After the Friday I had, I've put myself in therapy. I'll be self medicated and doing puzzles.
buh...buh...buh...
March 31, 2006
There - a - pee
After the Friday I had, I've put myself in therapy. I'll be self medicated and doing puzzles.
buh...buh...buh...
March 30, 2006
HNT - Beads!
Yes, it's that time of the week again. 
Beads! (Oh, yeah...there's a little neck there, too. heh)
I love beading and it's recently occurred to me that it's something I haven't really talked about much here. The ones in the picture above are some of my favorites, which I happen to be wearing today.
They're faceted fire-polished amethyst disc beads, spaced with amethyst rounds and silver seed beads. It's sad because I had a horrible time getting a clear pic of them that shows their true beauty. They have a finish on them that reflects the facets as the light hits them. This pic here to the right shows kind of what I mean.
Beading is a great hobby. You can make all kinds of jewelry for yourself, custom tailored to match whatever outfit you have in mind. You can also make cool gifts for your friends. I have made countless necklaces and bracelets for friends and family over the years. It's a dangerous hobby though - it can become very expensive very quickly and it's addictive. lol
Inanna and I share a love of beads, as well as El Sid (she works in a bead shop, lucky girl). Beads such as the ones seen above can cost you anywhere from 5 cents each to 40-50 cents each. Yeah...imagine how much this necklace would cost at 50 cents each. Yikes! I, thankfully, got these on eBay and got a great deal.
Well, I would love to talk more about beads, but work is calling. ug. For more skin-revealing fun, click on the HNT icon above, or go see Inanna if you want to see some of her fabulous bead-work. She's more of a freak about it than I am. ;)
HHNT, everyone!
Beads! (Oh, yeah...there's a little neck there, too. heh)
I love beading and it's recently occurred to me that it's something I haven't really talked about much here. The ones in the picture above are some of my favorites, which I happen to be wearing today.
They're faceted fire-polished amethyst disc beads, spaced with amethyst rounds and silver seed beads. It's sad because I had a horrible time getting a clear pic of them that shows their true beauty. They have a finish on them that reflects the facets as the light hits them. This pic here to the right shows kind of what I mean. Beading is a great hobby. You can make all kinds of jewelry for yourself, custom tailored to match whatever outfit you have in mind. You can also make cool gifts for your friends. I have made countless necklaces and bracelets for friends and family over the years. It's a dangerous hobby though - it can become very expensive very quickly and it's addictive. lol
Inanna and I share a love of beads, as well as El Sid (she works in a bead shop, lucky girl). Beads such as the ones seen above can cost you anywhere from 5 cents each to 40-50 cents each. Yeah...imagine how much this necklace would cost at 50 cents each. Yikes! I, thankfully, got these on eBay and got a great deal.
Well, I would love to talk more about beads, but work is calling. ug. For more skin-revealing fun, click on the HNT icon above, or go see Inanna if you want to see some of her fabulous bead-work. She's more of a freak about it than I am. ;)
HHNT, everyone!
March 28, 2006
Special Guy
Since long before I moved to this city, there's been a little corner gas station near where I now live. It's a simple little place - four pumps on each side of a little tiny building where you'd pay for your gas, all under a big, giant canopy. They had a few snacks, smokes, drinks...kind of a mom & pop type operation.
This little place is on the direct route between our house and the D-man's preschool. He likes to stop there in the mornings some times and grab a granola bar or something instead of having breakfast at home, so we've been stopping there fairly often for a couple of years.
There is a fellow who worked at this place whom I guess you would call "special." I don't know if he's retarded or just slow, or if he's had a medical condition...you can just tell that he isn't your run of the mill gas station clerk. He talks a little slowly and muddled, and his mannerisms are different letting you know that he isn't exactly what most would call "normal" (though being labeled as normal tends to make me cringe). He is, on the other hand, a friendly and efficient guy and obviously cares about his job and the way the place was run. I've seen him walking to work many times, and he always acts as if he's anxious to get there.
I could always tell by the way he interacted when checking you out that he lacked self confidence...he was a bit hesitant to make chit-chat, avoided eye contact and the like. He gave me the feeling that he was afraid someone would make fun of him if he said much. He always had a smile for the d-man, though.
I started going out of my way to make sure we had him check us out, to be extra nice to him, to let him know that I'm glad to see him, wish him a nice day, you know - letting him know that I think he's a good guy and that he's appreciated. He has responded very positively, and soon I noticed him smiling and talking to more customers, showing more self-confidence. I'd like to think I had a little part in that.
Anyway...one day, fairly abruptly it seemed, the station closed. They were building a brand new station across the street, and a sign went up announcing that this would be their new location. The new store was big, bright and shiny, with all of the "convenience store" amenities you could imagine. They opened about 2 weeks after the old one closed and had obviously hired a good sized batch of new employees. I didn't see my buddy anywhere. I was worried that, with the switchover, they had let him go.
Well, the other day we stopped there at our usual time for a bit of breakfast. I was milling around, waiting for the D-man to make up his mind about what he wanted (SO many more choices!) and my buddy came out of the back room! I was so happy to see him I nearly gave him a hug. He gave me a huge grin and I told him that I was happy to see that he was still working there. He said that he restocks shelves and cups & such. I'm so glad that they kept him on. We shared a bit of an awkward grin for a moment and then he bustled off to get his work done. When we left the store, I noticed that he was still grinning as he filled up the chips.
I admire the owners of this store for keeping him on. I don't know if he might be family or what, but it's just great that they didn't use the switch as an excuse to dump him. It's important to everyone, but especially to people like him to feel valued and to know that they are needed and appreciated. It's easy to make fun of these people and cast them aside, forgetting that they have feelings, too, and not thinking about the fact that they can make a positive contribution to our society. Every time I go there, I always peek around the back room door to see if he's there so I can give him a smile. I hope it brightens his day as it sure helps mine start out nicely.
This little place is on the direct route between our house and the D-man's preschool. He likes to stop there in the mornings some times and grab a granola bar or something instead of having breakfast at home, so we've been stopping there fairly often for a couple of years.
There is a fellow who worked at this place whom I guess you would call "special." I don't know if he's retarded or just slow, or if he's had a medical condition...you can just tell that he isn't your run of the mill gas station clerk. He talks a little slowly and muddled, and his mannerisms are different letting you know that he isn't exactly what most would call "normal" (though being labeled as normal tends to make me cringe). He is, on the other hand, a friendly and efficient guy and obviously cares about his job and the way the place was run. I've seen him walking to work many times, and he always acts as if he's anxious to get there.
I could always tell by the way he interacted when checking you out that he lacked self confidence...he was a bit hesitant to make chit-chat, avoided eye contact and the like. He gave me the feeling that he was afraid someone would make fun of him if he said much. He always had a smile for the d-man, though.
I started going out of my way to make sure we had him check us out, to be extra nice to him, to let him know that I'm glad to see him, wish him a nice day, you know - letting him know that I think he's a good guy and that he's appreciated. He has responded very positively, and soon I noticed him smiling and talking to more customers, showing more self-confidence. I'd like to think I had a little part in that.
Anyway...one day, fairly abruptly it seemed, the station closed. They were building a brand new station across the street, and a sign went up announcing that this would be their new location. The new store was big, bright and shiny, with all of the "convenience store" amenities you could imagine. They opened about 2 weeks after the old one closed and had obviously hired a good sized batch of new employees. I didn't see my buddy anywhere. I was worried that, with the switchover, they had let him go.
Well, the other day we stopped there at our usual time for a bit of breakfast. I was milling around, waiting for the D-man to make up his mind about what he wanted (SO many more choices!) and my buddy came out of the back room! I was so happy to see him I nearly gave him a hug. He gave me a huge grin and I told him that I was happy to see that he was still working there. He said that he restocks shelves and cups & such. I'm so glad that they kept him on. We shared a bit of an awkward grin for a moment and then he bustled off to get his work done. When we left the store, I noticed that he was still grinning as he filled up the chips.
