Death By Absurdity

Book Related Fun

2010-03-24T07:17:00.000-06:00

Librarian Action Figure with Bookcart and Computer & Librarian Action Figure with Assorted Books - Who doesn't need an action figure or two?

Nook - Expect an upcoming post on this, but I have to say I love it!

Fun Brain & MadLibs - MadLibs. What else need to be said?

BookIt! Reading Program - It was fun twenty-odd years ago when I did it and still is fun for kids.

Cute Games

2010-02-02T17:47:00.001-06:00

I love trying out new flash games. Here is a slew of 'em.

News Oddities

2010-01-18T08:37:00.003-06:00

Impromptu billboard porn film stops traffic - Apparently, perviness is not an American only concept.

Sneaky strategies aim to get kids moving
- In my world, my kids get their fitness in PE, sports, and household chores like shoveling and vacuuming.

Boy's science project prompts school evacuation - The principal at the magnet school for techies really didn't imagine a scenario like this? Really?

Floor caves under Weight Watchers weigh-in - I think I would throw in the towel.

Bobbies scolded for using riot shields as sleds - London either has a very, very low crime rate or a very, very high one.

Home vs. Haiti

2010-01-15T07:06:00.004-06:00

I don't want to seem cruel and I am not saying that we should not help Haiti. But, wouldn't the $100,000,000 that the president pledged to send Haiti, be better spent at home?

More and more US citizens are losing their jobs, their homes, and their ability to support their own families. When I looked at this map (from the Bureau of Labor Statistics), I was astounded by how much of the US had unemployment rates of 10% or higher from December '08 to November '09.

I could understand our government spending our tax dollars abroad if everything was hunky dory at home. But, it isn't.

Interesting Print and Online Media

2010-01-09T17:12:00.005-06:00

During my days as customer service rep at a fulfillment house, I became aware of many magazine, newspapers, and other media that I would not have given a second thought to otherwise. I've learned my lesson and will now leaf through most newspapers and magazines before dismissing them.

The Onion is a neat online and print newspaper. It presents news in an humorous thought provoking fashion. One of my favorite cartoons is The Mall.

My favorite knitting mag is Interweave Knits. Interweave also publishes several other fiber arts magazines. They also host Knitting Daily, a great resource for new and advanced knitters.

Those are just two of my favorite must read mags. What do you like to read?

Neener, Neener and Nine-One-One

2010-01-07T08:21:00.003-06:00

I now remember why I always wrote posts in "edit html" instead of "compose." Bye-bye annoying twittering widget!

Back to something more important. My girlfriend and I have a difference of opinion over the Cantrell/911 debate. She thinks that 911 operators should be able to guide callers through various life saving techniques.

I agree to a point, but believe it is primarily the responsibility of parents to know appropriate first aid and CPR to protect their children. 911 is a dispatch for emergency services including police, fire, and ambulance, not an emergency room.

What do you think?

Try it. I dare you!

2010-01-03T07:53:00.004-06:00

No piece of normal-size paper can be folded in half more than 7 times.

It is not possible to tickle yourself.

After spending hours working at a computer display, look at a blank piece of white paper. It will probably appear pink.

New Year's Eve Blue Moon

2009-12-31T08:01:00.002-06:00

Blue moons occur about once every 2.5 years while New Year's Eve blue moons only occur about every 19 years. Today is the day to take advantage of those desires that get filled less often that once in a blue moon. I think I see some new sock yarn in my future. I got new needles and a yarn cutter for Christmas from my wonderful wife so I should be all set.

On a side note, I wonder if having a second full moon will have a synergistic effect on my Alzheimer's unit? Between the snowy, icy, damp, disgusting weather and med reductions, I don't know if I can stay sane with moon issues added in.

What's Up?

2009-03-18T18:01:00.002-06:00

I have had a nice long sabbatical. But, it has been very busy.

I've got started an office job last April. In January, I found out the company I work for is closing it's doors in Illinois and Colorado to move everything to Florida. I will probably end up going back to CNA work.

We have started the process for me to legally adopt the kids. We've been talking about it for a coon's age but are finally able to afford it. ::insert Heather's happy dance::

My better half has found out that she has migraines, tension headaches, and psuedotumor cerebri. No longer can she say the pain is from me. We are hoping that the medicines to reduce her sIpinal fluid work so that she doesn't need a shunt in her spine. We are putting off her next spinal tap until after the adoption.

My love for knitting is only increasing. Socks, blankets, and greyhound sweaters are the current works in progress.

The written word is still a love of mine, but I am only editing Stac's projects right now. She is going to take the summer off to write and submit. Please send some kind thoughts her way.

I have officially quit nicotine.

I am hoping to reestablish contact with my online buddies. I will lurk no longer.

Ta-ta for now.

99 Words...

2008-03-19T06:53:00.003-06:00

Do NOT drink or eat while watching this! You have been warned.

Fake!

2007-11-08T08:03:00.000-06:00

Remember when, about age 10, we used to offer something to a friend just to yank it bank and yell "Fake!"

Apparently, FEMA has not reached puberty yet.

'Nuff said.

One Down, Two to Go

2007-06-04T19:58:00.000-05:00

Curlie Cue is done. Only two more baby blankets to go.

Pattern: Basic Dishrag on the Bias-when I started to decrease I used intarsia to make the two smaller triangles. Then, I made a bunch of i-cord for the curlie cues.

Yarn: Stash yarn that I got for a dollar a pound from a local charity sale. Feels like Baby Teri by Red Heart.

Needles: 16" Size 7 Crystal Palace bamboo circular

What do you do when you have three different colorways and three different lengths of i-cord to make? Knit the three colorways of the same length all at once, of course. Let me tell you that knitting i-cord is a zen experience. Knit 3, push to the other end, knit 3, push.

Even more zen, is miles of garter stitch. knit 5, yarn over, knit to end, knit 5, yarn over knit to end. Continue until you run out of pink yarn. Using purpley pink variagated, knit 4, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit to center. Using white variagated, knit to end. Knit 4, knit 2 together, yarn over, knit 2 together, knit to center, switch back to purpley pink, knit to end. Repeat until there are two stitches left, always switching yarns at the center.

Knit.
Yarn over.
Knit 2 together.
Crossing yarns.
I-Cord.
Simple.

The end product was not what I suspected. I was knitting this to order for a girl at my girlfriend's work. I *hated* this until it was finished. Then, well, see for yourself.

Now, I think it is kinda cute. The color side had pink i-cord, but it made this way too busy.

Can You Find the Man?

2007-05-29T08:14:00.000-05:00

Knitted

2007-05-21T13:03:00.000-05:00

Baby blanket. Must. Get. Knitted.

Must. Get. Done.

Bloggy Hiatus - The Why

2007-05-16T09:29:00.000-05:00

In case anybody that still reads this is going to hold me up to my previous post, I'm going to get this outta the way.

In my pre-blog history, I was diagnosed with PTSD, severe depression with suicidal tendencies, and panic attacks. Therapy didn't help. It made me feel even more like a victim.

During my six months of therapy, the therapist told me that talking about my flashbacks was "working through" my problems. But, the more I "worked through" my problems, the more flashbacks I had. At 16, coping is hard anyway. Add in flashbacks and it is a recipe for disaster.

Look at how much kids change in a year. To an adult a year doesn't seem like much, sometimes even ten years doesn't seem like much of a difference. But, to a sixteen year old, ten years is two-thirds of their lives. My earliest memories are of abuse. So, I spent the six months that I was in therapy reliving the worst experiences of my life. Sometimes, I'd have a flashback from when I was 3 or 4. An hour later, I'd have a flashback from when I was about ten.

I couldn't go to school. Foster homes that were non-abusive couldn't handle my diseases. I still ran away from homes that were abusive. I was consistently getting put in worse homes because the good ones wouldn't take me. At one point I was getting put on a three day hold for attempting suicide about once a week, sometimes two.

Eventually, I figured out that the less I talked about things, the fewer flashbacks I had. So, I stopped blathering on and on about what happened, emotions, reactions, etc. I started to only have a flashback when I saw certain people or things. I went from having two or more a day to having maybe one a month. Suicide seemed less necessary. I moved. I stabilized.

By the time I was 18, I took myself off my antidepressant meds. I wrote stories when I used to try to kill myself. (That started my love with writing) I was excelling at school. I had found a foster home that I thought actually gave a shit (that one's a whole other story). I got a scholarship for college and a steady job. Things were going really well.

Then, my life went to hell about August of last year. I felt out of control. Hell, I was out of control of my life. The details of what happened aren't necessary, but my girlfriend, our kids, and I all found out how true Murphy's Law is. Everytime something good happened, two or more bad things happened.

