Absinthe & Cookies (a bit bitter, a bit sweet)

How High?

So how high do energy prices need to go before we can muster the public will to overcome the lock the environmentalist faction has on utilizing our native energy sources?

Blog Tech Stuff

Just an FYI that I'm trying to get a quote on how much it will cost to get the RSS feed fixed. I know it's been broken for something like two years, but I just wasn't blogging enough for me to want to spend more money on the place :) Since I'm blogging more regularly now, I figured it was time to get it fixed. Depending on the cost, of course. As for all the other broken bits, it's been suggested I switch over to WordPress, but while I'm blogging more, I'm not sure I'm blogging enough to justify what that would cost to have installed and set up. Same thing with just upgrading to the newest MT, which seems to do all the things I've wanted for quite a while.

So, RSS first, and then see if it's worth doing a complete overhaul at some later date.

Personal Update

If anyone cares. Which I'm pretty sure they don't. But.

There really isn't a whole lot to report. I was really sick over Xmas, and then again a few weeks ago. I swear I seem to get seriously ill after having major dental work done. This time, it was a root canal. It's been two months, and it still hurts. They said it can hurt up to three months after, but I'm getting tired of it all.

We went to visit the family in Utah the second week of January. Had a relaxing sort of time. I always forget how much warmed it is without the coastal dampness, even though the temperature is 20 degrees cooler.

Nin has been working lots of nights, so making dinners has been a chore, plus I haven't been feeling well, but she starts on more days this week. I'm going to try and make homemade chow mein for the first time, to go with the gyoza we got at Trader Joe's.

Movies: Enchanted!!! We adored it! Saw it twice, bought the soundtrack. It was charming and fun and struck just the right balance. Really strong marriage and family message too.

TV: Oh, the writer's strike! not that I didn't support them, but I'm still going to whine about the truncated TV season. Especially since Peter Wingfield finally got a role on 24 this season, and now we won't see him till 2009! Argh!

Speaking of Peter, Nin and I will be going to the PWFC Road Trip in Vegas this year. Should be much fun! Unfortunately, I don't think we can do Denver Worldcon.

Writing, I've been doing some. In all my series pretty much. Let's see...

I actually wrote a Highlander/Twilight Zone story. I was pretty pleased with it: Silver Service

Two 'anti-Valentine Day' stories: So Close, and Live to Tell

And I started a Queen of Swords series! I loved it when it was on, and had the urge to pick up where the series left off: Santa Elena Welcomes You

And my current Work In Progress, which utilizes the Star Trek Mirror Universe: I Remember You Not Fondly

Now you know why I haven't been so good with the blogging!

That's the recap. Now, I need to get some dinner!

See What Happens?

I try to start blogging more regularly, and I get sick again! It's been one of those winters. Once I stop coughing, I'll see if I can't rustle something up.

Five Character Deaths

Did this on LJ last night, and in lieu of any real posting, shall share it here as well!

List five character deaths that affected you.

~ Helen Burns, Jane Eyre's best friend. At age seven, that had a fairly profound influence on me.

~ Boromir in Lord of the Rings.

~ Lucy Muir in The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.

~ Aragorn, and then Arwen in the appendices of LotR

~ Beth in Little Women

MT for Dummies?

An email from a reader reminded me yet again my RSS feed is broken. I've tried to figure out how to fix it over the last many months, but have had no luck. I need MT for dummies or something.

Again, I apologize for the broken bits, and I swear I'll try and get them fixed one of these days :) Hey, at least I kinda sorta got the comments working! That's something.

A Question, Let Me Ask You It

So let me ask my question of the day: am I the only American who doesn't give a toss about David Beckham and his wife? Because judging by the news coverage they're getting on their arrival here, I feel like I must be.

I have an awareness of who they are, but geez! I can't understand why I need to see them plastered all over my TV. Not to mention the idea that somehow this guy is going to singlehandedly create hordes of American soccer fans just seems very far fetched. I certainly have no sudden burst of desire to suddenly start watching soccer games. But again, maybe it's just me. It very frequently is [g]

(bet you never thought you'd ever read a post about soccer on my blog!) (chalk it up to Friday the 13th)

What Passes For a Weekend

We went to see Transformers yesterday, though I only went because Nin really wanted to go. I think I ended up liking it more than she did! [g] It was a good, mindless, chock full of special effects sorta summer movie.

After the movie, we went to Whole Paycheck Foods and got some wonderful, delightful, and pleasure inducing cheeses, along with some La Brea baguettes, and had that for dinner. I stuffed myself!

Tried to catch up with 4400, and watched Army Wives. Then Nin went to play her video game, and then I watched Enterprise episodes and websurfed.

I need to remember I shouldn't post fic on weekends. No one sees it. But when I get something finished, I just want to get it posted! And before I forget, I should set up this week's S4 Highlander discussion post.

Very odd now I realize the Andorian Shran is Kevin on 4400! I kept thinking, I've seen this guy recently! Then realized it was Shran!

Also made enfrijolada sauce tonight's dinner. Nin just needs to op it all in the oven.

So quickly the weekend is over [sigh]

Feed Broken?

I didn't realize the feed thingie here was still broken. Or at least I think it is. Does anyone know how one would fix it? I'm willing to give it a try if I had even the remotest clue about it.

Hey, Western Canadians

My uncle just got married, and my mum wants to give him and his wife a gift certificate from a store local to them. Is there a Canadian equivalent of Bed, Bath and Beyond (those may even be in Canada for all I know)? Someplace that sells housewares and linens. They're going to be building a house in Vernon, and currently live in Terrace. Our default is a gift certificate from the Bay.

Fog

It's not that I'm not used to days of fog, but this is getting to be a drag. I can't remember the last time I saw more than half an hour of sun. And this is supposed to go on through next week. The dampness and the dreariness are getting me down -- and making my poor bones ache.

Trying

I'm trying to get back into the swing of blogging, but seemingly with only limited success. Maybe I need a co-blogger? I dunno. Would anyone even want to be one?

What did people like best when I used to blog regularly? The political stuff? The everyday stuff? TV/Movie discussion?

Well, until I get back my groove, things may be a bit slow around here.

[waves]

Just wanted to thank everyone who has emailed with suggestions and pleas not to leave forever. While the comment problem isn't fixed, Russ is going to take one last look and see if he can get them working. But it may be a few more weeks till he can fit it into his schedule.

