He's No Friend, an Acquaintance At Best

Welcome to another edition of the hottest blogging activity ever, Saturday Scavenger Shots! Okay, that was a little bit of editorializing there, but still....
Cricket picked the word NUISANCE for this week. What a good challenge! I tend to think of something that is a NUISANCE as more of an inconvience than a menace. But I think that is also a bit of editorializing. Here are a couple NUISANCEs in my life:

My toilet is running, my toilet is running! What a NUISANCE. I know I should just tell the landlord and they would tend to it. Or I could probably even fix it myself. I just haven't done either of those things yet.

Between my not-often-appearing allergies appearing and my car worries and stuff, I am currently sporting some real unattractive baggage under my eyes. It is a NUISANCE to look tired. People comment on it, and that just makes me feel worse, although I know that isn't their intention.

I was going to take a picture of one of the crickets (no relation, I'm sure) that like to come in near the front door in the evening. They are a bit of a NUISANCE, but compared to most insects that can invade a home, not so bad. They come right under the door, attracted to the light I suppose, and sing their little songs. Last night, I didn't see any though...so no picture. I guess it is cooling down enough that they might not be making so many appearances. A small NUISANCE that might be over for the season.

Thanks for stopping by and not making a NUISANCE of yourself! You are the perfect guest, always. Check with Cricket to see who she will tag for next week :-)

Soup without the Nazi

Tomato soup...mmmm...so soothing and delicious....

Corn chowdah! I love the chowdah!

Did you know that today's Taraday is Soup Day? Now there is something to celebrate. Soup can be a perfect food. You can just open a can or you can slice, dice, and simmer to your heart's content. It can be a thin savory broth or thick and full of chunky goodness. Soup can be clear or cream based. It is a great start to a meal if you are dieting (well, maybe not the cream based) because it is a healthy way to fill up before you hit the main course. I know for a fact that works. I mean, I don't serve courses at home...but when I eat out and they offer soup or salad before, don't you always feel like that is plenty and then all of a sudden they are taking that away and setting down this plate of pasta or whatever? Yeah, me too. Soup IS a meal! At work I like to drink Campbell's Soup at Hand. Especially during the winter, which is supposedly on its way at some point. All this soup blogging is totally getting me in the moood for soup. That's okay, because I can totally have soup for dinner if I want it. You know how you talk about some things and get in the mood for them, but you are probably not going to get them anytime soon? This isn't like that! I can have soup! And so can you. What kind of soup do you want?
Just in case you need help, you can check the Wikipedia for a pretty large list to choose from...HERE. Dang, Wikipedia really does have everything...

They Say We Won't Make It Far, Unless We Drive There in a Car

I've had my car trouble lately, haven't I! Makes me want to throw up my hands and forget even owning an automobile. I'd love to actually, but public transportation sucks pretty hard here. And I do feel obligated to have a reliable vehicle for the kids' sake.
But say that you decide not to drive. You're going somewhere within a reasonable distance for a change! For this Choose and Defend Wednesday, tell us what you do to get from Point A to Point B when you can do it under your own power.

Do you...

Bike

Or do you....

Hike

You know what to do! Choose and Defend!

Occam's Razor

You know it right? All other things being equal, the simplest solution is best. Like, say you are driving along and your car just...won't go. You step on the gas and NOTHING. Sputter, sputter, die. Oh merciful jeebus, what now? Dollar signs swim before your eyes. You want to rend your clothes and fall to your knees...but wait! Guess what? Did you know that sometimes if you put in a fuel pump you will get a bum fuel float? Hey! It did seem like that "full" tank wasn't going down as quickly as usual. You, my friend, are out of gas! The skies open and the light of a thousand angels beams into your weary soul. Saved.

Moon Madness? Nah, Probably Just the Regular Stuff.

Spooky, eh?

I think the actual full moon was last night, but the loony stuff is still bouncing around. It has just been one of those weird, out of sync days. Actually, come to think of it, I believe it has less to do with the moon and more to do with fire. There is a big burn not too far away, there is wind, and there are the regular Autumn spores in the air as well. It is all combining to make me feel pretty stuffy headed...and therefore, weirder than usual.

I did have a nice quiet weekend though. It seemed like Girlie Girl and Handsome Lad were in hanging out kind of moods. The weather was more moderate than it has been in quite some time, although I do hear the heat is returning.

My car was out of commission all weekend, but I did have Secret Agent Man's car. He was very patient. Possibly mostly because he worked both days. I gave him a ride to and from, so he was okay. Several hundred later, I have my car back, again. Please automotive gods, take pity on me and grant me some relief from repairs until after the holidays - at least!