All that stress led to my flashbacks returning. I started having panic attacks a lot. I contemplated suicide. I almost checked myself into a psych ward. The more my mental health went down the tube, the harder it was to care if the rest of my life kept going to hell. I didn't care about anything. I was a horrible mother and girlfriend. I didn't care who I hurt in my self-destruction.

One day, I started talking to Stacie. I mean really talking to her. I didn't hold back. She still doesn't know everything but I feel comfortable talking about what happens in my head now. She knows that sometimes all I need is just to be comforted.

I still don't think that therapy is the right choice for me. Meds aren't either. But, I finally figured out that ignoring the problem doesn't help. Whether it's a therapist and meds, or just the person you love, you have to have an outlet. One that talks back instead of making it easier to believe it happened to someone else.

PBW's Tag

2007-05-11T10:27:00.000-05:00

PBW did a meme! I thought I would use this excuse to come out of the funk that I have been in. Without further ado...

The Meme PBW Tagged Everyone With

Da Rulez:

Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.

People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.

At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.

Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

I was diagnosed with PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) when I was in my middle teens. Shortly after, I stopped therapy, stopped taking my antidepressant meds, and came out of the closet. A decade or so later, I realized only one of my responses to the diagnosis was a good thing. I've got another post in draft about the long-term hazards of not letting the pros do their job.
I'm quite domestic. I love to bake, knit, crochet, sew, and so on. Did I mention that I love to knit?
If you ever come to my house and see me cleaning cabinets or doing other "deep" cleaning, run. I clean when I am beyond mad.
I recently got my first dykemobile, a Jeep Cherokee Laredo. I wanted this, the Lara Croft Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. My girlfriend wants it, too. I see a second car in our future.
I love writing, but I am not very good at it. Yet. Plot threads are my downfall.
My favorite quote-
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in one pretty and well preserved piece, but to skid across the line broadside, thoroughly used up, worn out, leaking oil, shouting GERONIMOoooo!!!!!" - Author Unknown
I love useless information and trivia. Uncle John's Bathroom Reader series is one of my favorite books series along that line.
Going to garage sales is fun. You might have to see a lot of junk, but sometimes you find a treasure.

In the spirit of laziness and because I was late, I'm not tagging anyone. Tag yourself if you wanna, but I'm not gonna. ;)

1979

2007-01-18T13:47:00.000-06:00

In 1979 (the year you were born)

Jimmy Carter is president of the US

A major accident occurs at a nuclear reactor on Three Mile Island near Middletown, PA

An American Airlines DC-10 loses its engine and crashes seconds after takeoff, killing 275 people

Hurricane David kills over 1200 in the US and the Dominican Republic

Some 90 people, including 63 Americans, are taken hostage at the American Embassy in Tehran, Iran

The Soviet Union invades Afghanistan

ESPN starts broadcasting

Aaliyah, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Norah Jones, Heath Ledger, and Kate Hudson are born

Pittsburgh Pirates win the World Series

Pittsburgh Steelers win Superbowl XIII

Montreal Canadiens win the Stanley Cup

Kramer vs. Kramer is the top grossing film

Sophie's Choice by William Styron is published

"My Sharona" by The Knack spends the most time at the top of the US charts

The Facts of Life premiers

What Happened the Year You Were Born?

Celebrity Look-alikes

2006-12-15T18:04:00.000-06:00

Ennui and Angst

2006-11-30T11:05:00.000-06:00

As the few who read this could probably tell, I've been a bit silent lately.

Ennui and angst. They are my constant companions these days. Along with failure. I don't write. Or knit. Or...anything. But I work.

I've tried poetry. That used to help.

i'm tired

of the fight
for what's right
to see light

Words on a page. No relief. All I can do is go to work.

We're living with my sister-in-law. I failed at supporting my family. I should have worked more.

We're grieving, still, over the loss of my girlfriend's best friend and a good friend to me, too. I failed to see the signs. I should have looked closer.

The friend that was going to help when our life started crashing down around us, turned on us. I failed to remember that connections with people only hurt. I should have remembered the lessons I learned in foster care.

No matter what or how hard we try, nothing seems to be helping get us up on our feet.

I don't know if I will keep this here or not. I don't think I need to be spreading this around.

GTO vs. Moped

2006-11-13T18:03:00.000-06:00

A young man goes out and buys the best car on the
market, a brand new Ferrari GTO. It is also the most
expensive car in the world, and it costs him $500,000.

He takes it out for a spin and stops at a red light.
An old man on a Moped, looking about 100 years old,
pulls up next to him. The old man looks over at the
sleek, shiny car and asks, "What kind of car ya' got
there sonny?"

The young man replies, "A Ferrari GTO. It costs half a
million dollars!"

"That's a lot of money," says the old man. "Why does
it cost so much?"

"Because this car can do up to 320 miles an hour!"
states the young dude proudly.

The Moped driver asks, "Mind if I take a look inside?"

"No problem," replies the owner. So the old man pokes
his head in the window and looks around.

Then, sitting back on his Moped, the old man says,
"That's a pretty nice car, all right...but I'll stick
with my Moped!! "

Just then the light changes, so the guy decides to
show the old man just what his car can do. He floors
it, and within 30 seconds, the speedometer reads 160
mph.

Suddenly, he notices a dot in his rear view mirror. It
seems to be getting closer! He slows down to see what
it could be and suddenly WHHHOOOOOOSSSSSHHH! Something
whips by him going much faster!

"What on earth could be going faster than my Ferrari?"
the young man asks himself.

He floors the accelerator and takes the Ferrari up to
250 mph. Then, up ahead of him, he sees that it's the
old man on the Moped!

Amazed that the Moped could pass his Ferrari, he gives
it more gas and passes the moped at 275 mph.
WHOOOOOOOSHHHHH!

He's feeling pretty good until he looks in his mirror
and sees the old man gaining on him AGAIN!

Astounded by the speed of this old guy, he floors the
gas pedal and takes the Ferrari all the way up to 320
mph.

Not ten seconds later, he sees the Moped bearing down
on him again! The Ferrari is flat out, and there's
nothing he can do!

Suddenly, the Moped plows into the back of his
Ferrari, demolishing the rear end. The young man stops
and jumps out and unbelievably the old man is still
alive. He runs up to the mangled old man and says, "Oh
My God! Is there anything I can do for you?"

The old man whispers...

"Unhook...my...suspenders...from...your...side-view......mirror''.

A Peek Into My Brain

2006-10-27T18:29:00.000-05:00

My brain color is green:

At work or in school: I work best by myself. I like to focus on my ideas until my desire for understanding is satisfied. I am easily bored if the subject holds no interest to me. Sometimes, it is hard for me to set priorities because so many things are of interest.
With friends: I may seem reserved. Although my thoughts and feelings run deep, I am uneasy with frequent displays of emotion. I enjoy people who are interesting and of high integrity.
With family: I am probably seen as a loner because I like a lot of private time to think. Sometimes, I find family activities boring and have difficulty following family rules that don't make sense to me. I show love by spending time with my family and sharing ideas and interests.
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Halloween Fun

2006-10-19T16:22:00.000-05:00

Just because Halloween is for kids and I am a huge kid. ;)

Kaboose Halloween Guide

Ben & Jerry's Halloween games

Hershey's Halloween

Halloween.com

Halloweentreats.com

Halloween Recipes

Responsibility

2006-10-19T16:15:00.000-05:00

When does the line of parent's responsibility to monitor their children end and the media's begin?

The Child Online Protection Act was created to force commercial websites to have a credit card or other adult verification screen before allowing minors into site that may have questionable content.

Read up on the act. But, anything with such broad language that damaging material is defined by "contemporary community standards" leaves far too many loopholes.

Parents should be taking an interest in their children's internet adventures. Webmasters should not have to prevent your child from reading a lesbian erotica short story. Monitoring children is not a parent's right but their duty.

Yes, this is a sticky area. Pornography sites aren't disputing this act because they require a credit card to pay for their service. It us writers who should be joining the ACLU in their fight to protect those who create.

Current Music

2006-09-14T22:09:00.000-05:00

Downward Spiral by NIN

Please Pray

2006-08-25T16:40:00.000-05:00

We lost my girlfriend's best friend of 18+ years this week. Without her, my gf and I would not be together still...

Please keep my gf in your thoughts.

Right now, we need all the good thoughts we can get. When it rains...

10 Quirky Things About Me

2006-08-22T18:02:00.000-05:00

Whether knitting, sewing, or crocheting, I change the pattern at least a little bit.

Gotta make it fun somehow.

I eat my meals one thing at a time.

OCD. Yeah, you know me.

Teal is my favorite color.

Especially, when combined with purple.

I am designing a Darkyn afghan. Black background with that copper-gold color from the cover of If Angels Burn, by Lynn Viehl, and that awesome circlely star thing.

