And there's my old building.

I thought that was Alcatraz in the picture.

Nice shot, Alex.

While looking up to see if a another phrase already existed on Urban Dictionary, I stumbled on a phrase whose definition, 1) had nothing to do with what I was looking up, and 2) disturbed even me.

I won't even link to it, you will have to look it up yourself: Dirty Strawberry Cotsquat - consider yourself warned: it is not for the faint of heart!

Where the H-E-Double-toothpicks do people come up with crap like this?!?

The description left out two important maneuvers. When her parents enter the room, do a "ta-daa" gesture and loudly proclaim, "THE ARISTOCRATS!!!"

Well now, at least that explains the screen name.

I think I'm losing my Disney Geekery. I just mis-heard a portion of the lyrics to Yo Ho Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life For Me). There's a line about "your Mommies and Dad" and I heard "I would not wear my Armani's in bed".:eek:

I read that description and immediately thought of my college days. But it's missing the part with the shopping cart and the Coke bottle.

So I'm kind of sad/annoyed. Normally I like the rain, but it's mucking with my trip. Dad keeps asking what I want to do tomorrow, and I had this great idea that we should go bike riding in Golden Gate Park. But there's like a 70% chance of rain tomorrow. Unlike today, which was glorious but a travel day. There's not much else newish or interesting at present. I have no pressing need to shop in Union Square (no money if I had need, no good shops any more if I had money), and Fisherman's Wharf holds no sway over me beyond a nice fish dinner. Only thing I've never done is Alcatraz, but a) weather and b) Dad has no desire to see it a second time.

C'mon sun, for once I'd actually appreciate you making an appearance! Baby wants a bike ride!

I love Voss.

Period.

Well, it's raining. No bike ride for me :(. On the bright side, still going into the city for lunch.

We ended up getting to GG Park after all. After lunch, Dad was telling me there "used to" be a windmill just over so, and when we got around the corner it was not only there but restored and landscaped, and comprises the far end of the park.

:)

I saw some geese turn around and head back south today. The cherry blossoms are out and we are having snow showers. That ain't right.

Well, we have sunny and 75°F today. It's all good to me......

:evil:

Although that's about to change. We will be 65° and rainy tomorrow.....

Yeah. I've got my office window open, enjoying the fresh spring breeze. I can almost smell the ocean at times too. :evil:

Oh, and the blue skies are heavenly today! :D

PanTheMan's wife Oona just went into labor :)

Thanks, Morri. I'm wishing Oona a speedy labor. She's one of the nicest people I know, I wish she'd join and post.

So BJ and I are looking at houses together this weekend in the Valley (to rent, not to buy, alas... we want to get a place with a yard for a dog, but we don't have the dough for a down payment.. perhaps next year). Yes yes cheese-man would be moving as well. Couldn't give up my favorite roommate.

It's definitely strange though. Nesting, I mean. I seriously feel like a lesbian.

Um, Cherny.... Satan just knocked on my door asking to borrow a parka and a space heater. :p

How exciting!

Nesting. Ah, l'amour... l'amour....

But if you start wearing flannel and get a mullet, I'll never speak to you again!

That's just the sprayers on Soarin' overspraying.

How exciting!
:)
Best wishes to them.

Also known as Dough Payment....

I can't wait to take you guys downtown to pick out window treatments :)

LMAO.... right???!

Girl, you KNOW I'm a lipstick lesbian!

My grandma's not doing well. She could rebound, but the doctor doesn't think it's likely. I think she'd made up her mind to die now because she'd read about the average survival time after stroke and now she's reached that time. I can't really blame her, given her quality of life. I'm glad I got to see her in February. Stupid job did at least that much for me.

(((Pru)))

I'll second that. sorry to hear it Pru. truly

Sorry to hear that Prudence.

I'm sorry, Pru. You know we're here if there's anything we can do.

RIGHT NOW - at this very moment, my parents are getting ready to go through the Panama Canal! Too cool.

There's currently another ship in the first lock - but I think they are after that one. (they were supposed to begin about 7am mountain time - which is now - so I'm assuming they are next.)

So neat that I might see their ship on the webcam as it goes through. Wonders of modern technology and all. :snap:

I'm sorry to hear about your Grandmother, Pru. Hugs to you.

Sorry to hear about your grandmother, Pru. My grandmother passed away two weeks ago, after suffering with Alzheimer's for 9 years. H & I flew out for her funeral in NJ so we could mark her passing and support my mom. I was glad we went. Not only did we have closure - but we had the opportunity to see so many of my family and family friends. Every conversation began with "It's good to see you - sorry about the circumstances...". Because of her disease, she wasn't really recognizable as the person she'd been for over 5 years. I expected to be sadder than I was. Her passing was actually a relief, both for my family and (I hope) for her. I hope that your situation will afford you the same opportunity to connect with your family.

(((hugs to you Prudence)))

Sorry to hear it, Pru

As far as I know my grandma made it through the night. They were going to install a feeding tube today. This isn't totally abnormal for her - she doesn't do well in hospitals or nursing homes, so they need to make her strong enough to go home, where she does eat.

Meanwhile, can I just say how evil nursing homes can be? They seem to have this idea that she's frail and disabled and should just die already. But see, she's stubborn. If she actually doesn't want to die, she won't. So make her more comfortable, dammit. Don't just decide a doctor doesn't need to see her because she's old and sick and will probably die. Especially when you made a big stink and involved a social worker who made waves and insisted grandma needed to go to a nursing home "to get the kind of care she needs" instead of going home, where my grandpa takes very good care of her. GRRRRRR!!!!!!

Sorry - probably should have put that in the vent thread.

I'm wearing hiking boots to work today. I'm preparing for Lesbian food tonight.

Lesbian food?

Yeah, you know like muffins and pop-tarts. Or perhaps it was just a slip of the tongue so to speak.

Ever have days where you feel like the only sane person in the assylum?

















Is it lunch time yet?

Are you implying there are days that aren't like that?

You know, on a "food" product that is neon blue and marekted as being "razzapplemagic" flavored, I'm thinking the "Artificially flavored" label is a bit unnecessary. For the sake of reducing ink consumption, I think the FDA should just turn a blind eye on that one and assume we can all figure it out ourselves.

For the last couple of days I have not been hungry. Like at all. I've been forcing myself to eat. I don't feel sick or anything, just not hungry. Last night I had something small for dinner and I totally lost energy halfway through rehearsals. My bad, I should have eaten more so that my energy level would have stayed high all the way through. This morning, still not very hungry. Not sure what's going on...

Didn't you say you'd just met someone? That'll do it.

You mean that's not a serving of fruit???

Crap!

:D

Why do Moonliner and Ghoulish Delight currently have the same avatar?

Who copied who?

"Who copied whom?" ;)

I only read Sooooo when I've got a bunch of pages to catch up on, so let me say: Additional Hugs to Pru, oooh nesting congrats to Cherny and BJ, and 'you shouldn't have eaten the bat soup' to Brad.

"What effing moron copied GD?"

Apparently

Prudence,

Sorry to hear about your grandmother. You have my sympathy.

You and all you other middle aged people who keep losing grandparents also have my jealousy as I never knew any of my grandparents.

:D

Oh you're a great one to talk about copying avatars, Kitten Copier!

The cats are multiplying. Where are we? Casa de Lisa?
:D

Heh heh. Lasbear got his wish.
:D

I ran into the guy who does hair and makeup for the play I'm in. He looked me up and down and agreed with me that I need a mullet haircut. I'm excited about that. BUT he also said he wanted me to grow a goatee (just like lashbear wanted!). I said ok. I can't grow one as nice as GD's or mousepod's but I think the scruffy, scraggly look is what he's going for. I'm excited. I'm going to Redneckland, y'all! I also found out I get to wear hunting boots and carry a gun throughout the play.
Yee haw!

AND there are 2 LoTlore/Disney connections in the show that involve my character:

1. I have to sing "Give a Little Whistle" in a couple of scenes and talk about... Jiminy Cricket. lol
2. I am in red longjohns for one scene.

I love doing plays.
:)

How is that possible? ... albeit very cool! Tell the playwright or director that if there's an eating or food scene, the play needs to include bacon, pancakes and corn dogs as part of the play.