Until then, if you really miss me, you can always look for me on my Live Journal, though there's no politics, just regular old stuff :)

Once a Week

Okay, I suppose once a week posting is better than once a month or none at all. I don't have a whole lot to blog about. Unless you care that I made posole for dinner last night. Nin liked it, so I guess it will be added to our menu list. I made it with red hominy I mail ordered from the Santa ana Pueblo. I also bought some blue corn meal and venison summer sausage from there. Oh, and I am now making homemade yogurt. It's good stuff!

Haven't seen a movie since I last saw Dead Man's Chest on my birthday in July, so nothing current to discuss on that front. TV, the usual, with this year's additions of Supernatural, Ugly Betty, Torchwood, and Holby City.

Still don't have the comments situation sorted out, so you're more than free to email me if you're dying to talk to me [g]

Oh, and guest bloggers -- still looking for some. so there you go.

Let's See...

if I can get back into the habit of posting here at least a few times a week.

Just watching a few minutes of FNC this morning had me rolling my eyes. It always amazes me that the Dems think we're that stupid. No, I don't believe your crap this year anymore than I did last year.

Comments: I now have the ability to moderate comments so only trusted commenters get their comments published right away. Other comments are held in moderation. Thoughts on using this feature? Would those of you that do comment here regularly have any objection to having to log in when commenting? I suppose if you did, the comment you made would just be delayed anyway, right?

I have a bit of a con report up on my LJ, for those interested in that sort of fannish activity.

I am way behind on TV what with having no satellite for ten days and then going on vacation. I still haven't seen a single ep of Lost. Plus I now have the shows from the UK I'm watching like Holby City and Torchwood, so I'm knee deep in TV to watch.

I have caught up with BSG however, and it's been pretty good so far. The other show I'm really enjoying is Ugly Betty. And of course, my obsession with House and Grey's Anatomy is undiminished :)

Fave song right now is 'Chasing Cars' by Snow Patrol, and I really want to get the new Evanescence CD.

How's that for a first post?

Home

Just a quick post to let you know we're home safe. And while I was gone, Russ got comments working! Yay! I saw/read virtually no news while I was gone, so I suppose I need to catch up. Hopefully, I'll feel more like posting here now we're moving into election time.

Feel the Excitement!

Yes, it's another pointless update. No change from last time, but figured I should at least check in, let you know I'm still alive. Still don't know if I can go on vacation, and it's only seven days away. Stress aplenty around my house right now.

I did start a Grey's Anatomy email list last week, so if you're a fan, check it out. It's a sister list to my House M.D. list, and I decided there was enough OT GA posts there that we needed our own list.

As always, email me if you like until comments are fixed.

Everyone have a great weekend.

Checking In

I hadn't really realized how long it had been since I'd posted here. It just seems odd to post when people can't comment. Sounds weird, but that's how I feel :) Once the comments are working again, I'll be posting more, honest!

So Grey's Anatomy starts tomorrow! Yay!

House has been awesome so far this season.

I have half a dozen stories in progress, plus one more I just added for a Halloween challenge.

May not be going on vacation since my truck won't pass smog, and repairs are eating away at my vacation savings. Hopefully will know by tomorrow if I'm going or not.

That's the quick roundup.

What Have I Been Up To?

Well, obviously not blogging, huh? I'm still here, just back to spending more of my time in fannish sorts of activities.

Tonight, Nin and I are going to treat ourselves to a meal out. Something we only do every three of four months.

I've started watching Supernatural. It's pretty good.

I wrote my first ever drabble (a story that's exactly 100 words) for an LJ friend last night. I was quite pleased with myself :)

I think we're going to try and brave Trader Joes tomorrow night. It's a nightmare for parking and getting around, but it can't be beat for finding the stuff Nin and I eat.

Still on goal for saving for our trip to Memphis in October. I really, really, want to go! It's been years since we've had an actual two week holiday.

Mediterranean yogurt and honey on bagels is lovely! I loathe cream cheese, so it occurred to me to try the yogurt I had left over from last week's dinner.

Sat. Stuff

It's foggy again today [sigh] I hate Monterey weather [grumble] Just watch, once I move to Utah, I'll be whining about the incessant sun and how freakin' hot it is :)

I'd forgotten how hard it is to get really glittery nail polish off, even if it's a very pale colour.

Need to bathe the cat today. Joy! But she's stinky.

Not that you can tell by the weather, but since it's nearly summer, I'm going to make tzatziki for dinner, so that means actually leaving apartment to go to the produce store for ingredients. I want to make homemade pita as well, but I don't think I'm feeling quite that motivated. Tomorrow I'll make a batch of pot beans to turn into Ranchero Beans later.

Once Nin wakes up, it's bath the cat, bath us after [g], go to store, set tzatziki to get happy, colour hair, and try and catch up on the stuff sitting on the DVR. We got behind last weekend since we watched Highlander instead. Nin wants to go see X3 tomorrow, and I want to see if there's any new PotC stuff at Claire's and Hot Topic -- I read there is.

FYI

If you are commenting, and you have a spaces.msn.com URL, your comment will go into moderation. The spammers have been using spaces addies like all heck lately, so it's on Blacklist.

I will approve your comment, or you can comment without the URL for instant posting.

Thanks!

While She Was Out

Nin is at TarJay while I'm here cooking dinner (Enfrijoladas, if you're wondering) and everytime I start, she calls to tell me she's found a shirt, a cami, pants, that I might like. It's like going shopping without going shopping :)

So far, the onions and garlic are done. Oh, and the dishwasher is loaded and running.

Site Meter?

Anyone else's Site Meter basically cease to exist? It recognizes my log in, but there's no stats, no nothing, just the blurb/info pages.

Is It Working Yet?

Blogrolling's updated thingbobby that is.

Seconds Later: It is!!! [happy dance of glee and destruction]

Out

We're actually leaving the apartment today! Waiting for the groceries to be delivered, then we'll head to the produce store and get the veggies for the week. I also need to find red curry paste for the chicken dish I'm making tomorrow. And it's actually sunny today! At least for a bit.

Bored Now

Entertain me!