This isn't the wierdest inspiration I have ever had.

I like to study different cultures and religions.

I'm just a fountain of useless information.

I like to find new authors to read, but hate one-hit-wonders.

I won't name any names. Adanhebrownm. Ahem. Sorry about that cough.

I want the knit patterns and theory for Holly Lisle's new project.

Culture, knitting, magic. Need I say more?

I don't feel comfortable in social situations without my gf.

There is no need for you to know why.

I full well believe that I will die in a profoundly absurd way.

Something like-a penny thrown from the top of the Empire State Building hitting my forehead and going through like a bullet.

My eleven year old son is as tall as I am, 5'2".

Not only am I getting old, but I have to accept being short, too. Grr.

I was originally going to do 15, but I am just way too boring for that.

Hectic

2006-08-19T19:58:00.000-05:00

In the last couple of months,

I strained my ankle (grade 2) and achilles tendon. The ankle is great, tendon not so much.
My oldest started junior tackle football.
I am moving. My lease is up, umm, now. But, we can't move to the new house until the endish of September/beginning of October. Hiya all my friends. My family and I love you.
My oldest broke his arm in two places.
Crutches and I have a very love-hate relationship. Especially when I have to go up a half flight of stairs to get into my house and a flight of stairs to go to bed.
I have finished none of my knitting projects, but have started two more.

Life is good, but a little too hectic for my liking.

Thoughts to Ponder

2006-08-15T20:52:00.000-05:00

Emailed to me by my wonderful girlie.

In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth and populated the Earth with broccoli, cauliflower and spinach, green and yellow and red vegetables of all kinds, so Man and Woman would live long and healthy lives. Then using God's great gifts, Satan created Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and Krispy Creme Donuts. And Satan said, "You want chocolate with that?" And Man said, "Yes!" and Woman said, "and as long as you're at it, add some sprinkles." And they gained 10 pounds. And Satan smiled.

And God created the healthful yogurt that Woman might keep the figure that Man found so fair. And Satan brought forth white flour from the wheat, and sugar from the cane and combined them. And Woman went from size 6 to size 14.

So God said, "Try my fresh green salad." And Satan presented Thousand-Island Dressing, buttery croutons and garlic toast on the side. And Man and Woman unfastened their belts following the repast.

God then said, "I have sent you heart healthy vegetables and olive oil in which to cook them." And Satan brought forth deep fried fish and chicken-fried steak so big it needed its own platter. And Man gained more weight and his cholesterol went through the roof.

God then created a light, fluffy white cake, named it "Angel Food Cake," and said, "It is good." Satan then created chocolate cake and named it "Devil's Food."

God then brought forth running shoes so that His children might lose those extra pounds. And Satan gave cable TV with a remote control so Man would not have to toil changing the channels. And Man and Woman laughed and cried before the flickering blue light and gained pounds.

Then God brought forth the potato, naturally low in fat and brimming with nutrition. And Satan peeled off the healthful skin and sliced the starchy center into chips and deep-fried them. And Man gained pounds.

God then gave lean beef so that Man might consume fewer calories and still satisfy his appetite. And Satan created McDonald's and its 99-cent double cheeseburger. Then said, "You want fries with that?" And Man replied, "Yes! And super size them!" And Satan said, "It is good." And Man went into cardiac arrest.

God sighed and created quadruple bypass surgery. Then Satan created HMOs.

Thought for the day . There is more money being spent on breast implants and Viagra today than on Alzheimer's research. This means that by 2040, there should be a large elderly population with perky boobs and huge erections and absolutely no recollection of what to do with them.

Randomaniacs-R-Us

2006-06-03T19:01:00.000-05:00

Random Facts:

Just when you think the worst has come, you find out how stupid you are.
I am less stressed when editing someone else's work than I am my own.
Writing is not going well.
My mind keeps trying to write (yuck) chick-lit (double-yuck). Someone please come over and slap me. The sabbatical didn't work. It is going to require drastic measures.
When my writing style is normal (really, it happens) I am a sick, twisted creature.
Wiping asses sucks. Not as much as my cable company.
My children full well believe that money does grow on trees.
I am wearing earrings for the first time in, umm, years.
My size Oh-my-god jeans are getting loose. Really loose.
I love my bicycle.

Song for the day: Bicycle Race by Queen

Bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like

You say black I say white
You say bark I say bite
You say shark I say hey man
Jaws was never my scene
And I don't like Star Wars
You say Rolls I say Royce
You say God give me a choice
You say Lord I say Christ
I don't believe in Peter Pan
Frankenstein or Superman
All I wanna do is

Bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my -
Bicycle races are coming your way
So forget all your duties oh yeah
Fat bottomed girls
They'll be riding today
So look out for those beauties oh yeah
On your marks, get set, go!
Bicycle race bicycle race bicycle race
Bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
Bicycle bicycle bicycle bicycle
I want a bicycle race

Hey
You say coke I say caine
You say John I say Wayne
Hot dog I say cool it man
I don't wanna be the President of America
You say smile I say cheese
Cartier I say please
Income tax I say Jesus
I don't want to be a candidate for
Vietnam or Watergate
'Cos all I wanna do is

Bicycle (yeah) bicycle (eh) bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle bicycle (c'mon) bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like

Words

2006-05-04T15:07:00.000-05:00

PBW asks what words provoke a screaming response from us. Do phrases count? My kids have perfected the art of the "I don't know" euphemism.

"I dunno"

Mom, I really don't care about whatever it is you asked.

"Idonnow"

If I say it really, really fast, you know you'll believe that I honestly didn't know.

"I. Don't. Know."

You are sooo stupid for actually making rules Mom.

"Don't know."

Don't care, Mom. Really, would you get a clue?

DNA

2006-04-17T17:09:00.000-05:00

This is soooo true.

Considerate Idealist

You are an Idealist

As an IDEALIST, you are distinctive for your integration of confidence, imagination, willingness to explore, and desire for competence over style.

You have a strong capacity to comprehend the inner workings of things, finding new ideas and innovative insights to feed your curious nature.

You are quite comfortable in the realm of abstract thought. You don't need a practical solution to every one of life's questions.

You are comfortable with the decisions you make in life. You don't need to second-guess yourself, or seek a lot of opinions before you make up your mind.

You enjoy the routines that you have created in your life, and don't feel the need to shake things up just for the sake of change.

You generally succeed at what you do, and others would describe you as successful.

It is important to you that products be efficient – looking good has to come second to working well.

You aren't the kind of person who needs to collect stylish items in an attempt to create an attractive environment – you know that what matters most is function, not style.

You're not afraid to let your emotions guide you, and you're generally considerate of others' feelings as well.

Never one to be found in chic boutiques or trendy clothing stores, you take an extremely practical approach to getting dressed.

If you want to be different:

You take time to explore your own thoughts and ideas, but this experience would only be heightened if you opened yourself up even more to others' ideas.

Your faith in yourself and your lifestyle is well-founded, but the occasional foray into the unknown might broaden your perspective and help you see things differently.

how you relate to others

You are Considerate

You trust others, care about them, and are slow to judge them, making you CONSIDERATE.

You value your close relationships very much, and are more likely to spend time in small, tightly-knit groups of friends than in large crowds.

You enjoy exploring the world through observation, quietly watching others.

Relating to others so well, and understanding their emotions, leads you to trust people in general, even though you're somewhat shy and reserved at times.

Your belief that people are generally well-intentioned contributes to your sympathy regarding their problems.

Although you may not vocalize it often, you have an awareness of how society affects individuals, and you understand complex causes of people's behavior.

You like to look at all sides of a situation before making a judgment, particularly when that situation involves important things in other people's lives.

Your close friends know you as a good listener.

You're not afraid to let your emotions guide you, and you're generally considerate of others' feelings as well.

Never one to be found in chic boutiques or trendy clothing stores, you take an extremely practical approach to getting dressed.

If you want to be different:

Because other people would benefit immensely from your understanding and insight, you should try to be more outgoing in social situations, even when they make you uncomfortable. Others will want to hear what you have to say!

Every Day is Exactly the Same

2006-04-12T15:49:00.000-05:00

I believe I can see the future
As I repeat the same routine
I think I used to have a purpose
But then again
That might have been a dream
I think I used to have a voice
Now i never make a sound
I just do what I've been told
I really don't want them to come around again

Oh, no

[Chorus]
Everyday is exactly the same
Everyday is exactly the same
There is no love here and there is no pain
Everyday is exactly the same

I can feel thier eyes are watching
In case I loose myself again

Sometimes I think I'm happy here
Sometimes, yet I still pretend
I can't remember how this got started
But I can tell you exactly how it will end

[Chorus]

I'm writing on a little piece of paper
I'm hoping someday you might find
I'll hide it behind something
They won't look behind
I am still inside here
A little bit comes bleeding through
I wish this could have been any other way
But I just don't know- I don't know what else I can do!