:decap: :cakes:

And some kind of beverage!

I really should wake-up before going to work. I just wrote a long email to someone, put all the people in "CC" who need to be kept in the loop, and sent it.


Then I realized that it would have been helpful if I had put the person it was meant for in the "to". :rolleyes:

Today is full of meeting. Ugh.

OMG, when's opening night? I've finally got all the motivation I need to finally get to Hawaii.

:snap:

Um, NOT really kidding.

I just ate my very first Tim Tam. :p

I am facing meeting/conference call Fail-A-Thon. Two conference calls have failed to take place because others are showing up. I anticipate more to come.

Wait a minute: the way to get conference calls to FAIL is to get more people in on them? I have GOT to remember this trick.

Maybe post something like: "Get $1,000 from Bill Gates. Just call (800) 555-5731 at 10:30 a.m. MDT and enter code 63124."

I'm tired. And bored. And these Reisen candies are very tasty. Very tasty indeed. And my back itches. Wonder where I'll go for lunch today? Subway? They're just meh - but pretty close. Wonder if it's warmer out now then it was earlier. My glasses are dirty - I should clean them. All those Reisens made me thirsty. Maybe I'll eat another one. Did I mention I'm bored and tired?

You've got to love it when people mention on 4/9 that they never got their W-2. Uh-huh. You mean you lost it and it's coming down to the last minute - but you don't want to say you lost it and make things up?

Happiness is finding an old forgotten lotto scratcher with a decent win when spring cleaning. It's like I got paid $18 to clean my own office. Heh. :)

I was able to get breakfast on the go this morning. YAY!

Tax refunds already posted to my account! I swear I just did them this past weekend. Yay!

And we were out of veggies to take with my lunch today, so to fill the void I get to visit the snack rack in the break room. yee-haw! potato chips and pot noodle!

12 minutes to go...

happiness is...
having the majority of the office out with their kids during spring break, having the solitude and quiet to get something done....

and not doing ANY of it

:evil:

Wow: if it took you that long, you might want to see a doctor.

2 hours to go before my 2 week vacation!

W00t - Seder tonight. Always a bunch of fun.

OMG, so much fun in the days ahead, with an ever-changing cast of charismatic characters. Yee-Haw! :D

The Simpsons are now USPS stamps. Hmmm. I remember a time when The Simpsons just being on TV was hugely controversial. Children, the times they are a-becoming quite different.
:)

... or desperation from the U.S. Postal Service to sell more stamps? So, will Bart Simpson change one of his catchphrases from "Eat my shorts!" to "Lick my stamps!" ?

I know - he'll be mooning on the stamp and it will say "kiss my butt". ;)

We are watching this new show called Cupid. Not sure about the show, but they are at a Mariachi karaoke bar.

Fascinating concept.

I find it bizarre that ABC is remaking a show they canceled.

This was on before? I was unaware

Wait, Cupid as in the Jeremey Piven show?

Yes, that Cupid. The creator of that show wasn't as well known at the time, and didn't have enough pull. Then he made Veronica Mars and became somewhat more successful in town, and when he pitched it, ABC offered to revisit it with a new cast and a new angle. I guess. (I haven't seen it.)

Does it mean something when your company's stock price hits 6.66 on Good Friday?

Buy! No wait... Sell! No wait... ;)

Muahahahah. Hamuahmuahmuahmuah.

WOOF !!!!! :evil:

I thought the stock markets were closed today?

I scored the last box of Cadbury creme eggs in the Target near my house.

Those things are PURE EVIL!!!!!

(by which I mean they are in fact the greatest thing ever created by humans)

Yes. They had a case of orange creme and camel left, but I scoured for the creme.

Creme = bleh. But you already knew that about me, BTD.

Not to rain on your Easter parade or anything but...
Ew. I don't like candy with guts in it. Bleh!
:D

Well yes, technically it closed yesterday at 6.66. But that means it spent all day to day there.

I hate the Camel flavored ones! I prefer goat.....

:evil: ;)

We're playoff bound!!!!!!!

So's half the league.

So on Monday I drove over to DLR after work and met my friend Lauretta who was there with her family (two sons, two daughters-in-law, two grandsons) all from various places in the midwest. She's ditched her family for the evening so we could visit. We hadn't seen each other in 7 years and hadn't exchanged a letter or email in several years before she contacted me a few weeks ago to let me know she'd be in the area. Before that it had been many years because she'd moved to Minnesota. But way before that we'd been best friends growing up before life got between us.

We had a great time talking over dinner and then we went into the Park and watched fireworks while we talked some more. I got home late for a school night but I was so glad I stayed. We've promised to make a better effort to stay in touch.

But I was shocked at how old she was. She used to be only a year older than me. Then I looked in the mirror. Oh. Yeah. How did that happen?

If you are saying she now looks more than a year older, it could be:

1) She moved to MN

2) People who visit DL often stay younger

3) I suppose you could have better genes, but I'd go with the first two....

Remember you are as young as you feel....I'd say you are pretty young!

And I would be happy to feel you to see how young you DO feel.
:evil:

Considering the first 3/4 of our season it is a small miracle we are in the half of the league going to the playoffs ;)

So I am sitting here getting the last few things ready. They are vacuuming upstairs. So I think to myself: "this is what it sounds like to be vacuumed."

Sis I mention that there is not a lot of sound insulation between floors?

Oh, I thought he bought stock in Satan......

:evil:

My mom brought back a package of these for me from New Zealand.

Manoa Valley Theatre here in Hawai'i is going to do 'Hair' next year. I can't believe it. It made me totally and completely excited. Probably too old to be in it, but I'm going to be involved in it somehow.
:)

There's a revival on Broadway right now. :)

Lucky, you! I've still never had a Tim Tam and would like to experience eating/drinking a Tim Tam Slam one of these days. :coffee:

Rather than click on the link to discover what it is, I'm going to enjoy the repulsive assumption that that's a new dish at Denny's consisting of "choc hazelnut flavored mousse" scambled with eggs and a side of bacon and hash browns.

Does anybody speak stomach? I'd like to give mine a talking to!

Ellen Degeneres. Stomach speak angry whale.

Today's little project came out well, I think.



Branch: free
Pot: <$1
Flowers: $1
Plaster: ~$0.35

You're not getting my Thin Mints, Moonie!

Curses! Foiled again.

I'm falling asleep at work.
It would be so bad to sleep at work.
Me tired.
Me sleepy.
Work rehearsals sleep work rehearsals sleep...

Welcome to my world, GC. Even when I'm not in production, I can't get to sleep before 1:30.

You are being produced?

I'm bored.

I should have been in bed hours ago.

You should have. Everyone was there. It was a blast.

I've started using a press pot to make coffee at work since I'm not a fan of the new brand of coffee they've brought in.

I need practice. My first 2 cups came out kinda weak. Don't know if I need to add more grounds or increase steeping time. I'm a little worried that the water that comes from the coffee machine here isn't hot enough, which might scuttle the whole operation.

I'll need some advice from the masters (€ when he returns from the mountains, or the professional, blueerica, if she's around).

Do you pre-warm the press pot? That can help too. Put warm water in the pot, then discard before you add the grounds and the water to actually make the coffee. Also, the coffee should be ground to "press pot" standards rather than for drip machines. It does make a difference.

Done on both counts.

I think it's just trial and error. I had the same issue when I was using a press pot regularly. I will be interested to see any hints Euro and E have. Didn't they post some once?

I wonder if I'm anywhere close on the grounds:water ratio. I'm using 2 heaping teaspoons for the amount of water that fits in a standard travel mug. Does that seem right?

Well, when I make coffee and this works out for drip, etc. 1 heaping spoon of coffee per cup and then 1 extra for the pot. I do not drink too much of the stuff, but I made the first 3 or 4 pots at Yosemite yesterday and had no complaints it wsa too strong or not. Of course, since most of those consuming were bleary-eyed from lack of sleep, any caffeine was a good thing.

Also, ask Kevy since he brought a French Press to Yosemite. He might know.

If you're not getting good temperature water, but yourself a little desktop water pot to heat your water.

Then stop drinking coffee because that **** is vile.

