Work issues

Am I expecting too much? Is that the problem? I have unreasonable expectations of people? If you send an email on the 26th, reminding everyone of the report that has to be done Each.And.Every.Fucking.Quarter, and letting them know that you absolutely have to have it by the 20th of the following month because You.Won't.Be.There. at the end of the month, and then you send a reminder. AGAIN. on the 13th to those who haven't sent it in already, is it too much to ask that they SEND THE FUCKING THING IN BY THE 20TH????? IS.THAT.TOO.MUCH.TO.ASK? That they do their fucking jobs for once? Meet the dogdamn fucking deadline! OH! If it was up to me, I would fucking fire them. Because it's the same damn ones who miss the damn deadline every fucking quarter. 41 other people were able to do this. Why are these 2 unable to do what the others do???? One had put it in regular mail Monday. Well, it takes just a little bit long to get mail from Houston to Nashville. But they do this every time. And the other??? Had not even sent it. Calls me to say she will be sending it FedEx TODAY. The day I needed to have it in my hands.

In other moods, I'm sad about something at work. The only other person in our department besides me (and our boss) that isn't either fucking crazy or fucking stupid is leaving. She's going back to work at a facility in Arkansas. I understand why, but I don't like it. I don't talk to the other people in our department about anything other than work. I'm friends with this lady. It just makes me want to cry.

Stupid travel-related question

I was just checking the Nashville Airport's website, to get the parking rates. Short-term would run me $20/day. Long-term's maximum is $8/day and Economy is $6/day. Shuttle service is offered for all parking areas, so why would I not park in Economy?

On my first flight, which was business related, my boss advised me to park in long-term as opposed to short-term, even though I was only going to be out of town overnight. I'm trying to remember if there was a reason given as to why I would not want to park in Economy instead.

Any advice/suggestions?

Some Rules to Consider

1. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night.

2. Don't worry about what people think, they don't do it very often.

3. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian anymore than standing in a garage makes you a car.

4. Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.

5. If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before.

6. My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.

7. Not one shred of evidence supports the notion that life is serious.

8. A person, who is nice to you, but rude to the waiter, is not a nice person. (This is very important. Pay attention! It never fails.)

9. For every action, there is an equal and opposite government program.

10. If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.

11. Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks.

12. A conscience is what hurts when all of your other parts feel so good.

13. Eat well, stay fit, die anyway.

14. Men are from earth. Women are from earth. Deal with it.

15. No man has ever been shot while doing the dishes.

16. A balanced diet is a cookie in each hand.

17. Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist change places.

18. Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.

19. Junk is something you've kept for years and throw away three weeks before you need it.

20. There is always one more imbecile than you counted on.

21. Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again.

22. By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends.

23. Thou shalt not weigh more than thy refrigerator.

24. Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world.

25. It ain't the jeans that make your butt look fat.

26. If you had to identify, in 1 word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, & never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be "meetings."

27. There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."

28. People who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them.

29. You should not confuse your career with your life.

30. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance.

31. Never lick a steak knife.

32. The most destructive force in the universe is gossip.

33. You will never find anybody who can give you a clear and compelling reason why we observe daylight savings time.

34. You should never say anything to a woman that even remotely suggests that you think she's pregnant unless you can see an actual baby emerging from her at that moment.

35. There comes a time when you should stop expecting other people to make a big deal about your birthday. That time is age eleven.

36. The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender, religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers.

37. Your friends love you anyway.

38. Thought for the day: Never be afraid to try something new. Remember that a lone amateur built the Ark. A large group of professionals built the Titanic.

39: How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?

*snort*

My cat hates you

I hope this link works. Made me think of Carey. *grin* If the link doesn't work, click the link to the side, and check out October's gallery, pic #15.

and #32

Breast Cancer Awareness

As we all know, October is breast cancer awareness. Please, do the monthly self breast exams. Once you're 40, get a mammagram once a year. And if you ever find a lump that concerns you, for the love of God, go to the doctor. I just found out that another one of my aunts has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She knew she had it, but decided to treat it herself at home with Vicks and turpentine??????? What the hell was she thinking??????? She finally went to the doctor when her back started bothering her and she was afraid it had moved to her spine. Her daughter told my mother that she really doesn't think her mother will make longer than a year now.

Cancer is so common in my family. Maternal grandmother: breast cancer, skin cancer. Paternal grandmother: lung cancer, pancreas cancer. Paternal grandfather: skin cancer, "spots on the lung and brain". Paternal aunts: breast cancer. Maternal aunts: breast cancer, cancer on the brain.

*fans self*

Can I just say, the guy who mows my yard is such a hottie??!!?? I swear, if I was 20 years younger, I would so be trying to do him. Hell, maybe even if I was only 10 years younger.

Today's "stupid arkie moment"

So, I'm sitting at the computer, and I keep smelling something. I keep thinking what the hell is that??? In the trash was some stuff from Chinese takeout the other day that I had left in the kitchen instead of carrying outside. I decide that it is probably what I'm smelling. Instead of just taking it out and putting it in the garbage, I lift it up and sniff it to make sure that it's what I'm smelling. It was. *puke*

The young Arkie

These are the only pics I have of me as a young child. I will have to scrounge around next time I'm at my parents' and get some more.

I'm so vain, I have this pic hanging on my wall:


This is the picture I used in one of my sig pics:


Guess what I'm drinking?

It was not safe to leave a beer unattended around me. *shrugs*

So. Have you ever done something, or said you were going to do something, just on the spur of the moment, and really didn't think it through? I do this all the time. Now that I'm starting to really think about it, I'm not sure it can be done. Or should be done. Or maybe just not right now. Later would be better. Or am I trying to put it off just because I'm scared, and doing this takes me WAAAAAY out of my comfort zone? *sigh*

I'm thisclose to cancelling my trip. The more I think about it, the more I think maybe this is just not a good idea. I'm just getting a bad vibe about the whole thing. So, I've bought the plane tickets and I have a place to stay, but then what? What am I going to do that whole week? How am I going to get around? What the hell was I thinking???? What do I pack? How do I need to dress? I don't do checked luggage, so I limit myself to what can go in the carryon. Is that feasible for a week though???? Shit. I'm making myself crazy here. I have to have a plan. Not having a plan is stressing me out. Who the fuck goes on vacation without having some concept of what they are going to do???? (Besides insane people like myself??) This is stupid.

This dream was beyond bizarre

I had the strangest dream last night. I'm not going to go into all the details, because parts of it are just too nasty to share.

I'm at work, checking my email. For some reason, I'm getting a lot of SPAM, but these spam mails are somehow replys (is it still "change the y to an i, and add es" when you are using the word reply as a noun instead of a verb? It looks wrong either way to me.) to emails that I've sent to some inter-company email addys. I'm discussing the issue with my friend and one of the IT guys. We discover that the IT guy is to blame. So, I decide to open up these emails and read them. The first one or two are commenting on my original email. The next 2 are pornographic animation, that is scrolling across my monitor. The next one after that is also a pornographic animation, involving Andy Dick and a sheep. When the animation stops, there is a voice saying "time has run out for the sheep. But it's not too late for you. Vote for... (and I don't remember what I was being told to vote for)".

Seriously, could it get any more bizarre than a political ad that uses Andy Dick and a sheep to scare you into voting for something???

Waffle

What a fun word. And a really great breakfast food. Waffle, waffle, waffle, here I go waffling. *grin*

Your challenge, should you choose to accept, is to guess what arkie is thinking.

Free Hugs

Free Hugs news

Free Hugs video

This is beautiful, but would you do this? Would you go up and hug a perfect stranger? I would probably walk on by.

