Okay. So I'm more than a little miffed right now considering that KC only got home a few moments ago from her I'll have her home early trick or treating outing with her father. Sarcasm not withstanding over his inappropriate misuse of the word early.
I didn't however lose my cool as I sat waiting on the couch, eyeing the clock every few minutes. Figuring as the seconds ticked away, that my compounding the situation wouldn't change the fact that it was already an hour past KC's bedtime. And bitch session, or no bitch session was going to change anything in that regard, though I'm sure I would have enjoyed throwing a few stinging barbs in his direction, out of KC's ear shot of course. (Sigh ... Acting like a grown up certainly sucks sometimes.)
I did however regret my earlier decision not to go next door to watch movies with my neighbors, one of which is very male, very single, and sleeps on the other side of my bedroom wall each and every night. And just because I know how these things work, I bet anything it would have been a scarey - I'm going to need you to hold me - sort of movie, to celebrate Halloween. In other words, my loss.
But since I'm home, I think I'll be somewhat productive, finishing the last bit of laundry before popping upstairs to bed for an early start tomorrow.
So Much For ...
Sleeping.
I'm tired, and yet I'm wide awake and watching What Not To Wear for the second time this evening. And it's not much of a surprise that it's no better the second time around as it was the first time around.
I did however take a midnight run to WalMart, and though normally against my better judgment to go anywhere near that evil place, I found myself there all the same. In a most disgusting fashion tonight, it came to my attention that Octavia appears to have tapeworms. And after brushing up on tapeworm information online, I can say with 100% certainty that she is indeed infected. Hence the trip to WalMart for the worm medicine.
Of course, I should have known that the one thing I was in need of, was going to be the one thing they didn't have. Which broke my heart considering I am completely grossed out by this latest turn of events and need to rectify this situation immediately!
But what really irritates me is that despite my having dropped a hundred dollars two weeks ago taking the little one to the vets - complete with stool sample - no one bothered to either check her for worms, or tell me she had them if they did, leaving me to wonder what the hell exactly I paid them for.
So I am to PetSmart in the morning, where according to their online site, I will be able to purchase the proper medication before calling the vet on Monday to give them a piece of my mind. And quite frankly, between vet bills, my rent getting jacked up, and working an extra 16 hours this week for free, I'm not what you would call happy with my present situation.
If only Calgon could make a difference ...
I'm tired, and yet I'm wide awake and watching What Not To Wear for the second time this evening. And it's not much of a surprise that it's no better the second time around as it was the first time around.
I did however take a midnight run to WalMart, and though normally against my better judgment to go anywhere near that evil place, I found myself there all the same. In a most disgusting fashion tonight, it came to my attention that Octavia appears to have tapeworms. And after brushing up on tapeworm information online, I can say with 100% certainty that she is indeed infected. Hence the trip to WalMart for the worm medicine.
Of course, I should have known that the one thing I was in need of, was going to be the one thing they didn't have. Which broke my heart considering I am completely grossed out by this latest turn of events and need to rectify this situation immediately!
But what really irritates me is that despite my having dropped a hundred dollars two weeks ago taking the little one to the vets - complete with stool sample - no one bothered to either check her for worms, or tell me she had them if they did, leaving me to wonder what the hell exactly I paid them for.
So I am to PetSmart in the morning, where according to their online site, I will be able to purchase the proper medication before calling the vet on Monday to give them a piece of my mind. And quite frankly, between vet bills, my rent getting jacked up, and working an extra 16 hours this week for free, I'm not what you would call happy with my present situation.
If only Calgon could make a difference ...
We Now Return You To Your Normally Scheduled Blog ...
It seems - though unintentional - I caused unnecessary concern among some readers in regards to my last picture post. And all I can say is I'm sorry for having a melt down moment, proving just how dangerous I can be with scissors and a roll of scotch tape in my hand, when not feeling very warm and fuzzy at all.
The simple fact is this. For the past nine years, I've looked at that picture everyday wondering where the hell that girl has gone to. And for the past nine years, the answer has remained unchanged. Because I'm ashamed to say, that I just don't know. Sometimes I think I catch glimpses of her, and then I look again into the mirror, and find no trace to say she was ever there. And I feel lost.
Lost and disconnected, as if I am fragments of a self that exists only behind a pane of glass. Photographic evidence of the me that was before, and not this me that is now. And I wonder if that makes any sense at all to anyone other than myself.
The simple fact is this. For the past nine years, I've looked at that picture everyday wondering where the hell that girl has gone to. And for the past nine years, the answer has remained unchanged. Because I'm ashamed to say, that I just don't know. Sometimes I think I catch glimpses of her, and then I look again into the mirror, and find no trace to say she was ever there. And I feel lost.
Lost and disconnected, as if I am fragments of a self that exists only behind a pane of glass. Photographic evidence of the me that was before, and not this me that is now. And I wonder if that makes any sense at all to anyone other than myself.
By The Light of the Moon
Just came back inside from watching the lunar eclipse, and have to admit to feeling a bit creeped out. Perhaps it comes from standing in the dark, alone on a cold quiet night, feeling so small compared to the vastness of the universe, as shadows slowly drape themselves across the moon like a veil of blood.
Upside Down
Went in early to work, stayed late again tonight, and I'm about ready to crash and burn. The sad thing is I should have stayed longer. But it got to the point where I was sitting there, re-writing the same thing over and over again, until it didn't even look like English anymore. And when it gets that bad, you're only shooting yourself in the foot if you hang around any longer. So I grabbed my keys and got the hell out.
And now that I'm home, I have a horrid headache, I don't feel at all well and KC's idea of a quiet voice is acting like I'm in California when she talks to me.
You know, there are days I wish I could run away from home and not come back.
And now that I'm home, I have a horrid headache, I don't feel at all well and KC's idea of a quiet voice is acting like I'm in California when she talks to me.
You know, there are days I wish I could run away from home and not come back.
Another Hole In My Pocket
Son of a bi-atch!
Talk about irritation in the inbox. Got some snail mail today from my landlords, and new instinctively that whatever was contained within the envelope was anything but good news.
Opening it up with a bit of trepidation, it was as I had assumed, an expensive love letter with cheap perfume, announcing a fifty dollar per month increase of rent as of December 1rst. Or as I was want to call it, my first BAH HUMBUG of the season.
Sigh ... No matter how much I try to get ahead, someone always seems to get there before me!
More from me later, I'm about to go write an eloquent note of complaints.
Talk about irritation in the inbox. Got some snail mail today from my landlords, and new instinctively that whatever was contained within the envelope was anything but good news.
Opening it up with a bit of trepidation, it was as I had assumed, an expensive love letter with cheap perfume, announcing a fifty dollar per month increase of rent as of December 1rst. Or as I was want to call it, my first BAH HUMBUG of the season.
Sigh ... No matter how much I try to get ahead, someone always seems to get there before me!
More from me later, I'm about to go write an eloquent note of complaints.
Variations On a Theme Song
Woke up this morning to the "Eye of the Tiger" song, and have to admit, it's quite more invigorating than a hot shower. Not only did I feel like the girl version of Rocky, but I was almost tempted to put on a pair of gray sweatpants, a black skull cap, and a pair of cut off at the fingers gloves and go for a run. Almost, but not quite. You somehow lose the effect when you step outside you're door and all you see and all you smell is farm fresh. That and there are two really big hills on either side of me, whichever way you go and as we all know, the laws of gravity don't exactly lend a helping hand on the way back up, like they do on the way down.
Speaking of the way down, I'm on my way in. Into work that is. I'm back on early shift for the next two weeks, which means that although I'll finally get a parking space that's not in East Timbucktu, I actually have to arrive somewhat on time. Oh well, a girl has better things to do than blog all the time. Not sure what those may be, but I'm convinced I may actually find out someday.
Speaking of the way down, I'm on my way in. Into work that is. I'm back on early shift for the next two weeks, which means that although I'll finally get a parking space that's not in East Timbucktu, I actually have to arrive somewhat on time. Oh well, a girl has better things to do than blog all the time. Not sure what those may be, but I'm convinced I may actually find out someday.
NaNoWriMo What?
Didn't quite get to the pumpkin carving tonight, but did manage to bake a dozen cookies to take into work tomorrow for Darryl. Darryl - of the does me favors, and doesn't bitch too much about it, but has been bugging me to bake him cookies - foreman from manufacturing. And really, it's the least I can do. The absolute least, although my skills in the kitchen are severely limited when it comes to baking. I am however, very proud to say that for once, I didn't burn a single chocolate chip for my efforts.
On another note ... Did I mention I joined up for the NaNoWriMo thing?
For anyone wondering what that might be, it's quite the simple concept of using the month of November to write a 50,000 word novel, or novella - for those being picky enough to point out that most novels are 60,000 words or greater. And in my case, while I may dream of writing the next best thing to sliced bread, the painful truth of this experiment is just going to be whether or not I can complete the task in the time allowed and the length required.