I get to see my folks tomorrow!!!!!! Yay!!!!!!! This will be my first time flying into Seatac as an out-of-state-er. I wonder if it will make me want to move back there or if I'll be glad I left.

My third pot is an improvement. I upped it to 3 scoops, steeped a little longer. I think next time I'll steep it even longer.

I've considered it, I think the press pot is already pushing the work-space-as-kitchen boundary, I think adding small kitchen appliances might raise some eyebrows. Especially since I don't sit in my cube, I spend my time in the computer lab.


Only when people ruin it with milk and sugar.

Be the "kitchen in his cube" guy. It'll make you indispensable.

I say scrap the whole thing and buy a Keurig.

If I were in my cube I would. In the lab, probably a bad choice.

That's what I'm trying to get away from. The company provides us a pod-type maker. It makes pretty good coffee and I've been happy with it. But a) to save money they're switching brands, and the new brand sucks. And b) Even with the better coffee, after a while the uniformity has gotten to me. Even having bought my own pods of different flavors for variety, there's just no personality to each cup. I'm digging the little bit of personal touch I'm getting from making my own.

I'm drowning my sorrows in far too many tim tams. Thank goodness I have one package left to me. Damn those Aussies, these are addicting.

I had my hubby take mine out to the garage freezer, not that THAT will save them but at least I have to walk further to get at them! Those ones being sold at Target just are NOT the same.

VAHIMYMM*

*Visiable Alex "How I Met Your Mother" mojo

I just brought the last of the cookies out of the oven. All I have left to do, food wise, for Cambria is the cake and cutting the fudge I made earlier tonight.

I bought an electric teakettle a while back for a work tea party. It became my donation to the kitchen at large. Perhaps you could do the same. Those things boil water quickly, faster than a stove, so you don't feel weird hanging around the kitchen waiting for it to boil. You'd be a hero to all the resident tea drinkers, too.

I think the water from the machine is hot enough. I've used it for tea before and it's been fine. I was just underestimating the amount of grounds and steeping time.

But does it work if you watch it?

The best tea is made at 180°F which is where most of the water dispensers are set. Water at 200-212°F (boiling) allows the bitter oils to be extracted from the leaves. This is why I like sun tea the best, but because it takes 4-6 hours and a warm sunny day I don't make it all that much.

I'm not sure, but I would think the same would be true with coffee. I just bought a french press to use at work (the coffee they make here is vile, not sure what they do wrong). The nice thing is making it strong, using and emmersion blender in some whole milk, add some chocolate syrup, and wala! Mocha Latte!

You also should not brew coffee at boiling - so be careful about temperature. It plays a big factor is taste/quality of coffee.

What Peet's says

coffeeresearch.com's advice

Peet's also offers coffee-to-water ratios that are helpful. They tend to have more coffee to water than most people like, so I suggest brewing it to their methods and adding hot water to it after the brew.

I really want an electric tea kettle. My tea pot is old and does not whistle. It stopped whistling a couple of years ago, but just recently started something new. When I flip the spout, the piece that should make it whistle, completely falls out of the spout and into my cup. Since I make tea everyday, you'd think I could remember this is coming. I guess I really should just buy the electric kettle.

Speaking of Peet's, I headed to your old digs to add a 2nd coffee flavor to my work pantry.

File this under "No Sh*t Sherlock", but the visual difference between the Peet's press grind vs. the press grind from the supermarket grinder (which I used simply because I was there and wanted some coffee to start testing the press with) is amazing. I'm in no way surprised by this fact, even without the Peet's to compare to I could see how irregular the market's grinder left the grounds. But wow does Peet's do a good job.

And it paid dividends. First cup with the Peet's (Sumatra) is freaking divine.

Oh, and I'm not joking when I say "pantry". Wait until I start adding teas as well...
Attachment 1077

I got mine at Target.

They have their ratios on the bags, if I recall.

Don't forget to keep the grinds away from the light! More true for the teas!

[/coffee&tea nazi]

I'm jealous - I continue to put up with the mud at work. It may be time for a change...

That cabinet stays closed.

BTW, I think that Peet's is collapsing without you, E. I took my free cup-a when I bought the Sumatra. I didn't really pay attention to what she poured, and I had walked out before I sipped it. It was undrinkable. Bitter beyond reason, and I like bitter coffee. If it weren't free I'd have gone back and asked for something else.

There is this one fence picket in my backyard that falls down every time it gets windy, which it really has been lately. I put it up and it falls down again. I don't even think the ex left a hammer in the house when he moved out, so any "repairs" I make are sub-par.

I could hear the neighbor mowing his lawn a little while ago. Through the downed picket I saw him pass by and he was nude. Does this not seem like a complete absence of common sense? I couldn't see if he was wearing shoes, but would not have been surprised to see him barefoot. Blatant disregard for safety. Who does this? What about lawn debris?

Now he is finished mowing and I notice he is wearing a Bluetooth. Where is he carrying the phone?? He looks like Chuck Woolery with gray hair (the parts of Chuck Woolery I have seen). I hope he goes in soon, this is very distracting.

Darn you guys for bringing up Peet's. Now I'm aching for a Vanilla Freddo.

Wish my local Peet's was hiring...

Naked guy is in and the fence picket is up. I didn't want to go out and move it while he was still in the yard, obvs. Though I guess someone who gardens nude might not have been too embarrassed. But I would have.

ROFL

nude lawn mowing is...to say the very least....ill advised.
get a picture next time

LMAO

Yes, yes, what Capt. Jack said!

What a maroon, I must say!

So Snowy, I told you it's awesome here -- when 'ya comin' to visit me? ;)

At least he had the expected protection of a fence.

My stepfather would go out and water the front lawn in his underwear (tighty whities) at 3 in the morning.

Partial protection, since the fence is collapsing and there was quite clearly a picket completely down.

At least it was in the wee hours when your stepdad was standing out there in his smalls.

Or maybe I've just been wearing too many clothes while out of doors at home.

Better mark your calendar. (NSFW)

World Naked Gardening Day? This is a worldwide phenomenon? I had no idea. And it is coming up soon! My neighbor must be practicing. Thanks, SL.

While it is ill advised, I did it once. And I wear very little during the hot summer while gardening. Including no shoes. I have never had any injuries, as I'm use to it (a nudist at heart, have been all my life). Though maybe I'm pushing my luck......

;)

So, weather permitting, guess what I'll be doing May 2nd? :D

Mind the clippers.

And, since I just got a nasty prick on my finger, I'll add: mind the roses.

Better than a nasty finger on your prick.

And the winner is . . .

Next up: something about stems, roses, etc.

I would regularly wear sandals to mow the lawn because I hated getting stuff into my shoes. But whatever useless s.o.b. was responsible for tending my parents' lawn (oh wait...) didn't do a very good job, so it was mostly dry weeds, dirt, and rocks, so barefoot would have been a bad choice.

But yeah, in the 100 degrees summers of the valley it was sandals, shorts, and that's it.

Aren't all men nudists at heart? Or do I just know too many men who think of themselves this way?

not sure 'likes to get naked' immediately qualifies you as a 'nudist' does it?

most guys I know who do so relatively frequently see it quite often as a means to an end....ya know?

not all, and not always...but I think they would indeed be in the majority

I have no problem being naked around the house, but I have no interest in being naked anywhere else so not sure where that puts me on the spectrum.

Im going to have to agree or disagree with you on that point, primarily depending on the usage of the term 'nasty'
:D

I would count it if naked was the preferred "hanging out around the house" state (pardon the pun)... the way some folks would wear PJs around the house for no better reason than because it's not necessary to put on outdoor clothes.

As observed on "Seinfeld," when it comes to hanging around the house, there's good naked, and there's not-so-good naked.

As for me, I push the lawnmower in my shirt sleeves.

I take the magazines.

I am . . . . the reasonable man.

So, bah humbug, even though it's Friday, bah ram ewe, I'm at the office.

Otherwise, all is normal in SF

It's here, It's here!!! It's finally here!

Spring.

Ahhhhhh......

Sneezing, eh?

exactly my thinking. supposed to be high 80+'s here for the next couple days...

about damn time :cool:

Meh. I prefer my days at 72 or below. Preferably below 68

It's raining something fierce here but it's supposed to get nice and warm for the weekend.

