Sooooo.....

[alphabassettgrrl]

So I learned there are two sections of Figueroa St today. I picked the wrong one.

[Moonliner]

We are back from a week at the beach and I'm turning my attention to the LA trip coming up this Thursday.

Friday Night is the Dodgers game, if anyone else will be there that night let me know.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Alright, got the rest of our photos from the weekend in the bay area up (Full set here (http://www.flickr.com/photos/66141390@N00/sets/72157622029022704/)).

The excuse for the trip was to spend some time with our good friends who have their own baby due in just a few weeks. We drove the long way up on Friday morning. Left OC at 7AM, stopped in Moro for lunch, then up to San Simean for Hearst. Hearst Castle was a last minute addition to the itinerary, it wasn't until the night before we left that we convinced ourselves we would actually be hitting the road at 7AM affording us the time for the stop. It was a beautiful lazy drive up the coast, clear and warm. Even got to see the elephant seals. We made it to our friends' place in Oakland at 9:30PM. A long day, and the windy bit of PCH north of San Simean was a little queasy for CP, but very much worth it.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3425/3827127277_457c88ac8f_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2600/3827133113_6823e0d729_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2454/3827934788_646fa6c674_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2548/3827949094_4390d15fc8_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3521/3827975160_b4c35ff178_b.jpg


Saturday started with brunch at Rockridge Cafe, yummy. Then a "hike" through the botanical gardens in Tilden park. The guidebook descibed it as "difficulty 1, beauty 10". Perfect for a couple pregnant ladies and a couple lazy husbands. Great way to spend an afternoon, in preparation for a FABULOUS dinner. As I mentioned elsewhere, we splurged on a meal experience at Fleur de Lys, owned by chef Hubert Keller. We have some video of our food that we need to get around to posting. An absolutely lovely and decadent evening.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3480/3827203019_3550571398_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2423/3828002434_78ce9b8b68_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2402/3827212849_9ce7163589_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3482/3817203855_8071d0396a_b.jpg
(you all don't know these folks, I just think they look so beautiful in this picture)

Sunday was our day in the city. We started with a stop at the Marin headlands and the unfinished battery gun stations. Coming across the Richmond-San Rafael bridge it almost looked like the headlands were on fire. Turns out it was just a plume of fog localized right there, with a beautiful layer coming in over the bay. Absolutely iconic day to see the city. We enjoyed ourselves around the battery, then grabbed a bite form Boudin at Pier 39 (I swear the bread is better there than at DCA), then to the Nihonmachi festival in Japantown. Mmm, shave ice and LiHi ginger. And we were lucky enough to meet another old friend from high school and his wife who were just returning from their weekend in Napa for dinner.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2613/3827215855_ffb5eb74ae_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2529/3827221713_843fb6fba0_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3444/3827219617_ee3d554372_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3428/3828022458_b917336f20_b.jpg

The drive home Monday was uneventful. Took a more direct route down the 101 instead of the coast (I've driven down the 5 enough). But before we left the bay area completely we got an added bonus as another old friend had had a baby on Friday night as we were arriving into town. So we stopped by on the way out to see the 2-day-old and very tired parents. :)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2528/3827227151_d5a9364f77_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2583/3828027614_00b3ec2af1_b.jpg

:) :)

[wendybeth]

Beautiful pictures, GD. Thanks for sharing them!

[RStar]

Great pictures! No baby bump yet on CP, but a neat shot hold some other infant. I like the Vana White pose next to the colorful .....somethings!


Oh, and Spamalot tickets are on sale at The performing Arts Center! I got mine for Sun, Oct. 18th at 1pm. For those interested.

[lashbear]

I think the "colourful somethings" was a huge Spine. :eek:

...and I agree, they should FREE SPINA. He's done nothing wrong.

[Kevy Baby]

Friday Night is the Dodgers game, if anyone else will be there that night let me know.I was going to make a quip about being able to experience a winning team for once, but the way the Dodgers have been playing lately, that is not such a sure thing.

[Kevy Baby]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3425/3827127277_457c88ac8f_b.jpgDid you know that the big rock in the background (Morro Rock) is actually the neck of a long-dormant volcano? That is the solidified magma and the mountain surrounding it has been washed away over time. I always found that fascinating.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Did you know that the big rock in the background (Morro Rock) is actually the neck of a long-dormant volcano? That is the solidified magma and the mountain surrounding it has been washed away over time. I always found that fascinating.
One, and the largest, of 9 along the coast called the "9 Sisters".

[Betty]

Cute little guy.

And spiny!

(comments not related to same photo)

[RStar]

Oh, yeah. I forgot to ask, what's with all the dead seals?

[Gemini Cricket]

Love the pics!
The bunker pic made me laugh and the dragonfly pic is uber cool.
Cute baby!
:)

[Ghoulish Delight]

Oh, yeah. I forgot to ask, what's with all the dead seals?They're not dead. It's a photograph, things don't move in photographs, even if they're alive. I think you've been reading too much Harry Potter.

[Gemini Cricket]

They're not dead. It's a photograph, things don't move in photographs, even if they're alive. I think you've been reading too much Harry Potter.
It's a lie, it's a lie! Harry Potter is non-fiction. They told me so at a Flourish and Blott's book signing!

[Kevy Baby]

Oh, yeah. I forgot to ask, what's with all the dead seals?They're not dead - they're resting

[Alex]

Though if you go at the right time of the year the beach really will be littered with dead seals since so many pups get crushed by indifferent bull males.

[Chernabog]

They're not dead - they're resting

BJ and I are playing a game where in one of the parts you get to kill baby polar bears and take their pelts. Totally PETA-friendly.

[Prudence]

Is that Hubert Keller as in Top Chef Masters contestant Hubert? If so, I am exceedingly jealous and want details on the meal.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Is that Hubert Keller as in Top Chef Masters contestant Hubert? If so, I am exceedingly jealous and want details on the meal.
It is indeed, and that's the reason we chose it. We're Top Chef fan geeks and Keller's definitely our favorite of the Masters (with Bayless a close second).

The meal was divine. I won't recall all the details but here's what I can recall. There were 4 of us, so lots of dishes and I don't remember every one.

First course, CP and I both had an asparagus salad with fois gras and black truffles, with a perfect brioche. The highlight of the dish was definitely the cream of salsify on the plate. Which would be a theme as the highlight of one of our friend's courses was a cream of saurkraut. Yes, cream of saurkraut. SO GOOD!

I was the only one who did a 4 course meal, so I had a scallop. I don't think it's the same one that's on the menu online, but similar in that it was nut crusted and deliciously so.

My main was venison chop. I have habit of getting venison whenever I'm at top end restaurants. It's something I rarely eat elsewhere, plus it gives me a good comparison point between them. This one definitely stood out. First, I'd never had a chop. Second, the sauce was not sweet, the first time I'd ever been served vension without a sweet sauce. And not surprising that a french master like Hubert made a perfect sauce. CP had duck, basically a classic orange sauce, but with fresh mandarin and a pureed celery. My friend's wife also had the duck, he had a filet with mac&cheese (purely for the delight of ordering mac and cheese at the fanciest restaurant he'd ever been to). The filet was brilliant, the mac and cheese was good but not anything spectacular.

