Haiku #113

You had long dark hair
Cute Elva Tamashiro
And a gorgeous smile

What Number Am I?

You Are 9: The Peacemaker

You are emotionally stable and willing to find common ground with others. Your friends and family often look to you to be the mediator when there is conflict. You are easy going and accepting. You take things as they come. Avoding conflict at all costs, you're content when things are calm.

What Number Are You?

Today Is Working For Me

I am having one of those days! Not to gloat or anything, but the cosmos are working their magic for me. It sort of started yesterday evening when Kick Back Dude gave me a nice new cell phone to replace mine (which I really liked, but which had seen better days.) Then this morning I got to do most of my desk time during the quiet morning hours. Then I met Team C for one of our very nice long lunches. That was just what I needed. Then, just by chance, I found that we had a copy of OK GO's OH NO in the library...we never have good cds here! Now, I can't predict what my evening will be like, but I do know we are having pizza for dinner. Yum.
Reading through this, it may not look like much, but I am telling you true...today is working for me!

My Lazy Mind

I just finished reading Thank You For Smoking and it was really cool. I had been meaning to read it since I saw the movie version and finally got around to it. Likewise, I am now meaning to read Running with Scissors after seeing the movie. However, at this particular moment I am feeling somewhat lazy mentally. So I decided to reread Little Children. I have mentioned before how I despair of ever getting to all the books I want to read, yet there are some I insist on rereading (often more than once.) There is just something so wonderful about returning to a book that you know you loved!

Haiku #112

Mr Erickson
You fascinated us all
With personal tales

Three Movies in Three Days

I had a long weekend and was it ever nice. Rare calm times at home lead to a dispensation to take some "me" time each and every day of that weekend! I don't do very concise movie reviews, so let me just say that I can recommend any or all of the three movies I saw. A hat trick of movie goodness. On Friday evening I saw Running with Scissors. I don't believe this is getting great reviews, but I thought it was kinda cool. I haven't read the book though, so maybe in comparison it disappoints? I'll read the book and solve that for myself. On Saturday I say Stranger Than Fiction. I think this movie is being mismarketed. I didn't get much of a feel for it from the previews I've seen, but took a chance on Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Emma Thompson, Dustin Hoffman, and Queen Latifah (who I have a girl crush on). The chance totally paid off. This movie was so sweet and surreal. See it, but only if you can accept Will Ferrell not spending the whole movie doing his typical dense guy thing :-)
On Sunday I saw Little Children. Wow. This movie was a wow. I read the book too and always find it interesting to see what is excised for film. I think they did an excellent job here. The ending was made a bit more dramatic, as the one in the book would have probably fell flat on screen. Anyway, once again, l.b. recommends this one to you folks at home.
Anyone else seen any good movies lately?

Haiku #111

Blue eyes, pretty smile
Self-conscious of your wide hips
You cheered Denise Wood.

What American Accent Do I Have?

You should try this, it really works. Filched from Poppy.

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The West Your accent is the lowest common denominator of American speech. Unless you're a SoCal surfer, no one thinks you have an accent. And really, you may not even be from the West at all, you could easily be from Florida or one of those big Southern cities like Dallas or Atlanta.
The Midland
Boston
North Central
The Inland North
Philadelphia
The South
The Northeast
What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes

Survey Says....

Thanks to misfit138 for the content. I owe you!

1. Who would you want to be tied to for 24 hours?
Steve Martin

2. Who do you blame for your mood today?
Lets just call it existential angst...we won't give him a name...

3. Have you ever seen a dead body?
Yes

4. What should we do w/ stupid people??
Enjoy their shenanigans.


5. How long do you think you will live?
I am hoping for very long. The answer would be: very.

6. What was the first thing you did this morning?
Looked at the clock and groaned.

7. The color of carpet in your bedroom?
I have a beige area rug and wood floors.

9. Last person you went out to dinner with?
Three of my kids.

10. Are you spoiled?
Like month old milk, baby.

11.Do you drink lots of water?
Yes

12. What toothpaste do you use?
Colgate, the white paste kind.

13. How do you vent your anger?
I post desperate messages in my blog and also scream in my car while driving.

14. The last compliment you received?
I just got a nice compliment from my boss about a flyer I made for a program
next week.

15. What are you doing this weekend?
It is a three day weekend for me. I plan to be extremely productive! Or I might
just hang out and do some reading.

16 When was the last time you threw up?
Must have been a month or so ago. I was choking on some Chinese food.

17. Is your best friend a virgin?
Good lawd, no.

18. What theme does your room have?
Den of sin. Okay, no...more like - I sleep inside an avocado!

19. When was the last time you were at a party?
Since I don't think family birthday parties really count...um, sadly, I have no
idea. It's been awhile, lets say.

20. Are you a mama's child or a daddy's child?
Mama's.

21. Would you ever join the military?
I don't think so.

22. The last website you visited?
Blogger :-)

23. Who was the last person you took a picture with?
Handsome Lad and Girlie Girl on Halloween.

25. Last person you went to the movies with?
Milly von Lily of the Valley Blvd.

26. What did you do/will you do for your birthday this year?
If I say probably nothing special will you feel bad for me? Awwwwww!

27. Number of layers on your bed?
Lets see...frame, box spring, mattress, egg crate pad, fitted sheet, comforter.
At night there is me, in between the fitted sheet and the comforter.

28. Is anything alive in your room?
Just me and an occasional visiting child.

29. Today, would you rather go back a week or go forward a week?
Time travel is scary. I'll stay here.

30. What are you looking forward to right now?
The countless possibilities of the future.

What Kind of Weather Am I?

I thought I'd post something a little more fun and cheerful. It needs to be done :-)

You Are Sunshine

Soothing and calm You are often held up by others as the ideal But too much of you, and they'll get burned You are best known for: your warmth Your dominant state: connecting

What Type of Weather Are You?

See? Nothing depressing about that!

2sday

Sometimes it seems the whole world is in 2's. Not me. Mostly, that is a good thing to my mind. There are times, like when I am moping about...like now-ish, that I feel like I am alone and will be alone forever. Of course not actually alone. I am, in fact, very rarely alone. I've got kids for miles and work with the public and if I am lucky that won't change. But now and then I get that dark, clear knowlege that I am not loved. Not in that particular way, you know? Fuck. Sorry, I better get back to thinking of fun stuff...

Haiku #110

So superior
Weren't you, cute Jeff Shiraki?
In point of fact, yes!

http://x365.org

Fun Stuff

l.b. is working hard to stay positive, as I am on one of those down cycles. But I don't give in. I have a real, albeit corny, desire to live my life in an appreciative way. So, fun stuff! Friday with the Swordsman was fun. Well, maybe not fun...but good. Definitely good. Then, Friday night I took Handsome Lad and went to Social Animal's football game. I almost didn't go, because sometimes I skip the away games, but it turned out to be a really great game. Lots of back and forth with the Tartans defeating the opposition with a final score of 31-28. Saturday I was here, tired, but still the day went fine. No complaints. So yay! Sunday was mostly good. I stayed out of WTG's way, watched a lot of my tivo'd stuff, and went out to dinner with Kick Back Dude and his family, plus the two littles, Girlie Girl and Handsome Lad. I was able to get the exact food that I wanted, even though my particular combination was not on the menu...is it weird that I like English style fish with onion rings? I know it is called fish 'n chips, duh, but I like onion rings...and I got them. Yum and yay for eating what you want sometimes.
And what has been fun about today? Well...not much actual fun, but also nothing bad. Okay, Wild Bill is acting like an a$$, but that is not exactly shocking somehow, so I am just going to laugh it off...hahaha...aw, you slay me, you scamp!
Oh! And I finally got started on Thank You For Smoking. So, there you go, woo hoo! Fun stuff.