------Every Day is Exactly the Same by Nine Inch Nails

Blogus Interruptus

2006-03-20T21:59:00.000-06:00

This blog has been kidnapped by me, Real Life. Please do not be concerned.

Your blog hostess is in good health and mentally stable. Well, as mentally stable as before.

Her girlfriend and kids are still in good health and mentally stable. Minus the youngest bruising his ribs.

She is driving me nuts with all her hooting and hollering. I hope to return her to you soon. Very Soon.

Thanks,
Real Life

Chaos

2006-03-13T18:09:00.000-06:00

I'm in the middle of trying to change jobs. Well, actually careers.

Knitting is a very zen-like thing for me. So, my yarn stash is starting to dwindle. It will dwindle more when I get some new needles in the correct size.

I have made the perfect hot pack today. At least for those with neck pains. I will post pics and directions tomorrow.

Have a good night, y'all.

My Dream

2006-03-07T13:55:00.000-06:00

I dream of being valued by my employers.

I dream of never fearing when I might get fired because I am a muff-diving dyke.

I dream that, for once, things would get better and stay better.

I dream of having job security.

I dream of owning my own home.

I dream of growing old with my girlfriend.

I dream of going more than a week without hearing "CNAs are a dime a dozen."

I dream of not living paycheck to paycheck.

I dream of a stable life.

I dream of being able to take a family vacation every year. Hell, I'd settle for every other year.

I dream of world peace coming before my boys have to go off to war.

The sad, frakking reality is that I am nothing but a grunt. Maybe, I should be ashamed to wipe asses for a living. Maybe, nurses, administrators, and everybody else is better than me. Maybe, I shouldn't dream at all. Dreams might just be what us poor, unedjumakatd folk use to keep from drowning in sorrow.

I was told today that I am worthless. I was told that my sexual preferences make me less than. I was told that my sex life was the basis for getting rid of my shower aide position. That I needed to learn that I am no better than anyone else. That as long as I am a dyke I will never be considered for a promotion because my administrator doesn't like my personal choices. One mistake and I am out of a job. And, there is nothing I could do.

Fuck the world.

Dreams and Secrets

2006-03-01T18:19:00.000-06:00

Have you ever had a dream that came to a crashing end? No matter how hard you try, it just can't be resurrected?

There are dreams that because of this or that will never be achievable for me. Along with those dreams are secrets. The reason why I wanted this, why I can't have my dream, or sometimes what my dream is.

What are dreams and secrets? Go ahead and post anonymously.

Firefly

2006-02-20T19:58:00.000-06:00

Holly told us about Firefly. I didn't think that I would like it because it's kinda like a SF western. But, I have fallen in love with it. Thank goodness, Netflix has the series. Thanks, Holly.

So, this is my character. Good fit since I really like her. Course, I like River, too.

You are Kaylee, the ship's mechanic. You are cute

as a button, chipper, cheerfull and

optimistic, though you panic in a fight.

Engines make you hot and you prefer having

sex next to a big, humming thing.

Which Firefly character are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

V-Day

2006-02-14T17:05:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Treat your loved one to the ultimate VDE (Valentine's Day Experience).

Learn about the history.

Interesting trivia can be found here.

Find a babysitter that has some training.

Yummy romatic food? Count me in.

Make a little romance. Spice it up. Or, get downright kinky.

I know y'all will have some fun.

Web Thingies

2006-02-12T19:18:00.000-06:00

Found at PBW's:

Word Cloud from Snap Shirts

My porn star name:

Ivana B. Laid

Outrageous Name Generator

Your Birthdate: April 16

You're incredibly introverted and introspective. You live inside your head.

You spend a lot of alone time meditating and thinking.

People see you as withdrawn, and at times they are right.

You are caring and deep, but it may be difficult for you to show this side of yourself.

Your strength: Your original approach to thinking

Your weakness: You tend to shy away from others

Your power color: Pale blue

Your power symbol: Wavy line

Your power month: July

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

Equally Unequal

2006-02-10T20:05:00.000-06:00

The Unabashed Heretic talked about equality between men and women a while ago.

Why do certain jobs have different requirements for men than women? It's the same job.

I once applied to be a guard at the local jail. The physical requirements for women were almost half as that for the men. I could have passed the timed run by walking. If someone is trying to cause trouble, are they really going to jog instead of run just because it's a girl guard chasing them?

Come on, now. Men and women are different. Most of us relish those differences. I happen to like indoor plumbing, but some don't. Although, I might just brave outdoor plumbing to hear Vin Deisel say my name. What a voice.

But, I digress. For the most part, women should equal pay for the same job. But, if you have to have two different sets of minimal requirements to be able to hire women (or men), then there is an inherent problem in the system. Feminism has gone too far.

Employers shouldn't be guilted into lowering requirements for women who are too lazy to work to meet minimum requirements. What is the difference between minimal physical requirements and minimal educational requirements?

Superbowl Sunday

2006-02-05T12:11:00.000-06:00

Today is the day many sports fans will plop down and watch football. I like football, but I also cannot plop down and do nothing but watch TV.

Today, I am knitting an argyle sweater for Butch, my miniature dachshund. She is a short hair and just cannot stand anything under 85 degrees. No, I do not normally dress up my dogs. A little to anthropomorphic for me.

Lots of times, I read. Yes, this week my slideshows will be updated. By the way, PBW, you were right, there was a lot I could relate to in Rebel Ice.

Also, I'll be cooking buffalo wings, potato skins, artichoke dip, among other things.

What do you do while watching TV? (or instead of)

I've Got a Secret

2006-02-01T20:43:00.000-06:00

Your Love Life Secrets Are

Looking back on your life, you will have a few true loves.

Two.

You've been deeply wounded in the past, and you're still recovering from that hurt.

Can anyone say *understatement* ?

You expect a lot from your lover - you want the full package. You tend to be very picky.

Knowing what you want isn't picky. Is it?

In fights, you love to debate and defend yourself. Your logic prevails - or at least you'd like to think so.

I should have been born a Vulcan.

Getting over a break-up doesn't take long. Easy come, easy go.

So far, yes. If my gf and I break up, my spark would be gone.

Your Love Life Secrets, Revealed

Whatcha Think?

2006-01-30T19:37:00.000-06:00

What is it about the green M&Ms?

A whole new generation of mailboxes.

Vintage ads + kids = scary

My kids are never getting another "piggy" bank again. Never.

Life Art just isn't what you would think.

Geek/nerd porn

Trekkies: Teaching the Next Generation

The Bible Illustrated (with legos)

Can't find the right cliche to use?

Love that porcelain throne? It's the next wave of theme restaurants.

Spoil your dachshund.

Mix sand, water, and bored people. Stir. Pat. Take a picture. Result is amazing sand castles.

Dress up those tennis shoes or boots with some intricate lacing.

Working

2006-01-26T19:03:00.000-06:00

The new section headers are coming along. I am hoping to get them finished this weekend.

Writing is at a standstill until I can afford to purchase Create a Character Clinic by Holly Lisle and Way of the Cheetah by Lynn Viehl. Come on, taxes.

Oh, and I am soon to be opening shop on DBA Design. Websites, graphics, and a few other goodies. I'll let ya'll know when I get the site up and going. I want to have several different pages and graphics in each of my categories before I go live.

Gotta keep busy, busy, busy!

Pet Peeves

2006-01-25T19:14:00.000-06:00

PBW asked what bugs us?

When I have one of those "Here's your sign" moments.

Who likes to look stupid?

Bigotry and prejudice.

Nuff said.

When the kids use "I forgot" like it is an excuse.

Do they

think it works?

Poppy seeds on top of buns

Inside, yummy. Why on top when they just fall off making you look like you have fleas?

Unkempt people

Take a shower and clean your nails once in a while, okay?

Fat people who blame stress, depression, etc.

I'm fat but it is because of me. Repeat after me, "I eat the wrong things" and "Clicking the remote is NOT exercise"

My Inner Soul, Explained

2006-01-22T08:25:00.000-06:00

Galadriel

Possessing a rare combination of wisdom and humility, while serenely dominating your environment you selflessly use your powers to care for others.

Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.

Galadriel is a character in the Middle-Earth universe. You can read more about her at the Galadriel Worshippers Army.

Thanks to Carter.

Opinions

2006-01-21T15:46:00.000-06:00

Dear Readers,

It has been brought to my attention that my section headings are hard to read. I agree. To help fix the problem please choose and comment on which one of the below (if any) are better. ;)

Thanks,
Heather

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

Redone

2006-01-21T13:20:00.000-06:00

Do you like?