Apparently 79 degress here (SF) on Sunday and Monday. I'll be breaking out the fan, I suspect if there is no breeze.

MouseAdventure next weekend. Summer should be there by then.

We're supposed to hit 80 degrees on Monday, it will feel good!

No, it doesen't. "Getting naked" is usually the means to and end. There is nothing sexual about not wearing clothing, nudist style. It's a nature thing, a freedom of sorts. Warm sun, gentle breeze, nature around you in the garden. That's what I like, and what the National Garden in the Nude day is about.

In general, I love the sun, and this weekend will be wonderful!

This is my 666th post -- eep -- but there is nothing evil about it, nor is there anything naughty or evil about nudity, for gardening or any other reason. :D

My initial worry when I saw my neighbor was the he could run over a rock or something and possibly injure himself. He was mowing the lawn, not doing anything sexual at all, and indeed, he was in his own backyard. Granted, I did have an excellent view. And if his goal was to feel at one with nature, wearing a Bluetooth seems a little incongruous, not to mention that I still don't know where he was carrying the phone.


I get the whole communing with nature concept and realize there is nothing pervy about it. It just would not work for me. I'd feel very vulnerable and exposed, which seems counterproductive when trying to reach a serene state. But I am happy for you, that you achieve happiness in such a simple pleasure. In fact, I will be thinking good thoughts for you as you enjoy the warm sun and gentle breeze on that day.

:(

I must also point out that I have a block wall covered by shrubs that are 6-10 feet high all around my back yard. I do not wish anyone to see anything they don't want to. I'm very carefull about that.

Also, I'm a professional gardner (I had a business for many years) and extremly careful, and have never hurt myself. I have a healthy clean lawn, free from rocks. Flying rocks can seriously hurt someone even when fully clothed.

Oh, and thank you Deebs- it was a warm and wonderful day in the garden today! :D

I have a sinus infection. I feel like shyt.

We had such a blast yesterday at the park. It was fabulous weather and I got to have quality time with mom and I didn't have to be stressed or anything. It was a pretty darn great day! We got my mom to ride Tower of Terror, which was a feat all by itself. And we have photographic evidence! True, she's clinging to me, but she rode it, and says she'd go again. We were there from noon to midnight. Long day! It was pretty great.

Oh! And there are FABULOUS new Alice teapots/cups/saucers/mugs!!!!! ZOMG! so super cute! I got one of each.

I'm sorry to hear that, I hope you feel better quick!

Sinus infections are awful. They've plagued me for years, the past two years almost continuously. I hope you find relief. Have you had them before? Can I suggest warm compresses, steamy showers, hot tea? The neti pot or sinus wash helps but I think I just do it wrong so I only get semi-relief.

Nudity? LOL My backyard is open to everyone for quite some way. So, not here.

I heard it was 102 at the park today.....er, Disneyland park.

Wonder what it was at Yosemite? My two favorite parks!!!

What's with the heat? It was snowing just a few short days ago. Even on Saturday, I was wearing a sweater and was freezing at night. I want more cold!

No kidding, 87 in SF today and tomorrow. Too darn hot!

Anyone not in the desert doesn't get to complain about heat.

Sooo... I'm just about to go to The Park with Chris & Lisa & Cindy & Gretchen and I'm as excited as hell !!!!!!!!

OMG, I'm gonna cry again. I get like that when I see the main entrance etc. Crazy AshTrayans.

Didja leave Stoat at Heast Castle? ;)

Have fun!

Man I wish I could get someone else to bake for me today! Have fun!

Having just returned from camping in the Anza Borrego desert no one can comlain about the heat - with the exception of those who went to Coachella... they know all about it.

We went from WINDY (capitalized for just how windy it was!) to hotter then HELL. (capitalized for just how hot it was). I was glad to be in the car with A/C on the drive back.

I hate heat. I hate being sick when it's hot more. But most of all I hate people who are having fun at Disneyland while I'm home, in the heat, sick.

You're all poopyheads. :p

I agree, and with far less reason than you. I'm not even sick, but nor am I at Disneyland. I do hope you are feeling better soon.

So I really do learn something new everyday by reading the Urban Dictionary's word of the day. At least the last 5 I had never heard of in my life. Am I living under a rock?

Nah, you're in Stockton! ;)

At least it is usually dry heat. Though I was in Vegas once durring monsoon weather and it was 95°F and 90% humidity. The saving grace was the clouds, so it didn't get up to 110-115 that I have experienced.

And when people say it's cold here I tell them to try Chicago or Minnesota....

I have to say that Sat was real nice, Sun. was boarderline, and today is just too darn hot!

At least Friday will be 62°F and drizzling.....

I hope it will be cool in Vegas, since that's where I'll be the rest of this week, starting tomorrow.

That reminds me - I should probably be packing. Yet, I also have to finish up a ton of work.

Ken's sweet - he braved the heat yesterday to wash my car, and even came back inside and asked if I'd like it hand-waxed as well. It was sweet of him to offer, but I didn't want him to pass out.

What the heck happened to Spring? Did I miss it?

I'm happy it's been warm this weekend! (Still weekend for me - I took today off to recover from the busy weekend.) Usually when we have company from Washington it rains. This weekend, it was great!

Up to eighty the last two days after MONTHS of cold and rain. We're happy here!

This is revenge for us talking about how nice and sunny it's been for the last few weeks, huh? ;)

I have APness again.

Was nice to see you today!

It was still too damn hot. TSMM was the only ride we got on today, after we parted ways, the rest of the day was spent hopping from shady table to shady table and to refill drinks. (Until we went to see Sleeping Beauty, that is)

Same thing

Yippeeee! :snap:

Can't have Lash and Stoat over withought having a pass....

Cool! Well, not literally, congrats.

Okay, enough with the hot weather, please. Only benefit, I got 2 new fans, very nice and nice and quiet, too. Tango was lying right in front of the fan, all night long, got to be murder in the heat with a fur coat you can't take off. That and she lies with her chin in her water fountain, silly cat!

After sweating out the layoffs, my boss just brought me some gorgeous flowers (that are making me sneeze) for my 1 year anniversary. They're pretty

Is anybody hiring right now?

We're hiring.

Tell me more :)

Happy work anniversary, Snowflake! :snap:

With all the work uncertainty I'm reading about here, I guess I should just shut. the. bleep. up. about how frustrating it is to do online ressies for train travel from Paris to Dijon to Brive-la-Gaillarde.

Just a little bit, I hate you 3894 ;)

$#%@#$(*!!!!!

So, today, I get a call from my bank (Partners Federal Credit Union) alerting me that some a****** numb**** has been driving through Georgia and charging my debit card number at a series of Wal-Marts. So, I'm spending much of my day today making police reports and filling out credit union affidavits and REALLY wanting to find these wonderful citizens, and figure out where and how they got my frickin information.


AAARGH! Some people suck!!!

Aw Flippy, that totally sucks! I hope you have an easier time dealing with all this than Pru did.

I hope the rat fvcktard gets nailed, and soon!

Flippyshark: I feel your pain. Really and truly. At least your bank called you.... Trust me, it could be worse. I hope the clean-up goes smoothly.

Morrigoon: We're still planning a job fair here next month, far as I know. And your degree would not be completely irrelevant.

Everyone who's still too warm: it is so cold in my cube that I would gladly trade places with you.

Cadbury creme egg I brought for lunch: Why are you already gone? Why do you not automatically regenerate until my thirst for creamy goodness is sated?

That's really scary. Especially since I have a Partners account myself.

awwww how sweet! That really is nice SF!

So, according to Al, Harbor Galley will re-open!

Wow, I didn't realize you could put ethnicity in a job posting...

http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSeek...J6H9N52680Y1HF

All this work lately is killing me...


I've been feeling a bit Dopey, though.

Well, the day started out nice. It is Staff Appreciation Day, a made-up holiday I do not care for one way or the other. Today, how can I complain, hot breakfast was catered in this morning with 3 HUGE hot trays filled with bacony goodness. ;)

When I was last in the park (yeech, eons ago) we did the animator class and I could barely do a recognizable Donald. It was much more like a Dali-esque Donald.