Haiku #109

Curly haired Chet Brit
Keeping booze in your locker
But I never guessed

Working in a Coalmine

That song, the Devo version, comes to mind because Lord, I am so tired. How long can this go on? I do grow fatigued now and again, through a combination of not enough sleep, stress, and poor fuel (food) choices. This tired I am feeling right now is actually rather pleasurable, though. The fact that I am at work today sort of sucks, because my head feels cottony. But I also have that languid, used up feeling that has a little kick to it somehow.

Haiku #108

You were Big Bob Berg
You seemed nice, always around
But something was wrong.

I Can't Breathe in Here

I think I need to pull my head out of my....never mind. I somehow agreed to see the Poet/Swordsman tomorrow. All my good intentions, come to this. *sigh*

Everyone's Doin' It

Here I am with my celebrity twins! Isn't the resemblence amazing? Okay, well, it is fun anyway :-)

Handsome Lad's Mix CD

I don't have the list in front of me, but Handsome Lad was playing his very own mix for me yesterday. He has, perhaps, unusual taste for a nine year old. For example, he has "Jail House Rock" and "Love Me Tender" by Elvis, thankewverymush...Plus, I remember hearing "The Pina Colada Song" and "Sunshine of Your Love". Very eclectic, right? But, just so you don't think he's some kind of tastemaker, I must also point out that he has two songs by John Stamos as Jesse Katsopolis, because he is going through a rather serious Full House fixation.

Haiku #107

Loretta Zandstra
One of the smart cheerleaders
Pretty Nordic blonde

Happy Halloween

From your very own low rent bear.

My First Xmas Mix CD

My little bear friend Milly just gave me my first Xmas Mix CD. I allowed her to chose, because she has impecable taste in music and has introduced and even re-introduced me to many fine things.
1. Gimme Shelter - Rolling Stones
2. Sweet Talkin' Woman - ELO
3. Take Some Time - Rose Melberg
4. The Perfect World - Shonen Knife
5. Always Love - Nada Surf
6. Hold On, Hold On - Neko Case
7. The New World - X
8. Redwing - Hem
9. Bye Bye Snow - Bobby Baby
10. Mornings Eleven - The Magic Numbers
11. Bled White - Elliott Smith
12. Cruel to be Kind - Nick Lowe
13. Talk Talk Talk - Love is All
14. Tristan and Iseult - Tarkio
15. For the Love of Reynaldo Moon - Phillip Eno
16. Jezebel - Iron and Wine
17. Rewind - Goldspot
18. Sympathy Wreath - Barbara Manning
19. Lazy May - The Essex Green
20. Love Plus One - Haircut 100
21. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Hem

See anything you know and love here? Anything you know and hate?

Boyz 2 Men Update

No, not THOSE guys. Just my random guys that seem to drop in and out of my life. Team C: MIA, as usual. I could almost set my watch by him. Well, no, maybe my calendar. Swordsman: I finally worked up the nerve and even the actual desire to just say, "thanks, but no thanks". He was more trouble than I was willing to handle. I want things very, very easy at this particular juncture in my life. With him, everything always had to be like an opera or something! I figure I've earned the right to the simple things in life, without high drama. Now, there is this whole other guy. Lets call him...Wild Bill. I am taking a very cautious approach with him. He seems a little conflicted about some issues in his life. Wild Bill is one of these guys who is so much fun! But frankly? A little shallow maybe. At this point in my life, I appreciate a little depth in a man, you know?
Sometimes, given circumstances, I think seriously about giving up men altogether...and sometimes I actually do. But it is always temporary. I don't require the whole big dating thing, but I definitely require some tenderness and affection in my life.

Haiku #106

Skinny, nervous Mike
Lots of classes together
You had wild man hair!

A Literary Meme

Sorry for another meme, but geez! I couldn't pass up one all about books! Thanks for the sort of tag from MiniJonB!

1) One book that changed your life: Still Life with Woodpecker by Tom Robbins

2) One book that you'd read more than once: Stones for Ibarra by Harriet Doerr

3) One book you'd want on a deserted island: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare...when I got really bored I could act out the plays :-)

4) One book that made you laugh: The Pirates! In an Adventure with Communists by
Gideon Defoe

5) One book that made you cry: A Short History of a Price by Jane Hamilton

6) One book you wish you'd written: The Wind-up Bird Chronicles by Haruki Murakami

7) One book you wish had never been written: Anything by David J. Pelzer

8) One book you're currently reading: I'm re-reading Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris, because I can pick it up and put it down between other books.

9) One book you've been meaning to read: Thank You For Smoking by Christopher Buckley

10) Tag five people: Anyone who reads this and hasn't done it already, consider yourself tagged and/or tagged again :-)

Haiku #105

Chris Brauner, sly dog
My crush on you? Preordained
Your smile, so charming!

I Made It! Finally!

Dang! Blogger was sure acting the fool today. For awhile, I couldn't get to blogger at all. I kept getting this Google error message. I might even have felt a little panicky...not able to read my blogs?!?!?! Then, after a while, I could read the blogs, but the comment function wasn't, uh, functioning. Almost as bad...I like talking back. I was unable to post to my own blog as well. Blogger was just messing with my head, man! But here I am finally, able to read and post and feel fulfilled as a human being. *whew*
I had a really busy day yesterday. It was my big Halloween program day. I had events at 4:00 and 6:30. There were 75 people at the early show and 135 later on. Everyone had a really good time and I love doing programs, but also find them quite tiring. In the library, among the under 10 set lets say, I am like this sort of character. And when I am doing a program or even just on the desk, they seem to need me to be, like, in character. It lends an element of glamour to the job, of course (ha!) but it can be hard to be "on" all the time. I totally get how Britney feels.
Today has been much more sane. It is often a bit quieter on Thursdays and Fridays. Tomorrow should be really nice here. What else...Oh! Going to Social Animal's football game tonight. He's Varsity. Yeah, thats right. My son is so cool. He wouldn't have two words to say to me if we were contemporaries. However, since I am his mother, he is more or less forced to talk to me. I like to take Handsome Lad with me to the games. He hangs around Social Animal's non-football playing friends and harrasses them while I watch the game in peace. Sweet deal.

What Planet Am I From?

I wanted to post today, but didn't get to it, so I decided to put up another silly blogthing.
Take a look at me now:

You Are From Pluto

You are a dark, mysterious soul, full of magic and the secrets of the universe. You can get the scoop on anything, but you keep your own secrets locked in your heart. You love change and you use it to your advantage, whether by choice or chance. You don't like to compromise, to the point of being self-destructive with your stubborness. Live life with love, and your deep powers will open the world to you.