I want this page to be readable, pleasing to look at, and functional.

If you see something that could work better, drop me a comment and let me know what you think.

Possesed

2006-01-16T14:43:00.000-06:00

Never do I want to publish this work of boring authobiographical crap. I don't want anyone to see it either. (Gotta love password-protection) So, what possesed me?

I needed to see myself in a different light.
Bits of me were creeping into my other writing.
Most of those bits were detrimental to the story.
Writing is therapeutic to me and I was having nightmares again.

Yes, I have been neglecting blogoshpere, but I needed it. I just had to focus on getting all the gruesome details out. I'm sure you don't want to hear it.

Thank you to all who helped me through it. It was with your help that I didn't spiral too far down.

My Email Time Capsule

2006-01-12T15:50:00.000-06:00

Dear Heather,

What have you accomplished?

Published a book?
Bought a house?
Married Stacie?
Become a nurse?
Full-time writer?
Web Designer?
Finished an aran sweater from design to completion?
Do you still have that blog (www.deathbyabsurdity.blogspot.com)?

If you haven't accomplished half of this in these five years, I'm ashamed of you. Er, myself. Bad Girl. Get your ass moving.

If you have accomplished half of these, Good Girl. Why haven't you done the rest?

Into the Future

2006-01-11T15:26:00.000-06:00

Futureme.org has created a system to email yourself up to thirty years in the future. I only wish that they included a way to send pictures, too.

A new VHS vs. Betamax war is brewing. Two new DVD formats will soon be battling each other. Can't we all just get along?

I hope that in twenty years, I will be published. How about you?

***Edit: You can create an account so that if your email address changes, you can change where it is sent.

Dopey

2006-01-06T18:08:00.000-06:00

Since I don't want to totally neglect my blog, here are a few quick links I have found while pretending not to be sick.

Sacrifice for Art

4 year old on government's no-fly list

Most importantly, Carter reminds us to follow the road to our dreams. Thought provoking and real.

So,

2006-01-04T19:08:00.000-06:00

I meant to post a "Happy New Year" message.

I meant to clean my house, particularly the basement.

I meant to do a lot of things.

I actually have gone to work, done some background stuff, volunteered to be a test bunny, and spent time with my loverly family. Also, I've been trying to settly my feelings about my Angry Agnostic post. More on that when I can be vertical for longer than five minutes.

Angry Agnostic

2005-12-29T14:48:00.000-06:00

"Agnosticism is the philosophical view that the truth values of certain claims—particularly theological claims regarding the existence of God, gods, or deities—are unknown, inherently unknowable, or incoherent."
-Wikipedia

I used to define myself as an atheist. During my yearly holiday quasi-depression, I realized something.

I cannot be angry with God if I don't believe in God.

Finding my peace with this is not easily forthcoming. Logic says it must be true. But, logic does not often rule a human.

What happens now?

Christmas Vacation

2005-12-20T16:29:00.000-06:00

Since my kids started their vacation after school today, I am going to spend as much time as possible with them. Minus work hours, of course.

There is also the matter of sweaters yet to be knitted, cookies yet to be baked, and various other miscellaneous projects to be done.

Merry Christmas!

P.S. Here's to hoping for a few more posts before the new year.

My New Psuedonym

2005-12-18T12:13:00.000-06:00

Your Elf Name Is...

Giggles Sticky Fingers

What's Your Elf Name?

Black Feathers

2005-12-16T16:12:00.000-06:00

Tambo really has me thinking today about fallacies. She asks, "What feathers have you clung to, and how did you manage to toss them aside?"

In writing as in life, I believe that I am essentially not good enough. That there is something vital missing. The unnamable, unlearnable thing. To a knowledge junkie that beleives anyone can learn anything, there just isn't a strong enough word to describe how it makes me feel.

To me, getting published is a ~~wet dream~~ fantasy. Something that will never happen. But, I hold in my heart that dreams can come true. I could delve deeper, but why bore y'all with my reality?

Flakes

2005-12-15T19:46:00.000-06:00

Hop on over to make your own snowflakes.

If you want to see mine, it's number 1686439 under Death By Absurdity.

**Edit: More flakes: 1687069 (you are my friend, right?)

Christmas and Comedy

2005-12-15T17:32:00.000-06:00

Your Christmas is Most Like: National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

Christmas is a big, boisterous event at your place.

And no matter what, something hilarious usually happens.

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

Countdown

2005-12-14T15:59:00.000-06:00

Go ahead and slap me. Christmas is only 11 days away. Holly's Create a Character Clinic is only 19 days away. Rebel Ice by S. L. Viehl is only 23 days away.

Surprise, Surprise

2005-12-13T14:32:00.000-06:00

Is this really surprising to anyone?

Androgynous
You scored 80 masculinity and 66 femininity!

You scored high on both masculinity and femininity. You have a strong
personality exhibiting characteristics of both traditional sex roles.

My test tracked 2 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 85% on masculinity
You scored higher than 69% on femininity

Link: The Bem Sex Role Inventory Test written by weirdscience on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

Overload

2005-12-13T14:09:00.000-06:00

The emotional roller coaster continues. Details are unnecessary, suffice to say that nothing is continuing in a straight line recently.

Holly has me interested in what conclusions she is going to draw from her poll about how we became readers and/or writers.

Carter needs us all to keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.

Tragedy has happened in blogland to Frank O'Brien Andrew and his wife, Gretchen.

Tambo's becoming quite the celebrity.

PBW's quizzing about rejection. I hope that this interest isn't related to her proposals.

Ta-ta for now.

Absurd Thoughts

2005-12-12T16:57:00.000-06:00

What if the hokey-pokey is really what it is all about?

Chicken or egg?

It would take 1,010,275,200 M&Ms to circle the Earth once.

125,142,532,544,378,698,224,852,071.00592 servings of M&Ms mass as much as the Earth.

If you live for the future, you are living for something that will never come. For example, "I'm waiting to get published." Guess what, waiting has nothing to do with it. Getting published won't come unless you work today for it.

Rich and extremely unhappy or poor and extremely happy?

If you had to chose, abuse or be abused?

Somewhere in the world, it is already tomorrow.

An average human head weighs between 14 and 15 pounds.

Life-are we really dreaming it all?

Where Can I Cash the Check?

2005-12-12T14:40:00.000-06:00

My blog is worth $5,080.86.
How much is your blog worth?

Why I Read

2005-12-10T12:46:00.000-06:00

Holly wants to know why. How did we become readers and/or writers? Truly, it is an interesting question. In this age of quick and easy stimulation, what compels us to read instead of play a video game? Why do we write on top of or instead of a "normal" 40-hour-a-week job?

I learned to read and write before I started kindergarten. My biological mother read all the time. Romances and mysteries. Maybe that is why I shy away from those two genres. But, I digress. If I wanted to cuddle, I sat in her lap while she read. If she wanted me to cuddle, she read aloud. It didn't take very long for me to realize that her stories were written on that page.

When she read to me, I was transported to this other world. My biological dad didn't exist. My brother didn't exist. Noone, but the people in the stories existed. Bedtimes became later and that was important to me. If I stayed up later than everyone else, noone came into my room at night.

Once school started, I learned that there were books I could read if I just tried hard enough.
I started asking her to show me how to write the words for different things in the house. Book, stove, refridgerator, stairs. I'd spend hours writing those words, saying the names over and over.

My school had a program for "bright" children. They would send all the kids that showed aptitude for reading to a special class. By the end of first grade, I was seven, I was reading Peter Rabbit, Winnie the Pooh, and Clifford. When I was eight, I found The Phoenix Legacy series at the school library. I was hooked. SF took me into a world that had few connections to the real world. My parents had divorced and I had to spend every other weekend at my father's house. I needed that other world.

Not long after, a teacher asked my why I had missed so much school recently. At eight years old, I'd had a miscarriage and was in a temporary foster home. My foster homes weren't any better than my biological home. So, I kept running away. Reading and school became the only constants in my new life. To this day, it is very hard for someone to get my attention when I am in that other world.

As for writing, I was a natural extension of reading for me. When I couldn't get to a library, I wrote my own worlds to get away in. I think that is why it is so hard for me to let anyone else read my writing. I'll get over it, but until then you won't see me on the bookshelves.

Holly, you probably got more than you wanted to know in this article. But, you asked. lol

Music Kind of Mood

2005-12-09T14:20:00.000-06:00

This so fits me. lmao

Your 2005 Song Is

Don't Cha by the Pussycat Dolls

"Dont cha wish your girlfriend was hot like me

Dont cha wish your girlfriend was a freak like me"

What happens in 2005, stays in 2005!