I won on dessert. The ladies both got chocolate soufles, which were good. I've forgetten what he got. I had the "fleurburger". It was so much fun! The plate arrived and it had a little "burger" with bignet as buns, ganache as patty, a strawberry slice as tomatoe and a kiwi slice as pickle, with a kiwi spear on the plate as another pickle. There was a helping of fennel ice cream "pome frits" (as we were taking video one of us can be heard to say, "hurry, your french fry is melting!"), and a yummy banana shake served in a shot glass on the plate.

Amusingly, having just seen Keller run into near disaster on Top Chef when servers twice knocked over a shotglass on a plate while serving, the shake was firmly glued to the plate (probalby with some sugar-based paste). :D

The service was top notch. If you were to stand and head to the restroom, practically before you were out of sight of the table a server was there to refold your napkin for you (in synchronization if 2 people left the table!), and there to pull your chair out when you returned, and yet it never felt like anyone was hovering over us. Our server was very helpful, happy to give us a list of the wine pairings and point our friend who lived locally to where he could get bottles as well as the name of "his guy" at the wine exchange.

It seemed the chef Keller was not there. I imagine he was getting his rest as the following day he was scheduled to appear at a Top Chef demo/Q&A in Napa (wish we could have fit that in!). But even without an apperance it was just awesome to taste his food!

[Prudence]

I am green with envy. GREEN I tell you!!! That sounds so delicious! And I'm with you on him and Bayless. In addition to producing yummy food, it looked like they were the nicest to their "staff." I know they're big name chefs, but the former contestants were hardly straight out of culinary school and what'shisname acted like he was the only one with any skills. At least that's the way the editors presented it. As someone who has skills and is currently is in a situation where her employers use her for data entry and taking minutes, I felt I could relate. I liked Keller's bit about mentoring them That was him, right? Him or Bayless. Anyhow, I knew who I would have rather worked for...

[Morrigoon]

My dad thinks I'm a tech guru, LOL.

He says I solved a problem in 1/2 hour that 5 "techie" people he knows couldn't.

Um... I merged an Excel file into Word to make mailing labels. Woo.

I'm not saying it was easy, but this hardly qualifies me as a tech guru. And who are these "tech-savvy" people he knows that can't figure out a mail merge?

[RStar]

They're not dead. It's a photograph, things don't move in photographs, even if they're alive. I think you've been reading too much Harry Potter.
:D

(psst... I don't read, I only saw the movies)
Though if you go at the right time of the year the beach really will be littered with dead seals since so many pups get crushed by indifferent bull males.
Kill joy....

[SzczerbiakManiac]

They're not dead - they're restingPerhaps they're pining for the Fjords?

[Morrigoon]

PININ' FOR THE FJORRRRRRRRRRRDS?????

[SzczerbiakManiac]

How soon before NA gets wise to us...?

[Moonliner]

Though if you go at the right time of the year the beach really will be littered with dead seals since so many pups get crushed by indifferent bull males.

What!!!!???

To hell with that. We need to save those baby seals. I say we kill all the bull males.

[Morrigoon]

What!!!!???

To hell with that. We need to save those baby seals. I say we kill all the bull males.

Spoken like a true PETA activist. :P

[Gemini Cricket]

They're not dead, they're mostly dead.
:D

[Morrigoon]

Beautiful plumage

[lashbear]

I've got a Sea-slug

[Morrigoon]

Does it talk?

[Morrigoon]

My homemade curry dinner was full of win... till I remembered my interview is tomorrow. Doh!

[lashbear]

It wasn't a chickpea curry, was it? Did you remember the Beano?

[Morrigoon]

No no... there were real peas, but no garbonzo beans

[Mousey Girl]

I still haven't heard about the job fair I went to a couple of weeks ago. The store is set to open Sept. 11th. I would have thought I would have heard something by now.

I am going to another fair at 8:30 this morning. This is a local cable co looking for CSRs.

It is hard not to be discouraged with the lack of interest I am getting.

[ToriBear]

Oy, FaceBook isn't working for me at the minute.

Never mind. Now it's working. :p

[BarTopDancer]

I'm sorry MG. :(

Have you looked into the call centers that have you work from home?

[BarTopDancer]

Tori, stop breaking FB!!!!!!

[Mousey Girl]

I'm sorry MG. :(

Have you looked into the call centers that have you work from home?

So many of them are scams, that it is hard to filter through them.

[ToriBear]

Tori, stop breaking FB!!!!!!

Never!!!!!!!

[JWBear]

Interesting that the page (at least for me) that Tori is talking about FB being down is 404.

[BarTopDancer]

See what happens when you give kids summer vacation? They go and break the internet!

Sheesh.

[BarTopDancer]

So many of them are scams, that it is hard to filter through them.

I know JetBlue has a work from home call center workforce. You apply through their website so it's not a scam. I'm trying to find the name of the parent company that handles the work-at-home call centers for various businesses.

[Morrigoon]

Well, I hope I did a decent job impressing the guy at my interview. Tough thing, trying to get a management job with no management titles on your resume. But I had a strong sense of the brand from its heyday, and he asked pretty good questions about management styles. He did say I was obviously intelligent and well spoken, and probably a quick learner.

But I still don't know, this opening will be critical to the success of the brand revival, so only time will tell if they'll take a chance on me or not. Keeping fingers crossed!

[BarTopDancer]

Get your thank you note and/or thank you email in the mail today!

Good luck!

[Morrigoon]

Did the email thing shortly after arriving home :)

[BarTopDancer]

Crap crap crappity crap!! Hurricane Bill is headed towards Nova Scotia. Where my parents are. In a little fishing town, right on the water.

It isn't supposed to land until Sunday, hopefully it decides to go elsewhere.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

Wonder if we'll have a LoT bonfire this year?

[SzczerbiakManiac]

Crap crap crappity crap!! Hurricane Bill is headed towards Nova Scotia. Where my parents are. In a little fishing town, right on the water.

It isn't supposed to land until Sunday, hopefully it decides to go elsewhere.I heard this morning that by the time it gets up there it's supposed to downgrade to a category 1. Granted, still a hurricane, but at least it's the weakest one possible.

[ToriBear]

See what happens when you give kids summer vacation? They go and break the internet!

Sheesh.

(Evil laugh) :evil:

[BarTopDancer]

I heard this morning that by the time it gets up there it's supposed to downgrade to a category 1. Granted, still a hurricane, but at least it's the weakest one possible.

Hope so!

They are here (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=yarmouth,+nova+scotia&sll=33.671428,-117.791423&sspn=0.282296,0.617294&ie=UTF8&ll=43.836384,-66.120186&spn=0.061169,0.154324&t=h&z=13&iwloc=A)

[Morrigoon]

Dunno, Borneio.