What Planet Are You From?

Is it ironic or just sad that I am from the planet that is no longer a planet? What planet are you from?

Meme for Me Me and You Too

I got this from Totally Tubular Tara's Eclectic Spaghetti blog...she got it from The Amazing Ashburnite's blog. The idea is to look over the list of things here and then bold each one that you've experienced and leave the rest in regular typeface.

01. Bought everyone in the bar a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the great pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said "I love you" and meant it
09. Hugged a tree
10. Bungee jumped
11. Visited Paris
12. Watched a lightning storm at sea
13. Stayed up all night long and saw the sun rise
14. Seen the northern lights
15. Gone to a huge sports game
16. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa
17. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
18. Touched an iceberg
19. Slept under the stars
20. Changed a baby's diaper
21. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
22. Watched a meteor shower
23. Gotten drunk on champagne
24. Given more than you can afford to charity
25. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
26. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
27. Had a food fight
28. Bet on a winning horse
29. Asked out a stranger
30. Had a snowball fight
31. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
32. Held a lamb
33. Seen a total eclipse
34. Ridden a roller coaster
35. Hit a home run
36. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
37. Adopted an accent for an entire day
38. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
39. Had two hard drives for your computer
40. Visited all 50 states
41. Taken care of someone who was drunk
42. Had/Have amazing friends
43. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country
44. Watched whales
45. Stolen a sign
46. Backpacked in Europe
47. Taken a road-trip
48. Gone rock climbing
49. Midnight walk on the beach
50. Gone sky diving
51. Visited Ireland
52. Been heartbroken longer than you were actually in love
53. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger's table and had a meal with them
54. Visited Japan
55. Milked a cow
56. Alphabetized your cds
57. Pretended to be a superhero
58. Sung karaoke
59. Lounged around in bed all day
60. Played touch football
61. Gone scuba diving
62. Kissed in the rain
63. Played in the mud
64. Played in the rain
65. Gone to a drive-in theater
66. Visited the Great Wall of China
67. Started a business
68. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
69. Toured ancient sites
70. Taken a martial arts class
71. Played d&d for more than 6 hours straight
72. Gotten married
73. Been in a movie
74. Crashed a party
75. Gotten divorced
76. Gone without food for 5 days
77. Made cookies from scratch
78. Won first prize in a costume contest
79. Ridden a gondola in Venice
80. Gotten a tattoo
81. Rafted the snake river
82. Been on television news programs as an "expert"
83. Gotten flowers for no reason
84. Performed on stage
85. Been to Las Vegas
86. Recorded music
87. Eaten shark
88. Kissed on the first date
89. Gone to Thailand
90. Bought a house
91. Been in a combat zone
92. Buried one/both of your parents
93. Been on a cruise ship
94. Spoken more than one language fluently
95. Performed in Rocky Horror
96. Raised children
97. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
98. Passed out cold
99. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
100. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
101. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge
102. Sang loudly in the car, and didn't stop when you knew someone was looking
103. Had plastic surgery
104. Survived an accident that you shouldn't have survived
105. Wrote articles for a large publication
106. Lost over 100 pounds
107. Held someone while they were having a flashback
108. Piloted an airplane
109. Touched a stingray
110. Broken someone's heart
111. Helped an animal give birth
112. Won money on a T.V. game show
113. Broken a bone
114. Gone on an African photo safari
115. Had a facial part pierced other than your ears
116. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
117. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wildside
118. Ridden a horse
119. Had major surgery
120. Had a snake as a pet
121. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
122. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
123. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
124. Visited all 7 continents
125. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
126. Eaten kangaroo meat
127. Eaten sushi
128. Had your picture in the newspaper
129. Changed someone's mind about something you care deeply about
130. Gone back to school
131. Parasailed
132. Touched a cockroach
133. Eaten fried green tomatoes
134. Read "The Iliad"
135. Selected one "important" author who you missed in school, and read them
136. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
137. Skipped all your school reunions
138. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
139. Been elected to public office
140. Written your own computer language
141. Thought to yourself that you're living your dream
142. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
143. Built your own PC from parts
144. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn't know you
145. Had a booth at a street fair
146. Dyed your hair
147. Been a DJ
148. Shaved your head
149. Caused a car accident
150. Saved someone's life

Wow, this was interesting! I have done more than I thought, but there are definitely some things on here I want to do at some point.

The List

I was talking to one of my (few - ha!) happily married girlfriends and we were talking about The List. You know, the one that couples have, where if you had a chance to sleep with certain celebrities you could do it...no harm, no foul.
I don't exactly need The List nowadays since I'm not couple-y, but I decided to let myself have one anyway. This is who I put on it:

Ben Stiller
Patrick Dempsey
Peter Krauss
Steve Martin
LL Cool J
Hugh Laurie
Jack Black
Zach Braff
Clive Owen
Colin Meloy

Do you have a list?

Haiku #104

Then, there was cool twin
Pam Chappelle, so popular
Of course not my type

Eat Candy. Be Happy.

I am one of those paycheck to paycheck sorts. Not able to do much in the way of savings, what with my lavish lifestyle and all. So, generally, at my house we have rich week and poor week. It is actually quite festive! Well, rich week is at least. Anyway, this is poor week and apparently it is coinciding with rushed week or maybe just stupid week. My cupboards have become quite bare here at work. I try to keep a supply of lunches on hand...mostly things like Soup at Hand and Budget Gourmet frozen mac n'cheese. Somehow I let my supply dwindle down to nothing besides those little packages of oatmeal. Now, here's where the rushed or stupid comes in. I could just bring a sandwich or something from home. Of course I could! I just keep...not. Somehow. So I ate oatmeal for a couple of days, then got sick of it. Today I ate a pack of Cheezits left over from storytime and called it lunch. Luckily, Babymama was showing a movie for the teens today and had made popcorn. She also provided some little tiny chocolate bars and soda. I stopped in, you know, just to see how things were going and was able to score popcorn, a couple little candy bars and a little cup o Coke. The candy was especially pleasing to me...dark chocolate! Yes! And that, my friends, is all it takes to make me happy.

My Muppet Personality

Why am I not surprised? Huh.

You Are Miss Piggy

A total princess and diva, you're totally in charge - even if people don't know it. You want to be loved, adored, and worshiped. And you won't settle for anything less. You're going to be a total star, and you won't let any of the "little people" get in your way. Just remember, piggy, never eat more than you can lift!

The Muppet Personality Test

What I Need

I need a few things. However, right now I am specifically thinking of a new cd player for my car. I have my XM going on and I love it. Unfortunately, I think my cd player has just about had it. I put in Beck's Odelay, like, a month ago. It got stuck in there and finally today I was motivated enough to get it out. I haven't had a chance yet to see if Beck is okay. And I want to play the new Decemberists, but I don't want to lose it forever. Sadly, I mostly get the chance to listen to music in my car and I enjoy it so. I guess that will be number one on my X-Mas list. It is time to start making those, isn't it? I also plan to make a couple of the best mix lists I can think of and offer them up to anyone who wants to burn them for me as a holiday gift :-)
Anyway, it is way too early to be thinking of what I need...but damn, Gina! I need my cd player!