Well, that was a bizarre dream

I’m riding with my ex MIL to take my son to school. XMIL gives rides to other kids (but they’re not all in the same neighborhood or even go to the same school). We pick up and drop off several kids, and on the last one, she has her mini-van in the people’s house, turning it around in the kitchen and dining room. Then it changes to we’re sitting on some bleachers and to the right of us is a wooded area that has a small clearing in part of it. It’s me, arkieboy, XMIL, a young child (girl, maybe 2 or 3 yrs old) that’s not related to any of us, I think the XMIL must be babysitting, and Glow. The weather is kind of drizzly. I look off to the clearing area and see a herd of deer, a puppy, and a wolf pup. I say to my son, look at the wolf cub! XMIL says who cares about that in a real snotty tone. I wish I could take a picture of it, but don’t bother reaching for my camera, because the deer will all be gone before I could get it ready. Suddenly, the deer are all gone, and it’s a bunch of wolves. They come up to where we are sitting, and I’m able to pet 3 or 4 of them. They’re wet, of course, because of the drizzle. Glow reaches for the camera, but knocks it off the bleacher instead. The lens pops off and the battery falls out. Glow’s saying she’s sorry, and I say it’s alright. I pick up the 3 items, pop the lens back on, but before putting the battery in, I notice there’s a lot of water inside the camera. So I’m holding the camera upside down, turning it this way and that way, to drain it. For some reason, Glow has my printer/scanner, which is also full of water. She’s doing it the same way I’m doing the camera, to drain it. I say something about how the camera and printer always do this. Glow says she’s not a PC expert, but she fakes it enough at work.

Then I woke up, concerned about whether I had turned my alarm back on (I have it off on the weekends) because I didn't want to be late for work. Then after sitting up for a minute or two, I realized something. It doesn't matter, because it's not Monday yet!

Bad doctor stories

OK, people, let's hear them!

Reading Augie's blog the other day, and then having to make the appointment for my own exam got me to thinking about my horrible pap smear story.

This may be too graphic for some.

It was right before I had gotten married. I had went to the Health Department so I could get on birth control pills. The Health Dept had switched from metal speculums to plastic ones. The Dr was having difficulty inserting this speculum, and decided to heat it up, so he could reshape it a little to be smaller. Let me tell you something. If a plastic item is hot enough that you can reshape it, and is still hot when you insert it, it burns. So, yeah, stick this thing up inside me, scorch the hell out of my hoo-haa, and then get all huffy and tell me to be still and relax.

Then there's the funny to everyone but me story about getting a physical exam. Many years ago, I was either 27 or 28, I had decided I wanted to get my nursing home administrator's license. Because I only had an AA degree, I would have to go through the state's A-I-T program. They required that you have a physical exam before you could be accepted into the program. In the small town I lived in, there was only one doctor, other than the Health Department. I normally drove to the next town, 35 miles away, and went to the doctor there. However, the hometown doctor, who was in his 80's, only charged $10 to do a physical. An office visit to my normal doctor was $35, plus gas for the trip. And just so you know, I had never had a physical before, and I was still pretty trusting and naive about people's natures, authority type figures, and people in certain professions, like doctors. Igo in, and as part of the exam, I have to take off my shirt and pants. While I'm standing there in my bra and panties, the dr tells me to jump up and down 20 times. So, naturally, I do as I'm instructed. Unfortunately, the AIT program was already full by the time I got my application in. But then, before it even started, someone dropped out, and I got in. But I had to resubmit my application, and have a new physical. I go back to the same dr, and this time I only had to unbutton my shirt, and then jump up and down. Which, of course, I did. Well, sometime later (like months), I was standing at the nurses's station at the nursing home that I worked at (as bookkeeper), and one of the CNA's mentioned that she had had to go to the dr's that morning for a physical. I asked "don't you just hate having to stand there in your underclothes and then jump up and down?" She looked at me blankly, and asked "what are you talking about?" I discover that, while several people have gone to this dr for physicals, none of them ever had to do that as part of the exam. Talk about feeling stupid. But I had no idea that wasn't just a normal part of the procedure.

So. How many more bookcases do you think I would need to get all of these out of the guest BR closet? This is not counting my TBR stack or the books that I've loaned out.

Blogger's being a bitch now

I had a couple of more photos I wanted to post and it won't let me.

My guest bedroom

Also, the only clean room in the house, therefore, the only one I will be posting pictures of.

First thing you will see is the painting I bought instead of paying bills when I sold my stock.


It is currently hanging directly over the bookcases I stained last weekend. (Bravie and HD, I won't be offended if you take back your request to have me finish your kitchen cabinets and table.)


Not much furniture, just a bed, quilt rack and a little table. This wall is where I want to hang the painting *points up*, but I keep forgetting to get some nails. Plus I need a stud-finder so I can make sure I put the nail in the right place.



The sun keeps this room very well lit. I like to come in here and lay on the bed to read in the afternoon on the weekends.


Some day I'm going to stick a comfy chair over in this corner.

These things are always such crap,

but I can't resist them anyway.

What kind of baby are you find the month you where born in read it and then cut and paste and send to 5 people.

Jan
Pretty/handsome. Loves to dress up. Easily bored Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Sensitive Down-to-Earth. Stubborn. Repost this in 5 mins and you will meet someone new in 8 days that will perfectly balance your personality.

Feb
Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexiest out of everyone. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest And loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislikes unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Horny. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizing dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions. Repost this in 5 mins and you will talk to someone new and realize that you are a perfect match.

Mar
Attractive personality. Sexy. Affectionate Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Great kisser. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Observant and assesses others. If you repost this in the next 5 mins, you will meet your new love in 8 days.

Apr
Suave and compromising. Funny and humorous. Stubborn. Very talkative. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal. Does work well with others. Very confidant. Sensitive. Positive Attitude. Thinking generous. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Able to cheer everyone up and/or make them laugh. Able to motivate oneself and others. Understanding. Fun to be around. Outgoing. Hyper. Bubbly personality. Secretive Boy/girl crazy. Loves sports, music, leisure and traveling. Systematic. Hot but has brains. If you repost this in 5 mins, a cutie that's caught your eye will introduce themselves and you will realize that you are very much alike in the next 2 days.

May
Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Shy towards opposite sex. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Not having many children. Hardworking. High-spirited. If you repost this in the next 5 minutes, you will become close to someone you do not speak too much in the next 4 days.

Jun
You've got the best personality and are an absolute pleasure to be around. You love to make new friends and be outgoing. You are a great flirt and more than likely have an a very attractive partner. a wicked hottie. It is also more than likely that you have a massive record collection. You have a great choice in films, and may one day become a famous actor/actress yourself - heck, you've got the looks for it!!! IN the next 6 days you will meet someone that may possibly become one of your closest friends, if you repost this in 5 minutes.

Jul
Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people's feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. spazzy at times. Not revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. Loves to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Waits for friends. Never looks for friends. Not aggressive unless provoked. Loves to be loved. Easily hurt but takes long to recover. Repost this in the next 5 mins and your reputation will boost someway in the next 12 days

Aug
Outgoing personality. takes risks. feeds on attention. No self-control. Kind hearted. Self-confident. Loud and boisterous. VERY revengeful. Easy to get along with and talk to. Has an "every thing's peachy" attitude. Likes talking and singing. Loves music. Daydreamer. Easily distracted. Hates not being trusted. BIG imagination. Loves to be loved. Hates studying. in need of "that someone". Longs for freedom. Rebellious when withheld or restricted. Lives by "no pain no gain" caring. Always a suspect. Playful. Mysterious. "charming" or "beautiful" to everyone. stubborn. curious. Independent. Strong willed. A fighter Repost in 5 mins and you will meet the love of your life sometime next month.

Sept
Active and dynamic. Decisive and haste but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people's problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Usually you have many friends. Enjoys to make love. Emotional. Stubborn. Hasty. Good memory. Moving, motivates oneself and others. Loves to travel and explore. Sometimes sexy in a way that only their lover can understand. If you do not repost this in the next 5 mins, someone very close to you will become mad at you in the next 8 days.

Oct
Loves to chat. Loves those who love them. Loves to takes things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn't pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly. Brave and fearless. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care to control emotions. Unpredictable. Extremely smart, but definitely the hottest AND sexiest of them all. repost this in 5 mins or you will not meet the love of your life for 10 years.