However, considering the schedule of events planned for November, which includes celebrating my 30th birthday in route to North Carolina to spend the holidays with my Mum (sorry, I just saw the new trailer for Bridget Jone's - my own personal hero) and Stepfather # 2, along with KC and my nephew Jay, I may be pushing my hopes a bit farther ahead of myself than possible. Still it sounds like fun, at least for the present. Though I'm sure when the drivel starts pouring out from my pen, I'm bound to have a change of thoughts on these things.
Desperate Housewives is on, and though I'm ashamed to say I'm hooked, I must go get my fix of crazy, give you all sorts of bad ideas, ladies on TV. Without HBO, it's as close as I can get to never having seen Sex in the City.
On another note ... Did I mention I joined up for the NaNoWriMo thing?
For anyone wondering what that might be, it's quite the simple concept of using the month of November to write a 50,000 word novel, or novella - for those being picky enough to point out that most novels are 60,000 words or greater. And in my case, while I may dream of writing the next best thing to sliced bread, the painful truth of this experiment is just going to be whether or not I can complete the task in the time allowed and the length required.
However, considering the schedule of events planned for November, which includes celebrating my 30th birthday in route to North Carolina to spend the holidays with my Mum (sorry, I just saw the new trailer for Bridget Jone's - my own personal hero) and Stepfather # 2, along with KC and my nephew Jay, I may be pushing my hopes a bit farther ahead of myself than possible. Still it sounds like fun, at least for the present. Though I'm sure when the drivel starts pouring out from my pen, I'm bound to have a change of thoughts on these things.
Desperate Housewives is on, and though I'm ashamed to say I'm hooked, I must go get my fix of crazy, give you all sorts of bad ideas, ladies on TV. Without HBO, it's as close as I can get to never having seen Sex in the City.
Another Easy Sunday Morning
Happy French Toast Day to one and all. Where despite the incredibly small amount of syrup to share between three people, we have made it through breakfast unscathed. Though that may not last too long the way the girls are fighting this morning. Or better yet, I should say girl since KC is decidely the bigger brat of the two, and the instigator of all that sounds whiny and complaintative.
When it comes to my niece - her cousin - KC is over the top jealous of Jordy like you wouldn't believe. I think last nights comment may have said it all, "Whenever Jordy comes over, you pay more attention to her than me, cause you love her better than me."
Which is absolutely untrue. And yet, not seeing Jordy as often as I do KC, it's hard not to spoil her for the first 10 minutes that she's here, amplified only by KC's monster behavior towards her cousin who idolizes her as the ultimate girl.
Camped out on my bedroom floor last night, they called it truce just long enough to attach blankets from my dresser, to one of the posts of my four poster bed, making a make-shift tent for them to sleep under. A tent I later destroyed after they had fallen asleep to keep them warm with the blankets on a night that despite my actually having turned on the heat prior to the first of November, remained cold.
And now, now it seems they've retreated upstairs together as I take this moment of solitude to type and sort my thoughts. Thoughts that have me thinking it's time to take a shower, face the day, and go buy some pumpkins that I am sure are begging to be carved.
When it comes to my niece - her cousin - KC is over the top jealous of Jordy like you wouldn't believe. I think last nights comment may have said it all, "Whenever Jordy comes over, you pay more attention to her than me, cause you love her better than me."
Which is absolutely untrue. And yet, not seeing Jordy as often as I do KC, it's hard not to spoil her for the first 10 minutes that she's here, amplified only by KC's monster behavior towards her cousin who idolizes her as the ultimate girl.
Camped out on my bedroom floor last night, they called it truce just long enough to attach blankets from my dresser, to one of the posts of my four poster bed, making a make-shift tent for them to sleep under. A tent I later destroyed after they had fallen asleep to keep them warm with the blankets on a night that despite my actually having turned on the heat prior to the first of November, remained cold.
And now, now it seems they've retreated upstairs together as I take this moment of solitude to type and sort my thoughts. Thoughts that have me thinking it's time to take a shower, face the day, and go buy some pumpkins that I am sure are begging to be carved.
A Wee Bit of Magic
Late on a Saturday morning and I am feeling anything but awake. Perhaps it was from my night time adventure of waking up in the wee hours to play tooth fairy for KC's missing tooth, depositing the single dollar beneath her pillow with as much stealth and speed as is humanly possible for me to possess when more asleep than awake.
And I expected her to be disappointed this morning.
The way she told it last night, the last tooth she lost - which happened during her weekend stay at her father's - gained her a five spot beneath her pillow. Wallet decidely empty, I promptly went about giving an explanation on Fairy Diplomacy. As in different fairies work for different counties, resulting in different amounts of money being left for a child to find, and not every fairy left fives unless that particular tooth was extra spectacular.
Unfortunately the kid has a memory like an elephant and remembered the last fairy story I told her, where evidently fairies had Friday nights off. A story concocted to save the day when I had slept soundly throughout the night and had forgotten that the TF was supposed to have been on duty. A bit of an oops for me if you will.
I did however alleviate her concerns, stating that the Board of Fairies had reinstated Friday as an official night of work, and that at least half of the fairies were on schedule for collecting teeth. And as I watched, she rubbed her hands in glee, giving me the details of her plan on how before bed, she was planning on setting a trap for the TF in the case that it turned out it wasn't really me who took her tooth and put money from my purse in its place.
"Do you believe in the tooth fairy Mom?" she asked, her eyes wide with question. And feigning shock, I looked at her, raising my eyebrows in mock surprise.
"I can't believe you've even asked me that," I answered, as if perplexed. "Of course I believe in fairies! Where else would all the magic in the world come from, if it weren't for the fairies and all the other mystical creatures of magic?" This seemed to cause her to pause for thought and think she did. Taking her time to ask the question that lit upon her face, as I waited for it to come.
"But have you ever seen a fairy? I mean, really seen one?"
"Of course I have. I even have a picture of one," I said, remembering the developing spot left over on one of the pictures I had taken years before. "Don't tell me you don't remember the summer we went to camp? And how we walked down to the creek, beneath the green canopy of the trees with the sunlight just squeezing through like so, and the way the moss clung to the trees and the ferns branched out like feathers over the place where the wild mushrooms grew. And remember the sound of the water, rushing past the rocks and boulders, waterfall after waterfall, emptying into one small pool after another. And over the pools, clad with gossamer wings, an army of dragonflies hovered still, in bright turquoise, emerald greens and radiant reds. And that is when we saw the fairy. She had eyes the color of amethyst, hair as red as a sunset, and wings the color of a hummingbird and fluttering just as fast.
I think she was just as surprised to see us and we were of her. And for a moment, she just stayed there, floating on the wind very much like a thought or a trick of the mind, watching us as if we were the oddity. And then you laughed, and the sound of it made her ears perk up and her mouth break out into a wide smile. You wouldn't remember this, because you were very small then, but as quick as a bolt of lightening, she lit upon your nose, standing there in her stocking feet and danced upon its very tip. Not once but thrice, twirling herself in circles, her fairy dress like that of a morning glory, turning about in a riot of colors and a fragrance so sweet it could have been the scent of the mountain itself.
And then, giggling still, you asked her her name. Stopping her flurry of movement, she sat, perching there on the very end of your nose, arms folded across her chest with chin resting upon her hands, her long slender fingers tapping away like so as if she were thinking very hard. And then she opened her mouth, and said in a tone quiet reminiscent of a summer breeze and the sound of a small bird singing, I am called Echo.
Around us the forest had gone silent, fearful what power the giving of a fairies name might do in the hands of humans such as us. And I could feel the scores of eyes watching us from their hiding places, some behind bushes, some lurking in the leaves of the trees, some with their toes still dipped in water, hesitating now to move in their vulnerability to be seen.
Climbing down from your nose, wings extended she trilled silently to the thick moss spreading along the bank and a tree that looked as old as the moon itself. Sit she said, raising her hand and motioning us towards a giant boulder that on quick glance appeared more chair than rock and proved to be just as comfortable.
You have given me a great gift this day, she said, each word a musical note lilting out of her mouth. For in innocence you have asked my name and with faith I have given it. Called Echo by my Mother, daughter of the Queen of Fairies, keeper of sounds and all that can be heard, I was missing but one sound. A sound I never thought I could ever hope to hear again. And you have blessed me freely with this small one, with laughter as precious as rubies and as innocent as moonstones. And so I have given you this, a gift of site to make the unseen seen, so that you may balance out your mortal world with the magic that exists in places still left untouched by time.
