXQuU3b05jyd8TfhgJscsRios20Mjnjbdge9iVJtUJ0AhH4A3cQtZkAMB1iRB8VcD3MRZoBGdVqJud3MDCYJaMWF/s320/13odaat33.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
prompts Alex, Lydia, Schneider, and Dr. B. to join them in one gigantic mob
slow dance. It's meant to be comedic,
but really, it goes to show you just how far they've come as a family. And yes, Schneider and Dr. B. are
family...much more than Victor proved to be.
All in all, a show with a smidgen of bittersweet flavour but a lot of
feel good action overall. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdXkQigYWPGyuSf50swRIqnpeZSPLo-dgSW_d-mXvJFRyTTyR40clM9zLs-7Z2Mww01tEjREbn-PqjzwXNCwVR-wJbxdb8A7edxp0fCVhAbp7Oup4MPHhppl4UjgpHSazMg7aPXJKbUFV/s1600/13odaat34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdXkQigYWPGyuSf50swRIqnpeZSPLo-dgSW_d-mXvJFRyTTyR40clM9zLs-7Z2Mww01tEjREbn-PqjzwXNCwVR-wJbxdb8A7edxp0fCVhAbp7Oup4MPHhppl4UjgpHSazMg7aPXJKbUFV/s320/13odaat34.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So
that is a wrap for Season 1. I'll
probably be starting Season 2 sometime next week, but for now, you'll just have
to wait as you read the best lines from the last episode of Season 1. Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ELENA:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Mom,
a tiara is a backward symbol of how women are only valued for their beauty. And now that I'm wearing one...I don't
care. I look awesome, and it's SUPER
SPARKLY!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> And
what the hell is a carnation doing in here?!?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ALEX:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
Mami, a word. When was the last
time you slept?<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Two days
ago. Yeah, but don't worry. I take little power naps when I pee.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I
just wanted to make sure everything was cool.
You're not going to do something stupid like not come to the quinces
tomorrow? "Yeah, cool, Lupe. I'll be there." "Oh, thanks,
Victor". Look, I know this is all
hitting you fast. I...was really thrown
at first, too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #663300; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">VICTOR:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> This
isn't who she is, Lupe. It's not. It's a phase. It's what kids do. It's,
like, cool now to be gay.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Oh,
yeah. That's it. She wants a piece of that sweet, sweet bullying
and persecution because being a teenager's not hard enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #663300; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">VICTOR:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> You
know what? I'm not joking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> And
I'm not here to fight with you. Because
this is not about us right now. This is
about your daughter. And I know you
love her. And you know how much it
means to Elena for you to be at her quinces.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #663300; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">VICTOR:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Does
the whole family know?<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> No. She's only told a few people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #663300; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">VICTOR:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> All
right. Well, that's good. Don't tell anyone else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I'm
not gonna tell anyone else. Because
it's not up to me. Or you. It's up to Elena to decide who she tells and
when. But the one thing you do get to
decide is whether you're gonna be there for your daughter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> What
is going on? The Cubans are missing, my
seating chart is gone, and I'm kind of attracted to you? Nothing makes sense!<br />
</span><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Chill,
girl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Oh,
that helps when you talk. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I'm here to take you to your daughter's quinces, so get in that
bedroom and put on all your clothes. Whoa. I've never said that to a woman before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ALEX:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
Immigrants. We get the job done.<br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> What about
the suit, huh? It was perfect. And I could never have done it without
Leslie.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
What?<br />
</span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">DR. B.:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Well, last
night, your mother said, "if you can suture, you can sew", so, I
helped her make Elena's suit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> I was on a deadline. I needed his nimble fingers. Oh, such a talent! It's a shame you wasted your life as a doctor.</span>Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-47291754742385256122018-04-24T19:51:00.001-04:002018-04-24T19:51:53.971-04:00#TorontoStrong<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmggl3SFGSBT63XPasI3zewPSdRCc291iV1hKwle8rwlhwmgL4X0FjHGCMQqYWITvfDkOM2YkBcbDahj1JPRXvaLmhlYxsaKZU9YnpcvMR0RylR6lFPzhpO9Qcw59uresTpEmoqOeE-cuE/s1600/Toronto-Sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="590" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmggl3SFGSBT63XPasI3zewPSdRCc291iV1hKwle8rwlhwmgL4X0FjHGCMQqYWITvfDkOM2YkBcbDahj1JPRXvaLmhlYxsaKZU9YnpcvMR0RylR6lFPzhpO9Qcw59uresTpEmoqOeE-cuE/s320/Toronto-Sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Living
in Canada, you almost feel as though you're in a fish bowl in comparison to the
rest of the world. As a Canadian, I am
often looking through the newspapers, or watching the news on television,
seeing all of the horrific events that have taken place over the last couple of
years worldwide. The terrorist attacks
on Paris and Nice. The bombings at the
Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England.
The hostage crisis in the coffee shop in Sydney, Australia a couple of
years ago. But living in Canada, I
admit that at times I have felt as though we were insulated from all of those
horrible tragedies. I, like so many of
my fellow Canadians, thought that those events couldn't possibly happen in a
country as friendly and warm-hearted as Canada.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At
least, I felt that way until 1:27 p.m., on April 23, 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That
was the moment in which a white van sped through one of Toronto's busiest
streets and purposely mowed down pedestrians at three major points of the
street before he was stopped by police.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ten
people lost their lives that day. At
least fourteen were wounded. And for
hundreds of people who happened to be in the vicinity of Yonge and Finch
Streets in Toronto, as well as Mel Lastman Square, they were witness to an
event so shocking that I suspect that many of them won't forget what they saw
for a very long time...if ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For
the paramedics on the scene to take the injured to the hospitals, to
pedestrians on the streets calling 911 and administering first aid to the
wounded, to the peaceful manner in which the perpetrator was arrested. Let's just say that there was no shortage of
heroes that day. But among those were
millions of people all across Ontario, trying to make sense over what just
happened.<br />
<br />
It's true what people say. You never
think anything so tragic will happen in your own backyard and when it does, you
are completely caught off guard. Just last week, the top story in Toronto was the CN Tower being forced to close because of melting ice falling from the top of it. To go from that to this...that would be jarring for anybody.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LN78mFxFjL_Bu-oTjLZSHzQBsiNAH7cWAOK-l13yy97BR3doEYrzQhiHJS4s9lC68Q2FHe62p5iO79xyLSx4AQfpcTRVwG9Wa8LBIX_FtKangcgMFbbsXFW2nSMOw42e2zdwfOS6iTI6/s1600/torontoskyline_8-250763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="639" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LN78mFxFjL_Bu-oTjLZSHzQBsiNAH7cWAOK-l13yy97BR3doEYrzQhiHJS4s9lC68Q2FHe62p5iO79xyLSx4AQfpcTRVwG9Wa8LBIX_FtKangcgMFbbsXFW2nSMOw42e2zdwfOS6iTI6/s320/torontoskyline_8-250763.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
know that when it comes down to it, I certainly didn't expect anything like
this to happen in Toronto. It's only a
four hour drive from my area to Toronto.
I've visited the city of Toronto a great many times - the last time
being just a few years ago. And by all
accounts, Toronto is a wonderful city.
It's way too expensive for me to live there, but whenever I have visited
there, it was always a good experience.<br />
<br />
Toronto has always been one of the most multicultural cities in Canada, if not
the world. It is a living, breathing
mozaic of different cultures and backgrounds coming together to form a huge
city built on a foundation of love and understanding. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
guess that's why I am still in disbelief that this happened. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Now,
we've certainly seen cases of this happening all over the world, and certainly
every nation has their own coping measures with how to process their
grief. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is how we do it in Canada.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLrc7mtAOGOyk6vxDSyMkIlJ-dLt2jz7AteIx2AzF0NB4d1UFg0zaOTleLgdCPNAfkmuhw13lMbYU-Nx3lq-hduWkcI7ck-_RLrKoLCSvoHrN1w8wrIJQavyUJ3tCTRYOMwY0fXgrSn65/s1600/GYR147471110_hd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1365" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwLrc7mtAOGOyk6vxDSyMkIlJ-dLt2jz7AteIx2AzF0NB4d1UFg0zaOTleLgdCPNAfkmuhw13lMbYU-Nx3lq-hduWkcI7ck-_RLrKoLCSvoHrN1w8wrIJQavyUJ3tCTRYOMwY0fXgrSn65/s320/GYR147471110_hd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">On
the very street where ten people lost their lives, makeshift memorials have
popped up, with people from all over Ontario coming down to pay tribute to
those who fell. Gigantic poster boards
with signatures and messages of compassion line the street. So many flowers of various colours have
popped up along the street. It is very
reminiscent of what took place in Saskatchewan a couple of weeks ago when the
Humboldt Broncos were involved in that bus crash that claimed the lives of half
of its team. And it's a testament of
just how strong of a community Toronto is, with its citizens leaning on each
other to get through it as best they can.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I've also learned that Toronto is resilient and refuses to back down and cower
when times are tough. Even though a
hockey game was scheduled the same night that this took place, the game was
held as scheduled. And I have to think
that because of the strength of Torontonians and the resolve of the hometown
hockey spirit that the Toronto Maple Leafs are on their way to Game 7 against
the Boston Bruins during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">And I think that whether you live in the heart
of Toronto, or several hundred kilometers away, this tragedy has impacted so
many Canadians. While our bubble of
protection has sprung a leak, I don't think that we should live our lives in
fear either. <br />
<br />
Toronto will get through this. The
entire eyes of the world are now upon them...and I'm sure that for many of
those eyes looking at this unfold...they know exactly what it means when people
say that they are #TorontoStrong.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkNuZ3OFaPFnqye0S2AFvVlG9aYOM2qETDcfZr7Tg6l7_JQyd5GYYU3xJp71YcCzyX0Y1RwVazJ5wIiOspfY4B4G6wSrw9m0huA2KNQY4-rW2kMq9U6rO10c5Dm3aNeisbsRJJtjTb7oI/s1600/f59925a8b812d135c9eda98fc21a4fc0_XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="980" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkNuZ3OFaPFnqye0S2AFvVlG9aYOM2qETDcfZr7Tg6l7_JQyd5GYYU3xJp71YcCzyX0Y1RwVazJ5wIiOspfY4B4G6wSrw9m0huA2KNQY4-rW2kMq9U6rO10c5Dm3aNeisbsRJJtjTb7oI/s320/f59925a8b812d135c9eda98fc21a4fc0_XL.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 18pt;">Stay strong, Toronto. We're all there
for you.</span>Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-54732801002348799742018-04-23T17:22:00.002-04:002018-04-23T17:22:33.963-04:00Recapping One Day at a Time - Episode 12 - Hurricane Victor<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Brace
yourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A storm is coming to this
blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I do apologize for taking a
week off...it's been a crazy week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
fear not...I've got a little bit of writing inspiration back, so there's more
to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But first...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">According
to today's schedule in the </span><span style="color: #663300; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Recapping One Day at a Time</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> feature, we're at </span><span style="color: #663300; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Episode 12 - Hurricane Victor</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I'm
guessing that the reason why this episode is called this is because Victor is
the name of Penelope's ex-husband and his return is set to cause a ruckus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't know for sure, but that's my guess.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For
now, we're treated to a make out session between Penelope and her new
boyfriend, Ben.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember, we met him in
Episode 11 after Penelope picked him up in a gay bar because she was still
coming to terms with Elena being gay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And as it turns out, Penelope mentions this in passing to Ben, as Victor
is planning on making an appearance to celebrate Elena's quinces with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ben seems a little nervous, but Penelope
assures him that all is fine - even though her mother still has this idea that
she and Victor will get back together again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Which leads to some random scene where Lydia actually calls Penelope
using Ben's number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, that's not creepy
at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">By
the time Penelope arrives home from her date, she sees that Elena, Alex, and
Lydia are gathered around the computer having a Skype session with </span><span style="color: #663300; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Victor</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point we don't see
his face - we just hear him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it
appears as though the session is going well with Victor playfully flirting with
an unimpressed Penelope, and Lydia clearly seems to be holding onto hope that
Victor and Penelope will find love with each other once again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It seems as though there's at least one more member of the Alvarez family that
doesn't seem excited that Victor is visiting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Elena is concerned about her father coming to see her because she feels
as though they have absolutely nothing in common.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Plus, she hasn't told him that she's come out of the closet yet
and she is worried about how he will react.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Though Penelope does try to make her feel better by saying that because
she likes girls, then she'll have something in common with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, it's a valid concern that Elena has,
and it'll be interesting to see if the show deals with this potential plot
twist.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Alex
is excited to be playing the cello in a recital that he has coming up in the
next couple of days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though he is
bummed that Victor can't be there to see him perform.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as Victor is talking to Alex on the computer, they hear a
knock on the door, and when Penelope opens it...<br />
<br />
...surprise!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Victor is standing at the
door!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Alex gives him a hug so huge
that they both fall backwards into the hallway!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess Alex has grown some since they last saw each other a year
ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Victor also tries to make contact
with Elena, but they both just seem to awkwardly stare at each other not
knowing what to do next - proving that Elena's opinion of Victor might have a
lot of threads of truth binding it together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
course, Penelope's reaction to Victor is a little bit frosty, but Victor is
undeterred.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, he's quite
charming and warm to her, and eventually succeeds in making her crack a smile
or two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
for Lydia, it seems as though Lydia is more than on board with the
"Reunite Penelope and Victor" train.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When Victor remarks that he came early to see Alex's recital and he's
booked a hotel room for the duration of his stay, Lydia opens up her curtain
and offers Victor use of her bed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
better news for Penelope, Lydia announces that she will be moving into
Penelope's room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm surprised she
doesn't take up residency with her platonic bestie, Dr. Berkowitz, but he's not
in this episode either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm guessing
Stephen Tobolowsky had other commitments and was only available for 11 of 13
episodes, but still...I'm kind of missing him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
following morning, Victor is pouring Lydia some coffee and Lydia is incredibly
smitten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seems as though he's turning
on the charm again - which doesn't seem to go unnoticed by Penelope - or Lydia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Victor
also seems to want to make up for lost time with his children as well, offering
to make them breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately
for Victor, his attempt involves making pancakes shaped like a clown face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Certainly the breakfast of champions for a
kid, but for Elena it is a bit juvenile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At least Alex is easy to please, remarking that his clown pancakes are
about to create a circus in his stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWT2iCBXNCwx_bH3y944lBuMK5tOiuQGuhyK3ukTB6ebiisIa9lwwIy4ElW_IJa7Bd6BB0T3r1Las1s8GC6TLE9aSmf5QnyVtSN5ZR4zkX9aMmhKFzwTOIldPzeF1NMD_YoocHy_u9vDtK/s1600/12odaat9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWT2iCBXNCwx_bH3y944lBuMK5tOiuQGuhyK3ukTB6ebiisIa9lwwIy4ElW_IJa7Bd6BB0T3r1Las1s8GC6TLE9aSmf5QnyVtSN5ZR4zkX9aMmhKFzwTOIldPzeF1NMD_YoocHy_u9vDtK/s320/12odaat9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Victor
also has some presents to give to the kids as a way to make up for the fact
that he's been away for a whole year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For Alex, the gift he brings is one that many thirteen-year-old boys
dream of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A PlayStation 4!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say, Alex is thrilled about the
gift and thanks Victor wholeheartedly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuVilZI8ohR2xjfJQbtmYzjaRTYMCe4ldBv_eNCk7LxRHO6IhZH4CnCaqpFLe-X5uKaIpsUg1Jys7ehsJtj8n11NvsDPnPoEuV5GGWS0a5ogkRGXci7_h9wfBxVmnh6FGK4t7D0dctEHJ/s1600/12odaat10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVuVilZI8ohR2xjfJQbtmYzjaRTYMCe4ldBv_eNCk7LxRHO6IhZH4CnCaqpFLe-X5uKaIpsUg1Jys7ehsJtj8n11NvsDPnPoEuV5GGWS0a5ogkRGXci7_h9wfBxVmnh6FGK4t7D0dctEHJ/s320/12odaat10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
only wish Victor had struck gold with Elena as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her gift happens to be a gigantic Barbie doll - which leads me to
wonder if Victor realizes that a quinces is to celebrate a girl turning
FIFTEEN!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Victor hilariously tries to
explain that the doll is a fierce Latina like her, but Elena only half buys
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, Victor kept the
receipt so he can return her to Toys R Us...well, at least this was filmed
during the period in which Toys R Us wasn't completely bankrupt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24xGiXDtpTDWM_qJQdT8hr89XXQ5jAqYyGz8oVK3NJZt327whVdS1ERoy2mPhBn2EZWfqmaUelzPU6nvZrEJvbdSY7pX6ejFd_XIj2BuRpiYMkFKJZl5Jfsfh_8ucNPv4usq4ZjtZeeqa/s1600/12odaat11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24xGiXDtpTDWM_qJQdT8hr89XXQ5jAqYyGz8oVK3NJZt327whVdS1ERoy2mPhBn2EZWfqmaUelzPU6nvZrEJvbdSY7pX6ejFd_XIj2BuRpiYMkFKJZl5Jfsfh_8ucNPv4usq4ZjtZeeqa/s320/12odaat11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Once
the kids and Lydia leave (I should point out that Lydia doesn't want to leave,
but Penelope forces her to go), Penelope and Victor chat about the last year,
and Victor actually admits to Penelope that he is seeking treatment for his
problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He tells her all the steps he
took to get to where he is now, and Penelope seems visibly impressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Considering the stories we've heard about
Penelope and Victor, it would appear that their relationship breakdown was
because Victor refused to get help for his problems - culminating in Victor
nearly crashing a car into a tree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe Victor is serious about getting help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And maybe he is serious about wanting to make amends with his
family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
course, this prompts Penelope to drop a bombshell of her own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She's seeing someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while Victor initially seems upset about
it, he calms down a bit and shakes his bon bon over the news.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, maybe he's no Ricky Martin, but
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Positive steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Victor asks Penelope who he is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0U75UKFnEJ2brTiv-5h3aaLSzVhfb44ZZ0F5CgxDu2TWLUv6qSfWRCXcgIZ4fZpxPytnByMj_3Yk35iSjhkHjI4ITsKGS18_YmiwyXNYcWvhKw8SggJShKUtFPCKFeoZefinZgmHEmREO/s1600/12odaat12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0U75UKFnEJ2brTiv-5h3aaLSzVhfb44ZZ0F5CgxDu2TWLUv6qSfWRCXcgIZ4fZpxPytnByMj_3Yk35iSjhkHjI4ITsKGS18_YmiwyXNYcWvhKw8SggJShKUtFPCKFeoZefinZgmHEmREO/s320/12odaat12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Cue
a yet again shirtless Schneider asking Penelope what colour sweater he should
wear to Alex's recital completely ignoring Victor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay, I'm hoping we see less shirtless Schneider in Season 2
because this recurring gag is getting really old.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJR8HSGHYqNN_WiAB5HMzDp40OubGHzYb5OS2a4lcnJGoj8NkE_ntyJoZtBxcS3PIko9zfAuv-wGGW9WzbBRyqwzuwt2lWDK8ehCwY0uo93OgJHB2XhSWWcKlBsB5LnhEbHEYAnzM0XZ02/s1600/12odaat13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJR8HSGHYqNN_WiAB5HMzDp40OubGHzYb5OS2a4lcnJGoj8NkE_ntyJoZtBxcS3PIko9zfAuv-wGGW9WzbBRyqwzuwt2lWDK8ehCwY0uo93OgJHB2XhSWWcKlBsB5LnhEbHEYAnzM0XZ02/s320/12odaat13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But at least Penelope and Schneider (and I) get a good hearty chuckle when
Victor makes the assumption that Schneider is Penelope's new man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, like THAT'S gonna happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Anyway,
after that misunderstanding, everyone is gathered at the place where Alex is
playing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which appears to be at an old
folks home where some elderly guy is singing old songs from the 1940s and
1950s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suppose we all have to start
somewhere.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At
least the relationship between Schneider and Victor is thawing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Victor actually appreciates Schneider for
being there for Alex and taking him to games, and supporting him in developing his
skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, I'm finding it hard to
understand why Victor is so bad of a guy, and watching Penelope and Lydia, I
think Penelope is questioning why they split up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
we've no time to analyze this now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There's a problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The person
who was responsible for delivering the musical instruments to the recital has
gotten lost, and Alex doesn't have his cello to play.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If he cannot play, the recital will be cancelled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3CKBhms_kPpQUPnfW76AgkGd7B2pJy0mUKagDhsJRgT2ciRwW79BMFwIshhsD5XLgQzIaO41ypf90CPu3w0sb1BY-rbMG7__5Nnz6rzYi3ytsMfNiIgjsIHzm4p4rk1asI3hNYLS7dqP/s1600/12odaat16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh3CKBhms_kPpQUPnfW76AgkGd7B2pJy0mUKagDhsJRgT2ciRwW79BMFwIshhsD5XLgQzIaO41ypf90CPu3w0sb1BY-rbMG7__5Nnz6rzYi3ytsMfNiIgjsIHzm4p4rk1asI3hNYLS7dqP/s320/12odaat16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fortunately,
Victor has a plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While he sends
Schneider out to go find the van, he grabs Penelope and takes her to the front
of the room to stall the audience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mind
you, their idea of stalling the audience involves he and Penelope singing the
1983 Bonnie Tyler classic "Total Eclipse of the Heart" a bunch of
times - but let's face it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The crowd
isn't THAT tough to entertain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Turn
around, bright eyes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At any rate, Elena and Lydia seem pleased to see that Penelope and Victor are
getting along with Elena remarking on how cute they look together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Given that Elena is the living, breathing definition
of sarcasm, this is a big deal for her to say this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fortunately, it doesn't take long for Schneider to recover the instruments, and
after Alex and his friends are equipped with their respective strings, they
start to play their song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully it's
NOT Bonnie Tyler's "Holding Out on a Hero".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">But
given the glances and compliments that Victor showers Penelope with, maybe
Penelope is starting to see him as the hero she fell in love with.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This could be quite complicated.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfmP85dOdeD-eGPfLvXVkxl7ELfStz2ZnxZr4RmBV-jJk_Td2RQldDkhohyuuKN9YRBcTc7k9Y770eQwlrDMSk-hP_eXNiGNe33YmTHl3hxnh5x43tPKs2U-ygN92P3bErpbx_CVwcXBf/s1600/12odaat19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfmP85dOdeD-eGPfLvXVkxl7ELfStz2ZnxZr4RmBV-jJk_Td2RQldDkhohyuuKN9YRBcTc7k9Y770eQwlrDMSk-hP_eXNiGNe33YmTHl3hxnh5x43tPKs2U-ygN92P3bErpbx_CVwcXBf/s320/12odaat19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Back
home, Alex is praised for his performance by all, and Alex wants to hook up his
PS4 as a reward for his hard work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Victor is definitely up for that idea, but first he has to give
something to Elena.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He returned the
Barbie doll to the store and instead gave her a gift of a donation to one of
her favourite social organizations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now
that's a gift for the aspiring social justice warrior!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elena loves the gift, and it seems as though
Penelope is noticing that Victor is making an effort and is pleased by it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
course, she can't think about that right now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She has a hot date with Ben tonight and she wants to focus all of her
attention on the date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as she
leaves to go on the date, Victor stops her and has a present for her as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0lW_mrH6iKGvg8jaZDHuJgXWuLns35BeKhoNMB7jVQEAwckTRiTMdijGT88vaTD-jyHEW6U0NTwVUI6rrslyQx384SADZmTFkXYhA3EOLpsBfSlIZQA47uh7EZLDbK3ZyBd_Kttt4GuO/s1600/12odaat20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0lW_mrH6iKGvg8jaZDHuJgXWuLns35BeKhoNMB7jVQEAwckTRiTMdijGT88vaTD-jyHEW6U0NTwVUI6rrslyQx384SADZmTFkXYhA3EOLpsBfSlIZQA47uh7EZLDbK3ZyBd_Kttt4GuO/s320/12odaat20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
appears as though Victor is realizing that Penelope wanted Victor to make a
decision about their future and he has drafted up divorce papers for her to
sign.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems as though all is fine
and good and that Victor is now free to live his life and get help for his
issues and Penelope and Ben can sail off into the sunset together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEEO9pzcoCo05AZMSJtUkZ81jSGROqOKq-h3ZSDxksJAR7U_8gVj7DrzLNJOHGc8pPPbY1XdUwu9ZlF6DF8Nlm2-VqnxgYgA0TInLUDYaOh5CyFiN4KxBVFdiPG5Wnc3bbwTMn5aKHnpg/s1600/12odaat21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSEEO9pzcoCo05AZMSJtUkZ81jSGROqOKq-h3ZSDxksJAR7U_8gVj7DrzLNJOHGc8pPPbY1XdUwu9ZlF6DF8Nlm2-VqnxgYgA0TInLUDYaOh5CyFiN4KxBVFdiPG5Wnc3bbwTMn5aKHnpg/s320/12odaat21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So...why
are they smooching in the hallway?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
know that both talk a good game, but you can tell that there are some major
unresolved feelings between herself and Victor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This probably doesn't bode well for her future with Ben.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_KO_xPUgXNAp-NYZlzSWjyME0bFumagnowo4AfTuaWGI83y7GoCr_lFCm1Fz3VcSNJs8tDiRHLTS5tBFhFKq-tWhusjkQFdOPwI_mZ8FROIHfq-wW8UohitM9dwKgcLioY5N9J5sQpiK/s1600/12odaat22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_KO_xPUgXNAp-NYZlzSWjyME0bFumagnowo4AfTuaWGI83y7GoCr_lFCm1Fz3VcSNJs8tDiRHLTS5tBFhFKq-tWhusjkQFdOPwI_mZ8FROIHfq-wW8UohitM9dwKgcLioY5N9J5sQpiK/s320/12odaat22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sure enough, Penelope decides to break things off with Ben right then and
there...and while Ben is shocked of the sudden turnaround, I get the impression
that he understands the confusion that Penelope has.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To be honest, I don't fault Penelope at all for this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The truth is, I think she handled the
break-up very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They weren't dating
that long, so there wasn't time to build up a deep relationship, and if she had
any doubts, it's good that she made them clear now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, it kind of sucks because Ben was actually not a bad guy
for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alas, Ben, we hardly knew ye.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Penelope
arrives home late at night and she sees Victor sleeping soundly in Lydia's
bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But of course, Victor wakes up and
asks Penelope why she's home so soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Penelope explains that she called it quits with Ben and that she is not
as ready to move on with another man as she thought she was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Victor
tries to cheer her up by offering to spoon her in Lydia's bed...which to me
would probably have me running for the door based on the ick factor surrounding
that very suggestion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Penelope -
whose brain is obviously not working properly - thinks this is an okay idea and
crawls into bed beside him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYs7_5v_TkgA2O7HZbBUlT9yj6A5C9Z09K6lAqsg1F-leH0G4Isn685pJ0LCUcUAoFGsEQW9xj_ntrjGFZh7mEl21dMLyB74fZIEee5oU99ZzsXcGoYEKigk67ml22nFnnM5oIV18bdLbJ/s1600/12odaat24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYs7_5v_TkgA2O7HZbBUlT9yj6A5C9Z09K6lAqsg1F-leH0G4Isn685pJ0LCUcUAoFGsEQW9xj_ntrjGFZh7mEl21dMLyB74fZIEee5oU99ZzsXcGoYEKigk67ml22nFnnM5oIV18bdLbJ/s320/12odaat24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At
first, things are going okay, and Penelope and Victor are really enjoying the
moment...which almost makes me believe that this is the moment in which they
will get back together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, since
this sitcom seems to be grounded in reality more than most, we have to have one
last twist ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in this twist
ending, we learn that Victor has alcohol on his breath when Penelope leans in
to kiss him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKf_dpsp5Z_iIXnEcAnjda8-wKtAvCvE1X21on4fBrdkI0DBr6GEhmKpW7eB4_9fRjmr6xApHIIuKwDYB4HjtjSxYTHqL-sTe6OHpsYuwc1Aif2mwmkiJPo14xcF6upQwX5hRWwjio-Ihd/s1600/12odaat25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKf_dpsp5Z_iIXnEcAnjda8-wKtAvCvE1X21on4fBrdkI0DBr6GEhmKpW7eB4_9fRjmr6xApHIIuKwDYB4HjtjSxYTHqL-sTe6OHpsYuwc1Aif2mwmkiJPo14xcF6upQwX5hRWwjio-Ihd/s320/12odaat25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
judging from the number of empty beer cans that fall out of the bed when he
tries to get up from the bed, I'm guessing that Victor is not enrolled in
Alcoholics Anonymous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now I'm beginning
to see what contributed to the break-up between Victor and Penelope.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What ends up happening is a blow out screaming match between Victor and
Penelope with Penelope cursing Victor out for not getting the help he needs,
and Victor making excuses for why he doesn't need help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Penelope makes the final move by kicking
Victor out and ordering him to go to a hotel...and furthermore, she doesn't
want to see him again until Elena's quinces, as she does not want Alex or Elena
to see him in this state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And right
there is why Penelope is not only just a badass soldier, but a badass mother as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mad respect to her.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The argument causes Lydia to wake up, and Victor - knowing that Lydia has a
soft spot for him - tries to reason with her to calm Penelope down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But Lydia is firm in her stance, and she
wants Victor to leave as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
episode ends with Victor leaving his former home with his tail between his
legs, and Lydia doing her best to console a heartbroken Penelope as the screen
fades to black.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And to make note of the
fact that this is a "very special episode", there is no music to
accompany the closing credits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Really,
this episode proves a lot of points.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
showcases the fact that as an ensemble, the actors chosen were the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I liked the actor who played Victor as he
perfectly portrays someone who had it all but was traumatized by war and lost
it all because he couldn't cope with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And as I stated before...Penelope Alvarez is a total badass, and someone
that all women can look up to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Later
on this week, we will end off season one with Elena's quinces - which promises
to be explosive!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That's all I can say
for now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Let's
end this off with some of the funniest lines from episode 12.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Victor is showing us a funny picture of a camel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is very tiny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has no humps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And...it
is a dog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And,
uh, where are we with the idea of telling him?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ELENA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh,
who thinks it's a good idea to greet my Latino veteran dad with "Hey, I
like girls!"<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You'll finally
have something in common.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #663300; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">VICTOR:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know, I'm early, but I really wanted to surprise papi chulo over here and see
his cello show.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ALEX:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Awesome.<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Que nice,
que thoughtful...Kay Jewelers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
sell engagement rings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ELENA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
donation to Kiva...in my name!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ALEX:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why
are you giving money to a guy named Kiva when you could be giving money to a
guy named Alex?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ELENA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh,
Kiva is an organization that gives a loan to a small business in a developing
nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They're amazing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How did you know I would like this?<br />
</span><span style="color: #663300; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">VICTOR:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I did
a little research.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, uh, well,
somebody told me you were...what was it?<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Annoying?<br />
</span><span style="color: #663300; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">VICTOR:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A...a
social justice warrior.<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Same thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-33918055911674641652018-04-14T15:30:00.004-04:002018-04-14T15:30:52.552-04:00Recapping One Day at a Time - Episode 11 - Pride & Prejudice<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Okay,
so I am racing against time to post this entry before any potential power
outages. My area is in line to get a
major ice storm - in the middle of April - and I don't know how severe it will
be in this area. And since I worked
late last night, I'm posting the </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Recapping One
Day At A Time</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
entry a day late. I'm thinking that
maybe choosing Fridays was a bad move on my part. I might rectify this the next time I do a television review blog.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Anyway,
the big news from Episode 10 was Elena finally coming out to Penelope. In </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Episode 11 -
Pride & Prejudice</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, we see how she is coming to terms with it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
given that she is knocking on Schneider's door in the middle of the night, I'm
guessing that Penelope is having issues with it. After Schneider lets her in, she talks about how Elena came out
to her, and is actually shocked to find that Schneider and Alex knew before she
did. But once she gets over the shock,
she explains that she is not entirely okay with knowing that Elena is a
lesbian. She doesn't consider herself
homophobic, and she doesn't even know why she is having reservations about
it. I am just going to take a wild
guess here and say that because she only found out a short time ago and it's
taking her brain time to process it. I
mean, having a loved one come out to you is a fairly life-changing event. It takes time to understand it for some
people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of course, maybe Schneider isn't the best person to talk about this stuff
because it seems as though Schneider uses the opportunity to try and ask
Penelope for some friends with benefits action while he has another woman in
his bedroom. Remind me why Penelope and
Schneider are friends again?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After
the opening credits, we see that it is now the following morning, and while
Lydia is listening to music, Penelope is going a little bit too overboard in
her acceptance of Elena coming out. I
mean, I get that she's trying to make an effort, but she comes across as being
a little bit cartoonish. Either way,
Elena is very happy that everyone in her family has been accepting of her
coming out, and for what it's worth, it IS good to see.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">However,
Elena still hasn't filled Lydia in on her sexuality yet, and given Lydia's
religious background and old way of thinking, I'm guessing that it will be very
hard for her. And since Dr. Berkowitz
doesn't appear in this episode, there's no buffer for her to hide behind. And it appears as though she will have to
wait to tell her anyway because Lydia has invited Josh over so that she can
teach them how to do the special dance at Elena's upcoming quinces. For what it's worth, Elena happily informs
Penelope that Josh is okay with Elena coming out - causing Penelope even more
doubt within herself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Soon
after we're introduced to the B-plot of the episode which focuses on Alex and
Schneider. It seems as though Alex has
gotten so good on the baseball team that he has been selected to play at away
games. There is a game coming up this
weekend in San Diego, and he really wants to go - but Penelope is booked for
that weekend and cannot take him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Schneider
makes a suggestion to be the team chaperone for the game, which includes an
overnight stay at a hotel, and it's not hard to understand why Penelope would
be so against it given Schneider's background in general. But to Schneider's credit, he manages to
craft a solid argument for Alex, and he promises that he will make sure that
Alex will be safe under his care which somehow sways Penelope in the other
direction. On one hand, I'm thinking
what the hell just happened...but on the other hand, she's had a lot to process
over the last few hours. She's not
quite there yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Some
time later, Lydia is working with Josh and Elena on their quinces dance and it
appears that both of them are having a great time learning all of the steps...until
Lydia gets a little bit too giddy and starts making both of them dance closer
together. I take it that Elena still
hasn't had the important discussion with Lydia yet. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Of
course, Lydia's interference sends Elena and Josh collapsing into each other on
the couch, making for a rather entertaining scene when Penelope arrives home
from work.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">But hey...I'm sure by now
Penelope is used to it.</span></div>
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<br />
But Penelope's mind is actually on something else - or rather someone
else. She is concerned about Alex and
disappears into the kitchen to contact Schneider to find out what is going on
and if Alex is okay. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of course, Schneider is perfectly fine.
After all, he's currently talking to Penelope from the hotel restaurant
while simultaneously flirting with Finn's mother. For what it's worth, Alex, Finn, and the rest of the team seem to
be doing well, and Schneider actually impresses Penelope by sharing with her
some of the safety features of the hotel including the date in which the
elevators were last inspected! I
seriously hope this isn't foreshadowing and Schneider accidentally sets the
hotel on fire trying to attract the attention of Finn's mom. But let's face it. Finn's mom has got it going on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After
Penelope gets off the phone, she is floored to learn that while she was
chatting with Schneider, Elena came out to Lydia. And even more surprisingly, Lydia appears to be completely
accepting of it! Josh remarks that
Elena has a great family to support her in her coming out, and Elena is on
cloud nine, exclaiming just how much she loves everyone. It's such a sweet moment...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">...which
makes Penelope feel even worse about herself for not being on the same
page. It does make her slightly feel
better knowing that Lydia only appeared to accept Elena's coming out when in
reality she has a huge problem with it.
And when I say it makes her feel better, I mean in the sense that she
isn't the only one with doubts. But
hilariously (and I will recap the whole conversation in the best lines portion
of this piece), Lydia literally does a complete 180 in the time span of
eighty-three seconds, causing Penelope to look even more exasperated! It's becoming clear that Penelope is still
trying to process the information, but doesn't quite know how to get there - a
challenge that I am sure a lot of people have gone through.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Let's
leave Penelope and Lydia for now and check back in with Schneider, Alex, Finn,
and a couple of their friends at the hotel.
Schneider is really becoming incredibly overprotective, insisting that
he check the hotel room for hazards before they go inside.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1goYg7TJxKvgOTFL45Gg1sP72Rlrg798RTz6QBiaRGjp6Ne4rV4HIAPhPhS4JKFLHs0j2l0dpbLsErl7bfV55hVJPvE3n2qS4Xpuyf5kYRYdpwJb_uezeokJUxw1ZoM5ZBKon65RnLDQ/s1600/11odaat10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1goYg7TJxKvgOTFL45Gg1sP72Rlrg798RTz6QBiaRGjp6Ne4rV4HIAPhPhS4JKFLHs0j2l0dpbLsErl7bfV55hVJPvE3n2qS4Xpuyf5kYRYdpwJb_uezeokJUxw1ZoM5ZBKon65RnLDQ/s320/11odaat10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And then Schneider gets all angry when the kids just want to jump on the
beds. And then he proceeds to throw out
an entire coffee maker because he deems it a fire hazard. Wow...is it just me, or has Schneider become
a bit more crazier than he usually is in this episode?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMTGctfaPK8gjusxKAQ1J3lr4mSkJSNQqD7D4X1yItJk4U87WD5xo41VKvUY4uJQKWupbU3X3mE6cRbIkMgZIbuEAL0BuvJ2t12FiIFiadBFxKWQG5TNQg4t9ihhxjmzQa-f92SnNTVN_/s1600/11odaat11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMTGctfaPK8gjusxKAQ1J3lr4mSkJSNQqD7D4X1yItJk4U87WD5xo41VKvUY4uJQKWupbU3X3mE6cRbIkMgZIbuEAL0BuvJ2t12FiIFiadBFxKWQG5TNQg4t9ihhxjmzQa-f92SnNTVN_/s320/11odaat11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Or,
maybe it's all of the adults that have gone crazy because Penelope has decided
that if she is to be more accepting of Elena's coming out story, she should
familiarize herself more with gay culture.
So as a result, she's sitting in the middle of a gay bar with her gay
friend from her veteran support group, Ramona.
On one hand, I'm not sure how this plan of hers is supposed to work (and
for that matter, I don't even think Ramona understands). On the other hand, good on Penelope for
trying to understand Elena more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
course, Ramona proves to be of no help to Penelope. Mind you, she really tries...but when her gaze focuses upon a
sexy woman across the bar, she abandons Penelope in an effort to get to know
the woman better while half-heartedly telling Penelope to watch her in action
so that she will get a better idea of what it will be like for Elena while
dating. Um...huh?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Someone
else who is having a hard time is Schneider, who is obviously not dealing with
being the chaperone of an entire baseball team very well. It actually takes Finn's mom to get him to
sit down and relax. Also seated at the
table is a large, burly man who appears to be Cuban - which makes for a really
awkward scene when Schneider talks about how ever since he became the chaperone
for Alex, he's become more Cuban as a result.
Seriously, Schneider...just be quiet.
Sometimes silence is golden. But
after a while, Schneider is realizing that Finn's mother is correct and that he
should just relax. After all, the kids
are upstairs in the hotel room relaxing, chilling...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZ1FIhKgq0NPhh4CdNjwiFiXmSBVmy4yUGDJ66oFBUPIKt9C0O6zzSco5Md4-Ca7PUs9r5gfwfVygbpL4jTAAWIxKHG7_Nmc1WXFEsDE0nVUV37WZsRnC8SW8kdhLEugmSpxzehLlHezW/s1600/11odaat12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZ1FIhKgq0NPhh4CdNjwiFiXmSBVmy4yUGDJ66oFBUPIKt9C0O6zzSco5Md4-Ca7PUs9r5gfwfVygbpL4jTAAWIxKHG7_Nmc1WXFEsDE0nVUV37WZsRnC8SW8kdhLEugmSpxzehLlHezW/s320/11odaat12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">...getting
arrested by hotel security who brings them to Schneider's table causing
Schneider to curse in Spanish. At least
that's what I think he's doing as my Spanish vocabulary only consists of words
learned from Sesame Street.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrDV7pRMXqnnttMQoEQOjN3E2E-k0HqFSpBz1KtDoJfwTmyzw2klYAdRSbB9qO98UhaP1bpWsDwqdC-wCOFxKp69Jc3kY0tguQFUXVTUA8f6BBG9tsOS2tuNcs-6y8CrGOKXDX2cr1o6-/s1600/11odaat13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrDV7pRMXqnnttMQoEQOjN3E2E-k0HqFSpBz1KtDoJfwTmyzw2klYAdRSbB9qO98UhaP1bpWsDwqdC-wCOFxKp69Jc3kY0tguQFUXVTUA8f6BBG9tsOS2tuNcs-6y8CrGOKXDX2cr1o6-/s320/11odaat13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Back
at the gay bar, Penelope is looking rather glum. Granted, I don't think she'll be feeling that way for much longer
given how she seems to be sucking back cocktails...but still, she's nowhere
near getting any sort of resolution for why she feels the way she feels. She is so in the dumps that she doesn't
initially notice that there is a nice looking young man sitting next to her
initiating conversation with her. It takes a while for Penelope to open up to her new drinking buddy, but we
learn that his name is </span><span style="color: #cc99ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ben</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, and that he's at the bar
with his brother. But before we learn
this information, Penelope tells him about her daughter Elena and how she came
out, and how she feels she is a monster because she's not entirely okay with
it. But to her surprise, Ben
understands exactly what she's going through.