Nov
Trustworthy and loyal. Very passionate and dangerous. Wild at times. Knows how to have fun. Sexy and mysterious. Everyone is drawn towards your inner and outer beauty and independent personality. Playful, but secretive. Very emotional and temperamental sometimes. Meets new people easily and very social in a group. Fearless and independent. Can hold their own. Stands out in a crowd. Essentially very smart. Usually, the greatest men are born in this month. If you ever begin a relationship with someone from this month, hold on to them because their one of a kind. Repost in 5 mins & you will excel in a major event coming up sometime this month.

Dec
This straight-up means you are the most good-looking person possible... Better than all of these other months! Loyal and generous. Patriotic. Competitive in everything. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Easy to talk to, though hard to understand. Thinks far with vision, yet complicated to know. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having lots of ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke Good debating skills. Has that someone always on his/her mind. Talkative Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Abiding. Able to show character. One guy/girl kind of person. Loveable. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. Loves music. Pretty/handsome. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Sensitive. [A hot new guy/girl will catch your eye & you will catch theirs too in the next 6 days, if you repost in 5min

update

My doctor called with my lab results. My thyroid levels were low, indicating an underactive thyroid, which would make it difficult to lose weight. So, I will get another prescription, and weight loss should be a little easier.

Of course, now I have to come back in 8 weeks instead of 6 months. I was on a yearly check, but he said I seem to not do good if he lets me go for too long. *grin*

I have to say, I truly feel old now. I'm on 5 prescriptions now. He also suggested, but I'm not going to do it, that I get some compression hose.

Ramblings of an insomniac

3 in the morning, can't sleep, so here I am.

I need more bookcases. I haven't filled up the 3 small ones, but that's just because I'm being picky about what goes in them because I won't be able to put all my books in. I dropped another $50 on books this past week. *rolls eyes at self*

Went to the doctor yesterday. He wasn't very happy with me, but said he didn't want to get on my case too much because he was concerned that I just wouldn't come back. I had gained back all the weight I had lost. I told him I had stopped taking the Wellbutrin because I had being having problems affording refilling all the meds he had me on. That won't be a problem now, or shouldn't be, because I did a debt reconsolidation loan, and will be paying around $900 less per month on my bills. (Of course, if I turn around and spend all that "extra" money on books, I will still be in the same boat.) This time, he put me on a generic version of the Wellbutrin. He also put me on a med to help lower cholesterol. $100 bucks a month for medicine. Oh well, just got to budget it in, and deal with it. My blood pressure was a bit high, but I think that could be tracked to a couple of reasons - 1)my prescription renewals had expired, so I was off my medicine for a couple of weeks, and 2)I had to deal with stupidity at the office before my appointment. He also wasn't too pleased that I hadn't had a gyno exam/pap smear for two years. I tried to weasel out of that, but he told me to just suck it up and go. So, I called my gyno and made that appointment, as well as an appointment to get a mammogram. Wow, October is going to be such a fun month! A pap smear and a mammogram in the same month? Who could ask for more fun???

I cannot stand being around one woman at work. She wears too much perfume (some Estee Lauder shit), and occasionally, the perfume doesn't quite disguise the body funk she has going. I am sort of sensitive to odors, anyway, and her perfume just burns my lungs. I feel like I'm suffocating after she's been in my office. She has also tried to make me and the others in our department look bad to our boss (this woman is the newest member of our department). In our department, we are all a bit territorial, and this woman keeps overstepping the boundaries. Medicare is MINE. She needs to step the fuck back and do her own damn job. And God forbid if you ever have to ask her a question that most people would be able to answer in 3 words or less. You better have a fucking hour to spend listening to her. Blah, blah, blah. She spends so much time making excuses as to why she can't meet deadlines, that she could have met the deadline if she had spent the time actually working! Another co-worker and I are both just bitchy enough that we keep giving this woman enough rope to hang herself. We could give her a few pointers that would help her, but you know? Some people, you just know it would be a waste of time and breath to say anything, so let them screw themselves.
One of our deadlines is that claims are supposed to be ready by 2:30 on the fifth working day. She sends an email to our supervisor and copies me, on the fourth working day at 1:00 explaining how she's not going to make the deadline because of this, that, and some other shit. I reply back that "today's not the deadline, tomorrow is, because it's the fifth working day of the month." Instead of just saying ok, or whatever, she has to go into how the "accounting calendar says it's today". Well, bitch, I don't really give a fuck what the accounting calendar says. I am the Medicare Billing Manager. I make the fucking deadline. And it's the fucking fifth working day of the month. So shut the fuck up, and do your fucking work. (I know, power trip, much?)

Sometimes, I wish I could really let my inner bitch out. I know I bitch here a lot, but I wish I could really just tell people to their face what a big bag of fucking shit I truly think they are. But no, I pretend to be polite and civil, and don't tell them that as dumb as I am, I'm still much more intelligent than they are. Hell, a fucking rock has more intelligence than some of this people. Seriously, how the hell do some people manage to find their way home each day? They seem to be unable to retain any other knowledge for more than 5 minutes. I hate having to have the same conversation over and over because people can't be bothered to remember how to do something from one time to the next and can't write down the instructions, either.
I let people annoy me too much. Sometimes, I wish I could be a hermit, and never interact with other people. Just live in a shack somewhere and never speak to anyone, ever.

Great. It's almost 4:00, and I'm not sleepy in the least. That will change in an hour. And I will go to bed at 5:00 and have a hell of a time getting up at 6:00.

And if anyone ever wants to know, celibacy sucks. Just sayin.

I am so easily amused. I ran spell check and it wanted to replace "Wellbutrin" with "elevators" and "mammogram" with "monogram". LOL. I'm on elevators to help suppress my appetite and deal with depression. I will be going to have a monogram on my breasts. Maybe I am more tired than I realized, if I'm sitting here laughing over that.

Bwahahaha!!!

Hairy Back

Big Brother fans will recognize someone in this video. I think another person is from Joe Millionaire.

Pie stuff

I googled this, and it sounds a lot like the way my mom makes French Coconut pie. I need to get that recipe from her.

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (9-inch) unbaked pie shell
1. Preheat oven to 350*F.
2. Combine sugar, beaten eggs, coconut, melted butter, vinegar, and vanilla; mix well.
3. Pour into unbaked pie shell and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a knife inserted in center comes out clean.
4. Cool before serving.
Makes 8 servings.


Dessert on Derby day can only be one thing: a rich, dense chocolate pecan pie infused with Kentucky bourbon. The original version of this pie is heavily trademarked and fiercely protected by its inventors, but you will find several unofficial versions of it, called anything from Run for the Roses Pie to Eighth Race Pie to Thoroughbred Pie to just Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie.

Since you can't get the actual recipe of Kentucky Derby pie, I googled the Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie, and came up with this one.

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
Submitted by: Anita L.Rated: 5 out of 5 by 84 members Prep Time: 30 MinutesCook Time: 1 Hour Ready In: 1 Hour 30 MinutesYields: 8 servings
"Sweet, chocolaty, crunchy, and down-right decadent, this pie is sure to please all. Corn syrup, butter, and sugar are first melted, and then eggs, bourbon, vanilla and salt are combined in a bowl and whisked along with the heated sugar mixture. Then the chocolate and pecans are mixed into the filling that 's then poured into the pie shell."
INGREDIENTS:
1 (9 inch) pie shell1 cup white sugar1 cup light corn syrup1/2 cup butter4 eggs, beaten 1/4 cup bourbon1 teaspoon vanilla extract1/4 teaspoon salt6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips1 cup chopped pecans
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees F).
2. In a small saucepan combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter or margarine. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until butter or margarine melts and sugar dissolves. Cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl combine eggs, bourbon, vanilla, and salt. Mix well. Slowly pour sugar mixture into egg mixture, whisking constantly. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans. Pour mixture into pie shell.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until set and golden. May be served warm or chilled.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2005 Allrecipes.com Printed from Allrecipes.com 9/26/2006

Well, hell

Or, arkie can be so stupid sometimes.