A Rather Dull Weekend

I'm both sorry and relieved to say that the weekend passed uneventfully. Sometimes I just feel that I am waiting and waiting for something, anything to happen. And that is how I have been all my life. I let things happen to me, instead of being the one to make things happen.
Saturday I really just sat around my livingroom watching tv and reading. WTG had all kinds of people roaming around working on his new room and I just stayed out of the way and tried to keep Handsome Lad entertained. On Sunday I did go out to brunch with Milly and K. It was very nice to have a visit with my girls. Then I returned home for more serious lounging about. Girlie Girl had her cheerleading late in the afternoon and fortunately it wasn't raining for that. Handsome Lad came with me and it was a good couple of hours. Then, in the evening Kick Back Dude came over with his family, which they haven't done in a while. It was nice to visit with them.
Then, all of a sudden, it was Monday again and here I am. On the bright side, another day closer to Halloween! I am thinking about being a bear this year...I think I may have mentioned that? Maybe a teddy bear....

Haiku #103

You were the shy twin
In a big group of sisters
Sweet Patty Chappelle

Haiku #102

Dimple cheeked Donna
You always had a boyfriend
A plus sized princess

Friday Oddness

TGIF. Really, I am so ready for a weekend. As much as I enjoy my job, some weeks just feel endless. I did do my Excel training yesterday and found it very useful. I think I may actually end up being the go-to gal here for spreadsheets and databases :-) Plus, bonus, I had time for a nice long lunch with Team C. Sometimes I wish I could see more of him, but other times I know it is just as well that we keep things very, very under control.
Today, one of our co-workers didn't show up, thus the Friday oddness. She is a part-time person, generally very reliable, and she just simply didn't come in. We tried her cell, no answer, her home, no answer, and her other job, where she had been earlier in the day but that was all they knew. I am left to hope that she simply forgot her schedule and that something bad hasn't happened to her. She is scheduled tomorrow too, so I will have to call and see if she's come in. Not to be nosy, but it is worrisome.
Other random thoughts....lets see...I had lunch alone today. I ate in the park because the weather is so pretty and it is nice to actually be in the weather for part of the day. Being indoors all the time can definitely get me down.
I started a new book. It is by Harry Shearer, who I think is quite funny. It is called Not Enough Indians. I figured I could use a smart laugh.
Here's hoping you guys have a really good weekend. You deserve it.

Excel for Dopes

Tomorrow I am going to attend and Excel Training Seminar for three hours in the morning. Don't laugh, but I've never really learned how to use it very well, so when it was offered I jumped on board. I wonder if I can really learn to use it in three hours. I guess I'll see and after all, it is a morning out of the library...and in a different library...
I do have a fun lunchtime planned with Team C. For that, I will learn Excel and just about anything else anyone wants to teach me. More tomorrow.

Haiku #101

Mark, you were cute, sweet
Still thinking of the straight life
It wasn't to be.

Haiku #100

Tammy Ferranti
You were my first high school friend
You were the coolest!

http://x365.org

Un, Deux, Trois

After I insisted on being tagged at Eclectic Spaghetti.....

3 Smells I love:
Fresh cut grass
Chocolate chip cookies right out of the oven
Just out of the bath baby

3 Smells I hate:
Overcooked vegetables
Burnt popcorn
Wet dog

3 Jobs that I have had in my life:
Del Taco hostess
Gemco cashier/stock clerk
Library Tech.

3 Movies that I could watch over and over:
Zoolander
Office Space
Muriel's Wedding

3 Fond memories:
The births of my children
Concerts with Milly
The first time Team C kissed me

3 Jobs I would love to have:
Poet / Novelist
Ice cream flavor developer
Roller Derby Queen

3 Places that I have lived:
Arizona
Nevada
California

3 Things I like to do:
Read
Watch my favorite shows on Tivo
Blog

3 Of my favorite foods:
Macaroni and cheese
Ice cream
Anything chocolate

3 Places I would like to be right now:
At the beach with the sun shining
At a concert in a nice intimate venue
On my couch with blanket and the remote

3 Websites that I visit daily:
Gmail
Blogger
The library's homepage

3 Things that make me cry:
My children being hurt physically or emotionally
Various songs, tv shows, books, movies...
Sudden feelings of futility

3 Friends that I am tagging:
You're
all
it.
(copied Tara there...I want everyone to play!)

Family Parties for Young Adults

Ooooh, family parties for young adults, huh.
Good gawd y'all...
What is it good for?
Absolutely nothing!
Say it again!

Singing it like Edwin Starr, y'all. Anyway, it was a fine little family gathering, but honestly Secret Agent Man wasn't all that into it. I don't blame him. His friends are his everything right now. I really felt like the effort of making a party was more for the grandmas and grandpas and aunts and uncles. S.A.M. would have been just as happy to have had the money spent for the party :-) Still, I guess we do need to get together every so often for whatever the occasion.

Back to work today...seems like I never left. I will say that things have gotten quite a bit easier around here since we were allowed to hire another half time person. I rarely have over 3 hours on the public desk these days, so that gives me more time to do my other work and of course just a bit more time for the internets and such. I feel like I deserve that extra time though, since I have taken on many of the class visits. Plus, Smiley has asked us all to do additional programming so that their are at least two specials each month in addition to our regular storytimes.

I finished the Dexter books...there must be a third in the works. Now I am reading something very different. Another one of those books that I have meant to get to for ages. It is called Consider This, Senora. It is so lovely, so sad, but full of beauty too.

Haiku #99

I danced with you once
Tight pants, an alarming bulge
Thanks, I think, Curtis

Happy Birthday (almost) To Son #2

Tomorrow is my second son's birthday. I have always awkwardly avoided using my kids names here. But I hate using Son #1, #2, etc. Let me give them aliases. I thought maybe I could just use their main personality traits
Son #1 - Kick Back Dude
Son #2 - Secret Agent Man
Son #3 - Social Animal
Daughter - Girlie Girl
Son #4 - Handsome Lad
Okay, that's settled. So, tomorrow Secret Agent Man turns 20. I'm sure he has his own plans for the evening, but we are having a family lunch in the afternoon. He requested spaghetti like a good boy. (It is far and away one of the easiest dishes to make ahead of time and in bulk so the cook can enjoy the party too.) I am just giving him $$$, because I think he'd prefer that to just about anything I could possibly pick out. I am not known for my great gift picking abilities anyway.
I was sort of relieved when my dad and stepmom said they couldn't make it. Not that I don't love them, but it is always somehow a slightly different occasion when they are around. I guess because we don't see them so much and also because my mom and sister still seem to have many hard feelings about my dad left over from, like 25 years ago. Damn, let it go people! Anyway, they will come later in the month and take us out to brunch or something.
Today I am at work, tomorrow family party, and this weekend is shot. And in the weird synchronization that is at work in my personal life Swordsman called me on Thursday to ask me to not throw in the towel with him yet. We talked awhile and as always he made me want to continue to play his little games. Then, I came in this morning to find that Team C called yesterday and left a message for me. The thing with him is that I can always truly look forward to seeing him with no weird mixed feelings. He's just a pure pleasure to know. So, I guess I'll just sit back and see what happens next.

