Happy Halloween!!!

Since I am taking a vacation day tomorrow, I just wanted to take a quick moment to wish all my blogging friends....Have fun, boys and girls!

That's Why They Call Me Mr. Fahrenheit

I am having a weird day. Not in reality, just in my head. I'm feeling very random and speedy...must be a manic day, but not really, because it is only inside my brain that the racing is going on. Physically, I am as zen as ever.
What kind of a post does one write on a day like today? Hows about I just catch you up with stuff? Not that there is all that much of interest going on...
Let's see...this weekend was quiet. Extra quiet. Kick Back Dude and that arm of the family had their own activities both Saturday and Sunday, so I didn't see them. Well, scratch that, Girlie Girl and I did have dinner with them Saturday night and that was nice.
In a fine passive-aggressive move WTG has taken Handsome Lad's Xbox out to his room and set him up with his own little tv and gaming chair. Now he doesn't have to share the livingroom television with the rest of the household heathens who sometimes don't want to watch him lurch through the Grand Theft Auto landscape. (I know, I know, bad parenting alert...my ten year old plays GTA) So, anyways, what this means is that the entire weekend went by, basically without me seeing Handsome Lad. He is sort of mad at me right now anyway. The tension between WTG and me is harder on him than anyone else. WTG works hard to keep Handsome Lad as his bestest, bestest friend. Real healthy. Anyway, I don't want to get into a competition and make HL feel even more torn than he already does, so I try to let them both have their space. So, with them in their little hidey hole and the rest of the teen and up crowd doing their own things, I was really on my own a lot this weekend. I was, and still am, tired, so it was nice to have the downtime I admit. Still, it also gave me that "my kids are growing up and don't need me anymore" twinge. I know that in fact my kids will always need me...but as someone who had a house full of kids for so many years, moving away from that constant physical need can be unsettling. Maybe I can actually start planning more outside the house activities with *gasp* my friends!
What else, what else...yesterday went quickly...Mondays, as I have mentioned, are very busy at the library. When I got off work at nine I went by Kick Back Dude and Princess Diva's new place. They are in the process of moving from their apartment which is very near our house, to a duplex which is very near my work. It is less money than their apartment and has a little yard for the girls, so they couldn't pass it up. After the viewing and the requisite admiration when Miss Personality pointed out to me where she would eat, bathe, and sleep, I headed on home. Social Animal and Secret Agent Man were wandering around a bit, taking bedtime showers, foraging for snacks, but everyone else was asleep so I sat and watched Dancing with the Stars. Yeah, I tivo it faithfully, what of it? haha! (nervous, defensive laughter there)
This brings me to today where I am feeling very...wound up. I don't know...maybe I just need to rattle Team C's cage and get some natural endorphins going on. Well, I could also take a little jog or do some yoga or something for a similar effect...but I think I might rather have a little human contact. And I know you won't judge me here...right? Right. Whew! Wow, thanks for reading. I feel marginally better.

You Know You Wanna Know

Hellz yeah, I am! Thanks to Viki for this fun link.

Slightly Early Saturday Scavenger Shots

As usual, every other week I must post my shots a bit early. Churlita chose this week's word: BUILDING. One could go a couple of different directions with this. I went simple and literal. I give you...

The building where I work.

AND

The building where I live.

And, since Churlita tagged me to choose the next word let me go ahead and give that to you now. The word for this coming week is: SIN. Pass it on and do with it what you will.
Oh, and I tag MrManuel to choose the following week's word!

The Paranoid Only Need to Be Right Once

It is supposedly some holiday about writing a paranoid post over at Eclectic Spaghetti. I sort of think it was put up over there to see if I would fall for it. Then everyone gets a big laugh at my expense. Ha ha ha, very funny guys. Right now, I am pretty sure that the I.T. guy here is reading my screen remotely and nodding off with the mind numbing boredom. Yeah, that's right, F.U., I know you are watching me!

