Soooo....

[BarTopDancer]

I'd like to report that the Irvine Spectrum is not crowded at all. Plenty of parking in the structure!

[swanie]

Soooo, katiesue and I were having a ton of fun goofing around with ElfYourself (http://www.elfyourself.com/) yesterday.

You all can file this under the category of me being easily amused (and having way too much time on my hands), but here is a special LoT edition....

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! (http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1706760350)

:D

swanie

[JWBear]

Soooo, katiesue and I were having a ton of fun goofing around with ElfYourself (http://www.elfyourself.com/) yesterday.

You all can file this under the category of me being easily amused (and having way too much time on my hands), but here is a special LoT edition....

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! (http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1706760350)

:D

swanie

Hehehehehehe........

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Soooo, katiesue and I were having a ton of fun goofing around with ElfYourself (http://www.elfyourself.com/) yesterday.

You all can file this under the category of me being easily amused (and having way too much time on my hands), but here is a special LoT edition....

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! (http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1706760350)

:D

swanieJust seeing those swankers at the same height is funny enough! :D

[BarTopDancer]

Soooo, katiesue and I were having a ton of fun goofing around with ElfYourself (http://www.elfyourself.com/) yesterday.

You all can file this under the category of me being easily amused (and having way too much time on my hands), but here is a special LoT edition....

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! (http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1706760350)

:D

swanie

LMAO!

The ending has me cracking up!

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Its a sinus headache so I think it is probably from the humidity issues. The heater was checked for leaks last year and is fine, but it is one of those lovely wall heaters installed in the 60's (the second installation of heat in our house replacing the original floor heaters).

Our wood stove really dries out the air, so we put a kettle of water on top to help humidify the air. Maybe a humidifier would help when you have the heater on.

[MmeLytyeer]

I'd like to tell you all about my creepy moment at work tonight

... so i was standing directing traffic in front of Royal Street Veranda when this group of 3 men, in probably their 50s, walk past sorta staring at me, people stare at me all the time when I'm waving my flashlight so i didnt't think much of it. Then I noticed them stop and keep staring at me and one of them walked up to me and said, lecherously, "I hope you get spoiled for Christmas, because you deserve it" and they walked away quickly
and it was kinda creepy

[Morrigoon]

Ew, yeah.

[Disneyphile]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! (http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1706760350)iSm looks waaaaaay too natural in this. Ha! :D

Tonight was an adventure. My dad decided to take us all to dinner at the Tam O' Shanter. It was awesome, and they had carolers too. :snap:

Then, he decided, "Let's go see the Griffith Park light display!"

The 2-mile drive to the park took over 2 hours. I wish I were exaggerating, but it seems like the entire population of Los Angeles all had the same crazy-ass idea as my father. :rolleyes: He enjoyed it... probably because I was stuck driving.

[Mousey Girl]

My 2nd to last batch of seasonal fudge is cooling. The color is off, for no apparent reason. hehehe I guess it will be what goes to my sister.

The Boy left last night, for his dad's. It was a rough day, lots of tears. The latest tears were because of him not being able to track Santa. D&D have no internet access (supposedly).

Boy & I went to the inlaws yesterday to drop off his framed school picture and a plate of goodies. F-I-L was still being very cold towards me. I called first and got "Oh, it's you' again. He was very cold when we first got there, but M-I-L made me sit and visit for a while and he warmed up. It really makes me wonder what all they have been told about me. Boy had a melt down in front of them. I think he was a bit shocked (in a good way) about how I handled it. It also gave me an opportunity to express some of what I go through on an almost daily basis.



I really don't want to have to go to work this morning. I still have lots to do. This includes one more shopping outing. It is just to Petco. Santa is bringing the gold fish a new friend. It remains to be seen if it will be a frog or another gold fish. I cleaned her tank yesterday and she is once again playing with the filter. She is a happy fish, but still a bit bored.

Since I;m not sure when I will be able to get online again:

HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY!!!!

[3894]

Merry Kissmas and Beagles Navidad from Molly and Jack and me

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e192/Helen_3894/knitting288.jpg

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Did I mention that those puppies are cute? :) They kill me!

[scaeagles]

My dogless children peeked over my shoulder while that picture was up. Curse you, 3894! Endless cries of

"I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! "

Curse you, 3894!

[JWBear]

LOL!

[swanie]

My dogless children peeked over my shoulder while that picture was up. Curse you, 3894! Endless cries of

"I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! I want a puppy! ...
Curse you, 3894!

This should help you out :D

The breeder here in AZ sent us more photos yesterday. We still don't know if we will have one offered to us, but it has to be a good sign that she's taking the time to keep us updated...

Here's Rowdy...
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff17/swan0805/2007Dec22Rowdy2.jpg

Morgan and Wiggles...
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff17/swan0805/2007Dec20MorganGotWigglesRickRack.jpg

Bear, Wiggles and Strider...
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff17/swan0805/2007Dec20BearWigglesunderneathStrid.jpg

Morgan and Spencer...
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff17/swan0805/2007Dec20MorganSpenser.jpg

swanie

[BarTopDancer]

Hey Leo! It sound be worse. They could be saying I want puppies!

Helen - They are so beyond adorable!

[JWBear]

What breed are they?

[Morrigoon]

What's the breed on those? They are ADORABLE!

[swanie]

They are American Eskimo puppies. They are also known as Spitz.

They used to be a popular circus breed because they are very smart and agile dogs. The breed looks a lot like a minature Samoyed because they only get to be about 25-35 lbs. Our 12 year old that passed in June was about knee height and 27 lbs.

swanie

[Kevy Baby]

Hey Leo! It sound be worse. They could be saying I want puppies!It would be better if they said "I want dragons, I want dragons"
:D

[wendybeth]

Swanie- I really, really want one of them kinds of puppies. They are a perfect combination of everything I like in a dog. Of course, the beagles are pretty stinking cute too.:)

[scaeagles]

I have a heart of stone. I called the kids over, showed them those cute little white things, and said "Here's something else you can't have for Christmas! HAHAHAHA!".

[Capt Jack]

I have a heart of stone. I called the kids over, showed them those cute little white things, and said "Here's something else you can't have for Christmas! HAHAHAHA!".


*highfive*

delightfully evil

[Morrigoon]

Jack, your sig image cracks me up!

[Morrigoon]

OMFG... does it digest for you too?

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/random/doeseverything.jpg

[JWBear]

OMFG... does it digest for you too?

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/random/doeseverything.jpg

Griddle?!

[Prudence]

You know what really sucks? Holding your husband as he sobs because this year it's finally clear that his family doesn't give two sh!ts about him. Sure, I've known it for years. But now he knows.

I wish I wasn't in the process of making something special for him mother. But, I will continue, because unlike her I am decent human being who doesn't throw away her existing children because she has a new batch. Well, I don't have existing or new children, but you get my point.

I'm glad my family likes him and wants to include him as part of our family, but I know it's not the same. What the hell is wrong with those people?! :mad:

[Morrigoon]

That sucks... what did they do to him?

[swanie]

Swanie- I really, really want one of them kinds of puppies. They are a perfect combination of everything I like in a dog...:)

They are an awesome breed :D

Just a couple of warnings...

They are a barking breed. I dare you to make one stop. Our Kristi would look at us everytime she barked as if to say, "Sorry but I really can't help myself."

Secondly, they are a thinking breed. When I was chatting with the breeder, she said that she could tell her poodle to jump off a cliff and it would do it. An Eskie will look at you and say, "You first." :D Also, if they aren't challenged or mentally stimulated, they will find something that will :evil: . That's what makes them such good agility dogs. As they get older, it isn't such a problem, but when they are younger they really need a decent amount of activity.

swanie

[figment1986]

this reminds me... shouldn't the doctor who Christmas special have aired in the UK already... maybe a synopsis is up already...

[Prudence]

That sucks... what did they do to him?

It's somewhat hard to explain without it sounding like he's just being ungrateful for a non-ideal gift. But it's been a lot of things over the years - like we've lived in our condo for almost 4 years, and they've never visited once. They live 2 hours away and his dad comes over at least monthly to receive his medical care at the VA hospital here. But they've never come to visit their eldest son, who bought a condo, and is making something of himself.

That's just one example. They adopted two kids when he was 18, and they are now the focus. And also the grandkid by Ryan's other brother (brother is about a year and a half younger than Ryan) who isn't married and only recently got a decent job for the first time ever. I know that the younger kids deserve the lion's share of attention, but so help me it seems like Ryan's no longer a kid, and hasn't provided any grandkids yet, so he doesn't matter any more.

Ryan was really upset that, once again, no one from his side of the family asked what he wanted for Christmas. Not that they had to get what was on the list, but he wanted to be asked. Because if they didn't ask, they might get him something like [specific thing he totally didn't want]. I thought this was a little petty. After all, they know him and would never get him [specific thing he totally didn't want] and people are allowed to pick out their own presents. So, as much as I don't like how his parents treat him, I thought this was a silly concern.

Until he opened his present from them -- and there was the very [specific thing he didn't want] he was afraid of receiving.

It's not about the gifts - we actually preferred it last year when they didn't want to exchange gifts. It's that the gifts that are given send a message of "you are no longer important to us".

[Morrigoon]

That makes sense.

In other news... it's so disorienting how we had all this great cold weather and then Christmas Eve comes along and it's like 76 degrees out!

[Disneyphile]

I just got this quote in my email:

There are some people who want to throw their arms round you simply because it is Christmas; there are other people who want to strangle you simply because it is Christmas.

~Robert Lynd~

Heh. :snap:

[Not Afraid]

Thurston has the STINKIEST farts ever!

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Thurston has the STINKIEST farts ever!Where are we staying for New Year's again?




or





Now we know who to blame on NYE :D

[Mousey Girl]

Boy has been calling/texting me every 15-20 minutes to see where Santa is.

[BarTopDancer]

Where is Santa?

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

The traditional showing of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.

Now playing...