Bleah

After realizing my swim suit wouldn't make it another year safely, I ordered a new one tonight. not one of my favourite things to do. My last one, bought for the cruise we took 9 years ago, has indeed served me well, but the elastic on the bottoms is just about shot, and if I want to use it anywhere but at Jen's it was time for a new one. Found a sale on at Victoria's Secret, so got a floral print top and solid bottom from them. I wanted both bits floral, but they were sold out of nearly every combo I wanted. Figures.

This & That

One of the things I got to do this weekend was watch the first three eps of the second season of the new Dr. Who! Wheeeee! Awesome possum! Also got to see the Xmas special from last year. "School Reunion" had me all weepy, but I won't say more so as to not spoil it.

Currently watching Charmed for the sole purpose of seeing Peter Wingfield. Well, he does have a very nifty coat! I'd forgotten Charmed was so bad.

In other news, Nin picked me up and told me flowers had been delivered for me this afternoon. I had a small fantasy moment when I imagined they might be from a secret admirer. The only person that's ever given me flowers is my mum, on my 40th birthday, so I had a brief moment where I imagined I might have actually received flowers from, you know, a guy. Hey, even spinsters have dreams! Got home, read the card -- they're from my mother. Of course they are! :)

Charmed just ended. Well, he did have a very nice coat [weg]

Is It Me?

Is my blog rejecting trackbacks? I have reason to believe this might be so. If you have a moment, could you try and link to this post and see if the trackback shows up?

Thank you kindly!

Making Myself Giggle

Suri with a fringe on top!

Hah!

Figures!

Denise's creature-nemesis:

The Dreaded JACK BAUER

'What creature will become your nemesis?' at QuizGalaxy.com

No Idea

Believe it or not, I just woke after laying down at 4pm after the dental appointment. I can't quite recall if I really talked to Nin before she went to work or not. So now, do I stay up for an hour, or go back to bed? Mouth hurts, and I'm not really hungry even though I haven't eaten since 10am.

I Haven't Deserted You

Well, not quite :)

Remember I told you I got a Live Journal last month as a place to put my fic? Well, it's sorta sucked me in. Turns out that the majority of the fandoms I was involved in moved to LJ lock, stock, and barrel, and I missed the memo! I've rediscovered old friends I'd lost track of over the last few years, alive and well and very chatty on LJ. It's been kind of like revisiting the goold old online days back in the late 90s. And the way it's all set up makes it really easy, and addictive, to comment and keep track of your comments for follwup. It's like a giant party line. So between that and writing fic, my poor old blog has been a litte left out. But all of this goes in cycles, so never fear, I'll spend more time here, especially when I get my angry politcal muse going again!

Redecorating on a Docket

Via friend Jen's hubby, the sequel to Rock, Paper, Saddam.

I Am Sick

Gods, I'm watching 'Krull'. Just to see if it's as bad as I remember it being in 1983. Though I recall the weeding dress was amazing -- if I'm remembering the correct bad SF movies from the 80s....

Someone Talk To Me!

Where has everyone gone? It just seems so quiet out in the ether these days, both here and in email. I'm beginning to feel internet lonliness :)

It's Friday...

and I got nothing.

I've hardly watched any TV, I haven't really written anything, I'm just a blob.

Talk About a Shift

From listening to Sara McLachlan straight into Gretchen Wilson!

If You

If you want to talk about House M.D.

If you want to read House M.D. Fanfic

If you want to talk about Stargate

If you want to talk about Science Fiction/Fantasy in general

If Celtic stuff is more your thing.

Or maybe you also have discovered Slings & Arrows

Finally!

For some reason Tecnorati had my blog twice, so I deleted one of them, which somehow deleted both of them. So I started the claiming process all over again, and now it's all the way it should be!

For Those Keeping Track

My little mouse buddy is back. I guess I should have taken him farther away from home.

Late Monday

Terribly busy and stressful day at work. The aftermath of last week. Add to that, prepping for end of month closing. Stress by the bushel load. Came home. ate a little, a few glasses of wine, half watching STNG on the DVR and finishing up my latest fic. Hopefully will get it posted over the next few days. Will watch 24 in a bit, and then read a bit more of Sharpe's Trafalger, then sleepy time!

Muzzy

I've had a cold all weekend, and today I'm all muzzy from too much Benadryl. And my head hurts. We had company this weekend, and we basically just watched all my Sharpe DVDs. They got hooked on the first one and wanted to them all.

Remember, House is on tonight this week instead of Tuesday.

Number One

I'm number one -- no kidding -- for a very specific search: Blogs That List Upton Tea & Absinthe. Makes you wonder why someone would be looking for that.

More Of Those Iranian Emails

So I've started getting several a week again. The last two are titled: tanha rahe nejate iran, and they both have an attachment of a letter in Farsi.

The first one starts with "payame sazmane alame hagh va edalat be raahbarie Yeganeh nejat dahandeye mellate iran AghA Pro. Dr. Ebrahim Mirzaii raahbar", and the second says "organization of "alam-e-hagh-va-edalat" has shortage of facilities and lack of time because of iranian cruel goverment of "mollahs" . so we are not able to translate this letter . please translate it to english with your facilities."

I really wish I knew what these were about. Of course, it may just be the Iranian version of, "Dear friend, my name is George and I have put 120 million U.S. dollars in an African bank." !

I'll put the attachment down in the extended entry.

Update Thursday: Thanks to reader Jim and a friend of his, I now have an answer:

That guy claims he is the savior of Iran and he claims he is the 12th Imam of the shiite sect of Islam

Nothing serious but funny and for laugh indeed.

Mystery solved! Thanks, guys!

(click for full size)

Sorry For The Lack of Bloggage

Monday's are always the worst for me when it comes to blogging.

Boss and Sales Guy are out of town, we're busy, and the cypress tree pollen continues to kill me. Currently am enjoying a nice glass of red wine and watching Olympic Ice I recorded off of USA earlier. Scotty Hamilton -- my guy! -- is a co-host, and this makes me happy. It'll be on every day of the Olympics and is devoted totally to figure skating! Gettting ready to start the bruschetta for dinner. MMMMMM!! Last night we treated ourselves to a selection of cheeses from Whole Paycheck, err, Foods, for dinner, along with a couple of La Brea Bakery sourdough baguettes.

Later, Pairs long program (yes, I'm unspoiled as to who won) and 24!