I have been looking for a bookcase to put in my guest bedroom for a really long time. Never could find exactly what I was looking for. So, last weekend, I go to the Unfinished Furniture store, and find 3 small bookcases in a style I like. Next to them was some finished pieces in a finish that I liked. I asked the guy what I would use to make these pieces look like the ones next to them, and he showed me which wax to use. So, I buy the 3 bookcases (ftr, I would have preferred one large bookcase, but I knew I would have to fit whatever I bought in my small car) and the wax. The guy at the shop told me I would need to lightly sand the pieces before staining them. Yesterday, I went to Home Depot and bought the fine grain sandpaper and some tack cloth. This morning, I decide I'm going to get these knocked out. I sand one of them, and start staining it. And it has turned out exactly like I wanted. However, I did not want my hands to look like rustic pine. Yep, should have worn gloves to do this. My nails look hideous! I'm hoping I will be able to scrape this crap out from around the nailbeds. Ugh!

Weird dreams

I've been having some strange dreams lately. I don't remember the dreams entirely, but just bits and pieces.

Dream 1: I'm being chased by a very hostile bear. The bear was actually a person who got changed into a bear.

Dream 2: I walk out to my mailbox after I've written checks to pay my bills, and need to put them in the box. I open the box, and someone has built a fire in it. There's a log and a lot of embers in it. I'm mad because I can't put my mail in there until the fire goes out.

Dream 3: I'm on a bus with a friend, and there is a younger guy sitting either in the seat across from me, or in front of me. His head is shaved, and he has 2 skull tattoos on it. I am tracing over the tattoos with my finger, and telling him how beautiful they are (which is weird, because I really don't care for skull tattoos). Then the bus pulls up to my stop and I jump off and run to (where?).


Anyone feel like doing some dream interpretation?

weekend quiz time

You Are Incredibly Logical

Move over Spock - you're the new master of logic You think rationally, clearly, and quickly. A seasoned problem solver, your mind is like a computer!

How Logical Are You?

You Are Bold And Brave

But daring? Not usually? You tend to like to make calculated risks. So while you may not be base jumping any time soon... You are up for whatever's new and (a little) exciting!

How Daring Are You?

You Have OK Karma

You try to be a good person... well, sometimes you try! While you are caring deep down, you don't always show it. You're very focused on yourself, and others come second (if not third). Which is fine, but don't expect others to focus on you.

How's Your Karma?

You Belong in Spring

Optimistic, lively, and almost always happy with the world... You can truly appreciate the blooming nature of spring. Whether you're planting flowers or dyeing Easter eggs, spring is definitely your season!

What Season Are You?

A momma's got to brag...

Arkieboy entered a couple of photos and one of his drawings in the county fair. When they award the ribbons, the rankings are "A", "B", and "C". He received a B ribbon on both of his photos, and he received an "A" ribbon for his drawing! I am so very proud of him. I tell him all the time that he is talented, and that his drawings are wonderful, but he doesn't believe me. He tells his grandma that "It's just lines and shading". I can't wait to see what he drew to enter in the competition. I've told him I would like to use some of his artwork for a tattoo. When I told him that, he said he would draw up some stuff for me.

just for fun

*pouts* Linky no worky.

bits and pieces

Big Brother - Out of those two, I think I'm glad that Mike won. I would have preferred to see Will and Janelle in the F2, but oh well. I'm so tempted to see if I could get on that show. However, I would probably have to quit my job if I did get on - can't see my boss agreeing to just let me take a LOA for it.

Rock Star - I really don't want to see anyone good "win" this, because I think they deserve better than that. I'm loving Toby and Magni. I know a lot of peeps think Magni is "too vanilla", but I really dig his voice. Admittedly, he's not that exciting of a performer on stage, but I don't go to concerts anyway.

Best Finale ever has to go to Design Star, IMO. I LOVED this finale!

Work related rant - A denied claim is not the same as a rejected claim is not the same as a returned claim! Please! Learn the difference, and use the correct terminology!!!

In other news, I was Bob's favorite yesterday! :)

I have booked my flight to CA, but am now starting to wonder WTF am I doing???? My clothes are crappy, my hair (just got it cut) looks like crap, and what if I need to *poot*??? (Will I be able to blame that on Carey????)

I found the perfect quiz for Carey!!!

You Are 16% Hypochondriac

While your physical health isn't always perfect, you don't freak out about it. You know there's only so much you can do, and worrying doesn't change anything.

Are You a Hypochondriac?

This one? *rolls eyes*

What Your Bathroom Habits Say About You

You are very independent and self-centered. You don't solve other people's problems - and you don't expect them to solve yours. Your idea of fashion is jeans and a t-shirt. Clean, if you're lucky. You are a little shy and easily embarrassed. You often wonder if you are normal. In relationships, you tend to be very romantic and demanding. You'll treat your partner like gold, but you expect a lot in return.

What Do Your Bathroom Habits Say About You?

Of no interest to anyone but me

*hops*

I'm going to California for a week in October. Catt has kindly offered to let me stay with her, but I'm still not sure I can impose on someone like that. I'm really excited that I'm finally going to get to meet Catt. I'm also excited about going to California. *makes note to find out how far from the ocean I will be* I've never seen an ocean, and didn't get to see the ocean when I was in Florida, so I really hope to do that. I also found out that San Jose has a quilt museum, so I may try to take that in while I'm there. If there is anyone in that area that would like to have a peep meet, just let me know.

kind of interesting...

birthday info

My info:
Born on a Tuesday.
Life path #1:
The Life Path 1 suggests that you entered this plane with skills allowing you to become a leader type rather easily. Your nature is charged with individualistic desires, a demand for independence, and the need for personal attainment. Many of our military generals, corporate leaders, and political leaders are men and women having the Life Path 1. When you display positive 1 traits your mind is capable of significant creative inspiration, and it possesses the enthusiasm and drive to accomplish a great deal. You are very good at getting the ball rolling; initiating new projects is your forte. You are at your best when confronted with obstacles and challenges, as you combat these with strength and daring. This is both the physical and inner varieties of strength. With this strength comes utter determination and the capability to lead. As a natural leader you have a flair for taking charge of any situation. You have a tendency to do this, even if, at times, it is not appropriate for you to do so.

Highly original, you may have talents as an inventor or innovator of some sort. In any work that you choose, your independent attitude can show through. You have very strong personal needs and desires, and you feel it is always necessary to follow your own convictions. You tire of routine and highly detailed tasks rather quickly.

You are ambitious and assertive in promoting yourself. Although you may hide the fact for social reasons, you can be self-centered and demand to have your way in many circumstances. That said, for the most part, you are considered very good company, friendly, good-natured, and a wonderful conversationalist. People like you and are drawn to you. It is a good thing they are, because you are very sensitive to disapproval and you don't handle it very well.

There are several ways that the negative side of the 1 can show up. The 1 always has the potential for greatness as a leader, but they may fail as a follower. Unfortunately, sometimes you have to follow for a while before you are allowed to lead and this can be a difficult time. When the 1 Life Path person is not fully developed and expressing the negative side of this number, the demeanor may appear very dependent rather than independent, particularly in the early years. If you are expressing this negative trait of the number 1, you are likely to be very dissatisfied with your circumstances, and long for self-sufficiency. This might be defined as the weak or dependent side of the negative 1 Life Path. On the strong side of this negative curve, the 1 energy can become too self-serving, selfish and egotistical. Avoid being too bossy and demanding.

Astrological sign: Leo
Born in the Chinese Year of the Horse.
Native American Zodiac sign is Salmon; plant is Raspberry.
Birthstone is Peridot. Peridot is used to help dreams become a reality.

Your birth tree is
Cedar, the Confidence
Of rare beauty, knows how to adapt, likes luxury, of good health not in the least shy, tends to look down on others, self-confident, determined, impatient, wants to impress others, many talents, industrious, healthy, optimism, waiting for the one true love, able to make quick decisions.

What my name "means":
Your number is: 7

The characteristics of #7 are: Analysis, understanding, knowledge, awareness, studious, meditating.