[Disneyphile]

Now we know who to blame on NYE :DI was planning on blaming mine on Kevy anyway. ;)

[figment1986]

this reminds me... shouldn't the doctor who Christmas special have aired in the UK already... maybe a synopsis is up already...

oh wait... it airs tomorrow / today.... dec 25... my brain is fried...

too bad school starts jan 7 again...

[Ghoulish Delight]

I hate wind. I don't mind so much being out in it, but when I'm inside, especially when I'm trying to sleep, the kind of wind we started having over night here makes me irrationally uneasy. Bleh.

[BarTopDancer]

I hate wind. I don't mind so much being out in it, but when I'm inside, especially when I'm trying to sleep, the kind of wind we started having over night here makes me irrationally uneasy. Bleh.

I have a tree right against my bedroom window. I wasn't so sure it was going to withstand the gusts last night.

That was crazy!

[Prudence]

We have snow! And yummy food! And toys to play with!

And what was really interesting - today my sister-in-law said she can't remember the last time she saw Ryan and I being so "jolly". Apparently graduation agrees with me.

[Morrigoon]

Our umbrella blew over in the night and landed against our sliding glass door. But miraculously didn't break it.

[Mousey Girl]

Today went well. I picked up Nick at 8am. I got to piss off Dawn, which was a wonderful present.

We had a nice breakfast with The Old People. My sister was a bit hurt that Nick didn't show much enthusiasm with his main present from her...a Bible, engraved with his name.

We got home with plenty of time for him to open his presents from me. "I knew you got me a Wii!!!!"

He was picked up at 3, to go to his other grandparents. When he got home at 6 he asked me to try connecting the Wii. In the middle of it one of my sisters-in-law stopped by. We had a nice visit.

Boy is now trying to play Thrillville.

[madmonkeygirl]

It's windy here but not as bad as last night thank goodness even though we were at my parents which wasn't as windy go figure and they are in the high desert...i moved to get away from the wind not have it worse where i live now..It's died down since we arrived back home and hopefully will continue to do so. I sleep well when it's windy outside....

[alphabassettgrrl]

I am now officially graduated. There's even video, if I can get my dad to send it to me.

And loot! Diamond earrings from the 'rents; flowers, candy, and a stuffed buffalo from my former coworkers; and from my brother - an engraved gavel.

Yeah, it's a little early in the career for a gavel, but it amuses me. And I can use it to sentence Ryan to taking out the garbage.

Plus, it meant that at some point during lunch I got to say: "I can't wait to get home and play with my gavel!" - which nearly caused Ryan to spit out his water.

Congrats!!! You're awesome! :) Congrats on the loots, too!

You know what really sucks? Holding your husband as he sobs because this year it's finally clear that his family doesn't give two sh!ts about him. Sure, I've known it for years. But now he knows.

Gah. I've been hearing stories about the other sides of the family and it's probably good that I'm not near them cuz I'd about strangle 'em.

Thurston has the STINKIEST farts ever!

Hahahah!! Our hound can dump some pretty hefty ones, too.

[Kevy Baby]

You haven't lived until you've experienced Dragon poop.

[Not Afraid]

Holy Cow! A tiger escaped from his pen at the SF Zoo and killed a man and mauled 2 others.

[CoasterMatt]

Holy Cow! A tiger escaped from his pen at the SF Zoo and killed a man and mauled 2 others.

They didn't know it could jump over 25 ft.

[libraryvixen]

They didn't know it could jump over 25 ft.

The wall was 20 feet! So it easily sailed right over. The tiger attacked someone in the cafe. Could you imagine? Eating a hamburger and then having a tiger maul you?

[€uroMeinke]

Of all the ways to go, being killed by a Tiger in an urban environment is almost better than decapitation.

That said, I have to confess that the Tiger is the one zoo animal that's inspired real primal fear in me. I had the pleasure of being starred down by one at the Lincoln Park Zoo and his growl literally sent chills through my body. We were separated by wall and moat, but you can tell he was contemplating getting past these inconveniences.

[Snowflake]

That's one membership I've not renewed yet, the SF Zoo.....

[Moonliner]

Could you imagine? Eating a hamburger and then having a tiger maul you?

Ya gotta admin thought, there is a certain symmetry in that....

[Not Afraid]

The tiger just wanted a burger.

[Snowflake]

The tiger just wanted a burger.

Well, gee whiz, there is a Clown Alley (I think) still across Sloat, he'd of done better there!

[Moonliner]

The tiger just wanted a burger.

I guess wild animals looking for a good place to eat is becoming a trend:

Wolf visits pub, has steak sandwich (http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_2645845.html?menu=news.quirkies).

[Morrigoon]

That's funny.

And how great that the wolf didn't attack anyone, just ate what it needed and left. Polite wolf.

[wolfy999]

Wolves are always polite....I should know!

[Moonliner]

That's funny.

And how great that the wolf didn't attack anyone, just ate what it needed and left. Polite wolf.

I wonder if he left a tip.

[JWBear]

I wonder if he left a tip.

Yes, but they had to be careful to not step in it. ;)

[Kevy Baby]

I need a new avatar.


ETA: Until I can find something new, I will recycle something old.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Things you learn when watching weekday daytime TV...an American won the World's Strongest Man last year, and this year's competition was held in Anaheim.

Important facts to know.

[Kevy Baby]

Things you learn when watching weekday daytime TV...an American won the World's Strongest Man last year, and this year's competition was held in Anaheim.

Important facts to know.Damn... did I miss it?

[Morrigoon]

This is pretty cool...it shows you where your energy comes from, based on your zip code. Looks like my area is mostly gas, followed by hydro and nuclear as the next two largest sources.

http://www.epa.gov/solar/powerprofiler.htm

[Disneyphile]

I'm going to NAB (http://www.nabshow.com/) in April!!!!

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

[Moonliner]

This is pretty cool...it shows you where your energy comes from, based on your zip code. Looks like my area is mostly gas, followed by hydro and nuclear as the next two largest sources.

http://www.epa.gov/solar/powerprofiler.htm

We got Nuclear baby, oh yeah! Go with the glow I always say.

[Kevy Baby]

This is pretty cool...it shows you where your energy comes from, based on your zip code. Looks like my area is mostly gas, followed by hydro and nuclear as the next two largest sources.

http://www.epa.gov/solar/powerprofiler.htmWe're pretty gassy at our place.

But you knew that already didn't you?

[€uroMeinke]

I'm wondering where to coal is coming from. After Mohave was shut down, I don't think there's any that feeds the So Cal Grid - even purchased power usually come from the PNW and that's mostly Hydro - I think their stats are a bit out of date

[Not Afraid]

I'm wondering where to coal is coming from. After Mohave was shut down, I don't think there's any that feeds the So Cal Grid - even purchased power usually come from the PNW and that's mostly Hydro - I think their stats are a bit out of date

Ooooh! I just love it when he talks shop!

[Kevy Baby]

I'm wondering where to coal is coming from. After Mohave was shut down, I don't think there's any that feeds the So Cal Grid - even purchased power usually come from the PNW and that's mostly Hydro - I think their stats are a bit out of dateWhat makes you think you know anything about power generation? It's not like you work at one.

[Snowflake]

Okay, I am sick of being sick, sick of being sick am I.

[MouseWife]

Okay, I am sick of being sick, sick of being sick am I.


Oh, Snowflake. To quote {probably incorrectly} Peter Frampton: "Do you feel like we do???"

I've been sick with whatever is going around for a while,thought I was getting better around Christmas Eve but then I woke up the day after Christmas SLAMMED. I have a fever and I know I have a sinus infection. :mad:

I've put a call in hoping that I don't have to go in to the doctor, don't wanna, don't feel good enough to drag myself through that.

Not to mention, plumbing work going on. Oh, not within me, :blush: the hall bathroom.

I hope you feel better soon, check yourself out, in case you need antibiotics, it can't last forever....can it?

[swanie]

Okay, I am sick of being sick, sick of being sick am I.

Oh, Snowflake. To quote {probably incorrectly} Peter Frampton: "Do you feel like we do???"

I've been sick with whatever is going around for a while,thought I was getting better around Christmas Eve but then I woke up the day after Christmas SLAMMED. I have a fever and I know I have a sinus infection. :mad:

I am sooo in the same boat. I came down with my cold the day before Thanksgiving and I am still not over it after 2 rounds of antibiotics for 2 separate ear infections. I am still hacking away, but I think it is now allergies with all of the wind here in AZ.

My 3 year old is finally over it, my 6 year old still has it, my never-gets-sick 10 year old ended up with an ear infection from it, and I'm just waiting for mr. swanie to get it in time for our trip next week!

This cold and flu season has really sucked :mad:

swanie

[Snowflake]

MW and Swanie, you two feel better soon, too!

All sounds horrid.

As for me, I typically have 1 cold per season, if that, this year I'm on cold #2. This one is particularly icky, but I hope I am getting close to done with it, hacking up all sorts of gross junk from my lungs (to be way too descriptive for this time of the day) but had a horrible sore throat when I got out of bed this morning and felt just as crappy.

Happily, the work emergency I was dreading, in typical patent fashion, hurry up, get everything ready for 25 mega filings, and oh, we're not doing them until soemtime in January now, thanks for all the hard work, did not mean to stress you out......bastards. At least I will be going home early today.

[MouseWife]

Ooo, ear infections!!! I don't feel like I have that, I think it settled into my sinus'. Either are very miserable, I feel so bad for you and yours to have to be sick with those things!!!

One thing we took for the coughing, Mucinex {sp}. Picked some up at Target, I think it was not the more expensive brand, and, it worked great. I was really worried about what to take, I know sometimes if you take the wrong medicine at the wrong time, you end up more sick. But, that didn't happen with that, my chest is clear. The Mucinex would kill the cough and somehow {although I didn't think it was supposed to} also cleared my nasal passages. I was tempted to continue taking it after the cough subsided but then I thought it would be a overmedicating and switched....can't remember to what though. Not that I would advise it, since it then went to a sinus infection. :(

Snowflake, glad to hear the workload lightened up. I'm at home, thank goodness, but of course, issues here, too. But, not work!!
Early morning TMI, just watch the color of those goobers.....