Olympics with a DVR

The only way to watch!

I never really watch the summer games -- other than gymnastics -- but I'm quite fond of the winter games. I guess I'm more of a snow girl than a sandy beach one :)

Want To Go Home

I either have a cold, or my allergies are really bad today. Finally had to take a benadryl, so now I'm miserable and sleepy. Horrible pressure against my eyes. And it's only 10:30am.

To Go, Or To Hunker Down

One of my favourite groups, Tempest, is playing in town on Saturday night. Which is kewl, since I've gone from seeing them several times a year in the past, to having not seen them even once now in quite a few years. But there's a problem. This weekend is also AT&T week, and I make it a policy to not venture from my home over the tournament because the entire Peninsula becomes a freakin' zoo! And downtown will be the zoo and a circus combined. So, is the lure of Tempest enough to draw me from my lair and brave the crowds of manic golf fans/celeb seekers? Not sure if it is.

Odd Desires!

Number One on Google UK for same.

Is The Internet Broken Today?

Having a heck of a time with slow loading sites, or sites not loading at all. Including my Yahoo email account.

Groundhog Day

Am I the only one who has never seen the movie?

List

* Still in allergy hell

* EOM today, so very busy, less bloggage than usual (which isn't saying much these days!)

* Had a food log. Mmmmm!!

* Is it Friday yet?

* 24 last night. Who else was hoping Jack would get to start removing eyeballs? And Cummings, what a doofus! Well, so far it appears he's a doofus, but I wouldn't be surprised if he has something else up his sleeve.

* Nin had to be at work at 7:15 this morning, so for once, tea was ready for me! It's quite nice, let me tell you.

* Made a one pan Coq a Vin last night for dinner. Was pretty tasty!

* My newest 'thing' is sparkling mineral water with a slice of lime. I know I don't drink enough water, so this helps get more into me.

* I'm so out of the mainstream. I had to get down to Art Direction before I hit a movie I'd actually seen that had been nominated for an Oscar.

* New Gilmore Girls tonight! Though, I'm beginning to think Luke is going to be the one to trash the relationship, not Loreli.

A Nice Satruday

I got the FAQ for my House M.D. email list done while Nin got a fill for her nails. Then we watched "Best of Both Worlds" parts 1 & 2 off the DVR. After that we decided we should go do what we keep saying we are, and rent "Generations" & "First Contact" . s we went to Hollywood Video and got them, plus "Nemesis" (we saw Insurrection fairly recently on TV). When to Pho King Vietnamese noodle bowl restaurant and had a nice cheap dinner out, then came home and did our Trek marathon.

Now, of course, I have the urge to write! What was interesting, is that over the last few days, I've been working on our fic universe timeline, and that coupled with a recently refreshed memory, made me realize that where we placed stories was mostly correct. amazing how much subconscious info your brain keeps track of. But now I know when Imladris was colonized, and when Lucia was born, and T'Rayla as well.

Not sure what's happening today. Other than grocery shopping, which is a must happen today.

Bunny Pinchers

East/West Horoscope thingie.

Via Mickey

Sickly Monday

Came down with a cold, or something, yesterday, so decided to stay home. Nin built a new shelf unit yesterday since we had piles of books everywhere, so I'm entertaining myself by alphabetizing CDs.

I did finish my latest fic Friday night. TamTam is betaing it for me, so hopefully it will be up and ready to read sometime this week.

Better Late Than Never

That photo from the Buzz Light Year ride I mentioned weeks ago is finally up on Nin's blog. Yes, it's a horrible photo of me, but the camera didn't have much to work with to start.

And Now For Something Completely Different

No, not really. Still no content!!

Because No One Expects the Spanish Inquisition!

What? You expected a post with actual content?

Hah! I say, HAH!

Home!

We're home.

Now for the unpacking and making something for dinner portion of the evening. Will be around more tomorrow!

Thanks to all my wonderful guest bloggers! Y'all are awesome :)

Later

Off for the next week. See you in the New Year!

Nada

I leave on Saturday to visit my parents for a little over a week. I'm at work, coming down with something, trying to get stuff done ahead of time. No one 'does my job' when I'm away, so that means getting as much pre-done as possible. Including doing month end closing on Friday, instead of Tuesday, since I won't be here. In amongst all that, my blogging muse seems to have taken a holiday in Tahiti, cus there's not much happening here, gentle readers.

I realize I never told you how I liked Narnia when we finally got to see it. For me, it could have been a rental. It was a fine movie, but I had no emotional investment in it, I guess. I'd never read the books, and I don't have kids. Oddly enough, the part that impacted me the most was the first minutes of the movie with the scenes of the Blitz and the children being sent away. That made me cry. The end annoyed the heck out of me. If I'd read the book when I was a kid, I would have hated the ending! Bleah! :) One of my fantasy pet peeves.

However, the 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men's Chest' trailer rocked!!

Reminder

If you've ever guest blogged for me before, and you'd like to again starting on Saturday, then let me know! I'll be away for a little over a week.

Time Crawl

It seems much later than it actually is.

Just saying.

But before it's too late, I hope you all had a great Christmas! And here's wishing you a Happy Hanukkah!

Christmas After Report

Nin went to work at 330pm, and I took a nap. Now what? Well, I suppose I could write a very boring blog post, so here goes.

We'd intended to go to church this morning, but due to some health issues, all I managed to do was get myself in gear in time to make this for Nin's pre going to work on Xmas Day brunch, along with fried potatoes and onions and mimosas. While I cooked, she watched some of the Muppet show from the DVD set I got her for Christmas. We ate, listened to some holiday CDs, she played on the computer, I called my mum, then cleaned up the kitchen from the cooking and eating, and then she skedaddled for work. So here I sit, in dead silence, no stereo, no TV, only the roof shaking thump of children in the apartment upstairs running around like they've been on a sugar IV. It's 530pm and it's many hours till Nin comes home, so I need to do something or other. I'm seriously thinking of watching Return of the King, since we watched Love Actually last night, and I made the mistake of watching Bridget Jones to recently to want to watch it again, hence ruining my seeming tradition of watching it over the holidays. Or I could watch the umpteen eps of ST:TNG on the DVR, but I'm feeling Star Trekked out, having watched like six of the suckers on Friday.

