Dear 2006:

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Welcome. Please, please be kinder than 2005.


Sincerely,

Laurie

Dear 2005:

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You sucked out loud. You sucked big whaler bone. You were the worst year ever. Good riddence. Fuck you. And the horse you rode in on.


Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out,

Laurie

I believe I have 'outed' myself as a psychopath at work

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Anyone remember the question that was supposedly created by a psychiatrist, and if you answered 'correctly', it meant that you think like a psychopath:

Psychological Test:

Read this question, come up with an answer--
A woman, while at the funeral of her own mother, met this guy whom she did not know. She thought this guy was amazing, She believed him to be her dream and she fell in love with him right there but did not ask for his number and no matter how hard she tried she could not find him. A few days later she killed her sister.

Question: What is her motive in killing her sister?

This floated around the WD once, and I remember that I got the answer right. It was the only thing that made sense to me, and I couldn't imagine what other answers people might come up with. But I never talked about it with anyone, and never got any feedback.

Flash forward to today. I went into the filing room at work and all the temps (probably 10 of them) were talking about something that sounded intriguing. I asked what was up, and someone said there was this question that some psychologist made up, and if you answer it right it means you think like a psychopath. I said, "oh, yeah, I flunked that one." They asked what I meant, and I told them that I knew the right answer right away, that it was the only answer that had ever come to mind for me, and asked if that was bad. They all seemed a tiny bit stunned and didn't seem to believe I knew it. I asked, "the one with the mother's funeral? Yeah, she killed the sister so (I won't post the answer here in case anyone's interested in playing). Did any of you get it?" Nope. Not one of them. And they seemed a bit stunned or tickled or maybe a bit nervous that I did.

Mwahahahahaha

And in other news

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My cousin's daughter, the one who's husband died of an aneurism in July, had her baby yesterday; on the birthday of her brother (who died of a heart attack in April). She had a girl this time. She has 3 boys already, the youngest not even quite a year old yet.

One of my favorite Christmas songs

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My first audio post. Cool beans.

Oh, and thank you, Helen

Ever since I saw the picture of your beautiful opal ring, I've become obsessed with owning a beautiful opal ring, too. I've been scouring ebay looking for just the right ring. I've found one that I absolutely love, but unfortunately, a few other people seem to love it too, and the price keeps going up.

This weekend

Friday night was boy scouts. His dad ususally brings the boy, but he couldn't and asked me to. Ugh. Just NOT my thing. I hope I never have to do that again. But the boy was awarded a citizenship pin. So that was nice.

Yesterday was the Christmas party that the fire dept in my hometown throws for the kids. My dad and sis and her youngest and my boy went. (Yesterday was also my dad's offical retirement day. Go, dad!) This year at the party there was ornament making; cupcake decorating (and eating); a clown/magician/balloon animal maker/facepainter. That was cool. And, of course, the Big Guy, who took each child up on his lap and gave them a present.

Oh, and a piñata. The line had a few younger kids in front, then my boy, then my nephew, then one other kid. Everyone got three or four swings, including my boy. Then my nephew, the Baseball King, was up. (Seriously, he's 9, and very active in sports. He's been playing Little League for years, and he's very talented. All the teams would fight over him. Last year they had to make a "Major B" league, because he and a few other kids were too young for the majors but too good for the minors.) So now it was his turn at the piñata: Swing 1! Swing 2! Swing 3! Really strong, baseball hits. He was prepared to stop then, but the guy said, "one more!". And so he did. He sliced the piñata clean in half. Candy went flying everywhere. It was spectacular. They even found a Tootsie Roll and a PENCIL that were broken in half. That's right, his swing broke a PENCIL in that piñata in half! I think from now on, The Baseball King should go last in the piñata line. It's only fair.

I came home to find a message that A&B were bailing on the Christmas party we were planning on going. They could not find anyone to watch the girls, and they just weren't comfortable leaving them when they were going to be such a distance from home. I briefly thought about going by myself, but decided against it. I don't think there were going to be too many of "our" friends there, anyway, and I'mnot good at mingling with strangers. I'd already dropped the boy off at his dad's, and bought my booze, so I decided to stay home and rest, which I greatly needed.

This morning, I woke up and actually CLEANED!!!! My room is still a mess and the boy's room needs work, but the living room, dining area, kitchen and bathroom are tolerably clean! The boy even vacuumed for me. Now I'm waiting for Michael's dad and stepmom to pick us up. They're bringing us to lunch. I don't think I'll get to see them again before Christmas, so I'll give them their gifts today.




(And thanks again to Min, who taught me how to make a: ñ )

Oh, one more thing

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Is it normal to have a big, red splotch on my arm at the site of my flu shot? It's sore, which I was expecting, but I don't remember it being so red the other times.

The rest of my day (yesterday) *Warning: very long*

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Well, the roads got VERY bad here as the afternoon went on, due to the snow and ice. Traffic jams and car accidents were all over the news. My mom called at about 2:30 and asked if we were still planning on going. I say yes, it's way too soon to decide not to. The snow's supposed to stop and then during rush hour the roads will clear up (this was my heartfelt wish/belief, and I was sticking to it!). We didn't have to leave until 6 or even 7 if we had to. Mom, of course, had to be negative and not believe it would clear up, and proceeded to be all worried about my drive. Between you and me, I was concerned, too, but there wasn't any point in trying to tell her. She doesn't listen to me. I was hoping it would clear up like I planned, but I also knew that if it was absolutely treacherous out there, I couldn't bring my son out there, and I would have to cancel.


The snow stopped at around 4, which was earlier than the weatherman thought it would, and was also just what I'd hoped. The roads were still very dangerous, though. I kept checking the traffic reports as time went on, hoping to find it would be clearing up. At 5 and 5:30, traffic was still horrendous (hours of delays). But at this point the snow had stopped and it would not be snowing again for the rest of the night. I still felt that the roads would be cleared up after the rush hour traffic. So we were a go. Now I just had to decide what time to leave. If we left too early, we'd be stuck in horrible 3-hour-long traffic jams. If we left too late, we would move faster but might still miss the beginning of the show. (I already knew we'd miss the opening act, which was fine with me, but Bon Jovi were supposed to take the stage at 8:30.) Finally, at around 6:30, the traffic web site showed the traffic had settled down to reasonable snowy-day slowness.

After warming up the car, clearing the snow off of it, and making sure we had everything, we left at nearly 7.
The first highway, the one closest to me, wasn't too bad, and traffic was light and moving at about 40 mph. As I moved on to the second highway, it was a bit scarier, because it was covered in ice. But we made our way slowly and carefully, and did fine. The next highway (Route 93 into Boston) was a little icy, but traffic was moving nicely. Unfortunately, when we got off at the exit we needed, we were stuck in a huge, barely moving line of cars, whom I guessed were mostly headed to the concert, too.