What Hit Song of 2005 Are You?

Reading Preferences

2005-12-06T16:23:00.000-06:00

This one you can blame on Ronn.

Reading Preferences:

I'll read almost anything once. If I own it and keep it, it's a good read. (imho)
I wish there was more/better lesbian fiction. Especially, in the genres I read.
I prefer SF, paranormal, some fantasy, some vampire, horror, "chicken soup," suspense, etc.
I like real relationships in books. Romance as a subplot, though.
Most people don't know that I have actually read Plato, Des Cartes, and other assorted philospophers. Some many times over. Finding philosophical viewpoints and so forth keeps me interested in reading as much as the enjoyment factor. Rama series is a viewpoint on God as much as it is hard SF.
Deep, detailed worlds draw me into a book as fast as a great plot. Especially when the cultures in the book feel real and I can imagine going there to visit.
All scene and no action bore me. Into. Tears.
I can't stand damsels-in-distress books. Give that gal some balls and brains. Take her high heels off before she starts running through the dark dense forrest. Who really wears high heels camping? (Drag queens not included, they wear high heels all the time ;)
I prefer hardcover to paperback.
I wish mass market paperbacks would use the 8.5 x 5.5 size because it is just easier to hold onto, dang it. I know, I'm a heretic.
Out of print books should be made available as ebooks. Or, publishers should have some sort of print on demand option for out of print books. I'd rather pay the higher price for a brand spanking new copy than a used/electronic copy. Get rid of that stake and put out that fire.
Mug of hot chocolate in hand and swinging on a porch swing in the spring or fall is the absolute best way to enjoy a book.
I have a love-hate relationship with stand alone books. I generally want more. Yes, I'm greedy.
I refuse to buy a book if certain "reviewers" say it's a good read. They are generally lying. A few times I have changed my mind because of the author's blog/website.
I prefer long books and series with more than three books.

Bonus trivia: I once spent 76 hours reading non-stop. As in no sleep. The roster: StarDoc series, Rama series, Ender's Game, Plato's Republic, The Phoenix Legacy, James White's Sector general series.

Seven

2005-12-06T13:45:00.000-06:00

Blame Jean. LOL.

Seven things to do before I die: (in no particular order)
1. Get married to my girlfriend (like we aren't already)
2. Retire with the ability to continue all of my hobbies
3. Get one novel published
4. Own my own house built to my design (and the gf's, of course)
5. Make enough to live comfortably (bye-bye paycheck to paycheck)
6. See my girlfriend published
7. Make peace with myself

Seven things I cannot do:
1. Sing
2. Touch my tongue to my nose (boy, if I could)
3. Drink Mountain ~~Spew~~ Dew (but, coffee is my friend)
4. Watch soap operas
5. Watch a horror flick by myself
6. Be politically correct (is there really such a thing?)
7. Get girlied up everyday (whoever invented make-up and pantyhose should have been shot)

Seven things that attract me to my significant other:
1. Her eyes
2. Her laugh
3. Her personality (sarcasm and all)
4. The way she makes me feel
5. Her spontaneity and care-free attitude
6. Her beauty
7. Her ability to, um, well, ya-know ;)

Seven things I say most often:
1. Yes/No
2. Time for your shower (work) or take a bath (kids)
3. I love you
4. I want...
5. Cool
6. Didja know?
7. Aww, shit

Seven books or series that I love: (book links are to booksamillion.com, other links are specified)
1a. Stardoc series, by S. L. Viehl (author blog)
1b. Darkyn series, by Lynn Viehl (Darkyn's website)
2a. Talyn, by Holly Lisle (author website)
2b. Midnight Rain, by Holly Lisle (author blog)
2a. Rama series, by Arthur C. Clarke (Aurthur C. Clarke Foundation)
3. Ender's series, by Orson Scott Card (author webpage)
4. Ringworld series, by Larry Niven (author website)
5. The Phoenix Legacy, by M. K. Wren
6. Tinker, Wolf Who Rules, and A Brother's Price, by Wen Spencer (author site)
7. Harry Potter series, by J. K. Rowling (author site)

Seven movies I would watch over and over again:
1. Basic
2. The Birdcage
3. Robin Williams Live
4. Pitch Black and Chronicles of Riddick
5. Constantine
6. Stargate SG-1 series and Stargate Atlantis
7. Coach Carter

Seven people I’d like to join in the fun:
Whomever wants to.

Poor Traveler's Guide

2005-12-04T11:59:00.000-06:00

For those of us who may never be able to travel and see the wonders of the world.

Hollywood Sign

St. Louis Arch

Thomas Jefferson Monument

Mount St. Helens

Pentagon

White House

Pyramids at Giza

The Coliseum

Hoover Dam (black and white)

Statue of Liberty

Washington Monument

Ayres Rock (Uluru-aboriginal name)

Niagra Falls

Grand Canyon

Euphemism Quiz

2005-12-02T18:38:00.000-06:00

How many can you guess?

Misguided criminals
A. Terrorists
B. Get-away car drivers with last years road maps
C. Con-artist who haven't found Jesus-yet

Deferred Succes
A. Waiting until the kids are grown to go to work
B. Failure
C. Waiting to suceed until retirement

Womyn
A. Someone just couldn't spell
B. Women-men don't want to be a part of us anymore
C. Women-us gals just don't wanna have anything to do with outdoor plumbing

C.E.
A. Creative Experimenter-crafters into recycling
B. Common Era-Anno Domini is just too religious
C. Chaotic Entropy- because using two synonyms just sounds better

Metabolically Different
A. Dead
B. Short
C. Lazy

Wardrobe Malfunction
A. Laundry really doesn't do itself?
B. Vertical and horizontal stripes?
C. A nipple just happens to pop right out of your top

Headcount Adjustment
A. Lost count of the kiddies in line at daycare
B. Mass firing
C. Adding the babies-to-be into you family roster before they are born

Undocumented Workers
A. Illegal Aliens
B. Workers paid cash
C. Using someone else's identity to work

Motivationally Challenged
A. Workaholic
B. Depressed
C. Lazy

Some ideas are mine, others are from MSNBC or Wikipedia.

Stop AIDS

2005-12-01T17:56:00.000-06:00

Today is Worldwide Aids Awareness Day.

The best way for you to stop AIDS is to make sure that you don't get it.

Top Ways to NOT Acquire AIDS:

Limit sexual partners or don't have sex. Don't do drugs.
Use a condom, dental dam, latex gloves or other barrier protection.
Ask your partner if he/she has been tested for HIV/AIDS recently and what the results were. Get tested yourself.
Remember, the more you play, the easier it is to pay.

Racism

2005-12-01T15:45:00.000-06:00

Someday, I'm going to make a calendar of all the "Blog Against/For/About Whatever" days that I can find. Seriously, racism is a bad thing. Period. End of Story. But...

Prejudice based on most any difference is a bad thing, too. We can all write whatever we want to dissuade, or at least try to dissuade, someone from being prejudiced. The fact is most people will believe what they want, maybe.

Idealist concept it may be, but what if just one person changes their mind based on what I wrote. That's better than a kick in the ass. PBW shows us that skin color is truly only skin deep. Ronn compares skin to paint. Monica talks about romance authors and racism. And the list goes on. Can you see the point?

Angst and Randon Thoughts

2005-11-28T14:44:00.000-06:00

Pronunciation: 'ä[ng](k)st, 'a[ng](k)st
Function: noun
Etymology: Danish & German; Danish, from German
: a feeling of anxiety, apprehension, or insecurity

The holiday season is bad, bad, bad and evil, evil, evil. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy being able to see the nieces, nephews, and other assorted relatives. But, without my girlfriend, I wouldn't be seeing any relatives.

After five years of being welcomed and loved by her family, I am still waiting for the other shoe to drop. I know that I am being unreasonable. Her family really tries to make me feel like one of their own.

How long does it take to get over almost 21 years if rejection?

When do the nightmares stop?

I feel most alone in a room full of family and friends.

NaNo has been defeated with 52,109 words and counting.

The hardest, most reliable workers are the least noticed of all.

Random thoughts are sometimes the most honest.

Show Me the Science

2005-11-21T16:53:00.000-06:00

This post brought to you by boredom and my kids' homework. I had to look up the links for them, so I might as well share. Aren't I nice?

National Geographic: Forces of Nature

Cassini-Huygens: Mission to Mars

NASA: Solar System Exploration

Traditions of the Sun: Ancient Astronomy

Extreme Science

Do Science: Science Tricks, Experiments, and Activities

Spiral

2005-11-19T18:04:00.000-06:00

It starts as just a point. A beginning. Curving and growing just slightly larger until it returns to pass the original point. Each try is futile.