Trick or Treat at the Library

Today is my big Halloween programs for the little guys (2-6 year olds). I have successfully completed the 4:00 pm one and the next one starts in about an hour (at 6:30). One of my supervisors sent me a note a few minutes ago telling me I did a good job with a tough crowd. They're not so tough...just very...active! Things have to keep moving with them. Anyway, I thought I would go ahead and post a couple of pictures of me in my doofus-y pirate costume doing my program.

Here I am showing the kids my pirate parrot. Argh!

Here I am leading the crowd in "Five Little Pumpkins". Not an authentic sea chanty, but don't I look like one of those little round pirates with the bottles of grog on the Pirates of the Carribean ride? haha!

And here I am, yet again, leading the trick or treat parade. Fabulous!

Fire

Just a quick post. As I mentioned yesterday...and as anyone who isn't in hibernation knows, Southern California is burning like a mofo. I talked to my friend in San Diego and the one in Irvine where the fires are bad. They, their families, and their homes are safe. I am a little worried though, because I can't get ahold of my dad and stepmom. I am going to assume I would hear if there was something really wrong. They do travel a lot and often don't stay in touch, so I am going to go ahead and assume that it is that sort of thing.
The fires haven't moved to close to my area, but the winds have made sure that the air is disgusting. It is hot and murky and there is ash everywhere.
Think good thoughts, please.

You Know This is My Busy Time of Year!

Anyone recognize a Kramerism here? The past couple of days have been busy-ish for me, in any event. I had a day off Friday, but Princess Diva and the two babies came over and stayed aaaallllll day. Princess Diva's weird flaky mom has come to stay with them for a week or two. So, apparently the kids are making it their quest to be away from home as much as possible so that they don't have to deal with her...so I guess my house is one of the possible destinations of choice. So, Friday was sort of shot just hanging out with them.
Saturday I had to work and it was extremely busy. That made the day go really quickly. After work a bunch of the family went out to dinner...and that day was gone!
Sunday was really fun. My aunt and one of my cousins came over. They were in town visiting from Phoenix. Even though they don't live THAT far away we hardly ever see each other. I guess it was because my two cousins there, like me, had good size families and lots of responsibilities that made doing much visiting difficult. It was wonderful to spend time with them and catch up on family stuff. That side of the family is very funny and lively. I think my own kids ended up having fun, although they had sort of been...not so much looking forward to spending time with relatives that they don't really know.
Today, Monday, has been mondo busy. Mondays are generally busy at the library, with the new school week starting. Plus, I have my big Halloween program coming up on Wednesday that I am doing last minute prep for. Well, not so much, because I've been doing this program for a few years and have it pretty wired, but not everyone needs to know that! haha!
In other news, the whole of Southern California seems to be burning. So far, there is nothing too close to me, but I have friends in Irvine and San Diego, and my Dad lives in Malibu canyon. So, I am trying to keep track of everyone, where they are exactly and where the fires are exactly. I guess it is just so dry here and the winds are literally fanning the flames.
Tomorrow is another day...let us see what it brings.

Spooky Sat. Scav. Shots

I haven't had much opportunity for picture taking lately. Still, I think these will do nicely.

Here is the snack table all decorated for the Teen Movie Matinee last Thursday, here at the library. Spooky, right?


This guy was a habitual fine accruer. The Circulation Supervisor finally said, "Hang him high! Let this be a lesson to all of you scofflaws!" Oooooooohhhhh

Spooky was a great word choice, by Mrs Big Hairy Woman. Next week's word can be found courtesy of Churlita.

They Call Me Lablahblah

I don't know about you, but I have always wanted to be a Super Hero. I am Lablahblah and I fight crime in comfortable clothes with my laser ring and my trusty flying cat, Gabriel Garcia Marquez (he doesn't care to be called Gabe, so don't even go there...) Super hero me has a great body, right? Yeah!
You too can be a Super Hero. Or you can create a Super Hero who is not, in fact, your alter-ego, but a completely separate Super Hero. Your call, pal. It can be a time suck if you get real into it, as I did, but you could also whip one up quite quickly. Just go to Hero Machine 2.5. Ah, the internets are so entertaining! Oh, I almost forgot...I found this via The Effing Librarian's Blog.