Why don't you go ahead and arrange one?

[€uroMeinke]

So, I'll be going to a conference in Orlando in October

[Kevy Baby]

So, I'll be going to a conference in Orlando in OctoberHopefully nowhere near the 9th-12th

[€uroMeinke]

Hopefully nowhere near the 9th-12th

well the 15th-18th so kinda near

[Not Afraid]

Yeah, and he's leaving me dateless for the Pogues.

[Not Afraid]

I was gone all day long and my name was used in vain twice. That will teach me to work.

[JWBear]

Working is evil.

[ozron]

The zoo's concert season is almost over. Two more Friday concerts - Susan Tedeschi and Amos Lee. Tonight we had an impromptu meeting about a special concert event on September 5th.

As part of Oregon's 150th celebration, we're hosting the final performance of "Oregon! Oregon!" featuring the 234th Army Band and Pink Martini. I'll be handling backstage logistics.

[Gemini Cricket]

I saw this quote on a CNN.com comments page:
Perhaps if stupidity were actually painful, we’d find a cure.
That's pretty funny!
:D

[JWBear]

Yet we all suffer from secondhand stupid.

[Disneyphile]

Finally broke out the deep fryer and mandoline tonight to make fresh potato chips. We ended up with three different flavors - Bacon, Garlic, and Old Bay. They are soooooooooo beyond good! :D

[Kevy Baby]

I was trying to figure out how a mandolin was used to make potato chips

[JWBear]

I was trying to figure out how a mandolin was used to make potato chips

Music to cook by...

(And yes, I know there is a culinary implement by that name. I have one.)

[SzczerbiakManiac]

We ended up with three different flavors - Bacon, Garlic, and Old Bay.Bacon and Garlic I am familiar with. But what does "Old Bay" taste like...?

[Ghoulish Delight]

Old Bay's a seasoning salt. Here's the ingredient list: CELERY SALT (SALT, CELERY SEED), SPICES (INCLUDING MUSTARD, RED PEPPER, BLACK PEPPER, BAY [LAUREL] LEAVES, CLOVES, ALLSPICE [PIMENTO], GINGER, MACE, CARDAMOM, CINNAMON) AND PAPRIKA.

[Snowflake]

Yet we all suffer from secondhand stupid.

No, this week I suffer from first hand stupid, my own. Been a lousy week! :blush:

[Snowflake]

Bacon and Garlic I am familiar with. But what does "Old Bay" taste like...?

It's used is seafood boils (you know crayfish) and it is used in Maryland (right Moonie) in crabcakes a whole lot.

[JWBear]

Mmmmmm... Crabcakes....

[Disneyphile]

In Moonie's honor, I will rename my Old Bay chips as the "Bitter East Coaster" variety. ;)

I went a little too crazy on the Garlic ones though - they nearly put hair on MY chest. :eek:

I think the key to the chips was the mandoline. It allowed for perfectly even wafer thin slices.

However, the downside to all this, is that our place still smells like oil. I feel like I'm living in McD's. Bleh!

[Morrigoon]

Extension cord + patio = problem solved

[Disneyphile]

Extension cord + patio = problem solved
Ah, good idea! Actually, we have an outlet outside so we wouldn't even need the cord. I'm so doing that next time. :)

[Not Afraid]

That's how my parents used to fry fish.

[ToriBear]

I just got a Casio Electronic Keyboard with my Grandma- it's freaking awesome! So can't wait to learn how to play Piano. :cool:

[CoasterMatt]

Learn Chopsticks. That's a great extortion tune.

[Betty]

I just got a Casio Electronic Keyboard with my Grandma- it's freaking awesome! So can't wait to learn how to play Piano. :cool:

We're looking to get one for our daughter who is about your age. What model did you get? How do you like it so far? Do you mind me asking how much you paid for it?

[ToriBear]

We're looking to get one for our daughter who is about your age. What model did you get? How do you like it so far? Do you mind me asking how much you paid for it?

It's Casio CTK-2000. It's really great so far, and it's around $100. We got it from Hasting.

[cirquelover]

That sounds like hours of fun for you and maybe a little torture for the parents! Have a great time learning to play. I'm sure it will be loads of fun just playing around with the sounds you can make.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Any Saturday spent with a power drill and hole saw bit is a good Saturday.

[Not Afraid]

I got my hair cut. I have straight bangs and a curly bob.

Too bad I'm going to be staying in tonight and writing some more. I have so much to do with starting store work next week and trying to get the writing project off my desk I think I may explode.

[Andrew]

Any Saturday spent with a power drill and hole saw bit is a good Saturday.
I agree except for the drywall dust, which always makes my OCD kick into overdrive.

[BarTopDancer]

Any Saturday spent with a power drill and hole saw bit is a good Saturday.

Fun!!!!

[Ghoulish Delight]

I agree except for the drywall dust, which always makes my OCD kick into overdrive.
MDF in this case (doing some extreme entertainment center table modification), but yeah, it was followed by spending time with a dirt devil and then the stand up vac. But that was followed by a bit more drilling and some hammering so it's all good.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Cal Worthington's looking old.

Actually, no, he was looking old 20 years ago. Now he's looking dessicated.

[JWBear]

Cal Worthington's looking old.

Actually, no, he was looking old 20 years ago. Now he's looking dessicated.

I'm starting to think that they turned him into an animatronic.

[Kevy Baby]

I went a little too crazy on the Garlic ones though - they nearly put hair on MY chest. :eek:Depending on whose hair ends up on your chest, it might not be so bad.

[CoasterMatt]

Cal Worthington's looking old.

Actually, no, he was looking old 20 years ago. Now he's looking dessicated.

But if you talk to the man, DAMN! I hope I'm that sharp at his age (he's gotta be pushing 120, right?)

[Kevy Baby]

(he's gotta be pushing 120, right?)I was curious: he is 88 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cal_worthington). Turns out we share a birthday (though he does have a couple of years on me).

[CoasterMatt]

Just a couple :)

[Alex]

Don't want to look for the thread where other optical illusions have been posted but this one is pretty impressive to me, particularly since I am completely unable to dispel it even once I know what I'm really seeing.

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/08/18/square-circle-spiral/

[Ghoulish Delight]

That is awesome. Though the wrong thing for me to have viewed while trying to shake off shaky-cam-induced nausea.

[Morrigoon]

So I got my feedback for why I didn't get lead. Basically, because I'm unknown. I pressed for additional feedback, anything I could improve performance wise, but my manager said just get to know the mgrs & leads better, get them to know me. Not just by face but more WHO I am.

So the bad news is, I'm invisible. The good news is, I'm apparently doing everything else right.

[Strangler Lewis]

Don't want to look for the thread where other optical illusions have been posted but this one is pretty impressive to me, particularly since I am completely unable to dispel it even once I know what I'm really seeing.

http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy/2009/08/18/square-circle-spiral/

I can see the two inner circles are discrete, so I wonder if I got enough distance on it if the whole thing would smooth out. Also, a good squint smoothes out the edges of the squares and makes the whole thing look like a bunch of circles within circles.