From that point, we crawled most of the way, and finally got to the place about 8:45. Ran into other fans in the elevator, and asked if they thought the band had started yet. One of them said her friend had arrived there at 8:30, and they hadn't started yet. So I was hopeful. I reminded the boy that we were late because of the snow storm, and there was nothing we could have done differently to get there sooner, and even if we miss the beginning of the show, we should be thankful that we got to go at all. Rushed to use the ladies room, then found where we needed to go in. As I bought us some water, I heard the crowd shout and the band playing. Damn! I asked the guy selling the water how long ago they'd started, and he said only about 10 minutes. Ok, not so bad.

And in we went. What was really cool was that we entered on the floor, but about half-way back. And we had 6th row tickets. So I took the boy by the hand and maneuvered through the crowd, and I got to walk the boy closer, and closer, and closer, all the way to the front, to our seats. From the point of view of a little boy going to his first concert, I felt this was probably very impressive. Actually, those are the best and closest seats I've ever had, so I was pretty impressed to be walking that far up, too.
We had a great time. I think I was actually *gasp* happy. And I saw it as it was happening and was thankful to feel it. But I'm sure once it sinks in, I'll have some sort of guilt thing to work through with my councelor, about feeling alive and happy while...well, you know the rest. But the feeling happy was actually significant to me. This was the first thing I'd actually been looking forward to and was happy about in so long. And we were SO close to the stage. That was so cool. And the boy had a great time. I'd warned him ahead of time that it would be very crowded and very noisy, but I was still a tiny bit afraid he'd get scared and either not have a good time, or have to leave. But he did great. We'd gotten him some earplugs and he was fine. Some of the songs he didn't know as well and he was a bit subdued. But on the songs he knew, he came to life. It was so great. He was smiling, singing along, pumping his arms in the air. Coolest. Thing. Ever.
The band wrapped up about 11:00, but that was just a tease and they did 3 encores, so it didn't stop until around 11:30. The poor boy had gotten very tired by that point. He was sitting and kept checking my watch, but he didn't complain. He did so well. He did say that he wished he'd taken a nap in the afternoon, like I did. Then it finally ended, and we went to buy tshirts and a program, and a COFFEE MUG! I didn't know there would be coffee mugs. I love coffee mugs. I kind of collect special ones, of places I've been, etc.

The ride home was good, still some ice on the roads, but we just took it slow. And the fact that I found the right street to take me back to 93 was a plus. (Have I mentioned that I DO NOT drive in Boston?) We got home at about 1 am and went to bed. So now I have my Bon Jovi Have A Nice Day coffee mug. I washed it already, and just made a pot of coffee, so I'll have my coffee in my new mug today. YAY!

So, to sum it up,

Scary:

• bad weather-were we going to crash on the way there or back, or have to miss it all together?
• were we going to miss a good chunk of the show stuck in traffic?
• was the boy going to be scared or too tired and need to leave early?

Grateful:

• the weather let up just when I needed it to, and we were able to go
• we only missed about 10 minutes of the show, and I'm good with that--I honestly don't see how we could have done anything differently to get there earlier.
• the boy had a splendid time
• I had a good time
• Jon Bon Jovi is even sexier up close
• 6th row tickets, so cool!
• got home safely
• coffee mug!

AND, they're coming back to Foxboro in the summer! I asked the boy if he'd like to go again, or did he want to think about it for a while (I wasn't sure if it had been too overwhelming/loud/long for him, and I wasn't 100% sure he'd want to go again). His answer: "Oh, I don't need to think about it--I definately want to go again!!

I am going to be poor and have to sell all my belongings, but, damn it, we are going back this summer!

My day so far...

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Of course, the boy and I are going to see Bon Jovi tonight, so nothing could have made today too bad!
But today I had my appointment for my annual physical. My physicals now are a lot more involved than when I was younger. Now there's always all sorts of tests and stuff, much more poking and prodding. I took the day off of work as my appointment was to be smack in the middle of the morning, I didn't know how long it would all take, and it wouldn't be worth my time to go into work so late. His dad was to bring the boy home this morning before the bus comes for school. Woke up to snow. School was cancelled. So now the boy needs to come with me to the dr. office. Loads of fun for him. The boy arrived, and we set out for the doctor's office. Driving in the snow isn't my favorite, but I did ok. Got my flu shot, got my physical, got my girlie tests; then off to the lab where I gave them a whole bunch of my blood and then peed in a cup. Did I mention that I hadn't had breakfast (or even coffee!!) yet because I know I'm supposed to have my cholesterol test without having eaten anything first? All in all, the appointment was no better or worse than I expected. But now I had a sore arm and was hungry and needed coffee, and I knew it would take at least an hour to get home in all the snow. So we went to IHOP for breakfast (well, breakfast for me, lunch for the boy) which was really great, for several reasons:

1. The boy and I haven't gone out for breakfast in a LONG time, and we love going out for breakfast
2. IHOP is the only place I know of that still serves hash browns instead of home fries, and I haven't had them in about a million years.
3. coffee
4. For my breakfast I ordered scrambled eggs, pancakes, hash browns and, as I was so delighted to find on the menu, chicken-fried steak! I haven't had chicken-fried steak for longer than I've had hash browns. Yum!!! (C'mon...I don't eat like that every day, and I already had my cholesterol test!)
5. More coffee. IHOP leaves a whole carafe on the table so you never need to wait for them to fill your cup.

Then we made the trek home, but stopped on the way to buy a birthday card for my niece, and to get $$ for the show tonight. The snow is turning into rain, and it's supposed to stop later. I hope so, because driving into Boston in the snow/slush/rain isn't my favorite, either.

Now the plan is for us to rest/nap until it's time to leave for the concert tonight!!!!

Because bettie said so

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What do I want for Christmas?

Really, what I really, really want, is a fabulous job, very close to home, for lots of money and lots of flexability, but with very few hours or effort. That's not too much to ask, is it?

Aside from that, the things that I really want are on my Amazon wish list. Apparently it's mostly dvds and books. Guess I like a good story. I think Serenity needs to be high on the list of priorities, so that I can further my obsessive behavior to include watching the movie every day. And I've been absolutely heartbroken since they started Degrassi: The Next Generation, because I don't have that cable channel and I've NEVER seen an episode! Of course, Degrassi Jr High season 3 will be nice to round out my Jr High collection. And more Shirley Jackson would be lovely.

And OMG I had no idea Torey Hayden had written a sequel to One Child!

Must.

Have.

This.

Book.

My cats have fleas...

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and since they've been indoor cats for 8 years, the only possible explanation is that I gave them to them.

The last time I had to deal with fleas was probably a decade ago. It involved flea dips at the vet, bombing the house (when we got a bad problem) and regularly combing the cats with a flea comb. Today I went to the vet and got Advantage. Ain't technology grand? I squirt this stuff on the cats' necks, and it kills fleas and flea eggs and baby fleas for a month. So even if the cats get re-infested in the next few weeks from their bedding, etc, the Advantage will kill the new fleas, too, and eventually all the fleas will be destroyed. [insertmaniacallaughterhere] I got two months' worth of treatments. That ought to be enough.