Haiku #98

Brad, a handsome boy
Working part time at the ranch
The girls flocked to you

Haiku #97

Teri and Debbie
Heard your dad did things to you
I hope those were lies

Life As We Know It

Once again I find myself wanting to post a blog entry, but not really having any topic to hang it on. So, allow me to blather a bit, por favor.
Okay, lets see what comes to mind. I was going to go to lunch with Milly today, but then her sister came to take her out. I was sort of relieved because this cold I am sporting has left me less than great company. I'm sort of cotton headed or something. So I just had some soup and read. I had just finished Darkly Dreaming Dexter and was beginning Dearly Devoted Dexter. I had been wanting to read these, but hadn't gotten to them. I was finally pushed when I saw the premiere of Dexter on Showtime.
Now I'm getting ready to go home for the day and tomorrow is my Friday off. I wish I could say I had some fabulous plans, but I believe I've committed myself to some babysitting somehow. Note to self: Learn to say "no".
Sorry for the randomness...again. At some point I will become interesting and will begin posting witty topics that will incite discussion! Now, doesn't that make you want to come on back?

My Desk pt. 2 Sort Of

Gobble Gobble

I totally meant to post yesterday, but spent the time I had set aside for blogging consoling my sister on the phone. She found out the rat bastahd she's been seeing for a couple of years recently joined a dating site. She needed someone to talk to about all the little ways in which he has given her pause to wonder over the course of their whole relationship. She said she's through with him and I told her over and over again that she is doing the right thing. Like I am anyone who should be passing out relationship advice.

Why the gobble gobble, you may be asking. Well, I was just thinking about the turkey dinner I had yesterday evening. One of my coworkers, lets call her Babymama (because all she ever talks about are her kids), invited me and Milly over to her house for dinner, to help her eat leftovers. Dang, sometimes a turkey dinner just really wows me when it isn't Thanksgiving or Easter or something. She's a really good cook too. I can and do cook of course...but I don't LOVE doing it the way a good cook should. After the meal, we even got some razzleberry pie. Unfortunately, all that starch and tryptophen(sp?) and sugar practically put me in a coma. Yet I still had to come back to work and be peppy for storytime and fiery and indignant for my sister. It was a long three hours.

Today the building is so packed. A good many of these kids are here every single day. Geez. I know when I was a kid I sure never spent that much time in a library, although I was the kind of kid who probably wouldn't have minded.

Haiku #96

Second grade was brief
You knew I was beyond you
Right, Mrs. Shaffer?

What I See When I Sit at My Desk

Besides my big, fat computer screen I have lots to look at. I am one of those people who clutters up their space a bit with personal mementos and I have a good sized, L-shaped desk, overhead cabinets and material covered walls perfect for push pining things ups. I have pictures from magazines, copies of illustrations from children's books, photos of my family and friends, three little stuffed animals, many papers of all shapes, sizes, colors, books, my phone, other office supplies, art projects, sometimes food or a beverage, a clock... I'm pushing it. I think I have to clean up a little, but it makes me feel comforted to have stuff around me that is mine. And I never have problems putting my hands on what I need. I know some offices have a strong "no clutter" policy. In theory it is sort of like that here, but I maintain this image as "creative" and it seems that explains all the stuff! My home is much less cluttery. Maybe I don't need it there, because it is home. What do you guys think? Do you guys like a tidy desk/office? Or do you wallow in your things?

Haiku #95

You rented a house
We called you Barbie and Ken
The perfect couple

How Much Do I Know About '80's Music?

You Scored 75% Correct

You are an 80s expert You never confuse New Order with the Pet Shop Boys You know which classical musician Falco rocked When it comes to 80s music, you Just Can't Get Enough!

How Much Do You Know About 80s Music?

Shows my age, eh? I actually thought I'd do better, but I always have trouble with exact years....

Float On

You remember, of course, that Modest Mouse song so popular awhile back. I heard it on the ride home last night and since I hadn't heard it lately I was happy to hear it instead of groaing, "Again?" And it even made me philosophical about how things have been lately. I get all my best deep thoughts from pop songs. I'm like, "Yes! Good news IS on the way!" haha! I realize that I'm a ridiculous person, but I guess I'm okay with that.

Have a good weekend, peeps.

Haiku #94

Tonya from skating
Your mom was so mean to you
We weren't nice either

Haiku #93

The mother next door
Charlotte was big, loud, funny
Vivid in my mind

Howz About Some Cheese, Hold the Whine

The world seems less dim today. The bright spot of my day was seeing about 15 of the kids here at the library perform their own little magic show today. It was the cutest thing. We had a professional magician come in and teach them a few tricks over a couple of days and then they showed off what they had learned for an audience. Fun stuff like that happens and then I totally feel lucky to have the job I have.
I talked to my experimental (or whatever) son yesterday evening and I think it went pretty well. I expressed my concerns and even made sure to let him know that I feel partially responsible for forgetting that he is young enough to still make really bad decisions and that I would be keeping a closer eye on him with that in mind. He seemed sincerely sorry and embarrassed. Well, that he'd been caught, but still, he likes being sort of a family star and I don't think he wants to risk appearing so bad again...and also hopefully, he heard what I said and won't want to do something so foolish again, caught or not. I do feel better after having been able to talk with him.

Haiku #92

Your name is long gone
But your little deformed arm
Scared my sister so.

Clap if You Like Whining

Keep it going, because you're in for a treat today. This will be an all whine post. On my mind with a vengence:
1. My oldest son can't get into the stupid doctor's office to have his stitches examined. It will take, literally, seconds, and they claim there is no way to get him in before Monday. What if this thing gets infected? Back to the E.R. then, I guess.
2. I still have not dealt with Son #3's little foray into the marijuana. WTG talked to him about it. By the time I got home last night, around 9:30, he was able to feign sleep convincingly enough that I knew it wouldn't be a good time to talk. So, I still don't know what I'll say to him. He will be spoken to this evening though, and some sort of consequences laid down.
3. I haven't yet found a replacement car so that WTG can quit bitching about the one he "gave" me and the tremendous debt he says he incurred. (Do I doubt the debt part? You betcha.) I have looked, but nothing seems quite feasible for me. I mean, I'll have very little to spend and it must be running.
4. WTG tried to join a gym that was offering a month's free trial. They refused to let him sign up because his blood pressure is too high. If he has a stroke or something, would I have to be the one to look after him? Okay, you can hate me now, because that sounds horrible. You'd have to know WTG though...
5. My memory is totally shot. One piece of evidence is here. I have heard that this sort of thing can be linked to stess and/or depression. Do ya think?
Thanks for joining the Festival of Whine! Are you craving some cheese?

Snap into a Slim Jim!

