Pirates of Penzance!!!

Lord help me! I stumbled across my copy of music from the Pirates of Penzance!!! And I don't think that I have a copy of the movie here!!! I discovered that Anthony Michael Head (Rupert Giles from BTVS) played the Pirate King in a recent production. ::sigh::

Happy New Years!!!

I've had a splendid day, in no small part of which was due to my wonderful husband taking off from work to sit at home and be a bum with me! =) I didn't get to bake (hopefully tomorrow), but I am currently beading while watching Buffy. I got thru season 5, and I just finished watching "Once More with Feeling" in season 6, but I'm going to watch it again...with subtitles so that I can sing along!!! I made a pizza from scratch tonight. It was good. G has been eating peanuts today. I'm making an armband thing. It might turn into a necklace. Two strands, with pretty stones. I went thru a lot this year. Physically, emotionally, legally.... I've been trying to grow spiritually, but it's hard for me to judge. I guess it's something like love, you'll just "know." I've started thinking about writing again. Doing some excercises to get me back into it. NaNo was too big for me. Write 50,000 words...right!!! I was a 20 word queen!!! My dynamics lie in the single moment. It's impossible for me to write a story w/out wanting to tell the entire plot within the first page. Oh well...guess I won't be watching the Buffy episode a second time. G is now playing Drakengard. I know that I have done a lot of planning & big talking. Where I say what I am giong to do. It should be more like what I *want* to do. Finishing my goals.... Heheh...we've just been invited to a party. Survey says, we'll be staying in tonight. Funny, I've only ever been to 2 new year's parties. Sad, huh? I've been looking at school again. Depending on the schedule for classes, and my personal schedule (vacations and whatnot) I might enroll. It would be for a grad course or two, which is kinda scary.... We were talking today and we *might* only be in the apartment for another year before we get a house. As soon as we finish paying off his transportation, I will be trading in for a newer mode myself! After that is paid off, home-owners will we be!!! I'm curious about all of the changes that may happen to us within the next five years. Let's see...five years ago I was: *20 *watching the lame new years being brought in on tv, making sure that the power was still on throughout the globe. The fact that it was still on over in Russia kinda nixed any scardy cat thoughts. *even if the power did go out, I think me & my little dog still would have tucked ourselves in. *just gotten over the flu *just had a very annoying guest over for a few days. i really should apologize to my mom for that one. she had the flu as well. *intent on finishing school w/in two years *a tad eager to turn 21 *mostly excited about starting to be more on my own *i think i got over my Savage Garden obsession *still reading Anne Rice *started listening to Tori Amos in five years...i see: *more stuff having happened =D

International Tsunami Information Center

- Frequently Asked Questions

Major tsunami thrashes SE Asia | csmonitor.com

This article has a map of the region affected.

My Hippie Chick Name is...

Your Hippie Chick Name is: Sunny

Get your own Hippie Chick Name

Our Christmas

I gave G his present the other night b/c I wanted him to have time to look thru it during his vacation. I'm not sure if he did though.... I got mine the next night and am still quite thrilled!!! The first morning, Friday, I woke up with a sore throat (one of those choking-phlemy type, and I still have it). G made us breakfast (biscuits, gravy and sausages from a little kit our friends gave us for Christmas, it came w/ its own griddle). After we ate, I watched tv and G played Anarchy. His mother called that morning to inform us that we would be entertaining that night. Ex-squeeze me? Christmas Eve, his parents have all of their friends over for food and games. This year was going to be different in that each family was going to take a turn "entertaining" everyone else. Good day to have a sore throat too, b/c I was informed that they wanted me to sing. G would just have to wear raindeer antlers. G then had to tell her that we would try to make it, seeing as how it was our one day off 'n at home together. We spent the rest of the day lolling about, or coughing, and around 8pm we left. We walked in on his parents and sisters singing "All I Want for Christmas is You." We waved, turned, and started to walk out. But then we walked back in. I hadn't eaten anything since that morning, so by 9:15, I was HUNGRY. They tried to divert me from the massive amount of food (and sugar) still at the table. Silly people!!! Then, it was time for bonko. A dice game of sorts, then people left. We spent the night and the next morning did presents. After breakfast we visited G's grandmother, made a dash for home to unload & load, then off to my parent's house. Thankfully, a gas station was open. G also managed to get me to eat something. At my parents we ate a whole bunch more, then finished opening presents by 9. WE WERE EXHAUSTED!!! We left by noon the next day. Now, I am at home and G is at work. :( But, I am having fun playing w/ gifts and I went out and got another bookshelf. We have way too many dvd's!!! But, that's what happens when you ask for them i guess :) There are still people to bake for and to send gifts to, but all in all, it was a very good Christmas!!! BELLS!!!

Battlestar Galactica!!!

Enough people loved the mini-series so they are making it into the full series! It will premier on January 14th!!!

Why the Revolutions/Resolution?

1. Revolutions are typically about making something better and nixing anything bad. 2. Resolutions are about resolving that something is wrong w/ yourself. 3. Revolutions are more proactive. 4. Resolutions are depressing. 5. I would rather be revolutionary that ordinary. 6. I encourage you to find your own resolution-solution!!! Viva La Resistance!!!

Predictions & Revolutions for 2005

My Predictions for 2005 I will get trade in my beloved van for a Jetta.