I'll come up with something, I suppose. Or I could just sit here and stare at the computer screen.

Nice Accent

David MacDougall, who is an FNC reporter in Iraq, has the loveliest Scottish accent.

Just thought I'd mention it :)

We Got Sprung!

At 1:30 actually, but I'm just now getting around to the computer. I cleaned the cat box, cleared the dining table of a few weeks of mail, loaded the dishwasher, emptied my freezer, and cleaned off the blackboard, then put everything back in the freeezer, noting what it was on the blackboard as it went back in. Then dragged in the 50 lb box containing our faux cherry pressboard shelf bits. No more using the edges of boxes as bookshelves! whew!

In other news, I finished wrtiting the story I mentioned yesterday! TamTam is now betaing it for me, and hopefully, I'll get to start posting it tomorrow. Still pondering a title though.

The Eternal Question

So who else is stuck at work? Not very darn many if the drive to work this morning is any indication!

Today's List

Listening to this. Most excellent. What makes it better is that I'm actually getting to listen to it on my stereo!! Santa aka Jen and Dave, gave us a new amp/receiver for Christmas. You have no idea how much I missed listening to music over the last six or so months. For the techie geeks amongst you, it's this one. It was one of the ones I'd had on my short list for a some day in the future purchase, so it was kewl to get it so very unexpectedly!

Going to Nin's work 'Christmas Party' tonight. One we have to pay for. Ho ho ho! But she seems to really want to go, so...

After dinner, she's dragging me to Narnia. On the bright side, POTC II trailer!

Going to do a little writing this afternoon. Tried last night, but it was a bad pain day so I couldn't concentrate. The story is bursting at the seams inside my brain, so must get some done.

Nin's at work. supposed to be off, but got called in.

Now to figure out what to wear tonight.

Still haven't eaten anything today.

BTW, we'll be gone the first week in January to visit the family. If any of my past guest bloggers would like to fill in again, let me know!

Too Old To Begin The Training

The Jedi Trainer

Via The Corner

Hmmm

I've got about twenty pages of fic written so far. I've been on a real writing jag or something. But, I hadn't failed to notice that I'm blogging a lot less. Since I always wondered if my beginning blogging lead in part to my lack of fiction writing, I have to think the two are indeed related.

Later: I finally found the power cable for my external drive a few nights back, which had all my old fic files on it, including what turned out to be well over a dozen unfinished stories. I'd forgotten how much I used to write before blogging. Thinking back, I guess I did scribble at something for a few hours most every night. Then there were the nights on IRC where I would write and paste to entertain the channel. We used to take turns. That's actually when I wrote my first story and was convinced to post it on the various fanfic lists. It was the great POST IT! campaign of 1997.

Time sure flies.

More Tinker Toys

Yahoo! now lets you create an avatar. This is "me":

Note my pet dragon!

Bondathon

Spike TV is running a James Bond marathon. Right now Diamonds are Forever is on, which is one I've never seen straight through.

Anyone Else Out There?

Just asking.

I've Been Hearing...

that's it's a holiday today. Fancy that! So Happy Thanksgiving, gentle readers! Nin is working, in fact, she just left. I made her a lunch of ham steak, cheese grits, and pumpkin pie for dessert. If I do say so myself, my pie was excellent! We watched Lost from last night since she was working, and it made me cry. Ana Lucia and Sayid are two sides of a coin. Now, i'm trying to decide how to waste the day, other than cleaning the kitchen. I'll probably write more -- I have 8 pages so far!

For Your Amusement

"Make me one with everything" ---Buddhist priest to hotdog vendor

Meeses

In the winter, we usually have mice wander into the warehouse looking for a warm bed and a bit to eat. This morning, one of the guys asked if I'd seen anything, because he thought he'd hear some rustling. I hadn't, but said it was that time of year. Well, about an hour ago, I happen to look down by my right foot, and there's a teensy little field mouse looking up at me. I think he was aiming for the bit of peanut on the floor next to my garbage can. Of course, as soon as he noticed me noticing him, he scurried off. I just got back from lunch, and sure enough, the peanut is gone. Time to get out the humane traps. I'll bait them with peanut butter, and release the occupents.

I hope this one doesn't decide to sleep in my deks plant! A few years back, I came into work to find dirt all over my desk, and a neat little hole down into the roots of the plant. It was home to that year's field mouse. I kid you not!

If I Was Sleepy Before...

you should see me now. Long lunch, pool, a couple of drinks. I'm walking around the warehouse trying to stay awake. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Monday Sleepy Sorta Post

We did not get a whole lot accomplished yesterday. I did water the pants plants, and make food, but that was about it. We watched a few moives, an ep of Highlander (Don Juan DeMarco, Bridget Jones, Indiscretions) and then Grey's Anatomy when it came on at ten. My only other accomplishment was getting three pages of my new story done. The 12th century fireplace one, for those keeping track.

Today is our work Thanksgiving luncheon, and for something different, we're going to eat and play pool. Spmewhere in between, I need to do payroll and try and wake up.

Amazon & Such

I've been in the beta of Amazon's preview links program. Basically, if you see a - - - - - link, it will generate a preview window of the product linked. It's supposed to work in IE and in Netscape/Firefox, but for me, it's only working in IE. Can't figure out why. Oh, and it's in beta, so whether you see the preview link is done by a virtual coin toss. But that's not the problem in Firefox for me.

This brings me to:

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat, put another penny in Ithy's hat!

My Amazon hat, that is. Click through sales from A&C help keep the lights on around here. So, if you're so inclined, and you're doing some Xmas shopping at Amazon, would you click through from any of the Amazon links you find in posts, on the sidebar, or in comments? I get a few cents of every sale, and as you might imagine, the bulk of that comes from shopping over the holidays. Thank you!

Of course, if you prefer a more direct route, you can always use the Paypal link on the sidebar.

Joined Together Around The World...

by the Backstreet Boys.

Two Chinese students let it all out. Not quite as hilarious as the Romanian lip synch from earlier in the year, but amusing nonetheless.

Via The Corner.

Random Friday Question

What movie are you most looking forward to seeing between now and the end of the year?

Me? Memoirs of a Geisha and The Libertine (yes that's two, but it's my blog, so NYEAH!!)

Bits & Pieces

Wasn't Lost great last night?