Cool beans.

Birthday alert!

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Years ago, when we all worked together and were all still married to our original spouses, my friends A and M and I would all be on birthday alert at the same time, because our spouses' birthdays are all in the same week and two days apart from each other. It was always handy to remind each other so no one would forget. A & I are both divorced now (M is still with his wife), but since we both have children who these ex's are the fathers of, we still need to remember their birthdays.

Just sent my annual 'birthday alert' email to A, and asked her to pass it on.

My Mother is Insane, part 37

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I'm at my parents house. The boy and I came here last night. This morning we were all having apple pie for breakfast, which I thought was great, because it's easy and not cooking and no mess, because there's enough cooking going on for Thankgiving Dinner today, why cook breakfast if you don't have to? The boy doesn't eat apple pie, so mom was offering him cereal, toast, etc...then she offers PANCAKES. I try to tell him no, don't make them cook this morning, but now it's too late, he wants the pancakes. But my mom doesn't cook them. She makes my dad cook them. And four times during breakfast she mentioned what kind of plates we were going to use, and was it ok.

Then she was in her bathrobe and said she needed to take her bath and could I please set the table? But the whole time I was setting the table she supervised. Like I can't set a table by myself. I kept telling her that the whole reason to ask someone else to do something for you is so that you can go on and do other things. Again and again. But still, she supervised. Then she had me climb up on a chair to reach in the china cabinet (yes, we are all hobbits), and kept asking me to reach this dish and that dish, but they were all too small (not really, just to her). For two hours she kept puttering around and saying she needed to take her bath, and kept deligating but still supervising, and puttering, instead of taking her bath. Now she's finally taken her bath. Just now she went upstairs to get dressed and my dad's getting in the shower, and she asked me to keep an eye on the turkey. I asked her where it was going to go.

She is completely insane but doesn't even know it. She takes a LOT of patience. I have a headache. Today is going to be so fun. [eyeroll]

HELP ME!

I can't decide whether this post's title should be 'Damn' or 'Yay!'

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As previously mentioned, I cashed in on my credit card miles to get some lovely Mastercard gift cards and Amazon gift cards, to help with my Christmas expenses this year. My Mastercard gift cards came in a couple of weeks ago, and I've already used them up, mostly. When I ordered the Amazon cards, it DID say '4-6 weeks', but I was hoping for the best. I've picked a bunch of stuff for the boy on Amazon and I've been waiting for the gift cards to buy them. Anyhoo, I called the credit card co. today, and the woman could certainly see my order, but she could NOT tell me how soon they might ship out. It kind of sounded like at least two more weeks. I don't like ordering very late and cutting the recieving time so close, especially when it's all for the boy. I may very well have to order all his stuff before I receive the gift cards, and actually pay for the stuff -- which is the Damn part -- but then when I do receive the cards I will be forced to spend them on myself, on my ever-growing wish-list -- this is the Yay! part. I'm going to have to do some thinking about this...

Which Serenity character are you?

You scored as River Tam. The Fugitive. You are clever and dangerous, which is a nasty combination. The fact you are crazy too just adds to your charm. They did bad things to you, but you know their secrets. They will regret how they made you. River Tam 81% Zoe Alleyne Washburne 75% The Operative 69% Capt. Mal Reynolds 63% Simon Tam 38% Inara Serra 31% Hoban 'Wash' Washburne 31% Kaylee Frye 31% Shepherd Derrial Book 31% Jayne Cobb 19% Which Serenity character are you? created with QuizFarm.com

Quick update

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Job: Boring, easy. Just filing so far. But I don't think I'd be up for a challenge anyway. Boring and easy is a good start. Quite a few other temps to talk to, and just about no supervision.

Me: Exhausted. The filing isn't particularly taxing, but I'm just very unused to getting up and out of the house all day. Each day is a little better. By next week I'm sure I'll be adjusted. See why boring and easy is a good start?

House: Horrid mess. See "Me", above.

Boy: Great. Got his report card, all grades ranging from A+ to B. Mostly A's. Perhaps a bit neglected this week, (see "Me", above) he hasn't had the most elaborate suppers so far this week. [blush] The last 3 days of this week are 'early release' school days. Got him into an afterschool program that transports him by bus (only for the days I need, ie: the early release days). Today was his first day there. Friends, sports, mookwalk, bingo. Had a great time. According to the boy, it's




Oops! Forgot to update shoulder: Bursa staying calm for now. Am icing both of them at least once a day, and taking care in how I move.

Cool beans.

Christmas list:

.In hand:

• Nita (guardian angel in treasure box)
• J&N (Pat's ornament and Pat's mug with snowman soup)
• Amy (MagicScarf)
• Sha (Yankee Candle set)
• $$ for bigger nephew
• $$ for grandmother
• niece (Italian charms)
• smaller nephew (Toys R Us gift card)

On hand for boy:

• Harry Potter Wand
• Aragorn
• Wringwraith
• Yugioh cards
• stocking stuffers
• Watch
• Star Wars DVDs 1,2&3
• Drake Bell cd
• Encyclopedia Brown book

on order:

• Game expansion thing for the boy's dad
  

Boy needs to get gifts for:

• DAD (birthday!!!!!)
• Dickface
• Mimi
• Papa
• Auntie
• Uncle

Need small gifts (snowman soup) for:

• Teacher
• student teacher
• bus driver
• J&N

Stylin'

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Needed to buy some clothes for my new un-unemployed state. It is with a heavy heart that I admit that I now officially have to shop the The Big Girls' Store.
The regular stores have bigger sizes, and they have petites, but they rarely have big sizes in petites. And I really need petites because otherwise the sleeves, neckline, waist of shirt, waist of pants and length of pants just do not work for me. A month or so ago I went to The Big Girls' Store to get 'interview' clothes, and found some really nice things there. Really nice, but a little more $$ than I'm used to spending. Anyhoo, went back there today, poured through the racks at the front half of the store twice, and was sad that I couldn't find anything I liked. Well, I did find some blouses that I liked, but they were very similar to the two blouses I'd bought the last time (and kind of pricy). I almost started to panic. If I can't find nice clothes to fit me here, where else am I going to go? Then, at the back of the store, I found a huge wall of clothes marked 40% off. And some of these were already previously marked down! Woo-hoo! I found FOUR tops, all that I like, all that fit, all suitable for work, and none too similar to what I already have. And I got all four for $56.00.



And I got a coupon for $25.00 off of a purchase of $50.00.
Which is fantastic, except it's only good for one particular week, a bit close to Christmas, and I HATE going to stores at that time. Way too crowded. But to get $50.00 worth of stuff for $25.00? No brainer.

Oh, God, I'm having withdrawls!