G & I will scope out places to live.

We will have a blast on our birthdays. Spring break will be fun!!! G will finish his armor and it will look really cool. People will want to feed me tiramisu. My Revolutions for 2005 To call resolutions revolutions. Cut my hair. Short! I will see the ocean. Our 1 year wedding anniversary will be sweet. I will enjoy playing Anarchy more. I will have 2000+ hits on my blog...from other people! My blog will look more apealing. Even if I have to put bananas on it! I will start making Christmas gifts during the summer. I will sell something on ebay. Be more generous with my time towards others, and know that it is still okay to have private time.

Which Happy Bunny Am I?

you are the cute but psycho happy bunny. You adorable, but a little out there. It's alright, you might not have it all, but there are worse which happy bunny are you? brought to you by

And the villagers rejoice! Yay!

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Woosh! Santa just skied in from Sweden.

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Oh well!!! Merry Christmas everyone! Hey, look who's coming to town!

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Well look, there he goes! Looks like our little gnome got away!

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Gumby even swung in to catch a glimpse of the gnome.

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I saw it all from my cardinal!!! We could give him a toothache with these candycanes!

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I think that this is self explanatory.

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Go easy! He can't be all bad, and no one was hurt!

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I can scare him!

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Yes, we need to take action at once! Says Mr. Skeleton Army guy.

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Heeheeheehee!!! What shall we do to him?! Says the witch.

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A ha!!! Mr. Snuffleafuss has found the gnome in question!!!

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A mask that I made for Halloween two years ago. 100 points to anyone that can guess what the characters mean. Clue: Gundam Wing.

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We just barely saw the little gnome responsible for the wreck. We gotta get out of Norway!

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Oh no!!! It's a train wreck. The skaters keep their chins and ankles high.

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Wheeeeeeeeee! He's on the train and moving fast!

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A very fuzzy Christmas. A co-worker, Sheila made fuzzies for everyone at work.

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w00t!

finally back online tonight thanks to my wonderful husband! also, he gave me my christmas present early...it's 17" and liquid!!! i'm also using it right now! can you guess what it is? a new monitor!!! WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

What video game character are you?

%20BORDER=0%20ALIGN="LEFT"%20WIDTH=150%20HEIGHT=80%20SRC="What Video Game Character Are You?

mr. do.

sorry, it didn't work....

No Christmas for j00

nice little rant about people taking the spirit out of Christmas.

BBC's Top 50 Foods To Eat Before You Die

I don't think that I can EVER bring myself to eat Guinea Pig.... Things I haven't eaten are in pink. 1. Fresh fish 2. Lobster 3. Steak 4. Thai food 5. Chinese food 6. Ice cream 7. Pizza 8. Crab 9. Curry 10. Prawns 11. Moreton Bay Bugs 12. Clam chowder 13. Barbecues 14. Pancakes 15. Pasta 16. Mussels 17. Cheesecake 18. Lamb 19. Cream tea 20. Alligator 21. Oysters 22. Kangaroo 23. Chocolate 24. Sandwiches 25. Greek food 26. Burgers 27. Mexican food 28. Squid 29. American diner breakfast 30. Salmon 31. Venison 32. Guinea pig 33. Shark 34. Sushi 35. Paella 36. Barramundi 37. Reindeer 38. Kebab 39. Scallops 40. Australian meat pie 41. Mango 42. Durian fruit 43. Octopus 44. Ribs 45. Roast beef 46. Tapas 47. Jerk chicken/pork 48. Haggis 49. Caviar 50. Cornish Pastry

Viva La Resistance!!!

Viva La Resistance!!! Boycott Christmas!!!

If you don't know, then you don't know Don Ho!!!

If you don't know what Melekiliki Maka means, then please go here.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

This is a gallery of kids who are scared of Santa.

Lawful Evil, Meet Lawful Good

Declaration: I do not align myself with any political party, nor do I align myself with any religion. Although I *think* my alignment might be Lawful Good. I think lately I have been trying to "discover" my morals. I know I have them, but until I am confronted in a "time to decide, what are you going to do" situation, I really do not know. Then, I have some morals, I have discovered, that I accept things for other people, but if I did them then it is not okay. Or the reverse. Like, I have to have more respect for my friends/family sometimes than I do for myself. I've been thinking (tink, tink, tink while tapping head) more about "what would I do in his/her situation." As of today I have been married for six months. Is it different than dating? Heck yeah! More permamency. I spent a lot of time thinking about what my life would have been like if I were still single. I feel like I spent a big part of my life searching for that great love. Now that the search is over, I have to finish searching for what else I want to accomplish in my life. Am I able to do it now that I am married. I think it is too late to go to school (architecture, interior design, art teacher). But it's not too late to travel, or get the funky little house 'n garden that I've always wanted. Overall, I am happier. Still confused. Little more preoccupied.

Music Makes Me...

http://www.outofservice.com/music-personality-test/results/?complex=8&edgy=81&fun=13&energetic=12

Me?

Check'>http://www.outofservice.com/morality/results/?morality=58&social=63&political=63&o=53&c=25&e=18&a=8&n=87">Check out my Morality! 58% liberal, 42% conservative

I know it wasn't the bowling

I'm 43% freak!!

non l33t freak

http://www.outofservice.com/freak/results/?unique=28&nonconform=73&dissent=24&overall=43

Radio My Blog

I'm looking forward to trying this out once I get my computer at home back online. It will be nice to listen to all of my music. As well as all of yours. Please click the link above. I'm hoping to get this going before the new year.