I admire the owners of this store for keeping him on. I don't know if he might be family or what, but it's just great that they didn't use the switch as an excuse to dump him. It's important to everyone, but especially to people like him to feel valued and to know that they are needed and appreciated. It's easy to make fun of these people and cast them aside, forgetting that they have feelings, too, and not thinking about the fact that they can make a positive contribution to our society. Every time I go there, I always peek around the back room door to see if he's there so I can give him a smile. I hope it brightens his day as it sure helps mine start out nicely.
March 27, 2006
Scotland's Warrior King
This past Saturday was the 700th anniversary of the coronation of Robert the Bruce, arguably the greatest hero in Scottish history. If you ask people on the street, at work, or in the pub, most will reply Braveheart or William Wallace. Thanks to Mel Gibson, the most celebrated figure in Scottish history is a man who died for his cause - noble, to be sure, but not necessarily the most deserving of this honorable tag.
Scots who know their history would tell you that it's Robert the Bruce (a.k.a. Raibeart Bruis), the man who led the Scots to victory in the Wars of Independence.
Robert the Bruce claimed the Scottish throne as a great-great-great-great grandson of David I of Scotland, and would become one of Scotland's greatest kings and warriors. Initially, he was primarily concerned with restoring his family to the Scottish throne, and in 1296 he and his father swore allegiance to Edward I of England against John Balliol, King of Scotland and the Bruces' great rival. However, it was not long before Robert put himself in breach of his oath and joined the Scottish revolt the following year. He and other rebels began to destroy the lands owned by those sworn to Edward, but later that year were forced to sign a treaty in return for a pardon from the English king.
Apparently, Robert's loyalty wavered for a time, as he again began working toward Scottish independence behind Edward's back. Then in 1302, Robert and some of the other nobles officially submitted to Edward, reasoning that they could no longer in good conscience sacrifice the lives of their countrymen for John Balliol.
In 1303, Edward made his seventh invasion into Scotland and was this time successful, overpowering the Scots as far north as Moray before returning to the Lowlands, the entire country now under submission. But Robert and his friend William Lamberton had witnessed their countrymen's heroic efforts during the siege of Stirling Castle, and they made a pact to Scottish patriotism and achieving Scottish independence.
However, Robert's staunch belief in his family's right to the throne nearly compromised their plan. Toward the end of 1305, a serious rival presented itself in the form of John Comyn. As the nephew of John Balliol, his loyalty to the Scottish cause had never wavered. Robert needed to eliminate this threat, so he and some friends attacked and killed Comyn on February 10, 1306. His rash action meant he either had to become a fugitive, or claim the crown. He chose the latter and was crowned King of Scots on March 25 by the MacDuff Earls of Fife. He was now a king without a kingdom, as Scotland was still under the control of Edward.
When Edward I died in 1307 he was succeeded by his son Edward II, a feeble man whose shortcomings as a leader were in Robert's favour. Only a year and a half later, Robert had reclaimed all of Scotland north of the River Tay through his prowess on the battlefield. The Lowlands proved more difficult, but they slowly took castle after castle, and the Scots won their independence at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 under Robert's leadership. To secure their safety, Robert proceeded to launch raids into England, eventually causing Edward II to sue for peace.
Under Robert, Scottish independence was further enforced by the Declaration of Arbroath of 1320, and the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton signed by Edward III of England in 1328 which recognised Scotland as an independent kingdom and Robert the Bruce as its king.
More information on Robert the Bruce can be found here and here.
Scots who know their history would tell you that it's Robert the Bruce (a.k.a. Raibeart Bruis), the man who led the Scots to victory in the Wars of Independence.
Robert the Bruce claimed the Scottish throne as a great-great-great-great grandson of David I of Scotland, and would become one of Scotland's greatest kings and warriors. Initially, he was primarily concerned with restoring his family to the Scottish throne, and in 1296 he and his father swore allegiance to Edward I of England against John Balliol, King of Scotland and the Bruces' great rival. However, it was not long before Robert put himself in breach of his oath and joined the Scottish revolt the following year. He and other rebels began to destroy the lands owned by those sworn to Edward, but later that year were forced to sign a treaty in return for a pardon from the English king.Apparently, Robert's loyalty wavered for a time, as he again began working toward Scottish independence behind Edward's back. Then in 1302, Robert and some of the other nobles officially submitted to Edward, reasoning that they could no longer in good conscience sacrifice the lives of their countrymen for John Balliol.
In 1303, Edward made his seventh invasion into Scotland and was this time successful, overpowering the Scots as far north as Moray before returning to the Lowlands, the entire country now under submission. But Robert and his friend William Lamberton had witnessed their countrymen's heroic efforts during the siege of Stirling Castle, and they made a pact to Scottish patriotism and achieving Scottish independence.
However, Robert's staunch belief in his family's right to the throne nearly compromised their plan. Toward the end of 1305, a serious rival presented itself in the form of John Comyn. As the nephew of John Balliol, his loyalty to the Scottish cause had never wavered. Robert needed to eliminate this threat, so he and some friends attacked and killed Comyn on February 10, 1306. His rash action meant he either had to become a fugitive, or claim the crown. He chose the latter and was crowned King of Scots on March 25 by the MacDuff Earls of Fife. He was now a king without a kingdom, as Scotland was still under the control of Edward.
When Edward I died in 1307 he was succeeded by his son Edward II, a feeble man whose shortcomings as a leader were in Robert's favour. Only a year and a half later, Robert had reclaimed all of Scotland north of the River Tay through his prowess on the battlefield. The Lowlands proved more difficult, but they slowly took castle after castle, and the Scots won their independence at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 under Robert's leadership. To secure their safety, Robert proceeded to launch raids into England, eventually causing Edward II to sue for peace.
Under Robert, Scottish independence was further enforced by the Declaration of Arbroath of 1320, and the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton signed by Edward III of England in 1328 which recognised Scotland as an independent kingdom and Robert the Bruce as its king.
More information on Robert the Bruce can be found here and here.
March 25, 2006
It's All Harry's Fault
Dang it, I had the best of intentions for a SASS post (SASF has simply proven itself impossible with my current M-F work load) but I can't get my nose out of this book! The further I get into it, the better it gets. Poor Harry - he is not having a good year. Yes, yes, I've been sucked in.I'll be a posting some good stuff for you soon, I promise...but probably not until I finish the book. At the rate I've been going, however, that will probably be by tomorrow. Yeah, go ahead, call me a geek...you muggle. I'll turn you into a newt. heh
March 23, 2006
HNT - No More Flakes
Well, hello there! Hey, come on in and make yourself comfortable. It's been a bit hectic around here, sorry about the mess - insane amounts of work to do here lately. Frankly, my heart really isn't in it so much since the interaction that made this all worth it isn't really around any more. Comments and visits have spiraled downward, making me feel a bit like I'm talking to myself, but then again, it is a kind of journal. Oh, well. Blah.
I haven't been feeling very social and most of my free time (which seems to be less, and less...) has been spent here lately with my nose poked in a book (Order of the Phoenix, currently). It's SO nice to be reading something besides Dr. Seuss again (not that he isn't fab...).
I've been missing you all, really. Not having time to check out your blogs each day makes me sad. That's most likely why so few people come around any more. I've also been having a bit of a case of bloggers cramp (most likely induced by insufficient time to figure out something interesting to blog about and the inability to concentrate on that when I do have the time). I think that perhaps it's time to reevaluate my aim for this blog and what I'm doing here.