Peculiararities

2005-11-16T19:11:00.000-06:00

Salmon-flavored soda-The turkey and gravy soda wasn't enough last year?

Alcohol in a nursing home-

When Uncle Sam sends you your paycheck
For most things you don't mind
But when your pains start aching
Standing in a medication line
Well, rejoice you have a voice
If you're concerned about Alzheimer's and athritis
In this retirement home
It's called the Nursing Home Honky-Tonk Bar Association

Need a motorcycle? Go to prison-I'd change the ignition first thing.

Serendipity

2005-11-14T16:26:00.000-06:00

A few years ago, my girlfriend lost both of her grandparents. It was a hard time made worse by various other goings-on. Long to short, her grandparents had raised her and she was very close to them. In their last days, the local hospice and I took care of them.

My girlfriend's grandmother was an avid reader with the home library to match. Custom books shelves lined the walls with shelves made the perfect height for paperbacks with some the right height for hardcovers. Thousands of books just waiting to be read, each embossed with her name. I still turn green thinking of that library.

I helped with the estate afterwards. It took four people days to box up all of those wonderful books. The family decided to donate them to the local hospice's thrift store. I had never once seen any of her books in there.

Recently, I went in to look around. Some scrubs, knitting needles, and various other items were in my arms when I stopped to pick up a book. It seemed interesting, so I took it up the register. It wasn't until I had finished reading the book that I noticed her seal on the title page.

So, PBW, that is the strangest thing that I have found in a book.

Confused

2005-11-11T14:38:00.000-06:00

Nano Total: 21,602

How the hell am I getting this many words? It's just not like me. Who wants to bet that I have one heckuvalotta editting to do once this is over?

P.S. I promise to have a better post by tomorrow afternoon. Really, those aren't my fingers crossed behind my back.

Happy Birthday, Marine Corps

2005-11-10T08:50:00.000-06:00

My gf wrote a rant that brought tears to my eyes. I hope that everyone takes at least a few minutes this holiday weekend to thank all of those who are protecting our freedom.

WTF?

2005-11-06T09:38:00.000-06:00

How the hell is this coming about?

5537 words so far this weekend.

I hope they make sense when I'm done. Scary stuff coming from me.

Decency

2005-11-03T19:13:00.000-06:00

Whatever happened to good-old-fashioned decency? There will be no linking the the entities that are pissing me off. Copyrighted material is copyrighted for a reason. My words are mine.

The forms, web pages, novels, short stories, knit patterns, etc. that I create are mine. If I say that you can use them for free, go right ahead. But, unless that permission is is explicitly granted, don't touch.

I will also be boycotting.

P.S. 2,064 words today. And I thought this would be one of the hardest scenes.

Rollin'

2005-11-02T19:58:00.001-06:00

800 on Day 1.

Whoops. That was the 31st dangitall.

403 on Day 1.

Now, I'm rolling with 1500 so far. But, I must quit and sleep soon.

By the way, I'm handwriting this. On the 30th I will start typing in while I make minor edits. Masochistic, yes. Helpful? I'm hoping.

Genre

2005-11-01T15:47:00.000-06:00

There are starting to be too many different genres. It's not just SF, fantasy, romance, historical, non-fic, literary, etc.

Going to a bookstore is starting to feel dirty. Instead of muzak, they should be playing Bow Chicka Bow Bow. The only other media I can think of that subdivides so much is porn. Think about it. How many genres can you think of that are pornish sounding?

Hard SF
Erotica
Gay
Lesbian
Asian
African American

Just a thought. Anywhosits, I only got about 800 yesterday. We'll see how today goes.

Pondering

2005-10-29T11:42:00.000-05:00

What does this image make you think about?

Is It Worth It?

2005-10-26T17:33:00.000-05:00

Things take time. More than once, I have wondered if I really have the time to write. Kids, girlfriend, hobbies, work, blah, blah. Almost all of that has to come first. Hell, this year hobbies even have to come first, too. (Just not enough money to spend on Christmas this year, think large family)

Where do I find the time to sit down and write? I don't. The time finds me. A fifteen minute break happens along and I jot down a few notecards. They don't even have to be part of what I am working on, they just are. I trust my subconscious to tell me where they belong. Plus, when I need an all around nifty scene, I can flip through and just go with it.

When I am working with residents who don't talk, I tell them a story. Wahoo! I got a scene already fleshed out. If it was good, I remember it. Either way, the resident at least gotten some entertainment.

Free hour before work, you say? Hah! Just write. Don't edit, backtrack, or look outside the window. Print it out and do it later. If you don't trust me, trust PBW.

Fifteen minutes until dinner is done and I am digging out the hardcopies and editing. Snip here, chop there, and I am done with that part. Then, when I am blocked in front of the computer, I can type-in those edits.

Some say that I am missing out on life. To me, these moments would only be wasted by not writing. But, writing is the way I express my life. I want to be published, so I want to do the work. Someday, I will get there. Come hell, high water, or "no" time.

Shacking Up

2005-10-24T20:07:00.000-05:00

Talyn arrived today! I have a feeling that a torrid affair is beginning in about 5 minutes.

Obviousness aside. I will be busy for a few days reading! Please, forgive me if I forget to post.

Thank you, PBW, for this wonderful gift. Also, my gf is estatic to have a typewritten list to take to the bookstore with her.

The kind words from Holly made my day, thank you. I really wish I could call-off from work so that I could spend the entire day reading. Such is life.

More on life and books later.

My Film

2005-10-21T15:46:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Steph:

Ingmar Bergman
Your film will be 58% romantic, 29% comedy, 49% complex plot, and a $ 55 million budget.

Your life will be portrayed on film as an intense psychological drama,
likely with some actresses screaming at the camera (Persona), or maybe
a pleasant chess game between the Grim Reaper and a Crusader (The
Seventh Seal). This Swedish director's films are intensely scrutinzed
and studied in colleges all over the world to this day. This means that
most Americans still don't understand his films! Still alive, he
released in the U.S. in 2005 his first film in 23 years (Saraband), and
he can still take on one more project to make your film biography. If
curious, start with his films Wild Strawberries and Smiles of a Summer
Night.

My test tracked 4 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender:

You scored higher than 77% on action-romance
You scored higher than 23% on humor
You scored higher than 86% on complexity
You scored higher than 98% on budget

Link: The Director Who Films Your Life Test written by bingomosquito on Ok Cupid, home of the 32-Type Dating Test

No Freaking Clue

2005-10-20T18:25:00.000-05:00

Lately, I have been finding it very hard to center myself. My normal multi-tasking is becoming insane. Instead of knitting while I watch TV, I am knitting, watching TV, thinking about work, planning the next day's to-do list, etc.

All this jumbling up in my head is doing absolutely nothing for writing. NaNo is approaching and I have no freaking clue of what I am going to write. No plan, no ideas, blank slate here.

On top of that, the hardest part of my year is starting. Holidays, gas bills, birthdays, school field trips, blah, blah, blah just don't make life any easier when we barely scrape through without the added expense. I think I should get paid overtime just for showing up to work! Wouldn't that be nice?

The shiny side of the coin? I have my girlfriend, kids, and friends to keep my going.

Promo

2005-10-15T19:45:00.000-05:00

Who said that authors must spend money on promotion? Not me.

With new techniques in on demand printing (not publishing) anyone can design theirs own coffee mugs, t-shirts, aprons, etc. Even better, it is easy. Just a few clicks of some buttons and away you go.

Let readers who want that mousepad to buy it themselves. Wahoo! No more wasted money on gadgets that aren't remembered. Buy a few yourself, use them as prizes, then send everyone else off to buy their own.

All kidding aside, a few of these sites are really neat. Imagine the gifts your kids could make their grandparents. A coffee mug that is actually safe to drink out of. Put your kids handprints on an apron without the mess of paint. Send Christmas cards with your kids' picture as the stamp. It just sounds so fun.

Cafe Press
Zazzle
Spreadshirt

Joy

2005-10-15T12:24:00.000-05:00

Holly started it, now Carter is sending "The Search For Joy" my way. Leave it to Holly to start a meme that is not only fun, but thought-provoking.

I tend to be a strange assortment of joyous and angst-ridden. But, I have always followed one rule: The less you like in life, the fewer opportunities for happiness there is.

I understand that there are things that everyone doesn't like. What happens when your list of dislikes becomes longer than your likes?

My latest post about joy isn't about sex, love, blah, blah. It's about winning a book. To be honest, I am happy that I can now read Talyn long before I would have been able to buy it. But, getting something that I have been drooling over isn't joy. That moment of receiving is actually the anti-climax. It's the mix of goodness that the action carried. Sheila cared enough about Talyn (and Holly) to think of and to spend a lot of money on this contest. The time, books, postage, etc. (Almost one-quarter of what I make in a month if not more, I'm guessing) Holly is signing them for us then sending them to us. The caring and kindness shown to us, the readers, is more than most would.