Pope Says....

From the article: "The message of the Christmas tree is that life is always green if you give, not many material things, but of yourself through friendship and sincere affection, through help and forgiveness, by spending time together and listening to each other," he said. ... The Vatican is waging an increasingly high-profile campaign to remind Roman Catholic Italy not to compromise the spirit of Christmas through excess or dumb it down out of fear of offending a growing Muslim population. Vatican officials in recent weeks have criticised the Madame Tussaud's nativity scene which shows David Beckham and his wife Victoria as Joseph and Mary, and an Italian school that swapped its traditional nativity play for Red Riding Hood. A poll released by a marketing magazine on Sunday revealed more than 50 Italian priests had demanded a ban on what they called trash television until after the New Year to show respect for the holiday's Christian roots. Wow.

Project Entropia

He couldn't think of a better name than Deathifier?! This is unreal. I wish I could make a game that could get people to dump real money into stuffage. Click this

Welcome to Akiba

Go to Electric Town for all of your anime needs. ;)

A Place to Send Fanboys?

This article is about a new guided tour of Tokyo for the anime geek. Go pick yourself up a copy of Cruising the Anime City: An Otaku Guide to Neo Tokyo.

Gastrobot?

Robot of the Flies!!!

Band Name Generator or Blog Name Generator

I agree w/ J-walk. This is the best generator o' blog names. I highlighted the ones i like best in blue. please leave your favorites in the comment section if you choose to generate. Delightful Rutabaga Pure Blog American Noise Blog Evening Obscure Best Blog Butter Blog Purse of the Decrepit Turkey Malignant Resistance Speedy Evolving Standard Blog Blog Step-Brother Blog Yak Mega Blog Emotion Kitten Blog Plant and the Lover Esoteric Tangerine Orange Blog Blog Junkee Intimate Spore Blog Okra Blog Dope Blog Chair Blog of the Blooming Tax Log of the Blog Blog Earth and the Black Body

House of Dreams

My House Would Have... A heavy wood door Made of stone Have lots of light and color on the inside A forge outside for G so he can work on his armor A little theatre room w/ just the tv and dvds A property-line fence The driveway will be lined with trees Tree swings Quilts will be hung up Walk-in closets for the bedrooms Plenty of adirondeck chairs for longing A car port w/ lattice work on at least one side Lattice work fence on the side of the house that is facing the road so no one can see in, it will be climbed by pretty flowers A screened in porch on the back of the house A pavilion of sorts for parties (with tables, chairs, electrical outlets) Built-in book shelves Window Seat Mud room w/ big sink for messy things At least 4 bedrooms Fireplace One purple wall somewhere At least one "mural" wall A hallway/staircase/dining room wall filled with picture frames from top to bottom Mirror at front door Front hallway closet A plant in every room (bamboo, bonzai, ivy,tree) An herb garden A butterfly garden A veggie garden A flower garden A little labyrinth A circle of seven trees, probably white oak Stone shrines throughout our property (little alcoves made of stone and moss that you can sit & reflect at) A stone wall These: ivy, sweet pea, daffodils Pond with koi

Today's Lesson Is:

Common sense is not so common....

From today's Penny Arcade at: http://www.penny-arcade.com/view.php3 It's a Cthulhu Christmas!!!

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Drunken Santa

So, after that last depressing post, I give you Drunken Santa.

Deep Down Inside My Little Heart

I just want to cry my little eyes out!!! Last night G & I discovered that we miscommunicated over Christmas vacation, and he asked off for the week that I will be working. I've been so excited ever since I found out that he was going to take this Christmas off and we could spend NINE WHOLE DAYS together!!! Last Christmas he worked. This Christmas we will be going to both parent's houses. And all of our other vacations were spent with other people. Sure, there's been the sporadic snow day. But otherwise, :( So, today I pass around the eggnog, take pictures, and color. Currently drinking my tea. I have my little stuffed kitty next to me. My little Monkey. And I am looking forward to a good weekend.

the new banshee

click the piggy!!!

Yup, me.

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A Cats Christmas

found this off of Dancing on Colette's Grave. I know some people who will like this!

What Should I Do?

hey, i updated in my dream blog, so go check check check check check it out! didn't take a picture last night. shame on me. i'm meeting w/ a friend tonight, so there might be a ton of picture taking. when i got home last night, i had to go to walmart. couldn't find holiday wrapping paper or an evergreen candle. when i got home i realized that i forgot the migraine meds. VERY BAD!!! i made a pizza last night. i think there was about a pound of cheese on it. but, i put too much cheddar on there for my liking. G liked it. then, i crashed on the bed while listening to Norah Jones. she is wonderful. definitely have to listen to her when i need to unwind. am considering changing my background blog color again. i think i like the darker colors. oh dear...my stress-spot in my neck is working up!!!! AAAUUURRRGGHHHH!!!! i swear i'm not having any evil thoughts!!! i'm actually trying to be good. oh, G. said something this weekend that kinda made me go "hmmmm." [things that make you go hm...yeah] anyway, we had some friends over, we were all laughing and joking. i said something, at first everyone thought that i said something much worse. i didn't catch it. then he said it "Col is too sweet, we're all just a bunch of @$$holes." and everyone agreed!!! does this mean i have not been evil enough? maybe being emotionally unstable and evil are two different things? :P Nirps Yad.