I hope no one minds, but I put a little thing in my sidebar with the Saturday Scavenger Word of the Week. I thought it might be nice to have it somewhere easy to see until Evil-E is back from his hiatus. So anyone who wants to play can just stop in here if they don't regularly read around to all the players and see what's up. And I figure if I sidebar it, you don't even need to read my posts if you aren't into it...just check for the word and you're golden, man!

Everything Will Be Fine Someday, Some Other Day

Rah! I got to choose this week's Saturday Scavenger Shots word and I decided to go with FACE. Then, I went and totally took the easy way out :-) I just couldn't resist, alright. So sue me...

Miss Personality's silly FACE

Love Bug's happy, happy FACE

laura b's old FACE. Boo!

Little Prince's brand new FACE. Woo!

Well, let's FACE it...that wasn't so original, but hey! Three out of four photos were extremely cute FACEs if I do say so myself. Thanks for showing your FACE round here!

For next week's word I am tagging.... Cricket @ Churp, Churp. Go, gurl.

They Don't Call Me Lablahblah For Nothing

I am sensing that this is going to be one of those blathery posts. I don't have a clear topic in mind, yet I am writing. Usually not a good sign. Still, we all need to clear our minds now and again. Some of us more than others.

- My car wouldn't start last night. I pretty much know what the problem is and hopefully it won't be too costly to repair. I went out to the parking lot after I got off work and it was a no go. I called Kick Back Dude, who lives very near by, and he came to my rescue. I had to let my Auto Club go, even though I knew I'd regret it, but luckily he still has his. Yay! He had my car towed to WTG's house, where his 'guy' can work on it. I was able to borrow Secret Agent Man's car for today. Anyway, I hate my car. No, I love it, but it is frustrating me. Still and all, I was lucky. I was able to get me and my car home, plus have a loaner for today. So, the whole thing could have been much worse.

- I am sick of the Presidential race. I wish it were over, one way or the other. Well, I have my preference, but I am just sick to death of the rhetoric and the posturing and even the comedic takes on the candidates' collective stupidity. And there is the pessimistic and dare I say, realistic side of me, that feels no matter who is elected things aren't going to go so well for the foreseeable future. So, uh, vote AlienCG 2008. ;-p

- I was kind of a bad friend, but it was unintentional. I hadn't heard from Team C in awhile. I emailed him nearly a month ago and hadn't heard back...I didn't follow up with a phone call or anything, I just waited. And instead of assuming something might be up, of course Miss Low Self-Esteem went right to - Well, he is clearly blowing me off here. So, a couple days ago I sent off this rather snooty little message, very "it's been great knowing you" sort of thing. I don't know why...maybe just feeling low, you know? He called me right away apologizing and telling me this truly awful story about a family problem that he's been dealing with. I felt like such an ass. He did too, actually. He was so sorry he hadn't spoken to me about what was going on...he had wanted to talk to me, but had felt so overwhelmed with what he was dealing with...he wouldn't have hurt me for the world. Geez, I felt awful, but of course how could I have known? And he understood that and we made up. I do feel like I need to sometimes stop and realize that not everything is about me. In fact, very few things actually are!

- My Onion Personals friend, the Activist, is still emailing me and calling me, but we don't seem any closer to actually meeting. It's a bit silly. I think we are both way too shy and hesitant and afraid of overstepping somehow. This seems more and more destined to be a common interests, isn't it cool we found each other, but that's as far as it goes sort of friendship. Well, thats fine. It's good. But damn, you know? I am sort of hoping to actually date at some point. It might not happen in this lifetime. Maybe next time round, if one believes in that sort of thing....

- And...I guess that is it. I have spilled my guts. I think it helped me, as it usually does. Not sure what it did for you, but if you are still reading you rock, man. Have a great weekend. ♥

Poetry in the United Kingdom Floats

I found out from Daffy @ Almost There that today is National Poetry Day in the U.K. Even though I am not in the U.K. I couldn't pass up participating. The theme for this year is apparently WORK. I actually wrote and posted this little piece sometime last year, but since it fit with the theme I decided to put it up again for all to "enjoy". haha!

In the Conference Room

In the Conference Room we gather
Coffee cups in hand
The more organized among us
Bring pencils and pads
But most of us know
That will just make it harder
To peel a banana or destroy a donut

In the Conference Room we gather
The Director speaks first
She is quiet and humorous
But her word will be law
Each Assistant Director speaks
They are equals on the flow chart
But any fool can see who rules

In the Conference Room we gather
Let us go around the table
Gleaning knowlege from one another
Will it be about work?
Mostly no
But some people do take
Some mighty fine vacations

In the Conference Room we gather
Eyes on our watches always
Must she ask another question?
Did he have to bring that up?
Will this meeting ever end?
Finally it does
And we are released for another week

By laura b @ My Boring Life

You too can write poetry! You don't have to be British or even, as the above example proves, talented. Just do it :-)

1,000? Is That Even Legal?