[Not Afraid]

Feel better everyone (and don't share with me!). I got a flu shot this year for the first time. It seems to be working (crosses fingers).

[MouseWife]

Thanks, NA! And darn it, I did not get my flu shot this year!!!

[Snowflake]

Feel better everyone (and don't share with me!). I got a flu shot this year for the first time. It seems to be working (crosses fingers).

I hope it works for you, NA. Guess this is a good reason, if there has to be one, that I won't be swanking on NYE.

I will never, ever, if I have the power to say no, ever get another flu shot. The one year I did, I caught absolutely everything there was to catch, multiple times. I was a flu and cold magnet, never again!

[swanie]

OK...I just saw an interview with the Dad of the teenager killed at the S.F. zoo. I'm paraphrasing here, but in response to the boys taunting the tiger he said, "Sticks, throwing stones...it doesn't matter. A tiger isn't supposed to escape..."

But where does plain ole stupidity factor into it? The S.F. Chronicle is reporting:

"San Francisco police are investigating the possibility that one of the victims in the fatal tiger mauling on Christmas Day climbed over a waist-high fence and then dangled a leg or other body part over the edge of a moat that kept the big cat away from the public...The minimal evidence found at the scene included a shoe and blood in an area between the gate and the edge of the 25- to 30-foot-wide moat...Authorities were looking into whether the tiger escaped by latching on to a leg or body part...Sources said pinecones and sticks that were found in the moat might have been thrown at the animal. Those items could not have landed in the grotto naturally, they said."

Let me see, if you climb over one fence go another 20 yards and climb and even larger fence, dangle a limb over and throw things at a wild beast...how can that not factor into the equation?

Stupid, stupid, stupid.

swanie

[Morrigoon]

That was interesting... I just received a bill for nearly $300 in color copies.

It was copies I make in the natural course of my job and not related to my real estate business, so it shouldn't be billed to me but for some reason it was. The CFO and I had a good little laugh.

[Not Afraid]

The whole Tiger incident makes me sick.

[Not Afraid]

In other, related news, would anyone mind if I mauled several cats and a pug? ;)

It must be the wind and the cold, but they are ALL driving me nuts and have been since last night. I think I got maybe 4 hours of sleep in no more than 2 hour increments.

And, while I'm at it, I think I'll strangle Roky the Doxi too. Bark bark bark bark bark bark bark.

[Morrigoon]

NA: Ya gotta wear 'em out! Get some kitty krack (aka those catnip thingies), and let the cats have at it while you take little Thurston out to a dog park or something.

I've realized with Barnum that since he's accustomed to sleeping all day while I'm at work, if I have him out and about for several hours, he checks out. On Christmas when we headed home from spending several hours at Alex's parents' house, he just totally flopped in my lap and was OUT.

[JWBear]

In other, related news, would anyone mind if I mauled several cats and a pug? ;)

It must be the wind and the cold, but they are ALL driving me nuts and have been since last night. I think I got maybe 4 hours of sleep in no more than 2 hour increments.

And, while I'm at it, I think I'll strangle Roky the Doxi too. Bark bark bark bark bark bark bark.

Someone get that woman a cocktail - STAT! ;)

[Morrigoon]

I have to link this... if only because there are red longjohns in the accompanying picture.

http://www.slate.com/id/2132516/

[madmonkeygirl]

Yes on Xmas Eve Lucy and Ethel sacked out at my parents but on Xmas Day that night we came back home both were so sacked out and let me sleep in yesterday morning. Usually CM takes them both on some long walks and plays with them both and gets them sacked out by the time i'm ready for bed but then they are both good sleepers especially Lucy takes her forever to get up in the morning (kinda like me). The cats they have tons of toys all over the house they usually tucker themselves out on catnip toys and what not and realize hey it's time to go to bed til morning. Guess i'm pretty lucky.

[Not Afraid]

Mine are usually pretty good. We usually have a full bed every night. But, I think the wind has made them crazy. Thurston goes with me to work, so he usually gets completely worn out during the day. Thurston was pretty good throughout the night last night, but the cats had a hey day. Now, Thurston is being nuts (and he's been out playing with other dogs already this morning).

It's just the wind.

[Chernabog]

I don't get colds too often, but I do get strep throat like twice a year for some reason.

When I smoked, I would get horrible bronchitis once per year for a few weeks (starting when I was like 20). Now that I've quit, I get strep every 6 months like clockwork. Blah!

[madmonkeygirl]

lol NA

Jonny is passed out on the love seat...Steven is passed out on the cat tree...Jovi on some bed most likely and the girls next to me on the couch. When it's windy yes they get all excited and bouncing off the walls but not much like they usually have. When it rains that's awhole other story kinda like kids when it rains and are all cooped up in the house...

Chernabog take care of yourself. Strep throat sucks major...i'm shocked that i'm not sick (Nov i was horribly ill for a few days).

[Morrigoon]

Funny. Barnum's been pretty cool about the wind. Or I've slept through it, which is equally likely.

[Kevy Baby]

Rufio is cuddled up with the cat nip log.
Moglet is looking at me forlornly from the couch.
Female is hiding in the closet.
Who knows where Ally is.

No wind here at the moment.

[Not Afraid]

I just knocked a recently-filled glass of water off a table onto the floor where it broke into pieces and covered the floor with water. Is this day over yet?

[lizziebith]

Spooky! I just dropped a yummy freshly-heated chicken pot pie and it landed face-down with an explosive splat on the kitchen rug. Now it's on to "plan B" for din! :(

[CoasterMatt]

I just got home from a 7 1/2 hour no breaks, no lunch work day.

Tomorrow looks to be even worse :D

[Moonliner]

I just got home from a 7 1/2 hour no breaks, no lunch work day.

Tomorrow looks to be even worse :D

So what's in the crock pot today?

[blueerica]

I'm just hoping this doesn't get lost in the fray... I couldn't figure out another place to put it.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a392/steviis/funny-pic-christmas-drinks.jpg

Anyone who's heard me go on about the difference between... say... Sumatra and New Guinea coffees........ ?

[Kevy Baby]

Just got home from dinner at Mortons. French Onion Soup, Filet with King Crab Legs and broccoli. Finished off with molten lava chocolate cake. Lots of Cabernet Sauvignon along the way. All courtesy of a vendor.

Whoo boy, am I stuffed.

[Prudence]

I just got home from helping my best law school buddy finish emptying her apartment in anticipation of tomorrow's flight back to her home in Los Angeles. Took a load of stuff to Goodwill, had some pizza, and loaded up my car with the stuff I thought I'd keep - wine rack, nice computer chair, garbage bags (always need garbage bags!), sunlight desk lamp, fan, and a casserole dish with lid, amongst other things. Nice stuff! And some of it, like the computer chair, is stuff we actually need and were planning to purchase.

Tomorrow, though, I have to say goodbye. :( Probably won't get to see her again until April.

[Morrigoon]

You're sending her to us?

[Prudence]

You're sending her to us?

Yes, and you'd better darn well take care of her!

[RStar]

Yes, and you'd better darn well take care of her!

Ok, where is my can of Silly String? And what was her flight number? ;)

[Moonliner]

Sooo..

It turns out that wall in the Tigers cage was not quite as tall as advertised. In fact it was three feet shorter than standards. Oh and that mote.... Apparently it was of the water free variety.

You better go visit them critters now before the civil lawsuits bankrupts the LA zoo.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Sooo..

It turns out that wall in the Tigers cage was not quite as tall as advertised. In fact it was three feet shorter than standards. Oh and that mote.... Apparently it was of the water free variety.

You better go visit them critters now before the civil lawsuits bankrupts the LA zoo.Of course the "standard" is presented as a "recommendation", not a requirement and zoo oversight organizations had inspected the enclosure and declared it adequate, so I don't think the zoo can be held responsible.

Although they should get some deserved flack for saying it was 18 feet when in fact it was 12. As per usual, it's not the act, it's the cya lying that takes place after that act.

[Prudence]

I had to drop my friend V at the airport. :( I hope the return home is good for her. I hope I get to see her in April.

[Snowflake]

Of course the "standard" is presented as a "recommendation", not a requirement and zoo oversight organizations had inspected the enclosure and declared it adequate, so I don't think the zoo can be held responsible.

Although they should get some deserved flack for saying it was 18 feet when in fact it was 12. As per usual, it's not the act, it's the cya lying that takes place after that act.

Yes, true. But I believe the story is that the 3 teens were taunting or doing something to harrass the tiger. According to a news report this morning, the 2 surviving guys are not cooperating with the police regarding the investigation as to what exactly happened. Which makes me think, aha, they were doing something stupid to incite the tiger's temper

[Ghoulish Delight]

Yes, true. But I believe the story is that the 3 teens were taunting or doing something to harrass the tiger. According to a news report this morning, the 2 surviving guys are not cooperating with the police regarding the investigation as to what exactly happened. Which makes me think, aha, they were doing something stupid to incite the tiger's temperOh, it certainly seems to be the case (dad's quote about "sticks and throwing stones" definitely lends credence to that version of events) and if it is, the punks deserved what they got. But it's still idiotic of the zoo to have lied about the size of the wall.

[Moonliner]

I'll bet it was a laser pointer. Cats go nuts for those things.

[Alex]

Oh and that mote.... Apparently it was of the water free variety.

That's pretty standard for below grade exhibits so far as I've ever seen. Zoo motes rarely have water in them unless water is specifically a deterrent to the animal (which it wouldn't be for tigers). Filling the moat with water would tend to bring the tiger even closer to the people, which is bad -- not because it is more likely to get out but because the closer people get to an animal the stupider they tend to behave.

[blueerica]

I can't get my ass motivated enough to go to the gym. If I were able to sleep and take a nap, I'd do that instead since I'm incredibly tired, but... ugh... too wound up for that.