The Cubes

The Cubes� Viva La Resistance!

observations ne1?

i have noticed that people in the country tend to be more techno. my friends & family that live in big cities (ny & chicago) tend to not use the internet or email. they are more cell phone prone. now, everyone i know that lives in the country practically depends on email and the internet (for games, info, communication, news, etc.), but people in the city tend to act confuse when you ask them if they are online. like they're living in the '90's. maybe it's just the crowd i run with.

Revelations

1. The English Language is about making up new words. 2. My diet consists mostly of sugar. 3. My private list of Blogs that I read has grown exponentially thanks to Pesky Apostrophe's wonderfull blog roll list. 4. I need to relax! 5. Use time wisely, not wishin' 'n hopin' it away. 6. Visit with friends more. You need the smiley faces to advance.

Whoopie Pie

I never heard of this till i was looking up recipes on line. Now, this is all I have been thinking about for the last two hours!!!! I've been wanting a chocolate/creamy thing to eat. This is it! Devil's Food Cake w/ cream filling!!!

Love and money reshape family in China | csmonitor.com

Love and money reshape family in China | csmonitor.com This is unreal. I had no idea.

Check-Check-Check-Check It Out!

yes, i know. lameness. but they are quite good! anyway, check out the new blog links i posted under NEWNESS IN BLOGS I READ -------->

I am numbers 10 and 18. The dialect map off of: http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/1906/dialects.html

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Fuzzy Wuzzy!!!

I need to take a picture and post it tonight. So, suspence! Anyway, Sheila just made everyone's day at the office. She handed out little fuzzy's with festive santa hats. Mine is silver w/ a green hat. The hat is tilted. We have already asked her for the complete set of Holiday Fuzzies.

Fascist, Libertarian, Is there a Differance?

Your political compass Economic Left/Right: -5.25Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -1.85 i am most like Nelson Mandela and Gandhi. Odd, I think I was more on the right side the last time I took this.

My Death Clock

Where was this on Halloween? Or maybe I should have saved it for my birthday! El Tiempo De Muerte? 2,419,477,552 seconds....

Snowflake Classifications

Although no two snowflakes are exactly alike, their forms usually fall into several broad categories. Check out the basics below, and then impress your friends with your knowledge of the snowflake menagerie. A printable version follows, which can be used as a field guide when observing natural snowfalls. Click the link above or under the Christmas Links section ----->

The Best Webcomics of 2004

The Best Webcomics of 2004 I read one of these: Reman Mythology.

Missing You Monday

I feel missed! ;) I was gone yesterday due to a shopping trip with my husband. We went to Tulsa, had a great time, then got home. They don't mark the signs very well. I got us into a 2 hour detour and that really upset me because I am excellent with directions and sign reading. Grrrr! So, back to work! Still didn't finish shopping or baking, but that is tonight's quest. Current mood: annoyed + headache. Lately, I have craved nothing more than to walk around w/ headphones on so I can drown out all of the chitchat around me. I have become the hermit! Also, I might make it my New Year's Resolution to cut back on the Internet some. At least during the day. I got a Daniel Merriam Calendar. I love him! I am going to learn how to paint with watercolors. Painting houses. That is my new goal.

If I Could Choose a Guru...

...it would be "Weird" Al Yankovich. He is awesome. Why am I suddenly in awe of Al? I am not sure. Maybe I was afraid to like him when I was younger. I was a reader when I was younger, not a nerd. Always trying to fit in. I think that is what I like most about him. Dare to be different? No! Dare to be me!!! Yay!!! ^.^ To learn in the ways of Al. How did Al get his start in the music business? As a teenager, Al began sending homemade tapes of his songs to Dr. Demento, a nationally syndicated disc jockey known for playing comedy and novelty music. Demento found a certain charm in the accordion-powered ditties that Al recorded on a cheap cassette player in his own bedroom, and gave him his first airplay. By the time Al graduated from college, he not only had a modest cult following from the good Doctor's radio show, but he also had a couple of nationally-released singles ("My Bologna" and "Another One Rides The Bus"). In 1982 he signed a deal with Scotti Bros. Records, who went on to release all of his albums through Bad Hair Day (1996). Volcano Records eventually bought Scotti Bros. Records, issuing Running With Scissors and Poodle Hat, and re-releasing Al's entire catalog on the Volcano/Way Moby label.

What's that song? (Weird Al Yankovic edition)

What's that song? (Weird Al Yankovic edition) THEY HAVE WEIRD AL!!!!

What's that song? (U2 edition)

What's that song? (U2 edition) I aced this one. Well, i would have if it didn't fritz on the last question. Anyway, I think this might be a Brittish site. I took the Pogues, Tori Amos, and Beach Boys quizzes. The Beatles one was unavailable. When you hit the arrows w/out suggesting a band, it will give a suggestion. Most of the suggestions I got were Brittish. Have fun!

This was the second snowflake i made. Don't ask me how.

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We're Popular!!!