The expression or destiny for #7:
Thought, analysis, introspection, and seclusiveness are all characteristics of the expression number 7. The hallmark of the number 7 is a good mind, and especially good at searching out and finding the truth. You are so very capable of analyzing, judging and discriminating, that very little ever escapes your observation and deep understanding. You are the type of person that can really get involved in a search for wisdom or hidden truths, often becoming an authority on whatever it is your are focusing on. This can easily be of a technical or scientific nature, or it may be religious or occult, it matters very little, you pursue knowledge with the same sort of vigor. You can make a very fine teacher, or because of a natural inclination toward the spiritual, you may become deeply emerged in religious affairs or even psychic explorations. You tend to operate on a rather different wavelength, and many of your friends may not really know you very well. The positive aspects of the 7 expression are that you can be a true perfectionist in a very positive sense of the word. You are very logical, and usually employ a quite rational approach to most things you do. You can be so rational at times that you almost seem to lack emotion, and when you are faced with an emotional situation, you may have a bit of a problem coping with it. You have excellent capabilities to study and learn really deep and difficult subjects, and to search for hidden fundamentals. At full maturity you are likely to be a very peaceful and poised individual.

If there is an over supply of the number 7 in your makeup, the negative aspects of the number may be apparent. The chief negative of 7 relates to the limited degree of trust that you may have in people. A tendency to be highly introverted can make you a bit on the self-centered side, certainly very much self-contained . Because of this, you are not very adaptable, and you may tend to be overly critical and intolerant. You really like to work alone, at your own pace and in your own way. You neither show or understand emotions very well.

Your Soul Urge number is: 9

A Soul Urge number of 9 means:
With a 9 Soul Urge, you want to give to others, usually in a humanitarian or philanthropic manner. You are highly motivated to give friendship, affection and love. And you are generous in giving of your knowledge and experience. You have very sharing urges, and you are likely to have a great deal to share. Your concern for others makes you a very sympathetic and generous person with a sensitive and compassionate nature.

You are able to view life in very broad and intuitive terms. You often express high ideals and an inspirational approach to life. If you are able to fully realize the potential of your motivation, you will be a very self-sacrificing person who is able to give freely without being concerned about any return or reward.

As with all human beings, you are prone to sometimes express the negative attitudes inherent to your Soul Urges. You may become too sensitive and tend to express emotions strongly at times. There can be significant conflict between higher aims and personal ambitions. You may resent the idea of giving all of the time and, in fact, if there is too much 9 energy in your nature you may reject the idea. You may often be disappointed in the lack of perfection in yourself and others.

Your Inner Dream number is: 7

An Inner Dream number of 7 means:
You dream of having the opportunity to read, study, and shut yourself off from worldly distractions. You can see yourself as a teacher, mystic, or ecclesiastic, spending your life in the pursuit of knowledge and learning.

family photos

My niece:











My nephew:














Cousins:

from July

A couple of photos from our trip to the Memphis zoo.

a sample of Kittens of Darkness for Swami

avusing

bodycount

coteries

world of darkness

New link

*points to the side*

For you crazy cat people, may I recommend clicking the Kittens of Darkness link? Check out the gallery. I think you might enjoy it.

Some people really just annoy the fuck out of me.

edit to add Question?
>Yeah, I had to search for
>a while until I realized
>that I could donate the
>books on CD to the
>local library or one of
>the organizations for the blind
>that my family supports.
That's a good idea. I have a blind friend that complains that not enough books come out on audio. He does NOT agree with the material that would come from FOF. It would make him laugh really hard, though.
>
>The books on homosexuality, however, I
>am keeping for myself.

not sure why you'd want them..but, OK.

Would replying to this comment with the following statement be bitchy, flaming, bashing, etc?
"How nice for HD that he has your approval."

From Journey's "Backyard BBQ" Tour in June

The guy in the green t-shirt? Tony Hawk (I don't remember the name of the other guy in the second pic)



















This is Shaun White, aka The Flying Tomato, aka Olympic Gold Medalist

















My son told me repeatedly what this guy's name is, but I can't remember. (What do you want from me??? I'm fucking old!)


But I do remember that this trick is the "Kiss of Death"

Confessions of a dork

This is one of my favorite times of the year. Why? Because it's getting close to the holidays. And that means that the stores are putting out their holiday merchandise, which includes all kinds of animated singing and dancing "things". I LOVE those things. A ghost that circles back and forth while singing "I Want Candy"? I love it! A turkey that moves up and down while singing "The Chicken Dance"? Too cute!!! A candy dish in the shape of a large spell book that has a cackling laugh or a couple of phrases everytime you open it? I bought 3 of them last year. I can't help myself. I will go up and down the aisles of the store, and turn on every last one of those things, and just sit there and watch them and laugh. I am also fascinated by the items that have the fiber optic lights. I could just watch those for hours.

----------------------------------------------

I love greeting cards. I will stand in that section of the store for 20 minutes, just reading the different cards. I love sending cards to people for no reason, just to say hi, or because I thought the card was funny, and thought the other person might enjoy it, too.

----------------------------------------------

I'm a sucker for gadgets. That's why I don't watch infomercials. I would be buying all that stuff all the time. It's a good thing I don't know anyone who has tupperware parties or other things like that, because I just have to have that stuff if I see it. It's a sickness. It really is.

*melts*

For those who know how to get there, you should go check out CSTL's blog.

edit: moving this to the top

"It's the thought that counts"

But if the thought says "I don't give a fuck what you like" or "I can't be bothered to actually try to personalize a gift", then what?

The whole thing of gift giving makes me think sometimes that I'm from another planet. I am not only on another page, I'm in a different book. Sometimes, cash or a gift certificate is an appropriate and thoughtful gift. Other times, it says "I couldn't be bothered to put forth any effort or time for a gift for you." What brought this up today was I received a late birthday present from a co-worker. It was a very cute picture frame. After I unwrapped it, the co-worker made the comment that she just tries to give presents that are things she would like to get. I know a few people with this philosophy. Others just buy up generic things after the stores have marked down the prices significantly, and just basically give a grab-bag item. A former co-worker had asked me once, what I would like for a present. I told her specifically what I would want. I received something completely different. She then made the comment that she just didn't think what I said was a good present. OK, if it's something I want, something I would use, why is that a bad present? *shakes head*

Some questions for you:
A co-worker has a big life event coming up. As a group, you and others are going to take up donations, give one gift, and have a card.

Do you have all employees sign the card, or only the ones who donated?

Same scenario as above, except you are going to give the cash instead of buying a present. Do you keep a list of who donates and how much? And then do you give that list to the giftee?

If you are going to give a gift, do you just decide what you are going to buy and then tell everyone how much they have to give? Or do you take up money, people giving whatever they feel like, and then make your decision based on how much money you have?


My thoughts:
If the gift is from "all your co-workers", then I would prefer to have everyone sign, regardless of whether or not they made a monetary donation.

I thought keeping a list of who gave, and how much they gave was tacky. I was horrified to learn that the giftee was given the list. Had I known this was going to happen, I wouldn't have given anything.

I think you let people give what they are comfortable giving, and then buy a gift based on total contributions.

I should be sleeping...

Do you ever have those moments when you're so bored with everything, and you don't have any new reading material, and you have stuff to do, but you don't want to do it, so you just sit in front of the computer, and wonder where the hell everyone else is? Don't these people know that they exist solely for my amusement??? What the fuck?

I have a really bad habit when I'm bored. I start talking to myself, just crazy shit. My mind just starts racing from one weird idea to another.

I wonder about really stupid stuff sometimes. Of course, right now, I can't think of any of the more entertaining thoughts I've experienced before. I have such a horrible memory. And before anyone says it, it's not because of my age. I've always had a poor memory. I am the stereotypical absent minded person who will walk into a room, and suddenly not have a clue why I did it. I do that at work quite often. I will walk out of my office, start down the hall, and then stop and ask myself where the hell am I going, anyway? I had a purpose when I got up, but what was it??? So, then I have to cover for myself, and go to the office supply closet and get a pen or something, or go upstairs and check my mailbox. Just anything. And hoping I will remember what I got up for in the first place.

I do that with blogging ideas, too. Or for posts on OT. I'll think of something that, in my mind, is clever or thought provoking or whatever, but when I finally have time to sit down and post, *poof* ! the idea is long gone. One of the more recent thoughts to go poof was I wanted to thank Monsty for her prom thread. I had a real snarky comment to make about one of the posts, but then I couldn't remember for the life of me what it was.