My girlfriend is constantly saying that I find happiness in the little things. It's true. If you can't find a little joy when you son lets his three-year-old cousin play with his favorite toy, where will you find it? I find joy in seeing the good in the world. Where do you find it?

And here are the rules:

THE SEARCH FOR JOY

Search your blog for the word “joy” used in the context of “happiness.” If you cannot find the word in your weblog, you may use any of the select list of synonyms below.

joy — amusement, bliss, cheer, comfort, delectation, delight, ecstasy, elation, exaltation, exultation, exulting, felicity, gaiety, gladness, glee, good humor, gratification, happiness, hilarity, humor, jubilance, liveliness, merriment, mirth, pleasure, rapture, regalement, rejoicing, revelry, satisfaction, wonder

If your weblog does not include a built-in search engine, then you can use Google to search it only for the word you wish to find.

If you’ve found the word and it was not used facetiously or sarcastically, good for you. All you need to do is link to your earlier entry, and write a few words about that joyous moment. If, however, you have no joy (whole words only) in your weblog, you must dig deep in your soul and find something wonderful in your life right now. One little thing that fills you with warmth, that bubbles you over with quiet happiness, or tickles you with its good-hearted hilarity, or makes you glad you just took a breath, and are getting ready to take another. It doesn’t have to be anything big. A smile someone gave you; your cat on your shoulder; the way the light angles through your window and casts rainbows on your floor. All it has to be is something genuine, something real, something that matters to you.

Because we all need joy in our lives, and need to take the time — from time to time — to recognize it. And sometimes, we need to pass it on.

Even if we’re a big pain in the ass when we do.

When you’ve dealt with your own joy, pass the quest on to five other bloggers.

Ronn
Stationary Queen
Melly
Sheila-Because she will have a lot to be joyous about once the deadlines are smashed
Holly-Because she started it. Neener, Neener, Neener. lol

Like Minded

2005-10-13T22:08:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Carter,

.:Venus:.

"You thrive on balance in all aspects of your
life. You have a great deal of passion and when
it comes to love, you like to play games. You
have a tendency to search for something better,
a search which always seems to come up short.
You have difficulty finding satisfaction in
life, but you have a great ability to get along
with almost anyone."

. : : Which Astrological Planet are You? : : . [10 Gorgeous Pics!]
brought to you by Quizilla

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy

2005-10-13T15:47:00.000-05:00

That ungodly shaking is really only me jumping up and down for joy. Really!

:Intermission while Heather dances for joy and sings:

Okay, I can sit back down again. Sheila and Holly have just made my day. My month, actually. Thank You!

:More singing and dancing:

Whew. Fat girls shouldn't be able to the Happy Dance. I get to read Talyn before it comes out in paperback.

:Singing and dancing resumes:

Now is Forever

2005-10-12T08:22:00.000-05:00

"Now Is Forever"

the past is all that's gone,
the future is yet to come.
this moment is all our own.
we should live this way,
just building up our day,
now and forever.
the past is all that's gone,
the future is yet to come.
this moment is all our own.
we should live this way,
just building up our day,
now and forever.

we should think about,
what we got right now,
cause the good things are made up of time.
smile to your problems,
leave the past behind.
never forget this.
find the truth in your soul,
keeping you alive.
going on from minute to minute.
don't shade the future,
with all that's behind.
live for today.

the past is all that's gone,
the future is yet to come.
this moment is all our own.
we should live this way,
just building up our day,
now and forever.
the past is all that's gone,
the future is yet to come.
this moment is all our own.
we should live this way,
just building up our day,
now and forever.
don't shade your future,
with what you don't have.
keep your mind on that's here today.
now and forever,
build the future now.
keep this mind.
though you will take your time,
to get what you need,
but you'll do it step after step.
yet to come is all that's gone,
learn to live this moment.
live for today.

---Eiffel 65

One of My Wackier Posts

2005-10-09T17:28:00.000-05:00

Free to Good Home:

Basset Hound: Three years old. Well-behaved. Only chews up notecards that are in order, ready to start writing from. Likes to visit the local nursing homes for her extra petting requirements. Thinks a 65 pound dog is a lap dog.

Miniature dachshund: One year old. Will want to stay outside for hours. Will want to pee on your freshly mopped floors as soon as she has come in. Wakes up the master of the house with her cold, wet nose. On. The. Back. Of. Your. Neck.

Pardon my fat legs and unclean house. This was taken Christmas Day 2004. Butch was about 9 months old and Princess was about 3 years old.

Scenery Change

2005-10-08T18:47:00.000-05:00

I know that I've been promising a change for quite a while now. Tada!

New Stuff:

My Just Bought and On the To Buy lists are now in a slideshow.
In addition to my handpicked quote, there is a quote of the day.
NaNoWriMo progress meter is up thanks to this site.

Please drop me a line about the new template. Is there anything you'd like to see or improvements I can make? I want to change the background color, but so far nothing has looked right. Ideas, anyone?

Tagged

2005-10-08T11:44:00.000-05:00

Well, Holly went ahead and tagged me. But, I suppose I won't get mad since it's her birthday. At least, I think I read that post right. Anyhow.

The Tag:

1. Delve into your blog archive.

2. Find your 23rd post (or closest to).

3. Find the fifth sentence (or closest to).

4. Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions. Ponder it for meaning, subtext or hidden agendas…

5. Tag five people to do the same.

And the result:

"Men don't have to deal with the added weight, sore breasts, swollen ankles, or anything else associated with pregnancy."

I was ranting about opposition to birth control. I don't have to worry about that. If I become pregnant from not being on the pill, I'd better get a movie deal or Lucy* has some splaining to do.

The bigger tickler revolves around the ranting I was doing privately to become pregnant. How's that for passive agressive? As I have found my senses, (pregnancy in my biological family has a history of being extremely dangerous) there are no mini-dykes in my belly.

What a relief! The boys have hit teenage rebellion and sarcasm. I have been taught my lesson. But, I have more than enough nieces and nephews to eat sugar cookies while drinking Red Bull. I always give them a snack just before sending them home. *evil laugh* My kids' aunts and uncles are finding out that turn about is fair play. *end evil laugh*

Enough rambling, who do I want to tag?

I don't always like following rules and most of the people I would tag, have been. So, I'm changing it up.

Repost your absolute wackiest post. You know you want to. So simple, yet so very fun. Note: Please do this when you have time. I don't want to make anyone miss a deadline.

Holly
Sheila
Carter
Ronn
Steph

Have a good day, y'all.

What Yarn Am I?

2005-10-07T14:35:00.000-05:00

You are Dishcloth Cotton.
You are a very hard worker, most at home when
you're at home. You are thrifty and seemingly
born to clean. You are considered to be a Plain
Jane, but you are too practical to notice.

What kind of yarn are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

My Favorite Color

2005-10-05T13:27:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Holly for the link. Turns out that I am my absolutely favorite color. Wahooo! At least, I'm getting one thing right with my life. ;)

you are turquoise
#40E0D0

Your dominant hues are green and blue. You're smart and you know it, and want to use your power to help people and relate to others. Even though you tend to battle with yourself, you solve other people's conflicts well.

Your saturation level is higher than average - You know what you want, but sometimes know not to tell everyone. You value accomplishments and know you can get the job done, so don't be afraid to run out and make things happen.

Your outlook on life is bright. You see good things in situations where others may not be able to, and it frustrates you to see them get down on everything.

the spacefem.com html color quiz

Slacking, Somewhat

2005-10-04T14:47:00.000-05:00

I know. I have been absolutely horrible about posting. Well, I am just plain out of witty things to say. The new work schedule, stress at work, blah blah blah is getting to me.

Thank goodness that I am not published because my muse has left me. Heck, I am starting to stutter. Every single one of my stress busters is stressing me out, too. Writing, knitting, crochet, TV, yada yada. Not one dang thing helps anymore.

Anyone have an idea or hundred laying around that I can borrow for a little while to destress? I don't normally drink, but I'm on the verge of getting so sloshed that I have to hold onto the floor to keep the room from spinning while I'm laying down.

Damn, even this post sounds stupid.

Test Day

2005-09-30T18:12:00.000-05:00

Just for fun, I took the Freak Test that my gf sent me. I scored a 210. When I took the book test, I found out that I was Lolita. Maybe Carter is right and I am a social deviant.

Actually, I think I scored so high on this darn thing because of my sexual orientation. I mean, what dyke hasn't done some of those higher scoring things? There is a reason we are called carpet munchers.

P.S. I am cranky. In my world, that means I will talk about and say most anything.