I wanted to share a pic of my nicely healed up tattoo today, being HNT and all. No more flakies & itchies. Yay! I'm happy about how the colors really haven't seemed to fade now that it's healed. It was a bit disconcerting to have bright green and yellow layers of skin coming off of it like these. I was afraid all of the color was simply going to flake off. Yeah, I kept a couple...so I'm weird. Shaddup. I'll put them in the little box with the D-man's umbilical cord nub and my cat's mutant claw that was surgically removed. I know what you're thinking - you have no idea. ;p
Anyway, I've discovered that it's easier (and less embarrassing) to show it by hiking up my shirt instead of pulling down my shirt and shoving the girls out of the way.
Now...thinking about the possibility of a number two... heh
Eee gads, what have I started? lol
By the way, my 5 year old told me this morning that he wants to be a paleontologist. ...and yes, that's the terminology he used. *snif*
I haven't been feeling very social and most of my free time (which seems to be less, and less...) has been spent here lately with my nose poked in a book (Order of the Phoenix, currently). It's SO nice to be reading something besides Dr. Seuss again (not that he isn't fab...).
I've been missing you all, really. Not having time to check out your blogs each day makes me sad. That's most likely why so few people come around any more. I've also been having a bit of a case of bloggers cramp (most likely induced by insufficient time to figure out something interesting to blog about and the inability to concentrate on that when I do have the time). I think that perhaps it's time to reevaluate my aim for this blog and what I'm doing here.
I wanted to share a pic of my nicely healed up tattoo today, being HNT and all. No more flakies & itchies. Yay! I'm happy about how the colors really haven't seemed to fade now that it's healed. It was a bit disconcerting to have bright green and yellow layers of skin coming off of it like these. I was afraid all of the color was simply going to flake off. Yeah, I kept a couple...so I'm weird. Shaddup. I'll put them in the little box with the D-man's umbilical cord nub and my cat's mutant claw that was surgically removed. I know what you're thinking - you have no idea. ;p
Anyway, I've discovered that it's easier (and less embarrassing) to show it by hiking up my shirt instead of pulling down my shirt and shoving the girls out of the way.
Now...thinking about the possibility of a number two... heh
Eee gads, what have I started? lol
By the way, my 5 year old told me this morning that he wants to be a paleontologist. ...and yes, that's the terminology he used. *snif*
March 21, 2006
Just Dropped In
I woke up this mornin' with the sundown shinin' in
I found my mind in a brown paper bag within
I tripped on a cloud and fell-a eight miles high
I tore my mind on a jagged sky
I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in
I pushed my soul in a deep dark hole and then I followed it in
I watched myself crawlin' out as I was crawlin' in
I got up so tight I couldn't unwind
I saw so much I broke my mind
I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in
yeah, yeah, oh yeah, the condition my condition was in
Someone painted "April Fools" in big black letters on a "Dead End" sign
I had my foot on the gas as I left the road and blew out my mind
Eight miles outta Memphis and I got no spare
Eight miles straight up downtown somewhere
I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in
I said I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in
Yeah yeah oh yeah
I found my mind in a brown paper bag within
I tripped on a cloud and fell-a eight miles high
I tore my mind on a jagged sky
I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in
I pushed my soul in a deep dark hole and then I followed it in
I watched myself crawlin' out as I was crawlin' in
I got up so tight I couldn't unwind
I saw so much I broke my mind
I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in
yeah, yeah, oh yeah, the condition my condition was in
Someone painted "April Fools" in big black letters on a "Dead End" sign
I had my foot on the gas as I left the road and blew out my mind
Eight miles outta Memphis and I got no spare
Eight miles straight up downtown somewhere
I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in
I said I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in
Yeah yeah oh yeah
March 18, 2006
SASS
That would be Short Attention Span Saturday as opposed to Friday. With last weeks just being skipped completely...yeah, yeah...way late. No excuses, just my apologies.
Albert forgives me...
Go ahead...make Einstein say (well, write) whatever you want. Heh
***
Groovy Foolers
What do you see in these images?
I guess it depends on how dirty your mind is. lol
***
Pick a Penny
This is interesting.
It's a little test to see how familiar (or unfamiliar, for that matter) you are with the American penny. Can you pick the right one without cheating? Click the link to find out. I'm proud to say I got the right one on the first try. (dumb luck, most likely. heh)
***
Just Freakin' Cool
A panoramic view of Paris at night - it takes a bit to load, but it's worth the wait. You could see the rooftop of the building I lived in except for the fact that there are two buildings in the way. See, all the buildings in central Paris are seven stories tall. If I remember correctly, it was some kind of building code under Napoleon that made it that way. It makes for interesting views from up high.
***
Murderobelia
Expiring on April 20, the 1982 BMW owned by Dylan Klebold is up for auction.
They had it listed on eBay, but got booted due to their rule that you can't sell "murderobelia." So now, it's a private auction for the car. It's the one they drove to school in that fateful day, full of guns and ammo. Bidding is currently at $10,000.
Kinda freaky.
**
Another Lost Treat
You Lost fans out there should get a kick out of this. I thought it was awesome.
Addicted to Lost
***
Brain Cramp Test
I have no idea why this is called the "Monday Test" but it's rather interesting. They're trick questions so you really have to think. I did pretty good - only missed one. Damn it. lol
***
Does Not Compute
Have you ever had an error page flirt with you?
***
Not Funny
1. In all, the Sago Mine [the West Virginia coal mine where an underground explosion left 12 miners dead and another with serious injuries] received 276 violations in 2004 and 2005, including 120 that were considered "significant and substantial." During that time, the government sought $33,600 in fines. Of that, the companies paid $23,986.
2. Federal regulators will stick by their decision to slap CBS with a $550,000 fine for the Janet Jackson flash at the 2004 Super Bowl.
3. A government crackdown on indecent programming resulted in a proposed $3.6 million in fines against dozens of CBS stations and affiliates on Wednesday - a record penalty from the Federal Communications Commission.
Glad to know this country has it's priorities straight. *gag*
***
May I Take Your Order?
Asian food restaurants have a tendency to make some amusing blunders in translation on their menus. This one, however takes the cake.
How about some Double boiled forest frog for dessert? ...or how about some Strange Flavor of Inside Freasuse?
You have GOT to go there and read the whole thing. Keep going - it gets funnier as it goes along. By the time I reached the end, I was laughing so hard I was snorting. They need a new interpreter.
***
Hope you all are having a nice weekend. I spent the day cleaning. Ug. It's a never ending battle. Cheers!
Oh, by the way, would someone please e-mail me if my comments are broken?
Albert forgives me...
Go ahead...make Einstein say (well, write) whatever you want. Heh
***
Groovy Foolers
What do you see in these images?
I guess it depends on how dirty your mind is. lol
***
Pick a Penny
This is interesting.
It's a little test to see how familiar (or unfamiliar, for that matter) you are with the American penny. Can you pick the right one without cheating? Click the link to find out. I'm proud to say I got the right one on the first try. (dumb luck, most likely. heh)
***
Just Freakin' Cool
A panoramic view of Paris at night - it takes a bit to load, but it's worth the wait. You could see the rooftop of the building I lived in except for the fact that there are two buildings in the way. See, all the buildings in central Paris are seven stories tall. If I remember correctly, it was some kind of building code under Napoleon that made it that way. It makes for interesting views from up high.
***
Murderobelia
Expiring on April 20, the 1982 BMW owned by Dylan Klebold is up for auction.
They had it listed on eBay, but got booted due to their rule that you can't sell "murderobelia." So now, it's a private auction for the car. It's the one they drove to school in that fateful day, full of guns and ammo. Bidding is currently at $10,000.
Kinda freaky.
**
Another Lost Treat
You Lost fans out there should get a kick out of this. I thought it was awesome.