I think I'll whine for a bit and then just go.

Or not.

Maybe I will take a long bath with a book.... ooh.... reading!!

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Eh, who needs the gym. I never understood the need to pay someplace tons of money just so I could go lift things...

[Kevy Baby]

You better go visit them critters now before the civil lawsuits bankrupts the LA zoo.The tiger incident was at the San Francisco Zoo, not LA.

That's pretty standard for below grade exhibits so far as I've ever seen. Zoo motes rarely have water in them unless water is specifically a deterrent to the animal (which it wouldn't be for tigers). Filling the moat with water would tend to bring the tiger even closer to the people, which is bad -- not because it is more likely to get out but because the closer people get to an animal the stupider they tend to behave.Seems logical. I know the San Diego Zoo uses dry moats.

[Kevy Baby]

Eh, who needs the gym. I never understood the need to pay someplace tons of money just so I could go lift things...Actually, having a place to go is a motivator for many. It is easier to make it a schedule-able event which helps prevent flake-out.

Though I am amused by the concept of driving to a place to workout.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Eh, who needs the gym. I never understood the need to pay someplace tons of money just so I could go lift things...
For a lot of people, the fact that they're paying for it makes them actually do it. Less likely to fall prey to laziness when it's costing you hundreds of dollars. That's the theory anyway.

By the way, if anyone feels the need to pay my hundreds of dollars as a form of self motivation, I'd be happy to help.

[Moonliner]

That's pretty standard for below grade exhibits so far as I've ever seen. Zoo motes rarely have water in them unless water is specifically a deterrent to the animal (which it wouldn't be for tigers). Filling the moat with water would tend to bring the tiger even closer to the people, which is bad -- not because it is more likely to get out but because the closer people get to an animal the stupider they tend to behave.

However it is a tad more difficult for the critter to get a running start via a water filled mote. Unless by "mote" they mean deep cement trench.

[blueerica]

I am amused by it, and I often drive.

For me, unless I rode my flat-tire'd bike, walking would take much longer than driving... which is annoying, given I probably only have 45 minutes to break a sweat, tops. Walking just doesn't do it for me, and I have a torn meniscus (knee thing), which makes running awfully painful. Hopefully I will have some surgery to fix that one day.

Alas, no gym for me today, though... I just realized that there's no better time than the present for a bath and a nap. I'll have a few weeks off when I move to Utah; I can go to the gym all I want then. Oh, and I've promised myself I'd go tomorrow.

[Moonliner]

The tiger incident was at the San Francisco Zoo, not LA.


What? Like there's a difference?


Sincerely,


Moonliner. Bitter east coaster

Where our tigers don't eat the visitors. Sure the orangutan's get loose and pummel folks now and then but not the tigers.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

For a lot of people, the fact that they're paying for it makes them actually do it. Less likely to fall prey to laziness when it's costing you hundreds of dollars. That's the theory anyway.

By the way, if anyone feels the need to pay my hundreds of dollars as a form of self motivation, I'd be happy to help.

Mine is $35 a month. Apparently I'm not paying enough to motivate me, since I've only gone twice since I purchased the membership.

[blueerica]

I neglected to notice my Loser, Double-Loser and Triple-Loser statuses (or is that statii?)... But, I just noticed that I'm a Quadruple Loser!

[Alex]

However it is a tad more difficult for the critter to get a running start via a water filled mote. Unless by "mote" they mean deep cement trench.

Yes, that is frequently what a zoo means when they say moat.

And if the tiger successfully jumped over the moat then it doesn't really matter if it had water it in or not.

That said, I'm not a huge fan of the San Francisco Zoo. It has been improving but it still has too much of the old style concrete exhibits for my happiness (though not nearly so horrible as the Sacramento Zoo). Zoos are a net good, in my opinion, but I think they should be run on a model where easy viewing by the public is of secondary importance.

That is one of the reasons the Washington Park Zoo in Portland (I refuse to go along with the name change) is one of my favorites. Many times an animal has been unviewable because they're in the back of a large enclosure behind some tree or log. Sucks for me, but I'm glad for the animal.

I'm not too bothered by the tiger's escape. It is horrible but **** happens and any containment system is going to occasionally fail (in 40 years no tiger had ever jumped over that wall, so apparently it wasn't a very big risk). I'm more bothered by the fact that police from outside the zoo were on scene before any keepers from the zoo itself. And that it took so long for them to determine if any other tigers had escaped so that police and paramedics could behave appropriately.

[Not Afraid]

I'm most upset that people are stupid and a tiger is dead. However, the incident has led to a new phrase in our house....."wanna play zoo?".

[Morrigoon]

Jesus, people! (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22419654/?gt1=10645)

[alphabassettgrrl]

So Vegas was cool. However, since we got up to come home at 3am, I'm a little tired. And I'm hungry.

[Kevy Baby]

However it is a tad more difficult for the critter to get a running start via a water filled mote. Unless by "mote" they mean deep cement trench.After my last post, I got to thinking about these moat/trench (BTW Moonie, what does a small particle or speck, esp. of dust (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/mote) have to do with this conversation?).

I see a couple of disadvantages with a wet moat. First, if an animal is not deterred by water (such as with the Tiger), then having water in the moat would make it EASIER for the animal to cross as they could just swim across and crawl up the other side. (assuming that the moat is full). By having an empty moat (and assuming the animal cannot jump the width as was the case here), PRESUMABLY the animal would get stuck in the trench since they wouldn't be able to climb up the other side.

Also, I would be a little concerned about what insects (such as mosquitoes) or other critters would be attracted to the water.

Just random thoughts.

[Not Afraid]

I'm home. Why is my bra still on?

[€uroMeinke]

I'm home. Why is my bra still on?

Unacceptable!

[Chernabog]

I'm home. Why is my bra still on?

/Auntie Mame On

How vivid.

/Auntie Mame Off

[Alex]

I'm home. Why is my bra still on?

Because you forgot to buy the kind that can turn off? Those little LEDs around the nipples sound like a great idea until you learn that there's no off switch.

[Morrigoon]

Was that *Alex* I saw, making that last innuendo?

Holy cow. Smileys, innuendo... what's the next horseman of the apocalypse?

[RStar]

Because you forgot to buy the kind that can turn off? Those little LEDs around the nipples sound like a great idea until you learn that there's no off switch.

That sounds like a great idea for a find "Lani in the park" for MouseAdventure! Better than the chicken hat or Stitch backpack! :D

[alphabassettgrrl]

I'm home. Why is my bra still on?

We could fix that.

[Morrigoon]

Cute little article on web privacy (http://www.slate.com/id/2180881/?gt1=10733). I find myself liking the stuff on Slate, even though it's fairly simplistic.

[Not Afraid]

Now I KNOW Alex wants me! ;)

So, Alex, gonna be in town for NYE?





And, the Bra is OFF!

[Prudence]

I got my rejection letter from West Virginia today. So, I'm officially through looking for a legal job. I've applied to firms, judges, agencies state and federal, universities, and anyone else I could think of. It's pretty clear that there's something wrong with my portfolio, but no one can or will tell me what it is. So, I guess it wasn't meant to be. It was a fun chapter of my life, but now it's over.

[Disneyphile]

Everyone's bra is off on NYE. Well, I know at least mine was last year.

[Kevy Baby]

Everyone's bra is off on NYE. Well, I know at least mine was last year.I wasn't wearing one either!

I got my rejection letter from West Virginia today. So, I'm officially through looking for a legal job. I've applied to firms, judges, agencies state and federal, universities, and anyone else I could think of. It's pretty clear that there's something wrong with my portfolio, but no one can or will tell me what it is. So, I guess it wasn't meant to be. It was a fun chapter of my life, but now it's over.Um, well... that just sucks!

I could write all sorts of pithy comments about keeping your chin up and that something will come along.

But it still sucks!

[Moonliner]

I got my rejection letter from West Virginia today. So, I'm officially through looking for a legal job. I've applied to firms, judges, agencies state and federal, universities, and anyone else I could think of. It's pretty clear that there's something wrong with my portfolio, but no one can or will tell me what it is. So, I guess it wasn't meant to be. It was a fun chapter of my life, but now it's over.

If you are interested in tuning up your resume, try what I did. Place an ad on Craigslist for a fictitious position with all the same qualifications I was looking for in a job. Setup a dummy Gmail account and watch the resumes poor in. It gives you a great point of view of who your compitition is what what you need in your resume.....

[Not Afraid]

You know, Pur, that does cusk but at least you don't have to move to the boonies! As for giving up, why do that? You may miss out on the job you really are supposed to have.

[Morrigoon]

Pru, you can't give up that easily.

My brother took 8 months to find his first job after the bar, and he had great qualifications. That's just how it goes, it's not you. Just get focused on passing the bar now.

Although I hear there might be an opening in Disney legal ;)

[CoasterMatt]

I dreamt that Rose and I won the former Gallery suite at Disneyland for a night- and during the night, I fulfilled my dream of launching waterballoons at the Fantasmic stage area. I did a lot of maniacal cackling too (more than usual).

[MickeyLumbo]

Buster McThunderstick made Christmas morning extra magical with the discovery of a hidden unwrapped gift he located under the tree.

the gift was wrapped in the shape of a football. i was puzzled as to why i would get a football (never mentioned that to Santa.)

i began unwrapping and discovered a ginormous Mickey coffee mug... and inside the mug - i found a small blue velvet box.

he gave me a RING!:D :D :D

i truly believe in the YOAMD:snap:

[Kevy Baby]

You must have been so disappointed to not get a football :D

[MouseWife]

ha ha Kevy...

But really, MickeyLumbo, I am going to be in the park tomorrow {with about a gazillion other people} and if I see you I am going to run up and grab your hand to see that ring...well, if you are wearing it, that is.

If you are working....if if if if .....

[Prudence]

Unfortunately, like everyone else, Disney legal will only consider graduates from the top 14 schools. Says so right in their job postings. I chose to go to a school whose degrees are worthless, and this is the expected result. Plus, I've had too much feedback from current practitioners confirming that I am basically unemployable. No, I am done. It's fine. We can't all be successes.