That's a beautiful Dopey, Matt

I too got flowers for the whatever made up thing today is but hey I'll take what I can get.

Staff appreciation day? Ha!

I'll see that HA and raise you two "Really?" s.



This is the lamest office I've ever worked for.

I suppose I would have to have staff to care. However, there is someone lurking in the wings waiting for training by me. Hurray!

Since there a lot of Asian gamblers at some casinos, especially in Southern California and Las Vegas, many casinos specifically hire hosts/customer service reps who can speak a particular Asian language to make sure their gambling guests' needs are met.

I do not gamble at all, but I've known a few people who have worked as casino hosts.

Yeah, I suspect that they mean the job is as a Casino host for Asians (specifically Chinese) not an casino host that is Asian.

Very poor wording, though.

Daniel: I understand the reasoning, but a business should be careful how they word it, because I'm pretty sure it's not okay to give the impression that only Asians have a chance at getting the job (regardless of the likelihood that anyone else would have the required language skills)

It's "Administrative Professionals Day" - first off there's nothing wrong with being a Secretary why the need to try and make it sound important? Second - I'll be shopping with giftcards later - woo hoo!!

Heh, our Admin Asst is on vacation today (and all this week). Guess the boss gets to save some money.

Hmm. I'm chief, cook and bottlewasher around here, so I should buy myself a present. I deserve it given how often I ask myself to run domestic errands during the work day.

Or maybe just back myself into a corner when no one's around, so I can quit and sue myself.

The Boy has decided that he wants an allowance (at least this week) and has been cleaning like crazy. So far he has washed my car, cleaned under the brat cage (where Puffy pushes out the litter, because she is a snot), washed the livingroom windows, washed the back door, emptied the dishwasher and even attempted to clean the gutters over the patio. We are now trying to figure out what drug he is on so that we can give him more.

He started this yesterday. He got bored and washed the b/f's car.

Perhaps that what he wants the money for. :D

I'd say there's something he wants to purchase. The drug is called WANT. :D

Okay, this is what my job is all about! When I say we run events at the zoo, this is what I mean.

Last Saturday we celebrated Packy's birthday. This is a big deal in Portland - and has been for 47 years!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7q-5kXXR2c

I know what he wants. 10-1 if he dug out his room he would find it without having to buy a new one.

The elephant ears for the kids are a cute idea, but Packy's cuter and seemed to love the birthday cake. What were the candles on Packy's cake--carrots and celery?

And this reminds me, I need to renew my membership to the Zoological Society of San Diego (San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park), too.

Thanks for sharing the celebration video ... you do have a great job!

Looks like Packy was excited for his birthday cake! :D

awww what a great birthday for Packy!

I would like to report that last night I had a dream that I was in a musical with Aquaman, who was real. Actually, the whole thing was real, people just kept breaking into song.

And, I repeat: Aquaman.

Any sign of Aqualad or Tusky?

That's silly. The brain is fascinating to me - where does it come up with this? Were you watching some tv program right before bed? Sleeping on a water bed? Listening to water drip? Or just totally random Aquaman?

I keep telling my boss that Ian Anderson should re-record his classic 70's rock hit and pitch it as the new theme for Aquaman.

You too?

Weird.

Okay: WHAT does he want?!?

A Pokemon Pearl game for his DSi. He has 2 of them, but both have gone AWOL.

Oh



That was rather anti-climatic

Yes, Kevy, he really wants a prostitute.

And 10-1 odds he's got one buried in his bedroom.

I'm pretty sure my son's DS is buried in his room somewhere.

Well alot depends on what you think of Aquaman, super heroes, musicals, and how you reacted to these things in your dream - was there any conflict in all this?

But to venture some speculation - Perhaps there's an "Aquaman" part of your self, able to do superhuman feats - in your element (hmmm water usually being symbolic of sex or spirituality) but, at the moment, that part is like a - fish out of water so to speak, and in some sort of scripted unreality, where everyone is singing along - but the question is, are you left being the only one not singing?

I think the dream describes - in a potentially farcical manner a feeling of disconnectedness with the rest of the world.

I'd watched Enchanted again the previous night, so that's probably where the musical bit came in. As for Aquaman - I don't have a clue. I don't even read comics and I didn't watch superhero cartoons as a kid so it's a total mystery to me.

Oh, but there was a good Aquaman and an evil Aquaman. Did that ever happen? Is that some sort of storyline I might have accidentally noticed sometime in my past and just not realized I stuck in one of my grey-matter file drawers?

Darned sister?

Love musicals, not into superheros, and conflict abounded as the evil Aquaman was trying to kill us and I was helping the good Aquaman save the universe....in verse.....

However, disconnectedness? That's been omnipresent. Especially at work, where the inmates are running the asylum.

But remember both Aquamen - Good as well as Evil are you - and both wish to swim free

I'm now home, but stressed - mostly in a good way.

I came home to an email from the design firm. I start my first PAID project with them today, and if I do well, he's got a lot more lined up for me. :D

I've been set up with an official company email, and he introduced me to the client as his designer.

It's all so official. :eek:

And, I have to call the client today, and she's a published author - I'll be designing her website to promote her book. :eek:

But, I am SOOOOO tired from the last two whirlwind weeks, and I'm even fighting a sinus infection brought on by that exhaustion. Good times!

Congratulations and good luck with it!

Just talked to the client and didn't stumble a bit. :) We scheduled her design session for Monday. Good thing I'll have more sleep by then.... well, not much, since we'll be playing MouseAdventure the day before.

Look who I ran into today...

Cool photo CM!

Cool CM! Gary watches him when he stays up late.

Wow! Great photo, Matt! How cool, indeed, that you met the new, upcoming host of The Tonight Show, not to take anything away from his many years of comedic amusement as host of Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

Getting closer to Conan time on NBC!!

One of our nearby neighbors has a fetish/hobby/thing for sitting out on his patio every night for at least an hour, constantly hocking and spitting as loudly as possible. :rolleyes:

So, thanks to www.fart-sounds.net and my loud speakers and open window, I decided to make some disgusting sounds in return tonight. :evil:

He went back inside after I blasted "the bowels of the Titanic", "Rectal Bismol", among other audible delights. :evil:

LOL The Bowels of the Titanic? OMG Wonderful!
And, congrats on your work!! Yay!!

Matt, cool shot! And, wow, that is right, Conan is in the HOUSE!! NBCs' house, that is. ;0) Oh wow, I wonder if he'll do some zany stuff like Leno does? I love the stuff he does at Universal. The photo booth tricks crack me up. And, the questions...I hope to never be questioned....everyone looks so stupid. Do people sometimes ever end up being smart and they edit them out? I would hope so, for our societies sake.

Well, the zany stuff that Conan did on Friday tops all of Leno's efforts, easily.

You'll just have to watch the show to see what I mean :)

Can't wait!

And, BTW, please tell Rosie I hope she had/is having fun! I messed up on my PM and lost it and now am off to bed.

Oh, lost my PM, not 'it'. I think I still have 'it'. ;0)

But, OMG I will now have to be on the lookout for Conans' antics when I am up north!!! Must warn the children...watch out for the redhead!!

I'd just like to state for the record that Robert Irvine is very hot in person.

That is all.

This is Indiana Jones at Tokyo Disney Seas. Okay, he doesn't look like Harrison Ford but... WOW! Hot!
:)

I took production photos for the play tonight. My face is tired.
:)

Do tell, no really please tell me about seeing him. Did you attend the F&W at DCA, was it good? I just love his show especially now that he is back on it again!

I did not attend the showings, didn't even know that he was doing that until after the fact.

No, I was working in "The Box" and he & 2 others came in to ride. They were asking for VIP tour access, but they didn't have their plaid with them. (And the good old plaids finally got around to calling us to say that a high profile guest would be coming about... 30-40 minutes AFTER they left, LOL) But luckily, I actually recognized him, so I was able to presume that he probably did have a plaid at some point, so I went ahead and helped him out there. So, although very brief, I got to speak to him :)

How very cool indeed, color my jealous!

I'm back at work after 2 weeks off. I just want to go home and crawl back in bed...

Oh... I thought GD meant he had a prostitute buried in his room.