[Kevy Baby]

So I got my feedback for why I didn't get lead. Basically, because I'm unknown. I pressed for additional feedback, anything I could improve performance wise, but my manager said just get to know the mgrs & leads better, get them to know me. Not just by face but more WHO I am.I was thinking about making a quip about if they REALLY got to know who you were, you DEFINITELY wouldn't get promoted. But then I decided that wouldn't be very nice, so I decided against it.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Thanks for the optical illusion page- I love those things!

[Prudence]

Back on the clerkship application wagon again - time to get out the hard-copy applications for judges who accept them by mail. I usually do better with that group than with the online-only judges (who can choose to only view grads from certain schools and thus never even see mine or have the chance to be intrigued by a stray glance) so I really need to get on the ball. Once the 8th passes, current students can apply and the applicant pool gets significantly larger.

[CoasterMatt]

My pants are missing again. I think I'll just pour some more Dr. Pepper on myself and stick to the chair.

[Kevy Baby]

My pants are missing again. I think I'll just pour some more Dr. Pepper on myself and stick to the chair.This seems to be a recurring issue.

[Not Afraid]

As all of the kids are going back to school, I'm going back to work. Should I take a picture of myself? "First day at work." ;)

[Ghoulish Delight]

http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/tech_support_cheat_sheet.png

[katiesue]

As all of the kids are going back to school, I'm going back to work. Should I take a picture of myself? "First day at work." ;)

Yes!

[Betty]

http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/tech_support_cheat_sheet.png

Hey now - you're giving away all the secret material now. ;) :rolleyes:

[BarTopDancer]

http://imgs.xkcd.com/comics/tech_support_cheat_sheet.png


Presuming the application is installed and loads:

"If you can't make it work, read the manual."
"Here, let me show you how to use the help feature."

[ToriBear]

I have to go get my braces tightened. So not looking forward to that. Hopefully, they'll tell me when I'll get my braces off!

[Ghoulish Delight]

I have to go get my braces tightened. So not looking forward to that. Hopefully, they'll tell me when I'll get my braces off!
Ugh, nothing worse :( I still get the willies when I drive past my orthodontist's office.

[Betty]

Ugh, nothing worse :( I still get the willies when I drive past my orthodontist's office.

Don't I know it! Every now and then we drive by the freeway exit and I still cringe.

Remember the feeling when the braces first came off? My teeth were so slippery feeling. I couldn't help but run my tongue over my teeth for a day or so.

[katiesue]

Tori - if you're like Maddie and wear rubber bands it'll all depend on how much you wear them. Madz is about 8 mos overdue to get hers off cause she never wears her rubberbands (not to mention the extra dental visits from not brushing good enough).

[Mousey Girl]

I am waiting for The Boy to get home from his first day of Jr High. He was bouncing off the walls at 6am. He didn't need to leave until 7:45-8ish.

[Betty]

Tori - if you're like Maddie and wear rubber bands it'll all depend on how much you wear them. Madz is about 8 mos overdue to get hers off cause she never wears her rubberbands (not to mention the extra dental visits from not brushing good enough).

Or do what I did and fake out the dentist by not biting down squarely and pretending my bite had changed. What? I was 15 and they NEEDED to come off. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[Gemini Cricket]

I had my braces for 5 years. Long time. Can ya imagine what they looked like before?
See page 42 of the Big Book of British Smiles.
I dreaded getting them tightened.

[BarTopDancer]

I had braces in 5th-6th grade then 7th-10th grade. Pallet expander then braces. Bleh.

THEN as an adult I went back to my orthodontist to see if it was worth it to fix my bite (new problem). (The process would involve breaking my jaw and all sorts of fun stuff. So the answer is NO).

[ToriBear]

I had to get a Pallet expander a year before I got my braces, and last year I finally got my Pallet expander out for my birthday.

They said I might get it off in four weeks if I keep wearing my bands all day. They're trying to fix my bite, and it's getting very close! :)

[Ghoulish Delight]

7 years total in braces for me (2 on, 1 off, 5 on) including 3 with a head gear.

[wendybeth]

I have to go get my braces tightened. So not looking forward to that. Hopefully, they'll tell me when I'll get my braces off!
Whiney Girl.:p

Mashed potatoes for dinner tonight?

[ToriBear]

Whiney Girl.:p

Mashed potatoes for dinner tonight?

Takes one to know one!

And yes, I would like Mashed potatoes please!

[wendybeth]

Takes one to know one!

And yes, I would like Mashed potatoes please!

As you wish.:)

[CoasterMatt]

Mashed potatoes rock! They make effective melee AND projectile weapons in kitchen kombat.

[Mousey Girl]

I had braces on my upper teeth in 3rd grade. They came with head gear and loads of pain.

I had braces on my bottom teeth in 5th grade, followed by a year of a permanent retainer. As soon as the retainer came off, in came my very impacted wisdom teeth and screwed everything up.

[Prudence]

I had braces twice.

Yes, twice.

The first time was necessary, and only on my bottom teeth. My lower molars were coming in sideways and they needed to be pulled up right or things would be Very Bad. This involved some surgery and was annoying.

The second time was a waste - they made my bottom arch "perfect" the first time and wanted to make the top arch "perfect", rather than just let the bottom arch revert back to the way it wanted to be. So, more braces and the prescription of a lifetime retainer. Not night-time only, all day long. I finally decided that was ridiculous and stopped wearing my retainer.

[Prudence]

Today the Rat bought me bookcases! Big happy bookcases with room for lots of books! I'm so happy to see my old friends again. I've unboxed all the boxes of books I had against the wall upstairs, and I still have plenty of room left for some of the books from downstairs! I'm so excited. It's hard for a librarian to be away from her books for so long.

So, next game night the upstairs may be a bit cozier, as it's now a big library, but so much more literate!

[BarTopDancer]

I had a permanent bottom retainer for years. Finally got the orthodontist to remove it because I was tired of the bands being seen in photos. He made me a night time only one, which I quit wearing after awhile. Of course, my teeth shifted a bit (unrelated to the bite issue). I went back a few years ago and he made me 2 retainers - one that will move the teeth that shifted back and one that will hold them in place. Both are nighttime only and are something I'll have to wear on and off forever, or until I don't care.

[Ghoulish Delight]

I was supposed to wear my retainer at night until my wisdom teeth came in. I think that lasted all of 6 months. I've noticed no ill effects.

[Alex]

My most recent dentist thinks my orthodondist was stoned.

Of course, my most recent dentist strongly recommended I undergo a procedure that would involve breaking my jaw and a 15% risk of a total loss of sensation in one of the lower quadrants of my face to repair my bite even though it causes me neither physical discomfort nor aesthetic defect (slight misalignment is not the active ingredient in my homeliness.

So I think he's high too. Apparently there's rampant drug abuse in the field of dentistry.