Hi Find out how popular your first name has been over the past 100 years, just click below and enter your first name. http://www.birthdayalarm.com/name

H.A.L. AS GIFTMIXER!!!

"Will you be my friend?" He asks. Go to the Gift Mixer, and discover the perfect gift!

Here is the snowflake that i made!

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Make Your Own Snowflake!!!

Make a virtual snowflake at this website!!! Last year in the office we cut a bunch of real ones and hung them in our windows. These are more environment friendly. =)

Feminine Armor & Little Irritations

I wish I could get rid of the feminine armor that I have to wear every day of my life. I don't remember when I first wore it. I assume that every woman I ever met helped me notch it tighter, refit it, added scratches. But I wish their were no need for it. No need for little scorns, subtle looks, or times of emotional lapse. Or emotional heatwaves for that manner. I'm all weathered out. I've learned too much. Dented others armor as much as they have dented mine. It is not self-esteem, or being sociable. You can't be yourself without first thinking of others, their emotions, needs, temperments, attitudes. Because they do judge. They judge with suggestion. Women claim to "help". Offering advice when none is asked for. They need to feel needed, every second. Just to bathe in the overwhelming feeling of being everything to everyone. I don't want to have to say what I mean, or look for a deeper meaning in what is being said to me. I will say what I mean, just like how I was taught in Geometry class. I don't want to dig up past injuries when I look at someone, but at the prospect of something better to come. I want to be left alone. I want to be able to enjoy the company of my friends. It is too much when just hearing little noises from someone offends me. How am I offending them? It's too much to handle. Is being a real woman ignoring all of these atrocities. Now listening to Glycerine by Bush, which is one of my favorite songs ever!!! That was probably the clearest thing I wrote in this post.

Things

I love the low, moany, squeak my office chair makes when i swivel back and forth...just to hear it. I love touching noses with G. I love the change of seasons and wish that I knew how to celebrate them better. Next year I want to celebrate my birthday in a big way. I really like Christmas lights. That surprised me. Not the blinky ones. I love going out to eat. I love getting up early, going to breakfast, and accomplishing things before most people are out of bed. I love personal, home made stuff more than store bought. I saw the rise and fall of "Super Size" at McDonald's. I love the feel of a kat purring in my lap. I love the feel of a child/baby sleeping peacefully in my arms. I love rollar coasters. I really want to see the ocean. Just spend an entire day exploring it.

DeathSlang.com - Euphamisms For Death and Dying

For all of your morbid needs. Some of my favorites: Shadowlands Can Can Hallowed Ground Slumber Site for Souls it's Taps Join the Majority Ex-Human

The Official Monkey Day Website

Monkey Day is celebrated on December 14th. Now I really want my kitty. How do I celebrate Monkey Day? Dress in your favorite simian attire, talk like a monkey all day long, throw an ape themed party, send some monkey greeting cards, or perhaps give the gift of monkey attire. Whatever you find most appropriate without being arrested, and if you want to share your experience with the world, please contact us and tell or show us all about it.

National Christmas Tree Organization

from the NCTO website: TREE CARE TIPS FOR CONSUMERS When a Christmas tree is cut, over half of its weight is water. With proper care, you can maintain the quality of your displayed trees. Below are a number of tips relating to the care of displayed trees: Displaying trees in water is the most effective way of maintaining their freshness and minimizing needle loss problems. In selecting a tree, make sure that the "handle" at the bottom is long enough to allow the trunk to fit into you tree stand. Otherwise, it will be necessary to remove large branches near the base, which could ruin its appearance. Make a fresh cut to remove a 1/4" to 1" thick disk of wood from the base of the trunk before putting the tree in the stand. Make the cut perpendicular to the stem axis. Don't cut the trunk at an angle, or into a v-shape, which makes it far more difficult to hold the tree in the stand and also reduces the amount of water available to the tree. If you use a "center pin" stand, make sure the hole is drilled in the stem after it is trimmed Once home, place the tree in water as soon as possible. Most species can go 6-8 hours after cutting the trunk and still take up water. Don't bruise the cut surface or get it dirty. If needed, trees can be temporarily stored for several days in a cool location. Place the freshly cut trunk in a bucket that is kept full of water. The tree may need to be supported in some manner to keep if from tipping over. To display the trees indoors, use a stand with an adequate water holding capacity for the tree. As a general rule, stands should provide 1 quart of water per inch of stem diameter. Devices are available that help maintain a constant water level in the stand. Use a stand that fits your tree. Some stands have circular rings at the top, so the ring must be large enough for the trunk to go through the hole. Other stands are open, which may allow a greater range in trunk size. Avoid whittling the sides of the trunk down to fit a stand. The outer layers of wood are the most efficient in taking up water and should not be removed. Keep displayed trees away from sources of heat (fireplaces, heaters, heat vents, direct sunlight). Lowering the room temperature will slow the drying process, resulting in less water consumption each day. The temperature of the water used to fill the stand is not important and does not affect water uptake. Check the stand daily to make sure that the level of water does not go below the base of the tree. With many stands, there can still be water in the stand even though the base of the tree is no longer submerged in water. Drilling a hole in the base of the trunk does not improve water uptake. The use of "I-V" type devices to supply water directly to holes drilled in the sides of the tree trunk is not as effective as displaying the tree in a more traditional reservoir type of stand. Applying film-forming anti-transpirants to the tree does not have a significant effect on the rate of moisture loss from the tree. These products supposedly block the evaporation of water from the surface of foliage, but in reality they have little effect. Adding water-holding gels to the stand is not beneficial and they can reduce the amount of water in the stand that is available to the tree. Do not use additives in the water, including floral preservatives, commercial tree preservatives, molasses, sugar, bleach, soft drinks, aspirin, honey, and other concoctions. Clean water is all that is needed to maintain freshness. Displaying trees in water with proper care is the most effective way of maintaining a tree's moisture. Some flame retardants can damage needles and actually increase the rate of moisture loss from trees. Use of miniature lights will produce much less heat and reduce drying of the tree. Always inspect light sets prior to placing them on the tree. If worn, replace with a new set. Do not overload electrical circuits. Always turn off the lights when leaving the house or when going to bed. Monitor the tree for freshness. After Christmas or if the tree is dry, remove it from the house. Go to www.realchristmastrees.org and type in your zip code to find a recycling program near you. Never burn any part of a Christmas tree in a wood stove of fireplace.