[madmonkeygirl]

Steven kitty took to one leapord spotted stocking cat toy and i put it on a string and he is dragging it around "singing er meeping or meowing" lmao think i found a replacement for his Gonzo arm....he hasn't let go of this thing yet...

[swanie]

I chose to go to a school whose degrees are worthless, and this is the expected result. Plus, I've had too much feedback from current practitioners confirming that I am basically unemployable. No, I am done. It's fine. We can't all be successes.

Forgive me for being blunt, but after all of the hard work you are just giving up?

I know many people that graduated from less than the top-tier schools. One of my friends took the bar I can't tell you how many times before she passed. It took a lot of hard work, but she now has an awesome job in D.C., but she spent 2 years working at the Library of Congress doing anything but legal work after she got her degree.

I hardly believe you are "unemployable", but sometimes it is more about perseverance. If you believe you are done, then so be it...but there are times in life that you have to fight for what you want.

[Not Afraid]

I think attitude has a lot to do with getting a job. People can sense of you feel you are a "failure" and don't want to hire a "failure". You go in with a positive "I can and will do anything to get the job done" attitude and it works wonders. I've done a LOT with my career with very LITTLE formal qualifications. But, I work hard, learn a lot constantly and I am NOT afraid to take risks and for someone to tell me "no". A degree with great, but it's not going to make a successful career. Your attitude will.

[madmonkeygirl]

I have a couple of Jovi friends who work in legal offices and it took them a long time to find the right office to work in...don't give up. Persistance pays off and if you keep trying not everyone can say no...There are other avenues...

[swanie]

Sooo...

Mr. swanie and our 10 year old are outside taking down all of the Christmas lights and decorations.

T comes sprinting in the house. "Is everything OK?" I ask... "Dad needs a band aid."

Time passes...

T comes running in again, "How's it going?" I ask. "Fine, Dad's trying to fix a reindeer."

More time passes....

T comes in again. “Dad wants to know if I can have an old towel.” “Why?” I ask. “Cause things are dirty and dad just broke a candy cane.”

Not but 5 minutes later, T comes running in again. “Is everything alright?” “Yep. Dad needs a BIGGER band aid.”

At this point, I ventured outside to find mr. swanie up on a ladder with his finger wrapped in a paper towel. “Are you sure you’re OK? I ask. “I’m fine” he says. “Do you need a tetnus shot?” I reply. “No, I had one recently…it just won’t stop bleeding.”

God help me. It is a good thing the boy is brilliant in his career, cause if our livelihood depended on him being a handyman...we’d surely lose the house.

[Mousey Girl]

Dawn (I am assuming it was her, based on her past actions) called the cops on me. David had called Thursday and Nick answered. "So, Your monther is leaving you home alone again?"

My neighbor told me last night that there were 2 cops at my door late Thursday afternoon. No one was home, alone or otherwise.

*sigh* It will never truly be over...

[CoasterMatt]

Maybe Dawn can pay a visit to the San Francisco zoo? :evil:

[katiesue]

*sigh* It will never truly be over...

I wish I could tell you it gets better. But it doesn't. Marry a Moron, it's the gift that keeps on giving.

[alphabassettgrrl]

ML- that's fantastic!!! Couldn't happen to a nicer guy!

Pru - that stinks. You deserve so much more.

[lashbear]

You must have been so disappointed to not get a football :D

Congrats !! Oops, wrong quote. I meant to quote ML.

Send me a pic via email willya ? :D

[Cadaverous Pallor]

I chose to go to a school whose degrees are worthless, and this is the expected result. Plus, I've had too much feedback from current practitioners confirming that I am basically unemployable. No, I am done. It's fine. We can't all be successes.Please excuse my unabashed honesty, but that is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Like there aren't any legal jobs to be had? Like every single company, governmental body, and individual doesn't use the help of legal people? You have to be fvcking kidding me.

Your inner censor seems to have grown so large and hideous I can smell it from here. Stand up for yourself, woman. Get out there and job hunt. Kick your censor's ass and grow some self respect, for god's sake. You worked your body to shreds to get your degree, so you obviously want to do this with your life. Well, get out and do it!

Seriously, get your sh.t together, you sound ridiculous. I only say this because you're obviously an intelligent person who deserves to treat themselves better - with more pride, with more enthusiasm. It's so much easier to quit - what are you, a quitter? Here's your tough love, now take that anger I know you're already feeling and use it for some good.

I'd wish you luck, but luck is bullsh1t. I wish you the stamina in the face of failure. I wish you hard work and the rewards it brings. Go forth and kick ass.

[Prudence]

I've applied for just under 400 positions of all shapes and sizes. You think I haven't put forth effort? I kept sending them out, no matter how many people told me to give up. No matter how many attorneys told me they'd never hire someone like me. No matter how many facetious "I'm sure someone with your qualifications will have no trouble finding a position" rejection letters I received, I kept going.

But there's a point where it becomes ridiculous. I literally can not afford to send any more applications. I've spent thousands of dollars now on paper, ink, postage, envelopes - I can't afford it any more. And at some point it's just stupid to try any more. Sometimes you have to be realistic about what your options are. I'm being realistic now. Dreaming's all well and good, but now it's time for me to grow up, accept that things are as they are, and do my best to make do with what I have.

And yes. There are positions I could have. There are agencies that are so desperate for help that they would even hire me - and they pay less than I'd make flipping burgers. I don't need to make a fortune. In fact, most of the jobs I applied for start at 40K - or less. But 20-25K? I can't pay the mortgage on that, let alone student loans. As it is I'm planning to sell the condo this spring to pay off the student loans, because I don't have any other options. We'll have to rent for a few months, but then we can start over again. I'm fortunate that even with the market slump, our home has increased in value enough since we bought it that we'll be able to do that.

Sometimes it sucks to be a grownup, but I've got obligations and responsibilities, and chasing rainbows isn't one of them.

[Strangler Lewis]

There are plenty of good lawyers from schools like yours. Unfortunately, the reality is that they are more likely to be hired by plaintiff's PI firms, criminal defense firms, family law firms, etc. I don't know if you're querying places cold, but if you check the legal papers for firms hiring an entry level attorney to beat to death, you might have better luck. Stick with it.

[BarTopDancer]

Home from San Francisco. Did not get eaten by any tigers. Did see a bunch of neat stuff and had some yummy foods.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Like SL said - Look, your school graduates quite a few people each year, yes? I'm betting most of them didn't spend money on a legal education to not go into the profession in some fashion, and in a way that pays off their education. Any way you can find out what other alumni from your school do for a living?

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

I had a slight itch on my chest and I started to scratch. I didn't feel anything- nothing!- so I figured I was dying. I looked into my shirt and saw there was a crumpled up sheet of Fabric Softner. So, I'm ok. WTF?

[Prudence]

The entry level attorneys for 20-25K/year, for 80 hour weeks with no benefits? I believe I already said that wasn't something I was in a position to accept. Other people do. That is their choice. I've made mine. I can take a pay cut, but that's less than I made 10 years ago, with minimal education and no work experience.

As for alumni - those avenues are closed to me. The director of the career center has apparently cut me off for failing to bring the school the glory of a clerkship. They have to focus their attentions on the students with promise.

Anyway, this isn't something worth rehashing. I've made my decision.

[Moonliner]

I've applied for just under 400 positions of all shapes and sizes.

I've always had better luck applying for just a few select positions. That gives me the time to carefully craft a custom resume/cover letter specifically tailored to that opening.

When you are on the other side of this equation and looking at a fist full of generic resume responses to your add, the few (and I really do mean few) that talk specifically to your needs with relevant examples related to the opening really stand out.

[RStar]

I'm so sorry it has worked out this way, Pru. I wish you the best. Perhaps something else will come up, and in many cases just having any kind of degree at all helps get you a better possition and pay.

I guess life has handed you a big 'ol bunch of lemons. So now you are making lemon aide. All you need now is to find someone with the vodka. Then you can have a party!

Good luck to you. You desirve better.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

There are no alumni groups at all? No other students that you have contact with? You have absolutely no way to find out what career paths your fellow students have chosen? Can't even google search your school to find others that have gone there? Classmates.com, Facebook, etc, etc?

I already know your answer is an absolute "no". You've made your decision. Why you decided to go to this school, spend your valuable money, years of your life and endure the mental anguish of legal study so you can call yourself a failure immediately is beyond me.

Don't tell me you went through all that hell for "fun". I saw your dozens of posts to the contrary. We all read along as you stressed, studied, endured lame classes, researched, crammed, stressed some more. We all wished you luck, we all commisserated, we all had you in our thoughts, every single time you posted about your trying time at school. And now, after all you've illustrated for us here, you're giving up. Well I for one am a bit disappointed, and I'm sure I speak for many other swankers as well (thanks for the mojo, guys).

I promise, this is my last post on the topic. I know you're just angry at me for pointing it out, which is the natural reaction to being called on bowing to your inner fears. I wish you strength! :)

[MickeyLumbo]

Congrats !!
Send me a pic via email willya ? :D

check your PM's;)

[lashbear]

I had a slight itch on my chest and I started to scratch. I didn't feel anything- nothing!- so I figured I was dying. I looked into my shirt and saw there was a crumpled up sheet of Fabric Softner. So, I'm ok. WTF?

That's a secret sign that it's time to download Skype and get a microphone...........

check your PM's;)

I did... they all empty !! :eek:

[Kevy Baby]

check your PM's;)Check out your Pre-Menstrual Syndrome?

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Nope, nothing in my PM. :(

[MmeLytyeer]

ka-chow!!!

we only have candy in my house right now, and i want some real food

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

ka-chow!!!

we only have candy in my house right now, and i want some real food

And by your sig line, we know what you do with candy...:eek:

Hey KEVY! Why haven't you properly welcomed MmeLytyeer???