Addicted to Lost
***
Brain Cramp Test
I have no idea why this is called the "Monday Test" but it's rather interesting. They're trick questions so you really have to think. I did pretty good - only missed one. Damn it. lol
***
Does Not Compute
Have you ever had an error page flirt with you?
***
Not Funny
1. In all, the Sago Mine [the West Virginia coal mine where an underground explosion left 12 miners dead and another with serious injuries] received 276 violations in 2004 and 2005, including 120 that were considered "significant and substantial." During that time, the government sought $33,600 in fines. Of that, the companies paid $23,986.
2. Federal regulators will stick by their decision to slap CBS with a $550,000 fine for the Janet Jackson flash at the 2004 Super Bowl.
3. A government crackdown on indecent programming resulted in a proposed $3.6 million in fines against dozens of CBS stations and affiliates on Wednesday - a record penalty from the Federal Communications Commission.
Glad to know this country has it's priorities straight. *gag*
***
May I Take Your Order?
Asian food restaurants have a tendency to make some amusing blunders in translation on their menus. This one, however takes the cake.
How about some Double boiled forest frog for dessert? ...or how about some Strange Flavor of Inside Freasuse?
You have GOT to go there and read the whole thing. Keep going - it gets funnier as it goes along. By the time I reached the end, I was laughing so hard I was snorting. They need a new interpreter.
***
Hope you all are having a nice weekend. I spent the day cleaning. Ug. It's a never ending battle. Cheers!
Oh, by the way, would someone please e-mail me if my comments are broken?
March 17, 2006
March 16, 2006
Random Smatterings
HNT folks...scroll down a couple of posts and you can see my new skin art! :D
In this episode, however, prepare to be submitted to another edition of "what's on my mind." lol
The tattoo is healing up quite nicely. All of the crusty stuff is gone. It's still a bit rough and little tender, but not bad at all. Thankfully, I can wear a bra now - it's a bit awkward not being able to wear one to work when you're built like me. heh. I talked to the artist and he's shocked at how fast it's healing as he said it would take a week or two.
I have, however, been having a few issues with it. It's sensitive, so if any hairs or the like get down in there, it tickles and itches. Having it slathered with cocoa butter makes it a bit of a hair magnet. I'm completely amazed that no one here at work has "busted" me yet digging around in my cleavage. Well, yesterday morning was particularly bothersome in that regard. It would tickle/itch, I'd go in seeking out the intruder at fault and find nothing. Rinse & repeat about 20 times. Well, you see, the problem was due to a thread that was hanging off of the bottom of my v-neck shirt, which was pushed out of the way when searching so it eluded me for far too long. I snipped that little bugger right off and all is well. Sheesh.
I am entirely TOO fond of cheese balls - you know those little chunks of cheddar that are breaded and deep fried? Eeeeevil. Pure evil goodness.
I love the pants I had on yesterday. They're stone colored carpenter pants. They have this nifty little pocket on the side of the thigh that my cell phone fits into perfectly, and this wonderful hammer-loop on the other side that likes to catch on things as I walk by, causing me to lurch forward as my leg becomes immobile and look like a complete idiot. That's not what I'm getting at, though...they're loud. When I walk, the fabric makes this swoosh swoosh sound that just seems very noticable. I couldn't sneak up on someone in these if I tried. Oh well, just like the farting shoes, I guess it's all good.
Vin Diesel can NOT be gay. That is simply not acceptable. My current desktop:
Now, why don't they just shut up about it and leave him alone? rrr
If you ever are tempted to get sucked into buying a ringtone (or anything else, for that matter) from MEDIAPLAZZA, JUST SAY NO. Trust me. They are complete idiots and will rip you off and pretend they don't know what you're talking about.
That bastard Joseph Smith, the man convicted of abducting, raping and slaying 11-year-old Carlie Brucia was sentenced to death. It's a pity that he won't suffer like she did.
You know, drive thru's make me crazy. Yesterday at lunch, I was in line at a drive thru and the idiot in front of me takes 10 minutes (I'm NOT exaggerating) to place her order. I would have left long before that, but I was stuck with another car on my bumper.
Anyway, I get up to the speaker to immediately be assaulted with "Hi, Welcome to blah blah would you like to try a french fry giant grease ball heart attack big enough for two today?? (said all bright and shiny). Um...no. I place my order (cheese balls - see above) and proceed. I take note, much to my dismay, of the fact that the 10 minute order theimbecile lady in front of me consists of two shakes. TWO SHAKES. *breathe*
She moves along surprisingly quickly and I pull up to the window. "Oh, we're sorry...we have to cook those for you so the wait will be 5 minutes (mind you, I've been in line at least 5 since ordering). Could you park next to that big, stinky garbage can and we'll bring them out when we feel like it? (said all bright and shiny)" DAMNIT. So, as I sit there, I notice two huge arrows painted on the concrete side-by-side saying exit, pointing at the street. It's a one-way. Why are there two arrows? The person on the left can't go left. WTF? *sigh*
If I hear that Pizza Hut commercial again with that revolting Jessica Simpson singing about how one of these days those bites are gonna pop right into you, I'm going to ...well, I don't know. Her voice is just like nails on a chalkboard to me. Perhaps I'll sue Pizza Hut for pain and suffering.
What the hell is up with Lost playing one new episode, then two reruns, then another new episode and so on? It's driving me crazy. It's about enough to make me just say screw it and watch it when season two comes out on DVD...except I don't want to wait that long. Damn them!
How is your day going?
In this episode, however, prepare to be submitted to another edition of "what's on my mind." lol
The tattoo is healing up quite nicely. All of the crusty stuff is gone. It's still a bit rough and little tender, but not bad at all. Thankfully, I can wear a bra now - it's a bit awkward not being able to wear one to work when you're built like me. heh. I talked to the artist and he's shocked at how fast it's healing as he said it would take a week or two.
I have, however, been having a few issues with it. It's sensitive, so if any hairs or the like get down in there, it tickles and itches. Having it slathered with cocoa butter makes it a bit of a hair magnet. I'm completely amazed that no one here at work has "busted" me yet digging around in my cleavage. Well, yesterday morning was particularly bothersome in that regard. It would tickle/itch, I'd go in seeking out the intruder at fault and find nothing. Rinse & repeat about 20 times. Well, you see, the problem was due to a thread that was hanging off of the bottom of my v-neck shirt, which was pushed out of the way when searching so it eluded me for far too long. I snipped that little bugger right off and all is well. Sheesh.
I am entirely TOO fond of cheese balls - you know those little chunks of cheddar that are breaded and deep fried? Eeeeevil. Pure evil goodness.I love the pants I had on yesterday. They're stone colored carpenter pants. They have this nifty little pocket on the side of the thigh that my cell phone fits into perfectly, and this wonderful hammer-loop on the other side that likes to catch on things as I walk by, causing me to lurch forward as my leg becomes immobile and look like a complete idiot. That's not what I'm getting at, though...they're loud. When I walk, the fabric makes this swoosh swoosh sound that just seems very noticable. I couldn't sneak up on someone in these if I tried. Oh well, just like the farting shoes, I guess it's all good.
Vin Diesel can NOT be gay. That is simply not acceptable. My current desktop:
Now, why don't they just shut up about it and leave him alone? rrr
If you ever are tempted to get sucked into buying a ringtone (or anything else, for that matter) from MEDIAPLAZZA, JUST SAY NO. Trust me. They are complete idiots and will rip you off and pretend they don't know what you're talking about.
That bastard Joseph Smith, the man convicted of abducting, raping and slaying 11-year-old Carlie Brucia was sentenced to death. It's a pity that he won't suffer like she did.
You know, drive thru's make me crazy. Yesterday at lunch, I was in line at a drive thru and the idiot in front of me takes 10 minutes (I'm NOT exaggerating) to place her order. I would have left long before that, but I was stuck with another car on my bumper.