Pressing a kiss against your brow, I could barely hear the whisper of her words to come as she knelt close to your ear. Protect this gift for all your life and it will pass down from you, one generation and to the next, so that all who know and come from you will remember that magic is neither cruel nor lost. And then she came to me, pressing that same kiss upon my cheek, but this time with words that only I could hear. Sister of my soul, she said. You who have seen far beyond your years, lived with the threat of sorrow above your head, and hidden beside us in shadows for far too long alone, for you I will share this laughter, so that you may well remember where from once it came. And take this, a silver feather she said, snatching it from the air, where moments before it had never been and this as well, the ink of life snatched from the end of a rainbow itself. And because I know what magic you already have within yourself, write your stories down so that those things that cannot be remembered alone, will be saved throughout all time for both our worlds to come.
And so I did, and I have. And now that you're old enough to know, yes KC, fairies are very real, just as is the magic that surrounds us every day. So do not doubt the magic you hold inside, it's as real as a sunrise and as precious as the first star that brightens up the night."
And I expected her to be disappointed this morning.
The way she told it last night, the last tooth she lost - which happened during her weekend stay at her father's - gained her a five spot beneath her pillow. Wallet decidely empty, I promptly went about giving an explanation on Fairy Diplomacy. As in different fairies work for different counties, resulting in different amounts of money being left for a child to find, and not every fairy left fives unless that particular tooth was extra spectacular.
Unfortunately the kid has a memory like an elephant and remembered the last fairy story I told her, where evidently fairies had Friday nights off. A story concocted to save the day when I had slept soundly throughout the night and had forgotten that the TF was supposed to have been on duty. A bit of an oops for me if you will.
I did however alleviate her concerns, stating that the Board of Fairies had reinstated Friday as an official night of work, and that at least half of the fairies were on schedule for collecting teeth. And as I watched, she rubbed her hands in glee, giving me the details of her plan on how before bed, she was planning on setting a trap for the TF in the case that it turned out it wasn't really me who took her tooth and put money from my purse in its place.
"Do you believe in the tooth fairy Mom?" she asked, her eyes wide with question. And feigning shock, I looked at her, raising my eyebrows in mock surprise.
"I can't believe you've even asked me that," I answered, as if perplexed. "Of course I believe in fairies! Where else would all the magic in the world come from, if it weren't for the fairies and all the other mystical creatures of magic?" This seemed to cause her to pause for thought and think she did. Taking her time to ask the question that lit upon her face, as I waited for it to come.
"But have you ever seen a fairy? I mean, really seen one?"
"Of course I have. I even have a picture of one," I said, remembering the developing spot left over on one of the pictures I had taken years before. "Don't tell me you don't remember the summer we went to camp? And how we walked down to the creek, beneath the green canopy of the trees with the sunlight just squeezing through like so, and the way the moss clung to the trees and the ferns branched out like feathers over the place where the wild mushrooms grew. And remember the sound of the water, rushing past the rocks and boulders, waterfall after waterfall, emptying into one small pool after another. And over the pools, clad with gossamer wings, an army of dragonflies hovered still, in bright turquoise, emerald greens and radiant reds. And that is when we saw the fairy. She had eyes the color of amethyst, hair as red as a sunset, and wings the color of a hummingbird and fluttering just as fast.
I think she was just as surprised to see us and we were of her. And for a moment, she just stayed there, floating on the wind very much like a thought or a trick of the mind, watching us as if we were the oddity. And then you laughed, and the sound of it made her ears perk up and her mouth break out into a wide smile. You wouldn't remember this, because you were very small then, but as quick as a bolt of lightening, she lit upon your nose, standing there in her stocking feet and danced upon its very tip. Not once but thrice, twirling herself in circles, her fairy dress like that of a morning glory, turning about in a riot of colors and a fragrance so sweet it could have been the scent of the mountain itself.
And then, giggling still, you asked her her name. Stopping her flurry of movement, she sat, perching there on the very end of your nose, arms folded across her chest with chin resting upon her hands, her long slender fingers tapping away like so as if she were thinking very hard. And then she opened her mouth, and said in a tone quiet reminiscent of a summer breeze and the sound of a small bird singing, I am called Echo.
Around us the forest had gone silent, fearful what power the giving of a fairies name might do in the hands of humans such as us. And I could feel the scores of eyes watching us from their hiding places, some behind bushes, some lurking in the leaves of the trees, some with their toes still dipped in water, hesitating now to move in their vulnerability to be seen.
Climbing down from your nose, wings extended she trilled silently to the thick moss spreading along the bank and a tree that looked as old as the moon itself. Sit she said, raising her hand and motioning us towards a giant boulder that on quick glance appeared more chair than rock and proved to be just as comfortable.
You have given me a great gift this day, she said, each word a musical note lilting out of her mouth. For in innocence you have asked my name and with faith I have given it. Called Echo by my Mother, daughter of the Queen of Fairies, keeper of sounds and all that can be heard, I was missing but one sound. A sound I never thought I could ever hope to hear again. And you have blessed me freely with this small one, with laughter as precious as rubies and as innocent as moonstones. And so I have given you this, a gift of site to make the unseen seen, so that you may balance out your mortal world with the magic that exists in places still left untouched by time.
Pressing a kiss against your brow, I could barely hear the whisper of her words to come as she knelt close to your ear. Protect this gift for all your life and it will pass down from you, one generation and to the next, so that all who know and come from you will remember that magic is neither cruel nor lost. And then she came to me, pressing that same kiss upon my cheek, but this time with words that only I could hear. Sister of my soul, she said. You who have seen far beyond your years, lived with the threat of sorrow above your head, and hidden beside us in shadows for far too long alone, for you I will share this laughter, so that you may well remember where from once it came. And take this, a silver feather she said, snatching it from the air, where moments before it had never been and this as well, the ink of life snatched from the end of a rainbow itself. And because I know what magic you already have within yourself, write your stories down so that those things that cannot be remembered alone, will be saved throughout all time for both our worlds to come.
And so I did, and I have. And now that you're old enough to know, yes KC, fairies are very real, just as is the magic that surrounds us every day. So do not doubt the magic you hold inside, it's as real as a sunrise and as precious as the first star that brightens up the night."
Frayed Around the Edges
Wouldn't you know I fell asleep right in the middle of Prime Time last night and didn't get to hear the entire scoop on ASL's!
Odd dream last night. My nephew was popping the letter buttons off of my laptop and rearranging them, so that when I typed everything I meant to say, said something else. Perhaps my subconscious is cluing me in to a bigger picture I have yet to see. Or perhaps I should lay off the skim milk right before bed.
KC has picture day today.
And if I'm lucky, the tooth that is about to pull loose will stay in just long enough for her to smile pretty before it meets its untimely end. With fingers crossed and a new top that we had to go shopping for last night, needing something new (and pretty) to wear for picture day, we had a majorly difficult time finding the poor girl jeans.
These stupid styles for girls are enough to give the little ones eating disorders. And someone really needs to tell me why you can't find a single straight leg, regular relaxed fit jean in any store anymore! Everything is all about fashion denim, hiphuggers, low riders, flare legs, etc. And they all fit tight, too tight. We tried on, I don't even know how many pairs last night, and each pair was the same thing. Too low and tight on the waist, too long on the leg.
Unfortunately we needed to choose something, and my skills as a seamstress are nil. Which means I will be doing what I used to do back in the day when I too was too short for the modern world. And as I like to say, have scissors will travel. I see a bit of frayed bottoms coming on.
Odd dream last night. My nephew was popping the letter buttons off of my laptop and rearranging them, so that when I typed everything I meant to say, said something else. Perhaps my subconscious is cluing me in to a bigger picture I have yet to see. Or perhaps I should lay off the skim milk right before bed.
KC has picture day today.
And if I'm lucky, the tooth that is about to pull loose will stay in just long enough for her to smile pretty before it meets its untimely end. With fingers crossed and a new top that we had to go shopping for last night, needing something new (and pretty) to wear for picture day, we had a majorly difficult time finding the poor girl jeans.
These stupid styles for girls are enough to give the little ones eating disorders. And someone really needs to tell me why you can't find a single straight leg, regular relaxed fit jean in any store anymore! Everything is all about fashion denim, hiphuggers, low riders, flare legs, etc. And they all fit tight, too tight. We tried on, I don't even know how many pairs last night, and each pair was the same thing. Too low and tight on the waist, too long on the leg.
Unfortunately we needed to choose something, and my skills as a seamstress are nil. Which means I will be doing what I used to do back in the day when I too was too short for the modern world. And as I like to say, have scissors will travel. I see a bit of frayed bottoms coming on.
Where Credit Is Due
Just saw a promo on the tele for a Prime Time Live episode airing tonight about Americans and their sex lives, and all I have to say is, who read my Coming To My Census blog and hand delivered it over to ABC?
Geesh. You think someone could have at least interviewed me for the idea.
Geesh. You think someone could have at least interviewed me for the idea.
It Only Looks Small
The computer illiterate girl tried putting links onto her blog tonight and succeeded in making it look like she was giving an eye exam. Promising to fix it tomorrow - and hopefully with the help of someone who may know what they're doing - she went to bed with thoughts of writing a great American novel on her mind.