[MmeLytyeer]

Hey KEVY! Why haven't you properly welcomed MmeLytyeer???

Properly welcomed? Does this involve swirlies? because if so, I'm ok with an improper welcome

[Disneyphile]

Pru, I know the feeling. Back in March, I quit my job with big hopes and dreams to make it on my own, doing what I love.

And, there's been no money coming in, and no phone calls for contracts. I've dealt with that for the last 8 months now.

But, I stop worrying about the (recent) past, and keep working on what I can do right now - not tomorrow, or the next day, but right now.

Sure, I have dreams of walking the red carpet some day, but even if I don't, my happiness depends on me. It's the journey of getting there, because once I'm there (or I don't make it there) it might not be what I expect, so why not enjoy the ride? Chasing rainbows (happiness) is a stupid thing, but being happy right now is not. The grass is only greener on the other side as long as we let the grass beneath our feet keep withering and dying.

The first two years of any new business/job venture are the worst and most demanding. Very few people get "lucky" and make it big right away. That is the realistic way of the world.

I'm working with a very demanding client right now, and settled (more like whored myself) for a price of $300 for what is breaking down to about 150 hours of work by the time the project wraps. I wasn't happy with the way the deal went (and the client is totally taking advantage of me and they know it), but it gives me fodder for the resume, and more daily practice doing what I love. It makes me cringe when I see some of the crap that people pay $5K+ for, when I would do it for half the price and a hell of a lot better quality. It's not fair that people who do half-assed work are making the bucks, while I'm struggling, but I'm not going to give up. And, I'm researching what those half-assed people have done to make that kind of money, because obviously, they might know something that I don't, and wouldn't be able to see it behind the blinding green glare of envy.

I gave up for 6 years, and I'm happier now than I was then, even though I had plenty of money. But, I wasn't happy on a daily basis - I watched the clock while in my cubed prison, waiting for time to pass. Giving up is the worst thing we can do to ourselves. My mental, emotional, and physical health suffered from it. And, I only have myself to blame for that. I got my degree in Media, and figured that alone would get me the jobs. Nope. Experience and determination overshadows it by far. And, I learned a lot more in two days at a television station than I did sitting in a "hands-on" classroom for two years. I've also learned why experienced industry folks would roll their eyes at me when I'd talk about my classroom "knowledge". I was an annoying "know-it-all" because I had taken classes. Having learned something is not doing it. Regardless of a degree, there is still an "entry level" period in which we all must pay our dues.

As for those student loans, you can get a forebearance while you're not working or working for peanuts. There is always more than an "only way" to do something.

I hate to see people work so hard to quit.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Properly welcomed? Does this involve swirlies? because if so, I'm ok with an improper welcome

No, it means reading all 16600 posts in this thread and giving a report in front of the class. Swirlies can me so many different things in this group, so caution. Its a drink isn't it??:cheers:

[Gemini Cricket]

Does anyone in the Studio City area want to help me lug a huge, giant TV from my car to my apartment?
:D

Everyone in my building is either gone or incapable of helping me.

[MmeLytyeer]

No, it means reading all 16600 posts in this thread and giving a report in front of the class. Swirlies can me so many different things in this group, so caution. Its a drink isn't it??:cheers:

:ahem:

"The soo... thread is basically a compilation of random thoughts from the swanky LOTers, originally started by FEJ with the simple questions
"What are you doing right now?"
In conclusion this is a pretty hip thread."

So about that drink...

[alphabassettgrrl]

In my Christmas card from my mom was a check for $60 and four photos of the family. Gods we were young!!! It's kind of scary remembering what we looked like. Well, what I looked like. I think everybody else looks fine. On the bright side, I wasn't as hideous as I remembered myself being. I plan to scan them and post 'em on my Flickr. :)

[Disneyphile]

Aw!! I'd love to see pics of the lil' ABG. :D

[alphabassettgrrl]

Some of them are a little frightening. :)

[BarTopDancer]

ka-chow!!!

we only have candy in my house right now, and i want some real food

I just went to the store to buy real food. I've got lots of lettuce, and bacon. But no tomatoes.

Sushi for dinner. YAY!

[blueerica]

Does anyone in the Studio City area want to help me lug a huge, giant TV from my car to my apartment?
:D

Everyone in my building is either gone or incapable of helping me.

It must be TV-getting season. J just bought a 42-inch HDTV plasma from Panasonic (the one that's better than the one Consumer Reports was raving about)! SQUEE!!

Sorry I'm not closer to you, or I'd help you lug up a big television. Just to make up for the fact I didn't help J lug in the other television. :D

[Disneyphile]

Bah!! I'm so not happy with how I lit one of the clips I'm working on.

Unfortunately, the background bounced some of the backlighting, thus creating a bit of shadow.

Note-to-self: Buy some gels very soon.

[lashbear]

:ahem:

"The soo... thread is basically a compilation of random thoughts from the swanky LOTers, originally started by FEJ with the simple questions
"What are you doing right now?"
In conclusion this is a pretty hip thread."

So about that drink...

That classifies as a W00T, for sure. :cheers:

[MickeyLumbo]

Bah!! I'm so not happy with how I lit one of the clips I'm working on.

Unfortunately, the background bounced some of the backlighting, thus creating a bit of shadow.

Note-to-self: Buy some gels very soon.

all i see is lip, clits, bouncing and gel.

you go girl.:snap:

[lindyhop]

I stopped by the UPS Store yesterday to pick up a package I was expecting. I got my package but there was also a letter in my mailbox. It's a letter from Citibank offering to help me open a Business Credit Account. They're very interested in helping my business continue to grow. The business? The letter is addressed to Footfetishes By Design.

I've been using this mailbox since March and this is the first indication of who might have used it previously. According to California Directory this is a siding contractor business. Huh?

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

So about that drink...

I'll be at the park on NYE - feel free to bring me a Sprite. I'll be by the castle. hehehe:cool:

[Gemini Cricket]

Does anyone in the Studio City area want to help me lug a huge, giant TV from my car to my apartment?
:D

Everyone in my building is either gone or incapable of helping me.
My friend Scott helped me lug that TV into my apartment. Awesome.
Straights are so good with helping move heavy objects.
:D

[alphabassettgrrl]

GC - I'm glad you got help bringing in your TV! :)

[figment1986]

Dang... Busch Gardens has scheduled my sister to close tomorrow... and open new years day... they are done closing at 2am... and arrive for opening shift at 7am...

how is this possible in florida?

[Not Afraid]

I think it is damn funny that that TV was in your car for so long.

[BarTopDancer]

Dang... Busch Gardens has scheduled my sister to close tomorrow... and open new years day... they are done closing at 2am... and arrive for opening shift at 7am...

how is this possible in florida?

No idea, but that type of shift is (or used to be) illegal in CA.

[Kevy Baby]

I don't know if it was illegal; I think the law was (and possibly still is) that you had to get paid for the hours between if you had to come back to work within eight hours of leaving.

[lashbear]

My friend Scott helped me lug that TV into my apartment. Awesome.
Straights are so good with helping move heavy objects.
:D

Now according to the Gay Porn Laws of Physics & Motivation, the straight hunk, after setting down your TV, should have taken off his flannel shirt to reveal bulging, rippling tanned muscles, and exclaimed "Boy, that heavy lifting work sure makes you hot, doesn't it ? :cheers: ....and then you offer him a beer.

[RStar]

I just went to the store to buy real food. I've got lots of lettuce, and bacon. But no tomatoes.

Sushi for dinner. YAY!

You know, you really should cook that bacon before eating it....

[lashbear]

Bacon sushi's yummy, as long as you trim the fat off of it. Canadian bacon is best for it, not streaky rashers.

:p

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

My friend Scott helped me lug that TV into my apartment. Awesome.
Straights are so good with helping move heavy objects.
:D

Ah, such stereotypes!!! I hope all the gay men here help me decorate my bathroom when I move. ;) ;p Tisk Tisk!

[Gemini Cricket]

Ah, such stereotypes!!! I hope all the gay men here help me decorate my bathroom when I move. ;) ;p Tisk Tisk!
I'll help.

He lifted that dang TV by himself. I couldn't believe it.
:)

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Well, when you believe...

[lashbear]

Well, when you believe...
There can be miracles.....

....so didya get him a BEER ?????????????????

[Snowflake]

Anybody want to come to SF and help me paint my huge living room?

Ah, thought not! ;)

[JWBear]

Now according to the Gay Porn Laws of Physics & Motivation, the straight hunk, after setting down your TV, should have taken off his flannel shirt to reveal bulging, rippling tanned muscles, and exclaimed "Boy, that heavy lifting work sure makes you hot, doesn't it ? :cheers: ....and then you offer him a beer.

You forgot the part where he "accidentally” spills his beer on his jeans, and has to take them off …. :D

[JWBear]

...And then GC gets a towel to wipe the beer off the hunk's thickly muscled thigh; His hand inching upward......


Boy, it sure is getting warm in here all of a sudden....

[Prudence]

1) I am the primary "bread-winner" in my family. With that position comes responsibility that I take seriously. My employment actions have impact beyond my own individual life.

2) My fertility (assuming I have any) is not indefinite. Financial choices I make now affect whether or not I, primary bread-winner, can support a family. Dreams may still be there when I'm done spawning, but the reverse is not necessarily true. Not having to start my legal career now means that I need not worry about waiting a few more years before attempting to foist off-spring upon an unsuspecting world. (Although now that I've mentioned it, the world is officially on notice.)

3) I have a spouse who is entitled to a say in my future plans. While he supports my decision, whatever it is, he also has waited patiently while I finished two graduate degrees, and is eager to start on his own education. I could not enjoy a dream seized at someone else's expense.

4) Name-calling and insults are not helpful. They are not "tough love". Cruelty is cruelty, no matter what justification one might assign. I am aware that I do not have the same level of coping skills that other people have. Sometimes "quitting" is what is required for me to continue to wake up in the morning and carry on the Activities of Daily Living that are normally expected of an adult. If my immediate choices are quitting a job search or quitting life, I'm strong enough to chose the former. Perhaps some day I will be stronger. I am not able to predict the future.