My Special Day at the DMV

On the Taraday Calendar today is the day to blog about the day we got our driver's license. My story is not as cool and funny as Tara's...nor as well remembered! But here's how it went down. I had taken the classroom part of Driver's Ed in High School as a 7th period. It wasn't difficult but it did make my already long day longer. Also, back then, you could take the driving portion of Driver's Ed through the school. I don't think they offer that anymore. At least not around here. And certainly not for free. So, I did all that, but I never actually went down to take my test. I am pretty sure I drove most of my Senior year, when I was 16 and 17, without actually having a license. Of course that is illegal, duh! But I don't remember it being as serious as it is now. Not saying it shouldn't have been, it just wasn't. Remember that this was back when auto insurance was a good idea, but not mandatory. Things were just a little different. Anyway...lets see...I started college, finally turned 18 in February of 1981, and took myself on over to the DMV. I drove myself there! Geez. Honestly? I remember nothing of the examiner or the driving or the written portion of the test. I passed everything on the first time, but that isn't such a great feat considering I'd been cruising the mean streets of La Puente for over a year! It did feel great to be official though, I remember that. When I got home, I called up my friend Rikk, who was still in high school and offered to take him for an official drive. He was excited too...well, in fairness, he was an easily excited person, but still it was nice to have someone sharing in the good times. We went to Baskin-Robbins and had ice cream cones, then we drove around just for the heck of it.
The license that I have now has a picture on it that is probably 10 years old, because they just keep giving me extensions. It doesn't expire now until 2010. I do look younger I guess, but unfortunately it isn't a great picture. I know, I know...that is a whole thing, not liking your driver's license picture. I hate to be a cliche...but really, it isn't great.

Seasonal Fun for You & Me!

You may be familiar with this site, but just in case you aren't: Carve a virtual pumpkin! It is fun and you don't have to deal with the gooey innards and that weird pumpkin smell...

Help!

Here is my super sad sketch for today. I did it with the line tool on Adobe, so...oh, never mind, it doesn't matter how I did it. I am not an artiste! The artists are over there>>>>in the "I'm Just Sayin' That's How I Roll" column.
Okay, I have a little assignment for you. It is a real favor. I think that soon I will be living in an apartment instead of a house. I have lived in apartments before, of course, but have lived in a house for the past 17 years or so. What I need, is for you to tell me all the reasons I will LOVE living in an apartment again. Humor me. Make me feel better. I really need some good thoughts, so lay 'em on me! Participation will surely earn you a place on Santa's Nice List or whatever primo list you want to show up on :-)

Weekend Update

I'm Chevy Chase and you're not. For you kids out there, that would be a Saturday Night Live joke from way back. haha! Well, I know you know, because of reruns, right? Amy and Seth are pretty funny too...not that I watch SNL all that often. It has gotten sort of lame. Still I watch when they have certain guest hosts...Rainn Wilson was great! And some of the musical guests are fun too see. A couple that were good recently were Arcade Fire and Spoon.
This post isn't about Saturday Night Live. Although at this point, maybe it actually is. I had intended originally to simply tell you about my weekend...to update you, if you will. So.
Saturday was actually pretty quiet. Everyone had their own stuff going on and were occupied, so I had some time to catch up on laundry, clean the bathrooms, and shovel out my car - haha! Don't be jealous. Being me isn't always as glamorous as all that. Since most of the clan was oot and aboot Girlie Girl and I treated ourselves to Subway for dinner. I am all about the Chicken, Bacon & Ranch. Six inches, not a foot. I'm not a genuine glutton! I was going to stay up and watch the aforementioned SNL, just because, but I ended up falling asleep at probably 11:40. When I woke up at 1:30 some guy was singing Live at the Apollo, so I just turned off the tv and went back to sleep.
Sunday was kind of fun. I went out to brunch with Milly and our friend and ex-boss KK. We had a really nice time eating delicious food and catching up with each other...well, not really catching up for me and Milly, but we both needed to catch up with KK and she with us. She (KK) is soooo funny. Hopefully, we can get together again soon. Later on that day, me, Girlie Girl, and Handsome Lad went out running around with Kick Back Dude, Princess Diva and the babies. First we went to this pumpkin patch. Of course we wanted pumpkins, but mostly we went for the petting zoo and pony rides. Handsome Lad and Miss Personality were actually the only one to experience the joys first hand. The rest of us watched and took photos and such. It was cute! They had these two week old kids, as well as the usual pushy goats and sheep. Miss Personality enjoyed chasing the ducks and they didn't seem to mind much. After animal fun and choosing pumpkins suitable for carving, we went to Party City to check out the costumes. Success! Love Bug is going to be a Pea Pod, Miss Personality is going to be a Frog, and Handsome Lad is going to be an old timey Gangster. I already have my stuff, so didn't need to make a purchase. I cycle through four basic costumes over and over again to do my programs at work. This year, I am feeling pirate-y. Aaaaarrrrrgggghhhh! After that, we came back to the house and ordered some pizza.
To summarize, not a bad weekend! And that is all the news that's fit to print. If you are still reading then IOU...something...for your fortitude!