It is true. This is officially my 1,000th post on this blog! Since it is Wednesday, I will turn this into a Choose and Defend post as well. Totally at my own expense, of course.

What would you Choose?

Writing 1,000 posts in a three and a half year period?

Or....

Having a life?

Okay, now Defend! And thanks for celebrating 1,000 posts with me. I appreciate each of you with all my heart.

Double 2 for the Secret Agent Man

Secret Agent Man has been caught on camera sitting with his grandma at his birthday lunch this past Sunday.

I canNOT believe that my little guy is 22 today. Paul Secret Agent Man came into the world at 4:02 am and was the smallest of all my babies at 7lbs 8oz. He joined the family when we were living in Las Vegas, thus becoming the only child born outside of California. He came home to a puzzled 14 month old brother and two still young and relatively inexperienced parents. And I assure you that son #1 did nothing to prepare anyone for son #2. He was sooo sensitive...one of those new babies who every evening had to cry and cry just to release the pressure of the day. Good times.

Secret Agent Man was always a good student. I never had a worry during his school career. He did his work competantly...and does to this day as a college student. He has a crew of friends that seem to sort of circle in and out of his life. You won't see someone for a while, then all of a sudden, there they are again! He's had his scraps and made a bad choice or two, but I will say he has always handled his knocks with stoicism and acceptance. I admire that. I don't know yet what path Secret Agent Man will ultimately take with his life...he is still a student, working part time at a supermarket...he still lives at home with his dad...but I know that he is brimming with potential and when he finally decides on a goal I feel confident that he will achieve great success. He has that quiet determination that will serve him well. I have always felt that Secret Agent Man is vulnerable in some unclear (to me) way, but I also have felt his fortitude. I love my Secret Agent Man.

Happy 22nd Birthday!!!!!

My Burger is Talking About Me

What Your Burger Says About You

You are a compassionate and caring. You know how to enjoy life while still looking out for others. You are likely a fairly picky eater. And you're secretly a little squeamish about some foods. You tend to gravitate toward strong, pungent foods. Even if it means having bad breath! You consider yourself a healthy eater. But you're not about to sacrifice taste or quantity! You are emotional. You have a big heart, and you tend to go for comfort foods.

What Does Your Burger Say About You?

And to my burger I reply, "Right on, my friend, right on."

You Used to Be Cool, Man!

Little Prince gets his sleep on.

Ugh, I just cannot catch up on my sleep! I need to go to bed earlier, but to have any sort of evening at all, get some things done and have some down time where I am not unconscious, it gets to be around 11:30 or 12 before I tend to shut down. During the school year, I need to get up around 5:45 to get the morning going on. I guess I'm getting old...it just isn't enough. But I think my perpetual state of slight to severe tiredness isn't helping with my moody-ass nature. Maybe I will just have to give up reading...but I'm not sure the rest would be worth it.

Anyway, I had a weekend. It was my Saturday to work. Sunday my dad and stepmom came over. Some of us went out to lunch as sort of an early celebration of Secret Agent Man's birthday. Then a smaller some of us decided to go to a movie. Since my dad was paying I suggested some movies I knew they might enjoy. They aren't too into indie films, you know? So we ended up seeing Lakeview Terrace. It was well acted, but it was one of those movies that I kind of felt I'd seen it before. It must be really hard thinking up original movie plots.

Later, I babysat the three babies while their parents were enacting some sort of little personal psychodrama. I didn't even want to ask. I was suckered in by the idea of it being a one hour visit, but it was really three hours. Not that I don't love the babies, but by 9:30 on a Sunday evening I am feeling less tolerant of diapers, bottles, and endless games involving stuffed animals and action figures going to the park and then becoming sick and having to be offered medicine in various flavors...yeah, don't ask. haha!

So now it is Monday, one of my late days, so I don't get out of here until 9. Girlie Girl was home sick today, although she says she feels much better now. Handsome Lad was home one day last week, so I am hoping they've now both had whatever this is...and that I'm not going to get it. Wish me luck.

I hope you all had a good weekend and that you have a great week ahead. Don't forget to pass the word of the week around, since our buddy Evil-E is on hiatus. The word is FACE. Pass it on.

All Work and No Play Makes Me a Dull Doll

Our Candidate for Nothing AlienCG @ Swamp Gas & Moonlit Reflections gave us this week's Saturday Scavenger Shots word. DULL. The word is DULL, but it is not a DULL concept! Please to enjoy:

Here is a very DULL pencil. No doubt one of the reasons no one really cared to champion pencils on Choose and Defend Wednesday :-)

The walls of my cubicle are a DULL beige color, as are the upper cabinets and the desk top. DULL, DULL, DULL.