[Ghoulish Delight]

They do have very easy access to NO2

[cirquelover]

I would have to agree with you Alex. In the last year or so talking with Dentists, Orthodontists etc... I think they are all high and some of the ideas they had for the boy were crazy. I don't get why they all want to break jaws!?

[Morrigoon]

LOL...

Beijing loves Ikea, but not for buying stuff. (http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-china-ikea25-2009aug25,0,7736661.story)

[Not Afraid]

I had braces for 7 years. I also have had 17 teeth pulled (4 wisdom, 4 permanent - the rest were baby teeth that they pulled instead of having them fall out naturally). I wore headgear at night (but pulled it out in my sleep) and had a bottom retainer for many years. As soon as they took it out, the teeth went crooked again. I eventually gave up and decided to live with my mouth the way it is.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

I think these is just awful purdy (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1208202/Plane-beautiful-The-day-Red-Arrows-upstaged-Mother-Nature.html)
Click the link above for the story. (and if the images don't show up)
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/08/21/article-1208202-0621D4BA000005DC-97_964x484.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/08/21/article-1208202-0621A88B000005DC-978_964x530.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/08/21/article-1208202-0621D56D000005DC-840_964x489.jpg

[~MS~]

Thanks for sharing, that really is beautiful!

[Betty]

So I think he's high too. Apparently there's rampant drug abuse in the field of dentistry.

It's true. I had a date with one and he was a partaker of a variety of illegal substances.

[mousepod]

It's true. I had a date with one and he was a partaker of a variety of illegal substances.

When I was in 8th Grade, my friend's dad was a dentist. He took us to Keith Richards' house. We hung out by the pool with Anita Pallenberg and listened to music. I always wondered how he such an "in"...

[Ghoulish Delight]

http://imgur.com/DC8m3.jpg

[Gemini Cricket]

Fatboy Slim is f*cking in heaven
Fatboy Slim is f*cking in heaven
Fatboy Slim is f*cking in heaven
Fatboy Slim is f*cking in heaven
Fatboy Slim is f*cking in heaven
Fatboy Slim is f*cking in heaven


...and so on.

It's a sloooow day at work.

[Gemini Cricket]

Ptui! (That's the sound of crow feathers being spit out of my mouth.)

Facebook recently put me in contact with someone from high school that I really wasn't nice to. In fact, I was pretty much a self-loathing bully. Today, I sent him a letter apologizing for being such an as$hole to him in school. No response yet but it was something that has bugged me for a long, long time.

Anyway, I saw Flatliners and don't want that guy stalking me, hitting me in the legs with bats and spitting loogies in my mouth.

:D

[BarTopDancer]

Ptui! (That's the sound of crow feathers being spit out of my mouth.)

Facebook recently put me in contact with someone from high school that I really wasn't nice to. In fact, I was pretty much a self-loathing bully. Today, I sent him a letter apologizing for being such an as$hole to him in school. No response yet but it was something that has bugged me for a long, long time.

Good for you, for sending that letter. As the recipient of a few apologies over the year they do mean something, even if I haven't spoken to them since.

Anyway, I saw Flatliners and don't want that guy stalking me, hitting me in the legs with bats and spitting loogies in my mouth.

:D

It wasn't Billy Mahoney, was it?

(Is it sad that I could pull that reference out without any sort of research?)

[Kevy Baby]

I think these is just awful purdy (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1208202/Plane-beautiful-The-day-Red-Arrows-upstaged-Mother-Nature.html)
Click the link above for the story. (and if the images don't show up)
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/08/21/article-1208202-0621D4BA000005DC-97_964x484.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/08/21/article-1208202-0621A88B000005DC-978_964x530.jpg
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/08/21/article-1208202-0621D56D000005DC-840_964x489.jpgPollution is beautiful.

[Mousey Girl]

Ptui! (That's the sound of crow feathers being spit out of my mouth.)

Facebook recently put me in contact with someone from high school that I really wasn't nice to. In fact, I was pretty much a self-loathing bully. Today, I sent him a letter apologizing for being such an as$hole to him in school. No response yet but it was something that has bugged me for a long, long time.

Anyway, I saw Flatliners and don't want that guy stalking me, hitting me in the legs with bats and spitting loogies in my mouth.

:D

I got one of those types of emails a few months back. It was from someone I hadn't even thought about in over 20 years. She still lives in Hilmar, and was wanting to apologize for the way she treated our friendship out freshman year of high school. I don't even remember her behaving badly, but then I rarely showed that I cared about anything back then.

[alphabassettgrrl]

So.

In the process of sending one cat to kitty heaven.

Enjoying new-kitty. Eases the pain of losing my other kitty. Sort of.

Had a fabulous time in Florida (though it was only a couple of days).

Had a really nice time talking about tarot tonight with a little group. Seems like meetup.com has finally taken off and people actually show up this time.

[Not Afraid]

I'm sorry about your kitty, ABG. :(

[Betty]

Sorry to hear about your kitty. :(

You talk tarot? I've got a deck I used to use that's been protected in my hope chest for the last decade. Haven't looked at it in a long long time...

[3894]

I'm sorry about your loss, alphabassettgirl.

I just bought 5 lbs. of pumpkin spice coffee beans from Door County Coffee (http://www.doorcountycoffee.com/).

Edited to add: A few days ago in Champaign, Illinois, I scored big at the TJMaxx. A $200 Theory blouse for $7.

[Not Afraid]

Why is it that medical emergencies always happen on Friday afternoon when you can't get your doctor to call you back and your husband is in meetings?

[Gemini Cricket]

So.

In the process of sending one cat to kitty heaven.

Enjoying new-kitty. Eases the pain of losing my other kitty. Sort of.

Had a fabulous time in Florida (though it was only a couple of days).

Had a really nice time talking about tarot tonight with a little group. Seems like meetup.com has finally taken off and people actually show up this time.
So sorry to hear that, abg. Hang in there.
:(

[Snowflake]

Why is it that medical emergencies always happen on Friday afternoon when you can't get your doctor to call you back and your husband is in meetings?

Ooh, hang in there NA.

ABG, sorry for loss of kitteh. Hug new kitteh lots to make up

[alphabassettgrrl]

NA- I hope your emergency gets resolved soon and well.

Thanks for the support.

Betty, yes I read tarot. It was nice to talk to others face to face who also read tarot. Two of the girls were cute, too. A little bonus. :)

Today- got back on the bike. Whew. I've missed her. Should be about 10 miles and 25 minutes.

[JWBear]

The parrots are having a party on our street this morning.

[3894]

I hope all is good, NA.

At the farmers' market this morning, we ran into two women Civil War renactors shopping for vegetables in full hoopskirt, shawl, and bonnet get-up. They told us the encampment was in a nearby park. Tom and I went over to have a look.

It's a small encampment, maybe because thunderstorms socked us hard last night.

I don't get wanting to reinact the Civil War. People who lived through it couldn't wait for it to end. Why relive something like a war?

[Snowflake]

It's HOT. :(

Foggy weather, please come back!