How cool: you ran into CoasterMatt!

Just booked and paid for our trip to DL in July. We arrive on the 16th, and are there through the 21st. (Staying at the DLH- whatever the Sierra tower is now called, pool view). It will be me, Tori, my sis Bobbi, and my nephew.

I can't wait......:cheers:

WOOHOO! I just got all the achievements playing "Don't **** Your Pants!" - a horror survival game (the game is NSFW, in case you didn't already guess)

When you have both cats and a piano, sometimes you are awakened at night by the sounds of Cat Piano. I remember back when they were both concerned about the alarming noises that would sound forth if they stepped upon the ivories and they would avoid the keys at all cost in their quest for a higher sleeping perch. Now, however, they seem to take great delight in tromping down solidly in the dark hours to remind me that I didn't shut the lid.

Damn Cat Piano. Ruined a perfectly good - yet completely bizarre - dream that I can no longer remember.

Okay, I'm going to start shopping for airfare and (ahem) a place to stay. Anyone got a couch in July? :) I owe you at least 1 drink WB.

We have a queen air mattress, a guest room, and we are 2 freeway exits from the park. :) Would love to have you.

Sometimes you don't want to remember the dreams you were having.

I had a weird@ss dream last night in which I kept obsessively putting foundation on my face (btw, I almost never wear foundation at all, and when I do, it's powder not cream) and it had something to do with the fact that most foundations today offer some kind of SPF protection, but at some point in the dream I was conscious of the fact that I'd been putting it on every few minutes and wondered if my face was caked with the stuff, and asked someone in the dream if that was the case, and they said no, it looked like I finally had on a reasonable amount.

See? You don't wanna remember the weird ones.

Speaking of dreams, I've noticed something interesting lately. Used to be, I hardly EVER had dreams, or at least hardly ever remembered having them when I woke up. But I've noticed now that if I have caffeine at any point in the evening, I have dreams. It's just so bizarre for me to go from hardly ever having them to having them multiple times a week. I'm just glad they're weird dreams and not nightmares. Guess that means my stress level is low, even if my caffeine level is high, LOL.

I wonder if you are having the same amount of dreams. The caffeine could affect your sleep, causing you to wake up during them more. This might allow you to remember them better, after the fact.

It's possible. It's also possible that I might have sleep apnea... I am a snorer, and my dad certainly has it (cpap machine and all).

My theory is that because I cut way back on my caffeine (no really, I did), and my body adjusted, now when I do have it, I have all this extra energy and my brain is just going into overdrive instead of shutting down.

But also, I'm often conscious within the context of the dream that I'm having a dream, but my mind has an ability to sit back and watch it like a movie, and even comment on it (such as the awareness that I was putting on too much makeup, and then the character of me reacting to that thought about it). I know, I'm a weirdo.

Baskin Robbins is holding this annual, 1-day special again:

31 Cent Scoop Night at Baskin Robbins
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Join us for 31 Cent Scoop Night at Baskin-Robbins and help us honor America’s firefighters with a $100,000 donation to the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) National Junior Firefighter Program.

Participating stores will reduce prices of small ice cream scoops to 31 cents. 2.5 oz. scoops (or 3 oz. Soft Serve cones) are 31 cents plus tax where applicable. Limit 3 scoops person.

At some locations, you may also have an opportunity to make a donation to local fire charities.

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) National Junior Firefighter Program gives fire departments and youth nationwide the resources, tools, and information they need to help develop, grow, enhance, promote, and participate in their local programs. In the program, youth learn about local fire, rescue, and emergency medical services response organizations in a safe, controlled, educational, and fun way while providing departments with an excellent recruitment mechanism.

A donation of $100,000 will be made by Baskin-Robbins to the NVFC National Junior Firefighter Program. At select local stores throughout the country, you may also have a chance to donate to your local fire station.

Baskin-Robbins is proud to support this worthy cause. We encourage you to learn more about the National Junior Firefighter Program by visiting www.nvfc.org/juniors

Yay!! See you there! :cheers:

So - when you realize it's a dream try and do something - like fly!

Was your dream about The Aristocats?

Our day bed is always available - if you can push past the cats, that is. Speaking of cats, there are probably a few you haven't met yet.

I get a real kick out of dreaming.

I have a friend that died right after high school in London. I found out about it several weeks later. There was no funeral around for me to attend. I used to dream about him quite a bit. It was always something similar. I'd be somewhere and there he'd be. I run up to him and exclaim: Leif - I thought you were dead! and he would reply that he was. It got to where I would dream that and then dream that I knew it was a dream. and then I would wake up. dammit.

Where's my promised dream flight?

I've flown in other dreams- usually to escape something. I seem to have trouble "taking off" as it always involves some sort of balancing like i was jumping on a moving seat or something. Never would get to high - and I always had trouble going anywhere because I couldn't navigate without seeing the streets.

Why yes. I do enjoy dreaming.

You'll be there, too? (Yaayyyy!!!)

I owes ya a drink as well, Snow. The Baklava Bearer must be recompensed.:cheers:

Would love to,CP. However, since I will likely fly into Long Beach, I'll wager I end up in NA & E's office withCaliope (or someone else).

I will take a raincheck for another day!:D

I expect so. How funny, I just replied to CP I'd prolly fly into LB and end up in your office. :D

I am hoping that our trip will be the 3rd week of June, but we may be getting new APs, so a July meet might just work.

Fugeddabahdit. I'm not spending time with YOU in July !!!

...I will, however, accept a visit in April next year. :D


Jack likes to sit in front of the Aircon. :cool:

Somebody really didn't think this product through too carefully, did they?

It took me way to long to realize that it was a rain gauge.

While kinda strange looking, I have one like it only not Mickey or a gnome. But I have seen gnome ones that this is suppose to be modeled after so I got it. But Mickey just looks way too weird with a beard.....

So, I couldn't care less about my dreams. I am more than skeptical that they carry much meaning, and even if they do, I find I don't really accept that anyone's found a reliable way to separate what might be meaningful from what is random background neuron-firing. So I don't really bother trying to remember them as I never really wake up thinking, "OMG, that dream meant so much to me!"

But today I made an effort to retain a dream I had this morning, simply because it was so ludicrously bland. It was all about me recounting to CP something I heard on This American Life. And it wasn't even some fascinating story I'd heard. It was a bit from the beginning or end of the podcast where they're letting the listeners know about upcoming shows/events.

Yes sir, my amazing dream world of public radio scheduling!

I don't know that they end up meaning much all the time - I just like that I lead another life in my mind when I sleep.

Although recurring dreams on the other hand may be a different story. I had ongoing dreams for awhile about the brakes in my car. I finally had to go get them checked out. They were fine. The dreams stopped. (so whatever that means.) Guess I was somehow worried about it? But I'd have dreams of going down a hill and not being able to stop. Or going off a cliff because I couldn't slow down on a mountain road. Or maybe it all does mean something in a big metaphor.

I've had lots of dreams about really, really wanting to fly. Then I get up there, way high above buildings. Everything looks beautiful, I can see so much! And it is so great and super fun and then I realize, oh sh!t, how am I gonna get down without killing myself? Then it's just a panicky, out of control feeling.

Last night I had a strange dream. I hung a picture frame made of Kudzu wood (I don't think you can get wood from Kudzu, can you?) with no picture in it, just the frame, on an outdoor sign in a wet spot of Grizzly River Run, all the while wondering how well it would hold up in the constant wetness.

:confused:

I tend to dream about alternative ways of handling recent situations. I also solve problems in my dreams.

Luckily, I have not have my recurrent nightmare, but since court is on the 5th, I am waiting for it. This may be why I don't want/can't sleep.

I generally don't remember my dreams.

I dream about sleeping

I dream about fire, mostly.

Some dude with a pitchfork shows up fairly often, too- telling me not to worry.

I lie awake worrying that I might be a hypochondriac.

After reading Swanie's tweets about sleeping with the lions last night I had a very bizarre dream involving lion cubs about the size of Golden Retrievers with full manes that escaped and were running around the DLR parking structure.

I hate remembering my dreams cause it means I will wake up exhausted.

I lie awake at night worrying that I might be a narcoleptic

Wel, I slept with a Golden Retriever last night.