When Penelope explains that she only found out a day and a half ago that
her daughter was gay, he laughs and says that it's perfectly normal for her to
be feeling the way she is. He then says
something very profound about how her heart is ready to accept...but her brain
just needs to catch up. It certainly
doesn't make Penelope think of Elena any less...it will just take time. Just as it took time for him to accept that
his brother was gay.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5giVja9dZCycn2hlWWiQMDUZNtE0jqX9cCFOFkl57P3MrgsJFVmsji7cr19-xgy6xAV1v8zGMCHycNRqYXC8BxNeZcxbK_2e2GRpDT4hf-PFvaNG2dC_THLzCJdVyyw9P4vaZ7jTg_aP/s1600/11odaat14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju5giVja9dZCycn2hlWWiQMDUZNtE0jqX9cCFOFkl57P3MrgsJFVmsji7cr19-xgy6xAV1v8zGMCHycNRqYXC8BxNeZcxbK_2e2GRpDT4hf-PFvaNG2dC_THLzCJdVyyw9P4vaZ7jTg_aP/s320/11odaat14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Oh, and for the record, Ben asks Penelope out on a date since he's
straight. Only Penelope can go to a gay
bar and find a date. But what a pivotal
scene. I really enjoy this show and its
ability to tackle tough subjects with compassion and kindness. Not too many shows on nowadays are
successful in this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihu7fy_jZ5N2cELPitQ-1_ywTAz54MONFUttC6Q7-KHlO37PZdkZO4C1RidbmvZSiPGWXVV4R4bKcDQP7bI417GcU-ZnzhDAp7_HAtoetCDOJFPFJwxKJbqXNZ4w9Zra6s9r6yxFRMzWuB/s1600/11odaat15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihu7fy_jZ5N2cELPitQ-1_ywTAz54MONFUttC6Q7-KHlO37PZdkZO4C1RidbmvZSiPGWXVV4R4bKcDQP7bI417GcU-ZnzhDAp7_HAtoetCDOJFPFJwxKJbqXNZ4w9Zra6s9r6yxFRMzWuB/s320/11odaat15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Later
that night, Schneider and Alex arrive home way before they were supposed to
which causes Penelope and Lydia to wonder what happened. Come to think of it, we never did find out
why Alex and Finn were busted by hotel security. It seems as though when Schneider was downstairs at the hotel
lobby, Alex and Finn thought it great fun to take a couple of the chambermaid's
carts and have races with them through the hallways. I mean, come on...the first time I stayed in a hotel, I was
fourteen and I totally considered doing that too. But the difference was that when I was fourteen, I didn't have a
chaperone like Schneider.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBl4BMXbr9WEqMvTh582RVcW0EEjl9pFbyGh1LTYkZWcMBVwA5heKjAgvKpNiiYvHvTVD9hP2w1dCoDoTGt8l30gTgy-gamkpCogU1so3PKNVXQ8Y8QpV2VKcEBJqQ0VE0vZvPdbzLwGQ/s1600/11odaat16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBl4BMXbr9WEqMvTh582RVcW0EEjl9pFbyGh1LTYkZWcMBVwA5heKjAgvKpNiiYvHvTVD9hP2w1dCoDoTGt8l30gTgy-gamkpCogU1so3PKNVXQ8Y8QpV2VKcEBJqQ0VE0vZvPdbzLwGQ/s320/11odaat16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Schneider is being a real drama queen about how
much he failed Alex, and how much he failed the Alvarez family, and how he feels
like a failure. I almost wish we had Yo-Yo Ma in the background playing music over this scene because this is over the
top even for Schneider. So imagine
Schneider's surprise when Penelope hugs him and actually celebrates the fact
that her overprotective nature left an indelible impression on Schneider and that
she trusts him to look after Alex again because of it. This cheers Schneider up, but leaves me
feeling way confused. I almost kind of
wish that Schneider took this episode off and Dr. Berkowitz was in it because
this episode kind of makes Schneider look like an inept fool that was rewarded
for being an inept fool. More inept
than usual.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWyxoi0SP76H-YrMySRGomP_r-vZZSSlMND9cl0nY9L85Z7dcdTsZM6HEDF_-vtmu8xVArLgFga-4rHHKeQiIQ0GsekUT_vser8ULLEfVaLQaMSMYSAqg0O6CfVm7kQ3Iw57LCb_CjM9B/s1600/11odaat17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRWyxoi0SP76H-YrMySRGomP_r-vZZSSlMND9cl0nY9L85Z7dcdTsZM6HEDF_-vtmu8xVArLgFga-4rHHKeQiIQ0GsekUT_vser8ULLEfVaLQaMSMYSAqg0O6CfVm7kQ3Iw57LCb_CjM9B/s320/11odaat17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
end scene takes place in Elena's room where she's Skyping with Carmen with her
laptop. It's nice to see her again,
even though she's still very strange.
But she seems to be adjusting to her new life in Texas and has amusingly
started adding the word "y'all" in random conversation. And it's also cool to see that when Penelope
comes into the room to chat she's friendly with her. I get the feeling that no matter how far away they are, Carmen
will always be an honorary member of the Alvarez family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcVbIx114dtkJzgnI0aQuitGX73I5xjjFep0uxUeVZ8gWsWBwap0JE0FOq0k834lZnRPrpBP8UxJqK9qmvYDw_NCW3UbGZegJ7uE2uXMj6yClwcq-JiqrF5slURkQjomh3SovwpqDK8uo/s1600/11odaat18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcVbIx114dtkJzgnI0aQuitGX73I5xjjFep0uxUeVZ8gWsWBwap0JE0FOq0k834lZnRPrpBP8UxJqK9qmvYDw_NCW3UbGZegJ7uE2uXMj6yClwcq-JiqrF5slURkQjomh3SovwpqDK8uo/s320/11odaat18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
in the last few moments of the show, Elena and Penelope share a real bonding
moment and I think Penelope has finally come to terms with the fact that Elena
is gay - a very positive end to an otherwise strange show. Penelope even mentions that she met a man
and they are going on a date, which may signify a brand new story arc for
her. I'm kind of excited to see where
this is going...though looking at the preview for Episode #12, it may pose a
challenge when Penelope's ex re-enters the picture. <br />
<br />
And now we shall laugh at the most humourous lines from the eleventh
episode. Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ALEX:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> No
one wants their mom around when they're dating models. Just being real with you.<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> You still
have Spider-Man sheets. Just being real
with you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> All
right. You think you got what it
takes? Bedtime?<br />
</span><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> 9:00 p.m.
weekdays. 10:00 p.m. weekends.<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Blood type?<br />
</span><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> O positive.<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Wrong. Red.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
Thank God that you're so honest with your feelings.<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Yeah, I
know you don't agree with them because you are so liberal...and I'm just a
narrow-minded homofallopian.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> You
mean you're homophobic?<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Ha! There is the judgment. Look...I know you are cool with this, but
you have to understand. I am a
religious woman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I
know, Mami.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> And,
I'm sorry. I'm sorry, but I have a
problem with Elena being gay. It goes
against God! Although, God did make us
in his image. And God doesn't make mistakes. Clearly.
And when it comes to the gays, the pope did say, "Who am I to
judge?" And the pope represents
God. So what, am I going to go against
the pope and God? Who the hell do I
think I am? Okay. Okay, I'm good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
What? You just worked that out
in ten seconds?<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Si. Because she is my granddaughter and I love
her no matter what. Ya. So, tell me, when is the parade?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I
want her to have the most perfect coming-out story. You know, where I'm cool and supportive and we high-five and ride
unicorns down a rainbow together.<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc99ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">BEN:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Okay, so,
gay people aren't magic. But it's a
common misconception, so...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">CARMEN:</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> I'm going to the rodeo tomorrow. Hopefully one of the clowns will get gored.<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> I love that
little weirdo.</span>Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-85098356275266940872018-04-12T10:49:00.003-04:002018-04-12T10:49:53.377-04:00Unnatural Athleticism<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #003300; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I know it has been a while since I've written in this space, and
since my last entry, a lot has happened.
Perhaps one of the most tragic events to have taken place was the deadly
bus crash in Saskatchewan which killed sixteen players and affiliates of the
junior hockey team </span><b><span style="color: #cc9900; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The Humboldt Broncos</span></b><span style="color: #003300; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. To pay tribute to the team, as well as sending support to the
survivors of the crash, I will be writing this blog entry in the colours of the
team - green and gold. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #003300; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And I will also post the link to the official GoFundMe page for
the team. As of this writing, it has
already raised over nine million dollars!
Just click on the link below to donate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #cc9900; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">https://www.gofundme.com/funds-for-humboldt-broncos</span></b><span style="color: #003300; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
<br />
Another thing that people have been doing to show support to the Broncos is
placing hockey sticks outside of their front porches, and wearing hockey
jerseys of their favourite teams. And
while I think this is a lovely gesture of showing support, the most that I can
even do is wear the team colours to work later on tonight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #003300; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The truth is...I don't own any hockey sticks, and I don't have
any hockey jerseys. In fact, I don't
really own any sports equipment at all - well, except for a basketball that I
won back in 1989 after collecting all of the hockey cards for a contest our
local hockey team hosted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #003300; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Truth be told...I wasn't a natural athlete. I'm still not a natural athlete. The thing about it is that these days, I'm
perfectly okay with it and have made peace with it. And I'll explain why that is the case at the end of this entry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #003300; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But I wasn't always okay with not being athletically
gifted. Truth be told, I absolutely
hated it once upon a time.<br />
<br />
I think from an early age, I realized just how much of a lack of co-ordination
I had. My balance skills were always off,
I had a lack of motor skills. I didn't
learn to swim until I was 21 years old, and I never really learned how to
operate anything with wheels. Well,
except maybe a skateboard...which I used to pull my stuffed animals
around. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #003300; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It wasn't until I got into school that I realized just how poor
an athlete I was (and how cruel kids could really be, but that was a different
issue altogether). I was always the kid
that was picked last for sports teams, but was always the first kid to be
knocked out during a rousing match of Super Swedish Dodge Ball. Yeah, just add insult to injury there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #003300; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It also didn't help matters much when we were playing games like
baseball or volleyball and the kids we were playing against would purposely
move up towards the net or towards the diamond - silently antagonizing you and
making you feel as though you were going to choke - when 99% of the time,
that's what happened. Okay, I get
it. I sucked at sports. Did you really find it necessary to rub it
in my face?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #003300; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The worst was when we had the special sports days in school
where we all had to take part in various track and field events, and the top
three finishers would win various awards and medals for their effort. In almost every single event, I came in dead
last. The only event that I placed in
was the bowling event - and the school I attended didn't even have a prize for
it because it was a last minute addition and they didn't see it as a sport
worth rewarding! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #003300; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(I often wonder if they created that bowling event just to appease
terrible athletes like myself...)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #003300; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The most I could hope for was a participation ribbon. And I am the type of person who absolutely HATES participation
ribbons because they serve as nothing but devices to reward mediocrity. It's like an award that says "you have
zero talent, but here's a prize anyway because we feel sorry for
you". At this point, it would have
made me feel less awkward getting nothing out of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #003300; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And, of course, the ultimate insult. My grade for gym was a C-minus.
Completely destroying my grade point average for eighth grade graduation
in which it was the only grade on my report card that wasn't an A. I still recall getting my final report card
in eighth grade and cursing the school for putting so much importance on
physical education, and I think the 14-year-old me deemed it an injustice that
I even had to take gym class in the first place because there was no way that I
would ever get an A in the subject no matter how hard I tried.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #003300; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Mind you, now that I'm an adult, I understand just how important
physical education is, and I get why I didn't do so well. Partly it was my fault. I knew I couldn't compete with all of the
jocks in the class, so after a while I just stopped trying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #003300; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But I think that there were other things that prevented me from
being a great athlete. I was chunky as
a kid (and let's face it, I'm a chunky adult now). That slowed me down a lot.
I also had asthma, which caused me to lose my breath a lot quicker than
other kids my age. And let's face
it...having poor hand/eye co-ordination was more of a curse than a blessing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #003300; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But you know what? It's
all good now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #003300; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So I'll never win an Olympic gold medal, or wear a Super Bowl
Champion ring, or even win the Boston Marathon. But there are other things that I know that I am good at, and
part of navigating through life is figuring out what makes you great and going
towards that dream with every breath inside of you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #003300; font-size: 18pt;">We all have it in ourselves
to be great - regardless of whether you can catch a ball or not.</span>Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-90114374307270509272018-04-06T20:43:00.002-04:002018-04-06T20:43:42.169-04:00Recapping One Day at a Time - Episode 10 - Sex Talk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
am so excited to be doing the tenth episode recap for </span><span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Recapping One Day at a Time</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> because in my opinion, it is probably one of the
best episodes of the whole season! It's
extremely funny with lots of laugh out loud moments and touches on a subject
that some shows would find too taboo to talk about. But since it airs on Netflix where broadcast codes are more lax,
they can and will get away with it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This is </span><span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Episode 10: Sex Talk</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. I'm thinking this episode
must be about sex in some form. The
fact that the show opens with Penelope and Schneider almost has me worried that
they will be the ones engaging in coitus, but thankfully I'm wrong! Penelope's cutting coupons while her mother
is out at the opera with Dr. Berkowitz, and Schneider announces that he's given
up his cell phone, social media, and laptop to live the unplugged, simple kind
of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Which
lasts for all of thirty seconds as he asks to borrow Penelope's laptop to look
up some business that threads eyebrows.
Yeah, because that's what EVERYONE Googles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzEUR5EatABWlYe_mT3vL5SBt4ZMExx1bndh1m_sfRzxWesXtBLE84uYevfe1QG2RHfa6c3KMAFZBLHGWdn73Ec9jXaMLSabgnq_NW9S89cK4oXlFtmr0rmOBHD-7MUyHvdV2C5GEq9EE/s1600/10odaat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQzEUR5EatABWlYe_mT3vL5SBt4ZMExx1bndh1m_sfRzxWesXtBLE84uYevfe1QG2RHfa6c3KMAFZBLHGWdn73Ec9jXaMLSabgnq_NW9S89cK4oXlFtmr0rmOBHD-7MUyHvdV2C5GEq9EE/s320/10odaat2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So
imagine everyone's shock when Schneider opens up the laptop on the table and
there in plain view is a pornographic film!
Whoops!<br />
<br />
Penelope is outraged that Schneider would watch porn in her apartment, but
Schneider reminds her that he was using her laptop - and creepily praises her
for her taste in snuff films! Yeah, not
really helping me see you as any less of a creep there, Schneider. Was Pat Harrington ever like this in the
original series?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
Penelope comes to a rather shocking realization. The laptop with the porno film on it belongs to <i>Alex</i>! Oh, I think I see where the title comes from
now. It's time for Alex to have
"the talk".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfyNyNvRnXTGEmU5HqyREB2h-EOI9ar5_ViNPX4pnohrsODxFjoNcbGon95mceoa09g69wU4JPfmJifR9hVg26GEfdx04fPqoKMDwfGdNTlG9Pol7Bw17t1D86iksHsBYaxKekhUv3HIn/s1600/10odaat3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSfyNyNvRnXTGEmU5HqyREB2h-EOI9ar5_ViNPX4pnohrsODxFjoNcbGon95mceoa09g69wU4JPfmJifR9hVg26GEfdx04fPqoKMDwfGdNTlG9Pol7Bw17t1D86iksHsBYaxKekhUv3HIn/s320/10odaat3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Problem
is that Penelope is dreading the idea of sitting down with Alex to talk about
it. Creepy Schneider tries to soften
the blow by saying that at least Alex was watching normal porn, but given that
the movie featured a threesome, I have to wonder what the heck Schneider
classifies as "abnormal".
Penelope is stressed because she recalls the talk that she had with
Elena being a disaster. She tells
Schneider the story of how Elena asked her what a period was, and Penelope was
honest and explained how periods work - only for Elena to then ask what an
exclamation mark was! Schneider once
again tries to soften the blow by telling Penelope that at least Elena didn't
ask what a colon was. Oh, seriously,
Schneider. Not helping.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC02sfn-kgjvEJEca0s7_dB3to9d45JhwBaI6wvtiS5vZ7Etp5uCpLjV3jDn4jtx035WkrDpurgkJTYUIgDVTEaBDe5jWkDhD4HxX9hEM1CcHTIIbQQHOuPSM9_OoDnV10yz3zOwvIE7JB/s1600/10odaat4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC02sfn-kgjvEJEca0s7_dB3to9d45JhwBaI6wvtiS5vZ7Etp5uCpLjV3jDn4jtx035WkrDpurgkJTYUIgDVTEaBDe5jWkDhD4HxX9hEM1CcHTIIbQQHOuPSM9_OoDnV10yz3zOwvIE7JB/s320/10odaat4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">By
this time, Lydia and Dr. B. arrive home from the opera and initially start by
telling them about what a wonderful performance it was, but Dr. B. wants to
find out who the actors were in the opera so he marches towards the computer to
Google it. Penelope and Schneider try
to stop him from using it, but it's too late...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29pGM4YCUherwpjPIxGPJDI5c03IC5N_PjsbSx-iF36VUi8m79TCc7Ywuw5INzLbIzilGQ7uVgQOju4M4-VAdM-4BuLdIQi_oIGK3fvBODANN91gYYEVroR-h0KJ_Eykgng57Uu2JuW4E/s1600/10odaat5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29pGM4YCUherwpjPIxGPJDI5c03IC5N_PjsbSx-iF36VUi8m79TCc7Ywuw5INzLbIzilGQ7uVgQOju4M4-VAdM-4BuLdIQi_oIGK3fvBODANN91gYYEVroR-h0KJ_Eykgng57Uu2JuW4E/s320/10odaat5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">...and
oh my stars, has Dr. B. ever gotten an eyeful!
He'll be scarred for life.<br />
<br />
In fact, he makes such a big deal about it that Lydia asks what Dr. B. was
watching and somehow it gets twisted around that Alex was watching a Disney
film! I'll translate it in the funny
lines section, but take it from me, it's hilarious!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
opens up a conversation that is filled with some creepy moments about how
Schneider gives us too much information about what he did when watching Jane
Fonda workout videos - seriously, why is Schneider such a perv in this episode? But it also involves some candid
conversation between Penelope, Dr. B., and Schneider about how the Internet has
made pornography easier to access by teenagers - which is a fair point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkbXA2XvfqGypUoE2IZTjTkd8Jy2rBbovgPt_8WHtqxeYkOdviVm399vsHvAAImwKcJzPJRbcduRzu0QASR4KO2xYp2FAfbbIeFxUH6Kod0IYoRkMaB4zXxInW3IAaDt85SRJZgBjTcsb/s1600/10odaat6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkbXA2XvfqGypUoE2IZTjTkd8Jy2rBbovgPt_8WHtqxeYkOdviVm399vsHvAAImwKcJzPJRbcduRzu0QASR4KO2xYp2FAfbbIeFxUH6Kod0IYoRkMaB4zXxInW3IAaDt85SRJZgBjTcsb/s320/10odaat6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
course, the conversation also sparks curiosity in Lydia who wants to see the video. The above screenshot kind of illustrates
just what she thinks of it. The
additional "burn this" comment after she watches it adds to the
hilarity of it all. Leave it to
"One Day at a Time" to infuse lots of humour in the mix.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3_4HX7Iucqz8lZipGN0yyqlV9oN8pz_Z45XzryEDP6R12fzrwMb8Dw0s6t_zXE5XqysgLmDLLZAITNZ371B5grMmskeMJv2_zgXcZxdRDwsd2xw7Le14yanwhF4pGjMjBv1cedfipcab/s1600/10odaat7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl3_4HX7Iucqz8lZipGN0yyqlV9oN8pz_Z45XzryEDP6R12fzrwMb8Dw0s6t_zXE5XqysgLmDLLZAITNZ371B5grMmskeMJv2_zgXcZxdRDwsd2xw7Le14yanwhF4pGjMjBv1cedfipcab/s320/10odaat7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
suppose that now would be as good a time as any for Alex to come home. And when he sees Penelope, Lydia, Schneider,
and Dr. B. staring at him, he freaks out thinking that a bug is crawling all
over him! But after Penelope sends the
two men and her mother away from the living room, she drops the bomb. She wants to talk to Alex about sex.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBhMw5URe77I9SrB3cBOxtgLLG9uT8xEWk-xWPuLoSNKbOsZBEdeV-7WRZyHPGAeMIeoUqe0OF2IUW1F7cIrvLQ0mDZFZj_Ap-_AZhI9JSNQYpb-La4yGtcJAocOQ8UrkmH-xJi5pyiq1/s1600/10odaat8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBhMw5URe77I9SrB3cBOxtgLLG9uT8xEWk-xWPuLoSNKbOsZBEdeV-7WRZyHPGAeMIeoUqe0OF2IUW1F7cIrvLQ0mDZFZj_Ap-_AZhI9JSNQYpb-La4yGtcJAocOQ8UrkmH-xJi5pyiq1/s320/10odaat8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Cue the obviously embarrassed and mortified Alex grabbing a blanket to put over
his head. I think that at first Alex is
being a little overdramatic but after hearing Penelope try to explain sex to
Alex I can see why she is really BAD at giving these talks! I could probably do a better job explaining
the birds and the bees and I don't even have kids!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After
the painfully awkward conversation, Penelope talks to Alex about the threesome
video on his computer, and it becomes clear that Alex didn't download the
video. For one, Alex doesn't even know
what a threesome is! And for another,
he claims that his mother installed software that lets her see what content
Alex and Elena are downloading. Which
proves to be a complete fabrication, but Penelope goes with it because she
wants Alex to think that she is a responsible parent. Of course, this leads to a quandary. If Alex didn't download the porno...and if Penelope and Lydia
didn't, who did?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMPeDPGFY2MnJe4Z41yU63cjw2OXQk6twm8sJ0kk6Yll0QmbXMjyI33-H3LNiqel5MBtUF7yNkVywKEc4C5xmsV9Fqs_AWDJPlr3DPO6KmbXDz7gW1T5rUgtuKUOuwuoiJ8tjj8QKHXLs/s1600/10odaat9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMPeDPGFY2MnJe4Z41yU63cjw2OXQk6twm8sJ0kk6Yll0QmbXMjyI33-H3LNiqel5MBtUF7yNkVywKEc4C5xmsV9Fqs_AWDJPlr3DPO6KmbXDz7gW1T5rUgtuKUOuwuoiJ8tjj8QKHXLs/s320/10odaat9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Enter Elena who has just arrived home and said that she's going to bed, and I
think we have the bandit in plain sight.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoW0QzvQSG4cWUpxPiR_fgO_I_9JvyEm6FfKnKP2U6uMPVos7ahtAObG-sJVXYdsb7euH8nkW5y3TOoPv2X0ZSyrgV5Qiy-lK-aNjIWvbYrUR_mGpiYhjZlkquJzqGAYW8Z6558laxlKe/s1600/10odaat10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUoW0QzvQSG4cWUpxPiR_fgO_I_9JvyEm6FfKnKP2U6uMPVos7ahtAObG-sJVXYdsb7euH8nkW5y3TOoPv2X0ZSyrgV5Qiy-lK-aNjIWvbYrUR_mGpiYhjZlkquJzqGAYW8Z6558laxlKe/s320/10odaat10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Judging by this screenshot, I think Lydia has discovered the truth too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ugCkSPUQGYxGCqIb8PemFyWo56JlA72VJdw3kzBDG-uGSyScO5CjW1vyVEsykf63Wx8e7oMBq80r2fAQkO5omX7lw-nyHTMdohcE3biOImUivimZRXXQs6r7DYOnxquhmDQXDfJBUmWc/s1600/10odaat11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ugCkSPUQGYxGCqIb8PemFyWo56JlA72VJdw3kzBDG-uGSyScO5CjW1vyVEsykf63Wx8e7oMBq80r2fAQkO5omX7lw-nyHTMdohcE3biOImUivimZRXXQs6r7DYOnxquhmDQXDfJBUmWc/s320/10odaat11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">By
this time, Penelope is at work discussing the situation with Dr. B., and as it
so happens Scott and Lori are there as well.
Though let's face it - Penelope is clearly the one with the common sense
in the room. Penelope mentions very
briefly that she knows that Elena is seeing a boy named Josh, but that they've only
kissed a couple of times and thinks that this is all that is going on. To which Scott replies sarcastically that
Elena is lucky that she happens to be seeing the one teenage boy in America
that likes just kissing. Yeah, I'm
reminded of why Penelope doesn't like Scott very much. But it does get her thinking about what
might happen if Elena decides that she wants more, given that she seems to have
developed an interest in watching pornography on Alex's computer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Oh,
and Lori talks about how she was a "virgin" when she got married, and
often uses quotation marks to emphasize bullet points in her rather unusual
conversation leading to a brilliant face from Penelope.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsFpSR-wm7CnvjJT2Zdj3369NOpMAcUEFOqRRQr9rEy1-nTwrqf644TWssYqta0iIwAtj39jm0iggv9Td8p_umV7GtfLu47uVsgHk3HEyQfdsA_p_tPmlAY0NR1i9tbPh0Sp-oVfJNH3Y/s1600/10odaat12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsFpSR-wm7CnvjJT2Zdj3369NOpMAcUEFOqRRQr9rEy1-nTwrqf644TWssYqta0iIwAtj39jm0iggv9Td8p_umV7GtfLu47uVsgHk3HEyQfdsA_p_tPmlAY0NR1i9tbPh0Sp-oVfJNH3Y/s320/10odaat12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Yeah. That's the one!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After
that rather weird portion of the episode, Penelope arrives home desperate to
talk to Elena. However, Lydia informs
her that Elena is not home. She has
gone over to Josh's place to have a movie night with him and his family. Seems fairly innocent to me.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaOJ6ksdvphkSrBk_R6GoLBx7E4-HeUW1GTfSDbOCE13ChFkvNJ67Bjx55wBQwui5AwffuXZzqlrM3Kw1XqvWXz2iX3_HTAwvnqa1D4pm77WaSMYNYsqiwj9AzqH-MJ3Cs-OF5aTb7SxC/s1600/10odaat13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPaOJ6ksdvphkSrBk_R6GoLBx7E4-HeUW1GTfSDbOCE13ChFkvNJ67Bjx55wBQwui5AwffuXZzqlrM3Kw1XqvWXz2iX3_HTAwvnqa1D4pm77WaSMYNYsqiwj9AzqH-MJ3Cs-OF5aTb7SxC/s320/10odaat13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Well, at least that is until Alex lets it slip that Josh's parents aren't home
and Penelope freaks out and rushes out to the Flores residence to try and stop
Josh and Elena even though she literally has zero idea what is going on.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8GDExGMdzTlUN3spWmaPO3TEWU7i4CGzSkeYIjk2CrCQWAb66ovpMzABi6X87br42w13cYB-rz1nQFPgKZ18YrIgSZ4Ma7Swh6CLg62_tXSmcUFSO4CSSWPHKYYMXMSJNBsUU8Yk7MMV/s1600/10odaat14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8GDExGMdzTlUN3spWmaPO3TEWU7i4CGzSkeYIjk2CrCQWAb66ovpMzABi6X87br42w13cYB-rz1nQFPgKZ18YrIgSZ4Ma7Swh6CLg62_tXSmcUFSO4CSSWPHKYYMXMSJNBsUU8Yk7MMV/s320/10odaat14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Naturally, the Flores front door is locked, which makes sense given that as of
this moment Josh's parents seem to have more common sense than Penelope
does! <br />
<br />
Of course, when you consider Penelope's viewpoint, it's easy to see why she
might jump to those conclusions. After
all, when you're looking through the front window and you see Josh, Elena, and
an unknown girl sitting on the sofa and you realize that Elena watched a racy
movie featuring three people...well...yeah, let's just say that Penelope isn't
in her right frame of mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwSv-Ipqm1xWTZWNMMZJYmNtyAh3kYYw0Kr17eu1LqFnpxMzTEenVuaUEmPVzqmiRbye0HazRpAAP61DnqCLztc2mpDGnLEAHJuz9Pwts_5Rk0KF2Oc3Jstx7c4AYKeHRkoL0kPP_HRoL/s1600/10odaat15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwSv-Ipqm1xWTZWNMMZJYmNtyAh3kYYw0Kr17eu1LqFnpxMzTEenVuaUEmPVzqmiRbye0HazRpAAP61DnqCLztc2mpDGnLEAHJuz9Pwts_5Rk0KF2Oc3Jstx7c4AYKeHRkoL0kPP_HRoL/s320/10odaat15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Which
she proves by crawling through the doggy door of the front door and screeching
Elena's name at the top of her lungs, scaring the three people on the couch
nearly to death! </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEe5rw857NpNnMFFpG3SWS5dtJPKj9G_yBGsI8JyMfFQVxSAXIu6B00lJCmNs7xYumSiwN5Lho5SMn352KglOQJ-T1UZru63b2NKVe7qSKnD62YElXElkMl8p9WmPWIgpSHuGVep-K_3rg/s1600/10odaat16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEe5rw857NpNnMFFpG3SWS5dtJPKj9G_yBGsI8JyMfFQVxSAXIu6B00lJCmNs7xYumSiwN5Lho5SMn352KglOQJ-T1UZru63b2NKVe7qSKnD62YElXElkMl8p9WmPWIgpSHuGVep-K_3rg/s320/10odaat16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of course, when one's mind plays tricks on them, they sometimes fail to see the
obvious. Because the three people on
the couch were Elena, Josh...and Josh's little sister! They were sharing a bowl of popcorn, and
actually watching a movie! Shocker, I
know. And to add insult to injury,
Josh's parents and the family dog turn on the lights and see Penelope stuck
inside the doggy door in front of a clearly embarrassed Elena! Oh, if I were Elena, I would just want to
wish that a bus ran over me at that moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIOgIB3GQzjzhKTP15Wx5H5v1w3Zd0szJSztTLye4CF2BC3a_5j3kyCCYmnxYYmAYDRCqZ6iZ5bqVzt0ui2bxnWF3KwI9HMFqUMiGneuyr3dkwEBzApvEaoSHqDpx9cNbwVblOpTF_omj/s1600/10odaat17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIOgIB3GQzjzhKTP15Wx5H5v1w3Zd0szJSztTLye4CF2BC3a_5j3kyCCYmnxYYmAYDRCqZ6iZ5bqVzt0ui2bxnWF3KwI9HMFqUMiGneuyr3dkwEBzApvEaoSHqDpx9cNbwVblOpTF_omj/s320/10odaat17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Penelope
tries to explain herself by claiming that she just came over to give Elena her
jacket in case she got cold...which might have worked if Elena wasn't already
wearing a jacket. And on her way out,
we learn that Penelope accidentally took out the Flores mailbox with her
car! I'm thinking Penelope must have
been a real badass in the service.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKtzGAC3CJrnm_8tNxsWfXT-JRuTnAkzZk-p3hOEnNge26kbV_naISCFKlPi0DQ-bGqVWAPTWJCiyHv-Y0TPz34rZZHcuq_EHaaVI5yoQo7gHYppFQaccEzboJMWjFS1nwz3Lm_k7Y5Yt/s1600/10odaat18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKtzGAC3CJrnm_8tNxsWfXT-JRuTnAkzZk-p3hOEnNge26kbV_naISCFKlPi0DQ-bGqVWAPTWJCiyHv-Y0TPz34rZZHcuq_EHaaVI5yoQo7gHYppFQaccEzboJMWjFS1nwz3Lm_k7Y5Yt/s320/10odaat18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
Elena returns home, she is undoubtedly furious at her mother for humiliating
her in front of Josh - and to be honest, I can't blame her. Penelope messed up. Though part of that is Alex's fault as he
realized that he confused Josh B. for Josh F.
Anyway, Penelope realizes that now is the time to sit down with Elena
and confront her with what she knows.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7g2lbwkm5IQDArSsT-u8bb3B5f7ZWadPx4R6zU2tTAt-jUJxGuGuaS1lN3RC5E6tq8-4mRiQo0b6HvbxAmIlnnKD3DoN85TRWej9AT-r2TPmhA2GWpyX74GUpl4s2NWnFSZqgOtxGgpDW/s1600/10odaat19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7g2lbwkm5IQDArSsT-u8bb3B5f7ZWadPx4R6zU2tTAt-jUJxGuGuaS1lN3RC5E6tq8-4mRiQo0b6HvbxAmIlnnKD3DoN85TRWej9AT-r2TPmhA2GWpyX74GUpl4s2NWnFSZqgOtxGgpDW/s320/10odaat19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Naturally when Penelope tells Elena that she knows that she was watching porn
on Alex's computer, Elena's reaction is basically enough to confirm that yes,
she was the guilty one. She even admits
to using Alex's laptop because she was worried about her own computer
contracting a virus. Wow, the writers
of this episode really did their research with this one - and part of me
wonders HOW they conducted this research!
But by this point, Penelope seems to be okay with it and is calmly
talking with her about sex when Elena admits that she has had zero interest in
having sex whatsoever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Which
causes Penelope to rejoice in relief and grab Elena in a huge hug...which is
hilarious for the audience to watch, and creepy for Elena to experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
it's not long after this that we hear the real bombshell of the
conversation. As Penelope prods Elena
to open up, Elena reveals that she likes Josh as a friend, but she's not into
him that way. In fact, she reveals that
she's not sure if she'll ever fall in love with a man. Furthermore, she tells Penelope that when
she envisions herself in love with someone...she sees the other person as
another woman!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjqZ4ypLMAu9IoXNZ6AW8WxHldkjSyF2taqfH525nkg_HKeQWSH4lAeXcxKrRNujptCqQ4pmcsreY4ojXI_24JS-jFNIPItlksJaSZ2s9WswrUkTi6_MEEGLZLKS5ky_V5XQ1fgue9gEH/s1600/10odaat21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqjqZ4ypLMAu9IoXNZ6AW8WxHldkjSyF2taqfH525nkg_HKeQWSH4lAeXcxKrRNujptCqQ4pmcsreY4ojXI_24JS-jFNIPItlksJaSZ2s9WswrUkTi6_MEEGLZLKS5ky_V5XQ1fgue9gEH/s320/10odaat21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Yes. This is the episode in which Elena comes
out. And at first, Penelope just stares
in silence. Then she curses herself for
giving Elena the wrong sex talk again!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
then she does something that makes me applaud her. She takes Elena by the hand and tells her that she will be there for
her no matter what and that she will be by her side through this. And while Elena happily breathes a sigh of
relief at having come out of the closet, I get the feeling that Penelope might
have some reservations about it - which I hear is common for parents whose
children have come out to them. </span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFa86MXVwbFpZGLOhCfcw_vY6jkazA9-W4NbGc9GjiQq5wsoOB_82vCrgYu3ufcAyfdA0tYCKA-wTrY0oDr_F9FAMzyR5qBc7Wtgv9Uwuk3NWwVA2-HNBNzvzqXZRRra3kQyx_3bNWS2L/s1600/10odaat20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFa86MXVwbFpZGLOhCfcw_vY6jkazA9-W4NbGc9GjiQq5wsoOB_82vCrgYu3ufcAyfdA0tYCKA-wTrY0oDr_F9FAMzyR5qBc7Wtgv9Uwuk3NWwVA2-HNBNzvzqXZRRra3kQyx_3bNWS2L/s320/10odaat20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And of course revealing the truth to Lydia could be an even LARGER
challenge. And here's something to look
forward to. In Episode 11, you'll see
more of this developing story come to light.
But wow...what a fantastic episode.
As I said before, this one is definitely my favourite episode of the
season so far because it allows massive plot development for Elena, and a ton
of laugh out loud moments. So many that
I've actually included SEVEN funny dialogues instead of five. Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> My
sweet boy is becoming a gross man!<br />
</span><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> But hey,
silver lining, it's normal porn.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> A
threesome is not normal.<br />
</span><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Okay,
fine. It's aspirational.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">DR. B.:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
(After watching the movie on the laptop) I feel compelled to tell you that this is not my computer.<br />
</span><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> No, it's
Alex's. That's what we've been talking
about.<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> What? What about Alex?<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Mami, don't
worry. It's not really a big deal. Alex was watching a racy movie.<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Cars 2?<br />
</span><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> More like
Cars 3.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
Okay, show me.<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Yeah,
that's not happening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">DR. B.:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
Lydia, you asked me to turn away when you buckled your shoe. This is not for you.<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Por favor.<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> No, mami.<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Mira, I was
married for over 40 years. If anything,
it is a shame that Berto and I went unrecorded.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
Where's Elena? I really need to
talk to her.<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> You
should. She is a porno.<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I think I
know what you're saying, and it's not fair 'cause when you thought it was Alex,
you said it was healthy.<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Well, boys
are supposed to want the sex. Girls are
supposed to pretend that they don't want the sex. Read your Bible, for God's sake!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Oh,
just so you know, some maniac drove over your mailbox. But they left 50 bucks, so that seems fair,
right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ELENA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Mom,
I'm not having sex.<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Oh, thank
God! You're way too young. And guys are really bad at it in the
beginning anyway, not that I want you to be with an older guy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ELENA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> MOM,
STOP TALKING!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">ELENA:</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> It was just, I realized that if I was going
to be into a boy, it would be Josh. I
mean, he's cute, and he's sweet, and he's such a gentleman, but I feel more
when I look at a picture of Kristen Stewart than I do when I kiss him.<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> No wonder you
saw those Twilight movies so many times.<br />
</span><span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">ELENA:</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Definitely
wasn't for the quality storytelling.</span>Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-71189159924929325632018-04-04T11:08:00.005-04:002018-04-04T11:08:56.541-04:00Cyberspace for Generation X<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sometimes,
I think it was better that I experienced my teenage years in a world where the
Internet was fairly new. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
I was a teenager, there was no such thing as Google. We used Yahoo and Alta Vista as search engines. We didn't have high speed unlimited Internet
either - we had to use dial up modems and pay by the hour! Shocking, I know!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There
was no Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, or even MySpace back in those
days. Heck, back when I was a teenager,
having a private e-mail account was considered ritzy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
we certainly didn't have teenagers trying to make a meal out of Tide Pods or
snorting condoms up their noses. And if
there were teens in my generation doing this, I'm thankful that we had no way
of showing the world. I mean, I grew up
with teenagers using condoms as water bombs - and I thought THAT was
strange. But then, I suppose that every
generation had stupid things that they did when they were that age. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
still. There was something about the
early Internet that was endearing - even though looking at it now, you'd think
it was totally ancient. And that's what
this post is about. The internet of my
teen years - which took place largely in the 1990s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCD71HeEg0LPRlwZleaQV3lRRevBVNJNNpqnPSPbBRdb6HIV-LTcVcI6dD76Q6kMBbqRYVrevDMmEhYYU9zooYrQaO9vLCDbEX-NCxJDYSB3GQJj-itPnxM392JNvYgWxDxWg0P2HzAwHg/s1600/My-website-is-terrible.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="494" data-original-width="736" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCD71HeEg0LPRlwZleaQV3lRRevBVNJNNpqnPSPbBRdb6HIV-LTcVcI6dD76Q6kMBbqRYVrevDMmEhYYU9zooYrQaO9vLCDbEX-NCxJDYSB3GQJj-itPnxM392JNvYgWxDxWg0P2HzAwHg/s320/My-website-is-terrible.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
still remember the first time I ever used the Internet. It was...ahem...twenty-one years ago. My god, I said that with a straight face
without breaking into a panic attack about how quickly time is passing us by.<br />
<br />
Anyway, it was September 1997. I had
just turned sixteen a few months ago, and I was enrolled in a "Computer Communications"
course in high school - which is essentially a fancy way of saying
"Learning How To Use The Internet".