Fortunately, no one objects to me livening up my DULL space with my own colorful, shall we say, stuff! DULL no more!

I enjoyed this week and hope you did too. I am happy to tell you that not one of you are even remotely DULL! Alien tagged me next, so I am able to pass along the news that next week's word will be... ... .... FACE. Have fun with that!

Serenity Now, Insanity Later.

For some reason, that old Seinfeldism keeps going through my mind. In my life though, it is reversed. I am feeling a little of that old wicked insanity lately, but feel confident (for absolutely no good reason) that serenity is on the way. Wishful thinking? Possibly. I guess it is good to know that I am still capable of throwing those wishes out there and having a part of me still believe that they could come true. Even if they never do wishing isn't such a bad thing.

This post, as I read it, seems to make even less sense than when I began writing. It's staying though. Welcome to my head.

Send Me a Letter, Drop Me a Line....

Do you know what day it is? That's right, kids, it is indeed Wednesday. Some people call it Hump Day (okay, I do too), but here it is Choose and Defend Wednesday! Play along. It isn't at all painful.

This week you are sitting around somewhere, no keyboard in front of you, and you are asked to write something. It doesn't matter what, just write dangit! Oh, but you will need something with which to write.

Would you like....

A Pencil?
Or would you prefer....

A Pen?

Choose and Defend this highly controversial choice! Um. Yeah.

Come to Me, My Pretties

I decided to take a quick look at my stat counter thingy to see how things are going. Meh. As always though, the most interesting thing is seeing how people stumble upon me with random word searches. As I've mentioned before, the most obvious and predominate words are "boring life" and variations thereof. One I especially liked was "boring wankers with high IQs". Yeah, you may just have come to the right place. Another one that seems to come up are variations on "clearing my mind". Perhaps reading one of my less interesting posts (like this one, perhaps?) could just leave the whole slate blissfully blank. It is like some sort of zen therapy and it is absolutely free! One of the more unusual searches was "home simpson donut drool". I know I have talked about each of those elements here at some point...maybe just not all in one post. Well, consider it done! Then there was one that was just baffling..."he his i my girls". Wow, I'd like to help, but I don't even know how to start. Okay, now I will finish off with a little "how to dance like jagger" and I think we can call this post a wrap! Thanks for stopping by, however you got here!

Many Posts Wrapped in a Single Sloppy Package

Welcome back to the working week, my free-yends! I've been checking around and it seems like everyone had a pretty good to effin' awesome weekend. Mine was on the pretty good part of the scale, but no complaints believe me.

When I was over at Eclectic Spaghetti earlier trying to think up October Taradays, I realized I hadn't actually done any in awhile. So, I looked at September and saw that there were a whole bunch of very cool ones right here at the end of the month. Sooo, then I decided, why not just do a few at once? Why not pump up the jam and all that?

I give you my Super Taraday Edition Blog Post. Yay!

9/26 - List Your Hobbies
1. Reading
2. Blogging
3. Playing Brickbreaker on my phone
4. Giving birth (ret.)
5. Collecting take out menus
6. Updating my tivo
7. Seeing how long a single pair of comfortable shoes can last before falling apart

9/27 - Watch a New Show on Television
Okay, I didn't watch anything new on Saturday. I did, however, watch a new show on Sunday. I can slip it in here, under my new by-laws. I decided to give Little Britain USA a look-see. It was quite funny, I thought...very over the top and crude, so if you enjoy that sort of thing and have HBO, check it out.

9/28 - AlienCG is Six Months Smoke Free!
Dude. Alien. You rock. Way to go!!!!

9/29 - Interpretive Dance Appreciation Day
Hm...Well, here! This blog could use a LOLCAT, right?

9/30 - Silverware Appreciation Day
It is actually still the 29th as I write and prepare to post this. But I figure, meh, it will the tomorrow soon enough. Let us celebrate the utensils that allow us to eat without dirtying our lovely phalanges! Good cheer, noble Sir Fork! Huzzah, dear Lady Spoon! Oh, courtly Knife, we applaud thee! How's that for some fancy appreciatin'?

Ah, I enjoyed this. Good times, good times. Thanks again for gathering all of our demented thoughts together each month, Tara! You make blogging more fun than it already just naturally is :-)

You Say Yes, I Say...

NO, NO, NO! The word for this week's Saturday Scavenger Shots is all negatory, good buddy. It makes sense though, when you consider that it was chosen by NoRegrets. In her case, NO is a very positive thing!

This was kind of a tough one to render in photographs, for me. But I love a challenge! It was great fun. So, here is what I came up with...

Here is a Public Works guy putting up a banner. I am afraid of heights (it's true), so NO, I will not trade jobs with you, Public Works guy.