Saturday Scavenger Shots

Even though it is technically still Friday, I wanted to get my shots up for the week. The word this week, courtesy of AlienCG, is rock.

Here is a picture of some tiny little rocks: Aren't they pretty?

And guess what else I have to say about rocks? Yeah, thats right! Being a nice young grandma...it ROCKS!

Celebrate Shoes, Won't You?

Actually, tomorrow is Celebrate Shoe Day according to the famous Eclectic Spaghetti Calendar. Since I probably won't be online tomorrow and since I didn't want to let that magical day pass me by, I decided to do a little shoe post today. Let me begin by saying that I am not all that into shoes. I tend to buy a pair that are comfortable and don't look too hideous and wear them until they begin to disintegrate. At this point I am mostly wearing shoes that look like these.... (except that they have a back heel...I like these clog-looking things though...) Okay, so my point was that I am not a shoe fanatic by any stretch of the imagination. Oh, plus! I have ginormous feet! I don't know why. I am not particularly tall, coming in at about 5'4", but my feet are, like 10 or 11! It is so dumb!
You may be asking yourself why I would want to make a point of celebrating shoes, given my obvious shoe handicap. I just wanted to give props to my pal Milly. She has a thang for shoes...especially Mary Janes. She is one of those people who is, frankly, addicted. It is rather sad. However, as a friend, I try to respect her proclivities, no matter how misguided they may seem to me ;-) In that spirit, I encourage any big shoe fans here to check out her website Shoe-n-Tell You have to at least admit that the name is very clever.
Let's see....do I have anything else to say about shoes? No, I guess not. Just that, if you have or have ever had teenagers, you will know that in order for a shoe to be able to contribute meaningfully to your life, it must cost over $50.00 and I am being conservative here. Maybe some of you feel the same...Thats okay... No judgement, no judgement....

Say My Name

I swiped this Name Game off of The Opiate of the Masses. Play along if you are so inclined!

1. Your rock star name
(first pet & current car)
Sambo Cavalier

2.Your gangsta name
(fav ice cream flavor, favorite cookie)
Mint n' Chip Chocolate Chip

3. Your Fly Guy / Girl name
(first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name)
L-Bry

4. Your detective name
(favorite color, favorite animal)
Blue Cat

5. Your soap opera name
(middle name, city where you were born)
Anne Phoenix

6. Your Star Wars name
(the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first)
Bryla

7. Superhero name
(2nd favorite color, favorite drink put “The”)
Black the Cherry Limeade

8. Nascar name
(the first names of your grandfathers)
Ivan Chester

9. Stripper name
(the name of your favorite perfume/cologne, favorite candy)
My Ocean Chocolate

10.Witness protection name
(mother’s & father’s middle names )
Lou C.

11. TV weather anchor name
(Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter)
Stratton Sacramento

12. Spy name
(your favorite season/holiday, flower)
Summer Sweet Pea

13. Cartoon name
(favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”)
Plum Pantsy

14. Hippie name
(What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree),
Cookie Dogwood

15. Your rockstar tour name
(”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)
The Reading Sunshine Tour

Okay, some of those didn't work out so well, but heck, I might just start going by my hippie name.