Sounds kinky

Is anybody bothering with Bats Day today? I can't decide if it's worth troubling myself for only a couple hours before work.

Maybe GC will whip up some bat wing soup?

I'm feeling far too happy lolling about nekkid in the curtain-filtered sunlight to bother throwing on black and braving crowds. No bats for me.

Won't the pug be jealous? ;)

I will unfortunately be skipping Bats Day for the first time since I started attending these soirees back in 2002 (gosh, has it been that long?). Me being the hypochondriac that I am and with the oink oink flu that is still out there for the time being I didn't want to take a chance of something bad happening. I know I'm worrying about nothing but being in a group of 1,000s of people, you never know.

To whoever does decide to make the trek to the Happiest Place on Earth today, hope you all have a GREAT time and try to get #700 for us at the Haunted Mansion this evening!

Have a good one! :cool:

--- Mike

I dare you to actually sleep next to a lion enclosure and see how much sleep you get. ;)

My Co-Leader had never heard the male lion "bark" before. She got really REALLY used to it last night.

I hope you used protection


We played hard on Friday and Saturday. Then had to be in Yucaipa early yesterday to help Susan's Mom move down to San Diego. Got home around 9:00 last night.

I am tired. Very tired.

This just in: Life is awesome!

That is all. :D

Scoundrel is still in a cast. Two more weeks.

I forgot about Scoundrel! Poor kitty!

OMG! He'll be Stir Crazy !!

I used to try and use the Lavatory as much as possible so as to have a chance to keep him company !!

Stoat says to give Scoundrel a big hug from him, and he hopes his aim's improving.

LOL! I can't expect Scoundrel to have very good aim with that big cast on his foot.

He's getting around pretty well, though. I let him roam a bit today and he actually jumped onto the buffed so he could look out the window.

We ALL hope that Stoat's aim is improving - we are all tired of cleaning up after him.

Putting phone numbers into a new(er) phone is good for cleaning out old numbers. Bad part is my finger hurts. hehe

I leave Wednesday for another trip - 10 days this time - but THIS time I CHOSE to go. DC - far sight more entertaining than the Denver Tech Center area. And the hours are 8-4, not 7:30-7:30. And the Rat is joining me for weekend sight-seeing - with the hotel already paid for since I was gonna be there anyhow. W00t!

Ugh - I need to try and get J to stay out at my Chicago trip next year. At least he does Orlando with me.

I'd like to go to DC. Maybe when the economy picks up I'll finagle a trip out there.

OOOHHHH! I didn't know you were at the exciting and incredibly fabulous Denver Tech Center! (Barf - I've obviously been there and stayed at a lovely hotel right next to it.)

The Tony Awards are Sunday, June 7th. Doesn't that seem a bit late? Aren't they usually in May?

What's so tony about them?

They were just testing to see if anybody cares. Turns out it is just you.

So to save money, they'll be coming over on the 7th. They'll provide the chips and salsa but expect you to provide booze.

Happy Cinco de Mayo from Jesse James to Nancy-All-Grown-Up
 

I've never been one to celebrate Cinco de Mayo (being from the South I guess I never really understood what it's all about; but then again does anyone else?), but today when John came home early and with it being such a gorgeous day outside, I suggested we go to Cisco's for lunch (my ulterior motive really being on snagging one of their "mean green" Cisco dogs on black t-shirts that they were out of last time we went), after all it was Cinco de Mayo.

So, down Anaheim we went. John was lamenting on our way there that we'd probably not see Jesse James since it was already after the lunch crunch. We got there, ordered our burgers and sat. When they came and we began eating, suddenly John noticed Jesse James get up from one of the booths. He'd been there all along, but we'd just failed to notice him. He hung around a while and then left after signing an autograph for one of the diners. Finally seeing him really made John's day.

We then headed off to do our grocery shopping at Ralph's closer to home. While there, we spotted a woman and her husband. How do I describe her? Her hair, her makeup. Three words came to mind as we were checking out: Republican, poodle, Kabuki.

Standing in line behind John I whispered close into his ear, so they would not overhear me. "What exactly IS that hair color?" You just had to see it. It was a sort of brown that seemed to radiate with a pistachio glow. But it was also her makeup, that whitish/puce blush with her highly arched contrasting eyebrows (although I hestiate to use that term, as I don't think there was any living hair follicles there) which really gave her a truly distrubing appearance.

Later, in the car, John remarked that she reminded him of a comic cartoon. We got home and looked it up on Google and lo, and behold, it's her(!) only all grown up and shopping at the 7th Street Ralph's.

Sad to say, she clearly was not with Sluggo.

Isn't Bats Day usually in August?


What's up? I'll never know when things are!

That sounds like a slightly disturbing encounter, SCC. Comic Nancy is not exactly the most attractive comic around, and I highly doubt Grown Up Nancy is an improvement.

My boyfriend is up to something and is it getting highly suspicious.

Also, I saw a miracle today. Goonie emptied one of her storage units!!!

So... that explains why Satan came knocking on my door today, and asked if he could sit by the fireplace. ;)

Kinda like the TV scheduals. Use to be the season started in Sept., lasted until about June, and then repeats for the summer. Now you never know. Thank goodness for DVRs......

I do not know the reason for the move, but not as many Goths will bake in the extra sunny and hot days of August anymore.

The creepiest thing about them was they way they lurked in the aisles; staring at the food products with blank, vacant stares. It was like they had never shopped for groceries before, and didn't quite know what to do. They were also for too over-dressed for a trip to the supermarket. On the way home we made up a story about them suffering in these hard economic times; having to lay-off their maid (Consuela) and start doing their own shopping for the first time in 40 years.

Lol, SCC! That's probably closer to the truth than not.

Precisely, although "slightly" does not come close. More like "most", especially with the pistachio glowing brown confectionary cotton candy poofy poodle Afro.

What fascinated me the most was the perfection of her absolutely straight strands of hair that formed her bangs in front. They were so perfect and in such sharp contrast to her wispy cushiony curls, like lines drawn in thin mascara down her forehead. Such perfection. I was so sucked in. Mesmerized, like watching a train wreck, I could not look away.

I began to picture her sitting in the beautician's chair, conversing with her as to what could be done to give her a "new look". And this is what they decided on. And paid good money for.

Yet to hear and/or think of a more awesome hair description.

I wish I could have seen that.

Well, I was thinking about sneaking in a cell phone shot of her, but to be honest with you I was afraid she'd figure it out. Being raised a proper Southern gentleman, I just couldn't do anything to humilate the poor dear that way. Besides, the hair was doing a way better job of that than I could ever imagine.

For Stoat: Myst iPhone app released!

Vick says hi and enjoy!

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY. :snap:

Kentucky Fried Chicken has launched its "Unthink" campaign:
... Unthink What You Thought About KFC.
... Taste the Unfried Side of KFC.

Go to www.unthinkkfc.com for a coupon good for a FREE 2-Piece, Grilled-Chicken Meal.

-- Get two pieces of grilled chicken, two individual sides, and a biscuit.
-- Limited Time Download! Coupon download available from 9 a.m. CDT on May 5, 2009, to 11:59 p.m. CDT on May 6, 2009.

Coupon is redeemable at participating KFC locations in the United States from May 5-19, 2009 (excluding Mother's Day, Sunday, May 10, 2009).

bueno. gracias

For all those high-class people who were planning on taking Mom to KFC for Mother's Day

Hell no! I'm taking her to Arby's. Yee-haw!

See... you're a good son!

Had to share...
 

I came across this place in Southeast Portland the other day.

Super swanky refurbished retro furniture.

Omg, that's fantastic, Oz!:snap:

Just got home a bit ago from Minnie's Moonlight Madness at Disneyland. This year's theme was "Funkadelic". I can't even begin to say how much fun it was hearing "Dancing Queen" and other awesome 70's hits over the loudspeakers on Main Street and Frontierland! :cool: We even danced down Main Street to "YMCA" (which was a bit of a challenge while carrying clipboards and being tied together at the waist). :D

One of the more annoying puzzles involved actual ABC television schedules from the 70's. It was fun to see which ones I remember fondly.