Do I Not Have A Voice

I am voiceless. I had a dream the other night that i had a really sore throat. When I woke up, I had a really sore throat. Ended up going home early. Voicelessness was definitely the theme. Yesterday in the office, I continued to tell Sheila about how & why we were doing something. But she wouldn't listen. I could see this, so I kept telling her to go see the person in charge and get the story straight. Maybe I just wasn't saying it right to her. So, Sheila comes back to the office and basically says what I had been saying. Fine. Whatever. Then, she starts going on about holiday time, how much did we need saved up before we got charged, etc. I told her what I knew, and read from the report in front of me. She didn't believe it, and went on about last year. I explained to her why last year's leave was different from this year's. She didn't believe me. So, she called someone else. They told her THE EXACT SAME THING THAT I TOLD HER. She didn't believe them. She finally got a hold of human resources, and guess what? I guess when you get to a point of being so stressed out it's hard to focus and let go of the paranoia that sets in. Wow, i just got an e-mail apology from her. yay!!! She's calmed down. And everything is right with the world.

"Mother of the Matrix" Victorious - Globe Link - Entertainment

this makes me sick. how can people steal other people's ideas?! Mother of the Matrix" Victorious - Globe Link - Entertainment: "According to court documentation, an FBI investigation discovered that more than thirty minutes had been edited from the original film, in attempt to avoid penalties for copyright infringement. The investigation also stated that 'credible witnesses employed at Warner Brothers came forward, claiming that the executives and lawyers had full knowledge that the work in question did not belong to the Wachowski Brothers.' These witnesses claimed to have seen Stewart's original work and that it had been 'often used during preparation of the motion pictures.' The defendants tried, on several occasions, to have Stewart's case dismissed, without success. "

that's me, via http://illustmaker.abi-station.com/index_en.shtml

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From Michael Paulus's website http://michaelpaulus.com/gallery/character-Skeletons There are many cartoon character's skeletons that you can view. Including Lynus, Picachu, and Buttercup. I'm holding out for a smurf.

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Michael Paulus :: Skeletal Systems

Above is a link to cartoon skeletons. Found this link via J-Walk. Will post picture, hopefully.

Thankfully

This weekend was another 'brain dead' weekend. I took an allergy pill Saturday afternoon. I didn't wake up until the turkey had been out of the oven for almost an hour. Thankfully, it was still blessedly warm. =) One night I treated us to ice cream. We spent the majority of the weekend playing computer games. Didn't get Christmas cards done. Did get some presents bought. Did email my mom, three times, I think. Enjoyed the rain all day on Sudnay. Even as I took out the trash. We PIGGED OUT on turkey. Saturday night we both felt like we were going to burst!!! It was a nice feeling. We will probably be doing the same thing tonight. I thought about whether I wanted a dog or a cat for our first house. I would love to have my little dog from my mom's house. But, not too sure that is going to happen. Dogs are too hard to care for when you have a full time job. Couldn't find any classes to register for that I liked. Sent G. applications for school. House is still relatively clean from last weekend. Enjoying new jacket. It's nice. Started a neighborhood in my sims game based on real life people. So far, there has been only one incident. =) Tonight I am looking forward to playing anarchy, eating turkey sammiches while watching MARTIAN SUCCESSOR NADESICO. Yay for Ruri and being able to put up w/ idiots!

Top Holiday Songs

I "found" this via J-Walk. My favorite has always been It Came Upon A Midnight Clear. We got to sing it once in school, and it was glorious!

Merry Saturnalia!

The Romans did not celebrate Christmas, but Saturnalia. So, will anyone do like the Romans do and celebrate Saturnalia this year for the winter solstice?

Merry Saturnalia!

The Romans did not celebrate Christmas, but Saturnalia. So, will anyone do like the Romans do and celebrate Saturnalia this year for the winter solstice?