The first time we learned about how e-mail worked, and how search
engines worked, and what websites were was absolutely fascinating to me. I absolutely loved every minute of that
class.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Now,
the Internet at that time was still in its infancy, so there were only a few
basics that we could be taught. There
was hardly any online shopping available, music streaming was still a couple of
years away, and forget about YouTube.
It didn't exist back then.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What
did exist was the various HTML links and Shockwave Flash technology that
everybody used to make beautiful websites, and as our final project in that
class, we had to make our own website! A
daunting task for the sixteen year old, but certainly one that I found
exciting.<br />
<br />
As it turned out, my website was quite the job well done, and I scored an easy
A+ on it. Unfortunately I do not have
visual proof of this website as back in 1997, none of us knew how to take a
screenshot! But trust me, my website
was brilliant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
to be fair, a lot of websites that existed back in the 1990s were well done for
their time. And then there were some
that you look at and you wonder what sort of drugs the designer was on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKnYoJujoUMh_1YDrIy6L01wCy4X1CU94xxC5mJP6-7NN5hbjBZt637KPtjcMujy9JvSndYyb-7DOfnFAXayFb0gpFMdy-ep2uVkHU_xyQLJB41oy-fPgs882o2O3DFuEpvBSk7Yx8Zl7/s1600/D988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="347" data-original-width="714" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKnYoJujoUMh_1YDrIy6L01wCy4X1CU94xxC5mJP6-7NN5hbjBZt637KPtjcMujy9JvSndYyb-7DOfnFAXayFb0gpFMdy-ep2uVkHU_xyQLJB41oy-fPgs882o2O3DFuEpvBSk7Yx8Zl7/s320/D988.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I've
looked through Google (ironic since Google wasn't around when I started using
the Internet) to find screenshots of actual websites that existed between 1996
and 2000 to showcase what websites looked like back then, and whether they would
fly in a 2018 world. (Short answer,
no.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Okay,
let's take a look at some of the treasures I've found from the cyberspace of
the past.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6smPtrIbEwg59idx9QTpowkaYzZgoE2Q83bEsmOpfKdq-EwGbz-SBCoU4SiNmJh5OzbUzT9g1842J6isEVH68TrX1H1ctV17gRy_qjodAWigtOJfxGIxcWgQ-N8erlWYAfmJ4aVP-QXD0/s1600/yesterdayland_web2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="679" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6smPtrIbEwg59idx9QTpowkaYzZgoE2Q83bEsmOpfKdq-EwGbz-SBCoU4SiNmJh5OzbUzT9g1842J6isEVH68TrX1H1ctV17gRy_qjodAWigtOJfxGIxcWgQ-N8erlWYAfmJ4aVP-QXD0/s320/yesterdayland_web2.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ah,
Yesterdayland. This is a site I know
all too well, as I was a member of it back in the day. Made some of the greatest friends ever from
that site. As you can see, the early
design of that site was pleasant to look at, and for people who loved pop
culture of the past, it was the foundation for endless discussions about anything
you wanted. Sadly, the site doesn't exist
anymore. It closed up shop for good in
2003. But at least screenshots can show
you its former glory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(I
suppose posting this entry on April 4 would have some irony to it, given that
many of the websites like Yesterdayland would come up with a 404 message.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxfpQ4SbFWqtiA7PUECKNFJCmltKGfEdOLQeTyf04d5L4gzSgZOBgQETNdYv_hPjVNVRCPMNWRDuWdJQrJy9m4G1MhA8vv9x_2Y5ISOpiLORzhnfU7FJu-8jgSLdUQYN1SgbRHHOpaX8L/s1600/coca-cola.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="733" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijxfpQ4SbFWqtiA7PUECKNFJCmltKGfEdOLQeTyf04d5L4gzSgZOBgQETNdYv_hPjVNVRCPMNWRDuWdJQrJy9m4G1MhA8vv9x_2Y5ISOpiLORzhnfU7FJu-8jgSLdUQYN1SgbRHHOpaX8L/s320/coca-cola.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Coca-Cola
also gets a passing grade from me. I
have no clue when this website was up and running, but I think the company did
a fantastic job with it. The logo is
bold and bright, the fonts are easy to read.
Someone clearly had a lot of web design background at corporate
headquarters!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYj1LI6fSguPbEzYzWEoK9obJ-FSDlpJwNOStsGLLgYl6Poca8iyeqXwequNSCgNYXf-SMlyq4Z_WNKAE3Uph55Yw0BugV7twYCVyzid9m21Snmzejfz3er3_WmGL-8ejzKP7d6GOQZlA/s1600/53792_articleimage_original.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1100" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYj1LI6fSguPbEzYzWEoK9obJ-FSDlpJwNOStsGLLgYl6Poca8iyeqXwequNSCgNYXf-SMlyq4Z_WNKAE3Uph55Yw0BugV7twYCVyzid9m21Snmzejfz3er3_WmGL-8ejzKP7d6GOQZlA/s320/53792_articleimage_original.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Wow...remember
when Bob Dole tried to run for President in 1996? And how he lost to Bill Clinton that year? I'm not saying that the design of his
official website was what pushed voters to vote Democrat instead of Republican
that year, but this website design is sort of bland. I mean, yes, it's designed well and it's easy to read...but it's
format is typical for that of a politician's website.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLf0yo_TA7lV5ZXspjOobR7U5kldQjAcgYchr3kmk8G7lAobvgUlGamk-WWcs4IWWD064yJVeTs750VwqZNHR3GjzcD1flUvlhX_G5dCXE9nV1prHI6lxjbXFpYnekzT6ctQDVbypgUQh/s1600/geocities-web-design.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggLf0yo_TA7lV5ZXspjOobR7U5kldQjAcgYchr3kmk8G7lAobvgUlGamk-WWcs4IWWD064yJVeTs750VwqZNHR3GjzcD1flUvlhX_G5dCXE9nV1prHI6lxjbXFpYnekzT6ctQDVbypgUQh/s320/geocities-web-design.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Oh
my goodness, I don't even think my eyes can stand looking at this screenshot
for much longer than a second and a half.
The bright orange text in a font that is more or less unreadable
combined with bright green font on a patterned background? Yikes!
Not good at all.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2iAYHmSEP-I1mwzryHRA_l6JbXKdgtJaNHoM5vWIbnCc-kNh0I2zn1WIJoqhtucjtM_3eb0Cv2A3vuMeBASCZReK7vtGZtB_rjidrsdEkPUM9Mo65jncjEhgtItejZBAEu3qzV-Vs39O/s1600/570fa64652bcd0210c8bc9d7-750-562.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="750" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF2iAYHmSEP-I1mwzryHRA_l6JbXKdgtJaNHoM5vWIbnCc-kNh0I2zn1WIJoqhtucjtM_3eb0Cv2A3vuMeBASCZReK7vtGZtB_rjidrsdEkPUM9Mo65jncjEhgtItejZBAEu3qzV-Vs39O/s320/570fa64652bcd0210c8bc9d7-750-562.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And can we just say that I'm so glad that Domino's Pizza has greatly improved
their web design over the last twenty years?
I mean, seriously. This website
looks like it was designed by a six year old boy! I'm trying to justify this design and yet when I see Coca-Cola's
website from that same time period, I just can't do it! Horrible even for 1990s standards!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZ6-ZL82z23KYU4JTFwObCzEKMy4SgBxzbGVA4koXEunBrMs9ByfoB6_0IC30ds70a8Y-zXAKhJmQpov7axlVwvl6RJClQ1IWq8qcXjAOPT6NkuI9KIvpnn3xD_q5L1G0pQ9Tblbr3aTQ/s1600/2space_jam.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="580" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtZ6-ZL82z23KYU4JTFwObCzEKMy4SgBxzbGVA4koXEunBrMs9ByfoB6_0IC30ds70a8Y-zXAKhJmQpov7axlVwvl6RJClQ1IWq8qcXjAOPT6NkuI9KIvpnn3xD_q5L1G0pQ9Tblbr3aTQ/s320/2space_jam.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Motion
pictures often used the Internet to promote their films - even back in the
1990s. Here's a website for the
SpaceJam movie - which believe it or not is STILL available to use. <br />
<br />
The website is below.<br />
<br />
https://www.warnerbros.com/archive/spacejam/movie/jam.htm</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0TqRCsnv3F3Sryv9o8T6r0FXh8taE6W_RF9BB90D7VxOttexZhICwRA96YWw4xByh8CyYmdXRF56ZCl346wloNKUZ8YdZQY_P-bS8-X9yZXNb50bogJ7KFFns0KfZ4wMmBXPVhgYaFhA/s1600/walmart-dec-31-1996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="1171" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh0TqRCsnv3F3Sryv9o8T6r0FXh8taE6W_RF9BB90D7VxOttexZhICwRA96YWw4xByh8CyYmdXRF56ZCl346wloNKUZ8YdZQY_P-bS8-X9yZXNb50bogJ7KFFns0KfZ4wMmBXPVhgYaFhA/s320/walmart-dec-31-1996.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Oh, dear...who knew that Walmart had a website back in the days in which
Walmart was still hyphenated with a star? And who
knew that the website would look so incredibly dull. This would be the equivalent to watching paint dry.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And finally...remember Amazon? Of
course you do. It's only the biggest
online retailer in the world with millions of orders being placed and shipped
per day. But back in 1996, the website
for Amazon was not exactly the most eye-catching page to exist. I mean, if we were going to judge a company
based on their website design alone, I'd be unconvinced that this company would
last any longer than a couple of years.
What a difference two decades make, huh?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">So, as you can clearly see, the world on online
searching has evolved and the Internet of 1996 is a prehistoric archive of
cyberspace gone by. The kids of today
probably think that we were primitive cavemen back in the day, but this was the
Internet as we knew it back then. And
honestly, it wasn't all that bad. </span>Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-76499542737663274872018-03-30T14:51:00.004-04:002018-03-30T14:51:56.841-04:00Recapping One Day at a Time - Episode 9 - Viva Cuba<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Hello,
everybody! Happy Good Friday to those
of you who observe Easter. For my
Jewish friends, a happy Passover to you all.
And for everybody else, happy regular Friday to you! We're back on schedule with the </span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Recapping One Day at a Time</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> feature. In
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Episode 9</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> - entitled "</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Viva
Cuba</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">",
this episode is all about being proud of where you come from. In the Alvarez family, it's all about being
proud of being Cuban-American - though one member of the family wonders if
that's enough. We'll get to that in a
second. For now, we need a bit of a
sight gag to introduce the show.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Well,
Schneider bringing in a chair might qualify.
After all, Schneider eats at the Alvarez family apartment so much that
he may just as well move in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ah, but wait. Schneider is wearing a
T-shirt with the image of Che Guevara on it.
It's actually the same picture that was on a poster on my roommate's
side of the room during my brief university career. As most people well know, Che Guevara was quite the polarizing
figure in history. While some see him
as a figure of rebellion and revolution, Cubans don't quite see him the same
way, and the entire Alvarez family chastises Schneider for even wearing such a
shirt in front of them. Though to be
fair, Schneider is a bit of a space cadet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLESEspDen1YmOlRmL08kuL_hObvckMxbgZZ-h31nPihFs-eaeZqleVwDyeLv1Hv-Ahyphenhyphenkm3rm3Feg9yg0fktAF6bTBg6xfvYedBsw0ieqAufdS4f3Zyh6LwZvj6lv-rIc4XOWywGJ1fIF/s1600/9odaat3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQLESEspDen1YmOlRmL08kuL_hObvckMxbgZZ-h31nPihFs-eaeZqleVwDyeLv1Hv-Ahyphenhyphenkm3rm3Feg9yg0fktAF6bTBg6xfvYedBsw0ieqAufdS4f3Zyh6LwZvj6lv-rIc4XOWywGJ1fIF/s320/9odaat3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In
fact, it's not until Alex compares the situation to that of someone wearing a
Kanye West shirt at Taylor Swift's house that Schneider finally gets it and
takes the shirt off. Which leads to an
awkward scene of Lydia rubbing Schneider's topless body after he
apologizes. Yeah, let's cut to the
intro! Gloria Estefan, save us!<br />
<br />
After the intro, we find out that Elena has some huge news to share with the
family, but before she can get one word in, Alex grabs Penelope and Lydia away
to share his news. He has been assigned
a class project in his class where they have to do an independent study on a
country of their choice. Since he got
second pick (and the first kid in front of him chose America), he decided to do
his project on Cuba, delighting Lydia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Alex
has opted to film a video as opposed to writing a report (mainly because it's
less work), and he wants to interview Lydia on her experiences immigrating to
Cuba as a child, which Lydia absolutely agrees to. Penelope is just happy that Alex seems to be developing an
interest in school.<br />
<br />
In fact, Penelope and Lydia are so caught up in Alex's video idea that they
completely forget about poor Elena! I
have a feeling that this happens a lot.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Anyway, Penelope apologizes and asks Lydia what is up. It turns out that Elena has been nominated
for the Voices of Tomorrow program - which Lydia amusingly mistakes for the
television show "The Voice".
No, Elena's referring to a competitive writing program in which only
thirty students get selected in the entire country. This makes Penelope whoop with excitement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
when she discovers that the program is all expenses paid, it makes her whoop
even louder!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Penelope is so happy that she goes to the wall of achievements in the hallway
affectionately known as the Alvarez Museum.
As you can see, the wall is mostly filled up with Elena's achievements
since it's implied that she is the brainy one of the family. Apparently there's also a box filled with
all of the kids' baby teeth that Penelope and Lydia tell them they will use to
make necklaces for their spouses to wear at their weddings, but we learn that
this is merely an inside joke. At least
I <i>hope</i> that's the case.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At
work, Penelope is telling Lori, Scott, and Dr. B. about Elena's huge
opportunity and it prompts everyone to share the dreams that they had when they
were younger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For
instance, Scott had a dream of joining the X Games as a street luger. Okay then.
Dr. B. always wanted to be a master of song parodies just like his idol,
Allan Sherman. The "Hello Muddah,
Hello Faddah" guy. I'm sorry, but
Weird Al Yankovic did much better parodies.
Oh, and apparently Lori's dream is to learn to read...or so Penelope
jokes anyway. Yeah, Lori's still kind
of a ditz and we wouldn't have her any other way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
it comes to Penelope though, she says that her dream was to become a
full-fledged doctor. She was well on
her way to doing that, but then Elena was born, and she fought in Afghanistan,
and she made several sacrifices to help Elena and Alex have the best life
possible. She may have settled for
being a nurse at Dr. B.'s office, but she's okay with it. I don't know...I get the impression that
we'll be revisiting this plot line a little later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Back
at the Alvarez place, Alex is using his cell phone to record Lydia talking
about her life in Cuba. Schneider
happens to be there too because apparently he forgets that he has a home in
this episode. Again, I see this
happening a lot.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lydia
is in the middle of telling a story to Alex about how when she first came to
America from Cuba, she was initially separated from her beloved Berto, but the
day they were reunited with each other, there was an earthquake. Lydia suggests that the earthquake was a
sign that they were meant to be together, which Schneider seems moved by. </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">In
fact, he's so moved that he tells Alex that a cell phone camera wouldn't do
Lydia's story justice.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">He proposes a
solution.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Schneider will help Alex film
his video complete with costumes and expensive camera equipment.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">And Alex decides that this is a good idea
and lets Schneider work his magic.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">I
just hope Schneider doesn't end up doing all the work.</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13pt;">Alex's final grade might end up being a D
minus!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
here's some exciting news! Penelope has
arrived home carrying a letter has come from the Voices of Tomorrow! This is where Elena discovers if she got
into the program. And Elena and Lydia
are so excited that they nearly bowl Alex over to get to the letter!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TLV4nODHBjuyZPwFEBPeAt84ys_0afVGeLe0eCQC7DVoIjW5vTg-C7WB_sW6czCMtSpiDEfIzS87LzHJFNyLECxBunKhCtelInerMV7ALw5hH2HV4sZ3uo1kXiXCvyx0ix9DiaRwVFW_/s1600/9odaat10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0TLV4nODHBjuyZPwFEBPeAt84ys_0afVGeLe0eCQC7DVoIjW5vTg-C7WB_sW6czCMtSpiDEfIzS87LzHJFNyLECxBunKhCtelInerMV7ALw5hH2HV4sZ3uo1kXiXCvyx0ix9DiaRwVFW_/s320/9odaat10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It seems as though it's wonderful news as Elena discovers that she HAS gotten
into the program! And much celebration
and rejoicing is sure to follow...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOpQbf-QkXQK9hP_OhPiQ7exnFleNATqYyyDblBtSYC9TDyZVU8rqeGeQK5DtqgxrvWhrbQ7qsEu6pwz3_b52vEJ86QrR7eQydxPyLqyq6K-VQShmgQxblPgW83CYt_QjeaajisJDUKxb/s1600/9odaat11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOpQbf-QkXQK9hP_OhPiQ7exnFleNATqYyyDblBtSYC9TDyZVU8rqeGeQK5DtqgxrvWhrbQ7qsEu6pwz3_b52vEJ86QrR7eQydxPyLqyq6K-VQShmgQxblPgW83CYt_QjeaajisJDUKxb/s320/9odaat11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">...at
least until Elena finishes the letter and comes to a stunning conclusion. Not only has Elena been chosen to be a part
of this experience, but she has been selected as the diversity candidate. Now this should be a good thing, but Elena
deduces that they only chose her because she's Cuban. Of course, this makes Lydia excited because she thinks that they
are finally giving people awards for being Cuban! But Elena's bummed because she wonders if they only gave her the
opportunity because of her nationality instead of her talent. Penelope thinks this is ridiculous and that
she should take the opportunity, but Elena is genuinely torn. I understand her frustration a little bit,
but when given an opportunity like this, you shouldn't turn it down without
getting all the facts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wqkmmeWzAjHuz395pJqjeJ7euhSthK6iz1-vtL-gtxjdQpLVmsDY1Zved_aewZeRkyIlRfp-qjEYL1d95bhqpuKk_ZUjL5Evy14CYzO0a8KIA4Ka2hvB199b4uCP2WtirJfTDjTg6m_t/s1600/9odaat12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9wqkmmeWzAjHuz395pJqjeJ7euhSthK6iz1-vtL-gtxjdQpLVmsDY1Zved_aewZeRkyIlRfp-qjEYL1d95bhqpuKk_ZUjL5Evy14CYzO0a8KIA4Ka2hvB199b4uCP2WtirJfTDjTg6m_t/s320/9odaat12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
you probably shouldn't put the letter in a frame and put in on the wall of
achievements without consulting people first, <i>Lydia</i>!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Penelope
is not sure of what to do about following her dream of being a doctor, and
certainly listening to Dr. B.'s lame parody songs about honey glazed ham and
zumba classes certainly doesn't help.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6krKrfHdGBA4TBwzx9-95_bJj5FwPOV-tOGmcznOUs8Gcbn9EjUo-h-R829PXGI5vtRi-Bjotst0ky5TKgVeUJOlIdPVu_HjlZ4mfsdCdktSzLNjOVFkGtkUhjwaCxNVHgmHv-Wapunz/s1600/9odaat13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6krKrfHdGBA4TBwzx9-95_bJj5FwPOV-tOGmcznOUs8Gcbn9EjUo-h-R829PXGI5vtRi-Bjotst0ky5TKgVeUJOlIdPVu_HjlZ4mfsdCdktSzLNjOVFkGtkUhjwaCxNVHgmHv-Wapunz/s320/9odaat13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Make it stop. Please make it stop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVg5YexcBZCIZ-mSty1pcBjJGaM2HUSwECUlOKgFxoRGUAHw4CCSGm9ellKWQAR7xKS2m8DMPKNiTjGwQxefXMPLkNEyywrIbwUfKqFTeZS86hoAF9rdM56Bw0z0ERVVeOqq-LQluJlz8Q/s1600/9odaat14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVg5YexcBZCIZ-mSty1pcBjJGaM2HUSwECUlOKgFxoRGUAHw4CCSGm9ellKWQAR7xKS2m8DMPKNiTjGwQxefXMPLkNEyywrIbwUfKqFTeZS86hoAF9rdM56Bw0z0ERVVeOqq-LQluJlz8Q/s320/9odaat14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Anyway,
Penelope has decided that the time is right to pursue her dream of becoming a
doctor, and naturally, Dr. B. is excited about it. But unfortunately for Penelope, Dr. B. paints a strong picture of
reality for young Penelope. In order
for her to achieve her dream, she'll be spending anywhere from seven to eleven
years in medical school, which includes a residency in who knows where. That, plus she'll have two hundred thousand
dollars of student loans to pay back.
Ouch. But hey, Dr. B. doesn't
worry about that. He'll be dead before
he pays back the full amount! Well,
that's one way to look at it, I suppose.
But for Penelope, she's more confused than ever before.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6cIKaIIfEu6K8jbpBnpCmXRLZuUqnGRwjl9wvrTVOtln7Kwcdj3nwHyrYww5b0P1mOf9gMkZ2z7A_JuTDCUzD-jmhnSdBUSuLtnmXUt9SI69AcO8qDu-Xy5gzRo0gBLxx9X5ctynYYi6/s1600/9odaat15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC6cIKaIIfEu6K8jbpBnpCmXRLZuUqnGRwjl9wvrTVOtln7Kwcdj3nwHyrYww5b0P1mOf9gMkZ2z7A_JuTDCUzD-jmhnSdBUSuLtnmXUt9SI69AcO8qDu-Xy5gzRo0gBLxx9X5ctynYYi6/s320/9odaat15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You
want to know what else is confusing?
Alex's video. Schneider is
setting up a green screen which means that he's incorporating special effects
in the video? My goodness, he's doing a
video on Cuba, not filming the next James Bond movie!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hht8sYp-eSukMOng5xgrJmOr6SWxI0DjP3vzM3I1Uo-ZeV86GCz8fcdHupyXOPm5Xg-Y6OWi8Ihu4IUVKdlWE7ipQJmyFlcFXTvS3caBtRt3yB7gZzcARPF2pqy1C5Athg1ibCmnFHu6/s1600/9odaat16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8hht8sYp-eSukMOng5xgrJmOr6SWxI0DjP3vzM3I1Uo-ZeV86GCz8fcdHupyXOPm5Xg-Y6OWi8Ihu4IUVKdlWE7ipQJmyFlcFXTvS3caBtRt3yB7gZzcARPF2pqy1C5Athg1ibCmnFHu6/s320/9odaat16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Elena's
furious because Schneider has dressed her up like Carmen Miranda.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_9DDywbsiUiZplnkZKNKxcwLP9O8TbFkMDED3-IwJZw1C7aTXvlmW0SJ1b-8hu3wNsVuUXrfrTVJJJ07DlUhxF0q6GQPhlkLPGNo96ShPuq2Krc-lO6NBbDnsyJn33hYQR7ZFDJfCdfz/s1600/9odaat17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3_9DDywbsiUiZplnkZKNKxcwLP9O8TbFkMDED3-IwJZw1C7aTXvlmW0SJ1b-8hu3wNsVuUXrfrTVJJJ07DlUhxF0q6GQPhlkLPGNo96ShPuq2Krc-lO6NBbDnsyJn33hYQR7ZFDJfCdfz/s320/9odaat17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And Penelope's not amused at having to dress up like the mascot from the Colombian
coffee commercials. As she scoffs, she
looks like Cousin Consuelo. The same
cousin that she made fun of last episode in her therapy group. The female cousin with a giant beard! But at least she's being a good sport about
it unlike Elena.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66CYcFr2-E2B3QWhAs_xrf2Lif8s3CQ44EQGIlF-UF8Hz3Coxw3HxBlyl5y96Of-EYfu3aZtD_r5EGCoB31h0p0eSHJ4wGaHdAduGpLKJlm91XMgaTcFeMaF_Iy5ZQ3S1PKJ5H78ndDvJ/s1600/9odaat18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66CYcFr2-E2B3QWhAs_xrf2Lif8s3CQ44EQGIlF-UF8Hz3Coxw3HxBlyl5y96Of-EYfu3aZtD_r5EGCoB31h0p0eSHJ4wGaHdAduGpLKJlm91XMgaTcFeMaF_Iy5ZQ3S1PKJ5H78ndDvJ/s320/9odaat18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In fact, the video shoot opens up a bit of an argument between both of them
when Elena tells Penelope that she is turning down the offer given to her by
Voices for Tomorrow. Given Penelope's
reaction, it's like Elena told her that she walked down the street and shot
eighteen pedestrians. Penelope is
outraged that Elena is walking away from a good opportunity to do something
remarkable, and Elena in turn is furious that her mother can't seem to see that
the reason she was offered the position was because she's Cuban. It ends with Elena storming off to her room
and Penelope running after her to yell at her some more. I'm guessing that this too is normal for the
Alvarez family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So,
Penelope and Elena are not available right now. May as well get Lydia's close up in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-apYuLTsukffP5P50fPfy8xNNX0UjKfKI00bVVZmb2axWW8d213pOvAkmaRkqya-LImieqNicnfLMCDf5wCRRmj-nBGRBxvX3QSXph4jE8apIA7SVZvUcEd-fxZJtbaKUIUceQWitd1Q/s1600/9odaat19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf-apYuLTsukffP5P50fPfy8xNNX0UjKfKI00bVVZmb2axWW8d213pOvAkmaRkqya-LImieqNicnfLMCDf5wCRRmj-nBGRBxvX3QSXph4jE8apIA7SVZvUcEd-fxZJtbaKUIUceQWitd1Q/s320/9odaat19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Wow...SOMEONE
thinks that they're the star of the production, don't they? But you know, Lydia does look beautiful in
her costume. And since she's 85% of the
subject matter, I guess it does make sense.
At least Lydia will have some interesting stories to tell.<br />
<br />
Sure enough, when she tells her story, she goes into a little bit of
Cuban-American history which I have to admit I didn't even know prior to this
episode. Then again, I'm Canadian, and
we didn't touch upon much American history, so this explains my slight
ignorance. Lydia explains that she
immigrated to Cuba with her sisters during "Operation Peter Pan" (or
Pedro Pan, as Lydia refers it to). This
was a period that took place shortly after Fidel Castro became the leader of
Cuba, but before the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Thousands of Cuban immigrants eighteen years and younger were sent to
live in the United States for hopes of getting better opportunities - hence the
name Operation Peter Pan after the fairy tale where Peter Pan takes the children
to Never Never Land. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSc7IVYhNiWcPSdhiGvjie9Ak4PKwFkU0ttTXCRzbnnhzjqLB4DVxgZk3XpNjdP67FuobvcP4vLLEB3z7FA2mvO0ob6h-ESS7pcf1VK2O_quX5aWamF3vYc67vb25bf_5dv2AiizawcWq8/s1600/9odaat20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSc7IVYhNiWcPSdhiGvjie9Ak4PKwFkU0ttTXCRzbnnhzjqLB4DVxgZk3XpNjdP67FuobvcP4vLLEB3z7FA2mvO0ob6h-ESS7pcf1VK2O_quX5aWamF3vYc67vb25bf_5dv2AiizawcWq8/s320/9odaat20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Alex
comments that it must have been hard for Lydia, not because she had to say
goodbye to her birthplace, but because she was the oldest and somehow she had
to look after her sisters by herself.
And while Alex's comment was innocent enough, it causes Lydia to pause
in her tracks and become incredibly reflective. Penelope comes out and asks Lydia if she is okay, and Lydia lies
and tells her that she's fine. But I
can tell that she's really not. There's
something that happened during Operation Peter Pan that really shook Lydia up
to the point where it has made her sad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It's
not until later that night that we understand why. Hope you have your Kleenex boxes handy because the performances
between Rita Moreno and Justina Machado will make you teary eyed. Well, okay...they made ME teary eyed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAt-7vZubN0qkT0mRIssXluTITMZWSC7I1Sl_DDuI6Xj2iH4p07uq4OFioJ6skl4HozQ_ybYaY3g7K-9rwswAyGAb-4AUf27zjfYVWPGgg9_P7kO6TdhF2Si_pk2KcdFSipxVfRXKDuBY/s1600/9odaat21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAt-7vZubN0qkT0mRIssXluTITMZWSC7I1Sl_DDuI6Xj2iH4p07uq4OFioJ6skl4HozQ_ybYaY3g7K-9rwswAyGAb-4AUf27zjfYVWPGgg9_P7kO6TdhF2Si_pk2KcdFSipxVfRXKDuBY/s320/9odaat21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
Lydia looks through an old photo album, Penelope sits down and encourages her
to be open and honest with her about everything, and Lydia explains that
filming the video made her think about her sister, Blanca. Penelope is confused at first because she
doesn't even remember a Blanca. But
Lydia explains that Blanca was her older sister. At the time Operation Peter Pan was happening, Blanca was
nineteen years old. As a result, she
was unable to take part as she was one year older than the cutoff age. So Blanca had to stay behind in Cuba while
Lydia and her younger sisters left.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7_b18S1JYb8fI_ythwe03A1MNSctPCIY5dZuzCSH_TH3SxSDGzzs8Bxw9KmmirDz1hYe-IRf-ZzUDPYED-2YyGtxRzqrKyogfA55vpwHo_TzE2yr8PTMGa0T__wBsoL1yeWH05Kdil9m/s1600/9odaat22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7_b18S1JYb8fI_ythwe03A1MNSctPCIY5dZuzCSH_TH3SxSDGzzs8Bxw9KmmirDz1hYe-IRf-ZzUDPYED-2YyGtxRzqrKyogfA55vpwHo_TzE2yr8PTMGa0T__wBsoL1yeWH05Kdil9m/s320/9odaat22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sadly
this was the last time that Lydia would see Blanca as she passed away when
Penelope was just a baby. And Lydia
feels heartbreak every time she thinks of her.
She was told when she was boarding the plane not to look back, but to
look ahead, and she wishes that she could have looked back at Blanca one last
time if she knew that it would be the last time they would see each other. By this point, Penelope is crying alongside
Lydia and it leads to an emotional bonding moment. It's such an outstanding scene and it explains why "One Day
at a Time" is doing so well on Netflix.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
course, since Lydia's room is only separated by a curtain, naturally anyone can
hear what is coming out of there. And
when Penelope opens up the drapes, she sees Schneider, Elena, and Alex
listening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ssQ-eN0kUEBvqyKH-sOthdCYNC9ONQweFEYkuTEze7-ZXmpA7obAYGgb3tItBuTUKmHXP3kldGcMTVEpsJbKcyN4XloBY0aaW_Z2lgeNqs5A8Q6nTDEbJphXSYNNHCJXcbsSOwJhiWM7/s1600/9odaat23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ssQ-eN0kUEBvqyKH-sOthdCYNC9ONQweFEYkuTEze7-ZXmpA7obAYGgb3tItBuTUKmHXP3kldGcMTVEpsJbKcyN4XloBY0aaW_Z2lgeNqs5A8Q6nTDEbJphXSYNNHCJXcbsSOwJhiWM7/s320/9odaat23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
it turns out though, it was a good thing.
After hearing her Abuelita's story, Elena realizes that she was too
hasty in turning down the Voices of Tomorrow, and she makes the decision that
she will take the opportunity after all - as a proud Cuban! Awwwww!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PEr07nn6C-ldR_5O9NwyOc-jFH3CH5I9KJiEKsdViUkWdAY8DhUJtuk5M2-w3K_Y9-le3f5L51ShJu5rXLw5P4u-2A3GYb1kCCZ055Me0abXrj61UcAuCSN9sNC0dqiEMiPZU8awMfhq/s1600/9odaat24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3PEr07nn6C-ldR_5O9NwyOc-jFH3CH5I9KJiEKsdViUkWdAY8DhUJtuk5M2-w3K_Y9-le3f5L51ShJu5rXLw5P4u-2A3GYb1kCCZ055Me0abXrj61UcAuCSN9sNC0dqiEMiPZU8awMfhq/s320/9odaat24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Some
time passes and Alex is debuting his video for his class. The entire Alvarez family, along with Dr. B.
and Schneider have come over to watch the video, and everybody is very
impressed by Lydia's story. And for
that matter, Alex and Schneider did a great job with the production!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTml1GNZGp7c97GkYHvyiO9Oc94Pjm9MqYZYYyMyuDcMiWJi2cZy7hXhuEkw-yhnOCo18BRy_gS0h2xnEWP8RX2IghtsbUpBmHbKu-zhwHoPRrhPKmoWAmGGV21p2Bb15YzmrWcSe1naei/s1600/9odaat25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTml1GNZGp7c97GkYHvyiO9Oc94Pjm9MqYZYYyMyuDcMiWJi2cZy7hXhuEkw-yhnOCo18BRy_gS0h2xnEWP8RX2IghtsbUpBmHbKu-zhwHoPRrhPKmoWAmGGV21p2Bb15YzmrWcSe1naei/s320/9odaat25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
Penelope should stick to treating patients because she is a horrible actor!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjUv-KggZ4f5z7lcmhqN2374PUa8Bq28AyW6U4bf6cvGv_fLjLGNLLV5ghGAeBbeDp61NWr0x6gtbS8ZPbrH-rCevJZg1853s2AP8dFwhfTqMCX3hM4bxD9r4_mNjmvfwdw0sCA8NuNEO/s1600/9odaat26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLjUv-KggZ4f5z7lcmhqN2374PUa8Bq28AyW6U4bf6cvGv_fLjLGNLLV5ghGAeBbeDp61NWr0x6gtbS8ZPbrH-rCevJZg1853s2AP8dFwhfTqMCX3hM4bxD9r4_mNjmvfwdw0sCA8NuNEO/s320/9odaat26.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
it's good news for all. Elena's taking
part in that program, and Alex earned his first contribution to the Alvarez
Museum - his script for the project earned him an A+! Awesome job!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghN4xbNLsbvkMnWt7ysrB0jaobIbxoYFnyxnEt7pKZnjPIiCTbIo77nUZ0EHNuy9n1laY0Psp4ljnMeXEcE-kRuEcYvaOkMyIi3lnyc7wKHkPgxEegNqawzDgXmbuGAxIrTmZvSdAxvZ_L/s1600/9odaat27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghN4xbNLsbvkMnWt7ysrB0jaobIbxoYFnyxnEt7pKZnjPIiCTbIo77nUZ0EHNuy9n1laY0Psp4ljnMeXEcE-kRuEcYvaOkMyIi3lnyc7wKHkPgxEegNqawzDgXmbuGAxIrTmZvSdAxvZ_L/s320/9odaat27.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Schneider actually tries to give Penelope a framed photo of the producer of the
film to hang up as well, but Penelope is like...no. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-uE1tV5ubZg8JzKoaSryLVBWc9DAmXcUc02f9exfbc30jN935fi6NJAzyPHZxQeza-3uu89zKrqO4ZeC7xuvwnHGPwXPavLdJgEMM9TFxVyWRG84yzg4Z_tQeNeWsIGjiHLoH-_Bs7_t/s1600/9odaat28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe-uE1tV5ubZg8JzKoaSryLVBWc9DAmXcUc02f9exfbc30jN935fi6NJAzyPHZxQeza-3uu89zKrqO4ZeC7xuvwnHGPwXPavLdJgEMM9TFxVyWRG84yzg4Z_tQeNeWsIGjiHLoH-_Bs7_t/s320/9odaat28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
Penelope has decided to make a huge decision.
She has decided to go back to school - but instead of being a doctor,
she'll be studying to be a nurse practitioner.
As Penelope explains, it'll be a step up from the job she is currently
doing but with a pay hike and with her getting her degree in a much shorter
timeframe than eleven years!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So
as the episode ends, we learn that dreams can be achievable, but sometimes they
come with great sacrifice. Penelope
sacrificed her dream to take care of her children, but she's on her way to
making up for it. Alex put forth a lot
of effort in his project and it paid off with a great grade. And I'm sure we don't have to relist all the
sacrifices Lydia made for a better life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Coming
up next week, someone gets busted for watching naughty videos on the
Internet! And it's NOT Schneider! I'll let you ponder that while you read the
funniest lines of Episode 9. Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I am
in a good mood because Elena is up for a very competitive writing program. It's pretty huge. She wants to be a journalist.<br />
</span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LORI:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Like on E!
News?<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> No, like
someone who writes the news.<br />
</span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LORI:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> So, like Us
Weekly?<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> At least
you're reading.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
What's that?<br />
</span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">DR. B.</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">:
Lyrics. I was so inspired by our
conversation yesterday, I started writing parody songs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Doc,
there's, like, 20 patients waiting outside.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">DR. B.</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">:
Just tell me which one you like better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Sung
to the tune of Salt 'N' Pepa's "Whatta Man")<br />
</span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">DR. B.</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">: What a
ham, what a ham, what a ham, what a mighty honey glazed ham.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ALEX:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> It
doesn't really seem like you're a farmer.<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> 'Cause I'm
not really a farmer.<br />
</span><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> It's not
too late to recast.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ALEX:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> You
auditioned and didn't get the part.
Move on, man.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ELENA:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
You're making us out to be total stereotypes. We're not this different from everyone else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
Elena, get over the diversity thing.
A committee of people think you're a smart Latina, and they wanna help
you achieve your dreams. How is this
not a good thing?<br />
</span><span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ELENA:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Because I
only got chosen to fulfill their race quota!
They probably think I dress like this, and that I came over on a raft,
rolling a cigar, and yelling "Say hello to my little friend!"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> It
is I, Lydia Riera, the most famous dancer in Cuba. I can do flamenco, salsa, mambo, pachanga, and the Funky Chicken.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ALEX:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
Okay, Abuelita. Time for your
story. Make me laugh. Make me cry. Get me an A.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> Well, when I was in Cuba the peoples would
line up for blocks and blocks just to see me.
I was the iPhone of my time!</span>Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-65880307639174669982018-03-27T18:39:00.002-04:002018-03-27T18:39:40.187-04:00To Kid or Not to Kid? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggegFVXpLmCA2UFuQUCFeJJkmV5zPtgMthCOAO_ldrtv9dsU8GysWWK1_EdAdDizp52o6Ck5gGZjUoDqLYcdEd6dDiWhD3NLfRHFXrIvnOafMWrsjmKVn3V6Pp6ntv34iKFITIIxhxrmBA/s1600/980b95a9cd17005c1e13e4940e823b94.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="550" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggegFVXpLmCA2UFuQUCFeJJkmV5zPtgMthCOAO_ldrtv9dsU8GysWWK1_EdAdDizp52o6Ck5gGZjUoDqLYcdEd6dDiWhD3NLfRHFXrIvnOafMWrsjmKVn3V6Pp6ntv34iKFITIIxhxrmBA/s320/980b95a9cd17005c1e13e4940e823b94.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
believe the children are our future.
Teach them well and let them lead the way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">All
right, all right. I'm totally
plagiarizing Whitney Houston here. But
in a way, she's right. The children
that we bring into the world are our future, and they will be the ones who will
see the world into the next era. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
can easily see why that would be one reason why people decide that they want to
have a baby. After all, the idea of
creating a seed to expand the family tree is one way to keep family history
alive. But of course there are so many
other reasons for having children.
Children are the symbol of the love between two people. Children are the light of the future. Children bring joy and happiness to people
who are around them - well, okay, that's the case MOST of the time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
just have never really felt like one of those people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
far back as I can remember, I don't think I've ever really felt any desire to
be a parent in any way. I mean, don't
get me wrong. I like kids. I like being goofy around kids. I love being an uncle. And, frankly, I'm still considered a big kid
at heart. I mean, let's face it. I'm nearly 37 and I STILL watch
cartoons. Well, the good ones, anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
just don't ever see myself having a child of my own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
suppose this is going to be one of my personal blog entries where I talk about
my hopes and dreams of the future, so if you want to see pop culture, you
probably might want to skip this one.