A Prelude to Thanksgiving
Late night at work again and I'm too tired to make dinner, let alone take the time to eat it. And all I have to say is thank the Lord for my Dad, who helps me out so much with KC. Watching her after school, running her for her Tuesday night acro class, and feeding her dinner on the nights when I've too much work to leave on time. Without him helping to ease the burden of being a single parent, I doubt I could be as far ahead as I am. Thanks Dad!
KC's calling from upstairs. It seems there is a spider that's broken the cardinal rule of crossing our threshold. And since I'm not one to buck the system, or the house rules, I must go kill the eight legged intruder.
Sigh ... If only they'd learn that if they stayed outside, I'd let them live.
KC's calling from upstairs. It seems there is a spider that's broken the cardinal rule of crossing our threshold. And since I'm not one to buck the system, or the house rules, I must go kill the eight legged intruder.
Sigh ... If only they'd learn that if they stayed outside, I'd let them live.
Building Bridges
I just walked in the door from work five minutes ago. I'm tired, I'm cranky, and I'll probably bite the head off of a frog later just for fun.
The only highlight of my day was when my most favorite, and yet most obnoxious customer got it into his head to prank phone call me, because evidently he had way, way, way too much time on his hands. It went something a little like this ...
"Good afternoon. This is Stacey."
"You build bridges?"
"I'm sorry. I didn't quite hear you," I said, thinking that I must have heard him wrong.
"Bridges. You build them?" The funny voice asked again, sounding rather cartoon-ish. "You have "I" beams?"
(Now here is where I paused, quite confused, but not yet willing to let on to the guy on the other end of the phone.)
"Ummm, are you maybe looking for the commercial side of our company?" I asked, praying that I could pass him down to Linda on the opposite side of the hall for her to deal with.
"No. Want to talk to you. You Stacey. I talk to you."
At this point I am noticeably giggling, trying my best to keep it together, while pushing away from my desk and leaning back in the chair, figuring I might as well be comfortable if I've got to deal with this crackpot.
"Stacey. What you laughing at? You laughing at me," the voice asked gruffly, as if I'd hurt his feelings.
"No," I stammered, stifling a fit of giggles, "I am not laughing at you."
"Good. I no like to be laughed at."
Still unsure of who it could be, or if he was even for real, I decided to take a chance. "Okay, who is this?"
"You Stacey. I know this."
"Are you quite sure about that?" I asked. "I'm not feeling very much like me at the moment."
"You not know you Stacey?"
"No. I don't know I Stacey." I said, desperately trying to place the voice that now seemed very recognizable. "And who might you be?"
"God loves you," said the voice.
"I'm sure he does," I shot back. "I'm practically a saint."
"You help me build bridges?"
Pressing the mute button, I screamed in mock frustration. "No!" I said, more forcefully this time around. "I don't know how to build bridges! We don't sell bridges! We only sell - information withheld. I can't help you."
"You Stacey. Stacey can help."
"Ugh! Come on now, stop messing with my mind! Who are you and why are you calling me?"
"Stacey. You hold on now. I get you someone who wants talk to you."
"You do that," I said, pretending to be miffed. The phone clattered for a moment, and though muffled, it was easy to hear the sound of laughter.
"Uhhh Stacey. What you doing, babe?" he said, his voice laced with mock innocence. Meanwhile, I was ready to kill him.
"Rick! You freaking gooney bastard. I can't believe you just put me through all that." I screamed as he laughed evilly. "And now, to make matters worse, I have a laugh headache, and it's all your fault!"
"Careful what you say, Pauly's listening in on the line."
"Oh ... So Paul's in on this too?" I asked. "Both of you are going to get your asses kicked." I threatened, as they both broke out in laughter. "Yeah, go ahead and laugh, I have a long memory and payback is as much of a bitch as I am."
"Now don't be like that. You loved it. You know you did."
"That's besides the point, I need advil now because of you!"
"Well, you'll have to get that after I place my order."
"You expect me to do you a favor now?" I asked incredulously. "Uh huh ... Humph."
"Come on babe, you know you love me.
"Loathe you yes, love you no." I countered. "But tell me what you want anyway, and I'll think about putting it through."
The only highlight of my day was when my most favorite, and yet most obnoxious customer got it into his head to prank phone call me, because evidently he had way, way, way too much time on his hands. It went something a little like this ...
"Good afternoon. This is Stacey."
"You build bridges?"
"I'm sorry. I didn't quite hear you," I said, thinking that I must have heard him wrong.
"Bridges. You build them?" The funny voice asked again, sounding rather cartoon-ish. "You have "I" beams?"
(Now here is where I paused, quite confused, but not yet willing to let on to the guy on the other end of the phone.)
"Ummm, are you maybe looking for the commercial side of our company?" I asked, praying that I could pass him down to Linda on the opposite side of the hall for her to deal with.
"No. Want to talk to you. You Stacey. I talk to you."
At this point I am noticeably giggling, trying my best to keep it together, while pushing away from my desk and leaning back in the chair, figuring I might as well be comfortable if I've got to deal with this crackpot.
"Stacey. What you laughing at? You laughing at me," the voice asked gruffly, as if I'd hurt his feelings.
"No," I stammered, stifling a fit of giggles, "I am not laughing at you."
"Good. I no like to be laughed at."
Still unsure of who it could be, or if he was even for real, I decided to take a chance. "Okay, who is this?"
"You Stacey. I know this."
"Are you quite sure about that?" I asked. "I'm not feeling very much like me at the moment."
"You not know you Stacey?"
"No. I don't know I Stacey." I said, desperately trying to place the voice that now seemed very recognizable. "And who might you be?"
"God loves you," said the voice.
"I'm sure he does," I shot back. "I'm practically a saint."
"You help me build bridges?"
Pressing the mute button, I screamed in mock frustration. "No!" I said, more forcefully this time around. "I don't know how to build bridges! We don't sell bridges! We only sell - information withheld. I can't help you."
"You Stacey. Stacey can help."
"Ugh! Come on now, stop messing with my mind! Who are you and why are you calling me?"
"Stacey. You hold on now. I get you someone who wants talk to you."
"You do that," I said, pretending to be miffed. The phone clattered for a moment, and though muffled, it was easy to hear the sound of laughter.
"Uhhh Stacey. What you doing, babe?" he said, his voice laced with mock innocence. Meanwhile, I was ready to kill him.
"Rick! You freaking gooney bastard. I can't believe you just put me through all that." I screamed as he laughed evilly. "And now, to make matters worse, I have a laugh headache, and it's all your fault!"
"Careful what you say, Pauly's listening in on the line."
"Oh ... So Paul's in on this too?" I asked. "Both of you are going to get your asses kicked." I threatened, as they both broke out in laughter. "Yeah, go ahead and laugh, I have a long memory and payback is as much of a bitch as I am."
"Now don't be like that. You loved it. You know you did."
"That's besides the point, I need advil now because of you!"
"Well, you'll have to get that after I place my order."
"You expect me to do you a favor now?" I asked incredulously. "Uh huh ... Humph."
"Come on babe, you know you love me.
"Loathe you yes, love you no." I countered. "But tell me what you want anyway, and I'll think about putting it through."
Whomp ... There It Is
If you're judging from the title, that I did indeed watch a little bit of VH1's awesomely bad, and certainly won't get you into the mood songs this weekend, you'd be absolutely correct. Not that I ever found out which song made it to number one, as my station was changed out for the cartoon network the minute KC got home and located the remote, much to my dismay. Though I suppose it's not a big worry considering that I'm sure it will re-air again, and again, and again.
So I have to admit to a little bit of bad behavior from this weekend, aside from the rude woman at the grocery, and the chooney (or better said as cute or sweet) little shopping cart clerk, who helped load my groceries in the car because as he said, 'I know you don't want to be out here in this nasty weather, anymore than I want to be out here.' with his yellow rain parka blowing in the cold October wind, and the rain pelting against our faces.
Brenda and I took a small amount of time this weekend to run to the store and do a little light Christmas shopping. Although I am proud to say that I actually browsed for once in my life, without purchasing a single thing. Not that I couldn't find anything to buy, because I probably could have come out with two handfuls without even trying. I did however keep repeating my new mantra as one item and then another begged me from the shelves to take them home. It went a little something like this ... 'I have a car payment. I have a car payment. I have a car payment.' Oh, you get the point.
Anyhow this isn't the bad behavior I was really talking about. I'm talking about the behavior that proceeded the shopping trip itself. The behavior that made me look over at Brenda as she sat in the front seat of my new vehicle for the very first time, that made me say, 'Feel like doing a drive-by?'
Right away you should know, it's not that type of drive-by you were initially thinking. It was - and this is where I should be very ashamed to admit of myself - the kind of drive-by where you just happen to be in the same neighborhood as a former flame, and you just happen to drive by his house, as you just happen to drive as slowly as possible to just happen to catch a glimpse of him living his life without you.