I was really bored tonight. All the shows I was watching have ended. Hell's Kitchen - over. Whatever the other show I was watching - over. <---See? I can't even remember what show I was watching. Damn! What reality show was on Monday nights??? Or maybe it's not over, but I just can't remember the show's title, and so I just missed it. I have been watching Design Star, but it will be over soon. A few years ago, I was watching practically every reality show that was on. I don't do that now. There's too many!!! I'm amazed at these people who can name cast members for every season. Once the season's over, I move on, and forget pretty much everything I just saw. I can't wait for Bravo to air the 2nd season of Top Chef. Does anyone know when that is supposed to start? I've been lurking on the BB basher's forum. I really don't understand the venom that some people put out, especially over people they don't even know. It really makes me wonder about human nature sometimes. Why do people feel the need to tear down other people? (I include myself in this - I can make some of the bitchiest, cruel remarks that you will ever come across.) I really don't understand the bashing that some people do. I can deal with the second guessing of the game play, and saying the players should have/could have done things differently, but the personal remarks blow me away. I need a hobby. Last year, I had started making pillows, and I had planned on making a couple of quilts - one for arkieboy, and one for me. I sketched out the plan, even bought the material for arkieboy's, and that's as far as I've gotten. I need to start cutting out the material and making the blocks, but I keep getting hung up on the basics. I can't make my pattern to cut the blocks. If I ever get it made, it will be a pretty cool looking quilt. I just have to get started. I really miss the bar. I loved getting to chat with different people. Whenever I sign on to Yahoo IM, nobody's ever on. But even if someone was on, it's not like I really have anything to talk about. "What did you do today?" I went to work, and I came home. That would be the reply for anyday. I don't go anywhere, and I don't do anything. Do you ever just have bits of songs come to mind based on something someone else says? I do that with peoples posts all the time. And sometimes with mine. Just like that last paragraph made the song She's Lump by The Presidents of the United States come to mind.

Lump sat alone in a boggy marsh,
Totally motionless except for her heart
Mud flowed up into Lump's pajamas
She totally confused all the passing pirahnas

She's Lump, she's Lump
She's in my head
She's Lump, she's Lump, she's Lump
She might be dead

Lump lingered last in line for brains
And the one she got was sorta rotten and insane
Small things so sad that birds could land
Is Lump fast asleep or rockin' out with the band?

She's Lump, she's Lump
She's in my head
She's Lump, she's Lump, she's Lump
She might be dead

When Lump was limp and lonely and needed a shove
Lump slipped on a kiss and tumbled into love
She spent her twenties between the sheets
Life limped along at sub-sonic speeds

She's Lump, she's Lump
She's in my head
She's Lump, she's Lump, she's Lump
She might be dead

Is this Lump outta my head?
I think so
Is this Lump outta my head?
I think so
Is this Lump outta my head?
I think so
Is this Lump outta my head?

Meh. Could I be anymore insane? Seriously. It's 11:15, I need to go to bed, and instead I'm sitting here posting all kinds or random shit, none of which probably makes any sense.

I felt like I should update...

But I really don't have anything new going on in my life...

I had a good hair day Wednesday, which was a real bonus, because that was the day my license expired, and so I have a better photo on my DL. Turns out I didn't need all the stuff I was told I would need to renew - all of that is only if you are getting a TN DL for the 1st time.

Work has been better this month. I was given specific things to do, and I completely kicked ass on what I was asked to do.

I've lost 4 pounds this past week.

My sleep has been kind of fucked up lately. I can't stay awake while I'm sitting up downstairs, but once I go upstairs and lay down, I lay there for so long before I can fall asleep. Then when morning comes, I can't wake up.

Two differing viewpoints

Both make me want to cry, but for very different reasons.

truthformen

http://www.moonspheres.com/iam.html

this and that

--Age--
Carey told me I'm an old fart, and let's face it, Carey knows all about farts, so she must be right. *grin* I'm turning 40 in just a few days. But it doesn't bother me. Yet. I freaked out when I turned 30. Was there any particular age that bothered you? Or one that you haven't reached yet, but are dreading?

--Peep Meet--
I had a peep meet Monday night. Batts was coming through Nashville on his way to Dayton, OH, so he and I had dinner Monday night, and got to know each other. I would have never guessed that he is 47. We were talking about some of the different peeps that post on the Real World/Road Rules forum, and it's so funny how we both assume that most of the other peeps are young, but then you start to realize that there's really quite a few people who... hmmm, let's just say that are in their 30's and up. Batts wanted to guess my age, and I'm not sure if he really thought what he guessed or if he was just blowing smoke up my ass. He said I look 28. I kinda think he fudged that guess, to be nice.

--Weekend plans--
Tonight, I'm supposed to be going to the bowling alley with a couple of friends. We're not sure if we're going to bowl, or just go to the bar and have a couple of drinks. I want to go see the movie
Barnyard (or is it Barnyard Animals??). I don't care if it is a kids' movie, I think it would be frikkin hilarious. I am also going to clean this mother-fucking house if it's the last thing I do. I have to find my birth certificate, because apparently I need that to renew my driver's licensce. It doesn't say that on the renewal notice they mailed to me, but one of my co-worker's had called, and that's what she was told to bring. I thought I knew where it was, but I was wrong. I have my birth card (which is an abstract of the actual certificate), but apparently that's not good enough. Which makes no sense. What the hell is the purpose of this card, if no one will accept it? It is issued from the same place as the certifcate, so what makes the piece of paper valid but not the plastic card?

Conveniences?

Do you ever look around at the things we consider to just be modern conveniences, and wonder how in the world people lived without these things before they were invented? And the sheer genius that existed in someone to come up with this just astounds and awes me. If you read my blog, you already know that I had to do without hot water for almost two weeks. It was miserable, and I was so happy to get that resolved. It made me stop and think about how many things we take for granted. Indoor plumbing is something that we expect. I cannot fathom how people live without it. My mother grew up in rural Arkansas, and they had outhouses when she was growing up. Can you imagine needing to use the bathroom and having to walk outside of your house to another building, in the middle of the night? Or if it's winter, and there is snow and ice on the ground? And that scenario brings up another thing that is just assumed - heat. Central heat and air. Wow. I grew up without air conditioning, and lived in houses that used wood burning stoves for heat. As a matter of fact, my parents don't have air conditioning, and use a fireplace for heat, supplemented with small space heaters for the other rooms. There's just no way I would survive if I had to do that. Seriously. I cannot start a decent fire in the fireplace, I've tried. And I am so miserable in the heat.

And then I wonder about how all of this stuff works. Most of the time, I don't bother to think about it. Even when it's explained to me, I still don't get it completely. But it really is quite wonderful. I push a couple of buttons, and bam! I have cold air throughout my house, even though it's 90-100 degrees outside. I turn a faucet and I have water - hot, cold, however I want it. And I want to say that whomever invented water heaters is a genius, and deserves recognition.

Sadly, as full of admiration as I am, I cannot be bothered to do much research, and this is the extent of my googling:

"In the 1870s, Englishmen, Maughan invented the first instant water heater. Little is known about Maughan's invention, however, his invention influenced the designs of Edwin Ruud.

Edwin Ruud, a Norwegian mechanical engineer was the inventor of the automatic storage water heater in 1889. Ruud emigrated to Pittsburgh where he pioneered the early development of both residential and commercial water heaters. He founded the Ruud Manufacturing Company."

But here's to Maughan and Ruud. *raises beer*

Woo Hoo!

I have hot water! I have hot water! I have a new water heater! I have more debt! Yay me!

Good news/Bad news for Coco!

The good news: 'Harry Potter' Actor to Be Naked on Stage

The bad news: You will have to go to London to see it.