Me and Milly went in on this big box of Slim Jims from Amazon a while back. My portion has sort of been sitting around. I eat them very occasionally. Until this evening, that is. Tonight they are tasting mighty, mighty good to me. I mean, they are gross. They get my fingers oily! Yet sometimes they just hit the spot. Like tonight.
Oh, do you want to know what I am reading now? I have just begun Angry Housewives Eating Bonbons. I liked a couple of her other books okay. This one is sort of losing me at the beginning, but this may be just my not so great mood coming into play. I'll keep trying. I have a stand-by if this one doesn't work out.
I am hesitating to discuss why I am feeling distracted...it shows, doesn't it? I found a baggie of pot in one of my son's closet. He is a very good student, a very good kid, and I am a bit at a loss. This is, I have to say, surprising and it has me a bit down. I'm not entirely sure how to handle it just yet. Sometimes, I'm just afraid I have done everything wrong.

Haiku #91

Cute Sherry Buda
Chiropractic medicine
Was your dream career

Haiku #90

Your name was Andrew
Noted for using a flag
To cover your deck


http://x365.org

When There is a Rule, There is a Reason

My oldest son found that out the hard way...given that he is 21, probably not for the first time. On Sunday, while I took my daughter to the football game for cheerleading, Son #1 took his littlest brother bowling. I believe there are signs posted saying "Do Not Touch the Rails" or at least "Be Careful if Touching the Rails" I guess those are those things that go up or down on the lanes to block the gutter for little ones? (Not a bowler, I am piecing this together.) They had the rails up so Little Bro could actually bowl and when one fell down, Big Bro went to put it back up and somehow it sliced almost right through the top of his pinkie. He stayed calm and after examining it in the bathroom, realized he was pretty badly injured. He got his younger brother home without letting him know all that much was wrong, and then, luckily for once, WTG was there and took him to the emergency room. He had to get 15 stitches. Seems like a lot for such a little finger.
When I saw him this morning, he said what hurt the most was his shoulder where they gave him the tetanus shot.
While all this was going on, I was sitting in the broiling sun watching my darling daughter cheer for a team that lost 30-0. At least the girls did a fine job with their little half time performance :-) Mom side note: I am making an extra special effort to get along with my one and only daughter. She can be contentious, but in attempting to recall myself at 13, I feel certain I was similar and that no one that age can really help it. Ima get that Mother of the Year award yet!

Which Brady Am I?

You Are Greg Brady

Outta sight! Suave and all American, you tend to be clean cut and upstanding. You're friendly with most people and a huge flirt (sometimes even with family members!).

What Brady Are You?

hee hee!

What Season Am I?

You Belong in Spring

Optimistic, lively, and almost always happy with the world... You can truly appreciate the blooming nature of spring. Whether you're planting flowers or dyeing Easter eggs, spring is definitely your season!

What Season Are You?

Thanks to Tara for reminding me of how fun blogthings are :-)

Haiku #89

Pretty little girl
Shelly Peron, lets face it
Never stood a chance.

It's Official (Again) - I Am White Trash

Today I got a phone call from home with the fabulous news that my electricity had been shut off. It was TOTALLY my fault. I meant to call by yesterday when it was due and get an extension until Friday when my check hits the bank, but I just dropped the ball. I was able to call and get it back on fairly quickly, but everyone who was home at the time (especially WTG) are super pissed at me. They were inconvenienced briefly, but the end result is that I look like such a major loser. Oh, well. What's new there? Cue the dueling banjos, please.

Let's look to happier topics, shall we? I wanted to tell you about my fun dinnertime break on Monday. I had dinner, as I often do, with my little bear friend Milly. She is the rock n roll librarian. On Monday, her friend and bandmate, lets call him Giblert, dropped by with his guitar. We went into the auditorium and I got to listen to their impromptu rehearsal. It was fun! They even let me make requests. I wanted Dancing Queen and they gave it a very fair shot :-) They both kept apologizing for mistakes and saying they didn't sound good, and I couldn't seem to make them believe that it was a pleasure to hear them working on their songs like that. I so envy people who can sing and/or play instruments. My singing voice is awful and I have never learned and instrument. I'd love to though, so maybe someday I will. Don't you think the cello is so sexy?

Keep Talkin', Mateys

It wasn't until I read just about every other blog in the world that I remembered that I was supposed to be celebrating Talk Like a Pirate Day today. I LOVE pirates! Those dirty thieves of the high seas are just so cool somehow. I was a pirate last year for Halloween, even....see?


Anyway, hope it was a good one for all you scruvy scums out there...
I let this day slip away from me and am almost out of time. Tomorrow, I will tell you about my fun dinner last Monday. xxx

Haiku #88

Sweet Bobby Sherman
Non-threatening older man
Trapped in my t.v.

Haiku #87

Greg, Marcia, Peter,
Jan, Bobby, Cindy Brady
Almost real to me.

She's Easy

Saw Team C today and now I feel like the kitty in the cream. I couldn't be more content. I am just a warm, smiling, picture of bliss. So, so easy.

My Evening As a Guinea Pig

Yesterday after work, me and Milly went to see August Rush. We had to pretty much rush straight there after work, as we needed to be there by 6:45. The movie didn't start until 7:30, but since it was a special screening there was all this rigamaroll to get through. We stood in line and filled out our demographic information cards, presented out invitations, got our tickets. We went into the theater and had our bags very thoroughly searched. They didn't care if we brought in outside food, but they were extremely concerned, of course, about secret little cameras and things. We had to sit kind of near the front, but I don't mind that. A guy gave a little speech about how we were the first ones to view this film, and we were watching a working copy so there may be little imperfections in sound, color, etc. Then we watched the movie. I have to say I really enjoyed it and afterwards gave it really high marks on the opinion survey. Honestly, it probably isn't something I would have chosen to go see randomly. It was very sweet and romantic, like a fairy tale. It was defintely a feel good film, not something I'm necessarily all that into, but what the heck! It did feel good :-) Jonathan Rhys-Meyers and Keri Russell are gorgeous people (and talented musicians as well.) And Freddie Highmore? That kid is awesome!
So, I got a little evening out, a free movie, and a chance to provide my opinion. Yow. The End.
PS - I have a Team C meeting tomorrow. I am so, so excited.

It's L.B. Appreciation Day Somewhere in the World!

I would like to direct you to Eclectic Spaghetti where the very cool Tara has given me my very own day! Visit her and join in the celebration of yours truly. haha!
Okay enough about me...no, wait...this blog is all about me, right? Me and my boring life. Lives up to it's name, for sure!

Haiku #86

You were handsome then
Dark Danny Bustamonte
Ambiguous sort of crush.

You Can Thank Me Later

I almost posted something all 9/11-ish yesterday, but couldn't bear to do it. You're welcome.

On Sunday WTG and I went to see Sherrybaby. The thing about this movie was not so much the story itself, but the fearless acting. Maggie Gyllenhaal may be my idol.
Tomorrow evening Milly and I are going to a preview of a movie called August Rush. I don't know much about it. It is one of those things where you go for free, but I think they want you to fill out a questionnaire or something. I'll give you the scoop on it, 'kay? 'Kay.