Anyway, I get up to the speaker to immediately be assaulted with "Hi, Welcome to blah blah would you like to try a french fry giant grease ball heart attack big enough for two today?? (said all bright and shiny). Um...no. I place my order (cheese balls - see above) and proceed. I take note, much to my dismay, of the fact that the 10 minute order the
She moves along surprisingly quickly and I pull up to the window. "Oh, we're sorry...we have to cook those for you so the wait will be 5 minutes (mind you, I've been in line at least 5 since ordering). Could you park next to that big, stinky garbage can and we'll bring them out when we feel like it? (said all bright and shiny)" DAMNIT. So, as I sit there, I notice two huge arrows painted on the concrete side-by-side saying exit, pointing at the street. It's a one-way. Why are there two arrows? The person on the left can't go left. WTF? *sigh*
If I hear that Pizza Hut commercial again with that revolting Jessica Simpson singing about how one of these days those bites are gonna pop right into you, I'm going to ...well, I don't know. Her voice is just like nails on a chalkboard to me. Perhaps I'll sue Pizza Hut for pain and suffering.
What the hell is up with Lost playing one new episode, then two reruns, then another new episode and so on? It's driving me crazy. It's about enough to make me just say screw it and watch it when season two comes out on DVD...except I don't want to wait that long. Damn them!
How is your day going?
March 15, 2006
March 13, 2006
Bzzzzzzzz
Well, I finally did it. Blogger world, I present to you my new ink:
I'm happy with how it turned out. It looks a little wierd here since it's slathered in cocoa butter and so brand new (hence, a little crusty in spots. heh), but I'm happy.
It didn't really hurt that bad - made me grimace quite a lot, but not too serious. He had me hold my breath while he was doing each section, which helped me hold still for him and gave me something else to concentrate on besides the pain. He did a good job and I didn't bleed at all. Yay!
We didn't really plan it that way, but it is situated on the tip of my breast bone so that it almost looks 3D - the center is closer to you than the edges. I never realized my breast bone stuck out like that until now, really. Guess I just haven't looked at it that much.
Anyway, ta da!
I'm happy with how it turned out. It looks a little wierd here since it's slathered in cocoa butter and so brand new (hence, a little crusty in spots. heh), but I'm happy.
It didn't really hurt that bad - made me grimace quite a lot, but not too serious. He had me hold my breath while he was doing each section, which helped me hold still for him and gave me something else to concentrate on besides the pain. He did a good job and I didn't bleed at all. Yay!
We didn't really plan it that way, but it is situated on the tip of my breast bone so that it almost looks 3D - the center is closer to you than the edges. I never realized my breast bone stuck out like that until now, really. Guess I just haven't looked at it that much.
Anyway, ta da!
Eeeek!
I did it!
I did it!
I did it!
I just wanted to pop in to let y'all know that I got my tattoo! Pictures and all that coming, but I just can't this morning. I have to pop in to work for a couple of hours and then we have Heidi's funeral. I'll check back in this afternoon and tell you all about it.
* *
\___/
I did it!
I did it!
I just wanted to pop in to let y'all know that I got my tattoo! Pictures and all that coming, but I just can't this morning. I have to pop in to work for a couple of hours and then we have Heidi's funeral. I'll check back in this afternoon and tell you all about it.
* *
\___/
March 11, 2006
Praying for Time
You know that post that I yanked the other day? The political whining? Yeah, that one. Well, part of that post was about this song I was listening to and how ironic it was that it was written 16 years ago and it is still so dead-on with what is going on with the world today. Even more ironic is the fact that, when I posted it (and was listening to it), my friend Heidi was taking her last breaths.
Praying for Time
These are the days of the open hand
They will not be the last
Look around now
These are the days of the beggars
And the choosers
This is the year of the hungry man
Whose place is in the past
Hand in hand with ignorance
And legitimate excuses
The rich declare themselves poor
And most of us are not sure
If we have too much
But we'll take our chances
Because God stopped keeping score
I guess somewhere along the way
He must have let us all out to play
Turned his back and all god's children
Crept out the back door
And it's hard to love,
There's so much to hate
Hanging on to hope
When there is no hope to speak of
And the wounded skies above
Say it's much too late
Well maybe we should all be
Praying for time
These are the days of the empty hand
You hold on to what you can
And charity is a coat you wear
Twice a year
This is the year of the guilty man
Your television takes a stand
And you find that what was over there
Is over here
So you scream from behind your door
Say what's mine is mine and not yours
I may have too much
But I'll take my chances
Because God stopped keeping score
And you cling to the things they sold you
Did you cover your eyes when they told you
That he can't come back
Because he has no children
To come back for
And it's hard to love,
There's so much to hate
Hanging on to hope
When there is no hope to speak of
And the wounded skies above
Say it's much too late
Well maybe we should all be
Praying for time
Her time was up. How close is our time to being up?
Meet Leonardo, my blogging companion for this morning. :)
Anyway, I started putting together an SASF post about three times yesterday, but my heart just wasn't in it. It didn't seem right to be joking around and being silly as I certainly was not in a silly mood. I do have several cool/wierd/funny things gathered up, so perhaps I'll do a SASMonday instead. We'll see how it goes.
Chris let me sleep in this morning, which was nice, but then I was awoken by a 5 year old jumping on my bed, jarring my head. ...not good considering the fact that I drank entirely too much vodka last night. Bless his little early rising heart. grrrr.
I've been mystified by how easily and intensely I've been achieving that saucy, slurring, goofy state and then I noticed this morning that my medication says that it will do that combined with alcohol. Oops. heh
Big plans for the weekend. KidsFest is this weekend (I'll just let you imagine) and I'm hoping to get inked. I've decided on the final details of the tattoo I'm getting and we have the dough, so I'm going for it. In a way, it's kind of a cool tribute to Heidi, too, since she had several and always encouraged me to get one.
meep!
Praying for Time
These are the days of the open hand
They will not be the last
Look around now
These are the days of the beggars
And the choosers
This is the year of the hungry man
Whose place is in the past
Hand in hand with ignorance
And legitimate excuses
The rich declare themselves poor
And most of us are not sure
If we have too much
But we'll take our chances
Because God stopped keeping score
I guess somewhere along the way
He must have let us all out to play
Turned his back and all god's children
Crept out the back door
And it's hard to love,
There's so much to hate
Hanging on to hope
When there is no hope to speak of
And the wounded skies above
Say it's much too late
Well maybe we should all be
Praying for time
These are the days of the empty hand
You hold on to what you can
And charity is a coat you wear
Twice a year
This is the year of the guilty man
Your television takes a stand
And you find that what was over there
Is over here
So you scream from behind your door
Say what's mine is mine and not yours
I may have too much
But I'll take my chances
Because God stopped keeping score
And you cling to the things they sold you
Did you cover your eyes when they told you
That he can't come back
Because he has no children
To come back for
And it's hard to love,
There's so much to hate
Hanging on to hope
When there is no hope to speak of
And the wounded skies above
Say it's much too late
Well maybe we should all be
Praying for time
Her time was up. How close is our time to being up?
Meet Leonardo, my blogging companion for this morning. :)Anyway, I started putting together an SASF post about three times yesterday, but my heart just wasn't in it. It didn't seem right to be joking around and being silly as I certainly was not in a silly mood. I do have several cool/wierd/funny things gathered up, so perhaps I'll do a SASMonday instead. We'll see how it goes.
Chris let me sleep in this morning, which was nice, but then I was awoken by a 5 year old jumping on my bed, jarring my head. ...not good considering the fact that I drank entirely too much vodka last night. Bless his little early rising heart. grrrr.