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I've been feeling ok for the last few days, most of the week. I'm sure that's due to actually accomplishing something (ie: securing gainful employment). But yesterday there was a hint of downness. And today I've felt odd. Maybe anxious. Unable to concentrate. Unable to keep my brain still long enough to organize my thoughts. (Which might mean the same thing as 'unable to concentrate'.) I got very little done today. I thought maybe it was breathing paint fumes all day (they're painting the outside of the building.) Then I realized I haven't watched any Firefly in, like, two days. I must be jonesin.

I've just put on 'The Train Job'. Maybe I'll feel better soon.

Put one foot in front of the other...

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I got a job!

It's through the temp agency, so it's not permanant, but it's sure a start. The hours are what I want, the pay's a wee bit less than I want (but that's ok) and it's going to last at least a month. I start Monday.

Yay, me!

Second step in the right direction

Went to my interview today. Actually, I prefer to call it an appointment, since the thought of an interview sends me into irrational panic, and is one of the reasons I decided to go the temp route, anyway. First I filled out a TON of paperwork. By that time I needed to pee but I didn't want to interrupt the process by having to excuse myself. So on we went to the Word, Excel and typing tests, and my bladder gave a little shudder when she told me I'd have 30 minutes for each section. Those Word and Excel tests are so cool! I did pretty well. I don't know everything about the programs, but I know quite a bit. I choked a bit on the typing test, even though I had two practice sessions. I know I can type 60 wpm, but with this test it was fifty-something with 6 errors, calculating down to 47 wpm. Oh well. No biggy. Then I spoke with the woman who is in charge of placing people in temp positions, and it went well. Then I talked to the woman who is in charge of finding permanent placements for people, and this went a little more like an interview, but it went very well. It got a little sticky but it turned out just fine. In my last job (the one from home) I didn't make much money, so she said she'd have a hard time asking employers for what I was asking for now, because they'll ask what I made at my last job. So I had to get into my personal situation a bit: I worked full time when I first had my son, then when we were laid off I was home with him for the first time and loved it. Then I got the opportunity to work for my old bosses, from home, part time, plus I had a fiance with a full time job, so I had the luxury to work for less money in these circumstances. She liked this explanation very much and was sure it would do the trick. BUT then she asked if I still had the other person with the income (which is relevent in that it explains why I need a higher paying job again), and I answered no. Before I could explain further she said, assuming we had broken up, and in the spirit of sisterhood I'm sure, "good, I hope you kicked the bum out!" To which I had to reply, "actually, he passed away". Could I mortify my interviewer MORE?? She felt terrible and could not stop apologizing, and I kept saying it was fine and I could have perhaps presented it a different way so that wouldn't have happened like that. All in all, it was fine. She did say that this information might be useful to show that I'm serious about needing a position and good pay, as I now am the main supporter of myself and my boy. She loved my resume for the content and it's presentation (which my Allie wrote for me but for which I took credit), said I had a lot of skills, and that when I went to a company they'd probably fall in love with me and want to keep me. Which is what I would love to happen. Then I left but I still had to pee, and I couldn't find a restroom in the building, so I had to rush home rather quickly.

I feel so bad for her though. She's probably still kicking herself.

A step in the right direction

Last week I applied on-line at a temp agency near my home. I meant to call them to follow up, but I've been feeling crappy and haven't done it.

Just now I was looking in the yellow pages for a gift shop, and I stumbled across an ad for the temp agency I used to work for, years ago. I hadn't really considered them this time, because I live much further from them now, and really want local work. But their ad just screamed at me in bold letters, "Serving the Rte (rte very near me) & Rte (rte also very near me) areas". It seemed to be waving it's arms and yelling, "hey, you've done this before, it won't be scary, and you are MUCH more skilled than the first time! Do it! Do it!" So before I lost my nerve, I called them and set an appointment to see them tomorrow morning! I just hope I can keep my mood up.

Go, me!

My goodness,

haven't I been extremely talkative lately? Not just in this blog, but in comments in others' blogs. Yikes.

Sorry.

I love when I feel resourceful

With the having no job or income business, I've been a bit concerned about Christmas. My parents and sister and I have agreed that the adults will not exchange gifts this year, and we'll just get gifts for the kids. My main concern, of course, is my own boy, but I also need to get a little something for my nephews, niece, my grandmother, and Michael's mom, sis and niece. I've been selling stuff on the internet and trying to leave as much of the profits in the account, to save for Christmas needs.

In addition, I just looked into my 'reward points' for my 2 credit cards for the first time. Between the two cards, I can get $75.00 worth of gift certs to Amazon (where I do a lot of my shopping for the boy), and another $75.00 in Mastercard giftcard. Woo-hoo! That will really make a huge difference.

Don't fuck with me, or I shall write a strongly worded letter!

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Update on my car situation. I got a call from Toyota Customer Service in CA the Saturday after I sent the letter. This impressed me quite a bit. The woman opened a file for me and advised me she would like to put me in touch with someone from the dealership, who was the customer service liason for that facility. I said fine. Audrey from the dealership called me last week and left a message. I just got around to calling her back now, and they have agreed to do the next tranny flush at no charge when I need it done next.

So I think that's pretty cool. I'm also a bit impressed that they agreed so quickly and didn't try to argue, since I have no actual PROOF that the fluid was never changed -- I only had the observation of the Jiffy Lube guy.

Cool beans.

Damn it.

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I'm trying to take some pictures of some jewelery so I can sell it. My camera is sucking at close up shots. And I can't remember for the life of me where my other digital camera is. [/frustrated]

*Insert maniacal laugh here*

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The boy's been running around the house singing, "burn the land and boil the sea, you can't take the sky from me!"

Role call

I've been pleasantly suprised lately to find linkage to my blog from others' blogs. And it got me thinking. Perhaps I should add links to other blogs to my blog. I have a couple of handful of blogs I stalk...most of you know who you are. ;) If you would like me to add a link to your blog, or more importantly, if you specifically don't want me to, please let me know. :D

This is so fucked up

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On the last season of Judging Amy, there was a teenage former gang member named Graciela whom Amy was helping to straighten her life out. I remember she had very pretty eyes and she had some quality about her that I can't define, but I liked her very much. Amy got herself very invested in her, and the girl grew and flourished. Then she was arrested for a drive-by, but she wasn't voluntarily involved; she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Amy moved heaven and earth to try to get her out of jail. In the end, she was murdered in jail. It was devistating.

Today I read in the news that the actress who played Graciela, Tara Correa-McMullen, 16, was just killed in a gang shooting. They don't think she was involved; she just may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I am floored. This is life imitating art in the worst way.

Take my love, take my land,

take me where I cannot stand.

My God, how many times have I heard that song since Monday? Been going nuts with my new DVD set.

I still can't get the boy interested in the show, aside from a couple of funny parts. But he does love the theme song. :D

First I watched all the shows with the commentaries, except for Objects in Space, because I hadn't seen it yet. Then I watched Objects in Space. Then I watched Objects in Space with the commentary on. Then I found the Easter Egg with Adam Baldwin singing "Hero of Canton".
That was great. Then I just started watching random episodes. Next is Safe.