Okay, so it was WAY childish and I should WAY regret such silly actions, considering that next month I will be turning the venerable age of thirty. And really, if I were to think about it, I should know better. But you know, when you break up with a person, it's hard to imagine that they didn't feel some of the same feelings you did upon your departure. In this specific case, it wasn't so much about feeling like I'd lost the love of my life, it was more like feeling that I'd been taken for a long ride around the block of get your hopes up and watch them come crashing down-ville.
Needless to say, he wasn't standing on his porch to see me passing by, though his car was parked on the street and his front door was swinging wide open in the wind. Which probably is a good thing, considering that I would have probably died of embarrassment of having been caught should he have seen me. So I'm letting this be a lesson to myself, to not pull such a cheesy maneuver again that in two words, is both pointless and regrettable.
Meanwhile, I'll just have to hope that the man of which I am speaking, has finally given up on reading this blog on a daily basis. Otherwise my secret is going to be out, and he'll probably be pissed that I still have something to say.
Oh well. It's off to work I go.
So I have to admit to a little bit of bad behavior from this weekend, aside from the rude woman at the grocery, and the chooney (or better said as cute or sweet) little shopping cart clerk, who helped load my groceries in the car because as he said, 'I know you don't want to be out here in this nasty weather, anymore than I want to be out here.' with his yellow rain parka blowing in the cold October wind, and the rain pelting against our faces.
Brenda and I took a small amount of time this weekend to run to the store and do a little light Christmas shopping. Although I am proud to say that I actually browsed for once in my life, without purchasing a single thing. Not that I couldn't find anything to buy, because I probably could have come out with two handfuls without even trying. I did however keep repeating my new mantra as one item and then another begged me from the shelves to take them home. It went a little something like this ... 'I have a car payment. I have a car payment. I have a car payment.' Oh, you get the point.
Anyhow this isn't the bad behavior I was really talking about. I'm talking about the behavior that proceeded the shopping trip itself. The behavior that made me look over at Brenda as she sat in the front seat of my new vehicle for the very first time, that made me say, 'Feel like doing a drive-by?'
Right away you should know, it's not that type of drive-by you were initially thinking. It was - and this is where I should be very ashamed to admit of myself - the kind of drive-by where you just happen to be in the same neighborhood as a former flame, and you just happen to drive by his house, as you just happen to drive as slowly as possible to just happen to catch a glimpse of him living his life without you.
Okay, so it was WAY childish and I should WAY regret such silly actions, considering that next month I will be turning the venerable age of thirty. And really, if I were to think about it, I should know better. But you know, when you break up with a person, it's hard to imagine that they didn't feel some of the same feelings you did upon your departure. In this specific case, it wasn't so much about feeling like I'd lost the love of my life, it was more like feeling that I'd been taken for a long ride around the block of get your hopes up and watch them come crashing down-ville.
Needless to say, he wasn't standing on his porch to see me passing by, though his car was parked on the street and his front door was swinging wide open in the wind. Which probably is a good thing, considering that I would have probably died of embarrassment of having been caught should he have seen me. So I'm letting this be a lesson to myself, to not pull such a cheesy maneuver again that in two words, is both pointless and regrettable.
Meanwhile, I'll just have to hope that the man of which I am speaking, has finally given up on reading this blog on a daily basis. Otherwise my secret is going to be out, and he'll probably be pissed that I still have something to say.
Oh well. It's off to work I go.
Quick Thoughts
Not really in the mood to think of something overly witty or clever tonight, so I'll leave you with a few jumbled thoughts to tide you over until tomorrow, starting with the rude woman at the grocery store, who simply couldn't wait her turn in the frozen food aisle and practically tore the freezer door from its hinges as she shuffled me out of her way.
Now normally I don't let my mouth go off on a tangent, opting to shut up and put up with bizarre, outlandish behavior rather than cause a scuffle in the middle of aisle 9, but tonight I couldn't quite keep myself from going off like a fire cracker. Although in hindsight, perhaps I would be better compared to a sparkler, quick to catch fire but quicker yet to sputter out.
So when this overly rude and obnoxious lady shoved me out of her way in order to grab her bag of Oreida fries, I said the first thing that came to mind.
"I'm sorry," I said, my voice laced with false pleasantry, "I didn't mean to be in your way."
With a look that might have scared young children or a woman of lesser fortitude than I, she curled her lip, tossed her overly highlighted hair over her shoulder and threw her bounty into her cart, barely sparing me a second glass as she put herself in motion. But never one to back down once my dander is raised, I couldn't resist sending another barb in her direction.
"You know, most people would apologize for being rude."
She, of course, had nothing to say. Although had I listened close enough, the word bitch might have been issued in my direction. Done with my shopping and more than ready to leave after such a silly episode, I could only hope and pray that the pushy shopper toned it down a bit, taking care not to run over any helpless old ladies in the milk and cheese aisle.
Now normally I don't let my mouth go off on a tangent, opting to shut up and put up with bizarre, outlandish behavior rather than cause a scuffle in the middle of aisle 9, but tonight I couldn't quite keep myself from going off like a fire cracker. Although in hindsight, perhaps I would be better compared to a sparkler, quick to catch fire but quicker yet to sputter out.
So when this overly rude and obnoxious lady shoved me out of her way in order to grab her bag of Oreida fries, I said the first thing that came to mind.
"I'm sorry," I said, my voice laced with false pleasantry, "I didn't mean to be in your way."
With a look that might have scared young children or a woman of lesser fortitude than I, she curled her lip, tossed her overly highlighted hair over her shoulder and threw her bounty into her cart, barely sparing me a second glass as she put herself in motion. But never one to back down once my dander is raised, I couldn't resist sending another barb in her direction.
"You know, most people would apologize for being rude."
She, of course, had nothing to say. Although had I listened close enough, the word bitch might have been issued in my direction. Done with my shopping and more than ready to leave after such a silly episode, I could only hope and pray that the pushy shopper toned it down a bit, taking care not to run over any helpless old ladies in the milk and cheese aisle.
Money Like Water
After this morning's doctor bill, it's easy to understand why so many pet owners don't take their pets as often as they probably should for checkups. One hundred dollars lighter than I was when I woke up this morning, I'm still in a state of shock over how much money I shelled out for exactly 10 minutes of waiting, 10 minutes of service, and 10 more minutes of waiting.
And it's absolutely incredible that they can look you straight in the eye, and charge you an arm and a leg for something that I am sure is far more affordable than what they've made it out to be. But then again, hasn't this become the American way? Paying far more than should honestly be necessary for services and products that are severely overrated for their price.
Personally, my own healthcare costs have skyrocketed, despite the fact that I hardly ever - unless I'm feeling near death - go to the doctor. Gas is $2.169 per gallon, and unless you're buying out of season, clothes are ridiculously marked up to prices non-comprehensible to the average income earner. And it's one of those jokes that no one finds very funny, when every week 75% of my pay goes more towards trying to keep up with inflation, than it does towards being able to contribute to a personal slush fund, or take a family trip to the movies.
Not that I meant to be political this morning, when up until having to pay the bill, I was planning on coming back home and writing about the cute doctor, with the most remarkable eyes, the color of cold blue ice, and whose left hand was minus a wedding band.
C'est la vie, I suppose.
And it's absolutely incredible that they can look you straight in the eye, and charge you an arm and a leg for something that I am sure is far more affordable than what they've made it out to be. But then again, hasn't this become the American way? Paying far more than should honestly be necessary for services and products that are severely overrated for their price.
Personally, my own healthcare costs have skyrocketed, despite the fact that I hardly ever - unless I'm feeling near death - go to the doctor. Gas is $2.169 per gallon, and unless you're buying out of season, clothes are ridiculously marked up to prices non-comprehensible to the average income earner. And it's one of those jokes that no one finds very funny, when every week 75% of my pay goes more towards trying to keep up with inflation, than it does towards being able to contribute to a personal slush fund, or take a family trip to the movies.
Not that I meant to be political this morning, when up until having to pay the bill, I was planning on coming back home and writing about the cute doctor, with the most remarkable eyes, the color of cold blue ice, and whose left hand was minus a wedding band.
C'est la vie, I suppose.
An Early Morning Journey
Off to take Octavia in for her very first kitty doc appointment. And considering she's intent on breaking everything in the house this morning, it's not a moment too soon to put her in (our very stylish, leopard printed) cat carrier and gain some sense of control back from the tiny terror with the very sharp teeth.
That and because she keeps stepping on the keyboard this morning, to try and bite my fingers as they type, type, type away ...
More later. I'm out.
That and because she keeps stepping on the keyboard this morning, to try and bite my fingers as they type, type, type away ...
More later. I'm out.