But if you're like me, and you're contemplating whether you want to or
don't want to be a parent, you might be interested in hearing the thoughts of a
guy who is currently there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Before
I get into the specific reasons why I don't think I see myself becoming a
parent, I want to talk about another issue related to this that makes me see
red. I'm talking about the people of
the world who choose to be childless and who consistently get attacked by
either family members or pro-child people who call these people selfish for
choosing not to bring children into the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Yeah, can I have what you're smoking so I can permanently destroy it so that
nobody else can spout the tripe that you keep spreading?<br />
<br />
First of all, it is nobody's business why a person chooses not to have a child,
and it is up to them to decide whether or not they choose to share the reasons
why. I certainly don't have to make my
reasons public, but I am choosing so because I want others to understand that
they are not alone. Besides, there
might be medical issues that prevent some from having children biologically, and
I think it's a little insensitive to call these people selfish for not having
kids when in actuality they have no choice in the matter. So, yeah.
Stop judging others on their decisions and we will, in turn, stop
judging you on yours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Capice? Good.
Let's continue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I've
thought about why I don't seem to feel like I want to have children of my own,
and when it boils down to it, I can think of four reasons why I would want to
stay childless.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bx8uz22bKT7dMbiEhb-u3WJMF8w4-ySvzgwy2fkehzvTT-6zj2aJTzFDEZtWYwp-ibIC7qc79Pjj1FaTQ3gGUxZtLIqHjJdFSfYo8ydWplpY7dmzO-zSbs59Ch_m06zeu1dOuRfRabOP/s1600/81DIcdJeK3L._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1058" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bx8uz22bKT7dMbiEhb-u3WJMF8w4-ySvzgwy2fkehzvTT-6zj2aJTzFDEZtWYwp-ibIC7qc79Pjj1FaTQ3gGUxZtLIqHjJdFSfYo8ydWplpY7dmzO-zSbs59Ch_m06zeu1dOuRfRabOP/s320/81DIcdJeK3L._SL1500_.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The most obvious one is the fact that as a male, I cannot get pregnant. Well, unless you're Arnold Schwarzenegger,
but I try to forget that movie was ever made.
Last time I checked, I'm pretty sure that I would need a partner of the
opposite sex to procreate with. Unless
fifth grade sex ed class lied to me the whole time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jnD2mdaxUAo/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jnD2mdaxUAo?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
am currently unattached. And honestly,
at this stage in my life I am perfectly okay with that. I don't want to be coupled for the sake of
being coupled. For one, that mindset
would only ensure that my relationship would last maybe a few months at the
most. I'm certainly not against finding
love with someone, but I'm also at the point where I don't want to settle for
just anybody. I'm of the mindset where
if it happens, great. But if it
doesn't, that's equally great.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
also firmly believe that one should never have a child just for the sake of
having a child. Let's face it, having
babies is a full-time commitment that requires you to make many sacrifices and
spend a whole lot of money. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCqbN_MxFlLQ1nzQn9OXHuIK9zKWjv8E50v8JzTpS0_5yejhEu3Hqf_1TPki0i8d1exGsE-DzO5cSTumESpo27hzs1E_7W4OmcrFMnL2O_aj-xntFEuiYiNPD-6JQKAs3Bc-ImiOP9wwZ/s1600/web-man-in-barrel-851376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQCqbN_MxFlLQ1nzQn9OXHuIK9zKWjv8E50v8JzTpS0_5yejhEu3Hqf_1TPki0i8d1exGsE-DzO5cSTumESpo27hzs1E_7W4OmcrFMnL2O_aj-xntFEuiYiNPD-6JQKAs3Bc-ImiOP9wwZ/s320/web-man-in-barrel-851376.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And that leads into reason #2 as to why I don't want kids at this time. I don't nearly have enough income to warrant
having a child. I basically make enough
money to keep up the house, pay bills, and maybe once a year I have enough left
to splurge on something that I really want (like buying a new iPod to replace
the one I broke four months ago that it literally took four months to save up
for). Add a child to the mix, and I
simply can't do it. Even with any
government benefits that a child might be entitled to, I still wouldn't be able
to provide a child with the life that they absolutely deserve, and it would not
be fair to bring a child into the world that I can't afford to take care
of. Maybe in the future something might
happen and things will be more stable in that regard. Right now, there's no chance in hell. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And,
I suppose that at this time, there's an even bigger reason why I don't want to
have children. And at this point, it
would be the main reason why.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
don't think I'm emotionally ready to have them. I may never be ready.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
I'm coming to terms with the fact that right now, I'm okay with it. I've come to terms with the fact that my
brain is wired differently from most other people, and I have come to terms
with the fact that I process emotions way differently from most people. But I also have come to terms with some
truths that may impact the way that I would interact with a child of my own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQGI0Jhi7CA9YgnlQEO2jzTk_Go3Eb7dva0OlgXniarMI1CFnTeq3sfmVVBNWvxTtj6OEcVuDDzTxNEwzuyhNRchcl8gDQ25So-pYIWUI4nqEtqeLWI_CkgsbRbVGsl8TTa8E2SWvl9zY/s1600/TKkvPCr.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="768" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhQGI0Jhi7CA9YgnlQEO2jzTk_Go3Eb7dva0OlgXniarMI1CFnTeq3sfmVVBNWvxTtj6OEcVuDDzTxNEwzuyhNRchcl8gDQ25So-pYIWUI4nqEtqeLWI_CkgsbRbVGsl8TTa8E2SWvl9zY/s320/TKkvPCr.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Because
of the way my brain is wired, I probably will never learn how to drive a
car. And for those soccer moms and dads
out there, you all well know that having a license is practically a necessity
for parents. So, there's a strike
against me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I'm
also extremely socially awkward around people and it takes me a good six months
to a year at times before I even work up the courage to open up to people. When you're bonding with a child, you NEVER
have that luxury. So, I feel that's
another strike against me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And,
I suppose on a purely selfish level, there's a part of me that doesn't want to
bring a child into the world with my genetic make-up because I honestly feel
that the last thing the world needs is another me. Self-esteem is something that I've always struggled with, and it
would honestly break my heart if any offspring of mine had to go through the
same stuff that I went through. I
didn't know how to make it stop back then, and as an adult, I'm honestly
thinking that I still don't how to make it stop. I guess in a way, having children biologically scares me to
death. And I'm not even the one who has
to give birth to it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Now,
that being said, I'm not discounting the idea of ever being a parent. Maybe in a few years from now, I'll change
my mind. But as of right now, I don't
think that I will be ready to have a child of my own. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Besides,
if the cards don't fall that way and the time comes that I really want to be a
parent, there are other options that are available. Adoption, being a step-parent, joining Big Brothers. I don't have to have any blood relation in
order to be a positive influence to a child.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
still...I'm going to have to do a lot of work on myself before I can make that
commitment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
a partner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">And a job that pays a lot more than I make.<br />
<br />
Yeah, you know something? Let's call
the whole thing off. </span>Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-75165302486154083312018-03-24T18:01:00.002-04:002018-03-24T18:01:30.124-04:00Recapping One Day at a Time - Episode 8 - One Lie at a Time<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Here
we are with </span><span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Recapping One Day at a Time</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">! We're at </span><span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Episode 8 - One Lie at a Time</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. I am sorry for it being a day late - my computer was having
trouble formatting my document and I had to type it all over again. But on with the episode. It seems as though the theme of the episode
is all about dishonesty, and I'm guessing that the whole cast will have at
least one secret or another to hide.
Let's see what happens.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv68Bcru2wUf4lFS3B9Xp-2Vy9IUopW8wUwy49aXOko-cU4S-7C1VPkrBbXWHr0goYDr2_aWemPdVTp25fsBLc0pfJfxjRsKPWggPZgs3HdGiEJY_7NeC4wKhL4i5Xer1GAh3BSlQ0aOZQ/s1600/8odaat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv68Bcru2wUf4lFS3B9Xp-2Vy9IUopW8wUwy49aXOko-cU4S-7C1VPkrBbXWHr0goYDr2_aWemPdVTp25fsBLc0pfJfxjRsKPWggPZgs3HdGiEJY_7NeC4wKhL4i5Xer1GAh3BSlQ0aOZQ/s320/8odaat1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
seems as though Penelope has big plans for tonight, as she is all dressed up as
if she has a very special date.
Penelope tells her family that she is excited to meet this new guy. Let's just call this "</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lie #1</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
appears as though Penelope isn't the only one who has plans as well. Lydia has plans to go to church for the
evening. Hmmm...that sounds suspicious,
especially since it doesn't look like this episode takes place on a Sunday or
Easter weekend. Why don't we call this
"</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lie #2</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Alex
initially has plans to do a lot of stuff, but when Penelope realizes that Alex
hasn't even started his homework yet, she makes him stay home, and Elena is
forced to babysit him - much to her dislike.
But Lydia seems to think that this is a good idea, as she can use the
time to select which person she plans on taking to her quinces. Yep.
I told you that Elena's quinces would be a season long event.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HETGGwJQaSeIFGekx3UHcOWcR4izCE3UrMGP0gzSRV6iCgy4meJA5g9UpHUUSd7BuhyphenhyphenQ8-iwvkjwLp8pkM68Ln5B7zmlW8wcotWmj2YTotnHWRfFI1-qhha-IXHtBbJH37lklfSiRSWF/s1600/8odaat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_HETGGwJQaSeIFGekx3UHcOWcR4izCE3UrMGP0gzSRV6iCgy4meJA5g9UpHUUSd7BuhyphenhyphenQ8-iwvkjwLp8pkM68Ln5B7zmlW8wcotWmj2YTotnHWRfFI1-qhha-IXHtBbJH37lklfSiRSWF/s320/8odaat2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At
least it's not too long to discover why Penelope told </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lie #1</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. She's actually at a local community college
with Jill, as she has taken Jill's advice and has enrolled in the female
veteran support group that Jill told her about when she sold Penelope her
car. To me, this is an important first
step in her healing process, but she has to keep it a secret as Lydia is
against all forms of therapy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After
the opening credits, it's time to meet the leader of the group named </span><span style="color: #660066; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Pam</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
and...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEsW3u5TjwXLASBl4o1-v_RfJVuzmKAms6XduBo3rMY1f9Roh-_0qAWhuyqEejvhCYaU9eYe6MoPrIWSosBusGH_hWq6aJbxzL6oKZIJV1e_U53xkPnhIzMskyXlCu9KpQYTlT3UopxkV/s1600/8odaat3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIEsW3u5TjwXLASBl4o1-v_RfJVuzmKAms6XduBo3rMY1f9Roh-_0qAWhuyqEejvhCYaU9eYe6MoPrIWSosBusGH_hWq6aJbxzL6oKZIJV1e_U53xkPnhIzMskyXlCu9KpQYTlT3UopxkV/s320/8odaat3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">...oh
my goodness! It's Mackenzie
Phillips!!! For those who watched the
original series, she played the role of Julie in the original "One Day at
a Time". She even opens her
introduction by joking about how everything is being remade at the movies! You know what would have been cool? If they named her character Julie. Hey, I wonder if Valerie Bertinelli will
ever appear on this show?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Anyway,
it seems as though Pam is doing a good job with leading the group, and we meet another
member of the group, </span><span style="color: #ff99cc; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ramona</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, who tells the group a
fascinating story about how she sometimes mistakes rush hour traffic in Los
Angeles for being out in the field at war.
Yeah, she's going to be a handful to watch, I'm sure of it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJZAmiwKeaHglzBB_2iivWkeKFhuFWlZQgf7cXDJ6p-0IIpMj4lyTq6l-2M8xbyoCxuZnv7wAr6Co75opR2WY_ABwXZUM8N_omKZRQQUIdH9wDzvHP9r8NDtC8MuHPBlg7LgUb_TT6uLK/s1600/8odaat5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJZAmiwKeaHglzBB_2iivWkeKFhuFWlZQgf7cXDJ6p-0IIpMj4lyTq6l-2M8xbyoCxuZnv7wAr6Co75opR2WY_ABwXZUM8N_omKZRQQUIdH9wDzvHP9r8NDtC8MuHPBlg7LgUb_TT6uLK/s320/8odaat5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When it comes time for Penelope to share her feelings, it seems as though she's
a little bit shy. Luckily, she has a
loudmouth friend named Jill to crack open her tough exterior, and Penelope
admits that she has a hard time accepting the fact that she is at a group where
she needs to discuss her problems. Her
reasoning being that they are Cuban, and in her family, they don't believe in
therapy. She proves this by telling
them a story about her cousin who wears her underpants outside of her
clothes. Now, granted, this would be
considered odd in most circumstances.
But then again, I have to state that both Batman and Superman had no
problem wearing their briefs over top of their tights. Just saying. At any rate, it seems as though this is going to be good for
Penelope. So let's leave her for now
and see what everyone else is doing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYH4xoSfCGb44jayZNQ16vQz-OfGm6RmsXalsTJ2jcpQd4f62rr5vcWrX-h_1921oBCLgShxuhQ4g60BANmUMWB2nC4PT1_NuaZ_aIq3b7Lq4quy_XFuHhNAooWvf_8sMT7OK7ijTRq6fR/s1600/8odaat6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYH4xoSfCGb44jayZNQ16vQz-OfGm6RmsXalsTJ2jcpQd4f62rr5vcWrX-h_1921oBCLgShxuhQ4g60BANmUMWB2nC4PT1_NuaZ_aIq3b7Lq4quy_XFuHhNAooWvf_8sMT7OK7ijTRq6fR/s320/8odaat6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Okay,
unless the church that Lydia is going to is in Atlantic City, I think she's
waaaaaay overdressed. Ah, I'm thinking
this is the birth of where </span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lie #2</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> is going. But of course, Lydia's grandchildren don't
seem to notice. Alex is too busy doing
his homework, and Elena's binge-watching "Buffy the Vampire Slayer"
on her laptop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Which
I suppose is a good thing in retrospect because who should arrive at the front
door of the Alvarez residence than Dr. Berkowitz in a fancy suit! Whoa!
Somehow </span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lie #2</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> just got a lot more spicy and
scandalous! Especially since it appears
as though Lydia just doesn't want anyone to know that she's "seeing' Dr.
B.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRXjrtC1DMAhKD4lzqz4w1vUYORVsXSYhgLwTNfrXd7tmxKgGnCp6EaJjinmyKv3CzJJUxR76RF4LlgU0CiZuhUW8ebAzqumoXmlMjOr2THdwE3IaBjWzrKW6gt5d4YiEhItYhFwZ8HT1/s1600/8odaat7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLRXjrtC1DMAhKD4lzqz4w1vUYORVsXSYhgLwTNfrXd7tmxKgGnCp6EaJjinmyKv3CzJJUxR76RF4LlgU0CiZuhUW8ebAzqumoXmlMjOr2THdwE3IaBjWzrKW6gt5d4YiEhItYhFwZ8HT1/s320/8odaat7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
say "seeing" because it appears as though Lydia has agreed to be Dr.
B's strictly platonic escort to the theatre, since both of them like to go, but
don't like to be alone. It's a good
foundation for friendship at least, and Dr. B. insists that he is okay with
whatever relationship they have. Awww...that's
sweet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3IpSfV2M7VV5oxp4EYCzgEG6aRYFfBNUmEXFlWdEixXCuriqivm-pkn6-I-7THyjJxop5GTw0ztpuUP1WlOVfuCwHwLCxA836UhyphenhyphenDfYExWH7txCt0cgFNh1ivLADpkVUatFMNOwJjyYo/s1600/8odaat8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3IpSfV2M7VV5oxp4EYCzgEG6aRYFfBNUmEXFlWdEixXCuriqivm-pkn6-I-7THyjJxop5GTw0ztpuUP1WlOVfuCwHwLCxA836UhyphenhyphenDfYExWH7txCt0cgFNh1ivLADpkVUatFMNOwJjyYo/s320/8odaat8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Well,
at least it is sweet until Lydia slips and falls. At first she is upset that one of her favourite shoes has the
heel broken off of it...but when she tries to stand up and realizes that her
ankle is hurt...amusingly she finds more pain in her broken shoe! Quintessential Lydia!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bnfm8JIdcjmd4VmekQ9dQaZfoguZn3vLFbDnB0uAAbY0yp-ZuVCIM8yYF1sx7azRX8f2WZKt0MzUaxqjguIPK8Oj8_WMo-VY-Jyq5dBxg4YvWnKd2AVbJueYVB1Zz6DHOjRRtPPw1x9z/s1600/8odaat9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bnfm8JIdcjmd4VmekQ9dQaZfoguZn3vLFbDnB0uAAbY0yp-ZuVCIM8yYF1sx7azRX8f2WZKt0MzUaxqjguIPK8Oj8_WMo-VY-Jyq5dBxg4YvWnKd2AVbJueYVB1Zz6DHOjRRtPPw1x9z/s320/8odaat9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Back
at the apartment, it appears as though Elena has informed Alex that she has
chosen an escort for her upcoming quinces.
It's a guy by the name of </span><span style="color: #003366; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Josh Flores</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, which instantly makes Alex
excited. Partly because Josh is
considered to be one of the most popular guys at their school, and as a result,
Alex feels the need to impress him.
Though this kind of throws Elena's plan out the window. She purposely asked a popular boy in hopes
of him saying no so she could get out of the date commitment - but since Josh
said yes, she's pretty much stuck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
there's still one thing that needs to be resolved. Elena's potential feelings of affection towards the same
sex. Elena tries to explain to Alex
that she doesn't really know if she likes girls, but she also doesn't really
know if she likes guys either. She kind
of explains her feelings to Alex using broccoli as a metaphor for boys and
cauliflower as a metaphor for girls, but after working with fresh produce at my
job eight hours a day, I could stand to avoid any and all vegetable references
in this episode.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MSvBhGZqLykrgyP8Y-e7_hhk3A8EpyXyXRQds7-qQj2ShOR7hodGUxqiMQ2FpBJ0AlQ05Nrucp3-0c7cCwXi7L2DiRWNUi_tB7HpJa8bplLiBiTDPVlaaIvvfy-SbT3yLMgElnGCpXoi/s1600/8odaat10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MSvBhGZqLykrgyP8Y-e7_hhk3A8EpyXyXRQds7-qQj2ShOR7hodGUxqiMQ2FpBJ0AlQ05Nrucp3-0c7cCwXi7L2DiRWNUi_tB7HpJa8bplLiBiTDPVlaaIvvfy-SbT3yLMgElnGCpXoi/s320/8odaat10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
this is where </span><span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lie #3</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> is born.
Elena wants to see what sex she likes best, so she's invited Josh over
to the apartment to do some studying.
Yeah, like they're actually going to be looking at actual books. But she sends Alex to Schneider's while she
hangs out with Josh - meaning that she and Josh will be alone in the apartment
without adult supervision. Under no
circumstance is this ANY good! But let's
see what happens.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Back
at the therapy group, Penelope is enjoying herself. In fact, she's enjoying telling personal stories from her time
out on the field so much that she keeps the group twenty minutes past the time
allotted! Whoops! But you know something, I don't think Pam
cares. After all, the group is for
sharing experiences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQua0XKkGG7y5kqI-ZWTAhVyvJWKBd8jhctbaOK_Vlfv5pR3MFXy4tvZ0Xjnsjuouism5Ow6r3DnVH1adnQo2rll5qBPeh5t6YxOn06pwJArhzS4a8PHSs108D6MZU02iGPC32r3Zjo-8/s1600/8odaat11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQua0XKkGG7y5kqI-ZWTAhVyvJWKBd8jhctbaOK_Vlfv5pR3MFXy4tvZ0Xjnsjuouism5Ow6r3DnVH1adnQo2rll5qBPeh5t6YxOn06pwJArhzS4a8PHSs108D6MZU02iGPC32r3Zjo-8/s320/8odaat11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
sure enough, after the group is over, Penelope breaks down in tears. But not because she's upset...she's actually
experiencing joy over having a group of like-minded people with the same
experiences she went through to vent to - people who truly understand her, are
sympathetic and empathetic towards her.
It's a truly remarkable scene, and I'm really happy for Penelope. This is truly the first big step she has
made towards recovery, and she did it all on her own. Nicely done!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7e_bEmBLkAxHHLQvVEHKloF37Qi1TjImcprO6e33Lb_kgDUKy-akALEL08Wua4Tkl1IFebZrsTlxidz5KmPujikipvIwJpZitfoekjpR1K-5D6bX0IC2kT4RbdaL0FV73BBa82turgRP/s1600/8odaat12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb7e_bEmBLkAxHHLQvVEHKloF37Qi1TjImcprO6e33Lb_kgDUKy-akALEL08Wua4Tkl1IFebZrsTlxidz5KmPujikipvIwJpZitfoekjpR1K-5D6bX0IC2kT4RbdaL0FV73BBa82turgRP/s320/8odaat12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Interestingly
enough, we see Dr. B. and Lydia at the clinic where Dr. B. and Penelope work
after hours, as Dr. B. is tending to Lydia's foot. And it's here where we get to bear witness to another lie by
Lydia - </span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lie #4</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, we'll call it. Man, how many lies are we going to have in this whopper of a
tale? It all comes about when Dr. B.
starts asking Lydia about her medical history, and Lydia casually mentions that
she had a stroke a few years ago and didn't tell anyone! Um...er...WHAT?!? She kept the stroke a secret?
How is that even possible?!?
Even Dr. B. seems floored by this revelation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Mind
you, everything turned out well and she made a full recovery - which she proves
by pretending she's either a French mime trapped in a box, or Madonna circa
1990. You know, I should still be
typing out my disbelief, but I'm too busy laughing at Rita Moreno in this scene
that I'll just let it go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Truth
be told, she's more upset at the fact that she has a hammertoe than she is at
having lied about having a stroke!
Um...yeah, let's see what everyone else is doing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcRg69yn4ZtSVz1XgFgDYysfPMoaVCKlMUkqgytBVWsgKYqLrhFaNyRHQE3qn7pGzd5QKfBaJBGLn3pB3CJgd0-1RZHfwNwN8qlsoxeFabgP47kt9xcpa6gWMlLeoWBWAWeQVWTo8mC1r/s1600/8odaat14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJcRg69yn4ZtSVz1XgFgDYysfPMoaVCKlMUkqgytBVWsgKYqLrhFaNyRHQE3qn7pGzd5QKfBaJBGLn3pB3CJgd0-1RZHfwNwN8qlsoxeFabgP47kt9xcpa6gWMlLeoWBWAWeQVWTo8mC1r/s320/8odaat14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Penelope
is still holding onto </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lie #1</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, telling Elena on the phone
that her date went well. Well, since
she went to therapy and it went well, maybe we should change it to </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Half-Truth #1</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. But over on Elena's side, </span><span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lie #3</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> is burning so brightly you might need sunglasses to see the next
scene.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Josh
is sitting on the couch with Elena, and he seems to be really into her. To Elena's credit, she also seems to enjoy
his company as well, though given how she has been having identity issues
regarding her sexuality, I imagine that deep down inside she is a bundle of
nerves. But Josh seems to make her feel
comfortable. In fact, Josh actually
confesses to Elena that he has had a crush on her all year and was hoping to go
out with her! Cue more confusion for
Elena and...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkW8TUitScE3Az0UGy3WWWAdO5OUBzQNOuZ-_cy09Ul-bR0rKy9e89Wk1gvuSJj91EjBpWmiK6wTna_J-mqWFc-sBciSo5ZabhyfW8nfFDWpFGBS6csXeS7q_YKGN9YUhm_g3cgG4sRe8E/s1600/8odaat15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkW8TUitScE3Az0UGy3WWWAdO5OUBzQNOuZ-_cy09Ul-bR0rKy9e89Wk1gvuSJj91EjBpWmiK6wTna_J-mqWFc-sBciSo5ZabhyfW8nfFDWpFGBS6csXeS7q_YKGN9YUhm_g3cgG4sRe8E/s320/8odaat15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">...well,
you know, the fact that she kissed Josh certainly seems to have sparked a lot
of internal conflict for Elena, who admits that the kiss wasn't horrible, and
she goes in for another one. So, maybe
Elena could be considered a bisexual?
Either way, I think it's an interesting story that is sure to have some
more twists down the road. And Isabella
Gomez is playing the part with such sensitivity and maturity as well. It's really such a great show to watch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1HWBgNGsP9WwjWOevmd07EIRSIxoYwo-BxCkCCuo5sfd4IA55tLqJk8fIv9sv2SffsMGs2yqLLJrtca_IYM3ZgUynrrR08Y3Acmr3vP89AuFAFkEZJZcGoFiNXdwnyuKmO5RR9790AIY/s1600/8odaat16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1HWBgNGsP9WwjWOevmd07EIRSIxoYwo-BxCkCCuo5sfd4IA55tLqJk8fIv9sv2SffsMGs2yqLLJrtca_IYM3ZgUynrrR08Y3Acmr3vP89AuFAFkEZJZcGoFiNXdwnyuKmO5RR9790AIY/s320/8odaat16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
over at Schneider's, Alex is on Schneider's laptop looking up information on
lesbians...which unsurprisingly is one of the autofill options on Schneider's
Google Page! Fortunately, Schneider
confiscates the laptop before Alex can find out some truly naughty information
not fit for a twelve year old boy! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
it's here where Alex tells Schneider a truth instead of a lie because when
Schneider tries to asks why Alex wants information on lesbians, Alex
accidentally lets it slip that Elena has been questioning her sexuality -
whoops! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtyAxPy3t5sip0O6yn_ud-YuqGSe2t-nJ8jwMg0hrAT3YTiIijcEryWFQ6_D-79T8f8xDmwH19wVP6MrZqfKlqfPBCfYjskR7YrsQ5wdkrhhkoHsyr5N9uHcmoB3atyEnP7_LDdiKwbwk/s1600/8odaat17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOtyAxPy3t5sip0O6yn_ud-YuqGSe2t-nJ8jwMg0hrAT3YTiIijcEryWFQ6_D-79T8f8xDmwH19wVP6MrZqfKlqfPBCfYjskR7YrsQ5wdkrhhkoHsyr5N9uHcmoB3atyEnP7_LDdiKwbwk/s320/8odaat17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
then Alex lets it slip that Elena is alone in their apartment with Josh which
is an even bigger WHOOPS! In fact,
Schneider grabs Alex and barges into the apartment in time to get a full on
view of Elena and Josh trying to suck each other's lips off!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Naturally,
Schneider tells Josh to leave the apartment, which he does - without taking his
jacket! I sure hope it's not too cold
outside! And it is here where all of
our little lies become unraveled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEied6CFynhR6oKf17nlqWmXsR7GJUDSaI8SXqVed-upDRWu0s55XgXNA9q2UgrJiHhuwrTnJoLE2wjCtzjXC0AVIUFmESK2OuxV7o7ZoYqnbDM7Ls4jGLx9WstIzQzCTiuwRruJ-AmRVEyW/s1600/8odaat18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEied6CFynhR6oKf17nlqWmXsR7GJUDSaI8SXqVed-upDRWu0s55XgXNA9q2UgrJiHhuwrTnJoLE2wjCtzjXC0AVIUFmESK2OuxV7o7ZoYqnbDM7Ls4jGLx9WstIzQzCTiuwRruJ-AmRVEyW/s320/8odaat18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">First
of all, Elena is furious with Alex for not only telling Schneider about having
Josh over, but about how she is questioning her sexuality, but Alex insists
that it was all an accident and that it just slipped out. Schneider explains that the secret will be
between the three of them - which could classify as </span><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lie #5</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. Keeping track here? Schneider also explains that he only came
over after Alex told him that she was alone with a boy...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lYLeOfIX4cqpugtXkUEo7H0mFRvpjf1SnQTrYge3WAfZ371FFosCy76QsZTrFfLeEXbbLpy_ehvs3dCTOoteieYvJnUUzJvuhBC6K3YbTDMNC0AXCu9K1Y_vGsmH_0ncwVHlZPC51RHS/s1600/8odaat19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8lYLeOfIX4cqpugtXkUEo7H0mFRvpjf1SnQTrYge3WAfZ371FFosCy76QsZTrFfLeEXbbLpy_ehvs3dCTOoteieYvJnUUzJvuhBC6K3YbTDMNC0AXCu9K1Y_vGsmH_0ncwVHlZPC51RHS/s320/8odaat19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">...right
at the moment Lydia and Dr. B. arrive.
Whoops! Alex inquires about
Lydia's limp, and Dr. B. and Lydia keep </span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lie #2</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> going by saying that she
fell in church and she just happened to run into Dr. B. at their Catholic
church because even though he's Jewish, he loves church. Um, yeah.
That's a smooth save. Luckily
for Dr. B., he retreats to the kitchen to fetch Lydia some juice so he can stop
explaining himself to the obviously stunned Alvarez family. To Schneider's credit, he agrees to carry on
</span><span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lie #3</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> somewhat and tries to tell Lydia nothing happened
between Elena and Josh, but Lydia calls Elena a sex fiend. Ouch!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFc5DfWbAxC7QO1bb7Ixh27QoxFVTgL1NwlpKYAqFcukr7KJW3iP_V2PO2PwxMKhN7t7qKyXHoQ0xp5lnK8b8XizylT9kv-FHb-Ms6yw985UlvTcNgLyYdvdH5LpMOLqZdeggZCco8-jTl/s1600/8odaat20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFc5DfWbAxC7QO1bb7Ixh27QoxFVTgL1NwlpKYAqFcukr7KJW3iP_V2PO2PwxMKhN7t7qKyXHoQ0xp5lnK8b8XizylT9kv-FHb-Ms6yw985UlvTcNgLyYdvdH5LpMOLqZdeggZCco8-jTl/s320/8odaat20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I suppose this would be a great time for Penelope to arrive home from her
therapy group. When Lydia explains what
happened, it becomes clear that Penelope is NOT happy and is about to tear a
strip off Elena for lying to her...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfWvAOhB5Y1h1nLrpJS13uMk1rauuitImd_vgfpH2wfq8XDjTe8_ODMZKzBg1GgfQFTxFZnewhd61_5h_obn0Y_w3-TczkdaBsWM7SW-Q8WKSSBu7nF2jSFN8hQRblJdecFvA7eICELO-/s1600/8odaat21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWfWvAOhB5Y1h1nLrpJS13uMk1rauuitImd_vgfpH2wfq8XDjTe8_ODMZKzBg1GgfQFTxFZnewhd61_5h_obn0Y_w3-TczkdaBsWM7SW-Q8WKSSBu7nF2jSFN8hQRblJdecFvA7eICELO-/s320/8odaat21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">...when
she notices Dr. B. coming out of the kitchen holding a glass of apple
juice. He awkwardly hands over the
juice to Lydia, and this prompts Alex to tell Penelope that they met each other
at church which at first causes Penelope to laugh about it. But then she notices that both Lydia and Dr.
B. are in fancy dress and she puts two and two together, and well...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1tIEzkVNkEyZvyu_BJy6HKY-4aUnXLH9KkziFe9u37y888tRPIBNvauoJ57p9l_HFhY5968KlXOM_4ArbwL4UR131h_qWgXPt3NDF_veYvTtZ5UI99HHgd7U01senhxo2oGkzshuAr9C/s1600/8odaat22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1tIEzkVNkEyZvyu_BJy6HKY-4aUnXLH9KkziFe9u37y888tRPIBNvauoJ57p9l_HFhY5968KlXOM_4ArbwL4UR131h_qWgXPt3NDF_veYvTtZ5UI99HHgd7U01senhxo2oGkzshuAr9C/s320/8odaat22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">...yeah. There's that look! A look of shock and disgust all rolled into one! Penelope figures out pretty quickly that
Lydia and Dr. B. went on a platonic date, hereby outing </span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lie #2</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> in all its scandalous glory.
Well, as scandalous as the relationship between Lydia and Dr. B. could
get anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPoKsNP4qNNuA7OiMflXh67FSAmQZXeUT7nanDfvZsXoAPjXkAb0I0Ot7gowg9SVZf5imK5__hv8MbQwXy6Sn84CaVSckyEFdNECTxa4ua65WMBI-gM-k-EIUYgizSIQDmKIWdHtDtZf8/s1600/8odaat23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPoKsNP4qNNuA7OiMflXh67FSAmQZXeUT7nanDfvZsXoAPjXkAb0I0Ot7gowg9SVZf5imK5__hv8MbQwXy6Sn84CaVSckyEFdNECTxa4ua65WMBI-gM-k-EIUYgizSIQDmKIWdHtDtZf8/s320/8odaat23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Alex
tries to change the subject by asking Penelope how her date went, but before
Penelope can answer, Jill arrives and tells Penelope that she left her cell
phone in her car, which sparks a rather interesting reaction from the rest of
the family.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi46FXeg0njkZ0UvceVvXi2yy92dCfRpjua2057TFPMltvxHsXVXSfNTshrtmSIvtCAHan2SvhXtGA2IAAbkyi6c2Fxq5WDb1TdvJwDpxiHO4xgqCWfyP5Gf4yyDIAGCB_u0saMwnz73va/s1600/8odaat24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi46FXeg0njkZ0UvceVvXi2yy92dCfRpjua2057TFPMltvxHsXVXSfNTshrtmSIvtCAHan2SvhXtGA2IAAbkyi6c2Fxq5WDb1TdvJwDpxiHO4xgqCWfyP5Gf4yyDIAGCB_u0saMwnz73va/s320/8odaat24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What's even more hilarious is that Elena reacts with shock - even though she
herself is going through her own sexuality struggles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jill
tries to explain that they were at therapy together, but Penelope is still
grasping at straws to hold onto </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lie #1</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, so because of that, Jill hastily
tells </span><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lie #6</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and states that therapy is actually the name
of a new night club. Wow, even the
guest characters are telling lies here and there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After
Jill leaves, Lydia goes on the attack and yells at Penelope for going to
therapy, and Dr. B. tries to calm her down as she had a history of stroke. And with Penelope's reaction, I think it's
safe to say that </span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lie #4</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> is out in the open with Penelope being
rightfully stunned that Lydia would keep her stroke a secret for nearly fifteen
years! Man, the family that lies
together stays together, huh?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At
this point, Penelope kicks Schneider and Dr. B. out so she can have a family
meeting. Penelope is upset that Elena
lied to her, to which Elena attacks Penelope and Lydia for lying, and when you
stop and think about it, Alex is the only one who never told a lie this whole
episode.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Elena
apologizes for lying to Penelope, and even though Penelope still grounds her,
she accepts the apology. Penelope also
scolds Lydia for lying to her and schedules a full physical for her...but NOT
with Dr. Berkowitz because she's now made that weird! Lydia is still upset with Penelope for going to therapy, but
Penelope explains that it was a really good thing, and she needed to do it to
help her heal emotionally. Once Lydia
hears this, she even admits that she made the right choice. I'm thinking Penelope can really help Lydia
become more modernized...well as modern as a Cuban immigrant can be - which
will be the subject of Episode 9 that'll be posted next week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
we conclude the episode with Penelope having a heart to heart talk with Elena
about Josh, and Elena admits that she has decided to take Josh as her date for
her quinces, and Penelope seems pleased that Elena seems to really like him. Of course, we all know that it's more
complex than that. Time will tell what happens next. In the meantime, Elena's got a date for her quinces, which is
good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And Alex has swiped Josh's jacket, which is creepy. But that's the end of another great episode of "One Day at a
Time". As always, here's some of
the best lines from the episode. Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ELENA:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> It's
like...I've never tried broccoli. So I
can't say for sure that I don't like broccoli.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ALEX: </span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> We
had broccoli last night for dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ELENA:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> It's
a metaphor, Alex. Broccoli means boys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ALEX:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Oh,
I see. But it's not like you tried
girls before either. Sorry, I mean...I
guess, cauliflower?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ELENA:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
That's because cauliflower is a lot harder to find. I mean, how many girls do you know like
cauliflower?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ALEX:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
None. Although Finn is pretty
sure Denise Falto does because she didn't want his Skittles. Skittles just means Skittles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">DR. B:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Any
allergies?<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Allergies
are not a real thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">DR. B:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> All
right. Uh, any history of serious
illness?<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Never. But if I ever get one, my Cuban blood will
eat it and absorb it into nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">DR. B:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
There's not a checkbox for that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ALEX:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
Wow. I just typed in L-E-S and
it filled in "bians" and then a lot of other stuff.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Schneider
runs and slams the laptop Alex is using shut)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ALEX:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I'm
just confused because Elena said she might like this dude, Josh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> So?<br />
</span><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ALEX:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
So...nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Wait a minute. Alex, are
you saying Elena might be gay?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ALEX:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
Uh...no. Because it's a
secret. She just said she might like
girls, but she might like boys too.
Don't worry. We already had the
broccoli-cauliflower conversation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 13.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> That's smart. But...what
did your mom say?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">ALEX:</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> She doesn't know. Nobody knows. You can't
say anything. Elena will kill me.<br />
</span><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> Okay, don't
worry. I won't. Even though I have so many questions like
when did she know? And what is the
broccoli-cauliflower conversation?<br />
<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> You were in
therapy?<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> No, I was on
a date with a woman!<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 13.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> Mentira! Therapy is for the locos. I told you that you would lose your mind
taking those antiperspirants! </span>Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-76490663013733394392018-03-16T11:16:00.003-04:002018-03-16T23:11:53.301-04:00Recapping One Day at a Time - Episode 7 - Hold, Please<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Just
like that, we're more than halfway through the first season of "</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Recapping One Day at a Time</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">".
We'll be through this series in no time at all. And because it's been renewed by Netflix for
a third season, we'll be revisiting this series sometime next year! How cool is that?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
hope you've been enjoying this series as much as I have. We're on </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Episode 7 -
Hold, Please</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. And while the plot might seem like a dull
one, there are a LOT of secrets revealed within the Alvarez family. Consider this to be an episode of truths, so
to speak.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And we begin with one harsh truth for a lot of veterans who have come home from
combat. Penelope is on hold with
Veterans Affairs - an organization designed to help veterans book medical
appointments and counseling services - and based on the fact that she has
snacks around her and an entire load of laundry to fold, I take it that long
waits on the phone are common.
Penelope's shoulder is acting up and she needs to book an appointment to
get it looked at because if she doesn't, she will be in tremendous pain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Now
granted, if we were to sit and watch Penelope scarf down Cheetos and gummi
bears while waiting for someone to pick up the phone, it would be a boring
episode, so we have to have some B-plots to keep the episode going. For instance, Lydia is annoying Elena with
the insistence that she choose an escort to take with her to her quinces. Elena wants to make the decision herself
without any pressure, but Lydia keeps shoving her yearbook in her face
pressuring her to pick someone. Lydia
even threatens to set Elena up with her cousin, who in Elena's words
"smells like a Dorito that died in a pool of Axe body spray". Yeah, I can see why he's such a catch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There's
also a street fair going on in the neighbourhood and Penelope's new friend,
Jill, has already been down there - apparently spending forty bucks trying to
win that cheap plastic lightsaber toy that she's playing with. While she hides it in Penelope's apartment
so that Schneider doesn't steal it, Jill and Penelope talk about how
frustrating it is to be put on hold with the VA, and how Penelope has been
waiting to get in touch with </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Jolene</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> to have her book the
doctor's appointment. I can sense the
frustration in Penelope's voice too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yM_Gg7T1ukIELxMzriAjM09jOvE5L870cb4ywE2U6eAcMdIhCgNET0wgwpHc7BQDTs8IIlIFV2Ot2NPBeE0gMYsJh9MZeLygzEmcWhziOPeiNBVqnA2L-19Y8CSCfB4qKUrjhqQDyS7O/s1600/7odaat4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yM_Gg7T1ukIELxMzriAjM09jOvE5L870cb4ywE2U6eAcMdIhCgNET0wgwpHc7BQDTs8IIlIFV2Ot2NPBeE0gMYsJh9MZeLygzEmcWhziOPeiNBVqnA2L-19Y8CSCfB4qKUrjhqQDyS7O/s320/7odaat4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
after Jill leaves, someone comes on the telephone line and Penelope, having the
phone on speaker mode, rushes towards it to give the woman her account
number...but she slips and falls, and the commotion causes the woman on the
other end of the phone to put her back on hold. How frustrating.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggV8SFG7uYGP0Xi_4dCW4d6tJn-O6uppFXXnkINIsW1CDtCJgtu4vC0eo9P_k2IUVWf5Nc8FHQGgcaWiAzaesOtaN-fNjbbRF9YD03-iSwaTHQ0EOegNticqGn4vA8gq58rSHgtEuHcckh/s1600/7odaat5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggV8SFG7uYGP0Xi_4dCW4d6tJn-O6uppFXXnkINIsW1CDtCJgtu4vC0eo9P_k2IUVWf5Nc8FHQGgcaWiAzaesOtaN-fNjbbRF9YD03-iSwaTHQ0EOegNticqGn4vA8gq58rSHgtEuHcckh/s320/7odaat5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We
also get to meet Alex's friend, </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Finn</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, when Schneider drops both
of them off at home after their baseball game.