'Harry Potter' Actor to Be Naked on Stage
By KATIE FRETLAND, Associated Press Writer
LONDON - "Daniel Radcliffe will strip off his Harry Potter eyeglasses and robes for his London stage debut next year.
The 17-year-old actor, who plays the bespectacled schoolboy wizard in the Hollywood adaptations of J.K. Rowling's novels, will star as a troubled stableboy in Peter Shaffer's "Equus."
The play delves into the psyche of a boy named Alan Strang who blinds six horses with a metal spike. The production is scheduled to open next March in the West End theater district, said spokesman Peter Thompson.
"It is an extraordinary play, and he's very much looking forward to the role," Radcliffe's spokeswoman, Vanessa Davies, said Friday. "He is maturing as an actor and beginning to take on new and challenging roles."
In one scene the actor playing Strang is required to simulate sexual ecstasy while riding a horse naked. But Davies said nudity was not the focus of the play.
Richard Griffiths, who plays Harry's Uncle Vernon in the films, is lined up to play the psychiatrist who interviews the troubled youth.
Radcliffe is now filming "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," the fifth installment in Harry's adventures, and recently finished shooting "December Boys," the story of four orphans who compete for adoption.
"Equus" opened in 1973 at London's National Theatre, before a successful run on Broadway starring Anthony Hopkins. Richard Burton starred in a 1977 film adaptation."

I suck at blow jobs.

Shots, people! I'm talking about the shot! Man, I really got wasted last night. Went out for drinks with several people from work and some of the people on the company softball team. (Explanation - originally the company sponsored a softball team that was made up of employees and family members. Now it's maybe half employees and family members and the other half is people that were recruited to play.) I don't even know for sure how much I drank. I started out with Sex on the Beach. Then I did a few shots with one of the women from the softball team. We did 3 blow job shots or maybe 4, one tequila shot, and one orgasm shot. C told me I had to do the blow job shot "the right way". But I couldn't. I could not get my mouth completely around the glass. I could get my lips around it, but I couldn't open my mouth wide enough to get the glass past my teeth. Then I had suction problems with the last two shots. LOL. I laughed so much last night. And I got groped. *grin* Of course, I also shared more than I wish I had.

I would have posted last night, but I was too drunk to even operate the computer. And I have been throwing up. I swear, I am never getting that drunk again.

Warning... this is NOT pretty

The REAL reason people leave Florida . . . . . . .


....and it ain't because of the hurricanes..........

However, this? is very pretty

Meme about books and reading

These questions were all lifted from bookingthroughthursday.blogspot.com

Do you ever reread your books?
If so, which ones? If not, why not?
Do you read the books the whole way through or pick through for favorite scenes?
What qualifies a book for the reread pile?

Do you read non-fiction books for pleasure, not counting books required for courses or for work?
If so, what areas of non-fiction interest you the most? If not, why not?
What are some of your favorite books from those areas?

What is the most pristine, perfect book in your collection? The one that looks like it's never been opened (and in fact may never have been)? Whose binding is uncracked, the corners still perfect?
Why is that book so perfect? Was it a gift? Is it a coffee table book too beautiful to use? Something you simply have no interest in and haven't bothered to open?

What is most battered book in your collection? The one with loose pages, tattered corners, and page edges so soft that there's not even a risk of paper cuts anymore?
Why is this book so tattered? Is it that you love it so much that you've read it a zillion times? Is it a reference book you've used every day for the last seven years? Something your new puppy teethed on when you weren't looking?

Which book character(s) would you...
Like to have dinner with?
Believe would be the best to help you out in a crisis?
Like to ask for an autograph?
Most identify with personally?

Oh, the emotions. I have so much I want to say, but I don't know how to say it. I don't have the words. And I feel like I've posted this same post so many times already that I'm just repeating myself. And I always seem to make it about me.

Reading the blogs the last two days. Wow. I wish I could wave a magic wand and make everything better for everyone. I just wanted to cry when I read some of the recent posts, to see the pain people are in.

I don't do good at "being there". I want to fix the problem, and then feel inadequate because I can't.

I don't even know what the purpose of this post is. I just wanted to tell you all how special you are to me.

*announcement*

I am in love/lust with Gilby Clarke.

That is all.

Adding pics:

Being a homeowner really sucks sometimes

Before I get started, yes, I'm spoiled. Yes, I know there are people in the world who are living in much worse situations than what I am about to describe. I should be grateful for what I have. And I am, really. But I.Still.Want.More!

I've been in this house going on 5 years now. I really haven't had to have a lot of stuff done, which is good. A couple of years ago, I had someone out to work on one of my central heat/air units. At that time, the guy recommended that I get ready to replace the unit he worked on, as it was very old, and would probably cost more to repair than it was worth. So last year, I decide I should go ahead and do that. I forgot which unit he worked on, and replaced the wrong one (which needed replacing, too, just not as soon). So, while I have heat for the upstairs and downstairs, I only have AC downstairs. Living in the South, AC is almost a necessity. But I know you can live without it. My parents are doing so, and they live in Arkanas, which is typically hotter and waaaay more humid than Tennessee. So, I get by with the AC downstairs and fans upstairs.

The hot water heater has acted "funny" sometimes in the past. Meaning that some days, I just wouldn't have very hot water, but the next day, everything was back to normal. I was in Arkansas this past week, and got back home on Thursday evening. When I got up Friday morning, I had no hot water. I wasn't happy about it, but thought it was just the water heater acting as it had in the past, and that it would be just fine the next morning. I took a shower in the freakin cold water (one of the quickest I've ever taken) and shampoo'd my hair. I couldn't stand the thought of sticking my head under the water a third time, so left off the conditioner. Man, was that a mistake! My hair looked like crap yesterday. When I got up this morning, I hoped for the best. Well, tough luck for me! Still no hot water. Brrrrrr! But I had to condition my hair this morning, so I toughed it out, and did it. The worst, IMO, is having the cold water run down my back. I can handle on my front side fairly well, I can suck it up and deal with it on my head, but when it runs down my back, it kills me! And because I'm such a dumb shit when it comes to managing money and credit cards, it's going to be probably the end of September before I can replace the damn thing. I do have a gift certificate (which was actually a refund of something) for a plumbing company that would probably (I'm hoping) cover making a repair, if it could be repaired. And if the plumbing company could work on this particular water heater. The reason I have my doubts about that is because when I had the food disposal replaced, the plumber signed me up for a preferred customer program with that company, which included a check of all plumbing stuff that day. He said something about not having seen a water heater like the one in my house. *shrugs*

Ah, for the good old days of apartment living, when I would just have to call over to the front office, tell them what the problem was, and it would be fixed. And I wouldn't have to miss any work because of having to wait for a plumber to show up in the 4 hour window I would be given.

Friday 5

1. From what stores is it impossible for you to emerge empty-handed?
2. Where do you go when you need to spend a little bit of make-me-feel-better money?
3. What store did you used to frequent but no longer find appealing?
4. If you opened your own retail store (not a food-service establishment), what would be its theme, name, and target clientele?
5. If you had to purchase all your friends’ gifts at one store for the rest of your life, which would you choose?

Quiz time

You Are: 50% Dog, 50% Cat

You are a nice blend of cat and dog. You're playful but not too needy. And you're friendly but careful. And while you have your moody moments, you're too happy to stay upset for long.

Are You More Cat or Dog?

You May Be a Bit Dependent...

You're more than a little preoccupied with being abandoned. You need a lot of support in your life, at all times. It's difficult for you to survive on your own... And you don't reallly think you ever could.

What Personality Disorder Are You?

You're Totally Sarcastic

You sarcastic? Never! You're as sweet as a baby bunny. Seriously, though, you have a sharp tongue - and you aren't afraid to use it. And if people are too wimpy to deal with your attitutde, then too bad. So sad.

How Sarcastic Are You?