5) I've re-written my cover letter and am submitting another application just as a special favor for all of you. No, that's not true. Yes, I've re-written it, but only because I had an "inspiration" of how to tie my MLIS and JD together into a cohesive academic pathway. I'm submitting it for a position I have less than no chance of getting, but I'm submitting it any way so that I have a deadline to get the revised cover letter completed.

6) I still have an application pending with the Presidential Management Fellows program. The program is not law-specific, so perhaps the decision makers will be less concerned with which law school I attended. (It's for any graduate degree, and my MLIS is from the 4th ranked school, so if ranking of degree-granting school is important, perhaps my MLIS will serve that purpose.) According to my conversation with John McKay (yes, that John McKay. I move in such lofty circles.) the PMF folks are "blessed people", so perhaps that will be an avenue to success.

7) This is the last public mention I will make of my future employment plans.

We now return you to your regularly scheduled programming, already in progress: "Vegemite and bacon - peerless pleasure or unholy union".

[Kevy Baby]

Please excuse my unabashed honesty, but that is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Like there aren't any legal jobs to be had? Like every single company, governmental body, and individual doesn't use the help of legal people? You have to be fvcking kidding me.

Your inner censor seems to have grown so large and hideous I can smell it from here. Stand up for yourself, woman. Get out there and job hunt. Kick your censor's ass and grow some self respect, for god's sake. You worked your body to shreds to get your degree, so you obviously want to do this with your life. Well, get out and do it!

Seriously, get your sh.t together, you sound ridiculous. I only say this because you're obviously an intelligent person who deserves to treat themselves better - with more pride, with more enthusiasm. It's so much easier to quit - what are you, a quitter? Here's your tough love, now take that anger I know you're already feeling and use it for some good.

I'd wish you luck, but luck is bullsh1t. I wish you the stamina in the face of failure. I wish you hard work and the rewards it brings. Go forth and kick ass.I had intended to respond to this before Pru's post above.

I am not sure what drove you to post these comments. We all know how hard Pru has worked and the levels of disappointment that she has dealt with. Obviously Pru has reached a point where she felt that she needed to move on. She was being honest with us, her friends, and needs our support - not our scorn.

While you may have done something different, the remarks quoted were uncalled for. Your intent was to motivate, but the remarks were over the top.

[Alex]

I don't know the history behind how you came to have an MLIS but not be in that profession (no judgment from me, I did the same), but is there any chance/interest in pursuing legal librarianship?

I understand where CP is coming from. There is a pretty jarring chasm between "Yay! I gratuated! I'm a J.D.!" one weekend and then a couple days later "It has been three days since I graduated and I still don't have a top notch job so I'm done, I quit."

But, if you started this path because it seemed worthwhile even if it didn't go anywhere or you knew that it was only tenable if you came out the otherside with a plum posting since you can't afford the typical life of a recent law school grad (booking 120 billable hours per week while making almost nothing and sticking your tongue so far up the associates ass that you can taste what they had for breakfast) then it would appear to be a gamble that hasn't paid off.

I don't know nearly enough about you, your personal situation, and your history to have any opinion on how appropriate it all is. But purely from an outsider perspective, the surface veneer does look to be on the whiny and defeatist side so I can see the urge to try and get you to stand straight, look in the mirror, and see how you're sabotaging yourself before you've even made a start.

But if you say it is a well considered course of action, then that is good enough for me. Hopefully, even if you aren't able to pursue a directly legal career you are able, as I did with my MLIS, to put yourself on a new unexpected path that is well informed by the knowledge and experience you've gained.

[Disneyphile]

I just ate some bacon. :)

Figured I'd condition my body now for all the NYE celebratin'. ;)

[Moonliner]

I just ate some bacon. :)



Well I hope you brought enough for everone. :mad:

[Disneyphile]

Well I hope you brought enough for everone. :mad:
No. But, I still have some Hickory Farms Beef Stick (i.e. sausage) in the fridge. :p

[BarTopDancer]

I have bacon on the stove right now :P

[Disneyphile]

I wonder if anyone will make a bacon martini tonight.

[Not Afraid]

I had intended to respond to this before Pru's post above.

I am not sure what drove you to post these comments. We all know how hard Pru has worked and the levels of disappointment that she has dealt with. Obviously Pru has reached a point where she felt that she needed to move on. She was being honest with us, her friends, and needs our support - not our scorn.

While you may have done something different, the remarks quoted were uncalled for. Your intent was to motivate, but the remarks were over the top.

I disagree. Good friends will pull your covers because they can see more clearly the quagmire you've gotten yourself into. I probably would be in a much WORSE place if it wasn't for the hard reality some of my friends make me look at. I don't think there is anyone here who doesn't support Pru, but some of us see the defeatist attitude as a giant wall that needs to be dismantled IF she doesn't want to be the failure whe calls herself. Of course, there's a problem right there - if you really think you're a failure, then you're going to BE a failure. And, if that's the choice a person makes, than all of the hard conversations and internet hugs aren't going to make any difference. Obviously, there are people who think there is still a road to success open and really despise the blanket hopelessness that has been in evidence.

Sometimes, in order to make changes in your life, YOU have to be the one that changes. But, in the long run, if a person doesn't want to change and chooses to reamain sitting in the mire, then there's nothing anyone can do about it. There is no magic want that will make changes. You have to trudge that road yourself and never look back.

I learned the hard way and all I can do is share my own experiences and what worked for me. Feel free to disagree.

[mousepod]

I'm also with CP (and Alex) on this one. The beautiful thing about LoT is that we're a big mutual fan club. We always pull for everyone else's success. While it might not always be apparent in the tone of each and every post here, I ultimately believe that we are a group of weirdos who want the best for our peers here.

I understand CP's reaction to Pru, because it was also my initial response. I've been vicariously appreciating the tribulations of returning to school and ultimately the wonderful graduation, that I felt like the "that's it" post regarding employment was abrupt. Sure, I've read all of the stories about how difficult it is finding a clerkship (is that the right word?), but as a third party observer, I wasn't aware of the "ticking clock" that our heroine was up against with securing a satisfactory position. In retrospect, I understand the reasons that Pru gave, but I still believe that there's a happy ending for the story, and I want our protagonist to see it.

[Kevy Baby]

Change cannot be thrust upon someone. There is a time for tough love, and this was not it. The timing was poor.

Pru may need to take another look at where she is at, but it certainly is her choice to make (as to when and if), not someone else's.

I stand by my words.

[BarTopDancer]

The fatalist attitude, the giving up before the diploma has even been framed time frame is crazy. We've supported, held up, listened, commiserated with [about crazy classmmates, unfair teachers] for the past few years. Pru doesn't owe us anything. She only has to answer to herself and BT. But it's the martyr attitude that is being portrayed. Poor me. I didn't land a clerkship because I'm [whatever], I didn't get a job and because I didn't get a clerkship I have no way of getting a job attitude is tiring when compounded on top of the negativity that has encompassed the past year and a half or so.

School is hard. It sucks most of the time. Life is hard, life isn't fair and life can suck. But it is what we make of it - and attitude has a lot to do with where we go in life. Going around with a fatalist attitude, expecting the worst from everyone and everything before it even starts to play out can pretty much turn into a self fulfilling prophecy.

You have to be the change you want to see.

Kevy, I respect what you're saying. I doubt anyone here wants to see Pru fail. I bet we all want to see her succeed. We see things from different points of view. Maybe tough love isn't the answer. But cyber hugs and coddling the martyr attitude aren't the answer either.

Perhaps this isn't the most appropriate post for a public forum and if anyone feels the need to give neg mojo then go for it. But like Kevy, I stand by my words.

[BarTopDancer]

And in other news.. I'm getting a Wii!!!!!!!!!

WOOHOO!!!!!!!

[Disneyphile]

And in other news.. I'm getting a Wii!!!!!!!!!

WOOHOO!!!!!!!
OOoooh!! I want to come over and play!! :D

[Kevy Baby]

There is a pretty jarring chasm between "Yay! I gratuated! I'm a J.D.!" one weekend and then a couple days later "It has been three days since I graduated and I still don't have a top notch job so I'm done, I quit."The fatalist attitude, the giving up before the diploma has even been framed time frame is crazy.Just to clarify: Pru has been job hunting for MUCH longer than a few days.

I know that I had my first job lined up a month before I graduated. Not that that means much in this discussion.

Perhaps this isn't the most appropriate post for a public forum and if anyone feels the need to give neg mojo then go for it. But like Kevy, I stand by my words.I hope to heck that we don't start giving negative mojo for posting our opinions. I wouldn't have dreamed of giving negative mojo to CP for her post and I hope that no one gives same to you for your comments.

[Kevy Baby]

And in other news.. I'm getting a Wii!!!!!!!!!Don't forget to flush afterwards

[Disneyphile]

Is it time to party yet?

[Morrigoon]

Nope... you still have time to prepare bacon :)

[Kevy Baby]

Susan is attempting bacon candy. We'll see if it works.

[blueerica]

I'm a bit sick, so bear with me as I type this (and attempt coherency).

I don't think anyone is under the impression that she has only been submitting resumes for a few days since her graduation. In fact most of us, especially those of us that are on LJ, are painfully aware of the many, many applications she has sent out. Like others above me, I don't believe that anyone wishes Pru ill. In fact, I don't know where the name-calling is at all - here or on LJ.

Many of us have faced adversity... different adversities, though adversities all-the-same. By sharing our outlooks, I don't believe that anyone is trying to belittle Pru's adversities, but are trying to show another side to the coin she's been tossing oh so many times. What's hard to read as a supporter of Pru's dream is this "end" without a "for now" clause (to borrow something mentioned on LJ).

CP was a bit more harsh than I'd ever be, but I feel that a thread of sentiment is the same. We see Pru as a brilliant woman with a bright future ahead of herself, even if she doesn't see it any longer. No, changing an attitude doesn't happen overnight, but being loud and clear about how we feel after a couple of years reading about her trials and tribulations is the only thing that's right.