Shades of Silence
(An Excerpt)
SOMETIMES YOU LOSE TOUCH with people for no good reason, even people you love. Nora had lost touch with Isaac five years ago, but he kept coming back to her mind. He would appear to her in dreams (usually looking as if he was disappointed in her); things he'd said to her long ago would bob up in her thoughts; and sometimes when she was in a bookstore she'd drift over to the photography section to see if he'd put out another book. Through year after year of silence, she carried on a conversation with him in her mind.
Every few months she would pick up the phone with the intention of calling him - and then she'd put the phone back down. She wasn't quite sure why they'd finally stopped talking, but something prevented her from reaching out to him again. Maybe there was a good reason after all.
For hours of conversation, for a friendship that brightened my world and for memories both good and bad, Happy Birthday Michael. I miss having you around.
Random Silliness
I learned a valuable lesson today about walking into other people's offices without first checking to see if they've got company ... Lips puckered up in a kissy fish face as if I were gasping for air at the surface, I sort of shocked the hell out of the guy sitting in Shirley's office, who needless to say wasn't prepared to see some strange, wacky woman - that would be me - pretending she was finding Nemo underwater.
Embarrassed, and yet unable to return my lips to their normal upright position, I made quick work of grabbing my paperwork and getting out of there before my face had a chance to get any redder than it already was, as I once again proved myself to be the resident office idiot.
Which isn't to say that I really learned my lesson today at all, as I was back to normal, singing West Side Story in the hallway after lunch, sticking my tongue out at the receptionist and spending a good five minutes whacking Linda in the arm, just to prove how annoying I could be for absolutely no reason at all. I did however refrain from attempting to put any more kick me signs on posty notes (left sticky side up) on people's chairs ... And I tell you, you'd be surprised by how many people don't look before they sit. Geesh!
After that, I spent most of the afternoon having a Bridget Jones meets Daniel Cleaver moment, with a flurry of flirtatious emails, that for all intents and purposes were as harmless and they were hilarious. Which would also explain why I was laughing so much and why "Dirk" felt completely ignored when he called and vainly tried to pry my attention away long enough for me to actually help him out with a customers order.
Ah well, KC is awaiting her snack and I'm about to go waste an hour of my life watching reality TV. Until sooner rather than later, Stacey is over and out.
Embarrassed, and yet unable to return my lips to their normal upright position, I made quick work of grabbing my paperwork and getting out of there before my face had a chance to get any redder than it already was, as I once again proved myself to be the resident office idiot.
Which isn't to say that I really learned my lesson today at all, as I was back to normal, singing West Side Story in the hallway after lunch, sticking my tongue out at the receptionist and spending a good five minutes whacking Linda in the arm, just to prove how annoying I could be for absolutely no reason at all. I did however refrain from attempting to put any more kick me signs on posty notes (left sticky side up) on people's chairs ... And I tell you, you'd be surprised by how many people don't look before they sit. Geesh!
After that, I spent most of the afternoon having a Bridget Jones meets Daniel Cleaver moment, with a flurry of flirtatious emails, that for all intents and purposes were as harmless and they were hilarious. Which would also explain why I was laughing so much and why "Dirk" felt completely ignored when he called and vainly tried to pry my attention away long enough for me to actually help him out with a customers order.
Ah well, KC is awaiting her snack and I'm about to go waste an hour of my life watching reality TV. Until sooner rather than later, Stacey is over and out.
Almost Accurate
I am a hybrid of:
Girl Next Door Progressive Girl Click on the pictures below to read more:
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Thanks "L" for the link ... This was cute.
The Last Great Debate
Exhausted.
No other word to explain my mental condition today after a long day on the phones, and a feeble attempt to fumble through paperwork - which despite my vain attempts at staying late into the night last evening - seem to be self-propagating at mass speeds rather than dwindling themselves into extinction. It is a very sad state of affairs.
On top of that, I'm not much in the mood to work right now. Not that I ever really was, but I swear it's more noticeable to me now.
So what else happened today?
Ran to the post office during lunch to buy stamps and ended up helping one lady figure out how to work the stamp dispensing machine and then turned around to help another lady figure out the copier machine. I'm not sure, but I think I must have one of those friendly faces that people seem to naturally gravitate to when they're in need. Because there I was today, for all intents and purposes feeling like I was shaking hands and kissing babies .... Perhaps I should consider going into politics ...
Except I may be a bit too liberal for most.
And to hear GWB tell it, that should be enough for me to hang my head in shame ... I suppose things could be worse though, I could be a republican.
Octavia has decided to adopt Emma's usual post and is stomping around the keyboard tonight. So much so in fact, that I've had to scootch her away more than 7 times in the last 2 minutes, while trying to dissuade her from chewing the erasers of the pencils in the pen cup. She also learned how to open the desk drawer tonight, which houses the secret stash of cat treats, which means I'll be relocating it momentarily.
With the debate now over, and my head feeling like a giant frying pan of information, I am going to call an official lights out for the evening.
No other word to explain my mental condition today after a long day on the phones, and a feeble attempt to fumble through paperwork - which despite my vain attempts at staying late into the night last evening - seem to be self-propagating at mass speeds rather than dwindling themselves into extinction. It is a very sad state of affairs.
On top of that, I'm not much in the mood to work right now. Not that I ever really was, but I swear it's more noticeable to me now.
So what else happened today?
Ran to the post office during lunch to buy stamps and ended up helping one lady figure out how to work the stamp dispensing machine and then turned around to help another lady figure out the copier machine. I'm not sure, but I think I must have one of those friendly faces that people seem to naturally gravitate to when they're in need. Because there I was today, for all intents and purposes feeling like I was shaking hands and kissing babies .... Perhaps I should consider going into politics ...
Except I may be a bit too liberal for most.
And to hear GWB tell it, that should be enough for me to hang my head in shame ... I suppose things could be worse though, I could be a republican.
Octavia has decided to adopt Emma's usual post and is stomping around the keyboard tonight. So much so in fact, that I've had to scootch her away more than 7 times in the last 2 minutes, while trying to dissuade her from chewing the erasers of the pencils in the pen cup. She also learned how to open the desk drawer tonight, which houses the secret stash of cat treats, which means I'll be relocating it momentarily.
With the debate now over, and my head feeling like a giant frying pan of information, I am going to call an official lights out for the evening.
Coming To My Census
Holy Census Bureau Batman!
I just (finally) finished filling out their incredibly long (winded) form, and all I have to say is, "Does it really need to be that long?" Talk about ridiculous! Between the directions and the questions themselves, I feel as if I just finished taking a final exam. Although, it's not like I'm going to be graded or anything but still, I can't say I'm too thrilled with the amount of personal information they required. If you ask me, they're just being a bit over the top nosy. And to tell you the truth, I wouldn't have been surprised had I seen this question ...
Question # 1248 (Please place an "X" in the appropriate box)
Please give the approximate amount of times you engaged in sexual intercourse during the last 12 months. (Choose from the following:)
A. [ ] More than 100. (Give yourself a pat on the back.)
B. [ ] More than 50, less than 100. (Still looking pretty damn good.)
C. [ ] More than 25, less than 50. (Things are starting to look bleak aren't they?)
D. [ ] More than 10, less than 25. (While this is sad, it's still a step above pathetic.)
E. [ ] More than 0, less than 10. (Someone is scraping the bottom of the barrel here.)
F. [ ] Zero (Kleenex anyone?) * If you've checked this box, please proceed to Question # 1248-A
Question # 1248-A (Please place an "X" in the appropriate box.)
Choosing from the following list, please select the reason that most correctly answers why in the past 12 months you have not had sexual intercourse once.
A. [ ] I am currently in training to be a Nun.
B. [ ] My standards are still too high and I am not yet desperate. I am completely convinced that this is just a momentary lapse of action.
C. [ ] Abstinent by choice ... Yay abstinence!
D. [ ] I believe in achieving spiritual satisfaction through the art of self love.
E. [ ] I'm still getting over my last disappointing encounter. (And am convinced that this is just a momentary lapse of action.)
F. [ ] Trust me, I'm not happy with this situation either and am doing everything in my power to correct it as quickly as possible. Who has time for standards?
G. [ ] I've been married so long, I don't bother to wake up anymore.
This is where I should apologize to anyone I've offended, but since I've given that up for lent, and damn I am doing swell considering I am so much ahead of the game at this precise date and time, mum's the word on bogus apologies.
I do hope however I made some of you smile tonight with my - far from the beaten path - sense of humor. Life is no good if you're going to be serious all the time ...
Whoopee cushions for all! And until tomorrow - to borrow a line from Kidd Video - Catch Ya On the Flipside. (Take that Master Blaster!)
Another Light Missing
Lois Lane : Any more at home like you?
Clark Kent : Uh, not really, no.
Sweet dreams Superman from a girl who always believed in the man of steel. May your legacy live on in the hearts of those whose lives you touched, and those who knew and loved you well.
Clark Kent : Uh, not really, no.
Sweet dreams Superman from a girl who always believed in the man of steel. May your legacy live on in the hearts of those whose lives you touched, and those who knew and loved you well.