[BarTopDancer]

So many of them are scams, that it is hard to filter through them.

I finally heard back from my friend. LiveOps (http://www.liveops.com/). Also heard that workplacelikehome (http://workplacelikehome.com/)is a good message board.

[Not Afraid]

I hope all is good, NA.



All is good, if unknown. I have been having major heart palpitations on and off over the past week. As my Mom died as a result of a massive heart attack, I don't treat this stuff lightly. Nothing conclusive was found after testing but I need some further tests done and my thyroid levels checked. Or, I could just be internalizing stress - but my heart is not usually the place where my stress goes. I guess you learn new tricks as you get older, eh?

[Snowflake]

Take care, NA.

Sending some good thoughts your way.

[alphabassettgrrl]

NA- I agree to keep tabs on your heart. I hope it's just stress.... "just" as if stress can't cause problems.

[Not Afraid]

I DID start a new job this week after 5 years of relative comfort. But, sheesh, I used to be a corporate marketing manager with a MUCH higher stress job. Have I really lost my stress management skill?

[alphabassettgrrl]

Well, if you haven't used that skill for a while, then yes, I'd say you may be a bit rusty.

[3894]

Have I really lost my stress management skill?

IMO, coping skills get better and better. You have perspective, you know? But what I can no longer do is get up really early to fit in extra work. I'm talking 3 or 4 a.m. I used to be the queen of that but no can do anymore.

So, I am so proud of my oldest kid. She makes beaded macramé necklaces and bracelets which are flying out the door of the shop that sells them. She keeps changing things up so there's no same old same old. Right now, she's making them with little enameled flower charms.

[alphabassettgrrl]

That's awesome, 3894! Good for your daughter!

In not so happy news, my black kitty has gone officially to kitty heaven. Just wanted to let everybody know. She was a good kitty, and I hope she is at peace.

[wendybeth]

I'm so sorry, ABG! :(

[wolfy999]

Sorry for you loss ABG! Hugs from the Wolfpack!

[SzczerbiakManiac]

You have my deepest sympathies alphabassettgrrl. <hugs>

[JWBear]

Willis Carrier should be canonized.

[Tref]

Willis Carrier should be canonized.

So should Ctesibius of Alexandria.

[3894]

I'm sorry, abg. Friends sometimes come with pointy ears, a tail, and a purrbox. I hope your memories of happy times will comfort you in the next days.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Indeed. She was a good kitty. Thanks, everybody. We'll bury her either tonight or tomorrow.

In the meantime, I had a nice 17 mile bike ride and stopped off a little museum that I've looked at for ages and finally got a chance to go in. Today's taken a long time to get things done, but that's ok. Called my mom, and chatted with the museum keeper, which means I didn't get back home until 3:30. Meant to be done by noon but that didn't happen.

[lashbear]

ABG: sorry to hear about kitty. :(

On a cheerful note, I had a look at your bike in your avatar. How ever do you manage to ride a Penny Farthing bike such long distances ? ;)

[alphabassettgrrl]

Hehehee!!! Not only is it a silly bike, but it's about four times oversized! I think it makes me look delicate and pretty.

Actually the place where I take my mountain bike to be worked on has a couple of big-wheel bikes that you can play with. They're strange...

[Prudence]

Sorry to hear about the kitty, ABG. I'm always sad to hear of feline friends who must leave too soon. For small critters they sure leave such big holes in our lives.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Thanks. Yes, they do put a hold on us, don't they? :)

[ozron]

Well, last Thursday I dropped my daughter off at Pacific University in Forest Grove. I was there an blue before her and her mother, but that's another story.

It was harder than I thought it would be. I've said goodbye to Erin any number of times, often for long periods, but somehow this was different. We set her up in the dorm and I made sure she had some speniding money and bought her books.

I said goodbye to my little girl. From now on, she's a grown woman with her own life, goals and plan. She's chosen a path and is agressively following it. From now on, I'm a spectator in her life.

I'm feeling old and alone.

[BarTopDancer]

You may have finished your journey of producing a self sufficient human-being but girls always need their dads.

[ozron]

Well, last Thursday I dropped my daughter off at Pacific University in Forest Grove. I was there an hour before her and her mother, but that's another story.

It was harder than I thought it would be. I've said goodbye to Erin any number of times, often for long periods, but somehow this was different. We set her up in the dorm and I made sure she had some speniding money and bought her books.

I said goodbye to my little girl. From now on, she's a grown woman with her own life, goals and plan. She's chosen a path and is agressively following it. From now on, I'm a spectator in her life.

I'm feeling old and alone. But that's overcome by the pride I feel. There's an incredible young woman out there who carries my name.

[lashbear]

Ron's a funny name for a young woman, isn't it ?

[Mousey Girl]

I just want to say that I love my son. He continues to be my reason for living.

[3894]

I'm feeling old and alone.

The hardest for me is coming home from taking the beagle for a stroll in the evening, looking up at my daughter's bedroom window and ... there's no light on. She's at college. She's going to come back for a few days here and there but that bedroom light will mostly not be on from here on in.

Roots and wings.

[Not Afraid]

Things are about to get cray here. I start working full time in Downtown next week PLUS I'll be handling stuff for the soon to open Long Beach store. The way it is looking, I think I may see everyone sometime in January. (Except the Cemetery Screening on Saturday.)

[wolfy999]

You know you love it NA!

[Not Afraid]

I do love it. I thrive on triage.

[Moonliner]

I really hate dreaming that I can't sleep.

[Moonliner]

The hardest for me is coming home from taking the beagle for a stroll in the evening, looking up at my daughter's bedroom window and ... there's no light on. She's at college. She's going to come back for a few days here and there but that bedroom light will mostly not be on from here on in.

Roots and wings.

A look into my future. Very sobering.



Although, I do wonder if I could fit a pool table into his room...

[BarTopDancer]

Although, I do wonder if I could fit a pool table into his room...

My old room is now my mom's sewing room.

[Chernabog]

Are all dogs insane? Yes, yes they are.

[Betty]

Are all dogs insane? Yes, yes they are.


About once a day our little chihuahua goes berserk. Runs around in big circle as fast as he can over and over then changes direction, barks and runs some more. Sometimes throwing in a few leaps as he goes. It's the funniest thing to watch.

Then he gets too winded and does his little backward sneeze thing in the corner. Poor guy - I think he gets embarrassed by the backwards sneeze as he always hides to do it.

After he gets a bath he does the same thing, but throws in running with his head on the ground to dry off on the carpet as he goes.

He's such a cutie pie.

I've never been much of a dog person. Always cats. Rocky though has my heart.

[innerSpaceman]

It was worth reading that post again for the new coda.

Stiff upper lip, ozron. This is sad, but it's how it's supposed to be, and is ultimately good stuff.




Oh, and belated sympathies, ABG.

[alphabassettgrrl]

But Cherny, their insanity is part of their cuteness. My basset hound has ADD I swear. I haven't seen any other dog that is as hyper as she is. And she's 11 years old. Still crazy.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Thanks ISM.