I've been mystified by how easily and intensely I've been achieving that saucy, slurring, goofy state and then I noticed this morning that my medication says that it will do that combined with alcohol. Oops. heh
Big plans for the weekend. KidsFest is this weekend (I'll just let you imagine) and I'm hoping to get inked. I've decided on the final details of the tattoo I'm getting and we have the dough, so I'm going for it. In a way, it's kind of a cool tribute to Heidi, too, since she had several and always encouraged me to get one.
meep!
March 09, 2006
Everyone Leaves in the End
I lost a friend today. Heidi - a sweet, young lady who touched my life. She was only 28 years old. See, I met Heidi when she was about 16. She had diabetes, but didn't think she needed to worry about it. She thought it wouldn't hurt to use drugs and neglect her body. She didn't take her medication as she was supposed to, didn't monitor...it caught up with her. A couple of years ago, she started having trouble with her feet and legs. Horrible pain and difficulty walking...last time I saw her, she was using a cane.
Heidi has been in the hospital for a few months. I believe they said her kidneys failed. She was terribly swollen, and didn't want anyone to see her that way. I wish she would have let me come. Heidi was a beautiful girl and that would not have been obscured for me. She was good friends with Pod (they shared a love of painkillers) and I'm glad he's there to greet her.
At 28, Hiedi passed away this morning at home. I'm relieved her suffering is over. Rest in peace, Heidi. I'll miss you, sweet girl.
Everytime the rain comes down
I close my eyes and listen
I can hear the lonesome sound
Of the sky as it cries
Listen to the rain
Here it comes again
Hear it in the rain
Feel the touch of tears that fall
They won't fall forever
In the way the day will flow
All things come, all things go
Listen to the rain
Here it comes again
Hear it in the rain
Late at night you drift away
I can hear you calling
And your name is in the rain
Leaves on trees whispering
Deep blue seas, mysteries
Even when this moment ends
Won't forget this feeling
Everything will come again
In the sound falling down
Of the sky as it cries
Hear your name in the rain
Please, please, please...if you have a condition like diabetes, get help, do as your doctor says and take care of yourself.
Heidi has been in the hospital for a few months. I believe they said her kidneys failed. She was terribly swollen, and didn't want anyone to see her that way. I wish she would have let me come. Heidi was a beautiful girl and that would not have been obscured for me. She was good friends with Pod (they shared a love of painkillers) and I'm glad he's there to greet her.
At 28, Hiedi passed away this morning at home. I'm relieved her suffering is over. Rest in peace, Heidi. I'll miss you, sweet girl.
Everytime the rain comes down
I close my eyes and listen
I can hear the lonesome sound
Of the sky as it cries
Listen to the rain
Here it comes again
Hear it in the rain
Feel the touch of tears that fall
They won't fall forever
In the way the day will flow
All things come, all things go
Listen to the rain
Here it comes again
Hear it in the rain
Late at night you drift away
I can hear you calling
And your name is in the rain
Leaves on trees whispering
Deep blue seas, mysteries
Even when this moment ends
Won't forget this feeling
Everything will come again
In the sound falling down
Of the sky as it cries
Hear your name in the rain
Please, please, please...if you have a condition like diabetes, get help, do as your doctor says and take care of yourself.
HNT - Follow Up
Well, thank you to all of you who voiced your opinion on the earring dilemma last week. Due to popular demand blended with my own desire for new baubles, I bought me some cute little hoops to go with the big hoops. All holes are filled now. Yay! I feel that I should elaborate a little on my tirade from yesterday, so that's coming up. I've just got so many things on my "get this done now" list that my head is swimming.
In the mean time, entertain yourself with more skin-baring fun - check out Mr. O's site::
HHNT, all!
Now, don't you all clamor to comment at once. ha ha ha ha ha
March 08, 2006
There Was a Post Here...
but I yanked it. Blah blah blah drivel, meaningless bleeding heart bullshit. Fuck it.
I'm having a little trouble with faith in humanity today. This world is sucking more and more every day. No, don't worry...I haven't "taken a dive", it's just bewilderment regarding the blind faith put in leaders who have no concept of how to behave or run this country, or how to "take care of their own." Their priorities are completely SCREWED!
There are too many sheep and too many cruel, heartless, misdirected shepherds.
grrrr
...and I feel like I am powerless to do anything about it.
I'm having a little trouble with faith in humanity today. This world is sucking more and more every day. No, don't worry...I haven't "taken a dive", it's just bewilderment regarding the blind faith put in leaders who have no concept of how to behave or run this country, or how to "take care of their own." Their priorities are completely SCREWED!
There are too many sheep and too many cruel, heartless, misdirected shepherds.
grrrr
...and I feel like I am powerless to do anything about it.
March 06, 2006
Freak Out!
I don't recall what brought it to mind, but this morning I've been pondering the concept of emotional scarring. Some events just seem to cement themselves into our minds, especially when they are very intense or jarring. I've had my fair share of these experiences. What I'd like to know is how to get past them or get rid of them. Grab a drink or something, as this could get lengthy. lol
On to the emotional scarring. Take needles, for example...
We spent most of our summers at a large lake near my home camping, skiing and swimming. When I was fourteen years old, I was at the lake going for a swim. I was walking down into the water, my feet squishing into the muddy bottom and suddenly I felt a sharp pain. I had cut my toe on something. I was walking along side of our boat in water that was about knee-deep. I pulled my foot up out of the water to see how bad it was, and was shocked at the amount of blood gushing out of my toe. I looked up at my mom, who was in the boat, and said "Mom, I cut myself." Mom asked to see it and when I held it up for her to see, she panicked. This tiny little lady hauled me up over the side of the boat and everyone started freaking out. I had cut my little toe in half right up the center. (After returning to the lake, we investigated and found a beer can that had been ripped in half. That bare metal edge must have been the culprit.)
Everyone quickly piled into the boat so that we could head back to camp and get me to a hospital as it was obvious that I was going to need stitches. Unfortunately, we were all the way on the opposite end of the lake from our camp, so it took about 1/2 hour at top speed to get back there. We had wrapped a towel around my foot and mom was putting pressure on the toe to try to stop the bleeding. By the time we got back to camp, the towel was soaked with blood. I don't really remember how I got from the boat to the car, but we squealed out of there to go to the nearest town, which was another 1/2 hour away. So, after an hour of bleeding, we arrived at the emergency clinic where we were forced to wait what seemed like an eternity to be seen. I had lost so much blood I was pale and getting loopy.
The doctor was amazed at how clean a cut it was despite the fact that it had gone right through the center of the toenail. This is where the nasty part comes in – the shots. The doctor shot anesthetic (I'm more inclined to say that it was ACID) into my toe underneath it, between the toes...at least three shots. These shots burned like hell-fire. They hurt worse than anything I'd ever experienced, and it was all I could do to keep from screaming. He stitched me up and sent me on my way.
To this day, when someone points a needle at me, I clench up. I remember that pain and I start to panic. I know how irrational it is, but I can't help it. Emotional scarring.
Then there were June Bugs.
My sister and I had a rocky relationship growing up and I always felt that she resented me. She made it obvious that she would have rather been an only child. She was 3 1/2 years older, and picked on me constantly. One of her favorite things to do was to torment me with June Bugs. These nasty flying beetles came out at dusk and buzzed around all over the place. They're HUGE. Most of them were probably about an inch long. They're just nasty. Well, my sister took great joy in catching them and putting them down my shirt and/or pants. She would then roll with laughter as I screamed and jumped and freaked out trying to get it out. Thanks to her, I am now afraid of them. Dang, it even gives me the heeby jeebies to look at that picture. Thanks, sis. Emotional scarring.
The Horrors of Cotton
I have a thing about cotton. I'm not talking about cotton fabrics – I have no issues with them, but cotton balls, on the other hand, I cannot stand. The sight of them doesn't bother me, but I can't touch them. I am repulsed by the way they grit between your fingers. As ridiculous as this sounds, it's not a baseless aversion.