Aw, sorry, but NO, you may not go outside Mr. Library Tiger!

Here are some Tongva Indians who came to our Museum for the opening of a special Tongva exhibit. NO, I am not all enamored of "the Indian way". Try marrying into a family of Creeks and see if you don't agree with me. haha! I am joking of course. I don't dislike all Native Americans based on one icky family. NO way.

NO, NO, don't go! Well, okay then...you did stay long enough to get to the end of my Saturday Scavenger Shots post. You are excused. Can't wait to see who and what is next!

One Paragraph At a Time

In a weak attempt at hilarity and self-amusement, my pal Milly and I have given each day of the week it’s own special super h.o.t. name. Today is Thrustday. Thexthy, right? Maybe not, but desperate boredom calls for desperate measures. It is pretty busy patron-wise here at work, but I am still feeling unchallenged at the moment. I suppose it is just a mood and something will soon happen to get me fired up once again. Given my general fondness for my job, I am certain of it.

In better news, I am getting my car back today. I have at long last been getting my brakes and other bad stuff taken care of. Unfortunately, my little auto had reached the point where it couldn’t wait for me to get my shizznit together anymore. Fortunately, my mom really generously offered to help me out with the expense. I don’t know what I’d do without her support, seriously.

In boring, old, bitter news, WTG attempted parental involvement by picking up Handsome Lad after school yesterday. Based on their beautiful ten minute interaction before he dropped him off at the skatepark, he called me up this morning to tell me (again) that I am clearly unable to handle things (since I cannot pick Handsome Lad up) and hadn’t I better just wise up and tell him to go “home”. I am trying not to fall into a pit of self despair by the fact that I am forever tied to this sack of crap.

Let's end on a positive note though, shall we? Um. I have my health! I have a job! Awesome kids! A supportive mom and sister! New brakes on my Chevy! I can make up funny names for the days of the week! I get to watch a new Office tonight! Wow, that is pretty alright, alright, alright…

Talent to Spare!

Time for Choose and Defend Wednesday, yet again. It just keeps coming round, doesn't it? This week, I am giving away talent! Most of you probably already have some talent of your own. Still, suppose you had to choose from these two types...one or the other...sorry, you can't have both. Greedy! haha!

Will you Choose...

Dancing

or will you Choose...

Singing

Ready? Okay then...Choose and Defend! Thanks for playing, you funky fresh members of the talent pool!

What's Cooler Than Being Cool? Ice Cold!

Quizzes are fun and I gots nothin'! Play on, playahs!

You're a Penguin!

You like the dapper life, replete with elegant walks, lavish fish
dinners, and of course dressing up, preferably in tuxedos. But when not walking
out on the town, you actually have a fun side as well, sledding down mountainsides
and frolicking in ice-cold water! How do you manage to keep these dual lives going,
a veritable play-hard play-hard existence? People seem to love you, and where you
live, you don't have much competition. After all, living in an inhospitable
neighborhood at least means cheap land. What's cooler than being cool? Ice
cold!


Take the Animal Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

How Am I? Frustrated, Thank You Very Much.

Here is Miss Personality, right on the end there, in her first sack race. I sort of relate to that feeling of having to work so hard to get somewhere!

I know I have mentioned, a couple of times at least, my little Onion Personals experiment. At the moment there is one person there I am interested in. We have written back and forth quite a bit and spoken on the phone a couple of times. On Friday night we actually talked for three hours and it really only ended when my phone battery died. Now we are nudging around the idea of actually meeting, but it is harder than it should be.

1. He lives about 30 miles away, which isn't so ridiculous, but it is on the other side of LA from me, so traffic and time is a huge factor.

2. He is an activist/environmentalist...a real one. He doesn't own a car anymore. He bikes and takes buses and trains. He is single, no kids, so he can get away with it. While I admire this in theory, it makes things difficult.

3. When I really stop to try and plan something, I realize how difficult it is for me to find time. I work until 9 two nights per week. So other evenings I feel pretty guilty if I'm not there for the kids. And on weekends, same thing. I am expected to be handy.

3a. I am trying hard to get WTG more involved. For example, couldn't he be in charge a couple days a week? But he is playing games with me. He wants Handsome Lad back at his house, but insists the only way to achieve this is if I tell HL he HAS to go. That I haven't the room for him, am not set up for him, and he has to go "home". I told WTG I cannot do that. If HL decides to spend all or at least more of his time at the house, so be it. However, I absolutely cannot tell my 11 year old that he CANNOT live with me. I can't. And at that point, WTG just throws up his hands...nothing he can do to help in that case. Guh.

So, yeah, I am feeling a bit frustrated. I feel like I should be able to have a life outside of work and home, but part of me knows that for the next few years chances are slim that I am actually going to live the dream.