It's been said that Finn is a bit of a smart ass and that Penelope
doesn't quite understand why Alex would hang around him so much. It's a bit clear as to why that is when Finn
seems to act with a little bit of sarcasm towards Penelope, but later on in the
episode, you'll see exactly why Penelope has a right to be concerned. But, I don't want to give away too much.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Xa4nou1-OuUozoMc6DI-v0kiC9gCRF4yCN1GgEX35h3UHpVxFLd80oTo-74Ah0UEbkS52gC3p-YIEPjD6oGNfiNP8s1oWWd1zTv7qtvt9lxVWK_2_xgtlyAkJvVlAMf5FjCv8dtmpZNg/s1600/7odaat6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Xa4nou1-OuUozoMc6DI-v0kiC9gCRF4yCN1GgEX35h3UHpVxFLd80oTo-74Ah0UEbkS52gC3p-YIEPjD6oGNfiNP8s1oWWd1zTv7qtvt9lxVWK_2_xgtlyAkJvVlAMf5FjCv8dtmpZNg/s320/7odaat6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Lydia is concerned to see Penelope in so much pain, so she grabs the bottle of
painkillers that Penelope has been prescribed (notice how Finn and Alex are
present when this takes place), and insists she takes them. Isn't this the same woman who nearly had a
coronary when she found out that Penelope was taking anti-depressants? Maybe Lydia is coming around and becoming
more aware that the world has evolved since she fled Cuba all those years
ago? But then I think about how she's
pressuring Elena to choose someone to take to her quinces, and I think that
maybe she has a way to go yet. But good
for her for at least trying to understand Penelope better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Alex
and Finn are on their way to the street fair, and Schneider announces that he
too is going to be making an appearance...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGZOTFk3jTcUXbMG3GjMB78xf8E-TZdSz2Z_7ZaqBNNnFwoEOw2WEiFZhRhQ0kIuFf8ti2fnESvbldjCE2LlbrChRozXVhM9177uhgIRe51P9sl3Ci873TLi1Klr2LY3rVMybuw2l1LOn/s1600/7odaat7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGZOTFk3jTcUXbMG3GjMB78xf8E-TZdSz2Z_7ZaqBNNnFwoEOw2WEiFZhRhQ0kIuFf8ti2fnESvbldjCE2LlbrChRozXVhM9177uhgIRe51P9sl3Ci873TLi1Klr2LY3rVMybuw2l1LOn/s320/7odaat7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">...as
one of the members singing and performing at his yacht rock band. Unless they plan on singing old Captain and
Tennille songs, Schneider just looks totally out of place with that hat! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMe33F44JXRR6hBo0ms2VASA7FG8DQxe7tk3y-Ll960HLA0b2d-DnLcnyEP1TmA9zxwKV92dSsHZz2hvkdXtCgnv_-qlhV3zSTQW2fTO5UpqRGpKtTSsvW7HwP_5TOEFzSURbOy6xh-TR/s1600/7odaat8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMe33F44JXRR6hBo0ms2VASA7FG8DQxe7tk3y-Ll960HLA0b2d-DnLcnyEP1TmA9zxwKV92dSsHZz2hvkdXtCgnv_-qlhV3zSTQW2fTO5UpqRGpKtTSsvW7HwP_5TOEFzSURbOy6xh-TR/s320/7odaat8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">With
everyone's plans in motion, they all leave the apartment as the speaker phone
comes on and Penelope is happy that she can finally get the appointment
made. Unfortunately that excitement
turns into frustration when the person on the other end of the phone thinks her
last name is Phillips instead of Alvarez.
And when the person on the other end of the phone accidentally hangs up
on her, it's enough to make Penelope take a bit of a fit on the couch. Yeah, great customer service there, VA.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsljJTaRSEMaLHW2cDhBrrGbViks37pLa0Q_wSNpDGVpVZFwyf6drNTo5n_MVCB1OMPFnN4-HRzvRDUsJvLl9g-isG56lkDCj3eBfDCkEPLfZ-3DF-7xRH9RFdg9uZDsGYTPF39m7q0f5X/s1600/7odaat9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsljJTaRSEMaLHW2cDhBrrGbViks37pLa0Q_wSNpDGVpVZFwyf6drNTo5n_MVCB1OMPFnN4-HRzvRDUsJvLl9g-isG56lkDCj3eBfDCkEPLfZ-3DF-7xRH9RFdg9uZDsGYTPF39m7q0f5X/s320/7odaat9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So
after a while, Penelope gets back on the phone with the VA, she is put on hold
one more time listening to the "please, hold music" on the
speakerphone, and she is resorting to licking the cheese dust off of the empty
bag of Cheetos because she doesn't want a single crumb to go to waste. I guess this is a good time to reveal a
secret of mine - I do the exact same thing!
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkGnQ063knhovRl3n3M41lYcXpFd6lTk4FN4g9HURD_dAuOa1wSFnx5-cPSacKH_wJiEO9BNjLPPxed06TVIjY39XUCtm5jgRonJPYpgQxsl7wZ807OA2EKWQsksVkYhAn47el9VzU5Jc/s1600/7odaat10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkGnQ063knhovRl3n3M41lYcXpFd6lTk4FN4g9HURD_dAuOa1wSFnx5-cPSacKH_wJiEO9BNjLPPxed06TVIjY39XUCtm5jgRonJPYpgQxsl7wZ807OA2EKWQsksVkYhAn47el9VzU5Jc/s320/7odaat10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A
pre-recorded message about preventable accidents plays while Penelope waits
which cues in rather nicely with an injured Schneider being dragged into the
apartment by Lydia and Dr. Berkowitz!
Seems that Schneider's college friends don't exactly get along as well
as they used to, and Schneider got whacked in the eye by a decorative
anchor! See, a more believable story
would have been a person in the crowd attacking him because yacht rock sucked,
but hey, not everything in sitcoms can be believable, right? I mean, just watch any episode of
"Family Matters" after Steve Urkel changes into Stefan Urquelle to
see what I mean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlk0wZCnL0AzL19A_XZa-jlljD-H5s62KX4i2k7K5NyRzxvVrRzbBiFnpOLj12Dr3YlxcaxtBcIpgfa-aAIkR_HUTo1JrRMSeuiJBXV4K_iWk5CHwmO8hR7Q4cIDJbCbraSfns1I4wOu0/s1600/7odaat11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlk0wZCnL0AzL19A_XZa-jlljD-H5s62KX4i2k7K5NyRzxvVrRzbBiFnpOLj12Dr3YlxcaxtBcIpgfa-aAIkR_HUTo1JrRMSeuiJBXV4K_iWk5CHwmO8hR7Q4cIDJbCbraSfns1I4wOu0/s320/7odaat11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Penelope
wonders why Dr. B. is there, and Dr. B. explains that when he gave Penelope
permission to take half a day off work to make the appointment, he thought he
would do the same. He explains it with
a YOLO, and it makes me realize why I find the expression YOLO so incredibly
annoying! Dr. B. later explains that he
wanted to go to the street fair. Fair
enough. But why is Lydia with him?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Well,
it's not until Penelope takes Schneider to his own apartment to fix his eye
(after she tells Lydia to listen for the phone in case the VA picks up) that we
get our first secret reveal. It seems
as though Dr. B. has developed a little bit of a crush on Lydia, and how he was
so touched that she was so nice to him at his birthday party a couple of
episodes ago. It doesn't seem that
Lydia feels quite the same way as Dr. B. does, but Lydia does acknowledge that
he is a good friend at least. Aw. It's an almost love connection! It's actually really funny that the music in
the background changes from standard music to a love song while all this is
happening! Could this be
foreshadowing? Hmmm...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrHZs0QkT56xwfitzN3pS3Af7khuFB0y7Axld1dbOVDo6W224aPg5Adq5NvTz32IRajNF4L2ToF79cW9tLO9gcR0o2zjfMb1Q_8xUtfT826pqUg457NMbGBj4p8pNi5wX91jR_MMJALLb/s1600/7odaat12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrHZs0QkT56xwfitzN3pS3Af7khuFB0y7Axld1dbOVDo6W224aPg5Adq5NvTz32IRajNF4L2ToF79cW9tLO9gcR0o2zjfMb1Q_8xUtfT826pqUg457NMbGBj4p8pNi5wX91jR_MMJALLb/s320/7odaat12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
two even bond over their shared and separate medical issues as they toast with
glasses of water and pills. My gosh, I
hope when I turn 70, I don't have to take that many pills to stay alive - but I
suppose it's an inevitability. Though a
funny moment does arise when Penelope comes back home, sees the scene, and
Lydia explains that she and Dr. B. were only taking drugs together! Ha!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcBCguwArgt7O6S-_c1KKNjBUHV63q6rgsYlRfQbZTklLeFz0fwHd5k81uDegTvxjw38U_EgaPgKt-fVCzF4CRmsoxbF1POzO18FoR8T4lpd1gNrVBKU6Zv2u3VqgkcyuceWi_ETfU020/s1600/7odaat13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcBCguwArgt7O6S-_c1KKNjBUHV63q6rgsYlRfQbZTklLeFz0fwHd5k81uDegTvxjw38U_EgaPgKt-fVCzF4CRmsoxbF1POzO18FoR8T4lpd1gNrVBKU6Zv2u3VqgkcyuceWi_ETfU020/s320/7odaat13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
seems as though Penelope has done what she can do for Schneider as he appears
at Penelope's door wearing an eyepatch.
Schneider is also determined to restart his yacht rock band by turning
it into a pirate rock band. Oh, sweet
Jesus, Schneider, just let it go already!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Everybody
leaves the apartment to go to the street fair and Penelope finally gets through
to the VA which transfers her call to Jolene.
She is initially excited and she does a dance in celebration...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBGIYYG0NnC0QPi0_tXBZfcTjvolsePbepYfccRMfkFk856DABSuKiq_qyZ9uB6aYr309gFLdMRyAVQzIasoD7kfovcnThwmkcVUsVwkN2Op6Z_XCa0-eu72lXBZU0j7CPEAXleHj9hfX/s1600/7odaat14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkBGIYYG0NnC0QPi0_tXBZfcTjvolsePbepYfccRMfkFk856DABSuKiq_qyZ9uB6aYr309gFLdMRyAVQzIasoD7kfovcnThwmkcVUsVwkN2Op6Z_XCa0-eu72lXBZU0j7CPEAXleHj9hfX/s320/7odaat14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">...until
she gets transferred to a guy named </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Tad </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">who has absolutely no clue
what Penelope is talking about. See,
this is where the frustration lies for Penelope. This is an organization set up to help veterans lives get better
and yet it's filled with poor communication, staff members with little to no
training, and lots of red tape to slice through. Because before Tad will even help her, he tells Penelope that she
has to fax the referral given to her by her primary physician - despite the
fact that Penelope e-mailed it to them two months ago. This is the same kind of crap that people
dealing with medicare companies have to go through every day due to lack of
funding, and it makes me angry that people have to go through so many hoops
just to get treatment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At
least there's a fax machine just five minutes away at a nearby convenience
store, and Penelope uses the opportunity to buy a ton of candy bars to get her
through the day without killing someone.
After passing over the phone call duties to Elena, she runs off. And Elena manages to grab the half a bag of
Cheetos that her mother did NOT eat and takes her snack to her room waiting for
someone to pick up the phone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCn_aGuDAXmpegDkT9cGCJeOfdKK40W-L_HwCD1YNtPI65v26-LOCpRQ4bXApGu2N4cjGL0pXLv9pxFEZxKzHzYx2FnAMi3JxVY70WRdwXWlcAUIamPwe2K4GhI4OOGxy-MkFO3U4WdZ6/s1600/7odaat16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCn_aGuDAXmpegDkT9cGCJeOfdKK40W-L_HwCD1YNtPI65v26-LOCpRQ4bXApGu2N4cjGL0pXLv9pxFEZxKzHzYx2FnAMi3JxVY70WRdwXWlcAUIamPwe2K4GhI4OOGxy-MkFO3U4WdZ6/s320/7odaat16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
Elena retreats to her room, Finn and Alex return and they see that Penelope has
left her pill bottle out on the table.
And this is where we learn that Finn is a bit of a moron. He plans to have Alex steal some of
Penelope's painkillers so that they can sell them to their classmates for more
money to spend at the street fair.
Whoa. Bad idea. Very, very bad idea. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKg90Hf6xjdMqhIuohsBtRXIhYF572c-Ac-CtDE5ZvtIEMuJeoklJfs5FEyJTbQcMtZPKUyyIgVWVwxBvvWaSPw6OmkhN59XcCmsTsSfawqFgeXYiv5AJGjzpYK4ISPOCShGUQzAV600R/s1600/7odaat17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKg90Hf6xjdMqhIuohsBtRXIhYF572c-Ac-CtDE5ZvtIEMuJeoklJfs5FEyJTbQcMtZPKUyyIgVWVwxBvvWaSPw6OmkhN59XcCmsTsSfawqFgeXYiv5AJGjzpYK4ISPOCShGUQzAV600R/s320/7odaat17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
unfortunately Alex is at the age where peer pressure can be most tempting, and
after Finn leaves, Alex grabs the bottle and seriously considers listening to
Finn. But then he hears Elena coming
out of her room and he quickly disappears, bottle in hand, and hides out in
Lydia's quarters, pulling the curtain shut behind him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkId463ANDLJOYBThagVjsi3X4WIc5CQjj-s9b4jDLwxV_o8JoYgY5jx4tWoQ69lWIf1f54bGyYSxZ0Oko1G1R1PQ81EJYRQ_f4QaIaUM2Ec5Xh0EYoSbPv-klZC4Zvl0_cJpBEcenQ0S5/s1600/7odaat18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkId463ANDLJOYBThagVjsi3X4WIc5CQjj-s9b4jDLwxV_o8JoYgY5jx4tWoQ69lWIf1f54bGyYSxZ0Oko1G1R1PQ81EJYRQ_f4QaIaUM2Ec5Xh0EYoSbPv-klZC4Zvl0_cJpBEcenQ0S5/s320/7odaat18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
is this moment that we learn the MAJOR secret of the episode. And, no...it's not that she eats Cheetos just like her mom. While Elena is waiting for Tad or Jolene or
anyone to pick up the phone, pre-recorded messages urge the person on hold to
talk about their problems, and Elena drops a bombshell. She is under pressure by everyone to pick a
boy to take her to her quinces...but Elena is questioning whether she even
likes boys. She even makes the claim
that maybe she might like girls better.
Whoa...so Elena's questioning her own sexuality and she's afraid that
her Cuban-American family headed by her God-loving Abuelita might not
understand. This has the makings to be
a great story to tell.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9B-sECzNiLd8USdZN2lQgyxEFnXNwyhhSlmdwVt_eWkkK0KS5ke26XHsH1TK5pezFafkmELR1p6lIimqmcqHfMBe_uhxeBPKMMh6GbelBgmUBaYKRMTSbM1FtGLTPSycq46U-KZQ5IR3/s1600/7odaat19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9B-sECzNiLd8USdZN2lQgyxEFnXNwyhhSlmdwVt_eWkkK0KS5ke26XHsH1TK5pezFafkmELR1p6lIimqmcqHfMBe_uhxeBPKMMh6GbelBgmUBaYKRMTSbM1FtGLTPSycq46U-KZQ5IR3/s320/7odaat19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Unfortunately,
Elena might have to explain herself before she's ready when she hears a strange
sound coming from behind the curtain.
And when she opens it up, she finds Alex with Jill's lightsaber in one
hand, and Penelope's pills in the other.
Hoo boy. Looks like BOTH Alvarez
kids have something to explain to each other.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wjApJy-eCIvGyVgsQa9tftXAYdB4QffP7kpkXPIcqH-mnzoz8iJKtRuTZGKZLlhZ6QvhoNxefhosQOHKgFJd7G94RsqZwg6Lx-nnCDgs6e5qTd4oA0iwmOuhb20iwSeBfctjTc_BbBjT/s1600/7odaat20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wjApJy-eCIvGyVgsQa9tftXAYdB4QffP7kpkXPIcqH-mnzoz8iJKtRuTZGKZLlhZ6QvhoNxefhosQOHKgFJd7G94RsqZwg6Lx-nnCDgs6e5qTd4oA0iwmOuhb20iwSeBfctjTc_BbBjT/s320/7odaat20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
course, both are upset. Alex is upset
that Elena thinks that he is getting into trouble by stealing their mom's
pills, and Elena is mortified that Alex heard her potentially coming out of the
closet. But it seems as though Alex has
had a change of heart regarding Finn's plan, and puts the pills back. And when Alex throws his full support to
Elena and tells her that he will be there for her no matter what, it leads to a
nice bonding moment between them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyokd-H9XW2vLkl67HM8oGy5vcCZIA1o7GKbqalaTr79SCVCjWNLcrUaKKw9aEW8jEu0XVftN92K4NZaFKBNqy4u4ifm_8fwuwptyYt3HZ6ocAlPqcWorafxj1kg_It3LwdR7bh4eX4C5U/s1600/7odaat21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyokd-H9XW2vLkl67HM8oGy5vcCZIA1o7GKbqalaTr79SCVCjWNLcrUaKKw9aEW8jEu0XVftN92K4NZaFKBNqy4u4ifm_8fwuwptyYt3HZ6ocAlPqcWorafxj1kg_It3LwdR7bh4eX4C5U/s320/7odaat21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
that moment ends when Jolene finally comes on the speaker phone and both Alex
and Elena struggle to keep her on the line until Penelope gets back, which
causes Elena to hilariously pretend that she is Penelope. It's cringeworthy to see Elena try to act
like her mother, but somehow it does the trick as Penelope returns just in time
to intercept the call.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, Jolene seems to be in no mood to help Penelope. In fact, Jolene actually tells Penelope to
call back on Monday because she is late catching her bus and she has to
go. Oh, boy...I can see this not ending
well. For Jolene. In fact, this leads to an epic rant by
Penelope against Jolene and against the VA.
And I think this deserves to be written in Penelope's own words. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodcdLV31yzm5sQiAij9uGt-FKqOlEF5rh3dAMkR2XsfXM8Lh1Crizqu8KpyCsy3VxUWOfcMEmUKuFNZJmm7FC_BbqvnOA6492f4nu7ZtnpwvBFjbASgptN3bgQQzLxl120SiXitnN_IFd/s1600/7odaat22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhodcdLV31yzm5sQiAij9uGt-FKqOlEF5rh3dAMkR2XsfXM8Lh1Crizqu8KpyCsy3VxUWOfcMEmUKuFNZJmm7FC_BbqvnOA6492f4nu7ZtnpwvBFjbASgptN3bgQQzLxl120SiXitnN_IFd/s320/7odaat22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Well, then,
walk me through it, Jolene. Because I
don't understand. What I do understand
is I went to war, I got hurt. And when
I came back, there was supposed to be an organization set up to help me and the
other veterans get the help we need. So
I don't get why it's so hard to make a simple appointment. And I'm one of the lucky ones. My husband has bad knees, a bad back, and
traumatic brain injury. He's not
getting help. Partly because he's a
stubborn ass, but mostly because of this insane process. And because he's not getting help, he almost
did something stupid. I lost someone in
my unit because she did do something stupid.
So, please, enlighten me, Jolene, as to why helping soldiers is less
important than catching your goddamn bus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Whoa. That was definitely what TVTropes calls
"The Reason You Suck Speech".
And Justina Machado delivered that soliloquy brilliantly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yZBRhJKe7c3CRkeTVh_1kXURg65uhsvISbpv6I0SKxIxCLVQHetTgYszqaUMqOJohyphenhyphenIWCmV_GBCyPt6hfJ5_oxe-zRFaNGV_lCuk5MknZzQiBP3vf6sOAGO1VO9lmp4MVoRfcQ7V9v-Q/s1600/7odaat23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yZBRhJKe7c3CRkeTVh_1kXURg65uhsvISbpv6I0SKxIxCLVQHetTgYszqaUMqOJohyphenhyphenIWCmV_GBCyPt6hfJ5_oxe-zRFaNGV_lCuk5MknZzQiBP3vf6sOAGO1VO9lmp4MVoRfcQ7V9v-Q/s320/7odaat23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Too
bad Penelope is put on hold by Jolene again which causes Penelope to throw her
phone on the floor in anger. Damn, I'd
be angry too, but smashing your phone on the floor won't get you put through
any quicker.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
as a dejected Penelope begins to clean up the mess, Jolene comes back on and
announces that Penelope's appointment has been booked for next Monday. And with that, I think everyone is
thrilled...especially Penelope. Now,
I'm not saying that screaming at your customer service representative will get
them to do something for you, but the way that Penelope passionately argued her
case - hell, if I was Jolene, I'd definitely make sure Penelope got what she
wanted! It's also a great way for the
show to demonstrate just how hard veterans struggle to reintegrate themselves
back into society, and how the system definitely needs to be overhauled to make
it better for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Wj947xefK3BPyEMkqGkvwSyaAezgEVkNH8EYXmv47ttXVUDT1G8t4qItOJisGXzdzqhM4tz61W09Qh6ERPKZrC1uzu8zUsEcQQjYUCBB4opWu5zv2lTQNUHrWI7NyzMWHrbrJCZGzKku/s1600/7odaat24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Wj947xefK3BPyEMkqGkvwSyaAezgEVkNH8EYXmv47ttXVUDT1G8t4qItOJisGXzdzqhM4tz61W09Qh6ERPKZrC1uzu8zUsEcQQjYUCBB4opWu5zv2lTQNUHrWI7NyzMWHrbrJCZGzKku/s320/7odaat24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
just wish it didn't end with Schneider singing off key to Toto's "Hold the
Line". I mean, I can see why yacht
rock and pirate rock didn't last.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That's
it for Episode 7. As always, we'll end
with some of the funniest lines from the episode. Have a look!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Then
use your phone and Chapsmat somebody.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="color: green; font-family: "futura md bt";">ELENA: </span>You don't understand social media. Abuelita...<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> No, no,
no. Of course I do. All you have to do is find a boy and twat at
him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: green; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">ELENA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I
hope you mean "tweet"?<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
"Twat", "Tweet".
Same thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Not
the same thing, Mami.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #339966; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">JILL:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I
try to never deal with the VA. I
stopped calling them about my punctured eardrum.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> That
seems like a bad plan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #339966; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">JILL:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Oh,
thanks. I got it on sale.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">WOMAN ON PHONE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Did you know that over 40% of trips to the emergency room are
caused by preventable accidents?<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> That seems
high.<br />
(Schneider enters holding his eye.)<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> What
happened?<br />
</span><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> It was a
totally preventable accident! We were
setting up for the show and our keytarist threw a decorative anchor at me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
Okay, I'm sorry you're hurt but it sounds like I just missed the best
part of your show.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
Estrogen replacement to keep me young!<br />
</span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">DR. B:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> For my
cholesterol so I don't die!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
What's going on here?<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
Nothing! We're just taking
drugs!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Stay tuned for next week. The title of the next episode is "One
Lie at a Time". Sounds
intriguing. And it comes with a very
special guest star!</span>Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-89559045159686152592018-03-15T18:04:00.000-04:002018-03-15T18:04:06.266-04:00Hospital Gift Shop Finds<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Over
the last six months, I've spent a lot of time in hospitals. Thankfully, not as a patient...more like
I've been in hospitals visiting patients.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I'll
tell you something. I don't know a
single person in the world who absolutely loves to be in the hospital - well,
unless you happen to work in a hospital.
And even then, it might be a moot point. Let's face it, they can be pretty depressing places to be. You are surrounded by people who are sick
and/or injured and you feel a bit helpless in feeling as though you can't help
them. Also, the food is notoriously
bad. I know that when I was in the
hospital as a patient, I wanted to leave as soon as possible, but knew that I
had to wait until I felt better before I could.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
I will say this. As depressing a place
as hospitals can be, there are some cool things about them too. Babies are born in hospitals every day, and
sick and injured people do recover and get to go back home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
there is one place that is found in most hospitals that I absolutely love. In fact, when I was a kid, I walked by the
town hospital after school and it would be the place where I would hang out for
a few minutes each time I got my allowance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20pt;">Yes, I admit it. I spent part of my
childhood hanging around the hospital gift shop. And why not? Hospital
gift shops contain so many treasures and goodies inside of them. Each gift shop contains items that are designed
to help brighten the spirits of the patients that are recovering inside. And even if you weren't a patient inside the
hospital, there were still a lot of fun things to purchase inside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Believe
me. From the time I was six until the
time I was nineteen, the hospital gift shop was a place where I found some of
the coolest things ever. <br />
<br />
Here were just a few of the treasures that I bought from hospital gift shops.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Naturally, you all know that I am a comic book geek. I make absolutely zero apologies about it. But did you know that at least 10% of my
whole collection of comic books came from hospital gift shops? It's true!
I still remember the first time I found out that our hospital gift shop
sold comic books. I had just lost my
first baby teeth (the two front teeth came out the same day), and my mom took
me to the hospital gift shop on her way to visit someone there. When I saw a copy of Jughead Jones Digest
#51 (how crazy is it that I remember that), I used my tooth fairy money to buy
that book! Still have it too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Hospital
gift shops were also the best place to purchase birthday cards, believe it or
not. Sure, most of the cards that they
had to offer were "Get Well Soon" cards, but there were also birthday
cards available - in case one was unlucky enough to celebrate their birthday in
the hospital. They were relatively
inexpensive too, so at least I didn't have to spend too much money on them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sometimes
I'd grab a snack from the hospital gift shop after school because after
studying the times tables, doing an art project in class, and conjugating every
French verb ever created, I needed a sugar rush to boost my energy until
dinner. My snack of choice was a
Cadbury Rum and Butter bar and a can of Dr. Pepper or C-Plus Orange Soda. Oh, I wish they would bring those chocolate
bars back!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
also managed to find some amazing toys when I went shopping at the hospital
gift shop. There were lots of activity
books available at the store, which included word searches, crossword puzzles,
and my personal favourite - Yes and Know books. You know those books where the answers are written in invisible
ink and you had to use the special pen to uncover them? Do they still make those? I really enjoyed them back in the day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I also recall buying some of those alphabet and number fridge magnets from the store when
I was a small kid, as well as building blocks, a small pick-up-sticks game, and
a small wooden village playset. Who
needed a fancy toy store like Woolworth's or Toys R Us when you had a whole
gift shop filled with goodies? And
given that Toys R Us is on the verge of closing up shop for good this year,
hospital gift shops suddenly don't look like a bad option for gift giving.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
of course there are lots of stuffed toys and onesies to purchase for those new
moms who just gave birth to new children.
Believe me, some of the stuff in those stores are not only beautifully
made, but a lot of the items were hand-stitched and crafted by hospital
volunteers. You know a gift has to be
good when it's made with love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20pt;">Anyone else have some wonderful bargains found
at their local hospital gift shop?</span>Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-79213723070539358852018-03-09T16:10:00.002-05:002018-03-09T16:10:34.049-05:00Recapping One Day at a Time - Episode 6 - The Death of Mrs. Resnick<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It's
time for another episode of </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Recapping One Day at a Time</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, and this time we are at </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Episode 6: The Death of
Mrs. Resnick</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
don't be alarmed. Mrs. Resnick isn't a
character on the show. At least not a <i>human</i>
character anyway. In fact, we're about
to meet her now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">No,
she's not hiding in the car with Penelope, Alex, and Elena. </span><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Mrs. Resnick</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <i>is</i> the car! Plot twist.
Who would have thought it?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We
learn a lot of things about Mrs. Resnick from the idle chat taking place as
Penelope is driving Alex to his baseball game.
We learn that it was a car that Victor owned when she began dating
him. We learn that he named it after a
teacher he had in high school that he had a huge crush on. And we quickly learn that over twenty years
of owning Mrs. Resnick, she's on her last legs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It's
bad enough that Elena turning up the air conditioning causes the car to stall
in the middle of the busy road. For
Penelope, it's an even bigger tragedy that her cassingle of Toni Braxton's
"Un-break My Heart" won't play in the car stereo the way that she
would like it to. Seems like
"Un-break My Heart" has broken!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
opening credits roll and when the title screen appears we see Lydia sitting on
the couch wearing what appears to be a Bounce fabric softener sheet on her face. When the gang arrive back from the baseball
diamond, they are wondering what is going on.
Lydia explains that it's a sheet mask, but thanks to her accent, it
sounds like something a lot more naughty which leads to a fun pun war between
the Alvarez family! I'll recap it in my
best lines section.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_gSozYYtYICMORa9rE-qvfT3TUvaH6AN-RCpSks5TpehnGIDOcBxz7DYBHi1lhOpk9ysM89UwSdvNlor0OuACjyN3FoMU4Uq5GbaB6-QHUy6HVmHusV55KgfxmMEKfQ-wf8aP3VEcUlW/s1600/6odaat3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_gSozYYtYICMORa9rE-qvfT3TUvaH6AN-RCpSks5TpehnGIDOcBxz7DYBHi1lhOpk9ysM89UwSdvNlor0OuACjyN3FoMU4Uq5GbaB6-QHUy6HVmHusV55KgfxmMEKfQ-wf8aP3VEcUlW/s320/6odaat3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Oh,
and of course, Schneider is here - amusingly wearing the same kind of mask that
Lydia is wearing. I guess we know where
she got the idea to wear one, huh? And,
is it just me, or does Schneider spend more time at the Alvarez place than his
own home? I guess having five moms in
your life kind of makes you crave stability.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HwB8R2_CBb0486rZpI8KXmEc7K3LwMUsENDmxd0pjw0fmNI3L5nOv50rDoOkuXa8P3lNiBmSq5_VysWSYp9MeUOdBwCgAXFxn6ry-h9KCLdzecV2vvDSkIvOQIHiPpcgVvpe8hXWeqNZ/s1600/6odaat4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HwB8R2_CBb0486rZpI8KXmEc7K3LwMUsENDmxd0pjw0fmNI3L5nOv50rDoOkuXa8P3lNiBmSq5_VysWSYp9MeUOdBwCgAXFxn6ry-h9KCLdzecV2vvDSkIvOQIHiPpcgVvpe8hXWeqNZ/s320/6odaat4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
looks like there's bad news on all fronts regarding the car. First, Alex tore his pants getting out of
Mrs. Resnick because he apparently had to climb through the trunk to get out as
the doors wouldn't work! Then,
Penelope's mechanic calls and tells her that the cost to repair Mrs. Resnick
would be more than she would pay if she bought a new car! And on top of all that, the Toni Braxton
cassingle unspooled! Oh, the horrors!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinE3-CNvC5mRCRyV2CIK0IsN3R5-hrTkj81hIH8RSQ5QvoKl0atmJP8EDRe6Q0LgioPyBlSCXEHdRQR_-V0pCGjRGKyhcP4_LqlvDV24_UgsO1RvHI9WRRCJ4-4IFgFnrfyAFsQKg-Bhrz/s1600/6odaat5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinE3-CNvC5mRCRyV2CIK0IsN3R5-hrTkj81hIH8RSQ5QvoKl0atmJP8EDRe6Q0LgioPyBlSCXEHdRQR_-V0pCGjRGKyhcP4_LqlvDV24_UgsO1RvHI9WRRCJ4-4IFgFnrfyAFsQKg-Bhrz/s320/6odaat5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Penelope
is a bit bummed about having to buy a new car.
Not only can she not afford one, but it's extremely nerve-wracking for
her because this will be the first big purchase she'll be making without
Victor. She then goes into a discussion
about how in love she and Victor were once upon a time, and how Mrs. Resnick
was brand new when they got her - well, okay, she had 60,000 miles on her, but
it was brand new to them! She even
talks about how on one of their first dates, Victor grabbed a five dollar bill
and wrote their initials on it to profess his love! You know, based on Penelope's descriptions of life with Victor,
he seems like an okay guy. I wonder why
they split up?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Penelope
also talks about the process of buying a new vehicle and how she lists off some
bullet points about how women often get charged a higher price for cars, and
how men seem to get better deals.
Unfortunately based on what I've noticed, she's not wrong. So, Penelope is stressed out about it. She knows she needs a car, but she is having
anxiety about it all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Hmog9ljY7RXwBG7orEfMllS3N5VDSaihdACa7OeC9QBDsDv6ERK9z5W0vYpkDMhAUaL81CsCCFnrwNG4ryRuu-y3vpvu9gJhsnvSjJ8wMGb2DbhjKlYU_K_iB8BOvngqSMSssyPjYh8J/s1600/6odaat6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Hmog9ljY7RXwBG7orEfMllS3N5VDSaihdACa7OeC9QBDsDv6ERK9z5W0vYpkDMhAUaL81CsCCFnrwNG4ryRuu-y3vpvu9gJhsnvSjJ8wMGb2DbhjKlYU_K_iB8BOvngqSMSssyPjYh8J/s320/6odaat6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
prompts ideas from Lydia, Schneider, and Elena on how to make the situation
easier on them. Lydia plans to reboot
her dance classes and she will teach everyone how to dance. Yeah, okay.
Schneider offers to take Alex to his baseball games until Penelope can
get a new car. Decent. And Elena makes it a mission to take public
transit as her next crusade to save the environment - partly because she wants
to reduce her carbon footprint, and partly to really annoy her Abuelita. Yeah, because that's the reason we all live
on this planet. To save it while
sticking it to our relatives. My
goodness, Elena's been sort of preachy lately!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiejIAJCW7SbvHCiRLf2GXG3jo4OFUU81aRGbp92fbxY9FT_o2YCNdFE2IRQMlvBV9JZRwot66yekCmG6hPU3fJN7tAhveE4YGI5b6Cfmyndm1mu3EKEdT-e8ktPOSGOgsuA2rpQQmwXkh/s1600/6odaat7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiejIAJCW7SbvHCiRLf2GXG3jo4OFUU81aRGbp92fbxY9FT_o2YCNdFE2IRQMlvBV9JZRwot66yekCmG6hPU3fJN7tAhveE4YGI5b6Cfmyndm1mu3EKEdT-e8ktPOSGOgsuA2rpQQmwXkh/s320/6odaat7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At
work, Penelope is talking with Dr. B. about the car purchase and with a little
pep talk from him about how she's a strong woman, Penelope is in the right
frame of mind to choose a car that is right for her and her family. But she's still feeling insecure about
dealing with the salesman and just to ease her along, she asks Dr. B. to tag
along with her in hopes of getting a better deal. Dr. B. is in...until Penelope tells him the date she wants to buy
the car, and he already has plans to meet with his messed-up daughter's life
coaching team. Because as it has
already been established, Dr. B.'s kids are screwed up. Probably because they have Dr. B. as a
father. But hey, I'm judging a
fictional character. What do I know?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsJLVY4My_2JwHfLPQPrYJDW6RWE5n31Tm96xuE-WDwQRuLR5OYksmNV-oFMI_bUQQEzvqk3poAFxZOdqFDiCDXA9NhPeU0kfjL8JTOLO-0yIvvc1bi9OyePD66dxRMCS73Uzgzor6KRW/s1600/6odaat8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlsJLVY4My_2JwHfLPQPrYJDW6RWE5n31Tm96xuE-WDwQRuLR5OYksmNV-oFMI_bUQQEzvqk3poAFxZOdqFDiCDXA9NhPeU0kfjL8JTOLO-0yIvvc1bi9OyePD66dxRMCS73Uzgzor6KRW/s320/6odaat8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Back
at the Alvarez household, Elena rambles on and on about how wonderful it was to
take the bus, and how she wishes she had done it before. Judging by Lydia's reaction, I can guarantee
that she's seething on the inside. But
hey, at least Elena seems to be having the right attitude about it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Key
word, seems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TvJIpPXkJZVXPbNISQJE5Y403h5rHsfL3mIZrFpdnygNK-pQjiBxK8QcYm8s2-mZCN36WNPcCkIaWt6R7DvyKgVpAusvjQ3A1U3Rd51VS4XpTzaLV137v5JMoZsdXCyzLN81ecPqljpZ/s1600/6odaat9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TvJIpPXkJZVXPbNISQJE5Y403h5rHsfL3mIZrFpdnygNK-pQjiBxK8QcYm8s2-mZCN36WNPcCkIaWt6R7DvyKgVpAusvjQ3A1U3Rd51VS4XpTzaLV137v5JMoZsdXCyzLN81ecPqljpZ/s320/6odaat9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
Alex is really enjoying having Schneider take him to the ball games. Not only does Alex really enjoy the heated
seats in Schneider's vehicle, but he notes that the car attracts all the
ladies. Schneider even used the
opportunity to boast that one of the baseball moms hit on him, but Penelope
lets him down by explaining that the mom is a lesbian. Of course, glass-half-full Schneider at
least entertains the notion that she swings both ways at the plate. Ah, Schneider...you come across as so
creepy, yet so goofy. I'm on the fence
with you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At
least Penelope can count on Schneider agreeing to tag along with her to help
her get the best deal on a vehicle. Of
course, she wants Schneider to pose as her husband as she's heard that married
couples get better deals than single people.
Okay then. She already has her
eye set on a 2012 model in particular.
Schneider even offers her up some tips on how to get the salesman to
become more vulnerable - which includes him throwing a pen on the floor and
using his assets (or lack thereof) to shake him up a bit. Of course, Penelope would be the one to
flaunt what Lydia and Berto gave her!
Penelope seems to want to take a different approach though.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbYAYYn2RUl81BXje7YeHeUARGcEHnc1lIJR0JjMAhErLwqGml5TvvSdervkDUKCsci-dsf1riliKvPM6WBo5kkEdrcM7Pgz4HtRo9eb9u0oeJ3DMBCWQsRkWL4y5e1550W2yV63JU1jl/s1600/6odaat10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKbYAYYn2RUl81BXje7YeHeUARGcEHnc1lIJR0JjMAhErLwqGml5TvvSdervkDUKCsci-dsf1riliKvPM6WBo5kkEdrcM7Pgz4HtRo9eb9u0oeJ3DMBCWQsRkWL4y5e1550W2yV63JU1jl/s320/6odaat10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You
see, Penelope also did a bit of research and found that people at car dealerships
are more sympathetic towards veterans (and I'm wondering what source she's
getting her info from). Either way,
she's in full Army garb, and even Schneider seems to be impressed at her
technique. Besides, with a male
salesperson, it won't be too hard for Penelope to sell her story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-BtdEPSwOeWTz-mxQ_vWhaS4k9ptG_Zt5Is6ERPkZs-NAPaMOaAYQ5wWUFYVcr2TKF-CopEOebxf_Q9C0VyxHx3R0ZpBtHIeLsoRcW-Djy94vYKENQbCaDe1Wbzzr5BPzE147CiywgBk/s1600/6odaat11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4-BtdEPSwOeWTz-mxQ_vWhaS4k9ptG_Zt5Is6ERPkZs-NAPaMOaAYQ5wWUFYVcr2TKF-CopEOebxf_Q9C0VyxHx3R0ZpBtHIeLsoRcW-Djy94vYKENQbCaDe1Wbzzr5BPzE147CiywgBk/s320/6odaat11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Ah,
but what happens when the salesperson is female? Well, that throws a spanner in the works, doesn't it? And it looks like our friendly neighbourhood
saleswoman - her name is </span><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jill</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, by the way - is causing
both Penelope and Schneider's brains to explode.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6bJe2IqEdz-HC-ZAGS8_PTe-NaA7AGe4GYPcz7CTbm4mR0xjHmwsq4i09i3aEs2-tHiGfen6UbrkB32JBvhp-jcn8E5xVL3HliUR1Bq8R2xwbCopvsWcAJOtnLXBbtFDyB7EZ0H13JEg/s1600/6odaat12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO6bJe2IqEdz-HC-ZAGS8_PTe-NaA7AGe4GYPcz7CTbm4mR0xjHmwsq4i09i3aEs2-tHiGfen6UbrkB32JBvhp-jcn8E5xVL3HliUR1Bq8R2xwbCopvsWcAJOtnLXBbtFDyB7EZ0H13JEg/s320/6odaat12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
mean, Schneider decides that he's going to do the pen trick to get Jill to fawn
over him, and he ends up getting stuck underneath a parked car. Wow...good plan. NOT!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fortunately,
it seems as though Penelope has a much easier time relating to Jill. As it turns out, Jill is a war veteran
herself! And this eases the tension
between Penelope and Jill with Penelope emphatically declaring that she and
Schneider are NOT married! Yeah, I
don't think she gives Jill nearly enough credit! But either way, it appears as though Penelope might get her car
after all! And after Jill yells at a
co-worker for eating too many donuts and Schneider bolts out from under the car
after seeing a spider, it's time to talk business!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We're
back at the Alvarez home where Elena is all hearts, flowers, and sunshine about
the bus. This prompts Lydia to talk
about how she went to the butcher and ripped out the weave of another woman
over a leg of lamb. It's a totally
unrelated story, but it tells us all to be careful of 70-year-old Latino women
with a thick accent!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLQKIr7l_jfdV0Rt3R_sAGXVrx3FWqKJuUi0OLNBfkcFzTiGYsKh1zvsJcFezmZ15W3Xi2SpdNF4jFsid0G-Yzm9hz4KeicCQefW17DalqwGz6fdv7iTatD3Gr5K59V_AVcfZ5LCkwkpq/s1600/6odaat13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLQKIr7l_jfdV0Rt3R_sAGXVrx3FWqKJuUi0OLNBfkcFzTiGYsKh1zvsJcFezmZ15W3Xi2SpdNF4jFsid0G-Yzm9hz4KeicCQefW17DalqwGz6fdv7iTatD3Gr5K59V_AVcfZ5LCkwkpq/s320/6odaat13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Elena
talks about her journey, and Lydia quizzes her on everything, knowingly making
up some parts along the way to confuse her.