Favorite Stores

Dark Star Visuals A sea of beads and sparkling crystals greet me when I enter the store. Hand made items, hippie-ish-ness. Where I knew my wedding dress would be waiting for me, and it was. Barnes & Noble To sit. To sit to read. Aye, there's the book. And Godiva Chocolate. Nay, cheesecake!!! Antique Book Store Behold! Like a temple, housing many treasures of books and music You allow your patrons to come forth thru the musty air Stirring their sense more than their allergies Awakening a sense to know all. With many catagories you delicately prescribe each book to its nestled corner. We cherish thee. Arsaga's Your mocha roll tempts me. Jammin' Java The local sandwich shop, forced out of its residence by a "retro cafe", now sent to the corner, where it made an entire world for anyone wanting their wonderful coffees and teas, or healthy sandwiches made with ingrediants bought daily/seasonly from the Farmer's Market, they make you feel at home and will call you "darlin'" - even on the phone! Cheap Thrills For all of your clothing/costume/Dragon Crest needs. Corsets, brooches, cheap jeans, beautiful dresses, and wigs! Oh, and a nice new leather coat too!!! Wal-mart How I loathe thee!!! yet, cannot resist your sales, or your closeness, or your 24 hour availability. You are the crack of Arkansas. Hot Topic Goth goes mainstream? Eh, either way it fills all of your '80's child needs. My Little Pony, Care Bears, Alf, Smurfs, Labyrinth, Rocky Horror. As well as Nightmare Before Christmas, band shirts, really really really really cool outfits, and AMAZING SALES!!! For all of your Matrix-Goth-Punk-80s-Medieval dressing needs =) Best Buy Too close, resisting store credit, ooh! The new Sims! Krispy Kreme ::drools:: Hobby Lobby How could I forget you, must have walked too close to Wal-mart. Without, I would not be able to get my craft fix. So many times have I gone to you, only to find something that no one else had, that made my wallet sigh with ease. I was wrong for thinking they wouldn't have all of the stores that could meet my needs in the South. But that is what the internet is for =) Mississippi, eh Matthew?

Random Act of Kindness

While scraping off the ice on my windows this morning (VJ, are you surprised?), I noticed a neighbor doing the same. Except, he wasn't using a scraper but a jug of luke warm water. By simply pouring the water over the windshield, the ice melted away. Amused, I called out to him, "That's cheating!" He looked up and smiled, commented back that the water can't be too hot otherwise the glass will crack. Then, he proceeded to come over and pour water on my back and front windows. How nice! The only odd part was that within a minute of him doing that, little ice crystals formed on the water still on the windshield.

What To Do?

Thoughts of what to blog go rushing out of my head. Tonight: pizza! cheese (Me) & meatlovers (G.) and eggnog. Fun: playing the Sims later, maybe anarchy, Emily is coming over with her new girlfriend Weekend: making turkey that took five days to defrost, do Christmas shopping, think of something else on our Christmas list for grandmother, refill body w/ liquids, prepare Christmas cards for mailing, daydream about Jetta, considering naming first born and/or pet Jetta, consider getting goldfish since rediscovering have SEVERAL fish tanks and bowls under sink from previous inheritance/acquiring of beta fish/frog/crabs/etc., consider taking stuff to storage shed/get new storage shed, eat a lot of turkey, paint/do something arty preferably with Christmas cards, blog from home, take pictures & post for faraway friends, debate whether or not I should go back to school even though I already decided to just start grad school even though they didn't want me because i could not handle the "stress", ponder Christmas break, think light and positive thoughts about Spring Break, research the stars and heavenly bodies and relate them to Cthulhu's partners trapped in space, and start my new story idea.

From the webcomic Hello Cthulhu.

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Christmas Ties!!! Find more at: http://www.wildties.com/Christmas_Ties.htm If I were a guy, I would buy 25 Christmas ties so that I could impress my colleagues. =)

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Your Top Spots @ FindYourSpot.com - Find Out About the Places that Fit You!

Here are the top places that i should move to. Most of which have snow for Christmas. Where do you belong?

Holly Tradition

In Northern Europe Christmas occurred during the middle of winter, when ghosts and demons could be heard howling in the winter winds. Boughs of holly, believed to have magical powers since they remained green through the harsh winter, were often placed over the doors of homes to drive evil away. Greenery was also brought indoors to freshen the air and brighten the mood during the long, dreary winter. Click the title above for the full link.

Today's picture from the online advent calendar. Irish shepherds.http://www.edow.org/spirituality/creche/110.html

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Christmas Lights - A History

The world's first practical light bulb was invented by Thomas Edison in 1879, and it was to be only three years later that an associate of his, one Edward Johnson, electrically lit a Christmas tree for the first time, creating Christmas lights. The tree was in the parlor of his New York home, located in the first section of that city to be wired for electricity. In 1895, President Cleveland proudly sponsored the Christmas tree with Christmas lightsin the White House. It was a huge specimen, featuring more than a hundred multicolored lights. Finally, the general public was taking notice, and it was not long afterward that members of "high society" were hosting Christmas light tree parties.

Advent Calendar

Advent Calendar i loved these growing up! my grandmother used to get me a chocolate one!