[JWBear]

My old room is now my mom's sewing room.

My old room is now in someone else's house!

[Chernabog]

But Cherny, their insanity is part of their cuteness. My basset hound has ADD I swear. I haven't seen any other dog that is as hyper as she is. And she's 11 years old. Still crazy.

I'm not complaining, I just wonder WTF they are thinking ;)

[Prudence]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! I have pack tonight because I leave for the airport from work tomorrow for my interview first thing Wednesday morning.

TRYING NOT TO PANIC.

NOT SUCCEEDING.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[3894]

So, about dogs.

We have an English constable beagle. He checks that everything is tickety boo around the joint. Lately, he's had to keep one eye cocked on a crew of masons on the roof (they arecompletely redoing our two chimneys) and the other eye on and a crew of landscapers in the garden (reconfiguring a large flower bed).

By the end of the day, the beagle is completely drained.

[lashbear]

Hehehe - all you need to add is a couple of mechanics working on the car and some guys remodeling the kitchen, and you can have the dog tying himself in knots !!

[wolfy999]

Talk about "dog tired"!

[wolfy999]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! I have pack tonight because I leave for the airport from work tomorrow for my interview first thing Wednesday morning.

TRYING NOT TO PANIC.

NOT SUCCEEDING.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Luck Pru!

[Moonliner]

Are all dogs insane? Yes, yes they are.

Perhaps, but I just know that somehow cats are to blame for it.

[Betty]

Perhaps, but I just know that somehow cats are to blame for it.

It's true. It's the invisable cats that do it to them.

[Not Afraid]

It's true. It's the invisable cats that do it to them.

We have quite a problem with Pepper's Cats. Those darned reflections in the window drive Thurston crazy!

[mousepod]

I know that many of you have visited our place since we've moved to LA, and have gotten to know our pets. Last night, Jack, our little rescued chihuahua passed away. We'd been medicating him for various ailments since we adopted him three years ago, so it's not entirely unexpected, but it's still devastating.

Rest in peace, little guy.

http://pocketsymphony.com/lot/jack.jpg

[Gemini Cricket]

Sorry to hear that, J.
Rest in peace, Jack.
:(

[Ghoulish Delight]

Oh, poor little Jack. :( My condolences to the 'pod household, I'll miss the little guy and his taste for Lisa's blood.

[katiesue]

Oh no - condoloences to the Pod family. I know you'll miss him dearly.

[Betty]

Oh no! Poor lil guy. At least he was able to love you / be loved for those years you had him.

He looks so much like our Chi Rocky (who is black) but has a very similar little face it's got me all choked up.

I'm so sad for you.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Hehehe - all you need to add is a couple of mechanics working on the car and some guys remodeling the kitchen, and you can have the dog tying himself in knots !!

Hehehee... you made me giggle.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! I have pack tonight because I leave for the airport from work tomorrow for my interview first thing Wednesday morning.

TRYING NOT TO PANIC.

NOT SUCCEEDING.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck! Knock 'em dead! Remember how awesome you are!

Poor Jack. I'm sorry, J. At least he was loved and cared for while he was sick. You were good to him.

[SzczerbiakManiac]

I'm very sorry to hear that mousepod. He looked like a sweet lil' fella.

[BarTopDancer]

Ooooo. Puppy :(

[lashbear]

I'm glad we got to meet Jack.

Bear Hugs to MP and H from the LashPair.

[~MS~]

more hugs from the ~MS~ household...Bandit sends his condolences to the loss of his cousin.

[CoasterMatt]

Our condolences, mousepod. Jack was such a wonderful little barkthing (Lucy and Ethel started barking as I typed this).

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Oh Jack, your long fight is over. He sure did put up a good one. Condolences to you guys.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

I loved Jack - I felt a puppy connection with him from the very first moment I met him, when he curled up next to me. Those snuggles from Jack on movie nights over the past few years were special to me, and though I am glad he is not suffering anymore, I will miss him very much.

My sympathy and my heart goes out to both of you, and to Bob and Inca, too.

[€uroMeinke]

So sorry to hear about Jack he was indeed a very special boy - condolences to all of Casa Chihuahua

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Sad to read about the loss at Casa Chihuahua. He's a memorable pup and he was very lucky to have you guys.

[Ghoulish Delight]

Any Saturday spent with a power drill and hole saw bit is a good Saturday.
The same cannot be said for a Tuesday evening after work.

[Morrigoon]

Sorry to hear it, MousePod. Hugs to the whole 'Pod household.

Good luck tomorrow, Pru!

[Not Afraid]

I've been thinking about little Jack all day. The oddest thing happened about a half an hour after I heard. My right index finger started throbbing and I looked down to see it was bleeding. I had some sort of puncture/tear on my cuticle. This is the same finger, and the same location, that little Jack bit last year. Damn it if he didn't get one last taste of me on his way to heaven.

I'll miss the little spunky peanut.

[Bornieo: Fully Loaded]

I'm sorry for your loss Mp - RIP Jack!

Mindy lost her cat Sage Sunday morning. :(

[alphabassettgrrl]

I'm sorry, Mark.

[Prudence]

Very sorry to hear about Jack. :(

[Strangler Lewis]

My sympathies about Jack.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

I'm sorry. :(

[wendybeth]

I'm sorry, MP. Jack was a cutie, and like all Chi's no doubt full of personality. I wish all of our animals would just get and stay healthy around here!!!!!

[Snowflake]

Sincerest condolences to the Mousepods. I met Jack shortly after he was adopted and he was not only sweet and adorable, he was wearing the most awesome designer chihuahua diapers!

RIP Jack, you could not have had better adoptive parents and cool playmates.

:(

[Prudence]

So, here I am in a Mediterranean cafe in Las Cruces. Picked mostly because they have wifi. And here I am using our new netbook, which is much more convenient for such purposes than my laptop. Interview is over. I think I did well, but I'm the first of 10 he plans to interview over the next several weeks, so lots of waiting for me.

[BarTopDancer]

Fingers crossed!

Don't forget to send your TY note.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Fingers crossed for you!

[Tom]

My love to Jack, wherever he might be, and to the 'Pods.

[Gemini Cricket]

Son of a witch! (http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Movies/09/03/taye.diggs.idina.menzel.baby/index.html)

[Morrigoon]

Seeing all the people on FB today talking about their upcoming 3-day weekend makes me think - companies looking to shave a few dimes off their payrolls ought to offer a "free" unpaid day off adjacent to 3-day weekends. People hardly get their work done anyway. And this is a way to basically voluntarily furlough people and have them be happy about it. Those who can afford to, take time off, leaving more $ to pay those who can't afford to take it off.

[katiesue]

Seeing all the people on FB today talking about their upcoming 3-day weekend makes me think - companies looking to shave a few dimes off their payrolls ought to offer a "free" unpaid day off adjacent to 3-day weekends. People hardly get their work done anyway. And this is a way to basically voluntarily furlough people and have them be happy about it. Those who can afford to, take time off, leaving more $ to pay those who can't afford to take it off.