Seems as though Lydia is onto something - especially after she catches
Elena in a lie and pounces on her like...oh, a grandmother attacking a customer
in the butcher shop, perhaps?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Elena
finally admits that she hates riding the bus.
She claims it smells, it's overcrowded, and someone actually stole her
socks. As I'm trying to figure out how
that's even possible, Lydia remarks that she too has been taking public
transit. And buying local groceries. And recycling. Wow, Lydia's really wanting to be top dog in the Alvarez
household, eh? Fortunately, Elena is
thrilled that Lydia can actually teach her a few things about how to live life
more environmentally friendly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnogr5bgUuvoHn9IPgf2Z1Zq9-cjLDe-2AN2ECXNDifwBatUo_W_dnq48UHiaFKLiF3MagX8zrtIRgaLfTNsIxTJ_xGGVmZNqs3v3xT1WYezNeQd912KdlFD_GGeoqB5C8MoHQaFgNgPV/s1600/6odaat15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCnogr5bgUuvoHn9IPgf2Z1Zq9-cjLDe-2AN2ECXNDifwBatUo_W_dnq48UHiaFKLiF3MagX8zrtIRgaLfTNsIxTJ_xGGVmZNqs3v3xT1WYezNeQd912KdlFD_GGeoqB5C8MoHQaFgNgPV/s320/6odaat15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If
only Elena could have showed Lydia how to make a poster. In Lydia's haste to make posters advertising
her dance school, the wording on the poster as well as the photo used has
unfortunately made Lydia appear as though she is running a sex hotline. Which leads to a funny gag about how Lydia
is impressed at getting fifty-eight new phone messages, and after hearing some
of them makes her want to get a new phone number! Lydia is definitely the comic relief of the show, and Rita Moreno
is a star!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We're
back at the car lot, and we're finally getting to see Mrs. Resnick one last
time. I imagine back in her prime, she
was a sleek, royal blue machine. But
now, it's time to say farewell.
Besides, Penelope knocked off the mirror right off the bat, so it's
definitely time to say goodbye to the old and in with the new. Jill leaves Penelope alone to clear out the
car while she draws up the sale, and this causes Penelope to start getting in a
reflective mood as she enters the car one last time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Through the trunk. Hey, at least she
knows how Alex felt!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It's
a sad moment when Penelope goes through the car interior and finds that her
Toni Braxton cassingle has bit the dust.
I don't know if her heart will ever un-break from that. Sorry, I had to go there!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
as Penelope goes through the glove compartment to take out her other things,
she finds the five dollar bill that Victor wrote their initials on...and if
Penelope's heart wasn't broken before over the chewed up tape, believe me when
I tell you it's in a million pieces now.
Poor girl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At
this point, Jill comes back to check on Penelope and she gets in the car with
her too. Interestingly enough, Jill has
no problem getting inside the car - though it could be because when she tries
to open the door, the windows fall out!
At this point, it's a miracle Mrs. Resnick lasted as long as she did! But then we learn about how Victor and
Penelope broke up, and it gets a little dark for a sitcom, but it's important
for the telling of the story, as well as Penelope's personal growth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Before
Victor and Penelope went off to war in Afghanistan, they were a loving couple
and they had the whole world in their hands.
But when they were both deployed and they saw the world get blown up
piece by piece in front of them, it changed both of them forever. We know that Penelope suffers from depression
and post traumatic stress, but for Victor, it was even rougher on him. He developed a drinking problem became an
addict, and this caused the once likeable Victor to turn into a raging
monster. It's implied that he did some
things that really hurt Penelope, though the show doesn't go into detail. Penelope tearfully recalls the time in which
Victor got so drunk that Penelope had to take the keys away from him...because
he talked about how he wanted to hop in Mrs. Resnick and drive into a tree,
killing himself. As I said, it's a
really dark story, but the way that Justina Machado tells it is so
powerful. She is such a phenomenal
actress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jill
gets it because she was where Victor was when she returned to civilian
life...until she got help for it. She
tells Penelope that she's in a support group for female veterans and she tells
Penelope to come with her to the next meeting.
It may not save her relationship with Victor, but at the very least,
she'll start the process of healing herself.
Jill points out that it might be helpful to her to be surrounded by
other female veterans who know what she is going through, and Penelope agrees
to give it a whirl. Well, not only has
Penelope bought a new car on her own, but she ended up making a new friend in
the process! And Penelope didn't think
she could do it! I think she sold herself
a little short!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
end result is that Penelope is happily driving her new car, and everyone is
happy. Alex is happy that his mom has a
car to take him to baseball practice.
Elena is happy that she never has to ride the bus again. And, given that Lydia is drinking a bottle
of rum in the passenger seat, she must be happy about everything! But Penelope is happiest of all. Why?
Because she's programmed "Un-break My Heart" into her stereo
to play at voice command. Good for her,
bad for them. You know what, I feel
compelled to play Toni Braxton in this blog just to get it done and over
with. And I will!<br />
<br />
As you listen to her un-break her heart, have a look at the funny lines from
this episode! See you next week!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/p2Rch6WvPJE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p2Rch6WvPJE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<b><span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ELENA:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Maybe the car's mad 'cause papi stuck it with the name Mrs.
Resnick.<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> You know
your papi named her after a hot teacher he had a crush on.<br />
</span><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ALEX:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Yeah, but
by now I bet Mr. Resnick's traded her in for a younger model.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
(noticing Lydia's mask) What are you doing, Mami?<br />
</span><b><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> This is
supposed to make your skin glow. It's
called a sheet mask.<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Mami,
"sheet". It's called a sheet
mask.<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> That's what
I said, "sheet".<br />
</span><span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ELENA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> So, would
you say you are sheet-faced right now?<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Ah,
stop. Or the sheet will hit the fan.<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> </span><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Connie Merkelson told me she's never seen anybody slice apples
with such grace. Not gonna lie, she was
throwing me some red hot heat.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Connie
Merkelson is a gay lady. But...thank
you for taking Alex. And actually, I
have another favor to ask.<br />
</span><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Okay, but
with Connie, I think she might walk both sides of the street. I'm gonna stay on the case.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(After
Schneider demonstrates the pen technique)<br />
</span><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Guess who
just got a large latte for the price of a small?<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I'm trying
to buy a car, not impress a white girl with dreadlocks who likes flat asses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">(Reading Lydia's dance classes ad)<br />
</span><b><span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">ELENA:</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> Experienced
Latina will make your body do things you didn't know it could? </span>Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-82567952200358427602018-03-07T14:44:00.001-05:002018-03-07T14:44:04.947-05:00English Words That Make Me Want To Burn Webster's Dictionary<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Being
someone who loves words and phrases and clauses, I suppose it only comes
natural to me that I would gravitate towards writing as a hobby.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I'd
really like to make it my source of sole income...but that's another story
altogether.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">With
hundreds of thousands of words in the English language, there's no shortage of
synonyms, homonyms, and antonyms to choose from. And I have to say that in the case of 99.9% of all the words that
exist in my vocabulary, I love using them whenever the opportunity presents
itself.<br />
<br />
(Though admittedly using the word antidisestablishmentarianism is a challenge
in standard conversation.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
much like any language in the world, there are some words that absolutely make
me cringe. And whenever possible, I try
to avoid using them. It doesn't always
work that way - mainly because of the fact that I'll be devoting part of this
blog to talking about the words of the English language that I don't like.<br />
<br />
In some cases, it's because it's a tongue twister to say. In some, it's because I hate how the word is
used in (and out) of context, and in my most hated word in the English
language...well, I'll wait for that one when I get to it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And I suppose it goes without saying that derogatory, racist, sexist, and homophobic words are excluded from this list because they are ugly enough without me having to talk about them. Which I won't do because I don't like posting garbage like that in this space.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So,
what words do I find myself cringing at?
Here's my list of nominees.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">BAE</span><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
<br />
Seriously, if you're calling your sweetheart "bae", you need to find
a better word. In all seriousness, bae is actually an acronym for "before anything else", but most people who seem to be under the age of 20 use it to describe their significant other - which I find cringeworthy. Besides, when you
translate it into Dutch, it's reportedly means the same as a poop emoji. Yeah, there's a lovely sentiment to share
with the person you love. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SNOWFLAKE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You
know what? I don't have an issue with
the word snowflake in the traditional sense.
After all, snowflakes are beautiful and unique. But when you have people who use the word to
describe a person who doesn't agree with their political points of view, it's
become incredibly overused, and frankly, it's made me cringe whenever I see the
word.<br />
<br />
Oh, and one more note. Even though it
seems to be mostly conservatives that use this term to describe liberals, I
find that there are just as many snowflake conservatives as well. Tomi Lahren, I'm looking at you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVxRWHcdqbB-zhqbPVxgrvc3NnYBgoMWtH9Ygxte4wekKP6nmg5vi61DXRQhKwoKdq4589exowPT7Zwg7AbtSq_r6E6g7Clnt3fSpeLXKyfGPWSrfzxTORw9KcYxhwB_y5E0CPlsZxbEa/s1600/betty-crocker-super-moist-cake-mix-chocolate-gomart-pakistan-1153-500x500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVxRWHcdqbB-zhqbPVxgrvc3NnYBgoMWtH9Ygxte4wekKP6nmg5vi61DXRQhKwoKdq4589exowPT7Zwg7AbtSq_r6E6g7Clnt3fSpeLXKyfGPWSrfzxTORw9KcYxhwB_y5E0CPlsZxbEa/s320/betty-crocker-super-moist-cake-mix-chocolate-gomart-pakistan-1153-500x500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">MOIST<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Seriously,
is there ANYONE who likes this word?
It's very oddly spelled, it doesn't roll off the tongue very well, and
it makes everything associated with it sound dirty. Even SuperMoist cake mix.
And everyone knows that cake is the most heavenly dessert ever created.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Well,
at least I'd like to think so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ACTUALLY</span><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
<br />
Okay, so I have a love-hate relationship with the word
"actually". It's a word that
I find myself using way more than I should, and it has taken a conscious effort
on my part to not use it. It has
sometimes failed on my regard, and I'm sure that if you look through the
archives of this blog, you'll see me use that word a lot in my early entries. But then I think of how annoyed I get when I
hear people use it in conversation and how often other writers use it in their
articles and it's enough of a deterrent to not use the word again.</span></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NKLXe1TblVc/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NKLXe1TblVc?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And if that doesn't work, there's this clip from "America's Next Top
Model".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
now, the one word that I hate the most.
More than bae, snowflake, moist, and actually. And it's a word that many probably might be surprised to learn
that I hate so much. But here's my
least favourite word of all.<br />
</span><b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">SYSTEM</span></b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
hate the system.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">No,
not THAT System. I forgot how great of
a tune "Don't Disturb This Groove" is! That System can stay.<br />
<br />
But when it comes to the word system, I hate it. Not because of the word itself, but because of the way people use
the word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
something goes wrong in a person's life, they blame the system. When a child is bullied and nothing ever gets
done about it, they blame the system.
When paperwork gets lost at the hospital, or at a law office, or at a
school, they blame the system.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhvCOIRfBoVyyPUttUhfoSr3gl9utwvOCNLevjkzfiJAl_VfOmvvRj8SqSAcPIZQ5CCXnf5ddJWDU-kLnohUkDzWdhs_ixFk1umArpfJyxvfbWfdGowY_75fP4GBe4nEoJ8irxnFi_C8V/s1600/demotivation.us_We-often-blame-the-system-Even-if-we-started-the-disaster_13079960361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="600" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhvCOIRfBoVyyPUttUhfoSr3gl9utwvOCNLevjkzfiJAl_VfOmvvRj8SqSAcPIZQ5CCXnf5ddJWDU-kLnohUkDzWdhs_ixFk1umArpfJyxvfbWfdGowY_75fP4GBe4nEoJ8irxnFi_C8V/s320/demotivation.us_We-often-blame-the-system-Even-if-we-started-the-disaster_13079960361.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">To
me, the word "system" is another word for scapegoat. And to me, the word system is a convenient
way for people to shirk personal responsibilities onto someone or something
else to avoid taking on the challenge of fixing things or making life easier
for everyone else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
think it's gotten way too easy for politicians, CEO's, school board heads,
insurance companies, and anyone else who likes to blame the system for their
own shortcomings. I think that in a lot
of cases, the so-called "systems" get broken because of people within
them abusing their power and/or authority and how they get away with it because
nobody has the cojones to challenge them.
Whenever people cite the system as the reason why they can't...I want to
scream at them to stop using the word system and to start using words like
"proactive" and "responsibility".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Maybe
then, the word system won't have such a dark meaning behind it. And maybe then I won't dislike the word so
much.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 20pt;">But again.
Those are merely my thoughts on the matter. I want to hear from you.
What words make you want to burn your dictionaries? Let me have them in the comments section!</span>Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-85374171361407210672018-03-02T19:28:00.002-05:002018-03-02T19:28:24.562-05:00Recapping One Day at a Time - Episode 5 - Strays<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Well,
I'm finally back after a couple of weeks of hiatus. It was totally unplanned, of course. I got hit hard with that cold/flu bug that has been going around
and it knocked me off my feet. I
actually took my first sick day in two and a half years! I'm still not 100% over it, as I have a
wicked cough that refuses to die no matter how many cough drops I choke down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So,
as a result, I'm posting </span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Episode 5</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> of </span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Recapping One Day at a Time</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> a week late.
I may end up doing two of these next week as I have some vacation time
coming up to catch up. We'll see what
happens with that when it gets here.
For now, let's jump right in with today's episode entitled "</span><span style="color: #006600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Strays</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">". And, no...there are no
cats or dogs in this one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
we do see Elena and Carmen on the Alvarez family sofa draped in what appears to
be a Snuggie for two. Ah...remember the
Snuggie? I never owned one, but they
seemed to be all the rage five years ago.
Penelope comes in and sees both of them huddled on the sofa and Elena
explains that they are just taking a break from their big immigration
project. It appears as though Carmen is
staying for dinner, as Lydia is already preparing the meal. Oh, and Schneider is around as well and he
too is staying which prompts Penelope to make the remark about how they are
taking strays in. Ah, so there's the
origin of the title, though I feel there is more to it than that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Carmen
and Elena then ask if Carmen can sleep overnight, and when Elena remarks that
Carmen just shares a bed with her, it causes Lydia to comment on how weird it
is. Now, having seen the season in
advance, I can tell you that there is a little bit of foreshadowing to come
with this little scene, but I will not spoil it for you yet. Either way, Penelope doesn't see anything
wrong with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Besides,
when your landlord pops out of the bathroom wearing nothing but a towel,
suffice to say that your 14-year-old daughter sharing a room with her best
friend seems a little less bizarre.
Just putting it out there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Anyway,
after the rousing chorus sung by Gloria Estefan, we are at Penelope's workplace
where it's Dr. B.'s birthday! How
exciting! It seems as though Penelope
has everything planned. With assistance
from Lori and Scott, they will have a birthday celebration that Dr. B. will
never forget.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Only
Lori forgot to pick up the balloons.
And Scott forgot to pick up the cake.
And poor Penelope forgot to finish hanging up the banner because when
Dr. B. comes in, the banner reads "Y BIRTHDAY". Given that poor Dr. B. has not been having a
great birthday (it seems that everyone forgot it including his daughter who
just called him for his Netflix password which ironically enough are the
numbers that form his date of birth), it's just one more candle that refuses to
be lit. Of course, Penelope feels so
bad that she decides that she will throw a birthday party for Dr. B. at her
place tonight. Hmmm...I wonder how this
will effect the plans that Elena and Carmen have made for their sleepover?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Back
at the apartment, Penelope and Lydia are hastily putting together a birthday
party for Dr. B. Lydia is making dinner
and the birthday cake, while Penelope is putting out paper plates that read out
"It's a Boy". Yeah, I can see
that they wasted no time in ironing out every detail. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWg6JmKS7zk5H-HyyQAEIb3tlvxvL0nz8Sc52_3RDAoBQeH5KTI1nedY67gCAbtqWguiYb208CqbKLqn49xnRmsFne33w4swvXTb-4QNGlSil-qiSKTukC45ly61OhcGcWR9OiGDkOIf8/s1600/5odaat5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWg6JmKS7zk5H-HyyQAEIb3tlvxvL0nz8Sc52_3RDAoBQeH5KTI1nedY67gCAbtqWguiYb208CqbKLqn49xnRmsFne33w4swvXTb-4QNGlSil-qiSKTukC45ly61OhcGcWR9OiGDkOIf8/s320/5odaat5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Another
side plot of the episode is that Alex is selling chocolate bars for the school
fundraising drive, and initially Penelope is thinking that having Alex sell
them at the party is tacky...until she realizes that the party guests include
Scott and Lori and tells Alex to strike while the iron is hot! Ah, what the heck...anything to help the
school get new equipment, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpherPledfehdesylYJckw_cpIdZWGG8lPm-X8em_-5Zr-nHJoJsDW5Z7XixH-HNcjJ01CWG0vsA8ydRPNoIx0P6Vc4hLjPDb6WnSoNhJW2Ra6WPkd7Opi3gjX7cNHcbznl1e_NXdwlqq/s1600/5odaat6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPpherPledfehdesylYJckw_cpIdZWGG8lPm-X8em_-5Zr-nHJoJsDW5Z7XixH-HNcjJ01CWG0vsA8ydRPNoIx0P6Vc4hLjPDb6WnSoNhJW2Ra6WPkd7Opi3gjX7cNHcbznl1e_NXdwlqq/s320/5odaat6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
also appears as though the sleepover is off, at least as far as Penelope is
concerned. And while Carmen seems okay
with it, Elena is furious and actually backtalks Penelope. Oh, that's not going to fly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sure
enough, Penelope essentially tells Elena to lose the attitude and to be on her
best behaviour for Dr. B.'s party where she is expected to stay for the whole
party and where she will be expected to be enjoying herself. So, Elena and Carmen bid each other farewell
with a giant hug leaving Penelope looking very confused. I have to agree. I mean, it's like they're hugging as if they will never see each
other again. I wonder why?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Oh,
and Schneider brings over a centerpiece that looks as if it was stolen from a
gravesite. Yeah, nothing says happy
birthday quite like a floral arrangement symbolizing death. Though, in real life, Stephen Tobolowsky is
66 years old, so I'd say he's holding his age quite nicely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Dr.
B. has arrived for his party along with Lori and Scott, and as Dr. B. explains,
they are his friends for the evening as he picked them up and they have no way
to get back home again. Yeah, guilt
them into coming. That's a great way to
say happy birthday. It appears as
though this is the first time that Dr. B. at least has met Lydia as she appears
to be flirting with him a bit. Though
the actual conversation that they have is filled with a lot of laughs and I
will recap it at the end of this entry in my best lines section because it
really is hilarious. But we also learn
that Dr. B.'s real name is Leslie Berkowitz.
I'll still refer to him as Dr. B. though, as it's easier to type.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Alex
tries to sell chocolate bars to the good doctor, but somehow he's not
interested. And Penelope is trying to
get Elena to be more warm and more delightful towards Dr. B., but let's face
it. Elena's fourteen. And I know when I was fourteen, I wasn't
exactly a ray of sunshine - especially when I didn't get my own way! At least I can admit to that now!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Despite
Elena's bad attitude, the party does seem to be going off without a hitch. Everyone is having a delightful time as Dr.
B. tells them all a personal story about how he mistook a urine sample for
apple juice. And as I try to mentally
scrub the image of Dr. B. swigging down a hot glass of pee from my brain, I try
to look at the screen for something else to happen.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwDkdlabKfU5A6GGAUTdpdR3olJGneDJjsVIW6u0_BQ-7niRzcgdgHVPoZe6tXqRu_526-LkbbRbMNSpjj18Ww7u3BkYnmh83WOHzlfzWYcBksVEe_pMChd6QC-0mzZt21vvuCLXnmyRe/s1600/5odaat12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwDkdlabKfU5A6GGAUTdpdR3olJGneDJjsVIW6u0_BQ-7niRzcgdgHVPoZe6tXqRu_526-LkbbRbMNSpjj18Ww7u3BkYnmh83WOHzlfzWYcBksVEe_pMChd6QC-0mzZt21vvuCLXnmyRe/s320/5odaat12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Oh, a drunken Lori trying to hit on Schneider.
Yeah, you know what. Let's go
with that. At least Lori agrees to buy
five chocolate bars from Alex during this whole exchange. So, at least Alex is doing well. You know, come to think of it, between Alex,
Schneider, Scott, and Dr. B., Alex may very well have the highest IQ of them
all!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">When
it comes time to serve the cake, another hilarious scene (which I will
definitely recap in the best lines section of the blog) occurs when Lydia
starts singing "Happy Birthday" to Dr. B. in the style of Marilyn
Monroe. Between Lydia's diva attitude
where only she sings, her thick accent, and the goofy grin on Dr. B.'s face,
it's a very funny part of the episode.
There are quite a lot of laugh out loud moments in this whole episode.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Such
as the moment in which Penelope goes into the kitchen and we see that Carmen is
basically hanging outside on the fire escape!
I'm guessing that Elena is going to be in a bit of trouble if anyone
points it out.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMahAUOnSC8cgsqoKknKZzJ2DqoAk-uqHhqz5gW7kUyyB4D7yGw-mWY9mNvuXrJ98RR9PcNaNwgO7wue7XudRRj-1q1-fv3sruNZaJtPVw7VTLB6WzQWMlFfRx_KYn3eD0Gjz34eFL-tz/s1600/5odaat15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKMahAUOnSC8cgsqoKknKZzJ2DqoAk-uqHhqz5gW7kUyyB4D7yGw-mWY9mNvuXrJ98RR9PcNaNwgO7wue7XudRRj-1q1-fv3sruNZaJtPVw7VTLB6WzQWMlFfRx_KYn3eD0Gjz34eFL-tz/s320/5odaat15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Oh, good old drunken Lori. You can
always count on her to announce everything - much to Elena's chagrin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaDKtiAUejKpjA3Yq2JlBpI9qCnGgCZiM-5xStUaoGlGPiQ5VXMAuOCxQG74bScnomhzA878hoVzBiS5QzjK1zGYBnJ_HreYoUqQ-vP6sxeYde0yE4bZfzK_ph87wzFM0WkFRscP5tBDE/s1600/5odaat16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaDKtiAUejKpjA3Yq2JlBpI9qCnGgCZiM-5xStUaoGlGPiQ5VXMAuOCxQG74bScnomhzA878hoVzBiS5QzjK1zGYBnJ_HreYoUqQ-vP6sxeYde0yE4bZfzK_ph87wzFM0WkFRscP5tBDE/s320/5odaat16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So
once Penelope catches Carmen outside, she drags Elena away from the table and
proceeds to yell at her for disobeying her and now orders Elena to tell Carmen
to leave. Elena insists that there is
no way she can do that, but Penelope tells her that she has no choice. After the party is over, Elena has to force
Carmen to go back home. You know, Elena
seems awfully defensive about this - especially when she tells Penelope that
she really has to have Carmen stay so that they can work on their immigration
project. Unless the project is worth
95% of the final grade, I don't understand why Elena is so anal about it. Oh, but we will find out very shortly. I'd say within the next seven minutes,
anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zgrDYQBtki7lZZ3BWbJmrztDHnGWbyUzSAb_Q9_FKQmdSCr1U0rbAHjJuDL42ZJQH2QpA_d0rgB8fqO4tufhXxqUjKSC_Rzs6xycs_SZGC018VHya9YIJhbFdBywz8Fn5zoFEnGsdY8N/s1600/5odaat17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8zgrDYQBtki7lZZ3BWbJmrztDHnGWbyUzSAb_Q9_FKQmdSCr1U0rbAHjJuDL42ZJQH2QpA_d0rgB8fqO4tufhXxqUjKSC_Rzs6xycs_SZGC018VHya9YIJhbFdBywz8Fn5zoFEnGsdY8N/s320/5odaat17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Anyway,
when Penelope explains what has been going on, it actually triggers a
discussion on immigration policies, and it is here that Schneider drops a bit
of a bombshell. He's actually an
illegal immigrant! Okay, so technically
he came to the country from Canada on a student visa, but still...he never
really went through the channels to become a proper American citizen. I don't know. Given how inept Schneider can be, I should be offended that he's
written as being Canadian (especially with the stereotypical jokes that Norman
Lear has slipped in at Canada's expense).
But I love Norman Lear so much that I will totally let it slide. Besides, Todd Grinnell did a great job with
Schneider 2.0.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFNZKEFPwH2zOivbAL9usEBN9tkancgd5_zpoww5J9TwrV_ZZ-V8J-xPEZajvjX3a6lj79paZKxZvEkwBbyLGIGC35uJC1A2-a_fFYAsTkuyfz2BhSiNmzwnAce2tIbK4D8s1tTTm_jJc/s1600/5odaat18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFNZKEFPwH2zOivbAL9usEBN9tkancgd5_zpoww5J9TwrV_ZZ-V8J-xPEZajvjX3a6lj79paZKxZvEkwBbyLGIGC35uJC1A2-a_fFYAsTkuyfz2BhSiNmzwnAce2tIbK4D8s1tTTm_jJc/s320/5odaat18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
also like the fact that the episode also features differing points of view
without people getting overly nasty with each other. Scott, for instance, is all for immigration as long as it is done
legally - which I completely agree with him on that point. But then he goes into his typical snake oil
persona and adds that the country is too full as it is, and therefore all the undocumented
people should be forced out of the country.
Penelope, on the other hand, argues that for some of the illegal
immigrants, they fled situations that were beyond their control (war, for
instance), and they wanted to have the chance to have the life that they always
dreamed of for themselves and their families.
It's a passionate argument that seems to get everyone's
attention...especially Elena's. In
fact, it prompts Elena to want to speak to her mother in private. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">It
is here that we get the major bombshell of the episode. The one which explains the title of the
episode - Strays. It seems as though
the reason why Elena was so defensive about Carmen is because Carmen doesn't
have a home to go to any longer. Her
parents have been deported! Now this
explains a lot. It explains why Carmen
has been around so much, and why Elena is so protective of her. Penelope realizes the situation is serious,
and has to come up with a solution, but before she does that, she must find a
way to end the party.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zmbXDXMdt_jJDrESG29wSpGLY4Q9_YgJH0Im6sJlc-offUGc54kX1z8T9v24R2nBAOjZCN8u4voHAX312KaT0aTCUdI6Znhp7wzZgoAE9dZcV5ONkgZbXIKJlg76yGwPQ9N_LxSQ2MQj/s1600/5odaat19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3zmbXDXMdt_jJDrESG29wSpGLY4Q9_YgJH0Im6sJlc-offUGc54kX1z8T9v24R2nBAOjZCN8u4voHAX312KaT0aTCUdI6Znhp7wzZgoAE9dZcV5ONkgZbXIKJlg76yGwPQ9N_LxSQ2MQj/s320/5odaat19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Well, I suppose Lori passing out on Schneider's lap is a good excuse. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXjOXnZUJ1GixeU1KPFKfcTpH1ixd-yUJSyRbG3h-igC9C9U0V5u7eKUYBwvgcacf1ORLs0biVzt503lRObCPCOPKAFk_o7MViKwByCnli2kKBcE4FccD-7E-m-Hl8P6m3XqdOuKD5Sor/s1600/5odaat20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwXjOXnZUJ1GixeU1KPFKfcTpH1ixd-yUJSyRbG3h-igC9C9U0V5u7eKUYBwvgcacf1ORLs0biVzt503lRObCPCOPKAFk_o7MViKwByCnli2kKBcE4FccD-7E-m-Hl8P6m3XqdOuKD5Sor/s320/5odaat20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After
the guests have all left (and after Lori threw up in the hallway), Penelope and
Lydia talk to Carmen and Elena about what happened. The story goes that Carmen's parents crossed the border into the
United States from Mexico before Carmen was born - therefore, Carmen is an
American citizen, but her parents were not.
Carmen's father got sick, and they were on their way to meet up with a
doctor who treated undocumented residents.
But on their way to the clinic, they were caught, detained, and deported
back to Mexico. Carmen's been on her
own since, and Elena has been using an immigration project to keep Carmen at
their place until they figure out what to do.
The charade has been going for two weeks, and I think to
myself...wow. The truth is that this is
a real issue that is facing thousands of people in the United States, if not
millions. Many people are so desperate
to try and better their lives and get new opportunities that they will do
whatever it takes to make it happen, even though the methods might not be the
proper way. Of course, we know that the
proper way can take years to achieve, and sorry to say that with the current
administration in the White House, a lot of families are being split up because
of this. And poor Carmen is an innocent
victim of this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Now,
Carmen does have a way out. She does
have a brother who is also American-born, and Carmen can stay with him. The problem is that he lives in Austin,
Texas - which is halfway across the country from Echo Park, California. Which essentially means that Carmen and
Elena will have no choice but to say goodbye to each other. As much as it pains Elena, Penelope does
convince Carmen to make the right choice and move to Texas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXl2Smm1uvLl59ZdYVdBcpJJcmSMOlsNqa0jsf5wM5dtHhEaMjll-UR3KJInH0XUFNkUnnMt8YsKgFGV6JpNtYk_ijv_SBYa-txKVPbg_3V5AcHk_zNf5mw3GgUhjPMP5a75p2P0iLUxdA/s1600/5odaat21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXl2Smm1uvLl59ZdYVdBcpJJcmSMOlsNqa0jsf5wM5dtHhEaMjll-UR3KJInH0XUFNkUnnMt8YsKgFGV6JpNtYk_ijv_SBYa-txKVPbg_3V5AcHk_zNf5mw3GgUhjPMP5a75p2P0iLUxdA/s320/5odaat21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Elena
is very upset about this, and cries that she can't believe that they sent her
parents home. But Penelope corrects her
and says that they sent them away. It
really is a heartbreaking episode, and there really is no happy ending to be
found. But alas, it is a subject that
is a hot button issue in 2018, and kudos to Norman Lear and the cast of
"One Day at a Time" for telling the story so sensitively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARIH0QemXDVjffyItfCNkx_hpebTBimuCEaMEKsLNfbdYcwNb4_tdS_RJ_KXr7p0wg6Fa7L114qR5aIqW8laYcN9QJa7Vi2iRu8IY5dIWYF-NY0Sq8Q_y0jgb6PfeSUZ7eOBBcpaTRGmP/s1600/5odaat22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiARIH0QemXDVjffyItfCNkx_hpebTBimuCEaMEKsLNfbdYcwNb4_tdS_RJ_KXr7p0wg6Fa7L114qR5aIqW8laYcN9QJa7Vi2iRu8IY5dIWYF-NY0Sq8Q_y0jgb6PfeSUZ7eOBBcpaTRGmP/s320/5odaat22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It's
time for Carmen to leave, and naturally, the Alvarez family is very sad to see
her go. But they provide a few going
away gifts for her. Lydia gives her a
warm hug and a farewell. Penelope gives
Carmen her old duffel bag filled with some essentials and some cash to help her
get started in Austin. Aw, it's nice to
see Penelope and Carmen getting so close considering that Penelope was a little
afraid of her when she was first introduced in Episode 3! Schneider is taking Carmen to the airport
and he has purchased her ticket to Austin, which was very nice of him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0jF1p8SyesnK1P5c2r85PrtYqn_CB3W3zJa5y8RKYU1zUcWT4Pyh3JrviYm0aXXNMHn1jpH5NgCegSp6t056pK9t-my2BuCsn9u068uCzDQ7nJxiLjhwAM9H6gN-ognK6erTuUAS1SoE/s1600/5odaat23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0jF1p8SyesnK1P5c2r85PrtYqn_CB3W3zJa5y8RKYU1zUcWT4Pyh3JrviYm0aXXNMHn1jpH5NgCegSp6t056pK9t-my2BuCsn9u068uCzDQ7nJxiLjhwAM9H6gN-ognK6erTuUAS1SoE/s320/5odaat23.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
Alex gives Carmen some free chocolate - the same bars that a drunken Lori
forgot to take home with her! Well, I
guess it's the thought that counts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUJ25FU8B5oS5eMw-MusU4E9R6ie93j-NNks71L4bmwn-uC_oj0VsetizumalUSKYilOw73xdZwoOUVJFsLVSNkMe8YHUkctnvZki6cw8CRFwQLaXi0MnW6DU0UVZgzRbTSM_NE1NljO7/s1600/5odaat24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifUJ25FU8B5oS5eMw-MusU4E9R6ie93j-NNks71L4bmwn-uC_oj0VsetizumalUSKYilOw73xdZwoOUVJFsLVSNkMe8YHUkctnvZki6cw8CRFwQLaXi0MnW6DU0UVZgzRbTSM_NE1NljO7/s320/5odaat24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So,
Elena and Carmen hug each other one last time, and Elena breaks down in tears
as she says goodbye to her best friend - perhaps for the last time. And then she joins Penelope and Lydia in a
final group hug, putting the close on a very good, yet very emotional
episode. If this is what it is like after
the first five episodes, I can only imagine what the last eight of season one
will be like!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Now
comes the time for the most memorable funny quotes from the episode. There certainly are a lot to pick from. Here are my favourites.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666699; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCOTT:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> You
know what's weird? The bakery where you
told me to pick up the cake? I was
there getting coffee this morning!<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Okay,
this? This right here is why we have
two stars on Yelp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ELENA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> No,
no, no. It's not fine. She has to stay. This isn't fair!<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> She's been
here most of the week. Can she only
survive in this apartment's atmosphere?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
Happy birthday, Dr. Berkowitz!<br />
</span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">DR. B.:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Oh, please,
call me Leslie.<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Why would I
do that? That is a woman's name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">DR. B:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> It
is also my name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Uh,
that's too bad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
(singing) Happy birthday to you!<br />
</span><span style="color: #666699; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCOTT:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Did she
just say "To Jew"?<br />
</span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">DR. B.:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Doesn't
matter. It works both ways!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666699; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCOTT:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> So,
you're an illegal alien?<br />
</span><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Well, we
prefer undocumented. But, yeah. Born in the 'Couve, overstayed my student
visa, forced to live in the shadows of Pepperdine University. Took me a while to get rid of the accent,
but now I can say I am sorry about that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
Wow. You must have been very
brave, Schneider, coming here with everything.
Knowing only the entire language and struggling to unlearn the metric system.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I sense a litre of sarcasm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">Join us next time when we see Penelope buy some
new wheels...and have some fond, yet painful memories of the old ones.</span>Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-86170329125302794132018-02-16T19:37:00.001-05:002018-02-16T19:37:05.061-05:00Recapping One Day at a Time - Episode 4 - A Snowman's Tale<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
week's episode of "</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">One Day at a Time</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">" is structured a
little bit differently, as it uses flashbacks to tell the tale. Thank goodness there are little subtitles
telling us when the events take place, or else I would really be screwed!<br />
<br />
This is </span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Episode 4: A Snowman's Tale</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. And yes, there is a reason for the title which is actually quite
clever - and funny! For now, let's pop
in at Echo Park, Los Angeles on a Saturday night at 6:40pm where we see
Penelope applying some bright red lipstick in the back of an Uber driven by </span><span style="color: olive; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Jerry</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Penelope
is really excited about going on a date, and she tells Jerry all about it even
though Jerry looks as if he'd rather drive off the side of the freeway. But hey, given that this review is being
posted two days after Valentine's Day, I guess it's almost perfect timing. Penelope can't help it though. It's her first date since splitting up with
Victor and she's really nervous about it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She's so nervous that she decides to call Lydia at home to talk about it. Oh, dear. But at least we're treated to a flashback to Lydia's youth. In Havana, Cuba in 1958, we learn that a
young Lydia first meets her husband-to-be, </span><span style="color: #99cc00; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Berto</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. And judging from the scenes where we see them dancing, it was
love at first tango!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I should note that Berto is Penelope's father (though you probably figured that
out). And he passed away a few years
prior to the show beginning which explains his absence in the series.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
appears as though Lydia's talk with Penelope gave her the courage to go ahead
with the date...even though Schneider is a wreck. Yeah, I guess it's official.
Schneider is part of the family now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It's
now 7:00 pm, and Jerry is just wanting to ditch Penelope so that he can
continue on with his merry Uber way, but somehow Penelope comes to the
conclusion that he wants to hear more about why she went on the date in the
first place, and it is here where we get our first flashback of the episode.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Friday
at 12:30pm at Dr. B.'s medical office.
Dr. B, Penelope, Lori, and Scott are having lunch and talking about
their plans for the weekend. Seems like
this crew is a boring lot, as Scott plans to go bowling and Dr. B. plans on
stalking innocent shoppers at Target looking for friendship. And yes, I did just type this sentence out
with a weird look on my face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
Penelope seems to have a strange look on her face when she announces that she
has no plans for the weekend, and everyone decides that she needs to start
dating. Among conversations of
microwave dinners, dating apps, and Lori thinking 38 is way old (which makes ME
want to give her head a shake as I'm almost THIRTY-SEVEN), Penelope is goaded
into putting herself back out on the market for dating again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Particularly
after a delivery driver who has a package for Penelope arrives and gets her
heart all a-flutter. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Yeah,
Penelope's still got it.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Well, at least
she did yesterday at 12:30pm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It's
now Saturday night at 7:18pm (wait, that conversation with Jerry took eighteen
minutes - no wonder he wanted to speed away from the area), and Penelope has a
new friend. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Bartender
</span><span style="color: #339966; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14pt;">Michelle</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> is the next one to hear all about Penelope's date,
and I'm guessing based on the fact that Penelope is shooing away customers and
Michelle is sucking back shots that Michelle is wanting to jump in Jerry's car
so she can flee. I think Penelope needs
to chill. And maybe take a tranquilizer
dart! </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">But
it's through her conversation with Michelle that she brings up the snowman
analogy.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Penelope calls herself a
snowman because right now, it's winter and everything is in place.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">But when spring comes, everything melts and
she'll just end up looking like a mess.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Honestly, it's much funnier when Justina Machado says it because she's
just that great of an actress.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
ends up showing Michelle a photo of her date - a policeman named Adam. And this prompts another flashback to 5:30pm
on Friday night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">You
see, Penelope is freaking out about the dating app, and of all people she seeks
help from, she chooses Schneider! Oh,
Penelope, why do I get the feeling this is doomed to fail before it even
begins?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZSn3_pN7JrydUCe-CviWlA_F9jCVZGbnxe2FpoUy1B03guBoBQAprmNw-WkFYFozVV9tTqOOsVZfC4VFXDLnfNuwDENU9pM5Cw2bMhw_QauxPnT5HUGWL_bFVUhZgIHr9O6mJpK4FnOt/s1600/4odatt11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglZSn3_pN7JrydUCe-CviWlA_F9jCVZGbnxe2FpoUy1B03guBoBQAprmNw-WkFYFozVV9tTqOOsVZfC4VFXDLnfNuwDENU9pM5Cw2bMhw_QauxPnT5HUGWL_bFVUhZgIHr9O6mJpK4FnOt/s320/4odatt11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Turns out that Schneider is actually quite good at making dating profiles
(which makes me think that he uses them quite often). Unfortunately he's not that great at photoshopping as in his
quest to cut out Elena and Alex from Penelope's photo, he adds a bicycle to the
photo without removing the kids' shoes.