Old RED Eyes is Back

It is Saturday, and I am looking at the world through rose colored glasses. This is because the lovely Mistress of Eclectic Spaghetti, Tara has chosen the word RED for this week's Saturday Scavenger Shots!

I am following along with my old favorite color word thing...I looked around my desk and said to myself, "What do I spy, with my little eye, that is RED?" Ah ha!
Here we have a couple of candles that I got from a patron eons ago, both RED fruits...meet tomato and apple. I also found a strawberry Nutri-grain bar, a RED colored pencil, and little RED handled scissors. And, no, you aren't losing your vision, I just take some craptastic pictues with my phone camera :-)

Here are two good sized tokens of affection that also live on my desk. The RED lobster and the RED toad both love me and aren't shy about saying so. They were both gifts from my friend DR in NC. But don't get any ideas, he is getting ready to move to UT to be with his new lady love. Still, they are nice to have around.

I hope you enjoyed what you READ (close enough?) here! Who will be next? Who? Who? Damn, man, I think I need a glass of RED, RED wine....

International Talk Like a Pirate Day! Oh Boy!

You are The Quartermaster

You, me hearty, are a man or woman of action! And what action it is! Gruesome,
awful, delightful action. You mete out punishment to friend and foe alike
– well, mostly to foe, because your burning inner rage isn’t
likely to draw you a whole lot of the former. Still, though you may be
what today is called “high maintenance” and in the past was
called “bat-shit crazy,” the crew likes to have you around
because in a pinch your maniacal combat prowess may be the only thing
that saves them from Jack Ketch. When not in a pinch, the rest of the
crew will goad you into berserker mode because it’s just kind of
fun to watch. So you provide a double service – doling out discipline
AND entertainment.

What's Yer Inner Pirate?
brought to you by The Official Talk Like A Pirate Web Site. Arrrrr!

What kind of pirate are you? If this quiz is any indication, you better run if you see me coming today! Arrrrrgghhhhh!!!!! Ye scurvy scum!!!!!!

Give Me Patience. Now!

I am once again going to expound on a subject that comes up here from time to time. It's been on my mind lately, again, and you all know how writing something down can help! Here goes...indulge me if you can...I have been alone for a good long while now. Not ALL alone in the world, but you know...alone. Even before my marriage actually ended I was rather alone. Honestly, sometimes months (or at least weeks) go by when I don't even give it a thought. I am pretty busy, as we tend to get with our lives. On the days I work I am gone from the house a good ten hours. I have my kids who need my time and attention, some more than others. Still...every so often I get to feeling so melancholy and at the same time hopeful. I think to myself that it doesn't have to be like this...why couldn't I meet a nice man? Other people, some more hideous than me, seem to do it! haha! It seems so hard though. Especially since I don't get out much...I mean where am I going to meet anyone, really? I know that ideally I would be participating in events or classes or something where like minded people would be likely to meet, but even if I could find the time to do these things I am so stupidly shy. Then I do things like joining a personals site and nothing really happens. I tend to get these, like, penpals who don't seem interested in actually getting together and doing something. I'm not sure if that is about them or about me truthfully. Maybe they are meeting all kinds of people who just aren't me! I have no way to know.
Well, I have no real conclusion to this little ramble. I guess you can just consider it a peek into my current state of preoccupation. Any advice is, of course, welcome. *sigh*

Baby, You Can Drive My Car

Hola amigos! It is, once again, time for Choose and Defend Wednesday. This question was inspired by my endless kid related driving duties. So today we are going on a roadtrip. Yay! But of course, as always, you have a choice to make. On our roadtrip would you prefer to be....

A Passenger?

Or

A Driver?

You are now invited to Choose and then to Defend your choice. What's it gonna be?

Let's Go Through the List, Just to Make Sure

I guess this will have to be one of those clearinghouse posts. All I have a little dribs and drabs floating around my brain right now, so that is what you get!

1. WTG had the nerve to call me Thursday evening when I was trying to eat my dinner to tell me that I am neglecting Girlie Girl and Handsome Lad. He dislikes the fact that I work 8 hours a day. We can't all have those loser jobs like him where you set your own hours, but don't really make much money or have benefits or anything. Since he has pretty much written himself out of the picture at this point, I don't see that he has a say in the matter. When I suggested he might help out by picking them up from school and doing things with them in the afternoon when I'm not there he suddenly lost service on his phone. Um right.

2. I saw Team C on Friday. What can I tell you? It was great to see him, as far as that goes...and that is as far as that goes.