I have a strange mouth (and a very expensive one, for that matter). My jaws are far too small for the size of my teeth, so major work had to be done to make my teeth presentable and functional. After most of my adult teeth had come in, the work began - multiple oral surgeries. The first time, they removed six teeth that were visible. They also wanted to remove two that were impacted way up in my upper jaw which were, incidentally, pointing sideways. They tried to go up through the roof of my mouth, but couldn't get through all the bone, so they had to go in from the front. For some reason, they exposed one and put a plastic cap over it but didn't remove it until later. I could see it if I lifted up my lip. The damn thing looked like a vampire fang. The day after the surgery, my face was so swollen and bruised I looked like I'd been hit by a truck. I now regret not allowing my mom to take my picture.
After a couple more surgeries, they had removed all of the "extras" so that there would be room for the rest. Most adults have 32 teeth in their mouths - I only have 24 and no room for any more. I am missing several molars, canines and bicuspids. I then moved on to years of braces, rubber bands and retainers.
During these surgeries, subsequent recuperations and braces work, I had the pleasure of having my jaw literally jacked open as far as it could possibly go, resulting in the muscles locking up and not being able to open my mouth for several days afterwards. I also had my mouth stuffed completely full of these big, fat cotton wads time after time. They rubbed against my teeth and tongue, dried everything out, stuck to the braces and were MOST unpleasant. I think this is why I can't stand the texture of cotton balls or pads now. ...and NO, they did not give me any gas, ever. Emotional scarring.
Just Let Me Drive
Traumatic accidents have a tendency to freak a person out just a bit. Well, during my senior year in high school, I had the misfortune of being the front seat passenger in two major car accidents. One of them involved the driver veering off the road on a curve, going airborne and flipping two or three times. I'll never forget having the surprisingly lucid thought, as we were spinning, that there should NOT be grass going past the window. I caved in the dash and glove box with my knees. The driver and I were both severely banged and bruised, but that's all. I shudder to think how much worse it could have been.
The second accident, three weeks later, was due to an idiot running a red light. We had the green at the highway intersection and we were going about 50 mph. The other guy ran the red light and I saw him coming. I only had enough time to let out a scream and BAM. He hit us broadside, the impact right in my door. It flung me across the inside of the car and I knocked the rear view mirror off with my head. Again, aside from being battered and bruised, I suffered a few cracked ribs but nothing worse. They said that, had I had my seat belt on, it's likely that I would have been killed or at least very badly hurt.
Ever since then, I have trouble riding in the front passenger seat. I gasp and squeak, pump the "imaginary brake" on the floor, cling to the dash with white knuckles any time we pass close to something on the side of the road or come up on another car quickly. It's frustrating, to say the least. I have no problem at all when driving, however. I guess that's because I know I'm in control.
What I would like to know is how to get rid of these annoying little issues. Dang, now that I read over this again, I sound like a paranoid, neurotic freak. Do you suppose hypnotism or therapy could help? They make me feel foolish every time the rear their ugly little heads. Do you have anything like this going on in your head?
On to the emotional scarring. Take needles, for example...
We spent most of our summers at a large lake near my home camping, skiing and swimming. When I was fourteen years old, I was at the lake going for a swim. I was walking down into the water, my feet squishing into the muddy bottom and suddenly I felt a sharp pain. I had cut my toe on something. I was walking along side of our boat in water that was about knee-deep. I pulled my foot up out of the water to see how bad it was, and was shocked at the amount of blood gushing out of my toe. I looked up at my mom, who was in the boat, and said "Mom, I cut myself." Mom asked to see it and when I held it up for her to see, she panicked. This tiny little lady hauled me up over the side of the boat and everyone started freaking out. I had cut my little toe in half right up the center. (After returning to the lake, we investigated and found a beer can that had been ripped in half. That bare metal edge must have been the culprit.)
Everyone quickly piled into the boat so that we could head back to camp and get me to a hospital as it was obvious that I was going to need stitches. Unfortunately, we were all the way on the opposite end of the lake from our camp, so it took about 1/2 hour at top speed to get back there. We had wrapped a towel around my foot and mom was putting pressure on the toe to try to stop the bleeding. By the time we got back to camp, the towel was soaked with blood. I don't really remember how I got from the boat to the car, but we squealed out of there to go to the nearest town, which was another 1/2 hour away. So, after an hour of bleeding, we arrived at the emergency clinic where we were forced to wait what seemed like an eternity to be seen. I had lost so much blood I was pale and getting loopy.
The doctor was amazed at how clean a cut it was despite the fact that it had gone right through the center of the toenail. This is where the nasty part comes in – the shots. The doctor shot anesthetic (I'm more inclined to say that it was ACID) into my toe underneath it, between the toes...at least three shots. These shots burned like hell-fire. They hurt worse than anything I'd ever experienced, and it was all I could do to keep from screaming. He stitched me up and sent me on my way.
To this day, when someone points a needle at me, I clench up. I remember that pain and I start to panic. I know how irrational it is, but I can't help it. Emotional scarring.
Then there were June Bugs.
My sister and I had a rocky relationship growing up and I always felt that she resented me. She made it obvious that she would have rather been an only child. She was 3 1/2 years older, and picked on me constantly. One of her favorite things to do was to torment me with June Bugs. These nasty flying beetles came out at dusk and buzzed around all over the place. They're HUGE. Most of them were probably about an inch long. They're just nasty. Well, my sister took great joy in catching them and putting them down my shirt and/or pants. She would then roll with laughter as I screamed and jumped and freaked out trying to get it out. Thanks to her, I am now afraid of them. Dang, it even gives me the heeby jeebies to look at that picture. Thanks, sis. Emotional scarring.The Horrors of Cotton
I have a thing about cotton. I'm not talking about cotton fabrics – I have no issues with them, but cotton balls, on the other hand, I cannot stand. The sight of them doesn't bother me, but I can't touch them. I am repulsed by the way they grit between your fingers. As ridiculous as this sounds, it's not a baseless aversion.
I have a strange mouth (and a very expensive one, for that matter). My jaws are far too small for the size of my teeth, so major work had to be done to make my teeth presentable and functional. After most of my adult teeth had come in, the work began - multiple oral surgeries. The first time, they removed six teeth that were visible. They also wanted to remove two that were impacted way up in my upper jaw which were, incidentally, pointing sideways. They tried to go up through the roof of my mouth, but couldn't get through all the bone, so they had to go in from the front. For some reason, they exposed one and put a plastic cap over it but didn't remove it until later. I could see it if I lifted up my lip. The damn thing looked like a vampire fang. The day after the surgery, my face was so swollen and bruised I looked like I'd been hit by a truck. I now regret not allowing my mom to take my picture.
After a couple more surgeries, they had removed all of the "extras" so that there would be room for the rest. Most adults have 32 teeth in their mouths - I only have 24 and no room for any more. I am missing several molars, canines and bicuspids. I then moved on to years of braces, rubber bands and retainers.
During these surgeries, subsequent recuperations and braces work, I had the pleasure of having my jaw literally jacked open as far as it could possibly go, resulting in the muscles locking up and not being able to open my mouth for several days afterwards. I also had my mouth stuffed completely full of these big, fat cotton wads time after time. They rubbed against my teeth and tongue, dried everything out, stuck to the braces and were MOST unpleasant. I think this is why I can't stand the texture of cotton balls or pads now. ...and NO, they did not give me any gas, ever. Emotional scarring.
Just Let Me Drive
Traumatic accidents have a tendency to freak a person out just a bit. Well, during my senior year in high school, I had the misfortune of being the front seat passenger in two major car accidents. One of them involved the driver veering off the road on a curve, going airborne and flipping two or three times. I'll never forget having the surprisingly lucid thought, as we were spinning, that there should NOT be grass going past the window. I caved in the dash and glove box with my knees. The driver and I were both severely banged and bruised, but that's all. I shudder to think how much worse it could have been.