Snuggling Down For the Night
You know there's nothing better than a hot, steaming cup of pastina on a cold fall night with the wonderful smells of fresh baked bread wafting out of the kitchen.
It's Been a While, But ...
Happy French Toast Day! Or to be more politically correct and precise, Happy Pancake Day, as KC has requested the latter and not the former.
I am in much better spirits this morning. Perhaps it's due to all the wonderful people out there who took the time out of their own lives to say (in a nutshell) that just because someone decided to rain on my parade, I don't need to feel as if I'm stuck outside without an umbrella.
And this is what I love about the blogging world. The way it can connect one person to another, through space, time and distance, as if they are a friend who can say at any given moment, "Come on over for coffee, I'm just next door." Kind of like Motel 6, you know the commercial, they'll leave the light on ...
So thank you, all of you, for turning on the lights and chasing out the dark.
I am in much better spirits this morning. Perhaps it's due to all the wonderful people out there who took the time out of their own lives to say (in a nutshell) that just because someone decided to rain on my parade, I don't need to feel as if I'm stuck outside without an umbrella.
And this is what I love about the blogging world. The way it can connect one person to another, through space, time and distance, as if they are a friend who can say at any given moment, "Come on over for coffee, I'm just next door." Kind of like Motel 6, you know the commercial, they'll leave the light on ...
So thank you, all of you, for turning on the lights and chasing out the dark.
Sting of the Scorpion
I'm a little gun shy on the comment feature and seriously considered pulling it from the blog today, after reading a malicious comment purposely left to upset my world. And to be honest, if the anonymous person's intention was to cause hurt, they'll be happy to know that their words hit me like daggers to the heart. And so I say job well done. You must be ever so proud of yourself, to speak so clearly and eloquently while wielding your kryptonyte.
And yet, I say no.
No words, despite the cold, cruel way in which they are said, or the direction in which they are pointed, will ever be enough to sway me from remaining true to NWTLO. This is my place, my safe haven, my small corner of the world online and I will let no one chase me from it. Not someone whose name I know, or someone who chooses to hide like a coward beneath a cloak of anonymity.
Say what you will about me, but know this, I am no coward. And words meant to do harm, wound me only momentarily before they heal. And I am stronger, much stronger than before. Because in this it is my destiny, it's in my name, and like the rising of the phoenix, I too rise from the ashes of destruction to breathe again.
And yet, I say no.
No words, despite the cold, cruel way in which they are said, or the direction in which they are pointed, will ever be enough to sway me from remaining true to NWTLO. This is my place, my safe haven, my small corner of the world online and I will let no one chase me from it. Not someone whose name I know, or someone who chooses to hide like a coward beneath a cloak of anonymity.
Say what you will about me, but know this, I am no coward. And words meant to do harm, wound me only momentarily before they heal. And I am stronger, much stronger than before. Because in this it is my destiny, it's in my name, and like the rising of the phoenix, I too rise from the ashes of destruction to breathe again.
My Ass, Your Lips ... Kiss It
You know there's nothing better than early morning irritation. And no Mom, I'm not talking about the email that you sent me this morning, but something entirely different.
And so I say to that conveniently anonymous person who decided to leave comment on a blog wrote some months ago, I too had a few things to say in reply. In the case that you are still reading my nefarious blog, and haven't managed to remain true to your own word to never read my blog again whilst telling all your friends to start the boycott, you'll find my comments follow yours. Happy Reading! And just to make sure I've said this clear enough for you to understand, kiss my ass.
Now that I've got that out of my system, I apologize to everyone else for the moody blog you've found here this morning. If it wasn't the perpetual sunshine and happiness you were expecting, consider me posting my regrets.
All this being said, I am now cleaning the slate and moving forward with my day as planned.
And so I say to that conveniently anonymous person who decided to leave comment on a blog wrote some months ago, I too had a few things to say in reply. In the case that you are still reading my nefarious blog, and haven't managed to remain true to your own word to never read my blog again whilst telling all your friends to start the boycott, you'll find my comments follow yours. Happy Reading! And just to make sure I've said this clear enough for you to understand, kiss my ass.
Now that I've got that out of my system, I apologize to everyone else for the moody blog you've found here this morning. If it wasn't the perpetual sunshine and happiness you were expecting, consider me posting my regrets.
All this being said, I am now cleaning the slate and moving forward with my day as planned.
Out of Blog
Quick thoughts brought to you by the letter "S" ...
Although KC quite disagrees, I do not have to look at the new kitten every two seconds to see what cute new thing she's doing.
At a four way stop, if you get there first, take my advice and get your ass in gear. Knock off all the damn waving, it's annoying.
And lastly for the night ...
If you make plans under the guise of false pretenses, don't be surprised when the cat clinic cancels out on you, and you've wasted an afternoon with two screeching cats in the car.
Until tomorrow people ... I'm blogged out and heading for bed.
Although KC quite disagrees, I do not have to look at the new kitten every two seconds to see what cute new thing she's doing.
At a four way stop, if you get there first, take my advice and get your ass in gear. Knock off all the damn waving, it's annoying.
And lastly for the night ...
If you make plans under the guise of false pretenses, don't be surprised when the cat clinic cancels out on you, and you've wasted an afternoon with two screeching cats in the car.
Until tomorrow people ... I'm blogged out and heading for bed.
Home Again, Home Again
I should have heeded my own advice and admitted defeat prior to getting to work feeling as ill as one could possibly feel, when one is more than aware that they're really not feeling very well at all.
And despite the stack, and I do mean stack of work that has piled up on my desk overnight, I just couldn't do it. Couldn't sit there answering calls, when it felt like I should be draping my head over the toilet, praying to the porcelain God.
And since everyone felt the need to share with me that I looked like death warmed over this morning, and should go home to get some much needed rest, I decided the best thing I could do would be to take their advice. (Although it should be noted that Joe was pretty unhappy by this unplanned turn of events. Not only was his nose out of joint, but I'm pretty sure his knickers were twisted too.)
So now I'm home, about to take myself upstairs, climb under my duvet cover, and call it lights out, at least for a little while ...
And despite the stack, and I do mean stack of work that has piled up on my desk overnight, I just couldn't do it. Couldn't sit there answering calls, when it felt like I should be draping my head over the toilet, praying to the porcelain God.
And since everyone felt the need to share with me that I looked like death warmed over this morning, and should go home to get some much needed rest, I decided the best thing I could do would be to take their advice. (Although it should be noted that Joe was pretty unhappy by this unplanned turn of events. Not only was his nose out of joint, but I'm pretty sure his knickers were twisted too.)
So now I'm home, about to take myself upstairs, climb under my duvet cover, and call it lights out, at least for a little while ...
Wishful Thinking
I'd like to grab the phone, dial work and give my regrets that I won't be coming in today ... But it's so no an option. Especially when considering I'm taking a "fake" half day tomorrow to run errands that can't be done on the weekend and am already knee deep in things that have to be done just to stay afloat. And even though I've stayed late two nights in a row now, I'm no closer to finding myself ahead, catching up on other things needing my attention and then trying to make up time on the things that need to find their way to someone else's desk by the end of the month. Ugh ... Thank goodness I always reserve myself a second vacation in November. The way I'm feeling now, I should have reserved two.
But as usual, I need to separate myself from the blog just long enough to get ready this morning. A good idea, considering I have 15 minutes left to ready and run out the door.
But as usual, I need to separate myself from the blog just long enough to get ready this morning. A good idea, considering I have 15 minutes left to ready and run out the door.
At Sea in October
I equally love and hate October. Love the color of the trees, the cool crispness of the air, the way a soft blanket wrapped around your shoulders can make you feel so warm. I love coming home, pulling into the driveway with a soft sigh, and relaxing for a moment behind the wheel, before getting out and walking the short distance back to the road to fetch the mail. And as I walk back, I like the sound that my feet make as they rustle through brittle Autumn leaves, the satisfying crunch as they break beneath my heels. And I love stepping up onto the porch, keys in hand, stopping for a moment to chat hello to Sheila before unlocking my own door to escape inside. And inside, the comfort of home, familiar furniture and familiar furry faces to say hello to, as I drop my purse on the table beside the door, kick off my shoes, and toss my keys in the corner of the bottom stair. Because the best thing about October for me, is the ritual of coming home.
But at the same time, October haunts me. Stirring in me a familiar restlessness, disturbing my sleep, invading my dreams and each day is punctuated by an overabundance of thoughts. Things I'd rather not think about, but cannot clear from my mind. And every year it is the same. The same build up, cresting like a wave, rising like a crescendo, a world of dissonant notes played in sharp staccato, like harp strings plucking at my soul. And I am at odds. Odds with myself, and with years that have gone by, melting away one by one. Hallow and cold, I inhabit this shell. Stopped for a moment in rewind, and replayed, waiting for November to fast forward.