Your 2006 Summer Anthem Is

Dani California by the Red Hot Chili Peppers "She's a lover, baby, and a fighter Shoulda seen it comin' when it got a little brighter With a name like "Dani California" Day was gonna come when I was gonna mourn ya A little loaded she was stealin' another breath I love my baby to death"

What's Your 2006 Summer Anthem?

this song suits my mood today

Undone
( The Guess Who )

She's come undone
She didn't know what she was headed for
And when I found what she was headed for
It was too late

She's come undone
She found a mountain that was far too high
And when she found out she couldn't fly
It was too late

It's too late
She's gone too far
She's lost the sun
She's come undone
She wanted truth but all she got was lies
Came the time to realize
And it was too late

She's come undone
She didn't know what she was headed for
And when I found what she was headed for
Mama, it was too late

It's too late
She's gone too far
She's lost the sun
She's come undone

Too many mountains, and not enough stairs to climb
Too many churches and not enough truth
Too many people and not enough eyes to see
Too many lives to lead and not enough time

It's too late
She's gone too far
She's lost the sun
She's come undone
(Doe-doe-doe-doe-doe doe un doe-doe-doe un doe-doe-doe)
(Doe doe-doe-doe-doe un doe-doe-doe doe-doe-doe)
(Doe doe-doe-doe doe doe-doe-doe doe doe)

[break]

It's too late
She's gone too far
She's lost the sun
She's come undone
She didn't know what she was headed for
And when I found what she was headed for
It was too late

She's come undone
She found a mountain that was far too high
And when she found out she couldn't fly
Mama, it was too late

It's too late
She's gone too far
She's lost the sun
She's come undone
(No no-no-no-no-no no)
(Doe doe doe-doe)

Dakota tribal wisdom says that when you discover you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount. However, in business we often try other strategies with dead horses, including the following:

1. Buying a stronger whip.

2. Changing riders.

3. Saying things like "This is the way we always have ridden this horse."

4. Appointing a committee to study the horse.

5. Arranging to visit other sites to see how they ride dead horses.

6. Increasing the standards to ride dead horses.

7. Appointing a tiger team to revive the dead horse.

8. Creating a training session to increase our riding ability.

9. Comparing the state of dead horses in today's environment.

10. Change the requirements declaring that "This horse is not dead."

11. Hire contractors to ride the dead horse.

12. Harnessing several dead horses together for increased speed.

13. Declaring that "No horse is too dead to beat."

14. Providing additional funding to increase the horse's performance.

15. Do a CA Study to see if contractors can ride it cheaper.

16. Purchase a product to make dead horses run faster.

17. Declare the horse is "better, faster and cheaper" dead.

18. Form a quality circle to find uses for dead horses.

19. Revisit the performance requirements for horses.

20. Say this horse was procured with cost as an independent variable.

21. Promote the dead horse to a supervisory position.

Handwriting meme (because Jen said so)

Get a piece of paper and write this sentence on it: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. This sentence contains all the letters in the alphabet. Sign it, and then take a picture or scan it and post it in your blog.



My handwriting sucks.

Today's Friday 5

1. What would be cool “entry music” for you upon your arrival at work or school?
2. How have you personalized your personal computer?
3. If someone were trying to decide if something were written in your handwriting, what might be a giveaway?
4. If someone who loved you wanted to get a tattoo on his or her arm as a secret reminder of you, what would be a good tattoo?
5. If you were the sort to do damage to others’ property, what would your graffiti name be?

*pouts*

(The computer is working tonight - after I deleted several pictures)

I'm feeling whiney tonight. I want a real vacation. After reading all the wonderful entries about the visit to SF, and all the posts about the peep meet in Niagra, I'm feeling very envious of everyone. My vacation last month was great, spending time with my son was so wonderful, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm on vacation next week, and I'm going to Arkansas to spend most of the week with my son. It's his birthday, and so naturally I'm going to spend the time with him. But... {childish, whiney voice} I want a real vacation!!!!! I want to go somewhere fun! I want to do adult things while on vacation! *kicks ground* I want a fucking peep meet!!!!{/childish whiney voice}

While I'm whining and bitching about things I want, but will never have, I want someone to clean my fucking house for me! I'm too fucking lazy to do it myself, but it really needs to be done. It's not quite at the "get a shovel" level, but it's embarrassing. I need to plan a party or something to motivate me to clean it. I don't let people come over when it's bad, so maybe if I had someone coming over, I would get my ass in gear. Oh, who the fuck am I kidding? I would just cancel the visit.

I'm feeling crappy about myself because of my weight. I just can't seem to motivate myself to even begin to try anything. I have thought that maybe I would use tattoos as a motivation. For every 25 pounds I lose, more ink! *grin* Of course, then people might look at me and go "hmmm". *rolls eyes* Years ago, when I worked in one of the regional offices, the exec gave all the office staff a Zig Ziglar book for Christmas. It was all about the power of positive thinking. You know, you look yourself in the mirror and repeat your little mantra of whatever you're trying to accomplish, and it comes it true. If I tell myself 10 times every morning that I will not overeat, I will exercise, and I will lose weight, I will start to follow through and actually do it. BTW, that had to be one of the crappiest presents ever! I know the man meant well, but I don't think any of us actually appreciated it. And he paid the extra price to have them all autographed.

Have any of you seen the Julia Roberts' movie "Something to Talk About"? There's this one scene that I just love, and wish I could actually do. In the scene, Julia's character is at a Junior League meeting, and just found out that her husband had an affair with one of her friends, to help get her husband to straighten up. So Julia's character decides it's time to cut the crap, and just lay it all out on the line. All the "secrets" that everyone knows, just get them out in the open and quit the bullshit pretending. Sometimes I would love to do that. Just lay it all out there and be done with it.

Well, enough bitching and moaning for one post. Time for me to get some sleep so I can have another fun day at work tomorrow. Of course, I don't have any more pie charts to make, so it won't be all that fun. *pouts*

I?

am a total dork. I had fun at work yesterday afternoon, because I got to make pie charts. Seriously. I enjoyed it. Feel free to point and laugh.

Swami's shampoo story reminded me of this...

Reading labels is very important.

Several years ago, (when my sister was 12 or 13 maybe? - Which would have made me 22 or 23), I had purchased a bottle of Nair hair removal mousse. It really didn't work for me, so I put it in the closet of the bathroom that I shared with my sister. (Yes, I still lived with my parents at that age.) One weekend, my sister had a sleep-over with 4 or 5 of her friends. I had told my sister that she better keep her friends out of my stuff. Well, Saturday morning when they all got up, they had piled into the bathroom to do their hair and stuff. After they were finally out of there, I went into the bathroom. All my make-up, which was kept in a drawer, was scattered across the counter. This pissed me off. Then I noticed that the Nair mousse was also on the counter, with a little of the product at the tip of the nozzle, and some down the side of the can. I go to the dining room where all the girls (read brats) were sitting. I asked, quite nicely, if any of them had gotten into my stuff. They all say no, and my sister starts getting all huffy, and complaining about me accusing her friends. I said, "hey, no problem. No big deal. However, if any of you used that mousse in your hair, you may want to go wash your hair right now. That's hair removal." Loud screams and a panicked dash to the bathroom followed my annoucement. Except for Gina, one of my sister's friends. She sat at the table, with a really scared look on her face. She had just had surgery to have tubes put in her ears, and couldn't get her hair wet. She was so afraid that all her hair was going to fall off, but what was she to do? I don't remember what she ended up doing. Luckily for the girls, the Nair didn't work any better on their heads than it did on my legs. My mom and I laughed our asses off.

Of course, this still wasn't enough to teach the girls to stay out of other peoples' belongings. Later, Gina comes walking in the living room, wearing a pair of bear-feet houseshoes. I comment how cool they were, and that I had a pair just like them. She gets a funny look on her face, and leaves the room quickly. I turn to my mom, and say, "those are my shoes, aren't they?"

Taken from the Friday5 (2 weeks worth)

1. How long does it take you to get ready in the mornings for whatever you have to do on a typical day?
2. If you had to retrieve your birth certificate right now, how long would it take before you had it in hand?
3. How long would it take you, via the quickest means available, to get to the place of your birth from where you are right now?
4. How long has it been since your last visit to the dentist?
5. How long is your usual get-ready-for-bed routine?


1. When you were a kid, which crayon in your box was the most worn-down?
2. What color looks best on you?
3. You know how paint colors always have weird names like “dusk” or “morning haze?” What name for a color would be most appropriate for your bedroom? (forget about the color itself; just focus on its name, and feel free to make a name up!)
4. What food grosses you out just by its color?
5. What’s something in your life that just isn’t colorful enough?