Most of the puzzles and trivia were from that era. I knew a lot of them.... I now feel old as dirt. ;)

What an amazing day today was.

I caught up with my best friend from high school today. We just ran into each other at Ala Moana. We kinda parted ways on bad terms when I came out to him but now he's over that. That makes me happy. He's still the same, it's like we never stopped talking to each other. (It's been almost 15 years...)

AND

Someone who had his eye on me awhile ago just surfaced again in my life. He's so cute and my heart just went zing when he sent me an email. Okay okay okay. Take it slow, Mr. Brad. Breathe. He's still hot. He may still be interested. My heart's thumpin thumpin thumpin...

:)

Bored?

http://omegle.com/

It was created by an 18 year old.

I <3 the Internet.

Heh, and the parody is cute

I need another social networking site like I need a hole in the head. I update facebook a couple of times a week, check in a twitter and brightkite once in a blue moon, can't even remember what my myspace page was :blush:

I don't know if you meant to infer that omegle is for social networking, but there's really no way to use it as such. I logged on last night and talked to people all over the world. I guess you could attempt to swap info and become real friends, but I don't see it happening often.

I see this more as a throwback to good old anonymous chat, as opposed to the super-linked lives we currently have online. I fully endorse such random interactions, where you can create yourself anew with each click.

My bad, I was simply referring to my lack of desire for another site for any online interaction and worded it badly and mixed things up. I can barely keep up now.

been there, done that

;)

Tell that to my proxy which blocks it as part of the Social Networking category (I don't disagree with you, but it does).

No, but thanks for asking....

;)

Dang, I hate when I miss a post!

from the crickets chirping in the background of my post, everyone missed it.

/shrug

aparrently my workplace doesnt want me talking to strangers either as it has since been blocked for my protection.

:rolleyes:

You have to be careful about who you meet on the internet. There are a lot of weirdos out there. It's nice of your company to look out for your safety like that.

I just got a text from my DD. Today is her 24th birthday so she got the free twofer ticket and is spending her partial day at DCA today. She hasn't been there in 4 years, so she hasn't seen the Food & Wine festival (or hear of it). Her text was "There's alcohol everywhere!!"

Well, she couldn't have said that about attractions or shade! ;)

What to wear tomorrow? Probably a skirt so I get some additional ventilation. Stupid humidity. I guess I should probably unpack some clothes and get them hanging to unwrinkle.

We're the people from the Internet.

Hehe...

Are your offering that fact in support of BTD's assertions?

We are the people our parents warned us about.

We are the people I'm still warning Wolfette about...she just laughs now!

I bet she does!

I could go to the page, but when I clicked the link, all I got was this error message:
No kidding! I once met this crazy chick who was into the Ducks. Talk about weird!!!

Whee! Schmoozing with colonels and generals like it was an every day affair. Making connections. Getting names of other people to contact for potential assignments down the road. Heck, I'm even formulating a plan that would have me do a clerkship and come BACK to good ol' dod. (of course, I have to persuade a judge to hire me first for that one.) But, the stuff people are doing out here is super interesting to me. And they're really doing the stuff they say they are, because we got to watch today.

This all makes me feel way more hopeful about things. Maybe I just have the world's crappiest first assignment, and in a few months I'll be somewhere else and not hating my job. Yay!

Meanwhile, the Rat is in the air now and joining me for a weekend of sightseeing. I can't wait to show him the things I saw last time and see some of the things I haven't seen yet. Tomorrow we have a tour of congress. Might do the monument circuit or a museum or something. It'll be hot and muggy (to us).

Indian Givers! ;-)
 

Oprah plugged it and it caused pandemonium

The Rat is here! All is well!

YAY!

So....today I'm baking apple pies for my mother in law for mothers day tomorrow. I've never, ever baked a pie before - I'm something of a kitchen novice.

Had tasted a recipe of apple pies actually baked inside a brown paper bag (like a grocery bag). Makes me somewhat nervous having paper in my 400 degree even even knowing that paper doesn't ignite until hotter than that, but still....the whole idea of putting a paper bag in an over is bizarre.

Anyway, here's hoping they turn out well!

Let us know the results!

I made two so I could try one. They admittedly aren't pretty, but it tastes pretty damn good.

The top crust is sprinkle on flour, sugar, and butter crumble, and I'm sure there must be an art to making it look good. But tasty and I'm quite happy with my first attempt.

Good job on the pie making! I call that a Dutch apple pie, with a bottom crust and crumb topping. I find if the crumb mix is fine it's easier to distrubute somewhat evenly but they don't always look beautiful. They're even more delicious with a little vanilla bean ice cream!

Now I want one. I think I still have one in the freezer. I usually make two or three and then freeze them to bake later.

And now the Rat is on his way home again. :( It was a fun little vacation (although my feet are killing me), but I've got a long week ahead of me to spend alone in this hotel room.

The Mormon church by my work is being tented for fumigation. A subtle little "FU!" from the cosmos, it seems.

I worked earlier today and, when I got home, I could NOT keep my eyes open. I decided snuggling with Thurston was a good idea. Two hours later and vivid dreams about producing an stage play at Disneyland about the Evil Queen I'm awake.

Went to a baby shower over the weekend. Because it was a co-ed shower they spared everyone the usually silly shower games and did something different.

The hostess bought onesies - long and short sleeved - in many different sizes along with some bibs. She also bought fabric paint in little squeeze tubes and fabric markers. Guests were invited to create a special design or message or whatever and hang them back up on the clothes lines.

Once they are all worn and stained and used and loved, they will be cut up and made into a memory quilt.

I thought that was a cool idea.

Some people had to really be encouraged (scolded?) into doing them (mostly men) but then they ended up with some of the best designs as well.

I ended up spending the day driving all over Southern California with my boss today. To him, a gas peddle is an on/off switch. We have been back for an hour-and-a-half. I am still queasy.

If baby showers become a generally co-ed thing I'm really going to have to quit the human race.

I bet if they had that "create your own onesies" thing at a party I was at, I'd never be invited to a gathering again.

I'd probably put one of my favorite T-shirt hell slogans on it.

If folks could please cross their fingers or toss me a little bit of luck in hopes that this thing I'm not going to mention yet for fear of cursing it works out the way we've planned it, that would be grand.

Break a leg! :D

Accept it, it's going to be gray and rainy. Fingers and luck won't change that...




All kidding aside, best of luck with your plans. :snap:

Yes, but "Swallow, or it's going in your eye" comes off a little different from baby...

I scanned through this and came up with something quite different.. ....

:eek: ;) :D

Visable Morigoon mojo... too effin' funny., :D :D :D

It was a perfectly lovely day, for which I will take full credit.

And now we begin the countdown to June 12 and Albatross Elimination Day.

Oh, and I had a serious break of good luck today - Fortunately my dad lives 5 minutes away from the condo HOA management office, is retired and was thus available to take my call, and did not think that this was a good time to engage in a dissertation on why a resale cert policies should be changed. Their weekly deadline for processing is 5pm Tuesday. They do not accept credit cards - checks only.

I am so full of adrenalin right now....

I thought there was a bad Photoshop thread somewhere, but my quick search came up empty.

Susan was looking for lingerie on the Victoria's secret site and came across this FANTASTIC piece (mildly NSFW: it is Victoria's Secret!). Once I stopped drooling over this (yes, we are getting it), I couldn't help but notice how terrible the model's face had been butchered in Photoshop. Yikes! :eek:

yikes is right! Those can't possibly be her lips, and her face looks plastic. With technology the way it is, at some point we won't need models.

I shared this with my Graphic Artist co-worker and she says VS is notorious for bad Photoshop jobs.

Here it is.

No wait. Here it is.

Right. Over.

Here.

What size do you take, Kevy?



...and they're trying to make her look like a mannequin, surely?



And - Ahhhh, ye olde photo-shoppe !! That's why I couldn't find it either. :p

I don't know about a thread, but there is a blog!

That shot appears to be the exception.

Our Nala is at the vet for tests. :(

She's lost a LOT of weight lately, so they're running x-rays and bloodwork to determine which of the three it could be: diabetes, thyroid, or tumor. Of course, if there's anything wrong, we're hoping it's either of the first two.

We should know later this afternoon, so please send out some good kitty vibes!