It's also a bit frightening. As I am starting out my new life, looking for a new job, with a new degree in hand, I realize that I'll be making much less than if I'd just kept working without a degree... at least for a while. Once I get that grunt experience behind me, I'll certainly and easily make more. I knew this going into it, and it certainly isn't easy as a 30 year old to choke down at $25K salary... At least I'm figuring it's better than paying someone so that I could bust my ass (school) and I'll be making more than I did busting my butt at the coffee shop part-time. The job search and the lame grunt time are a part of just about all college experiences. Rare is the graduate that gets an amazing illustrious career, right out the gate. Even more so, as Pru has pointed out, if you don't have a piece of paper from one of the 15 or so top schools in the nation. Unfortunately we just gotta live with it.

I just hope she takes some time off from the job search and starts to look at the process differently. Think "industry" not "job." (I.e. the accountant that works for a record company), etc etc etc... I love Pru and hope with all my heart that she can find hers once again.

[Alex]

Just to clarify: Pru has been job hunting for MUCH longer than a few days.

Yes, we're all aware of that. What I think is jarring to most of us is that the requirement was apparently that a job within a certain relatively narrow range by graduation was a requirement or the whole search was off.

If that's what the requirements were, then fine. Prudence took a shot and didn't get the brass ring. There are certainly worse things in life than an education not directly in use (and, in my opinion, no such thing as an education that goes unused). But if it is just that she's just momentarily deflated that the first round of opportunities hasn't worked out, then friends won't let her just take her ball and go home.

Apparently, most people viewed it as a case of the latter and responded appropriately (I've certainly seen many students despair at concluding their professional degree and not having any immediate prospects).

Prudence has explained it is a case of the former and I'm fine with that.

[JWBear]

I think I'm in love! (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1007073/)

[blueerica]

J's flight is delayed... :(

[BarTopDancer]

How delayed? You should come hang out at Chez Swank till it's undelayed!

[blueerica]

Delayed enough... at this point I'm feeling sick enough that I might just be doing a drive by at Chez Swank. Bleh. I'm feeling better but... bleh.

Me no likey sick.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Well, this year is starting out crappy. We planned all week to be at a certain swanky NYE party and then this morning, Matthew was informed that the person covering for him today and tomorrow has appendicitis. He was supposed to have today and tomorrow off and now it is 10:45 and he still isn't home. Then, he has to turn around and be there at 8am.

So, I'm sitting here staring at our brand new pajamas and nibbling on a snack tray, both bought especially for this evening, and getting more depressed by the moment as I envision all of my friends having the time of their lives while I think about beating his boss with a tire iron. Bastard.

[alphabassettgrrl]

MBC- I had to work tonight, too, so no partying for me. Hopefully M will be home soon. Sucks that he has to work. I hope the boss gives him a day off sometime soon so you can go play.

[wendybeth]

MBC, you're gonna want to smack my Pollyanna ass with a tire iron, but I'm just glad that:

A). Mathew or you aren't the ones with appendicitis.
2). You and Mathew are together and happy and will have an entire new year with new adventures to regale us with to look forward to!
T). You're on the LoT, and so am I. (I know this one is late, but my tweener has been monopolizing the comp a lot lately, so there you have it). Still, my second thought after kissing my loved ones was to get on here and check on you all. I also considered sending out a mass text message, but was really too lazy.

Happy New Years to you and Mathew, dear. We love you!:cheers:

[Mousey Girl]

I got a text message from The Boy at midnight: Happy!New!Year!

[RStar]

I got a text message from The Boy at midnight: Happy!New!Year!How cute!
I got one to, only it was in response to mine, and read "U to."

[Motorboat Cruiser]

MBC, you're gonna want to smack my Pollyanna ass with a tire iron, but I'm just glad that:

A). Mathew or you aren't the ones with appendicitis.
2). You and Mathew are together and happy and will have an entire new year with new adventures to regale us with to look forward to!
T). You're on the LoT, and so am I. (I know this one is late, but my tweener has been monopolizing the comp a lot lately, so there you have it). Still, my second thought after kissing my loved ones was to get on here and check on you all. I also considered sending out a mass text message, but was really too lazy.

Happy New Years to you and Mathew, dear. We love you!:cheers:

And Happy New Year to you and "the tweener" as well. :)

Yeah, I know that it isn't the end of the world and also that we have a lot to be thankful for and a lot to look forward to this coming year. We were just so bummed because we missed last year's party and therefore did everything in our power to not miss this year. But, it just didn't work out that way. We still got to toast a glass of champagne and ring in the New Year though, so at least we had that. :)

[Gn2Dlnd]

Happy "crappy" New Year! I wondered why the crowd seemed a little light last night, no Matt and Eric!

:(

[Strangler Lewis]

The fatalist attitude, the giving up before the diploma has even been framed time frame is crazy. We've supported, held up, listened, commiserated with [about crazy classmmates, unfair teachers] for the past few years. Pru doesn't owe us anything. She only has to answer to herself and BT. But it's the martyr attitude that is being portrayed. Poor me. I didn't land a clerkship because I'm [whatever], I didn't get a job and because I didn't get a clerkship I have no way of getting a job attitude is tiring when compounded on top of the negativity that has encompassed the past year and a half or so.

School is hard. It sucks most of the time. Life is hard, life isn't fair and life can suck. But it is what we make of it - and attitude has a lot to do with where we go in life. Going around with a fatalist attitude, expecting the worst from everyone and everything before it even starts to play out can pretty much turn into a self fulfilling prophecy.

You have to be the change you want to see.

Kevy, I respect what you're saying. I doubt anyone here wants to see Pru fail. I bet we all want to see her succeed. We see things from different points of view. Maybe tough love isn't the answer. But cyber hugs and coddling the martyr attitude aren't the answer either.

Perhaps this isn't the most appropriate post for a public forum and if anyone feels the need to give neg mojo then go for it. But like Kevy, I stand by my words.

I'm going to stand by my earlier advice. A friend of mine had no job after law school and ultimately got hired as a warm body at a sweatshop plaintiff's asbestos firm where the attitude was "Just go do it." The salary was the Bay Area equivalent of $25K. He did it well, wound up doing trials and is now a name partner at another firm. I also know people who hung out their own shingle taking everything that came in the door and ultimately did well. You could consider that, perhaps mixing in a little contract work. I would also recommend a subscription to LawCrossing.com. I stand with the "don't give up" crowd.

[Gn2Dlnd]

Susan is attempting bacon candy. We'll see if it works.

It worked! YUM-mee!

I'm up now, and about to make breakfast. Bacon will be had.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Happy "crappy" New Year! I wondered why the crowd seemed a little light last night, no Matt and Eric!

:(

Sorry to have missed you! I did stop by today, however, and while there, indulged in some crispy cheesy discs of goodness! :)

[lashbear]

I never get crispy cheesy discs of goodness... boo hoo.

....when are you going international Mr Thinkrisp?

[Drince88]

I cooked up some tasso on Monday to add to black eyed peas and ham shank (it would have been ham hocks, but I bought the wrong part of the pig). That's ALMOST like bacon....


But my reason for posting - WHY do they say to twist the bottle and not the cork on sparkling wine/champagne? It doesn't make any sense to me, but then I went Chem Engineering so I didn't have to take as much physics.....

[katiesue]

I always twist the cork - and with a dishrag over it to keep it from taking your eye out and also if it starts to spill you're already on it.

[Morrigoon]

Ugh... back to work.

[Snowflake]

Ugh... back to work.

Yes, I agree, Ugh.

But, I'm taking Friday off, I think. So, one last hurrah and a 3 days weekend!

New year, same old annoying cough that will not go away.

[3894]

I thought of all of you yesterday. We were watching "Wayne's World", the scene with the police officer. You remember what Wayne says - "Do you smell bacon?"

[Cadaverous Pallor]

He doesn't quite fit in, poor guy (http://bp1.blogger.com/_viHEhhBk2WY/R3r8DikrCKI/AAAAAAAAArc/5moLSzg0wPk/s1600-h/The-Party.gif)

[Morrigoon]

Well, that's how I like to start MY year off :) Just set my first appointment of the year on my 4th phone call!

[Disneyphile]

Ok, the commercial footage is digitized, and I've begun the edit. I think I'll cut a few different versions and post them up here tonight for a vote before I upload the final piece to the contest. I love LoT! :)

CP was perfect, the setting was perfect, and I'm hoping the edit will go the same direction.

[Disneyphile]

Ok, I've got a total of 8 seconds done so far.

(Yeah, I'm being very retentive about this.)

[figment1986]

difference between me and you... I'm a perfectionist who settles for mediocre... your a perfectionist who settles for best of the best. Thats why your better than me with video :)

Than again, you do stuff for a living and i do stuff for a hobby / class / future living.

[Moonliner]

Ok, the commercial footage is digitized, and I've begun the edit. I think I'll cut a few different versions and post them up here tonight for a vote before I upload the final piece to the contest. I love LoT! :)

CP was perfect, the setting was perfect, and I'm hoping the edit will go the same direction.

I might have missed something here. Is this that adult film you were talking about making awhile ago?

[Morrigoon]

Now now, Moonliner, just because she filmed a LoTer in the shower at some point during a 26-hour New Years party, you automatically assume it's an adult film?

[Disneyphile]

I might have missed something here. Is this that adult film you were talking about making awhile ago?Well, I certainly have seen enough T&A to last me a lifetime now. ;)

I'm now at a roadblock. I've got the rough cut laid down, and am freaking out over whether or not to add voiceover, or just keep the few captions on the screen... and, then I'm still trying to tweak the captions to say exactly what I'm trying to convey. OY!!!

And, for those of you who missed what I'm making here, it's about mixed fluids making a shower more enjoyable. For more info about this project, click here (http://www.dovecreamoil.com). (SFW) ;)