Grape Bubble Gum and Jury Duty aka Revenge of the Nerd

It seems to be a random thought kind of day here inside my head. It started over at Eclectic Spaghetti where I made a weird comment about “Eat Something Purple Day”. I talked about grape bubble gum and its extremely strong smell. That made me think of the time I was practically forced to chew that very gum in my own defense. Set back a spell and listen while I tell of my only time sitting on a jury. It was, oh…24 years ago or so. The case isn’t important here, nor is it very interesting. What I wanted to talk about was how back in the day, when you were in the little conference room doing deliberations, people could smoke. In the jury I sat on, at least three or four people were hardcore cigarette fiends and one guy smoked cigars! It got so nasty in that room. I’m no hater. If you want to smoke, well, light up Johnny…just maybe not right in my airspace, m’kay? It was nothing I felt right complaining to anyone about, but it was driving me batty. I decided to try and find something really annoying that I could do to bug everyone else, specifically the Smokey Joe Club. I was a young 20 and my ideas on the getting to people front were fairly limited. What was my genius solution? Great question. On lunch break of the second day, I went to a local drugstore and purchased some of that very, very grape-y bubble gum. I thought to myself, “I am going to chew this gum so obnoxiously. Between the sound of my chomping and the sticky sweet smell, surely someone will say something to me…then I will be able to mention the smoking!” Gawd, I’m so retahded! Well, it felt like a good idea at the time. No one said a word, of course. I’m now aware that the smokers probably couldn’t smell much of anything…and I tend to doubt that I pulled off really, truly obnoxious gum chewing. Luckily, the case was resolved at the end of the second day of being in that room. I believe it was Friday and we wanted to finish the thing off and get on with life. Bottom line: Defendant, not guilty. l.b., guilty of being a total nerd.

Could I Be a Vampire

According the Blogthings, I could if I had to! So watch yourself.

You Could Be a Vampire... If You Had To

Like most people, the thought of being a vampire has crossed your mind. But you're not sure if you'd do it, even if you could. Living forever doesn't sound half bad, if you could live forever with the people you love the most. But do vampires even love? And would the vampire version of you even be you? It's all too much to contemplate. Luckily, the chances of you ever becoming a vampire are astronomically low. What you would like best about being a vampire: Living forever What you would like least about being a vampire: Blood stained teeth

Could You Be a Vampire?

What Part of Fall Are You?

This is me. Oh, Blogthings, you know me so well!

You Are Apple Cider

Smooth and comforting. But downright nasty when cold.

What Part of Fall Are You?

Happy Birthday, Secret Agent Man!

My second son turns 21 today. Secret Agent Man, as his name implies, lives his life sort of privately. When he was "the baby", which only last about two and a half years before a newer baby came along, he used to be very possessive of me. He would always say, "MY mama!" When Social Animal was born, he was incredibly dismayed...actually he seemed a bit put out for quite a few years - haha! Now, he is a man, going to school, inviting his friends over to decimate the refrigerator, taking the best care of the dog, his fish, and sometimes his littlest brother. But he tends not to sit around visiting with the family. He is almost always doing his thing with his people. When I think back, he was a bit like that even as a little boy, off on his own. Sometimes I feel like we don't talk enough...or more specifically, that I don't make enough of an effort to make him talk to me. Still, I do feel close to him in many ways. I can certainly sympathize with the impulse to be an individual within a large family. I put up this same picture not too long ago, but am putting it up again, because it is the only one of Secret Agent Man that I have on my computer here.

Happy 21st Birthday to my Autumn Baby, Secret Agent Man.

Goofy Kick Back Dude

I had to save this phone text conversation for posterity, because Kick Back Dude is so clearly insane. Someday his therapist may want the notes...

KBD: My likes include Linex, solar power (go green!), soy, animal rights, and fighting the system through personal blogs and online petitions to impeach Bush, man.

Me: There are so many like-minded people out there. You should start a club. A gum club! Everyone likes gum.

KBD: I can't. It would be such a big hit that it would go mainstream and sell out, just like when I said, "Hey, maybe I'll take this hemp and make a shirt!'