My cousins company does this only it's mandatory vacation day. You "have" to use one of your vactaion days for it (or I guess you could take it unpaid).

[Morrigoon]

But vacation you are paid on. I'm talking about creating an extra unpaid day but getting folks to take it voluntarily. Some would.

[€uroMeinke]

So while walking the dogs tonight, I came across a neighborhood couple that were walking on their way back from the local pizza place. Apparently, a car pulled up to them with a bunch of guys in it, and they pulled a gun demanding all their money. Fortunately, the police patrol the neighborhood regularly and turned the corner before anything went down. The car sped off, the couple told the police what just happened, and hopefully the ensuing pursuit found them apprehended. Still, I hate to think I may need to alter my evening dog walks

[Moonliner]

So while walking the dogs tonight, I came across a neighborhood couple that were walking on their way back from the local pizza place. Apparently, a car pulled up to them with a bunch of guys in it, and they pulled a gun demanding all their money. Fortunately, the police patrol the neighborhood regularly and turned the corner before anything went down. The car sped off, the couple told the police what just happened, and hopefully the ensuing pursuit found them apprehended. Still, I hate to think I may need to alter my evening dog walks

What!!! I tell ya, back in my day the thugs would at least park and get out of the car. Kids today are just lazy.

[alphabassettgrrl]

E- that's awful. I'm glad they weren't hurt. Sucks when crime shows its ugly head at home.

Me- had a 13 mile mountain bike ride this morning, and tonight I'm off to meet a polyamory group. It's a "meetup" group, so existance is debatable, but I'm gonna give it a try.

[wolfy999]

At the grocery store today....announcement over the loudspeaker for the owner of a Honda Accord. Not me of course. Next thing I knew we were walking out and a man was smashing in the window of said Honda Accord. Old Poodle that was blind had been left in the car. Some people. All the people who had witnessed this of course agreed that no one saw who actually smashed the window. Animal Control had been called. When I finally left the owner still hadn't shown up. That dog would have been dead for sure by then.

[alphabassettgrrl]

Got to wonder about some people, Wolfy. Glad somebody broke the window. Sad when vandalism is in a good cause, isn't it?

[lindyhop]

So...I just spent the morning in the emergency room. I've been having problems all weekend with double vision. It's not consistent but got bad enough yesterday that I called the advice nurse number today and they said I should go to the emergency room.

They did a CT scan and all was well there so now I'm referred to my own doctor. I hope I can get an appointment for tomorrow. They seem to think it's a problem with weak muscles rather than an eye problem. My doctor will probably refer me to a specialist and I don't know how long this will all take.

In the meantime I don't want to drive because I don't know when this will happen again. So I'm worrying about work when I should probably be taking it easy.

[Gemini Cricket]

So...I just spent the morning in the emergency room. I've been having problems all weekend with double vision. It's not consistent but got bad enough yesterday that I called the advice nurse number today and they said I should go to the emergency room.

They did a CT scan and all was well there so now I'm referred to my own doctor. I hope I can get an appointment for tomorrow. They seem to think it's a problem with weak muscles rather than an eye problem. My doctor will probably refer me to a specialist and I don't know how long this will all take.

In the meantime I don't want to drive because I don't know when this will happen again. So I'm worrying about work when I should probably be taking it easy.
Well, hopefully the specialist will be able to figure out what's going on. Yikes. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it's something that can be remedied quick.
Hang in there, lindyhop.
:)

P.S. I was taught the Shim Sham last night at rehearsals. I thought of you. I still dance like a giraffe on ice but I'm getting better.

[BarTopDancer]

Oh no! Hope they figure it out and you get better soon!

[Not Afraid]

I hope they figure out what is going on, LH! I'm glad the CT scan was ok though.

[lindyhop]

Thanks for your thoughts. I'm not used to not being in control and I don't like it.

[lindyhop]

P.S. I was taught the Shim Sham last night at rehearsals. I thought of you. I still dance like a giraffe on ice but I'm getting better.
Check out this Shim Sham (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_k_BIA_unI). I'm in the group at the 22 seconds mark. I think.

[alphabassettgrrl]

I hope you feel better soon, LH! I'm with you on being in control.

[lashbear]

Check out this Shim Sham (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_k_BIA_unI). I'm in the group at the 22 seconds mark. I think.
The group from 0:33 to 0:38 was in Canberra - our Capital :cool:

[Prudence]

I just applied to the Attorney General's Honors Program. It is my number 2 preference after the possibility of clerking.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Check out this Shim Sham (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_k_BIA_unI). I'm in the group at the 22 seconds mark. I think.What a fun video! Hope things turn out ok.

[Tref]

It is my number 2 preference after the possibility of clerking.

Ahh, the sweet possibility of clerking!

[Gemini Cricket]

If anyone is into web design and all that, I have a great way for you to make money. The websites for the countries in the South Pacific really need help. They're slow, not designed well and are horribly outdated. No one seems to be maintaining them at all. I've been accessing them for about a year and they are so very challenging to navigate.
ie. Western Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Guam, Solomon Islands.

[Andrew]

What language(s) are they in? I mean spoken/written, not computer language.

[3894]

So, you'll enjoy this one. We'll assume the man is okay now. I know from stories the hubbo has told that this would not be the weirdest thing that ever came into an ER:

4 women in lover's gluing must stand trial
September 8, 2009

(AP) — A Wisconsin man has testified he went to a motel for a romance with a girlfriend and ended up tied to a bed with lace, harassed and having his penis glued to his stomach.


The 37-year-old Fond du Lac man testified today in a Calumet County Circuit Court that he realized the liaison was over when three other women, including his wife, burst into the room and confronted him about his cheating ways.


After the testimony, a judge ruled there was enough evidence for the women to stand trial in the plot against the man.


Therese Ziemann of Menasha, Wendy Sewell of Kaukauna, Michelle Belliveau of Neenah and the victim’s estranged wife are each charged with being party to felony false imprisonment, a felony. Ziemann is also charged with misdemeanor sexual assault.

[Moonliner]

If anyone is into web design and all that, I have a great way for you to make money. The websites for the countries in the South Pacific really need help. They're slow, not designed well and are horribly outdated. No one seems to be maintaining them at all. I've been accessing them for about a year and they are so very challenging to navigate.
ie. Western Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands, Guam, Solomon Islands.

Do they pay with USD or bat soup?




(Cuz if it's the soup I'm soooo going after this work....)

[Gemini Cricket]

What language(s) are they in? I mean spoken/written, not computer language.
For the most part English. French for certain New Caledonia and French Polynesia sites.
Do they pay with USD or bat soup?




(Cuz if it's the soup I'm soooo going after this work....)
I'm sure the Palauans and the Chamorro folk could hook you up.
:D

[Chernabog]

Just when I forgot about the bat "incident."

[CoasterMatt]

Doing happy dance - new car is on it's way for the monkey!