Personally, if a person had a bicycle with feet, I'd be intrigued to
meet them, but I'm weird like that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
course, this causes Penelope to have a panic attack as she doesn't know what
her family will think. After all, Lydia
thinks that she and Victor will get back together again, and she doesn't know
how Elena and Alex will react. Schneider
simply suggests that Penelope doesn't tell them, and this prompts her to set up
a date with this Adam guy for Saturday at 7:30pm. Wow, Penelope must really want this date!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuIPs_AzJGI4hLXXBSRlauKk0i8fbc7H09Iydb4GmgCH0uD6Sca_dPx1VEFSBZKBZH4hCQjVBKguNjPT6GpDqgo_qoeRp8xyPvZMKvEnwz5-3qy-KXsxp7vhheIQ8o2I4ihvwYy0Ojjo2/s1600/4odatt12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuIPs_AzJGI4hLXXBSRlauKk0i8fbc7H09Iydb4GmgCH0uD6Sca_dPx1VEFSBZKBZH4hCQjVBKguNjPT6GpDqgo_qoeRp8xyPvZMKvEnwz5-3qy-KXsxp7vhheIQ8o2I4ihvwYy0Ojjo2/s320/4odatt12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Three
minutes before the date is set to start, Penelope is in the bathroom with her
"new best friend" </span><span style="color: #cc00cc; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Abby</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, who seriously just wants
Penelope to spare a square or two of toilet paper. Okay, now Penelope is sharing her date story with women who have
to pee? Wow, I'm beginning to
understand why she hasn't been on a date in twenty years! Just saying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsi3LFAdC0XoRa7D2XrOnHh4TDPP2odf37-pRcnNnvXiLfzCLyv8JYkSiugeNkWKr9W8Jj_j9bggHK2DrJgoA_abpewz1bLnzuJ4dlDoiT6nPX_Ev7_C72w2R-_G8gO-ceEB2k-CAeti-/s1600/4odatt13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDsi3LFAdC0XoRa7D2XrOnHh4TDPP2odf37-pRcnNnvXiLfzCLyv8JYkSiugeNkWKr9W8Jj_j9bggHK2DrJgoA_abpewz1bLnzuJ4dlDoiT6nPX_Ev7_C72w2R-_G8gO-ceEB2k-CAeti-/s320/4odatt13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
I must say, Penelope does look stunning in her jumpsuit. She even boasts about shaving off her
"lady 'stache" in preparation.
First off, kudos to the show for having a strong female lead admitting
that she has lip hair. And secondly,
she must have done a great job shaving it off because I don't see any trace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
Penelope's admiration of herself in the mirror is interrupted when Abby begins
crying in the stall. She's bummed
because her boyfriend Benji won't propose to her. Considering that her boyfriend has the same name of a dog from a
1970s film series, maybe she's better off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Penelope starts to comfort Abby, but when she sees that Abby is a six foot
tall, 22-year-old drink of water that could pass as a contestant on
"America's Next Top Model", she laughs and tells her that she will
get over Benji, marry rich, and be on the Real Housewives of Whatever
County. Yeah, like THAT'S something to
aspire to! But it does cheer Abby up,
and Penelope tells her that she will now say the last thing her mother said to
her before her date - "Good luck".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIM82Y3nO62LLETW6v3NMTS7PZiAsCR-60cbxkhEiZIdmXXP7DXKKtnCX1s2PLm44gqyOZ4zkOOumn2n4iiFqtL8JaNMv8P9fvyyab7dtEQRyyxAfySG6d6iht4DpuGOrtus1NeyZQz3v/s1600/4odatt15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCIM82Y3nO62LLETW6v3NMTS7PZiAsCR-60cbxkhEiZIdmXXP7DXKKtnCX1s2PLm44gqyOZ4zkOOumn2n4iiFqtL8JaNMv8P9fvyyab7dtEQRyyxAfySG6d6iht4DpuGOrtus1NeyZQz3v/s320/4odatt15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
course, Abby is confused because she recalls Penelope telling her that she
didn't tell them that she was going on a date.
Flashback to Saturday morning where Lydia informs Penelope that
"red lipstick is for putas!"
Yeah, I don't need a Spanish translator to tell me what THAT word means!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
seems as though both Lydia and Elena aren't as clueless as they let on. Thanks to Penelope's peach fuzz free lip,
they know that she has plans tonight, and both have different reactions about
it. Elena is happy that Penelope is
going on a date and happily reminds her that at 38, she is at her sexual peak -
something that grosses both Lydia and Penelope out! Lydia, meanwhile, is more blunt.
She calls her a hoochie! Harsh,
but keep in mind that Lydia is old-school and believes that separation is
unheard of. Ah, so my mistake, the
couple is only separated and not divorced as I first thought. See, that's why I watch every episode three
times when I do these reviews.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcx1FqL78J56FBoi_lhKbrKx3Brt_NB5MpNee8PQpNLVW6x1nn4x1R91e7VsI4_NWf8KlkWT1vLtVgnoZsbR5TesDOrSJjyImnre4AvmMm_7haCr3wRQuuV-XSWSa7-FY7B5zjAF9aHxfr/s1600/4odatt16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcx1FqL78J56FBoi_lhKbrKx3Brt_NB5MpNee8PQpNLVW6x1nn4x1R91e7VsI4_NWf8KlkWT1vLtVgnoZsbR5TesDOrSJjyImnre4AvmMm_7haCr3wRQuuV-XSWSa7-FY7B5zjAF9aHxfr/s320/4odatt16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
course, Alex is not in the loop, and Penelope doesn't want him to know what is
going on, so they play an awkward game of mannequin leaving Alex wondering what
the heck is going on. But when Alex
asks Penelope for a hundred dollars, that unthaws Penelope and she tells him
that there is no way that she is giving him that much money. Alex claims that he needs it to hang out
with his friends, but that's all the information he wants to share. I'm guessing that Penelope said no. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZa8_AT5V156OkqRZdgsbfuTtenFqE5XOQZGfS17WyvsC5Hln-eDVmE4WNA_fAkKqaiDBTdHnK3sx5TM8rbxd56376jvSMS85LIP1lTRdj1pnjZsJ_8kCIBd7gpBD_ZL7wnnHypBLkxeFH/s1600/4odatt17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZa8_AT5V156OkqRZdgsbfuTtenFqE5XOQZGfS17WyvsC5Hln-eDVmE4WNA_fAkKqaiDBTdHnK3sx5TM8rbxd56376jvSMS85LIP1lTRdj1pnjZsJ_8kCIBd7gpBD_ZL7wnnHypBLkxeFH/s320/4odatt17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We
also see a little bit of an interesting tradition that Lydia embarks in. Even though Berto has been deceased for
years, she still talks to him occasionally as if he is still alive. And while Lydia is annoyed that Penelope
interrupted her and "ghost Abuelito" (as Elena calls him), Lydia does
relent and wishes Penelope luck on her date.
She even offers to let Penelope borrow her tube of "Scarlet
Sunrise" lipstick! But wait...I
thought red lipstick was for...oh, nevermind.
We should be getting back to Penelope's date which should begin right
about...now!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Q5eFKv-03V_-O7sy-HNZmJnynjxGwSPdAolW1r6iJldiXfCp6VO6WsKiBur2wX9_Dd4nzkq3CvcYq18DlGNzkCYCYgzhfXNwEUxjPRn45qqbKtRlxPR7HMDSWXkedsiEv1jQ39nROcKM/s1600/4odatt18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Q5eFKv-03V_-O7sy-HNZmJnynjxGwSPdAolW1r6iJldiXfCp6VO6WsKiBur2wX9_Dd4nzkq3CvcYq18DlGNzkCYCYgzhfXNwEUxjPRn45qqbKtRlxPR7HMDSWXkedsiEv1jQ39nROcKM/s320/4odatt18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Well,
okay, she is actually harassing who I believe is the maitre 'd of the
restaurant she is supposed to meet her date at. We don't know much about her except that her name is </span><span style="color: #33cccc; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Kristen</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and that she probably wants to call up Jerry at Uber to take her
anywhere but where she is right now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Once
Penelope is seated at her table, we meet another new person, </span><span style="color: teal; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tyler</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. At this point, I'm thinking this is the
fifth person Penelope has encountered and she hasn't even met her date
yet! They must have had a huge budget
for guest stars during the 4th episode!
Tyler also looks familiar...isn't he that guy in that insurance
commercial that comes out and sees that his car has been stripped by
thieves? I swear it's the same
guy. Anyway, Penelope starts to babble
on about her date, but somehow when Tyler asks her what she wants, it causes
her to stop talking! Oh, thank
goodness. Maybe now we'll finally see
her on her date.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Or,
maybe it's Saturday night at 10:41pm and we see Penelope arriving home AFTER
her date! I don't know about you, but I
feel cheated.<br />
<br />
And apparently so do Elena and Lydia because once Penelope reveals that the
date didn't go well and that she won't be seeing him again, they are quite
disappointed. I get the feeling that
there's more to the story here, but that will have to wait for now as Alex has
arrived and has heard everything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At
this point, Penelope decides that it is time to have a chat with her youngest
child, and she sends Lydia and Elena away so she can do exactly that. It's interesting to note that Alex has a
bandage on his face, and Alex explains that a kid pushed him in the
bushes. But that's not the REAL story
here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
course, before we do that, Penelope tells Alex about his date - and the real
reason why the date didn't work out. As
we flashback to three hours earlier, the waiter leaves, and so does
Penelope! Yep, she stands her date
up! Her explanation to Alex is
simple. Up until that moment, nobody
had ever asked Penelope what she wanted.
She took advice from colleagues, family members, and five random strangers,
but nobody asked her what she wanted.
Turns out that what she wanted wasn't a date at all, and she came to the
conclusion that she wasn't ready to go out on a date yet. She spent the last three hours at the movies
watching a horrible chick flick. But
she did send Adam an apology text, and squared things up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
prompts Alex to share the truth about what happened on HIS night out. Turns out his friends purposely abandoned
him so that he could be alone with a girl named Anna thinking that they would
find a love connection! But, Alex just
wanted to be friends with her. Though
he does admit that he tried shaving before he left (which explains the
bandage), and Penelope seems to suspect that maybe Alex really does have some
feelings for Anna (though he won't readily admit to them just yet). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
this of course leads to a rather unusual bonding moment between Penelope and
Alex in which Penelope teaches Alex how to shave. Again, props to the "One Day at a Time" crew for
showing women that it's okay if you have facial hair and to not be ashamed of
it! This show is actually quite
progressive, and I think that's why I enjoy it so much. Not because of just the shaving scene, but
because of how well Penelope handled the dating nerves. Sure, she wasn't ready yet, but she did tell
Alex that one day she would be.
Thankfully, Alex offered his blessings, and I'm sure that as the show
progresses, we'll see Penelope involved in more romances. After all, 38 is when women reach their
sexual peak, or so the show states.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4X_Mi6_sOA6bAS2B5W63v87yGO0FjSewE8M9pIP52csM0W7GeynLfr_AiHy26Kp3TfB3BZTTp00PqNVcNH3cc5QegPVXgmLTXKW4_jqLfcNUb6ldwNGHUpIXuxYBDDwq6NXX1eDslrJ-l/s1600/4odatt24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4X_Mi6_sOA6bAS2B5W63v87yGO0FjSewE8M9pIP52csM0W7GeynLfr_AiHy26Kp3TfB3BZTTp00PqNVcNH3cc5QegPVXgmLTXKW4_jqLfcNUb6ldwNGHUpIXuxYBDDwq6NXX1eDslrJ-l/s320/4odatt24.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">There
is one final scene which is quite touching.
We finally get to see what Lydia imagines when she pictures herself in
Cuba with her beloved Berto (this time as an old man portrayed by Tony Plana). It's very much like the scene we saw back in
1958, but with them as adults. And let
me tell you, it is clear that no matter how much time passed, and despite the
fact that one of them crossed over to the other side, these are two people who
will forever love each other. It's
actually a great way to end off yet another fantastic episode.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
now here are some of the funniest lines from episode four. Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666699; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCOTT:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doc,
you're forgetting about the best part about being single.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dating apps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, they're great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There's guys like me out there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh,
I didn't know there was an app called 'Disappointment'.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm
a snowman.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #339966; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">MICHELLE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't wanna be racist, but does that mean coke dealer?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
the hell do I do this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I like?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do I swipe?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do I put someone in my cart?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's like watching a baby bird learn to fly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm
not looking to have sex with someone!<br />
</span><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, let's
not put that in your profile!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get it,
you mean a real date.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes,
it's been 20 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know, back then,
online dating meant hooking up while waiting in line to buy Boyz II Men
tickets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I helped turn a couple of boys
to men.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ALEX:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Anyway, stupid Finn pushed me into a bush and I got scratched.<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do you
like that kid again?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because he seems like
a ---<br />
</span><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ALEX:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like a
dick?<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, but
that's not okay that you said that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tune
in next week where we tackle the subject of immigration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get the feeling that this might involve
Elena and Carmen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just a hunch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">In
closing, I want to pause to give a moment of silence for the seventeen people
who were killed in the Florida school shooting on February 14, 2018.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Seventeen hearts for seventeen souls.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3</span></div>
Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-61626596355524973542018-02-14T17:10:00.002-05:002018-02-14T17:10:27.220-05:00Valentine's Day For One? Fun!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: magenta; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I thought that I would do a bit of a blog and run today, being
that today is February 14th and all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Apparently it's something called Valentine's Day, or Love Day,
or Shoot The Person You Love in the Butt with an Arrow Day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I guess that's why I am writing this blog in hot pink today - to
put me into the mood of all things love.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Problem is, I don't have a Valentine. I don't think I've had a Valentine since those days in elementary
school where we would give out little Super Mario, DuckTales, and Garfield
cards to our classmates with those chalky "BE MINE" conversation
hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But unlike past years, I'm surprisingly okay with this. And do you want to know why?<br />
<br />
Because I have already declared 2018 to be the "Be Your Own Best Friend
Year". And to go one step further,
I've decided that I am going to be my own Valentine this year. Because when it comes down to it, why
shouldn't I treat myself with love, kindness, respect, and chocolates?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Seriously, it's a great way to overcome the Valentine's Day
single blues by showing yourself a little love once in a while.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For instance, have a look at what I bought for myself this year
for Valentine's Day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Let's see...we have a couple of comic books (because I am a
comic book geek and unapologetic about it), I bought a T-shirt showing my
support for the Canadian Olympic Team (ten medals so far including three gold),
and of course a whole bunch of chocolate.
My selections including Lindt and Hershey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Oh, and I did get some Valentines from a couple of my co-workers
- including one that was left unsigned, so I guess I might have a secret
admirer of sorts. Who can say,
really? I wasn't actually expecting to
get ANY, so the fact that I did get some was a nice surprise!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But again, I don't expect any gifts for Valentine's Day because
to me, I don't think you need just one day out of the year to express your love
and devotion towards somebody. In fact,
you don't need one day of the year to tell yourself that you're worth loving
and you're worth respect, and that you're worth the effort in treating yourself
right. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">So, that's what I did. I
became my own Valentine this year. And
let me tell you, it made me feel SO relaxed and SO happy for the day. Granted, Valentine's Day will NEVER be my
favourite holiday, but at least by making myself top priority and showing
myself a little love, it might help me hone my skills so that I can bestow and
share my love with somebody else one day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7X3YpXiI5dM/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7X3YpXiI5dM?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: 20pt;">But if that doesn't happen,
at least I'll be showing myself a little love.
And really. There is NOTHING
wrong with that.<br />
<br />
Happy Valentine's Day, singles, couples...and oh, what the hell...triples too!</span>Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-10107938461439410482018-02-12T19:30:00.002-05:002018-02-12T19:30:34.932-05:00Super Mario 3 - My Favourite Levels!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">One
of the things I like to do to relieve some stress is play video games. I know, some of you are probably thinking
that activity is one of the worst ones for reducing stress. Honestly for some games, you would be
absolutely right. If I were playing a game
that I either hated or one that I found incredibly difficult, I'd likely be
throwing a controller through the television screen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
in the case of today's game, it doesn't make me do that, as every time I play
it, I am instantly taken back to being a carefree eight-and-a-half year
old. God, I miss being eight-and-a-half
again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
it so happens, this game is celebrating its 28th birthday this year! (Or, thirtieth if you live in Japan.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Yes,
it was on February 12, 1990 that "</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Super Mario
Bros. 3</span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">"
was released in North America. The game
was originally released in 1988 in Japan and as of right now it is the third
best selling video game in Nintendo's history.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
why not? The game was a massive
improvement over the first two games released for the Nintendo Entertainment
System and really stretched the capabilities of the NES cartridge. Eight massive worlds with eight different
bosses, the game is huge! The game is
also responsible for introducing some of the mechanics and characters that have
appeared in future Mario games. It
marked the first appearance of the Boo enemies, the first time Mario could
carry a Koopa shell, the first time Mario could fly in a game (via the Raccoon
leaf), and the first appearances of Bowser's seven children. And that only taps into the tip of the
iceberg when it comes to the innovation and challenge the game brought.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
still remember the first time I played it.
Amusingly, I rented it from a video game place and interestingly enough,
I ended up playing a copy of the Japanese version - which was MUCH HARDER than
the American version. Don't ask me how
they got the Japanese version, but they had it! But I didn't care at that point.
From the first level, I absolutely loved it and would play that game
hours on end for two whole years!
Yep. I was a hardcore Mario fan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That's
not to say that I didn't have my frustrating moments with the game. Once you got to World 5, the difficulty
level went from child's play to impossible without the use of a Game Genie in
no time! But I persevered and the first
time I completed the game, I was ecstatic.
And then when I completed the game WITHOUT warp whistles, I was even
MORE ecstatic! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Come
on...you all know you used at least ONE...)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Anyway,
I got to thinking...there are a ton of levels in Super Mario 3, and I thought
about which levels I enjoyed playing the most.
We all have our favourites, and certainly I know which levels I really
look forward to playing whenever I played the game. So, I went through each of the eight playable worlds (I don't
include World 9 - The Warp Zone), and I chose my favourite level out of each of
them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">(Oh,
yeah...the screenshots were actually taken from the SNES version of the same
game. And they are not from me
playing...I took them from a playthrough posted on YouTube. Besides, I could get a much higher score.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">WORLD 1 (Level 1-1)</span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
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I know, I know. Choosing the first
level of the game just seems like an easy choice. But to be honest with you, this was the level that made me go
"oh my goodness" when I first played this game 28 years ago. It's essentially a tutorial level filled
with the enemies that you'll likely encounter (Goombas, Koopas, Pirahna
Plants). It also contains your first
taste of the Raccoon Leaf which allows Mario to fly. It's a simple level, but it really does pack a punch and gets you
excited for the rest of the game.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">WORLD 2 (Level Quicksand)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What
makes this selection really bizarre is that it was initially a level that I
despised! It took me a week to try and
figure out how to defeat the level - which I consider one of the toughest of
the early levels. It's bad enough that
you only have a time limit of 200 seconds to complete it. You also have to deal with a gigantic angry
sun that dive bombs you as you figure out how to maneuver yourself around huge
sand tornadoes! But that's where the
fun of the level comes from. It's a mad
dash to the finish, and figuring out the solution to the level was half the
fun. Who knew you could take out the
sun with a Koopa shell and use your super speed run to avoid the
tornadoes? It's such a crazy level, but
I couldn't imagine the desert area without it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">WORLD 3 (Fortress #2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
have a love-hate relationships with Mario levels that force me to swim
underwater. If I have a Fire Flower or
the Hammer Brother suit (one of the best power-ups in the game, by the way),
I'm fine. If I am little Mario, I hate
them. But Super Mario 3 introduced the
Frog Suit in the game. On land, it's
mostly useless. But underwater? It made swimming levels so much easier. For the level in which you should try the
Frog Suit out, I recommend the second fortress in the water world. The fortress is 95% underwater and features
some tricky swimming sections. Because
the Frog Suit can allow you to move more straight underwater, it is a
godsend...and it makes this level so much enjoyable to play!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">WORLD 4 (Level 4-1)</span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
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Really, I could have put any level in this section because the entirety of
Giant Island was so much fun! Seeing
question blocks, enemies, and pipes at three times their size offered a
challenging, but comical way to look at the world. In the end, I went with 4-1 because the sheer shock and joy that
I got playing through this massive sized world...that's a moment forever etched
in my mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: grey; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">WORLD 5 (Level 5-3)</span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
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Kuribo's Shoe, Kuribo's Shoe, Kuribo's Shoe!
In case you're wondering, a Kuribo is the Japanese word for Goomba. And in 5-3, it is the ONLY level in the
whole game where you can try on the gigantic green boot that the Goombas hop
around in. And boy what an awesome tool
it is. It allows you to hop over sharp
pirahna plants and Spinys to get through the level. And it can take out an enemy in one hit with just a simple
squish. It's criminal that this
power-up only exists in the one level...but it's because of this that 5-3 is my
favourite level in the fifth world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">WORLD 6 (Level 6-10)</span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
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The ice world is my frozen hell on this game.
I loathed every level of it for the first nine or ten stages. The slippery ice was enough to cause me
headaches, the near impossible jumps were devastatingly difficult, and don't
even get me started on the trick to beating 6-5 (a level I couldn't figure out
for TEN YEARS). But then the glorious
6-10 came along and redeemed the world for me.
Provided I had a fire flower on me, I could shoot at the ice blocks and
get as much money as I could. I also
ran the risk of unthawing some enemies, but seriously...shooting fire at ice
blocks to reveal treasure inside? That
was the most fun level ever!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">WORLD 7 (Level 7-7)<br />
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The pipe levels irritated me just as much as the ice levels did, but for some
reason, I found Pipe World to be slightly easier. (Well, aside from 7-4, which was an underwater disaster.)<br />
<br />
But I think what I liked best about 7-7 was that it was a simple level that you
could just blow through in a rapid pace.
The fact that there were Starmen that could grant you invincibility
scattered through the level every ten seconds certainly made this a breeze to
get through - and also amped up the fun considerably!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
finally...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">WORLD 8 (Bowser's Castle)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">No
contest. The final level of the game is
also the one that I enjoy the most of the final world. The final world is extremely difficult to
navigate on its own, but this castle tests all your skills in a huge way from
Bowser statues shooting lasers at you, to gigantic lava pits, to fireballs
piercing the air at a rapid pace. It is
such a stressful level, but in an epic way.
The fact that you're almost at the end just increases the
excitement. And did you know that there
are two different routes you can take that will change the way you fight
Bowser? One route takes you to the easy
room, where Bowser is suspended above a large brick platform where you just
have to make him fall through...but there is a harder room where the gap you
have to make him fall through is much narrower.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 18pt;">So, those are my picks for favourite Super Mario
3 levels. What ones were your
favourites? And what other features of
the game did you love? Let me know in
the comments below!</span>Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-5336831731338564222018-02-09T19:38:00.002-05:002018-02-09T19:38:38.591-05:00Recapping One Day at at Time - Episode 3 - No Mass<br />
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Welcome
to the next installment of "</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Recapping
One Day at a Time</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We're about to start episode 3 - "</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">No Mass</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And this episode
appears to be a Lydia-centric episode, so if you love the adventures and one
lines of Abuelita, this is one episode that you should watch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if not...well, watch anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, this episode does touch on the subject
of religion - which can be quite the touchy topic this day and age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But overall, I liked the way it was
presented.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You'll see what I mean as we
go ahead with this recap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For
now, it's a typical morning with Lydia waking up to a serenade of Cuban
music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm not sure who sings it or
what the song is called, but it's certainly a song that makes you get up and
dance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And dance is what Lydia does
very well as she makes the coffee, cooks breakfast for the kids, and makes sure
Alex's uniform pants are nice and clean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We
also learn that Lydia is a devout Catholic, and even posts a picture of Pope
Benedict on the refrigerator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Penelope
jokes that she has two other photos of the Pope in her room and takes the
picture down, but Lydia just brings another one up and sets it on the kitchen
counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This will be a key element in
today's episode.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
opening credits roll and before you know it, it's dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lydia has made dinner for Alex and Elena
(and Schneider who apparently is part of the family now).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Penelope has had another long day at work
and has nearly missed dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least
Lydia has managed to make enough to feed her, and as she serves Penelope,
Schneider talks about his unusual family arrangements which include a father
and four step-mothers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, I'm
starting to understand the reason why Schneider is the way he is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You'll see more when I post the funny lines
of the episode (which has a surprisingly high amount of laugh out loud
moments). </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Oh,
and we also meet Elena's best friend </span><span style="color: #666699; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16pt;">Carmen</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">, who apparently is best
described as a cross between Lydia Deetz and Selena Gomez. She's moody, she's depressed, she's
dark...essentially she's your typical fourteen year old these days. And fair warning, she's got a recurring role
throughout the rest of season one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Penelope
is a little concerned that she isn't spending a lot of time with her kids, and
she wants to make it up to them on the weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, Saturday is out as Elena and Carmen are working on
a school project and Alex and Lydia are going to watch a wrestling match.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Penelope makes the suggestion that they go
for a hike on Sunday morning, but Lydia ixnays that idea, as they have to go to
church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Penelope
thinks that they can skip church for one day because she really wants to spend
time with her kids, but Lydia scoffs at that idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Schneider offers a compromise by suggesting that they go for the
hike after church, but Penelope dismisses the idea, claiming that by the time
they say hello to everyone there and sing all the hymns, it's already
evening!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'll have to take their word
for it since I'm not one for organized religion and the last time I was in a
church was for a wedding I attended three and a half years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
this sets up the conflict for the episode.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lydia is insistent that the family attend church as planned on Sunday,
but Penelope is insisting that spending time with her children is more
important than church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lydia tries to
get the kids involved, and Alex sides with Lydia saying that he finds church
fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elena, on the other hand, seems to
side with Penelope - which could likely explain some of the reason why Lydia
and Alex have a closer relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At
this point, Penelope has had enough and sends the kids and Schneider away so
she and Lydia can hash it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as
Penelope and Lydia get talking, they get angrier and angrier with Penelope
getting upset that Lydia is trying to turn her apartment into Jesus' Pinterest
page, and Lydia upset that Penelope won't let her have an opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fight ends with Lydia storming to her
living area and angrily closing her curtain - since she doesn't have a door!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The next morning, the Cuban music starts to play, and Penelope goes into the
kitchen, but notices that Lydia isn't around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She is confused, but decides to try and make breakfast herself - and
gets so caught up in the beat of the music that she throws coffee all over the
floor!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whoops!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Elena
and Alex wake up, wonder where Lydia is, and Penelope is wondering why Alex
doesn't have his pants for school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
goes to investigate what is going on and Lydia isn't here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently she has run away from home!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But where could she have gone?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Penelope and the gang think that Schneider might know something about it, so
they go to his apartment to find out more information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have to say that Schneider's place is a
typical man cave with record albums and comfortable furniture...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">...and
a half naked woman wandering through the place without a care in the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wow, this really IS a man cave!<br />
<br />
At first, Schneider denies knowing anything about Lydia's whereabouts, but when
Elena smells plantains and coffee, Schneider is forced to reveal that Lydia
spent the night after their fight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
doesn't know where she went after that though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All he remembers is that he called an Uber for his one night stand, and
it hasn't arrived yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meanwhile, Alex
gets a zinger in when he asks if Abuelita forgot to give Schneider's girl her
pants too!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
appears as though Penelope isn't the only one who is fighting with a family
member.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After getting into an argument
with his thirty-seven year old daughter whose main ambition is writing a
vampire erotica fan fiction, Dr. B. is at his wit's end as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This prompts Penelope and Dr. B. to have a
heart-to-heart over what is happening with Lydia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It takes a little bit of bluntness in the Dr. B. way for Penelope
to understand what is going on, but she's maybe starting to see the point that
Lydia was trying to make about how Penelope might be taking her for granted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
conversation is interrupted by a call from Schneider, who reports that Lydia
still hasn't come home which makes Penelope worry even more because Lydia has
never been not home when the kids come home from school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is struggling to figure out where she
could have gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily, Dr. B. seems
to have a train of thought on the subject - which sort of derails a bit - but
eventually Penelope figures it out and stops by the one place where Lydia would
feel closer to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbY3H4aeKPwDfnaOiBAHo6H3yrmzoC7Ra09d0in_LdMFzP6ypqk3q1ljeTmo-wtSafjuqdsXRiZ6NFaABppJPpbfh6FPdkq7ZJUAmqPpLa3Xl9TySkITw0FJzrhE9wGeTMXWefIZk-Uve/s1600/3odaat12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbY3H4aeKPwDfnaOiBAHo6H3yrmzoC7Ra09d0in_LdMFzP6ypqk3q1ljeTmo-wtSafjuqdsXRiZ6NFaABppJPpbfh6FPdkq7ZJUAmqPpLa3Xl9TySkITw0FJzrhE9wGeTMXWefIZk-Uve/s320/3odaat12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At
the church, Lydia sees Penelope in one of the pews, and she attempts to start
conversation with Lydia about what happened (though a nosy churchgoer named </span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Birdie</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> seems to be overhearing everything and Lydia cautions Penelope to
speak softly).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Lj_qr3XDrnGnk3upVx0EmYkkE9MjCRLTAVkONhDi-ZJ_dDgn9GVqKvW_W4Zl96Q3ExYkhHrNPVrHsREtVF8P32KbLYyvqr6ToeS4O8jmOheLfzS9_AVwuSTLd_BVYhO1izH9aR909A4z/s1600/3odaat11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Lj_qr3XDrnGnk3upVx0EmYkkE9MjCRLTAVkONhDi-ZJ_dDgn9GVqKvW_W4Zl96Q3ExYkhHrNPVrHsREtVF8P32KbLYyvqr6ToeS4O8jmOheLfzS9_AVwuSTLd_BVYhO1izH9aR909A4z/s320/3odaat11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
takes a while to convince Lydia - and in between the conversation is an analogy
of Lydia's mother slicing onions as well as Lydia mistakenly believing that
Penelope plans on putting her in a retirement home - that Penelope is sorry for
what she said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when Penelope
mentions that Lydia is the glue that holds the Alvarez family together and that
she is needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Lydia ALMOST agrees
to come back home...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3UXmt4TNDjV8pTqZ8rJjKYydEQzZ1BS7cSgYLKNYVouWfMyHt4E1QKw42yNhnmh4tqdsocsJ1-EmPe7Nky51rcGH7b9XxXUCKLMjFcM1FigrH9ZXJ5I08XKX_966JBxCGi1-Df2TYfvN/s1600/3odaat13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3UXmt4TNDjV8pTqZ8rJjKYydEQzZ1BS7cSgYLKNYVouWfMyHt4E1QKw42yNhnmh4tqdsocsJ1-EmPe7Nky51rcGH7b9XxXUCKLMjFcM1FigrH9ZXJ5I08XKX_966JBxCGi1-Df2TYfvN/s320/3odaat13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">...until
Penelope mentions that she plans on never going to church again, which really
sets Lydia off!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Birdie tries to
interject, Lydia rings a bell in her ear, and tells Penelope that she will come
home when she is ready - in an Uber.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Yeah, I guess we know who stole the Uber that Schneider called for his
lady love of one night.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZc0wr7mbbME75zHF03TKP2K3qlzwDX0KL97G8X2WF3a3zVxjKX53UQPWT0l0fU2owhCRAq9Hb3CrERvu3dd5YJsehmonWVgOSj7E4g1FIjsd26_4ugCBrI3riv2wXHWv8tOHFdA9eDqGD/s1600/3odaat14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZc0wr7mbbME75zHF03TKP2K3qlzwDX0KL97G8X2WF3a3zVxjKX53UQPWT0l0fU2owhCRAq9Hb3CrERvu3dd5YJsehmonWVgOSj7E4g1FIjsd26_4ugCBrI3riv2wXHWv8tOHFdA9eDqGD/s320/3odaat14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Penelope
comes home where Schneider has prepared a meal for Elena, Alex, and
Carmen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no clue what the dish is
except that it has nettles and it prompts Penelope to thank Schneider for the
Caucasian meal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ouch!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm Caucasian and I haven't even heard of
nettles!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeS1u-0HTiNIW-J26LIdQd2wgud_DGKF4-SyohUQlnW9VPqIYw8754CVLHNyoQ1nS7ID5Jw0H7ZXq1QnbRIrE3S-wwrs8b6MBlazkU67sudSZYAkseJ7TVGuWNRGryqRABYh8CeNmbC0_m/s1600/3odaat15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeS1u-0HTiNIW-J26LIdQd2wgud_DGKF4-SyohUQlnW9VPqIYw8754CVLHNyoQ1nS7ID5Jw0H7ZXq1QnbRIrE3S-wwrs8b6MBlazkU67sudSZYAkseJ7TVGuWNRGryqRABYh8CeNmbC0_m/s320/3odaat15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Fortunately,
Lydia arrives back home and Schneider immediately gives her a humongous
hug!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Lydia wonders who threw up on
the table!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, poor Schneider...the
butt of all jokes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
course, Lydia tells everyone that Penelope has decided to stop going to church
and declares that while the rest of the family will go to church every Sunday,
Penelope will be going to hell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Wow!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Harsh!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fHhul-arz-wndUOSCZyTchCeXd3Hu2uAjNZOVE0-tdFF7Ezi7RnVZINjsLatiP48gAN4-hM3c6duB60P3wrCDSSZQoawRs-1hqTd8Ptgt-RU71LWJ161ST4xwCYXw9uB33G5hUo4vwhW/s1600/3odaat16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4fHhul-arz-wndUOSCZyTchCeXd3Hu2uAjNZOVE0-tdFF7Ezi7RnVZINjsLatiP48gAN4-hM3c6duB60P3wrCDSSZQoawRs-1hqTd8Ptgt-RU71LWJ161ST4xwCYXw9uB33G5hUo4vwhW/s320/3odaat16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But then Penelope drops a truth bomb of her own when she declares that she
doesn't even know if she believes in God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now that's a show stopper!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
Lydia stares at Penelope in shock, Penelope explains that she is happy that God
brings Lydia comfort, but she doesn't see a need to include God in her life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXWiEGgAWsht43L2owv_lRTW28E5sHZIQgbLfU7LTKJL-S0r8nRHG-exqM-tbUeD4Jg70hJnSMjGcG4F8PBAxtUe8ACK_sYyNpPQecWJlLiu9KDNhhMYPjWRxGcsPSwHTxEPueNbJlRRS/s1600/3odaat17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXWiEGgAWsht43L2owv_lRTW28E5sHZIQgbLfU7LTKJL-S0r8nRHG-exqM-tbUeD4Jg70hJnSMjGcG4F8PBAxtUe8ACK_sYyNpPQecWJlLiu9KDNhhMYPjWRxGcsPSwHTxEPueNbJlRRS/s320/3odaat17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
prompts what could be considered one of Rita Moreno's most brilliant
monologues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Breaking into tears, Lydia
recounts how when Penelope went away to Afghanistan, she went to church every
day and prayed to God to keep her safe...and the very fact that she did come
home proves to Lydia that there is a God, that God is real, and that she loves
God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkG1HmaGaRm5qY_YNfXKzdPCSEp8jIgTARnodALBAzEWBT3hHkeT6alLJytP_0Qclv8VqcYbPBRNjke77LIaPX6p-QZjAZbHAMJ0g_jwx2VPEcWtuJLBFFO1ovAZQAeBeI42I7CFOKNDP/s1600/3odaat18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkG1HmaGaRm5qY_YNfXKzdPCSEp8jIgTARnodALBAzEWBT3hHkeT6alLJytP_0Qclv8VqcYbPBRNjke77LIaPX6p-QZjAZbHAMJ0g_jwx2VPEcWtuJLBFFO1ovAZQAeBeI42I7CFOKNDP/s320/3odaat18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Cue
the Kleenex and the tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Penelope is
so moved by the tale that she gives Lydia a hug and a sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Penelope does reveal that she does have a
connection to God via the cross necklace that Lydia gave her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And while Penelope still doesn't want to go
to church every day, they do reach a compromise and they will go to church on
major holidays and a few other times...so they won't be known as THOSE people
according to Lydia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
don't think that Lydia hasn't learned a valuable lesson herself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Penelope tells everyone about a time in
which she was in surgery for twenty hours at the army infirmary and she was
extremely beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She saw Serena Williams
playing a match on television and it gave her the strength to keep going, and
Lydia finally understands that sometimes you just need someone to keep you in
the right direction whether it's a religious figure or a tennis player.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7EQTU8bOR6rUHEl3WsJgkYSFmQC_mHLpRAyb59Sfk4RGKB8-5llNJ2oiW0vdPgBQNtFbWvJk-rxDVTE8O-E-zCbuHRPZaAX2BcgQA_yU0V7Jtj4i5HcvfoetFTqGBdJXkbvruLJvjyIZ/s1600/3odaat19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7EQTU8bOR6rUHEl3WsJgkYSFmQC_mHLpRAyb59Sfk4RGKB8-5llNJ2oiW0vdPgBQNtFbWvJk-rxDVTE8O-E-zCbuHRPZaAX2BcgQA_yU0V7Jtj4i5HcvfoetFTqGBdJXkbvruLJvjyIZ/s320/3odaat19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">That
message couldn't be made much clearer when the following morning after Lydia
wakes up to make breakfast, she posts two photos - one of the Pope...and a new
one of Serena Williams!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Awwwww...the
feels!</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ijmAAcsG30Teh6Bmp6yOOeIiiMXbHIcStNPD7xoLMUejfWfbA-_QlQ1xGAQME9_5-XoWb81sba5V4IhHVO13XvPkSqlHca3YkcymCV93bYTqbiyxVnOSs3rYIKn1JyUhB1ugxn-ZBndi/s1600/3odaat20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ijmAAcsG30Teh6Bmp6yOOeIiiMXbHIcStNPD7xoLMUejfWfbA-_QlQ1xGAQME9_5-XoWb81sba5V4IhHVO13XvPkSqlHca3YkcymCV93bYTqbiyxVnOSs3rYIKn1JyUhB1ugxn-ZBndi/s320/3odaat20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And as all is well in the Alvarez household, I have to say that the show did a
bang up job with doing an episode on religion without being too preachy about
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was beautifully written and at
times I could see everyone's points (and everyone made good points).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even like Elena's friend, Carmen - though
she does look a little too much like that disgraced X Factor New Zealand
judge...Google it, you'll understand what I mean.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Now,
as I said, this episode is chock full with soundbites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here are a few of my favourites.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes my nanny would join me, but only if I agreed to watch
telenovelas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ELENA:</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ooh,
those are so over the top.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one time,
Rosa got jealous of the housekeeper 'cause she was makin' a move on her man, so
she threatened to throw live scorpions on her while she slept.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sounds good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Which one was that?<br />
</span><span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh,
no.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rosa was my nanny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ex-nanny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Now stepmother.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
don't like the kids having dessert every night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh,
come on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Es una cosita.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
we have to watch our sugar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dad had
diabetes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So,
I killed your father?!?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">DR. B.:</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Where would a devout Catholic woman go after
an argument with her daughter about religion?<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE: </span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you,
Dr. Berkowitz.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">DR. B.:</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we need to answer
the question.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ALEX:</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did
you find Abuelita?<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, she's
with Jesus now.<br />
</span><span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ALEX</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> and </span><span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ELENA:</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>WHAT?!?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No,
no!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She's at church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Uh, poor
choice of words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She's no longer going to church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #ff6600; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">ALEX:</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
can do that?!?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
can't.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will all go together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Your mother will go hiking with Satan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yeah, and then we'll go to Applebee's.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>'Cause Satan loves the Fiesta Lime Chicken!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Coming
up next week, Penelope goes out on a date using a dating app that Schneider
found.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What could go wrong?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-79778879873197009862018-02-07T16:45:00.000-05:002018-02-07T16:45:02.316-05:00"This Is Us"<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">An
interesting thing that I've noticed that I've been doing for 2018 so far is
talking about more current pop culture events.