The second accident, three weeks later, was due to an idiot running a red light. We had the green at the highway intersection and we were going about 50 mph. The other guy ran the red light and I saw him coming. I only had enough time to let out a scream and BAM. He hit us broadside, the impact right in my door. It flung me across the inside of the car and I knocked the rear view mirror off with my head. Again, aside from being battered and bruised, I suffered a few cracked ribs but nothing worse. They said that, had I had my seat belt on, it's likely that I would have been killed or at least very badly hurt.
Ever since then, I have trouble riding in the front passenger seat. I gasp and squeak, pump the "imaginary brake" on the floor, cling to the dash with white knuckles any time we pass close to something on the side of the road or come up on another car quickly. It's frustrating, to say the least. I have no problem at all when driving, however. I guess that's because I know I'm in control.
What I would like to know is how to get rid of these annoying little issues. Dang, now that I read over this again, I sound like a paranoid, neurotic freak. Do you suppose hypnotism or therapy could help? They make me feel foolish every time the rear their ugly little heads. Do you have anything like this going on in your head?
March 03, 2006
SASF v.3.3.6 - Unexplained Weirdness
Good Day, everyone. It's friiiiiiiday! This has been the longest friggin' week EVER.
Todays goodies consist mostly of things that I just can seem to completely wrap my mind around. I don't..I just...well, anyhoo, on to the usual fun, weird and unusual stuff.
***
Biscuits!
Yes, biscuits - or, as we refer to them in the States, cookies. A whole town made from cookies...
Looks like London to me. It's surely further proof that some people have way too much time on their hands.
***
Piiiiiigs iiiiin Spaaaaace!
Someone please explain this to me.
I get the main concept - these guys are doing some kind of experiment with shooting a pig up into the stratosphere, but why? Do any of you know the story behind this?
***
Heh
Just one of the coolest cat pictures I've seen in a while. *grin*
***
Another Unexplainable
Shout Run Video
Oh, well, it did make me giggle, though I'm not sure why.
***
Spam Fans, Rejoice!
Everything you could possibly ever want with "SPAM" on it.
...and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
***
Freeway Devil
This is yet another one of those things that needs an explanation. Anyone know the story behind this? It's freakin' weird, that's for sure. Quite the costume, I'd say...and he seems to be quite happy about what he's doing. Community service? lol (some small details NWS)
***
Help!
Could someone please tell me what this is FROM?
Yes, it's Mark Wahlberg, but is this from a movie? I guess I was just rather *ahem* intrigued by this picture, with the rope configuration and all. *cough*
***
Oh nooooooooo!
This is another one of those pictures that made me laugh enough to feel compelled to share. Sick & wrong. heh. I'll never look at the doughboy the same.
***
Tattoo of the Week
I found the concept behind this one very interesting - the quality/artwork isn't really too good, but it's a cool idea.
***
Well, that's all for today. Hope some of you can explain some of this stuff. I'd bet we can figure out most of it together. ;)
Have a great weekend! *smooch!*
Celti
Todays goodies consist mostly of things that I just can seem to completely wrap my mind around. I don't..I just...well, anyhoo, on to the usual fun, weird and unusual stuff.
***
Biscuits!
Yes, biscuits - or, as we refer to them in the States, cookies. A whole town made from cookies...
Looks like London to me. It's surely further proof that some people have way too much time on their hands.
***
Piiiiiigs iiiiin Spaaaaace!
Someone please explain this to me.
I get the main concept - these guys are doing some kind of experiment with shooting a pig up into the stratosphere, but why? Do any of you know the story behind this?
***
Heh
Just one of the coolest cat pictures I've seen in a while. *grin*
***
Another Unexplainable
Shout Run Video
Oh, well, it did make me giggle, though I'm not sure why.
***
Spam Fans, Rejoice!
Everything you could possibly ever want with "SPAM" on it.
...and that's just the tip of the iceberg.
***
Freeway Devil
This is yet another one of those things that needs an explanation. Anyone know the story behind this? It's freakin' weird, that's for sure. Quite the costume, I'd say...and he seems to be quite happy about what he's doing. Community service? lol (some small details NWS)
***
Help!
Could someone please tell me what this is FROM?
Yes, it's Mark Wahlberg, but is this from a movie? I guess I was just rather *ahem* intrigued by this picture, with the rope configuration and all. *cough*
***
Oh nooooooooo!
This is another one of those pictures that made me laugh enough to feel compelled to share. Sick & wrong. heh. I'll never look at the doughboy the same.
***
Tattoo of the Week
I found the concept behind this one very interesting - the quality/artwork isn't really too good, but it's a cool idea.
***
Well, that's all for today. Hope some of you can explain some of this stuff. I'd bet we can figure out most of it together. ;)
Have a great weekend! *smooch!*
Celti
March 02, 2006
HNT - Small & Unfulfilled
I am a child of the 80s. In this part of the country, your "coolness" factor went up significantly if you had multiple piercings. Well, my mom would only let me get my ears pierced once when she felt that I was "old enough to take care of them" myself. I think that was around 11 years old. Within a few years, though, I had them done again, and then again. I have three extra holes in each ear.
Now I realize that some people have many more than that. Whatever makes them happy, you know? My problem is that I can never seem to get them all filled up.
This is what you'd usually see:
One earring and two empty. I sometimes wear studs in the second set of holes, but hardly ever wear anything in the third. I do poke one through there now and then just so that they don't grow shut. I don't know why...laziness? No idea. Do you think I should keep earrings in all of them. Does it look stupid to have two empty holes there?
I think I got pretty lucky in the ear dept. I say this because, in my family, a lot of people were blessed with what we refer to as the "Burns ears." My dad has them. My sister has them (heehee), my grandma...etc. I got my mom's dainty ones, thank HEAVENS.
Just as a frame of reference, here is an example of the Burns ears:
That's my great Grandpa Burns. heh
Sooo...I thank my lucky stars for my little O'Neil ears. hee
If you want to know what all this silliness is about, clickity click:
HHNT, all!
Now I realize that some people have many more than that. Whatever makes them happy, you know? My problem is that I can never seem to get them all filled up.
This is what you'd usually see:
One earring and two empty. I sometimes wear studs in the second set of holes, but hardly ever wear anything in the third. I do poke one through there now and then just so that they don't grow shut. I don't know why...laziness? No idea. Do you think I should keep earrings in all of them. Does it look stupid to have two empty holes there?
I think I got pretty lucky in the ear dept. I say this because, in my family, a lot of people were blessed with what we refer to as the "Burns ears." My dad has them. My sister has them (heehee), my grandma...etc. I got my mom's dainty ones, thank HEAVENS.
Just as a frame of reference, here is an example of the Burns ears:
That's my great Grandpa Burns. heh
Sooo...I thank my lucky stars for my little O'Neil ears. hee
If you want to know what all this silliness is about, clickity click:
HHNT, all!
March 01, 2006
It's my bloggiversary and I'll be obnoxious if I want to.
So, I've been doing this here blogging thing for exactly two years today.
Where has it got me?
*ponder*
*ponder*
*ponder*
the most obnoxious picture I could find in a quick google search
Surely there's better than that out there. He does have a wierd little blue winkie, though. heh
I'm in a really weird, kind of obnoxious, ornery mood today.
Now, where's my damn cake? ...and make it PUDDING cake, damnit!
Who wants to party?
Where has it got me?
*ponder*
*ponder*
*ponder*
the most obnoxious picture I could find in a quick google search
Surely there's better than that out there. He does have a wierd little blue winkie, though. heh
I'm in a really weird, kind of obnoxious, ornery mood today.
Now, where's my damn cake? ...and make it PUDDING cake, damnit!
Who wants to party?
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