Forming My Own Opinion

You'd think that I would have done this already, but I haven't. Over the last few years I have been learning that it is okay to have an opinion, even when it differs with my friends. I have even learned that it is okay not to go out or do something when everyone else is. It's okay to stay home when you have a migraine. Now, I have to learn how to express my opinions nicely. I have to think more positively and not focus on the negative. Especially when I am starting to notice, then focus on, my friend's/family's habits/vices. I need to appreciate my husband more. And not get too upset when I feel that I need to be appreciated because he probably feels the same. I need to finish what I start. I need to truly listen to others, even when it's about mundane things. I need to be less narcissistic and more optimistic. Things need work, that is just the way it is. You get sick, deal with it. Friends like it when you call. Being a hermit is okay some of the time, not all of the time. Don't worry about what people's intentions are, trust is best. How did this turn into a list of how to adjust my attitude? Maybe that is what I needed for Christmas, just a better outlook...and more pamprin. =)

Darwin Awards

This is from the Darwin Awards. How sick & sad is this? My next commentary my deal w/ depression during the holidays. Nominee No. 5: [Bloomberg News Service]:A terrible diet and a room with no ventilation are being blamed for the death of a man who was killed by his own gas emissions. There was no mark on his body, and an autopsy showed large amounts of methane gas in his system. His diet had consisted primarily of beans and cabbage (and a couple of other things). It was just the right combination of foods. It appears that the man died in his sleep from breathing the poisonous cloud that was hanging over his bed. Had he been outside or had his windows been opened, it wouldn't have been fatal. But the man was shut up in his nearly airtight bedroom. According to the article, "He was a big man with a huge capacity for creating "this deadly gas." Three of the rescuers got sick, and one was hospitalized.

I'm More Innocent!

I told this test before and received the 7th level...or maybe it was the 5th. Either way, I have obviously repented and/or made a deal.... The Dante's Inferno Test has banished you to the Third Level of Hell!
Here is how you matched up against all the levels:

Level	Score
Purgatory (Repenting Believers)	Very Low
Level 1 - Limbo (Virtuous Non-Believers)	Very Low
Level 2 (Lustful)	High
Level 3 (Gluttonous)	Very High
Level 4 (Prodigal and Avaricious)	Low
Level 5 (Wrathful and Gloomy)	High
Level 6 - The City of Dis (Heretics)	Very Low
Level 7 (Violent)	High
Level 8- the Malebolge (Fraudulent, Malicious, Panderers)	High
Level 9 - Cocytus (Treacherous)	Low

Take the Dante's" Inferno Hell Test

Results...

Results...: "
Your a water Dragon! Congrats! Like ice dragons,
you are extremly powerful, but show it more
often. You are a leader, and like to speak your
opinion. AND, you are charming, swift, and
great at dancing, ou enjoy getting stuck in the
rain, playing with friends, and swimming
anywhere! Wat-ER you wating for?

What elemental dragon are you?
brought to you by Quizilla"

Results...

Results...: "
Your a water Dragon! Congrats! Like ice dragons,
you are extremly powerful, but show it more
often. You are a leader, and like to speak your
opinion. AND, you are charming, swift, and
great at dancing, ou enjoy getting stuck in the
rain, playing with friends, and swimming
anywhere! Wat-ER you wating for?

What elemental dragon are you?
brought to you by Quizilla"

My Belief Set is Closest To...

Funny, when you consider I was raised Roman Catholic.... Your Results:The top score on the list below represents the faith that Belief-O-Matic, in its less than infinite wisdom, thinks most closely matches your beliefs. However, even a score of 100% does not mean that your views are all shared by this faith, or vice versa.Belief-O-Matic then lists another 26 faiths in order of how much they have in common with your professed beliefs. The higher a faith appears on this list, the more closely it aligns with your thinking.How did the Belief-O-Matic do? Discuss your results on our message boards. 1. Unitarian Universalism (100%) 2. Neo-Pagan (96%) 3. Liberal Quakers (94%) 4. New Age (92%) 5. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (82%) 6. Reform Judaism (80%) 7. Mahayana Buddhism (75%) 8. New Thought (67%) 9. Theravada Buddhism (67%) 10. Sikhism (67%) 11. Jainism (64%) 12. Bahá'í Faith (64%) 13. Hinduism (61%) 14. Secular Humanism (60%) 15. Scientology (55%) 16. Orthodox Quaker (55%) 17. Orthodox Judaism (51%) 18. Taoism (51%) 19. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (46%) 20. Islam (41%) 21. Nontheist (38%) 22. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (32%) 23. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (32%) 24. Seventh Day Adventist (31%) 25. Eastern Orthodox (25%) 26. Roman Catholic (25%) 27. Jehovah's Witness (21%)

Happy First of December!!!

December has begun! I am still toying with several "Christmas Spirit" themes to use. But, considering how i blog...you should be looking forward to a patchwork quilt of randomness!!! Today's first act of random Christmas will be a link to a website called Belief Net. Every religion is mentioned on this website as well as information on everything you wanted to know about. Oh! and they have quizzes! My spiritual type is: Old Fashion Seeker You scored 69, on a scale of 25 to 100. Here's how to interpret your score: 25 - 29 Hardcore Skeptic -- but interested or you wouldn't be here! 30 - 39 Spiritual Dabbler -- Open to spiritual matters but far from impressed 40 - 49 Active Spiritual Seeker – Spiritual but turned off by organized religion 50 - 59 Spiritual Straddler – One foot in traditional religion, one foot in free-form spirituality 60 - 69 Old-fashioned Seeker -- Happy with my religion but searching for the right expression of it 70 - 79 Questioning Believer – You have doubts about the particulars but not the Big Stuff 80 - 89 Confident Believer – You have little doubt you’ve found the right path 90 - 100 Candidate for Clergy