This wasn't intentional, but so far I think I'm liking it. As well, whereas 2017 was more music themed,
I think 2018 seems to be focusing more on television. And why not? I think as
we get further into the year, 2018 seems to be the year where we are entering
another golden age of television. There
are a lot of really well-written shows on both cable networks and online
streaming sites, and the choices are endless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Sometimes,
you never know what show you'll become engrossed in until you sit down, watch
an episode, and hours later you're on episode seventeen and realized you forgot
to eat lunch and dinner!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Well,
okay...maybe that's a little extreme, but you get the picture. Truth be told, last week I got ensnared in
the binge-watching trap and found a show that lots of people have been talking
about and it is considered one of the highest rated television series of the
2016/2017 television season. In fact,
it is a show that was so well received that it was automatically picked up for
three seasons AFTER THE FIRST EPISODE AIRED!
In today's television landscape, that never happens!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsFDT36N3hBIEnf1n-ikPluoRmOcq83D89tyq68IRALr2H3jzCPSCRrDf9pI2H9GyGHc-lX-5OvOlnpsgiAWuxiERodqxeHqorY55OEHZS_fmz49CgIY8QFxjgQ2-FUFqaWgBfd1uCJFJ/s1600/91zRyX51tSL._RI_+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsFDT36N3hBIEnf1n-ikPluoRmOcq83D89tyq68IRALr2H3jzCPSCRrDf9pI2H9GyGHc-lX-5OvOlnpsgiAWuxiERodqxeHqorY55OEHZS_fmz49CgIY8QFxjgQ2-FUFqaWgBfd1uCJFJ/s320/91zRyX51tSL._RI_+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
course, there hasn't been a show like "</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This Is Us</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">" to come around in
years. It's the television show that
has essentially made NBC "Must See TV" again after almost an entire
decade of flop after flop. But the
series - created by Dan Fogelman - is one that is really unique in that it
tells the story of a family dealing with the happy times and the sad
times. The show is unique in that it
tells the story through time jumps. One
moment, you're in the year 1980, the next, you're in 2016, the next, it's 1998,
and so on, and so forth. It's like
"Cold Case", but without someone getting murdered each episode. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Though,
there is one person in the show that IS dead...but we'll get to that a little
later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZG3YJD_zZCKARjeCfHb5pvc1RokF2VVh1J_XEMQTOrTYvZQ8hOglw9NIuykJjO-A0xNHqnmWzr0tgRPB6AsDh1RyG8e2lqNAJHbjQd8X4F62PA6jVLfqoVmpvtwQXt-o47XXM_eMhn3V6/s1600/this-is-us5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZG3YJD_zZCKARjeCfHb5pvc1RokF2VVh1J_XEMQTOrTYvZQ8hOglw9NIuykJjO-A0xNHqnmWzr0tgRPB6AsDh1RyG8e2lqNAJHbjQd8X4F62PA6jVLfqoVmpvtwQXt-o47XXM_eMhn3V6/s320/this-is-us5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Part
of the charm of "This Is Us" is the brilliance of the cast. The cast as of season two (and it's a large
cast indeed) includes Milo Ventimiglia (Jack), Mandy Moore (Rebecca), Justin
Hartley (Adult Kevin), Chrissy Metz (Adult Kate), Sterling K. Brown (Adult
Randall), Logan Shroyer (Teen Kevin), Hannah Zeile (Teen Kate), Niles Fitch
(Teen Randall), Parker Bates (Child Kevin), Mackenzie Hancsicsak (Child Kate),
Lonnie Chavis (Child Randall), Susan Kelichi Watson (Beth), Chris Sullivan
(Toby), Ron Cephas Jones (William), Eris Baker (Tess), Faithe Herman (Annie),
Jon Huertas (Miguel) and Alexandra Breckenridge (Sophie). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As
mentioned about, the show revolves around a family. In this case, the Pearson's.
Jack and Rebecca are married and Rebecca delivers triplets on Jack's
36th birthday - Kevin, Kate, and a third baby that was stillborn. As luck would have it though, a firefighter
finds an abandoned baby at a firehouse and Jack and Rebecca adopt him and name
him Randall to complete their "Big Three". Tragically (and I suppose I can share this now since most
everyone has heard about it by now), Jack dies when his children are seventeen,
and since then, the Big Three have had to deal with their own issues following
Jack's death. Kevin has to deal with
finding his footing as an actor while simultaneously battling a drug
addiction. Kate is an aspiring singer
who just happens to have an issue with her weight and body image. And while Randall seems to have every cog in
place, the reappearance of his biological father causes him to re-evaluate
everything important to him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
series begins on the Big Three's respective 36th birthday celebrations where
all three kids come to a realization.
Randall discovers that he wants to have a relationship with his
biological father, William - who happens to be dying of cancer. Kevin quits his sitcom after he is fed up with
the writing and opts to start a career in theatre. And at a weight loss support group, Kate meets the love of her
life, Toby, and embarks on a relationship with him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/o3f43qRC-sA/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o3f43qRC-sA?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It's
a wonderful series that depicts every possible emotion you could
experience. You'll be shedding a lot of
sad tears, but there are some comedic moments where you'll be shedding some
happy tears as well. Let's put it this
way, you'll need to have lots of Kleenex on you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/X05MC1nsARo/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X05MC1nsARo?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
please...don't destroy your crock pots either.
Anyone who knows what I am talking about has likely watched the show!<br />
<br />
So, how is the best way to talk about the various characters and
storylines? Well, I think that when it
comes to the Pearson family, the best bet is for me to talk about each
character by ranking them from most favourite to least favourite. Though this has nothing to do with any of
the actors. All of them are outstanding
and I think all of them deserve an Emmy award for their fine work. But some characters are more developed than
others, and I am sure that as the show continues we will learn more about them
and my rankings will change.<br />
<br />
For now, here's my list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">#1:
JACK PEARSON<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Okay,
you know something, Jack is NEARLY the perfect dad. He's really the dad that everybody wants to have. He is kind, he is loving, he is supportive,
and he will do almost anything to make sure that his loved ones are okay. In fact, you could argue that resolve was
ultimately what killed him - but that makes us love him even more for it. Of course, he may be my favourite character
on "This Is Us", but even he's not perfect. His penchant for alcohol is one flaw he has. And while the Pearson family might hold him
in high regard, that's not to say that Jack doesn't have more secrets to
unearth. For now, he's the glue that
essentially holds this cast together - in life and in death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">#2.
RANDALL PEARSON<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">He
may not be biologically related to the family, but Randall is every bit a
Pearson. And as the only one of the Big
Three to have a family of his own, he is definitely following in Jack's
footsteps as far as fatherhood goes.
With his lovely wife Beth, he is raising his two daughters with as much
love as Jack showed him. He's arguably
the most financially sound of the Big Three as well, and he certainly seems to
be the guy that everyone seems to hold in high regard. The reunion with William just made Randall
that much likeable. My only foible with
Randall is that at times the show depicts him as TOO perfect. And unlike Jack, it means that Randall
sometimes comes across as being on auto-pilot.
The story arc with William certainly helped Randall develop as a
character, and I want to see more of that as the show progresses because it
makes him a much richer character. We
all know Sterling K. Brown can act (he has the awards to prove it). I hope to see more of it in action.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">#3.
KATE PEARSON<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She's
the middle child of the Big Three, and the middle character in this list. I don't dislike Kate, but I'm not over the
moon over her either. During season
one, it was as if every single storyline was about her weight issues. It was fine for a little while, but it
should have never been the main focus because otherwise we'd lose interest
pretty quickly. But as season one ended
and season two began, Kate's popularity grew on me. It helps that the child and teen actresses are probably the
closest to Chrissy Metz's real looks and mannerisms which makes her the most
believable of the characters. But I
think her relationship with Toby (which I wasn't feeling during season one, but
like a lot better in season two), as well as her aspiring music career has
helped flesh her out as a character.
And from the flashback scenes of Jack's death, we sort of understand why
Kate turned out the way she did - well, as least partially. And another reason why is linked to #4 on my
list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: green; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">#4 - REBECCA PEARSON<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Look,
I have nothing against Mandy Moore.
She's a great actress, a great singer (yes, I'll admit to having
"In My Pocket" and "I Wanna Be With You" on my iPod), and
frankly if she DOESN'T get an Emmy nomination at least, the system is
flawed. She has put out some awesome
work this year. That said, the
character she plays is the definition of "the road to hell is paved with
good intentions". I don't think
Rebecca means to be overly critical...she really does want what's best for her
family. I just think that she makes a
lot of poor decisions. It's hard to
excuse the fact that she hid William from Randall all those years, but seeing
her explain why she did what she did...I get why she did it. It still makes it the wrong choice, but I
get where she was coming from. But the
criticisms she gives to Kate about her singing and her appearance likely
sparked Kate's issues with positive body image, and I feel as though this will
be an ongoing thing. I also want to
understand how she and Miguel fell in love.
After all, Jack and Miguel were best friends. There's still plenty of story to tell with Rebecca, and the
second season has done well in trying to repair the relationships between Rebecca
and her kids...but more work needs to be done.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: "Futura Md BT"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">#5. KEVIN PEARSON<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Again,
this has nothing to do with the actor who plays Kevin. Justin Hartley is a fantastic actor as are
the two other actors who play young Kevin.
They all do a great job in portraying a character who makes questionable
choices and some rather selfish decisions.
And yeah, during season one, Kevin was NOT my favourite character. He seemed to lack direction in a huge way,
and while he seemed to take one step forward once in a while, he would take
about eighteen steps back the next episode.
I also didn't appreciate the fact that he treated Randall so terribly
during their formative years, and I thought he was sort of a jerk. It actually wasn't until we saw Kevin go
into rehab and open up more that we learned why that was the case. I have hopes that Kevin will become a better
character, and every now and then he will have flashes of brilliance that makes
me think that he's a great character.
But he does have the roughest road to redemption. But hey, as I said earlier, Justin Hartley's
a great actor, and I think he's up to the task.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">So, that's my entry on "This Is
Us". And now that I have finished
it up, I need to buy some more Kleenex.
Do you agree or disagree with my list?
And do you have any "This Is Us" moments that you want to talk
about? I'm open to hearing them!</span>Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-64318154752005043472018-02-02T21:04:00.001-05:002018-02-02T21:19:13.189-05:00Recapping One Day at a Time - Episode 2 - Bobos and Mamitas<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
week in "</span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Recapping One Day at a Time</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">", we'll be looking at
an issue that has been a problem for working women for decades now. And while I feel the solution for this
episode is a bit of a quick fix in comparison to what really takes place, I feel
it's still a great episode.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is </span><span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Episode 2: Bobos and Mamitas</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">. Now, I am incredibly rusty on Spanish, so I had to use Google
Translate to try and decipher them. I'm
still lost on the meaning of Mamitas, but a Bobo is a Spanish word for
fool. Or maybe even stronger than
that. I get the feeling that Penelope
is going to have her hands full with stupid people this week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For
now, we pop in where we left off last week, where we see Penelope and Lydia in
bed together. Because as we learned,
Penelope used to fall asleep when her now ex-husband used to spoon her. So, naturally, Lydia decided to take
over. Not that this is weird in any way
according to her, of course. During the
night, Penelope wakes up in a panic, and it is clear that she has had another nightmare
about her time in Afghanistan.
Fortunately, Lydia is there to help her through it and calm her down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">A
side note is that Lydia also happens to wear makeup to bed. Not weird at all. No weirder than sharing your bed with your thirty-eight year old
grown daughter, anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After
Lydia leaves the room to make breakfast, we see Penelope with the bottle of
anti-depressants she was prescribed and she takes one, telling her reflection
in the mirror that she'll be okay. Good
for her. It's not easy to admit that
one might need help to deal with mental issues, and I applaud her for taking
this step.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
following morning, Lydia is doing yoga while Elena is pounding on the bathroom
door as Alex flushes the toilet five times in a row. Elena is furious that Alex is wasting water and is "killing
the planet", which Alex seems to take great pleasure in. See, Elena is very much passionate about
ecology and saving the planet, and is actually in the midst of doing some sort
of environmental protest at her school.
I think it has something to do with composting, but I didn't really pay
attention because at this point Elena kind of annoys me as a character. Isabella Gomez is a lovely actress. Elena is a bit of a pain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">She
is determined to make her case, but Lydia is too distracted by the fact that
she isn't getting ready for school and tells her to put on some makeup - which
Elena hates. See, there's another thing
you should know. Alex (whom Lydia
refers to as Papito) is her favourite.
Elena is...not so much. Though
it could be because Elena and Lydia are so different personality wise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
course, Penelope isn't in the mood to hear any of it at the moment. She has to report to work early because
there's a staff meeting at the clinic where she works. But before she leaves, she tells Elena that
when she makes her case to not be taken aback by the "Bobos", and
that if they try to make her feel bad, to just smile and pretend it doesn't
bother her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
apparently, there's only four people at Dr. Berkowitz's clinic. Despite this, Dr. B. still insists on taking
attendance. Yeah, I get the feeling
that Dr. B. is socially awkward. Which
is fine. I get it. I'm that way as well. Aside from Dr. B. and Penelope, we have the
secretary, </span><span style="color: #339966; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Lori</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> - who admittedly is a bit of a ditz who
believes that wearing the wrong bra size her whole life is a pressing issue
that greatly affects the quality of care given to the patients of the
clinic. We also have a male nurse named
</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">Scott</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> - and based on his cell phone addiction, his sucking
up to Dr. B. and his overall holier-than-thou attitude, I get the feeling that
this is our "Bobo" in this episode.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">We
learn just how annoying Scott can be when Penelope presents an idea to keep
patients happy. She believes that if
they stagger the appointments of all of the patients in the waiting room by
five minutes, it will make them less cranky because they don't have to wait so
long. It's a decent idea. But Scott arrogantly tells Dr. B. that the
idea will NEVER work because it will actually lessen the quality of care that
they receive, which causes Dr. B. to take Scott's side. You might want to remember this scene for
later. Either way, Penelope is really
annoyed, and we see her smiling so huge you'd think she was doing a commercial
for Scope mouthwash. But make no
mistake...she wants to kill the Bobo.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Of
course, every episode of every sitcom has some filler material in it. This time around we have Lydia teaching
Schneider how to salsa dance. Nothing
really important except for two things.
One, in her mid-80s, Rita Moreno can still slay a dance floor. She and Todd Grinnell must have had a really
good time filming this scene. And the
other is when the rest of the family arrive home, Elena screams out "We
get it! We're Cuban!" It made me chuckle, anyway. It then leads to a family dance party. Again, total filler, but still somehow
satisfying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Anyway,
we learn that Elena's quest to save the world from pollution didn't go as
well. As in kids were throwing
hamburgers at her head the whole time.
Penelope understands her frustration and proceeds to tell her all about
what Scott did - all while trying to stifle the fact that she wanted to rip out
his intestines.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmP7r1SJ8NMFWfcnpBjr-wUeL8Gk0hi7h69XTZfLw0h9wB2T1M1AZG0ly8A89Gh6vnVPQdNEe2lO8GbEIioS5o3HpLm7Z2N-mxX_jtQ2XP_YwkJPqol30HcS9gArYxurt2galPWI_N7Yd/s1600/2odaat8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmP7r1SJ8NMFWfcnpBjr-wUeL8Gk0hi7h69XTZfLw0h9wB2T1M1AZG0ly8A89Gh6vnVPQdNEe2lO8GbEIioS5o3HpLm7Z2N-mxX_jtQ2XP_YwkJPqol30HcS9gArYxurt2galPWI_N7Yd/s320/2odaat8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Elena remarks that it is sexist - which further proves the fact that she is a social
justice warrior in training. But in
this case, she is one hundred per cent correct. Though amusingly, Penelope remarks that it isn't sexist because
he didn't call her a Mamita (ah, so I get the feeling that Mamita is a slang
term for baby, or chick, or some other derogatory name for women). Besides, Penelope explains that if Elena
really wants an example of sexism, she needed to look at the army. Penelope dealt with sexism all the time when
she was a soldier, and eventually she proved herself by being better than the
males who kept catcalling her. While it
is respectable that Penelope earned their respect, I have to actually side with
Elena in that Penelope should confront Scott about his actions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Oh,
and Schneider tries to interject by talking about mansplaining, but really the
only thing this serves to do is make me annoyed by Schneider.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Q9ntApMiDJGtSzdqsk3ClBotd6OtJ0Wh6DC4JmjSseWh_EIYK41NythFs8td0Rzgz46L8F_tLUD1zTYHIfE7dOW9Sxiv-d0F6EWW_u3w0NTww5YBAouL-ty6vm7zaWx38T_6vFSqpthU/s1600/2odaat9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Q9ntApMiDJGtSzdqsk3ClBotd6OtJ0Wh6DC4JmjSseWh_EIYK41NythFs8td0Rzgz46L8F_tLUD1zTYHIfE7dOW9Sxiv-d0F6EWW_u3w0NTww5YBAouL-ty6vm7zaWx38T_6vFSqpthU/s320/2odaat9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Or
maybe the annoying one is Lydia. After
everybody goes to bed, she sneaks into Elena's room and opens up a makeup case
with enough cosmetics to stock the shelves at Sephora for three whole
years. Apparently Lydia has decided to
give Elena an "America's Next Top Model" makeover while Elena
sleeps. Uh, yeah...that's not
creepy. That's not creepy at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Predictably,
Elena screams and demands to know what the hell Lydia is thinking. Truth is, if you can get over the creepiness
of Lydia's actions, she actually makes a valid point. She says that lawyers would love to wear sweat pants, but they
dress in a suit because they earn respect and power. Elena seems drawn by this argument and agrees to put on a little
makeup to see if that will make a difference in how she is perceived at school.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicInOZQxkk_ykrYBTJnNXQxqJJVS2G7SCvG7bglAv5zbY04R0med-pAfWN1J553vc26kSYohwCX7QWxTvWR39VgvXwvmjyNOK8usBcSRc41M459sLCvEiWwrHqgKGVkhTz_XhEI4RXHvmp/s1600/2odaat10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicInOZQxkk_ykrYBTJnNXQxqJJVS2G7SCvG7bglAv5zbY04R0med-pAfWN1J553vc26kSYohwCX7QWxTvWR39VgvXwvmjyNOK8usBcSRc41M459sLCvEiWwrHqgKGVkhTz_XhEI4RXHvmp/s320/2odaat10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Well,
okay, she's made up to look like Kendall or Kylie Jenner. Whatever the case, her new look gets the
Abuelita Seal of Approval, although Elena looks visibly uncomfortable. I give it ten minutes before she wipes that
stuff off her face. Elena also once
again tries to convince Penelope to talk to Scott about his sexism, but
Penelope thinks that if she can talk to Dr. B. instead, then maybe she can
convince him to listen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">At
the office, it's not a pretty picture.
Sure enough, patients are getting cranky over having to wait for
service, and this causes Lori to suggest giving the patients belly rubs to calm
them down. Ah, Lori...every sitcom has
to have at least one person in it who is as dumb as a box of rocks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYn2Ay3jS29BpuuGkgIbrzLvY9RZRRBJC7Y7ka-EZZP2Wxhxr8B9teeAsMB1cih0If-vcHMAKhparOIwlqwEjiUMroID1EAez0VsE9BWRBcc4iRSTFo05LU1g7myek9-kHxTe8uMHu_0C/s1600/2odaat11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAYn2Ay3jS29BpuuGkgIbrzLvY9RZRRBJC7Y7ka-EZZP2Wxhxr8B9teeAsMB1cih0If-vcHMAKhparOIwlqwEjiUMroID1EAez0VsE9BWRBcc4iRSTFo05LU1g7myek9-kHxTe8uMHu_0C/s320/2odaat11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Then
again, maybe that person is Dr. B.
After complaining about the patients having to wait, Scott comes up with
an idea to make the patients happier, and ends up reciting the SAME EXACT IDEA
THAT PENELOPE SUGGESTED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE EPISODE! I don't think Penelope is going to take that
very well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTbHw5TFi_yxQXYsT9eUq_MwvbtjHZWZ-Ah3yBOO8qKvnh2eq4mHxNKFA43BRFfC5YqI6S572YPES7pHb_wbesZZ7kV0maCcHiWNMftqVTRq3gK9YuQ1MkD9UYjyJelJwd5IDjSDNoCCV/s1600/2odaat12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCTbHw5TFi_yxQXYsT9eUq_MwvbtjHZWZ-Ah3yBOO8qKvnh2eq4mHxNKFA43BRFfC5YqI6S572YPES7pHb_wbesZZ7kV0maCcHiWNMftqVTRq3gK9YuQ1MkD9UYjyJelJwd5IDjSDNoCCV/s320/2odaat12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Yeah, no.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5qgRw-Kj56CLHZg7bHEr7r2J2TFKxu8LUPMqlfnL-zjZ2OQ1tvOutBmd7GcGZoztv8z5mDA7odRLpVthZ3WLGfXgpec-xdvaobfUI6Eas-fMDGUKAj5_eiHrBWmE3hid9bZXyHEtsxP_/s1600/2odaat13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5qgRw-Kj56CLHZg7bHEr7r2J2TFKxu8LUPMqlfnL-zjZ2OQ1tvOutBmd7GcGZoztv8z5mDA7odRLpVthZ3WLGfXgpec-xdvaobfUI6Eas-fMDGUKAj5_eiHrBWmE3hid9bZXyHEtsxP_/s320/2odaat13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
when Dr. B. actually thanks Scott for the idea and gives him full credit, you
KNOW Penelope isn't going to like that at all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQjqikhf0UCMjQCVoWcq0d-QdQWxO-SZFOd_ThLfgmhi4zmQsq8Uxds0jXuI4v8-xaQlToQkU-XXS7cgwSh7ueM24WZ4E1fYri5kL7yY2pfSaXZqsMQbFuF_651jhhs6i4hph7Gx44Pkx/s1600/2odaat14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWQjqikhf0UCMjQCVoWcq0d-QdQWxO-SZFOd_ThLfgmhi4zmQsq8Uxds0jXuI4v8-xaQlToQkU-XXS7cgwSh7ueM24WZ4E1fYri5kL7yY2pfSaXZqsMQbFuF_651jhhs6i4hph7Gx44Pkx/s320/2odaat14.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">YIKES! She literally scares me in this
screengrab. And if anyone should be
scared, it should be Scott! Completely
disregarding any sort of professionalism and completely charging at him like a
ram, Penelope flat out calls him sexist, which causes Scott to FINALLY shut up
and Dr. B. to nearly have a nervous breakdown!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
of course, Scott DOESN'T shut up and instead shoves his foot a little further
down his throat by not only claiming that he is a victim of reverse sexism, but
also claiming that he is tired of picking up the slack because he doesn't think
that moms are special! Ooooh, nice
knowing you, pal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gLW4PUpOcPTQHGQ0z2GnKUPt5vf8UhUJ1ttvW7ByXxbk7be2z6KuEUbLVsiMjcGmKP1k0fPk0weMCVADCxAusl4Xc184vfNn7MnqALbxSrJvG6iSVYVCURWJGxloinaDzTi8oUYoAHIZ/s1600/2odaat15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5gLW4PUpOcPTQHGQ0z2GnKUPt5vf8UhUJ1ttvW7ByXxbk7be2z6KuEUbLVsiMjcGmKP1k0fPk0weMCVADCxAusl4Xc184vfNn7MnqALbxSrJvG6iSVYVCURWJGxloinaDzTi8oUYoAHIZ/s320/2odaat15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Needless
to say, this amps Penelope's anger up to a thousand and despite Dr. B's
misguided yet hilarious attempts to diffuse the situation, Penelope really lays
into him about how moms ARE important - to which Scott replies that they are
all equal and that they all make thirty bucks an hour and...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdvFBfh0O5WYhYivvFQVYawLWmU5UmrcmAUfeZWJ-b8OFQe9Xq7su3IzoA8fX4qlkxp-06Y8ip-zu5w7-XHkwiEcNtKup-_T53ETb6pxeWgQ0OTrxpz4KxKuf20LbGHtbgGV7PNPsMhAC/s1600/2odaat16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdvFBfh0O5WYhYivvFQVYawLWmU5UmrcmAUfeZWJ-b8OFQe9Xq7su3IzoA8fX4qlkxp-06Y8ip-zu5w7-XHkwiEcNtKup-_T53ETb6pxeWgQ0OTrxpz4KxKuf20LbGHtbgGV7PNPsMhAC/s320/2odaat16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">...oh. Oh!
Penelope makes LESS than that!
And with that revelation out of the way, Penelope decides to quit her
job and with that she storms off. Wow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwFGRzWmoSt-QJSZK93-yXPDmgP9NpwPVpdHjf1uxJB88rmPUIlp_5HRvhR9mwGW6bNnRZJhwxoYooFqhaCcos0w0TGae2n1hcZjil-vhohxmiG9oNBWJCi_cQR3F9IxMwbdp-6SA1kay/s1600/2odaat17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwFGRzWmoSt-QJSZK93-yXPDmgP9NpwPVpdHjf1uxJB88rmPUIlp_5HRvhR9mwGW6bNnRZJhwxoYooFqhaCcos0w0TGae2n1hcZjil-vhohxmiG9oNBWJCi_cQR3F9IxMwbdp-6SA1kay/s320/2odaat17.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Back
at home, Lydia is crestfallen to learn that Elena has removed all the makeup
from her face, and she demands to know why.
Elena reveals that the reason why is because she felt uncomfortable
wearing it, and she felt uncomfortable with guys hitting on her. But then Lydia takes it one step too far and
tells Elena that by wearing makeup, she could look beautiful and then she would
be proud to have her as a granddaughter.
Um...OUCH!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Thankfully,
Elena has a little self-esteem in her to call out Lydia, telling her that she
wears makeup like armour, and that Elena likes the way she looks without makeup
and wishes that she could see it too.
And as Elena storms towards her room, Penelope arrives with anxiety
written all over her face as she cries about quitting her job on principle and
worries about how they will all have to move into the car.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BLUDnO8ICHL3bSXvP-cp6kzJyFtnuzC2NW1ZDhyp5tX4e20rmO9OelkgN8zZbKtsdHqukLhvf06VT7wVGLW6ZX-krrO2u1CMlYejkKqGlCcueiFTZgBTUeUaeBjLVSbykxm17RtOkor0/s1600/2odaat18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0BLUDnO8ICHL3bSXvP-cp6kzJyFtnuzC2NW1ZDhyp5tX4e20rmO9OelkgN8zZbKtsdHqukLhvf06VT7wVGLW6ZX-krrO2u1CMlYejkKqGlCcueiFTZgBTUeUaeBjLVSbykxm17RtOkor0/s320/2odaat18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
then we hear a knock on the door, and it's Dr. B. coming to see Penelope. And judging by the interaction between Dr.
B. and Lydia, I get the impression that there might be a smidgen of flirtation
between the both of them which I am sure we will see more of as the series
progresses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wFIQFOuVqJv0X6pEhryu-8Ujk1AE-Bpav5qy6cCwfWGuv0YEHdFP2q7YJh-MrgxDHrBH_3ox-PtOpOl0jMmtpE4MLSqo_V-2VvS8racB4i5n8TvGd0HdMrJAdv-4XiALZwijy8Bx6TOT/s1600/2odaat19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8wFIQFOuVqJv0X6pEhryu-8Ujk1AE-Bpav5qy6cCwfWGuv0YEHdFP2q7YJh-MrgxDHrBH_3ox-PtOpOl0jMmtpE4MLSqo_V-2VvS8racB4i5n8TvGd0HdMrJAdv-4XiALZwijy8Bx6TOT/s320/2odaat19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">For
now, it's a real conversation about how Penelope feels upset that Dr. B. would
give Scott more money than her, and Dr. B. explains that he felt pressured by
Scott to do it (translation: he manipulated the poor doctor). But after a really good dialogue, Dr. B.
agrees to give her an eight dollar an hour raise and a couple of other perks,
and this prompts Penelope to come back to work. Now, of course, in the real world this would probably not happen
so nicely, but at least Dr. B. was reminded that Penelope is an asset to the
team. And honestly, isn't that what we
all want in our jobs? To be respected
as a team member? Not all of us have
that luxury.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">One final moment to close off this episode - and
it's probably one of the most heartwarming scenes of this whole episode. Lydia returns to Elena's bedroom in the
middle of the night to show her something.
Only instead of another makeover, Lydia shows her a make-under. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfnNrHLUixCcD-JdcbLMxqHC7Bg2xF6s8H0raKhxyqBg64GLRU-5CJOMo-mvwjo3ao2Mvk4-UV7mBfGWiwTxLFf7yycx8GRQs8ZSC6k_ICi-YUJ6a0b4HXj-73iH0uF_7XJrhmSlA-PgW/s1600/2odaat20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfnNrHLUixCcD-JdcbLMxqHC7Bg2xF6s8H0raKhxyqBg64GLRU-5CJOMo-mvwjo3ao2Mvk4-UV7mBfGWiwTxLFf7yycx8GRQs8ZSC6k_ICi-YUJ6a0b4HXj-73iH0uF_7XJrhmSlA-PgW/s320/2odaat20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">This is the only time that Lydia has ever shown anybody her face without a hint
of makeup on it. And can I say that she
still looks beautiful? Rita Moreno
holds her age very well. Elena is also
very impressed, as am I. It's nice to
know that even though Alex is her obvious favourite that Lydia holds a special
place in her heart for Elena too. I
mean, for someone to see someone without makeup for the first time ever -
that's love right there. Well, at least
until Elena notices Abuelita may have some mascara on which causes Lydia to
scurry out of the room as the closing credits air. But hey, what a good episode.
Talking about the wage inequality between men and women has been an
ongoing issue for years - even dating back to when the original "One Day
at a Time" aired in the 1970s. I'm
glad to see that Norman Lear and company have made it an issue for the new
series. <br />
<br />
Coming up next week, Penelope decides to skip church - and Lydia is NOT amused.<br /><br />Before I go though, have a laugh with some of the more memorable lines from this episode! Enjoy!</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: green; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">ELENA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> You
know, I know bobo is an insult, but it sounds adorable. Like he's a little clown.<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Oh, yes, he
is a clown. And like every other clown,
I want to punch him in the face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #3366ff; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">SCHNEIDER:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Sorry, I cut you off.
Talk as long as you want. Not
that you need my permission. I'm
just...you know what? I'd like to hear
from the ladies. Women. Females.
You guys...Not guys, humans.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> (to Elena) Wow, you broke Schneider.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #6600cc; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">DR. B.:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
Guys, guys! Let's keep our anger
where it belongs, with the patients!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
Mami...I quit my job.<br />
</span><span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I don't
understand. The job ended?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> No,
it didn't end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Did
your boss die?<br />
</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> No!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Was
there a fire? Scandal? Was he a sex offender and they closed down
the business because of the shame?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> No!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I
have just said all the reasons!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: red; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">PENELOPE:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> I
quit my job because I found out that comierda Scott makes more than I do, and
he's only been there one month.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #cc9900; font-family: "futura md bt"; font-size: 14.0pt;">LYDIA:</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> Oh,
so you quit because of principles. ARE
YOU CRAZY?!?</span><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390631773223390410.post-17841148565255921712018-01-31T11:14:00.001-05:002018-03-18T17:03:47.167-04:00#LetsTalk<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">January
is almost over, and with that comes an entry that will be quite personal. It's related to an event that is happening
in my home country of Canada, and I encourage all of you to take part in
it...even if you aren't Canadian. I
know some of you want me to just do the pop culture thing, and I promise I will
go back to that soon. But this is
something that I want to talk about, and I hope you'll stick around to read it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It's
an event known as Bell's Let's Talk Day.
The telephone company Bell has been raising awareness for mental illness
for a few years now, and on the last Wednesday of the month of January, the
company will donate five cents for every person who uses the "Let's
Talk" filter on their profile pages on social media, or if they use the phrase
#LetsTalk on Twitter.<br />
<br />
(Actually, I'm not sure if that last part is right, but I know the first part
is true.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
money goes towards charities that help raise awareness for mental health issues
and supports crisis lines and crisis centres that are equipped to help people
of all ages deal with mental illness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_t5Ii7eSiRhTiQ-HtdxWj5bHBLGvlWYlEnMExV4A8lFdgUUgVJ50d-rGdrX9M1avSWM6bv80JLn8XHH6ytlYNzG3YUMyRCgu6dbcwcQNTy2jrzTe12h3ctYgmYn9yT495JSkonFC_eAew/s1600/2B-Sonia-Mental-Health-Salt-Lake-Community-College.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1195" data-original-width="1600" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_t5Ii7eSiRhTiQ-HtdxWj5bHBLGvlWYlEnMExV4A8lFdgUUgVJ50d-rGdrX9M1avSWM6bv80JLn8XHH6ytlYNzG3YUMyRCgu6dbcwcQNTy2jrzTe12h3ctYgmYn9yT495JSkonFC_eAew/s320/2B-Sonia-Mental-Health-Salt-Lake-Community-College.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Now
the purpose of this exercise is to not only raise awareness for mental illness,
but it is also designed to end the stigma that surrounds it. Anybody can be afflicted with mental
illness. Any skin colour. Any profession. Any age. Any financial
bracket. It can strike without warning,
and often times it can take months or even years for a proper diagnosis to be
found. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
best way to end that stigma is to talk about it. Sharing your stories.
Telling people your thoughts.
Educating people on the subject of mental illness. So, I thought that for today, I would talk about
my own struggles with mental illness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
suppose in my case, the one mental illness that I deal with constantly is
depression. The difference is that I
have my doubts that it is caused by a chemical imbalance or anything like that
(though it could very well be). Mine is
caused by unresolved feelings of anger that I have struggled with for years
caused by a bunch of people who caused me more harm than good.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And
how I've struggled with trying to find a place in my heart for forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
guess I've talked about how I was bullied throughout my school years. Mostly it was isolation from my peers, but
there was some verbal abuse and a little physical abuse as well from my
classmates. It was a traumatic
experience that I don't want to go through again, but ultimately I have to show
my gratitude towards them for making me less likely to take insults and more
likely to stand up for what I believe in.
I forgive you, but I don't want an invite to any reunions or anything
like that. I don't need your approval
any longer. Besides. In the grand scheme of things, you boys and
girls were far from being the main problem.
You were ultimately just a side effect of what the real issue was. In a way, you guys were used too, and I
suppose I can't blame you for the way you turned out based on that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">No,
I actually blame the people who were supposed to protect me from your teasing and
your bullying, and instead made the situation much worse. And I actually blame them for the reason
that I have such mental anguish today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/k4V3Mo61fJM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k4V3Mo61fJM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
suffer from depression, social anxiety and low self-worth. And I feel that those thoughts were
instigated and brought upon by a school board and several teachers who felt it
was their mission to "fix me".
In their mind, their sole purpose in life was like the Coldplay song
"Fix You". But instead of
fixing me, they ended up breaking me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
wasn't easy going to a school where you were so incredibly different from all
of the other kids. Whereas everybody
else seemed normal, I stood out for what seemed like all the wrong
reasons. I had poor motor skills, I was
startled by loud noises, and I walked on my tiptoes because the arches in my
feet didn't develop fully. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Now,
if I was in school today, it actually might not have been so bad, as schools
today seem to figure out what difficulties children might have right off the
bat. But back in the 1980s, tests like
these did not happen. It was almost as
if you were grouped into two different categories. Normal and abnormal. And
lucky for me, the school saw me as having the abnormal brain in the bunch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
stood out all right. I was
different. And according to them, being
different was bad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
have told this story before, but when I was a young child, I walked on my
tiptoes. As I said before, my arches in
my feet didn't fully develop all the way and caused me incredible pain when I
tried to walk flat-footed. But did the
school listen? No. Instead they took me out of class, isolated
myself from my peers for a full period, and made me walk around the school with
books on my head to try and correct my walking style. They even arranged for me to go to the nearest children's
hospital to see if they could correct my walking style so that I could walk
like everyone else. Because apparently,
walking on my tiptoes was considered an embarrassment to everybody around me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
guess I can sort of understand why I became so far removed from my
classmates. It was bad enough growing
up in a family that didn't have anybody remotely close to my age in it, but to
further isolate me from my classmates because I didn't walk properly, or
because I couldn't hold a pair of scissors correctly, or because I had a hard
time with writing in cursive. I guess
that's why I can find it in my heart to forgive my classmates because it wasn't
their fault that I saw myself as broken.
No, I actually think that the adults at that school - the ones who were
supposed to educate me and build me up as a person actually caused me so much
emotional stress and turmoil that I feel as though I slipped through the
cracks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What
I don't understand is why the various teachers, principals, and school board
members decided to focus only on the bad things? Why didn't they focus on the fact that I was creative,
intelligent, and put forth the effort in trying to be a better person? Why was it that how I looked and how I acted
was placed at higher value than my ability to learn the material presented to
me in class? I don't have any answers
for that now, and honestly as time passes by, I don't think that I will ever
get those answers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">What
I do know was that those experiences helped build the shaky foundation of the
person that I am now. And while I have
done a lot of good things in my life, I still have feelings of how no matter
what I do, it will never be good enough.
And that is largely based on how badly I was treated when I was a
student.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Experiences
that lead to me hating myself because I could not measure up to people around
me. Experiences that cause me to
over-analyze people because I feel as though they are secretly judging me. Experiences that actually had me thinking
about taking my own life when I was sixteen years old.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Yeah. I said it.
I plotted my own suicide attempt when I was sixteen. Because of a bunch of people who thought
they knew what was best for me, but ultimately broke me as a person.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">It
was like my emotional stability was like a set of porcelain tea cups on a
table. The educators within the school
system kept poking the tea cups closer and closer to the edge until all of them
shattered on the ground, one by one.
And instead of helping me clean up the mess, they abandoned me and left
me to pick up the pieces by myself.
Anyone who has ever tried to glue a teacup back together again knows how
frustrating it can be. You try to make
it look like it was, but it never will be again. There are cracks that will forever be there. In some cases, fragments of the teacups will
be gone forever never to be replaced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Well,
that's exactly how mental illness works.
You can do whatever you can to grab the pieces of the broken teacup and
glue them together to make it look as it did before it was broken, but it will
always be there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Now
everybody's case will be different.
Some people are born with mental illness. In other cases, they are a side effect from traumatic experiences
that we experience (examples including post traumatic stress disorder, body
dysmorphia, or even social anxiety).
But it is a very serious problem for millions of people around the
world. And in a lot of cases, most
people don't seek help for it because society makes them feel ashamed to. In a world where men are considered
"weak" for talking about their problems, it is especially hard for us
to admit that we might be broken and that we might need some outside help in
order to help heal us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Not
fix us. Heal us. And yes, there is a difference.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">One
of the best ways to start the process of healing is by talking about mental
illness. It isn't a sign of
weakness. It isn't a crutch. It is an illness. And millions of people have their own struggles with it. They should not be made fun of. They should not be abandoned. They should not be isolated. <br />
<br />
They deserve kindness. Compassion. Understanding. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The
reason I'm sharing my story is because my job of healing is not quite done
yet. I still have struggles with
feeling as though I am not good enough to do the things that others take for
granted. I still have massive
self-doubt issues. My social anxiety
flares to a point where one day I want to socialize with people, and the next I
want to crawl into bed and stay there all day watching Netflix. And as far as the depression goes, it too
ebbs and flows. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">By
talking about it here, I realize that I still have a lot of work to do. And I realize that the stigma that comes
from admitting that you have a problem is firmly in place in my mind - because
years ago I was taught by a bunch of people that being different was bad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
still have some anger from that period that I have to work out. And as far as forgiveness goes, while I have
come to terms with my classmates being rude and have come to understand why it happened and how badly they treated me...I'm
nowhere near ready to bestow the magic wand of forgiveness towards the school
system that I feel failed me. I don't
know if I am ever going to be truly ready for that moment. I guess I feel this way because kids are
going to be more honest than anybody in the world and they can say and do
really cruel things - but on that token I know that they are too young to
understand how hurtful they could be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
when it comes to the adults in my life during my school years, they WERE old
enough to know better. They did the
wrong thing believing it was right, were proven wrong, and still went ahead and
did it anyway. They were responsible
for isolating me from the world because I was different. They were responsible for making me feel
like I was worthless because I wasn't the perfect Stepford student in their
perfect school. They were responsible
for making me broken in the first place, and I don't have it in my heart to
forgive any of them for that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">But
maybe by talking about it. Maybe by
sharing my story and my struggles...maybe that's the beginning of my healing
process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">It's January 31. Let's talk.</span>Matthew W. Turcottehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07480241304113540364noreply@blogger.com1