Nightstalker was canceled

Today's mood: pensive

Sleepy

Nin has to work Thanksgiving from 1-9pm, which means we don't even get to go out to eat as planned.

Thinking if seeing the new Harry Potter movie Sunday night -- or not.

I'm in a rut

Just finished reading another Master & Commander book. Only 16 more to go!

Nin's turning 30 in a few weeks which makes me feel older than dirt

So...

Saw Zorro, and enjoyed it a great deal! I mean, it's Zorro! What's not to love? Plus you have Antonio Banderas, and Catherine Zita Jones in the coolest costumes, swordplay, a beautiful horse. There you go!

Currently, I'm making dinner. Enfrijoladas with tomatillio avacado salsa. The bean mixture is currently simmering and Nin is making me a Sidecar. I'm hungry!

El Zorro

I think we're going to go see Zorro this afternoon. Got my hair cut -- FINALLY!!! -- late yesterday, then Nin and I treated ourselves and ate out. Then we watched some Forever Knight tapes so I could get flow of Ashes to Ashes back in my brain. Yes, it's all still fic related :) Now for tea!!

So (mostly) Not Me

Your Heart Is Red

You're a passionate lover - you always have a huge fire in your heart. Too bad it's hard for you to be passionate about just one person! Your flirting style: Outgoing and sexy Your lucky first date: Drinks and dancing Your dream lover: Is both stable and intense What you bring to relationships: Honesty

My problem is exactly the opposite. I can't be passionate about more than one person. I'm like a loyal dog or something else uncomplimentary, I'm sure :) And flirting? I can't flirt. Way too shy. There are reasons I'm 42 and never married, after all. Okay, now I'm depressed. Heh. The drinks and dancing thing, yeah. Not that I've ever done that, but it sounds fun. I like to dance.

Via the Jedi-Solos -- both of them!

Here's a Question For You

I'm trying to do some research on fireplaces. Haven't had a lot of luck online, so I'm tossing it out here. So far, all I've been able to discover is that:

About the 12th century the fireplace was moved from its central location to a perimeter wall and eventually the fireplace began to be enclosed by side walls and covered with a smoke hood. The necessity for having a large hearth to burn big logs increased the size of collecting hoods and their supporting side walls in large, drafty common halls. The result was literally the building of little rooms within large ones.

But when in the 12th century? And at what point did it start turning into the fireplace corner?

It's not a huge important thing, just a litte humourous scene leading to a flashback in fic I'm wanting to write. And I always have a bee in my bonnet over historical accuracy. If it makes a dfference, the fireplace in question will probably be in the north of England, somewhere around York. So if you have some knowledge on the subject, please help a gal out!

See the things you get to read about here?

Thanks

Somebody nominated me for the blogger card deck thingie over at Aaron's. Wasn't expecting to see my name on the list, so it was quite a surprise. As long as I don't come in dead last, it won't be utterly humiliating :) I've already voted, and it was for CTG, as promised.

I Don't Have The Day Off...

what about you?

Really Odd

As I mentioned, I watched "Guess Who" (apparently the actual title rather than what I originally typed in). Now, I've never seen this Ashton Kutcher dude before, so I don't know. Does he always sound exactly like David Boreanaz? It was creepy as all get out! I swear, if I'd closed my eyes and just listened, I would have sworn it was him.

See Saw

I'm back on the evolutionary see saw. One day a mammal, another a primate, then back and forth and back and forth. I'm getting dizzy!

I Did

So I did watch a football game! Cal at Oregon. T'was fun. I cleaned up a bit, talked to my mum for a while on the phone, watched Food Network, watched a PPV movie -- "Guess Who's Coming?" (I liked it), made fried potatoes with parmesan, rosemary, and garlic, reread my old fanfic as a way to avoid writing new fic [g], and finally, Nin came home!

Today, I scrubbed all the burner liners and the stove top, and the sink, watched "Guess Who's Coming" again so Nin could watch it, put away groceries, and now I'm rewatching Methos episodes of Highlander. I think I'm going to make Garlic Bread soup later. Do I not lead an exciting life? That's my weekends -- party, party! The life a single woman. Wooo!

[sigh]

Keith Urban is gorgeous. I'm just saying.

Ibrought to you by seeing his video for "Making Memories Of Us" on GAC)

So ends my girly girl moment :)

Who Else?

Other than me, and Dave J., who else is wasting their Saturday blog surfing? (not that there's anything wrong with that!)

Sleepy

Nin's working another night shift, so I'm entertaining myself. I'm so sleepy! I can barely keep my eyes open right now. But if I go to bed now, I'll wake up in a few hours, and that will be it for the night. BLEAH!

Yes, I'm Still Alive

Just checking in. Home sick today, nothing serious, just lots of little things and lots of pain. bleah.

Roberta's visit was much fun, only wish she could have stayed longer.

Here's a link to the St. Cripin's Day speech from the movie Henry V, since today is St. Crispin's Day. From somehwhere, but don't recall :)

As My Traffic Plummets...

I think I'm in a funk. Can't seem to blog about anything interesting, and the 'topics de jour' just make me angry/sad/depressed and I can't work up the energy to actually blog about them. So instead of blogging, I email all sorts of things I suppose I could post here, but don't. Then you hear just awful things on the news that have nothing to do with Plame, or Meirs, or Scooter --locally, a woman dumped her three little children into San Francisco Bay last night -- just horrifying. I'm thinking it would nice to just ignore the news sometimes, but I can't really imagine doing so.

On the bright side, Roberta arrives late tonight, and on Saturday, I've arranged a dinner at a local eatery so she can meet some of my local conservative cabal. And Sunday, Jen and Dave will be coming down to see her and Jen is bringing cake.

What Have I Been Doing?

Well, not blogging, it would seem.

I've been rewatching Firefly DVDs, and contemplating going to see Serenity for a fourth time. Other than that, trying not to let anxiety take over my life. Roberta will be visitng for a few days starting Thursday, so I hope that will cheer me up. Just going through a bad phase right now.

I think it's time for another episode....

I Haven't Posted Today

Yes, thanks, I noticed.

I Loved Mike & the Mechanics

I just heard "Silent Running" on the radio and thought I'd share. Great song!