I can't get enough. I changed my computer wallpaper to the Serenity Chinese symbol, and I made a slide show screensaver of a bunch of Firefly screencaps.

No power in the 'verse can stop me!

From outside in the parking lot

my neighbors' curtains look like they'll match my sofa.

I'll have to break in one time while my neighbors are at work and steal them.







;-)

Wow, my 100th post!

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Who'da thunk I'd have so much to say? (Granted, much of it is either rambling, pissing and moaning, or uncontrolled outbursts.)

My thoughts on the latest episode of Firefly, which I just saw for the first time. I don't know the name of the episode because I couldn't be arsed to look it up, but (I think) it's the second to last episode, and it's the one where Inara's friend from the whorehouse asks Inara for help when some ass wants to take the baby of one of her girls. SERENITY SPOILER INCLUDED, SO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

• Given that I've seen Serenity, the scene with Zoe and Wash talking about babies is now very, very sad.
• The exchange between Kaylee and Wash was funny: "Tell me I'm pretty..." Once, long ago, someone on the WD had this whole quote in their sig. I didn't get it at the time.
• Jayne not wanting to help them if he wasn't getting paid, then changing his mind -- VERY funny scene.
• Jayne wearing a nice shirt instead of his usual t-shirt -- all dressed up for them --was funny.
• Jayne...well, every scene he did was funny.
• Inara actually breaking down a bit when she found out about Mal and her friend was...I don't know how to describe it, but it touched me. She's a strong woman, but she still has her moment of weakness. Like us all, I guess.
• Found out I still can't listen to 'Amazing Grace' without bursting into tears.
• And again, since I've already seen Serenity, I was spared the shock of Inara announcing that she's leaving.

For crying out loud!

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I already hate the 'new' TV Guide. Now I hate it more.

I got next week's issue in the mail, and I'm reading through it. There's a blurb about Nip/Tuck, about tonight's episode, and it just spoiled some serious plot points.

Fuckers.

I may very well write another letter to them.



IF YOU LIKE NIP/TUCK AND GOT NEXT WEEK'S TV GUIDE TODAY, DO NOT READ PAGE 38 UNTIL AFTER YOU WATCH THE SHOW TONIGHT.

Funny story, semi related to WD post

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There's been talk of 'something being in the water' with the WD pregnancies, especially with Annika and Meghan being so darned close. Reminds me of where I used to work:

One day, several years ago, my friend A was counting days on her calendar. Then she asked me what date the Christmas party has been on. I immediately understood: This was a 'hmm..I haven't gotten my period and I think it's late, Dear God, what have I done!' calendar count. Sure enough, 9 months after the Christmas party, came her daughter.

Five years later, five Christmas parties later. Our 20 year old not-married temp discovered she was pregnant. Oh, dear. The next week, C, another guy at work (who's wife used to work there too, and both of whom were at the party) announced that his wife was pregnant, too! Both were suprises. Everyone adjusted, our temp married her boyfriend. But for ever after we maintained that C had knocked up both women. ;)

For our remaining years at work, we'd be apprehensive about company functions. The next year's Christmas party invitation even included, "contraception with be provided". We actually did wrap a few condoms up real fancy as a joke. And when we all went to a resort for a weekend in the summer, our bosses (including A) made up gift baskets for everyone, and condoms WERE included.

Then there was the Labor Day cookout. I brought my Spinach Dip (if you're trying to conceive, I'll send you the recipe). Beth and Al (Al worked with us) were there. Beth told us how they'd been trying for 4 years to conceive, they'd been to all the specialists, she even quit her job in case the problem was stress-related. Still nothing. As she talked, Beth could not stop eating my Spinach Dip. She loved it. She asked me for the recipe and bought stuff to make more on her way home that day.

Beth turned up pregnant soon after.

Another year, another Christmas party. This year it was a potluck held at the office. I brought my spinach dip again. And Beth got pregnant again.

I have refused to make that Spinach Dip again, as it's just too dangerous. Although I guess I could make it now, because I'm quite sure you do still need to have sex, too, in order to conceive. It is a very yummy dip.

Mood: bitchy

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Just shot off a couple of letters to companies I have a beef with:

1. Letter to TV Guide saying that their new format sucks* and is totally useless to me, and I will not be renewing my subscription. I ddn't actually request any restitution, I just wanted to let them know how much they suck*.

2. Letter to Toyota saying that I found out that when I bought the car at 47,000, it had never had the 30,000 transmission fluid change done. Since I purchased the car as a Certified Used Vehicle and they list “Vehicle professionally reconditioned to Toyota standards” as one of the top benefits for purchasing a vehicle as a Certified Used Vehicle, I had a reasonable expectation that necessary maintence would have been done before I purchased the car. Furthermore, the independant servicer who flushed the tranny fluid this time recommended I have it done again in 15,000 miles instead of the usual 30,000 miles, due to the poor condition. This is neglagence on Toyota's part, resulting in MY incurring the cost of a whole extra tranny flush, and I request either a reimbursement for my service, or an offer of no charge service the next time I need it done.

I may or may not get anything out of it. I don't care too much if I do, but I just wanted to bitch at them.



*I actually did not use the word 'sucks'.
I actually worded both letters quite politely. I have 12 years experience in reading letters from irate or otherwise displeased customers. If there's one thing I learned, is that you catch a lot more flies with honey than you do with vinegar. Sometimes company policy does not dictate which way the response should go, and sometimes it will even lean away from the customer's demand/wishes. In cases where it was a judgement call, I was MUCH more inclined to help out a customer who politely and/or reasonably gave their point of view, rather than the one who was a total asshole.

Example: A broken TV remote control was sent in to be replaced. It was not covered by warranty. I sent an estimate for the replacement cost. Here are sample responses from customers:

Customer 1: Your Company sucks! This is a ripoff! I don't care if I dropped it in the fish tank and that's why it doesn't work, Your Company should give me a new one for free. I will never buy Your Company's products again, and I will tell everyone I know not to, either.

Customer 2: Dear ______, I received your estimate for the replacement remote. At this time, I cannot afford the new one because Christmas is coming and I need to get gifts for my grandchildren. Please send my old one back. Thank you for your time.

Now, GUESS which customer I fudged a date of purchase for, so that I could send a new remote to at no charge?

(And after she received the new one, she even sent another letter thanking us so much for the replacement. She was so suprised, we are so nice, etc.)

Holy shit, they're at it again!

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Last year I watched a TLC special about an Arkansas couple who were having their FIFTEENTH baby.

I just found out they're still at it!

http://www.bloggingbaby.com/entry/1234000880063129/

The Duggar Family usher in 16th baby, will welcome more

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have done it again: Michelle recently gave birth to their 16th child, Johannah. All of the Duggar children have names beginning with the letter “J.” Beth Hoyt covered the family when they were pregnant with Johannah. Jim Bob Duggar, who dabbles in politics and sells real estate, said the same thing when child 15 was born as he did about his newest addition: “We both just love children and we consider each a blessing from the Lord.”