3. Saturday was a very peaceful day. I mentioned in the comments over at Churlita's how I feel like a chauffeur so much of the time nowadays. My kids are now at a stage where my best use for them is simply to feed them and get them where they need to go. So, make that cook and chauffeur. Some days all that is required of me is that I be on standby for assignments. I try not to begrudge them that when I am available, since there are all those after-school hours when I am not available to them. Still, sometimes I can't help but feel sorry for myself sitting around waiting for someone to want to go somewhere. Boo hoo hoo. Poor mom!

4. Sunday we went to the park with Kick Back Dude and the gang. Little Prince slept the whole time, but the girls kept me busy wanting endless time on the swings. Good Grandma pushed while everyone else lolled about at the picnic table waiting for the ice cream man to come by. Oh well, at least Miss Personality and Love Bug enjoy talking with me. I know now how brief this time is :-)

5. Came in to work today to find that the substitute Librarian had called in sick. So, all of our schedules had to be rearranged. That's okay, people get sick. But I am looking at my week ahead and I am not smiling...the bright side of this? I am getting pretty darn indispensable! haha! Well, at least I can tell myself that.

Thanks for bearing with me as I cleared out my tiny brain. You are appreciated.

Shining, Gleaming, Streaming, Flaxen, Waxen....

Welcome to my Saturday Scavenger Shots post. This week's word comes to us courtesy of Mrs. HAIRY Woman over at The Northern Sky Chronicles. Did you catch that word? Yes, that's right! It is HAIRY.

I have posted this picture before, but I think it works well. Check it out.

Here is Mittle Kitty, who is quite HAIRY. One could more properly call him furry, but it is almost the same, right?

Thanks for stopping by the anti-barber shop today. Stay as HAIRY as you wanna be!

What Family Role Do I Play?

I haven't posted a Blogthings quiz in a while and you know how I love them.

You Are the Daughter

You very keyed in to emotions. You care deeply and are quick to forgive others. You often get lost in your own thoughts and daydreams. You find it difficult to stay focused. At your best, you are sweet, sensitive, and innocent. You bring joy to people's lives. You are open and expressive. You love sharing your optimistic, dreamy vision of the world. At your worst, you feel powerless and like a victim. Your fear can paralyze you. You tend to complain and whine. Whether your complaints are legitimate or not, you're not one to solve your own problems.

What Family Role Do You Play?

This one happens to be right on, I'd have to say! Come on, you play too!

Happy Rememberies

This is a sober sort of day, of course. Still, I have decided to post a few of the nicer things that happened on this day in history:

1875: 1st newspaper cartoon strip
1923: ZR-1 (biggest active dirigible) flies over New York's tallest skyscraper, Woolworth Tower
1927: Babe Ruth hits 50th of 60 homers
1946: 1st mobile long-distance car-to-car telephone conversation
1961: Bob Dylan's 1st New York performance
1988: Sports Aid - jogging to feed the world

And some interesting people were born:

1862: O. Henry
1885: David Herbert "DH" Lawrence
1913: Paul "Bear" Bryant
1962: Kristy McNichol
1976: Ludacris


We will always remember THE 9/11, but it is okay to think about the good stuff too.

Cartoonies for You Loonies

Today is Wednesday and you know what that means. It is time to Choose and Defend. Our topic this week? Cartoons! They aren't just for kids anymore. Some of them aren't even remotely appropriate for kids, come to think of it :-) I got the idea from yesterday's post and now I ask you....

The Simpsons?

or

Family Guy?

Choose one or the other...you can do it! Then, Defend your choice using persuasive language...you can do that too!

Aaaannnnddddd.....GO!

99% Perspiration 1% Inspiration

Today, I seem to have even less inspiration than advertised in the title! I am trying little "get started" tricks and cues. I have written and then erased a couple of false starts. Then I said to myself, "Thank goodness for Tara and her Eclectic Taraday Calendars! And look! Today is "Eat My Shorts" Day! Celebrate The Simpsons! Well, I can do that. I used to love The Simpsons. I still do, in theory, although I haven't watched it regularly for the past couple of years. No particular reason.

Here are some random Simpson quotes:

Homer: D’oh.

Ralph: Me fail English? That’s unpossible.

Lionel Hutz: This is the greatest case of false advertising I’ve seen since I sued the movie “The Never Ending Story.”

Troy McClure: Don’t kid yourself, Jimmy. If a cow ever got the chance, he’d eat you and everyone you care about!

Chief Wiggum: Uh, no, you got the wrong number. This is 9-1…2.

Sideshow Bob: I’ll be back. You can’t keep the Democrats out of the White House forever, and when they get in, I’m back on the streets, with all my criminal buddies.

Homer: When I held that gun in my hand, I felt a surge of power…like God must feel when he’s holding a gun.

Milhouse: Remember the time he ate my goldfish? And you lied and said I never had goldfish. Then why did I have the bowl, Bart? *Why did I have the bowl?*

Lionel Hutz: Well, he’s kind of had it in for me ever since I accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace “accidentally” with “repeatedly” and replace “dog” with “son.”