I'm Here

Never got around to posting over the weekend since I actually went out and did stuff -- concept! Right now, I'm home, watching the Dish Network guy set up our new system. DVR!! DVR!! Then I'm going to work.

What did i do this weekend? We took my coworker who's going through the messy divorce to the movies. He loves Reese Withersppon, so we went to see "Just Like Heaven". Good flick. Worth the price of the ticket. Yesterday, we went to see Nin's fave authour, Terry Pratchett, in Capitola. She enjoyed it a great deal.

More later.

Things That Make You Look Twice

So I'm on the phone with a client, I glance out the window and see a guy getting out of his pickup and walk away, then I look again because I realize he's wearing a bathrobe, bedroom slippers, and a baseball cap.

I kid you not.

Geez, you think he could have worn a nightcap to complete his ensemble.

Iran Spam?

Anyone else been getting email about Iran in, I'm assuming, Farsi? Usually with a graphic or what appears to be a newspaper clipping scan? I've been getting a couple pieces a week, all different as far as I can tell -- not speaking Farsi and all.

I Love Weddings!

Drinks all 'round!

Ilyka's such a romantic!

Grabbing My Chance

Since Nin is buried in her game system with a new game, I have the computer!!

I made apple crisp. It's warm, anmd yummy, and covered in heavy cream -- much better than sweetened whipped cream.

and then I read this:

Harry Potter Playing 007?

Contact Music reported a rumor that Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe is one of the young actors under consideration to play James Bond in his teen years. Billy Elliot star Jamie Bell is also rumored to be up for the role in a movie based on Silverfin, the first in a series of books by British comic Charlie Higston about 007 as a 13-year-old, the site reported.

Citing an anonymous source, the site reported that the film's storyline would center on Bond's time in Britain's public school Eton, but movie producers are planning to raise the age of the teenage spy to secure either 16-year-old Radcliffe or Bell, 19, in the lead role, the site reported.

And remember to watch the Emmys! How can you miss this?:

Shatner To Sing Trek

O riginal Star Trek star William Shatner will sing the theme from his show at the 57th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, airing Sept. 18 on CBS, TV Guide Online reported. Shatner, now on the cast of ABC's Boston Legal, will be joined by opera star Frederica von Stade.

The stunt is part of a segment called "Emmy Idol," in which actors will perform classic TV theme songs throughout the telecast and viewers will pick a winner.

And now I'm going to go read a bit and go sleep. But maybe some more apple crisp first....

It Is, Isn't It?

I keep forgetting it's a holiday weekend.

Checking In

Just so you know, we're home. Thanks to my wonderful guest bloggers for keeping the lights on while I was gone.

Timing is everything...

MuNu appears to be terminal for the nonce. However, all of your favorite MuNus are scrambling for backup and are beginning to post elsewhere... Several non-MuNu friends of the collective are posting the backup links of the MuNus who have been able to get back online.

Beth of MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy, Basil, and Confederate Yankee are all keeping track. Look for your favorite MuNu there, or try their old blogsplat site. As for myself, I'm going to take advantage of Ith's hospitality and share my thoughts with you over here!

It

This is probably it for me and blogging today. Lots to do, leaving work early, packing the car and hitting the road, hopefully no later than 4pm. We should make St George by 5am if all goes well [knock wood] Traveling with Sparrow for the first time since there was no one to watch her while we were gone. So it could be interesting.

Guest bloggers, feel free to post starting today, if you like. And if you have any log in problems, I'll be reading email till after lunch at least.

Cheesy

I've lived in Monterey for almost 20 years, but I'd never been to the county fair. Since we now live within walking distance, Nin and I decided to go last night. Our fair brings new meaning to "cheesy". It was pretty pathetic. But I did get my tri-tip sandwich! And that's pretty much all that matters. The other odd thing was the major ag companies like Dole and Tanimura and Antle, competing in the produce competitions. You never saw such amazing boxes of lettuce, cauliflower, carrots, broccoli that was whole, florets, and pre-washed and bagged. Also saw many cute bunnies, goats, cows, and sheep with cute lil jackets.

Times Have Changed

I was born in the early sixties, and I remember we always had nice crystal ashtrays, along with the one someone gave my parents as a souvenir from Hawaii of a foot with the big toe sticking up. Now, neither of my parents smoked, but some of their friends did, and it never entered their minds that said friends wouldn't sit in our living room and smoke when they came to visit. It just shows how times have changed, when now, my friends who smoke don't even smoke in their own homes -- they go out on the porch.

Inspired by this post.

This Is Different

Perusing Site Meter referrals, and I have a bunch from a link somewhere on a site called "Catholic Match" which looks to be a Catholic online dating service sorta thing. They're all heading to a post made by a guest blogger last year while I was on vacation.

Mmmm, Pizza!

Everything Pizza

Diverse and adaptable You enjoy the full buffet of life It's hard to you play favorites with friends... or flavors There's very little that you dislike!

Via the one and only Jay.

I Wish

The Places I Show Up

Found me listed on this website. Interesting.

What Am I Doing?

Following FugiJen's blogathon.

Reading a most excellent Harry Potter fic called Harry Potter and the Battle of Wills

Watching the Cowboy Junkies DVD Nin gave me for my birthday. Though having to listen through my TV speakers sucks dead bunnies through a straw. I dearly wish I could afford a new amp. [whine]

Drinking muchos tea

Afdd to the list: Gennie's blogathonning too!

Tummy Full

Every so often, the guys go and get breakfast sandwiches from Spacs, but they usually forget to ask if I want one. Today, they remembered. I just finsished eating 3/4s of scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, and fried potatoes on a big seasame seed hoagie/sub type bun. That's more than I usually eat at work in a week! My normal fare here is a few cups of yogurt drink, a hard boiled egg, and a handful of nuts. No, it's not a diet, it's just I hate thinking of lunch food, so I make do with as little and as simple as possible. I hate yogurt, but it really helps my tummy problems, and I find the liquid version much more palatable than the spoon kind.

Self Promotion

It's email list advert time! I have many lists, so here's a varied selection.

If you like Science Fiction & Fantasy in any of its forms, you might like Speculatrix

Then there's a list for all things Celtic: Celts in Space.

Or if books are more your thing, there's ALRR

TV? If you're a fan of Stargate, check out Farscape SG1, or you really like House, then the list for you is Dr House and its companion fic list, Histories

So many lists, so little time.