According to the Duggar Family website, they are often asked whether they are Mormon or Catholic. They are also asked whether they are aware of how babies are made. The Duggars laugh this off with the same good cheer they express on the rest of their website. The explanation is simple: they have dedicated their lives to the Lord and they have decided that they will accept every child the Lord sends them.

The Discovery Channel plans to do another show on the Duggar family in May; their first show was extremely highly rated. TLC is already doing a show on the Duggars’ new home, which Jim Bob and his two oldest sons are building. It will have nine bedrooms and four washing machines. I hope they threw in a few dishwashers, too.

I'm so bored!

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Talk to me.

Tell me about your day.

I'm bored...

and I want to add some more junk to my blog sidebar.


What do you recommend?




Edit: Look! I figured out how to add pictures to my sidebar!

My poor kitty was traumatized!

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I feel like such a bad kitty mummy.

Last night the boy and I slept on the pull-out sofa-bed. I brought kitty boy up to sleep with us, and he settled on my pillows. (When in my bed, he sleeps on a pillow above my head, against the wall, no headboard.) On the sofa-bed, the sofa cushion sort of serves as a headboard, but there is a gap between the mattress and the back of the sofa, and of course the cushion is soft; so when poor kitty boy tried to lean back, he found himself slipping down instead of leaning against a solid wall (like he would in my bed). I helped him catch himself and he repositioned himself so he wasn't leaning back. The boy expressed concern that kitty would fall down in there, but I said that it wouldn't happen. Then we all fell asleep. During the night a woke up for a second, like I do a lot, and found the pillow empty. No big deal. Kitty boy gets up and leaves often during the night.

Come morning, the boy and I wake up, and the boy suddenly exclaims, "Kitty didn't leave, he fell in the sofa!" He had heard a soft meow. I pulled the top of the mattress and frame up, and sure enough, there's poor kitty boy helplessly trapped under the sofa! (With the bed pulled out, the underneath of the sofa is a big, empty area, so he didn't get squished or anything, but there's no way out!) Now, kitty boy is old and arthritic, and can't jump any more. So he sees that I've pulled the mattress up and sees the way out, but he can't get out. The boy had to go get a step stool and go in there with kitty and we both helped him out.

That poor cat. Imagine being sound asleep and suddenly finding yourself sucked into an empty vortex. And then you're just trapped for God knows how many hours! Thank God he wasn't hurt. Poor, poor, kitty boy.

Does this mean I'm related to Iago?

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You Are A: Lamb!

Peaceful and gentle, lambs have been used in religious imagery for millennia. Lambs are baby sheep, an animal tended by shephards since the dawn of history. As a lamb, you tend to stay together in a flock and graze on grassy land. Lambs don't mind being led and tend not to go off on their own.

You were almost a: Groundhog or a Chipmunk
You are least like a: Duck or a MonkeyWhat Cute Animal Are You?

I think it's rather significant that it says I was almost a chipmunk. The ex once found one in our backyard. He picked it up, after I warned him to leave it alone. When it bit him, he flung it on the ground and killed it.

There, but for the grace of God, go I.

I hate September.

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That's when they screw with my late-night TV shows. My back to back weeknight eps of Roseanne at 12:00? Gone. And now my Sunday night Buffy at 12:00 is gone. It's been replaced by Alias. It appears to be the first ep. Maybe this would be a good time to give it a shot. Or maybe get some sleep for a change. But if Buffy is still on the channel that starts at 12:05, that's where I'll be.

Nope. It's now ST Enterprise.

Now what am I supposed to do?

They've even taken away my weekday 2:00 pm buffy.

I am the world champion

at bruxism.

I grind my teeth in my sleep. I even catch myself clenching them during the day. When I was a teenager I got a night-guard to protect my teetch. I had it for 6 years before I lost it. By then, I didn't seem to need it anymore.

After Michael died I went to the dentist to get a new one ($300.00!) because I knew I was doing it again. A lot. In the 5 months that I've had it, and with all that's happened, I've made cracks over an inch long on both sides of it, running back to front. Some of one end is chipped away.

I just went back for my regular cleaning and they had told me to bring it with me so they could clean it. The hygenist saw what I'd done to it and showed it to the dentist. The hygenist said that in 23 years she's never seen anyone do that to a night-guard. I'm so proud. They're making me new one, at no charge.




Nah, I'm not too stressed.

Stolen from Callie

The One True Slayer

94 Bites of Slayage

Damn. Not only have you died twice doing what you do, but no one understands your burden and you find yourself disturbingly attracted to vampires. You are the ultimate repository of what it takes to be the Slayer, and no one can tell you otherwise. If you don't own all seven seasons on DVD, it's cause they haven't been released in your country yet. I am in total awe of you, and maybe just the tiniest bit creeped out.

My test tracked 1 variable

How you compared to other people your age and gender:


You scored higher than 97% on bites

Someone posted these lyrics on another board I go to:

Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off

She said I'm going out with my girlfriends
Margaritas at the Holiday Inn
Oh mercy...my only thought
was tequila makes her clothes fall off

I told her put on an extra layer
I know what happens when she drinks patron
her closets missing half the things she bought
tequila makes her clothes fall off

She'll start by kicking off her shoes
loose an earring in her drink
leave her jacket in the bathroom stall
drop a contact down the sink

Them pantyhose ain't gonna last too long
if the DJ puts Bon Jovi on
she might come home in a tablecloth
tequila makes her clothes fall off

SOLO

She can handle any champagne brunch
Bridal Shower with Bacardi punch
Jell-O Shooters full of Smirnoff...
but tequila makes her clothes fall off

CHORUS

She don't mean nothing
She's just having fun
tomorrow She'll say
Oh what have I done
Her friends will joke about the stuff she lost
Cause tequila makes her clothes fall off


It reminds me of my Ally-Bally. :D Whenever we used to get to work, we'd have to check and make sure all her clothes were on and fastened. And she's a lot of fun when we go to the bar. :D I emailed it to her. She took no offense. :D

Now I'm very sad. :(

My wine is bad. When I first got it I noticed that the back of the label looked as if wine had spilled on it. But the cork and seal looked secure. So I just put it in the fridge and waited.
Now I've uncorked it and poured it. The color is wrong. It's cloudy. It smells icky. It tastes icky.


[/cry]

Yay :)

I'm not a big fan of wine. But there's a wine that I got when we went on the big vaca to the Vineyard (yes, there's actually a vineyard on Martha's Vineyard). It's a sweet, fruity wine, called Cranberry Satin. I liked it. I've been wanting it. But I did not go to the Vineyard this year, and I don't know when I will be able to go. Too many memories. :( Anyhoo, they don't ship their wine, but there are vendors on the mainland here who carry it. I did all the research I could on-line, and the places closest to me do sell Chicama Vineyard wines, but not this particular flavor. But I found one that sells it on-line! The shipping cost as much as the wine, so I feel kind of silly. But I'm rationalizing it:

1. Round trip tickets on the ferry to go get it myself would have cost more than the shipping
2. I could have attempted to drive to a vendor that carries it, but with my nerves and with the price of gas these days, I wouldn't really be saving anything there, either
3. I've been in dire need of shipping boxes, packing peanuts and bubble wrap. Now I've got some of all 3 for free! Good enough for me!