More tomorrow. I wanted to tell you something about the Swordsman, but what was it?

Haiku #85

A shy, quiet girl
Belinda with your dark hair
Smiling, rosy cheeked.

Haiku #84

Timmy and Gina
We used to babysit you
We weren't all that nice.

Captivating? Not So Much.

I know you were promised a captivating entry for today. Please tell me this isn't the first time someone has let you down. Yeah, I didn't think so. I'm just one in a long line of disappointments, aren't I? *sigh* haha!
Okay, what can I say?
Did I tell you that Team C called on my first day back from vacay? It is our 2 year "anniversary"...well, today actually, I guess. When I see him next week, I will see if he remembers. Probably not. He can get away with that though, because when I mention it he will be so lovely and sweet about it. Can't wait to see him.
In other dude news, I think I am going to have to ease my way away from the Swordsman. It is just too complicated with him and I need simplicity, not complications. Obviously. As for DR, he is far away and back to his old habits of treating me very casually, which in the long run is fine with me. I mean, he is very far away and always will be from what I can tell.
Um, what else...reading? I finished Birds in Fall. It was wonderful. Now I am beginning Stiff, which I have actually been meaning to read for awhile...at least I remember hearing about it back when Six Feet Under used to be on... Anyway, it seems interesting and funny so far.
Is that all I have? I guess...oh, Milly just showed me the Amazon listing for the new Decemberist cd The Crane Wife. I should get it. Yeah, I will get it.
And thus ends my captivating Saturday entry here. See you Monday, dears.

Haiku #83

Lisa's little sis
You were so spoiled and silly
Are you still, Laurie?

Haiku #82

You were Monique's friend
I know you were Melinda
But thats all I know

Day is Done

And darkness falls on the wings of night
As a feather is wafted downward
By an eagle in its flight...or something like that. Remember that cool poetry reading Mike and Greg Brady did at Family talent night? If you are my age or you watch Nick at Night you do! haha!
Seriously though...I have let another day rush past, without much time to write. Tomorrow is my Friday off, so I will write a captivating entry on Saturday, for sure.

Haiku #81

Mrs. Giano
You were my teacher for Sixth
A bit of a bore.

Don't Faint! It's a New Post!

Returned to work yesterday after my week off. The first day back to work never seems too fab, but yesterday was especially messed up. I normally work 9-6 on Tuesdays when no programming is going on, so I turned up at 9 good to go. However...my co-worker had called in unable to attend work that evening, so I ended up being the one who sort of was urged to consider working 12-9, as I do during programming. It would save having to get a temp in blah, blah, blah. So, yeah, I went on home, did some more laundry, watched an Intervention that I had Tivo'd and returned at noon for a full 9 more hours of good times. It was fine, just not the best start to the working week...
My days off were okay. I really did relax quite a bit. Still, it wasn't what I pictured or hoped for when I asked for this time off months ago. I did successfully get the chirrens back in school. Now there is a pricey little proposition and they go to public school!
When I got back online, I had to spend some quality time catching up on email and visting my favorite blogs. It was nice to see everyone :-) Was I missed here? Come on, don't be too shy to admit it. Okay...I know I am talking to myself for the most part, but it amuses me and is harmless, right?
Lets see...I did a bit of reading. I started the week with My Lover's Lover. I had actually had it on my 'to read' list for quite some time and one day I just happened to pick it up from a table over here. It turned out to be pretty good. One of those sort of well written, but sort of removed stories. Then, I reread Waiting. Such a sad and visceral book. Between those and my magazines I made it through the week. Yesterday I picked up Birds in Fall. I've only barely started it, but I can tell it is going to be great. Very, very well written with characters that I can already tell I am going to appreciate.
Okay, I have blathered my blather. I will blather some more tomorrow! It IS good to be back.

Don't You Forget About Me

While I am incommunicado for the next nine days, please don't think I've forgotten you. It is just that when I am not working, I am not online. Hopefully, when I return on Sept. 5 I will have something interesting to post. I know I will look forward to catching up with all thats been happening at my favorite blogs.
Dang, I'm a-gonna miss my computer, but it is better this way....farewell for now mon amis! xoxo

Haiku #80

Mr. Priest (I think)
You made me cry in P.E.
You should be ashamed

http://x365.org

Haiku #79

Cute little Davey
Was I your first older crush
When one grade was huge?

Haiku #78

The flat chested girls
Rochelle was a kindred soul
Showering trauma

Haiku #77

She ruled show and tell
Demonstrating her hot comb
Sandra was so cool

Unchained Melody

Okay, total corniness alert. When I am with Team C and right after...that is the song playing in my head. I'm sorry, I can't help it. I don't have enough of him, he doesn't have enough of me, but it works. I just adore him and our little times together.
In other news there is not much other news. I do have my time off to look forward to next week. Not an actual vacation, you'll notice I avoided that term, but rather "time off", which is a different animal.

l.b Gives Thanks for the Little Things Too!

Such as...a long, late lunch with Team C this afternoon. I can't wait!

l.b. Gives Thanks

My 17 year old son was in a car accident, on the freeway, this past Saturday afternoon. He was with his cousin, who is 15, and they were driving out towards Glen Helen for the Family Values Tour. He heard a bump-bump-bump from the rear of his car, so assuming it was a flat, he began pulling to the shoulder on his left (he was in the car pool lane). Suddenly, his car slid, and the front of his car went towards the right. A car glanced off of his passenger side front corner and went sliding off the freeway and ended up on its side in a shallow ditch a couple feet up a little dirt embankment. As that car hit his front, it pushed him back towards the left, and as he started to slide around another car clipped his rear passenger side corner. This pushed him around until he was sitting in the fast lane facing traffic. Luckily, by this point, the traffic behind was slowing down, realizing something was going on. He was able to pull the car around to the shoulder, facing the right way. While he crossed the freeway (I guess traffic was completely stopped, but I still freak out at this part) to check on the people in the car on its side, his cousin called 911. The people in the car were all okay and got out, but were of course very distraught and frightened. He went back over, and got his cousin. Firetrucks, paramedics, an ambulence, and the highway patrol all showed up eventually. Two of the ladies from the sideways car decided to go to the hospital to get checked out. He called the house and asked for his dad, whose first question was not "are you alright", but "whose fault was it". At any rate, WTG was far too busy to go handle this and didn't see why he should have to as the boys said they were uninjured. Of course my sister and I got right over there, helped the guys talk to the officers taking the report, got a tow truck, and got them home.
Now the waiting. It is pretty much up to insurance what happens now. Our car is really barely damaged. Oh, and what had happened wasn't a flat, but rather that the tread from the tire had fallen off. I just had those tires checked and rotated a week ago and no trouble was spotted then, but these things can, apparently, happen. At any rate, the tire has been replaced, with the three others to be done for good measure once I get paid this week. Those two other cars, who knows what they will try to claim. The accident originated with our car and we can be found responsible and who knows what kind of monetary damage this is going to do. Frankly, though, at his point I couldn't give a tiny rat's ass about any of that. MY SON AND NEPHEW WERE IN AN ACCIDENT ON THE FREEWAY INVOLVING TWO OTHER CARS AND THEY ARE BOTH COMPLETELY UNINJURED. That is the heart and soul of this story. And that is why I give thanks.