Comic Book Guy: Last night’s “Itchy and Scratchy Show” was, without a doubt, the worst episode *ever.* Rest assured, I was on the Internet within minutes, registering my disgust throughout the world.

Homer: I’m normally not a praying man, but if you’re up there, please save me, Superman.

Homer: Save me, Jeebus.

Comic Book Guy: Oh, loneliness and cheeseburgers are a dangerous mix.

Homer: You don’t like your job, you don’t strike. You go in every day and do it really half-assed. That’s the American way.

I actually found these here and just pulled out a few very choice ones...there are many, many more.

So, yay for The Simpsons and all the frosty choco-late hilarity!

Here be some Old Skool Simpsons!

And On the Seventh Day.....

...she watched tv, and was quite slothful. No, I didn't drink any Tru Blood, but I did watch the new HBO series True Blood. It is about a time in the near future, when thanks to the Japanese invention of perfect synthetic blood, vampires have decided to "come out of the coffin" and take their place among mortals. It was as graphically sexual and violent as we expect our HBO shows to be, but looking beyond that I did find it kind of interesting. One of the main ideas was that with the introduction of what basically amounts to a new race of people there are also new prejudices and crimes perpetrated either by or against vampires. In addition, there is that element of romance associated with hot young vampire men and mortal women. Teenage girls would know what I'm talking about. I will have to watch further to decide if it is a keeper for me, but I am intrigued enough to at least watch the next couple of shows to see where they are headed with it.

Otherwise, I didn't have much going on this weekend. I worked on Saturday and it was mondo busy. The day went quickly and when I went home dinner was all ready and waiting for me. Kick Back Dude and his growing clan had stopped by on their way home from Costco with a big package of steaks which they decided to share with us. Princess Diva cooked and it was all ready when I got there. Right after we ate they left, as the kids were tired. All that was left for me was the clean up, which is quite alright with me.

Yesterday, Sunday, I really didn't do much. Some laundry, some driving Girlie Girl and Handsome Lad around, a mini marketing trip...and me on the couch in front of the television with the air blasting. It has been incredibly hot here, but I was cool as a cucumber. Yes, that cool. In addition to True Blood I watched:
1. The Jazz Singer starring Neil Diamond. Just as fabulous as I remembered! ;-p
2. Big Love (a rerun)
3. Breaking Bad (another rerun)
4. Mad Men. Love this AMC series about Madison Avenue in the early 60's. It has a very authentic feeling and they try very hard to depict office and home life in that time accurately. It's rather horrifying in some ways.... Love it.

And that, my friends, is that! I hope you all had a good weekend and are ready to face the week with fortitude and courage! Go Team!

~/o ONE Voice, Singing in the Darkness...~/o

Yes, that's right. I am singing a Barry Manilow song. What of it? Defensive? No, of course not, I'm just saying...
hahaha! Ah. Today's word, chosen by cool new playah, K-sra, is ONE. Let's see what I have to offer, shall we?

When it is 11:11, a time made up entirely of ONEs, you are supposed to make a wish. Couldn't hurt!

I have three grandkids, but only ONE grandson. For now. By next year things could be entirely different. Ai-yuh.

I have five kids, but only ONE daughter. That won't change. Final score 4-1.

Alright! Saturday Scavenger Shooters are number ONE! Thanks for stopping by my life...it may be boring, but it's the only ONE I have....

Do I Dare to Hope?

Maybe I shouldn't say anything, but I don't really believe in jinxing good things by talking about them. In this case, too, I am not speaking of anything specific. More just the feeling that things are on the upswing in my life, in a general sort of way.

I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel financially. Not that I am suddenly going to be what I think of as "comfortable", but the worst of the adjustments brought on by my move are falling into place. I can feel things easing up and smaller money worries is always a good thing. Within a couple of weeks, hopefully I can fix my brakes and that will be a HUGE load off my mind

The kids are all back to school happily and they, too, are all adjusting. I admit I feel a lot better at work all day when they are in school at least part of the time. I know their time is being used productively and that they aren't just sleeping the day away and snacking :-)

There isn't too much happening on the Online dating scene that I mentioned a while back. I have done the back and forth emailing with a couple people, but I don't see much point to that. If you actually want to meet people then you need to be actually willing to MEET them... am I right? I am in touch with one guy who I am rather intrigued by. He is an environmental activist and he has all these really eclectic interests. He isn't that close by, though, and that kind of sucks. I mean, not THAT far, but not that close either. Actually I think we are more friendly than trying to get 'into' each other...but at this point in my life I have no problem with that. I can always find use for another friend! And who knows what the future will bring? Good things! Because this is an optimistic post!

Whats your mood?