I can't have any wine now because my boy will be home soon and who knows if we'll need to drive somewhere this afternoon. But I'm going to have a glass tonight! Mmmmmmmmm.

I'm wondering...

Does it mean there's something not quite right with me that I actually feel a bit put out when my cat sleeps on the couch instead of with me?










Did I do something to make him mad?

My baby starts fourth grade tomorrow!

He's, like, full-fledged South Park boy age now.


*sob*

Does this mean I've been watching too much Gilmore Girls? (Disclaimer: if you don't watch GG, you won't understand this post.)

I'm a bit peckish and was thinking of what to have for supper, whilst reading the latest Harry Potter and also watching (really just listening to) Gilmore Girls. Loralei just mentioned Al's Pancake World, and I immediately thought, "Ooh! I'd love some Chinese food!"

Kick her when she's down, why don't ya?

Remember my cousin's daughter, K, who lost her husband to an aneurism a month ago? I just found out at my other cousin's funeral last week that she's 5 months pregnant! She already has 3 babies, this will be the fourth. I'm sure she knew she was pregnant when she lost J and went through all that. I can't imagine.

I can't believe this life.

Stolen from bettie

Hee.

Good news, good news, and of course, crappy news.

My dad's cardio catheter went well. We woke up at 5:30 and left the house at 6:30, and got there really early. But if we'd waited and left later, we would have been stuck in morning traffic and not gotten there in time. Anyhoo, he went in, and my mom, my sis, and I went to get some coffee and stuff and killed a couple of hours. Then they beeped us. We went back up and the doctor came out and told us that he found very little blockage, and my dad would not require the angioplasty nor the stent. Yay!!! So that's wonderful news. He was still in recovery and we had to kill a couple of more hours, but we were back at their house by 2:00. And the second good news is that I got to pick up my boy (who was on vaca with his dad all last week) from his other grandmother's house and GO HOME! So I'm home. Yay! (And another little Yay! because I was able to drive into and out of the city without incident. Go, me! It actually felt really nice to be able to do something substantial for my parents, after all they've done for me this year.)

But of course, when I got home there was a message from my mom on the machine asking me to call her. Called her. Ricky just passed away. :( So I'll be heading back up there later this week for the wake and funeral. This had better be IT. NO ONE else whom I know, have met, or have even HEARD OF is allowed to die this year. Put a fork in me. I'm DONE.

If I knew how to spell a wordless, gut-wrenching scream, I would put it here in the title.

Been kind of freaking out today.

The impact of how serious the procedure on my dad could be is hitting me. Now I've volunteered to drive them in to the city, as my dad won't be able to drive after it, and my mom was going to try but it will be a lot harder for her than it will be for me.

And my cousin (the one with cancer) is dying. Now. This morning the word was that he most likely had less than 24 hours left. I thought about going to see him but I just can't. And this is all hitting me a lot harder than I expected. And now I can't believe I'm never going to see him again. The last time I saw him was at Jason's wake. I can't imagine what it's been like for him, knowing for three years that he's dying, and going to three other young family members funerals in these last months.

I'm going to stay at my parents house Sunday night, as we'll need to leave early for the hospital. And as there's most likely going to be a wake and funeral shortly thereafter, I'll be packing my funeral clothes. The fact that I actually have funeral clothes hit me today, and I find it bizarre and rather disturbing. And it pisses me off. Why should I need funeral clothes? This year, I sure do. I hate this year.

And also the realization that when I go up to my parents' house, I'll probably end up staying there at least 2 or 3 days, between my dad's procedure and the wake/funeral, is not making me any happier.

Shit

Just got a call from my sister. She's looking for our parents, because our cousin called looking for them. Our other cousin, the one dying of cancer, may be at the end. She just called me back; she found them. They're going to head over to see him. I was just considering heading up there, maybe seeing him myself. But I don't think I can.

Now I'm crying. And it's completely taking my by suprise. But I can't bear the thought of seeing another one in a fucking coffin. I've had enough.

I know I said I loved the school system, but...

Ok, as you may or may not know, I've gotten a lot of pressure from my family to move back near them. One of my arguments for staying put is that the school system here is great. New school building, small class sizes, lots of computers, lots of good stuff.

Today we received a letter from my son's new teacher (which we do every year) with a list of supplies he'll need to bring with him on the first day:

• Plastic pencil box
• 3 pencils
• 4 glue sticks
• scissors
• colored pencils
• 3 folders
• One deck of playing cards

Is this the year they teach poker?


lol

I'm quite Irashional

I've got a rash. It started either Tuesday or Wednesday, as tiny little bumps in front of my ears and behind them as well. Lots of little bumps very close together, but more flesh-colored than red. By the next day it had spread to my ear lobes, further behind my ears and down my neck, and started heading toward my cheeks and chin. By the next day, it was moving up my temples, around the back of my neck, and down my arms! I went to the doctor on Friday. My doctor was out of the office, so I saw someone else. She seemed nice, and competent. She confirmed it was definately a rash but didn't know what from. I told her how I've been very, very tired lately; I do have trouble sleeping. Asked if I had a headache, No. Asked if I had a sore throat, No. She sent me to the lab to be tested for mono, strep, lyme disease, and I think something else, but I can't remember. She advised that if I did have something contagious, then I most likely was contagious to others 7 days ago, not so much now. I should have the results tomorrow or Tuesday. Now the rash has travelled down to both wrists, so it covers:

• my upper arms
• my lower arms
• my shoulders
• my neck
• under my chin
• the sides of my face up to my temples and down to my jaw
• behind my ears
• both sides of both ear lobes

And the oldest places, mostly my ears and around my ears, is now getting dry and sore. Whenever I take a shower I forget to be gentle when I dry off, and it feels like I'm scrubbing myself with sandpaper.

Sylvia's Mother

Love this song by Dr. Hook.

Bon Jovi did a cover version of it in some concert they recorded. I've known about it for over a year, but I had to run out TODAY and buy the $15.00 DVD, just so I could hear Sylvia's Mother.

Oh...damn.

My cousin's daughter's boyfriend didn't make it. I don't have many details, my mom just told me they had to pull the plug. My mom keeps getting nervous whenever she has to tell me bad news, as if I'm going to freak out or something. She doesn't seem to understand that I didn't know this guy at all. I'm feeling very sad for my cousin's daughter and her family, but it's not hurting me personally. My mom made quite a point of saying that I didn't have to go to the services (she never lets anyone think for themselves or make their own decisions - when she can get away with it), but I'm going to call her and tell her I want to go to the wake. I know she won't understand, she'll be afraid I can't handle it. But when it was MY partner's wake, it really meant a lot to me when all the people came. I don't know why, but when my cousin David, who I am not really close to but is my age, drove down 60 miles in the snow to come to Michael's wake, it really meant a lot. I want to go to K's boyfriend's wake and show my support.