But at the same time, October haunts me. Stirring in me a familiar restlessness, disturbing my sleep, invading my dreams and each day is punctuated by an overabundance of thoughts. Things I'd rather not think about, but cannot clear from my mind. And every year it is the same. The same build up, cresting like a wave, rising like a crescendo, a world of dissonant notes played in sharp staccato, like harp strings plucking at my soul. And I am at odds. Odds with myself, and with years that have gone by, melting away one by one. Hallow and cold, I inhabit this shell. Stopped for a moment in rewind, and replayed, waiting for November to fast forward.
Stupid Human Tricks
I've come to the conclusion that I really need to take my alarm clock off the radio wake up mode, being that the radio wake up mode NEVER wakes me up. Take this morning for instance, alarm set for six a.m. and only by the grace of God did I awake on my own at seven. A mere 15 minutes to get in the shower, dress, apply the war paint, feed the cats, wake the minor child, get said child dressed, do her hair, do my own hair, and get the both of us out the door, stopping first at the babysitters to drop mini-me off, before gunning the engine in the direction of work.
And it was no wonder I was a complete wacko this morning considering I was still half asleep. Trudging to the kitchen, the first thing I noticed was that neither one of my mugs seemed to be in residence, forcing me to choose a generic mug from the cupboard rather than my usual Disney or Hard Rock Cafe - Atlanta. A major pisser to start off my day, but I dealt, filling the generic mug with hot steamy water and plopping in the tea bag just long enough for the water to turn a satisfactory brown, before dousing it with French vanilla creamer and three packets of sugar.
Satisfied that at least one thing seemed to be working out, I made my way back to the office, plugged myself back into my headphone, and set myself up for taking calls, all the while stealing small sips of tea whenever a spare moment presented itself. And the tea was delicious, especially when considering the fact that it pretty much was my breakfast. But then stupidity came to call. Having taken an order, and done my subsequent highlighting, I went to return the marker back to its cuppy. And as I plonked the marker back in, it never occurred to me, not even once, that the cuppy I hit was the one filled with the tea. Realizing my error with a general announcement to the office that I was indeed a freaking idiot, I quickly retrieved the highlighter from my drink, and dried it off with a paper towel pulled from my secret stash.
Utilizing the five second rule, I figured my tea would still be safe to drink, especially since the marker had been covered. But one sip later, I discovered that the five second rule in this case didn't really apply. Spatting the foul brew back into the cup, I couldn't quite lose the taste of yellow highlighter in my mouth, despite taking a giant swig of water from the bottle I always have going in my room. And it was disgusting, like I had taken a giant shot of ink. Going over to Bridget's room, I stuck out my tongue and asked, "Dus ma tung luk yelo?" Thankfully, it wasn't.
Unfortunately my stupidity wasn't quite spent, and I spent the rest of my morning trying not to hurt myself. Hard to do when you're blessed with the special knack of turning a handle but not always opening the door as you attempt to walk through it. Or when you manage to trip over something you know is right in front of you. Or when you go to send an email, and then wonder why it is it came back to you so quick, because you fail to notice for a good five minutes that you sent it to yourself. Oh yeah, it was one of THOSE mornings ...
I suppose a smart girl like me would think that a little more sleep might help the matter. And in that case, consider me snoozing.
And it was no wonder I was a complete wacko this morning considering I was still half asleep. Trudging to the kitchen, the first thing I noticed was that neither one of my mugs seemed to be in residence, forcing me to choose a generic mug from the cupboard rather than my usual Disney or Hard Rock Cafe - Atlanta. A major pisser to start off my day, but I dealt, filling the generic mug with hot steamy water and plopping in the tea bag just long enough for the water to turn a satisfactory brown, before dousing it with French vanilla creamer and three packets of sugar.
Satisfied that at least one thing seemed to be working out, I made my way back to the office, plugged myself back into my headphone, and set myself up for taking calls, all the while stealing small sips of tea whenever a spare moment presented itself. And the tea was delicious, especially when considering the fact that it pretty much was my breakfast. But then stupidity came to call. Having taken an order, and done my subsequent highlighting, I went to return the marker back to its cuppy. And as I plonked the marker back in, it never occurred to me, not even once, that the cuppy I hit was the one filled with the tea. Realizing my error with a general announcement to the office that I was indeed a freaking idiot, I quickly retrieved the highlighter from my drink, and dried it off with a paper towel pulled from my secret stash.
Utilizing the five second rule, I figured my tea would still be safe to drink, especially since the marker had been covered. But one sip later, I discovered that the five second rule in this case didn't really apply. Spatting the foul brew back into the cup, I couldn't quite lose the taste of yellow highlighter in my mouth, despite taking a giant swig of water from the bottle I always have going in my room. And it was disgusting, like I had taken a giant shot of ink. Going over to Bridget's room, I stuck out my tongue and asked, "Dus ma tung luk yelo?" Thankfully, it wasn't.
Unfortunately my stupidity wasn't quite spent, and I spent the rest of my morning trying not to hurt myself. Hard to do when you're blessed with the special knack of turning a handle but not always opening the door as you attempt to walk through it. Or when you manage to trip over something you know is right in front of you. Or when you go to send an email, and then wonder why it is it came back to you so quick, because you fail to notice for a good five minutes that you sent it to yourself. Oh yeah, it was one of THOSE mornings ...
I suppose a smart girl like me would think that a little more sleep might help the matter. And in that case, consider me snoozing.
While You Were Out ...
Sort of taking the weekend off from blogging, keeping myself busy with chores around the house and a book both started and finished yesterday.
Talked to my Mom on the phone for quite a bit, and ended up blowing the secret I had been trying to keep. And since it's out, I might as well share it with the world.
Drum roll please ... I am the proud owner of a brand new Santa Fe 2004. Although if I were being technically correct, I should say I will be the proud owner in about 3 1/2 years or so ...
The reason I was trying to keep it hush hush was to surprise my Mom with an unscheduled Thanksgiving visit. A drive she knows I wouldn't make with the old white jelly bean, considering the desperate condition it was in. Engine light on for six months, muffler close to dragging on the ground, breaks barely working, gas tank leaking, and tires in need of some new treads. Not exactly the picture of safety.
But it's all water under bridge now. My new ride is sweet, sweet, sweet. And all I want to do is drive, drive, drive ...
Talked to my Mom on the phone for quite a bit, and ended up blowing the secret I had been trying to keep. And since it's out, I might as well share it with the world.
Drum roll please ... I am the proud owner of a brand new Santa Fe 2004. Although if I were being technically correct, I should say I will be the proud owner in about 3 1/2 years or so ...
The reason I was trying to keep it hush hush was to surprise my Mom with an unscheduled Thanksgiving visit. A drive she knows I wouldn't make with the old white jelly bean, considering the desperate condition it was in. Engine light on for six months, muffler close to dragging on the ground, breaks barely working, gas tank leaking, and tires in need of some new treads. Not exactly the picture of safety.
But it's all water under bridge now. My new ride is sweet, sweet, sweet. And all I want to do is drive, drive, drive ...
Octavia's Gauntlet
Poor Octavia.
Despite her constant attempts to engage Emma in play, Emma refuses to give in and play nice, opting instead to be mean, constantly growling and hissing whenever the kitten happens to come a little too close.
Funny thing is, after watching them tonight, I think Emma's more scared of Octavia then she'd like to admit. While I was in the kitchen fixing myself a chicken sandwich on rye, Emma perched herself high on a chair, as Octavia looked up at her expectantly from below, and though the kitten couldn't reach her even if she tried, Emma gave me a look so pitiful I almost felt sorry for her. Almost, but not quite. She's going to have to learn to get over it, whether she likes it or not.
Oh lord ... I can't believe I'm blogging about my cats on a Friday night! Shouldn't there be rules about these things?
I was reading the blogger blog earlier and they had a suggestion to ask all readers, what three pictures they'd most like to see posted on NWTLO ... It seems like a clever little idea to open up a door for conversation, so ask away. The worse I can do is ignore you. Completely.
Despite her constant attempts to engage Emma in play, Emma refuses to give in and play nice, opting instead to be mean, constantly growling and hissing whenever the kitten happens to come a little too close.
Funny thing is, after watching them tonight, I think Emma's more scared of Octavia then she'd like to admit. While I was in the kitchen fixing myself a chicken sandwich on rye, Emma perched herself high on a chair, as Octavia looked up at her expectantly from below, and though the kitten couldn't reach her even if she tried, Emma gave me a look so pitiful I almost felt sorry for her. Almost, but not quite. She's going to have to learn to get over it, whether she likes it or not.
Oh lord ... I can't believe I'm blogging about my cats on a Friday night! Shouldn't there be rules about these things?
I was reading the blogger blog earlier and they had a suggestion to ask all readers, what three pictures they'd most like to see posted on NWTLO ... It seems like a clever little idea to open up a door for conversation, so ask away. The worse I can do is ignore you. Completely.