Haiku #76

Smart and funny too
Ironic Jeff Shiraki
Cool then and cool now

Haiku #75

To a little girl
John and Olivia were
A perfect couple

A Long Quiz From My Weird Friend in Florida :-)

Non-Scientific Getting-to-Know-You, Personality Profile Questionnaire

Please answer each question honestly.

Some of the questions ask for a "why". However, even on the ones that don't, such as the multiple choice section, feel free to add a brief explanation why, if you wish.

Also, try not to hedge, fudge or duck. For example, if the question is "Who's your all-time favorite U.S. president?", it's better to go ahead and pick a president than to say "I don't like any of them" or "I'm not political" or "I'm not from the U.S." or some other non-answer. Again, if you want to include a little explanation, you can, such as "Millard Fillmore, but I like James K. Polk almost as much."

Same goes for the multiple choice questions. Try to pick one of the given choices.

1. What did you have for breakfast this morning? If it's morning and you haven't yet had breakfast, put what you had yesterday morning. -Coffee and dark chocolate M&M’s
(Then go eat something before you do rest of this questionnaire. I never intended for this to be done before breakfast.)

2. What was the last book you read? -I Don’t Know How She Does It: the Life of Kate Reddy, Working Mother by Allison Pearson

3. Who's your hero, and why? -My oldest son, for his maturity and grace under pressure.

4. What did you wear to bed/sleep last night? -My big white t-shirt and panties (yes, probably also big and white – haha!)

5. What's your dream job? -Novelist extraordinaire :-)

6. Who's your favorite Disney cartoon character? –Donald Duck (I relate when he has temper tantrums and I like his voice)

7. What's the last movie you saw? Did you like it? What's the last movie you saw that you liked a lot? -The last movie I saw was “The Oh in Ohio”. I liked it a lot.

8. If you could meet anybody in the world today, spend some time talking with them, maybe have a long lunch with them, who would it be and why? -Jimmy Carter because I would like hearing about life in the White House and since I admire him as a humanitarian, he is the one I would like to hear about it from, as opposed to some other President or former President.

9. If you could go back in time and spend a day with anyone in history, who would it be and why? -Einstein. Why not?

10. Which 2 characters from "Gilligan's Island" should have gotten together romantically? –Gilligan and Mary Ann.

11. Name at least 5 of your all-time favorite singers. 1. John Lennon 2. Chris Isaak 3. Nina Gordon 4. Johnny Cash 5. Donald Fagen

12. Suppose you had the opportunity to be a judge in a pageant, which was similar to the Miss America Pageant, except that all the contestants (who would be of the opposite sex from you) would compete totally naked. Would you want to be a judge of such a pageant? -Yes

13. What's your favorite state capital? -Sacramento (especially once Arnold vacates.)

14. Who's your favorite character from "The Andy Griffith Show", and why? Which character from that show do you most identify with, and why? -Andy Taylor is my favorite, because he was a good man. I identify most with Barney Fife, because I feel like a bumbler.

15. Name at least 5 famous people of the opposite sex that you consider physically/visually attractive, in the sense that, if you had to choose by looks alone, you would want to date them (if you were single and had the opportunity). The 5 can be from the past or present, as long as most people would know what they look like. 1. Ben Stiller 2. Jack Black 3. Andre Benjamin 4. Morrissey 5. Jason Bateman

(the following set of questions was inspired by a sequence in the movie "Pulp Fiction")

16. The Beatles or Elvis? -Beatles

17. Batman or Superman? -Batman (I like his dark side)

18. Star Trek or Star Wars? -Star Trek

19. The Brady Bunch or the Partridge Family? -The Brady Bunch

20. Franklin D. Roosevelt or Ronald Reagan? -FDR

21. George Bush or George W. Bush? -Neither. But since I am required to choose, George the First

22. Superman or Spider-Man? -Spider-Man (Peter Parker is sweet)

23. Bill Gates or Donald Trump? -Bill Gates (Married to his first wife and his hair isn’t as scary)

24. Elbows or knees? -Knees

25. Andrew Johnson or Lyndon Johnson? -Lyndon Johnson

26. Ashley or Mary-Kate? -Ashley (Seems less, um, insane)

27. Dogs or cats? -Cats

28. Boxers or briefs? -Boxer briefs…can I say that? Or, okay, boxers.

29. Buck Owens or Roy Clark? -Buck Owens

30. Football or baseball? -Baseball

31. Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie? -Jennifer Aniston (Angelina is a hottie, but is also starting to seem a little crazed)

32. Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt? -Brad Pitt (Again, wins on sanity, by a tooth)

33. Oar or ore? Ore (I don’t wanna row my boat ashore…)

Anyone else want to play? Please feel free to post a link to your blog with your own answers, okay? Thanks!

Poor Quality Pictures of My New Room

As mentioned, here they are. I took them with my phone camera, so they are not so great, but you can get the idea.

What Year Do I Belong In?

You Belong in 1969

If you scored... 1950 - 1959: You're fun loving, romantic, and more than a little innocent. See you at the drive in! 1960 - 1969: You are a free spirit with a huge heart. Love, peace, and happiness rule - oh, and drugs too. 1970 - 1979: Bold and brash, you take life by the horns. Whether you're partying or protesting, you give it your all! 1980 - 1989: Wild, over the top, and just a little bit cheesy. You're colorful at night - and successful during the day. 1990 - 1999: With you anything goes! You're grunge one day, ghetto fabulous the next. It's all good!

What Year Do You Belong In?

My New Room

For the past couple of years, I haven't really had a room of my own. I kept my clothes in one place, my books and miscellaneous stuff in another, and I pretty much slept on the couch or even the livingroom floor. Thats just kind of the way it worked out.
Finally, though, WTG pulled himself together enough to get going on making this one little back patio into an actual room. So, he moved himself out of the "master" bedroom and took over the room the littlest guy had been using, while little guy moved into the very cute, but small new room. And me? Yes, I get the big bedroom all for myself! It will be nice to have my own space at last. With a big family, I have gotten use to living very communally. At heart, however, I do like at least a bit of solitude. I will take a picture and show you my new little digs. I'm quite pleased with the way it looks. I think everyone is happily situated for the time being. Second son likes the extreme privacy of his little converted garage room. It is small, but yeah, the privacy factor is very high, coming and going is pretty unmonitered. At 19, he is all about that. Third son's room is wonderful. His uncle fixed it up for him as a reward for his excellent grades. He has better furniture than any of us and lots of space. My daughter likes her room, but needs to have things changed often to keep the looks fresh and interesting for her. She grows bored easily :-) Little son is adjusting to his new room. It is just right for him, all cozy and boyish. WTG is, I will say, good at taking things and making them his own, so hasn't minded changing rooms too much. And me? I am happy as a clam in My New Room. <(*¿*)>

Haiku #74

I have just recalled
A pretty, somewhat foreign girl
Gordana smiled scared

Haiku #73

So tall and striking
The sassy Sally Bailey
Who taught us to skate