Also, my other cousin, who has cancer, apparently isn't doing that well. They had originally given him 6 months to live, and it's been 3+ years now. So I'm not sure if this may happen soon.

World's Shortest Personality Test

You are pure, moral, and adaptable. You tend to blend into your surroundings. Shy on the outside, you're outspoken to your friends. You believe that you live a virtuous life... And you tend to judge others with a harsh eye. As a result, people tend to crave your approval.

The World's Shortest Personality Test

So...Charlie and the Chocolate Factory...

that was fucked. Total acid trip.



But I loved the squirrels. :D

Update on past news...

My cousin's daughter's boyfriend (with the brain aneurism) survived surgery. Now they just have to wait and see what happens.

Hell, I ought to do this every week!

My mother called. My grandmother's TV broke so they're going let her borrow my extra one that I've been trying to get rid of (It's sitting on my bedroom floor taking up precious space). So they're going to come today to pick it up.

My house was already a mess since last weekend when they came. So the boy and I just cleaned it all up again.

If they came every week, I'd be forced to clean every week!

But then again, if they came every week, I'd have to kill either my mom or myself.

There's a reason I don't live near her.

Whew!

They are due between 2:30 and 3:00.

I just finished, and took a shower.

Yay, me.

Yikes!

I had made plans with my parents earlier this week for them to come on Sunday and help me with the storage space. I planned on cleaning up my place (it's a wreck) yesterday and today. (The last thing I want is for my mother to think/know that I'm depressed.) I didn't get much done yesterday, but I comforted myself by saying that I had all day today.
My mom just called. They're going to come this afternoon, and again tomorrow.
I have 2 1/2 hours to do the cleaning that I thought I'd have ALL DAY to do.


Crap.





I need to go hide the Prozac.

Movies I Want To See:

• The Good Girl
• The Terminal
• Miss Congeniality 2
• Elf
• Ocean's Twelve
• Mean Girls
• Bend it Like Beckham

God, I am truly a moron at times... (aka: When The Hell Did They Stop Putting Handles On These Things!?!")

(Copied from the WD)

So, a few years ago, I bought the VHS of There's Something About Mary. Free with the purchase was a 'Puffy' antenna topper.



I love it, but I never put it on my car, for fear of losing it. Now that I have my new car, I decided I want Puffy on the car, but I'm still not willing to take the chance of losing it. So I just moved Heaven and Earth to find another one, so I'll still keep one on my desk, and put the other on my antenna.

Except I was just at my car.

It has no antenna.

Where the fuck am I going to put Puffy?

Stolen from starshine who stole it from Ace who stole it from Big Evil

Your IQ Is 130

Your Logical Intelligence is Exceptional Your Verbal Intelligence is Genius Your Mathematical Intelligence is Genius Your General Knowledge is Exceptional

A Quick and Dirty IQ Test

Busy little bee...er...mouse.

In school, my son's class has been doing a unit on the Revolutionary War. Next week they are putting on two presentations: a play, and a living museum. My boy has two very different roles: in the play he is British Captain Thomas Preston, and in the living museum he is Samuel Adams. Which means he needed two very different costumes. Last week I bought all kinds of fabric, thread and buttons, revved up the sewing machine, and plunged in. I finished tonight. The costumes are due at the school tomorrow, as dress rehearsals begin then. I did the sewing, but he made it clear what he wanted for the costumes. (I personally think that Samuel Adams looks a bit more like Albert Einstein, but hey, it's not my gig.) He also has a (toy, wooden) musket, which I made him ask his teacher twice if it was ok to bring in to school. We'll see if he gets suspended or arrested!

Here are the results:

I think I need to start easing back into the real world.

I was just watching Crossing Jordan (which is set in Boston). Woody, the cop, just answered his phone, put it down, and said, "they just found her car in Medford.". Woody is from Wisconson and of course has no Boston accent, so he pronounced it: Med-ford. I yelled back at him, "it's med-fahd, you fuckin' Cheesehead!"

I need to start interacting with real people more often.

You Take the Good, You Take the Bad...

God, it's so bad. The Facts of Life Reunion Movie. It's bad. It's cheesy. It's corny.

So why do I feel compelled to watch it every time it comes on?

Holy cow...regarding my previous post...

Jonathan Kellerman answered my email :o

Dear Laurie,

Suffice it to say that Alex's life gets complicated. But Robin has not been forgotten. In fact, I just wrote a chapter featuring her quite conspicuously (in my book-in-progress.)

Best,

JK


Eep. This age of technology amazes me. Who'd'a thunk that I could simply search the web, and in 5 minutes, obtain direct contact with this author? I'm thinking of responding, but I think I'll sleep on it, to try to come up with something halfway intellegent to say. Shall I threaten him with bodily harm if he doesn't get them back together for good? (Joking!)

Of course, I can't sleep. Again.

Well, crap.

I've been reading the 'Alex Delaware' books by Jonathan Kellerman. I started reading them maybe 12 or 13 years ago, read about 7 or 8 of them, and stopped. Last year I re-read all the ones I had, and started in on all the new ones that have come out since I stopped reading them. I finished #14 last night. I started in on # 15 today

WARNING: If you happen to be reading these books, you may want to skip past this next part. There will be spoilers.

At the end of the #14 things were a bit rocky between our hero and his long time love, Robin. At the beginning of 15, they seemed to be patching things up, but by chapter 2 she took a job as some sort of equipment manager for a rock tour. She'll be gone at least 3 months. I skipped ahead to the end of the book to make sure she'd come back. She didn't. I took a look at #16, and on the back cover she's referred to as his 'ex-lover'. I don't have book #17 yet but I looked it up on Amazon, and Alex's new love, Allison, is mentioned. Alex and Robin had parted ways in one of the earlier books, but they later reconciled and I thought they were now in it for the long run. Crap. Now I don't even want to read these next three books. :( I get really pissed off when people who have such a great thing let it slip away for stupid reasons. I had something great, and I was in it for the long haul. And it got taken from me. People shouldn't waste their chances.

What's even sadder is that I KNOW this is a fictional book--they're not even real people--but I'm so disturbed that I really can't read the book now. I hope I feel different later because I'm just about caught up with the series and I did intend to read them all.

Now what am I going to read?


Edit: What's even more disturbing is that I just found the author's web site and actually emailed him a message to tell him how sad and disappointed I am.

I need help.

Welcome to my blog.

After a Series of Unfortunate Events in my life, I've found the need to vent occasionally, and I'm finding the internet a good outlet. After subjecting the lovely people at the WD to my repeated ramblings (and after a couple of suggestions ;) ), I decided a blog would be a good idea. So here it is.

Heaven help us all.