YKYBRTMHPW....

You read your horoscope, and think it means Voldemort.

Something wild's in the air today? Is it you or you-know-who? Either way, there's no point in trying to tame what can't be contained. Let loose instead -- you're in for a fantastic time.

(You know you've been reading too much Harry Potter when...)

In Retrospect

If I didn't have a misery inducing head cold, I would have thought of a really nifty title like this one, for the "elf zoning" post I made prior to this one. At least that's my little fantasy, and I'm sticking to it.

Also in retrospect, (and I'm blaming the cold again) this portion just seeped into my brain:

In Iceland, settled by Scandinavian Vikings and their Irish slaves in the 10th century, democracy preceded Christianity.

So now I'm wondering if there's a reparations movement, and if the elves are the instigators. You know what they say, "Never trust an elf!" (cus they'll toss you every time)

Yes, you have it in one: we're blaming the cold for everything, espceially this post.

Anyone have any Miruvor?

Admit it!

Who's searching my blog for 'voyeur'?

Hey, I Grew Up In Berkeley!

I am 14% Hippie.

What? Am I a Republican? Why did I even bother taken this test?! I guess I’ll back to my George W. Bush fan club and tell them I just wasted 10 minutes of my life. At least I don’t stink, man.

Take the
Hippie Test
@ FualiDotCom

I blame the 14% on the tie dye shirt question! What do you think they have you make in a Berkeley elementary school arts and crafts class anyway?

A Hearty AVAST! to the Llama Dudes for the test.

Word

Was it La Femme Nikita that had one word titles season one, two words the next...? I know some series did, I'm just blanking on which one. Anywho... I was thinking (always dangerous) that it would be kinda kewl and happening if all my blog posts had single words titles. It could be my thing. Not sure I could sustain it, but it might be worth a shot, and at a minimum, amuse me for a few days!

I Know Why!

Brad Pitt Hospitalized in Los Angeles

A coworker of mine -- let's call him "B" -- just told me he met Pitt when "B" was working at Laguna Seca this weekend for the big races. Apparently Pitt was there and shook his hand when he walked by. So I told him, "You're the one that infected him and put him in the hospital!"

A little workplace amusement.

More "Me"

Okay, as is usually the way, I slept on it and recalled things I'd wanted to include. So my 'all about me' page is new and improved!

(what's with all the fighter jets around here this weekend?) (it's just a little odd)

How Odd Is It...

to be reading an article from E! on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and read this:

"It's very scary," laughs Houston-based blogger Laurence Simon.

Like other moviegoers, Simon made the Depp-Jackson-Wonka connection almost instantly when he saw the Chocolate Factory trailer. An offhanded remark last month on his blog, This Blog Is Full of Crap (IsFullofCrap.com), about how much he wasn't looking forward to Burton's film led one commentator to crack, "What's the problem...? Don't have the stomach for Michael Jackson and the Chocolate Factory?"

A reporter mentions a blog and it isn't Instapundit! And it's a blog I even read. Will wonders ever cease?

Lack Of Content

Busy day today, so there will be a serious lack of content forthcoming. So play amongst yourselves in the comments and keep me amused! I have faith in you.

One note before I go: getting slammed with searches for Domino Harvey, the bounty hunter, who I mentioned ages back in relation to Keira Knightly and a movie she's doing playing her. Well, I heard on FNC this morning that Domino was found dead in her home, and now everyone seems to be looking for info on it.

Cable Or Dish?

Currently, we use Comcast cable. It's expensive, the signal isn't that great, and they don't offer the DVR option in our area. So we've been thinking of switching to a dish. It doesn't really save us money, but it does include the precious DVR :) and the signal would be such an improvment. My question: DishNetwork or DirecTV? Thoughts?

Home I Am

I stayed home today. After yesterday, you probably aren't surprised. And what am I doing with my time? Reading more on the possible Avian Flu Pandemic. Annie, I ain't :) I think I'm more Wednesday.

Miranda Sex Garden

Anyone heard their music? Just came up on my Launch station. It's listed as Indie rock, Gothic, and Modern rock. It's kinda strange, but I like it.

Whatever: Almost 5pm Edition

Jaw's worse, and I'm just feeling like an old dish rag (as my grandmother used to say). Glad it's nearly five so I can go home and be down in the dumps in peace :)

Question Two

Lori asks what I've always wondered about.

(it's only peripheral Cruise posting!)

Whatever

It's just going to be one of those days.

The right side of my jaw has gone out again, so pain and difficulty eating are what I get to look forward to today. Lots of blogworthy stuff in the news, but I can't seem to work up the oomph to post about any of it. I think I'm a little down because I had to cancel my trip to visit my family next week -- lack of fundage amongst other things. Yes, I sound like Eeyore.

80's Lunchtime Music Moment

Yes, that A&C feature you loved so much is back! It's been months and months since I did one of these, so it's time for a trip back down memory lane. As always (usually) this is dedicated to that lover of everything 80's... Paul!

Today's selection: "Hot In The City" by Billy Idol

Stranger, stranger, stranger, stranger

It's hot here at night, lonely, black and quiet
On a hot summer night
Don't be afraid of the world we made
On a hot summer night

'Cause when a long-legged lovely walks by
Yeah you can see the look in her eye
Then you know that it's

[Refrain]
Hot in the city, hot in the city tonight, tonight
Hot in the city, hot in the city tonight, tonight

Stranger, stranger

For all the dreams and schemes,
people are as they seem
On a hot summer night
Don't be no fun, don't forget you're young
On a hot summer night

A sometime someone you're not
Don't wait to see what you got
'Cause you know that you're

[Refrain]

We'll walk until my feet drop
I'm a train when I'm hateful
Yeah, lay right down now
And ride until your head breaks
I'm a-walkin' 'til my brain pops
I will move with the beat now
I'm a chain 'round an A-bomb
I'm a ribbon in the heat now
New York!

Hah!

My Yahoo TV listings have a show listed for tonight called, "Fire Me... Please", so I clicked to see what it's about. Well, there was no description, but the episode title cracked me up:

"She's Like School in the Summer ... No Class"

Peter's Test

I scored:

Look down in the extended entry. It's all wonky, so I moved it to where it won't matter.