Me: Oh, too much too soon. It's every messiah's downfall.

KBD: Yup. I was thinking of bringing back that thing where you roll a big metal ring with a stick as the new hip sport.

Me: You may be on to something. You would want to get people to wear specialized clothes when participating.

KBD: Yea, fiberglass sticks, titanium rings. I think there's a market.

Me: Everything old is new again.

KBD: Yea, so I figure hop right over those hipsters who are working through the nineties and eighties. I'm going old school Great Depression style. Tossing washers, chasing rings with sticks, and stealing bread.

Me: You're pretty fly for a white guy.

Inspiration

I was just over at David in DC's blog, where he posted a poem that he has by his desk for inspiration or to put things into perspective. I thought that was such a good idea, that I decided to totally copy him and post my inspirational deskside words. Here they are:

Best not to concentrate altogether on the sycophany, cowardice, and fraudulence of a society that feels as if it's in decompostion. Better to think instead of beautiful children in concentrated play, of Mozart's music of oboe and harp and flute, of Winesap apples and cold green grapes, of large-hearted men and women who refused to be daunted in much darker times than ours.
- Joseph Epstein
"Decline and Blumenthal"
With My Trousers Rolled

Do you have any special thoughts or words which keep you going?

The Word of the Week? Bugs!

I have posted this picture before, but it was so perfect for this week's Saturday Scavenger Shots. Plus this morning when I was driving to work, I got stung by a bee! Is that some sort of cosmic irony or something? If it is, it may take me a day or two to appreciate it :-)

My Day Off

I usually don't go online on my days off, but here I am! I had some errands to run and one of them was to the library nearest my house...so I decided to go ahead and jump on a public computer for a few minutes. As if I don't spend enough time on the computer at work! Still, as long as I was on the computer, I said to myself, why not post? But then, as I began typing I realized I didn't really have anything to say. haha! Sad!
Oh well...if nothing else it is a chance to wish anyone stopping by a very nice weekend. I don't know about where you are, but here it looks like rain. It isn't raining yet though, and the air feels so cool and nice. I guess I better spend some time outside for a change :-)

Lunch Today

Hm. Well. I went and had my lunch with Online Guy. We decided to meet at this little park near my work. He brought some lunch that he'd picked up at Taco Lita. Their food is meh, but he said he loved their hot sauce, so I was fine with that. When I got there, he was waiting. It is always interesting meeting someone in person when you've only seen their picture. I actually thought he was better looking than in his picture. It was pretty comfortable, for me at least, and we chatted and ate. He seemed a little nervous, but I had kind of thought he might be so wasn't surprised. At first while we were talking he had his sunglasses on and that kind of bugged me, but then he took them off and apologized, saying he'd forgotten he had them on.
Our online conversations had been mildly flirty, but upon meeting in person there was much more of a definite "friend" vibe, you know? I'm good with that, although it is always nice to imagine that you might have chemistry with someone.
Lunch ended when I had to get back to work and I just thanked him for lunch and we parted ways. I guess now I will wait and see if he calls me or emails again. If he does, then I will know he is cool with forming a friendship. If he doesn't, then I guess I will assume he was hoping for more and didn't find it.
So, that is the none too exciting story of my lunch with Online Guy. Sorry 'bout dat.

Lunch Tomorrow

No, it isn't with my girls...and it isn't Team C (although I did see him last week - geez, I just can't help being crazy about him...for brief periods of time at least)
Anyway, I do know how weird and vaguely icky it sounds to say you've met someone online, but it does happen. So, I have been writing back and forth with this guy and tomorrow we are going to have lunch together. Don't worry, it will be in a public place with lots of people around and all that. I'll give you the scoop afterwards, okay? Worst case scenario? A humorous story for the blog.

Time Flies, Even When You're Not Having Fun

Is this just a getting older thing, how fast time is going? It is October already! This year is almost over! And what have I done, really? Well, I got a new granddaughter...but that was not MY doing! Just my gift. But me, myself, I have really not accomplished a thing this year that I can think of at the moment. Dang. Depressing. I did get all of the new season programmed into my Tivo. Kudos, laura b.!