tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90973149255052758862024-03-05T20:48:27.895-08:00The Raven and The Writing DeskUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-85753943899082183952013-11-20T10:32:00.001-08:002013-11-20T10:36:46.240-08:00Women aren't funny.O.K. I'm sorry, that title is misleading. I should have said women from ages 16-22 aren't funny. Now before any young ladies who may be reading this throws a high heeled stilletto at me shouting "I am hilarious!", allow me to explain.<br />
<br />
When you are a child, everything is funny. I mean, everything. Do you remember when the teacher called on Steven and accidentally called him Ryan? Yeah. Comedy gold. Then when you reach about 13 your humor slides a bit down the drain. Mom is embarrassing, your friends think your wardrobe is stupid, boys are capturing your attention. That kind of stuff. Now all of sudden everything is a tragedy. Life is serious, you guys. It's time to grow up and stop finding farts hysterical. You may still laugh at things with your friends, of course. Who wouldn't? You're allowed to, but only in the privacy of one's bedroom and ONLY to make fun of another girl.<br />
<br />
Skip to 16 years old and now things are really getting serious. You're learning to drive. You're kissing boys (hopefully that is all you're doing, I am a mother now dammit.) Life is interesting but yet still very serious. You're only allowed to watch Monty Python at home, without ANY one else finding out. Lest you be called a nerd.<br />
<br />
18-22 you are still gaining those much needed brain wrinkles. Oh, you may think you know everything but you are sorely mistaken. Boys are slowly (very slowly) becoming men and girlfriends are getting bitchier. What you thought you had figured out at 16 is now a far cry from you most certainly know about life at 19. You're allowed to regain some of that childlike humor but only on account that it doesn't offend or detract from your likeabilty to the opposite sex. A good sense of humor is like a bottle of red wine. Not legally yours yet.<br />
<br />
I firmly believe that my full personality didn't actually surface until I was about 25. It's a shame that women are meant to feel like they need to hide who they really are in order to be viewed as attractive or worthy. If I can pass anything down to my daughters it's this: "Dare to not give a shit."<br />
<br />
So, if any of that made any ounce of sense...then quite frankly I'm amazed.<br />
<br />
Hello, My name is Erin. I'm 32 years old, married mother of two girls and we all think farts are just the tops.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-74321944611134390622012-08-15T19:57:00.000-07:002012-08-15T19:57:38.162-07:00Attention ladies: The skin of your dreams<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">
Are you tired of your skin color? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you grown weary of having to face yet another day as a young, rich, white woman?</div>
Then it's time to discover the latest horrible idea to sweep the nation!<br /> <span style="font-size: large;">Chameleonization</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
Europeans have known this fashion secret for years and have never once tried it. "Scientists" believe it is an "irreversible" and "extraordinarily harmful" procedure and "should never be attempted, ever."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, sounds to us like these bozos have never heard of Hollywood! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As far back as the late 1990's, women have been trying to find the best way to alienate themselves from so -called "normal people". Who needs those old cheekbones anyway when you can get them replaced over and over again. Chameleonization allows you to change your skin color to suit your mood*. It's like living inside a rainbow!</div>
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
*Please only anticipate one mood as only one color will be used. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Chameleonization </span>is an often painless procedure that can be done by any trusted physician with all of your credit card information on file. The physician (or whoever) starts by giving you a mild sedative while stroking your hair gently and softly singing 80's pop hits. From there, just sit back, relax, and don't worry about the rest!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Read what these young, hip starlets had to say about the remarkable new fad that is sure to turn heads.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"This is certainly something I have done in my life.."</i> says the girl from that one party scene in Gossip Girl. </blockquote>
<i>"I've never felt so many emotions after undergoing Chameleonization...Happiness isn't the word I'm looking for.."</i> - Angelina Jolie (<span style="font-size: xx-small;">lookalike)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<i>"What is this? Get the hell out of my house!" </i>- Lady Gaga<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
Side effects may include:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Smugness</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Spontaneous Jazz Hands</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Excessive Swearing</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Marxism</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Extreme weight loss and gain (often within the same 24 hour period)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Inability to remain seated</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
and</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Bear attacks</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So, come on! What are you waiting for? Call now! Doooooo it.</div>
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdu-VLiNjBdcrCJv7RdytjxLfarSQ6kFbbyBVjoBsm58ZdGN-UOgXtcs6q-_3UOnU8Sqmhs2heRu8xmlkUOfQ5TW0nUqtKkwTgC_6dV08ZCyFgdqhicVRqFEknQdHjZBhwxBfT72V9OOc/s1600/P345_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdu-VLiNjBdcrCJv7RdytjxLfarSQ6kFbbyBVjoBsm58ZdGN-UOgXtcs6q-_3UOnU8Sqmhs2heRu8xmlkUOfQ5TW0nUqtKkwTgC_6dV08ZCyFgdqhicVRqFEknQdHjZBhwxBfT72V9OOc/s320/P345_4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><blockquote class="tr_bq">
Chameleonization -<i> Because Why the Shit Not?</i></blockquote>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-22794177077403570512011-12-02T09:59:00.000-08:002011-12-02T09:59:19.377-08:00Merry Christmas!<div class="sflyProductPreviewWidget" style="height: 494px; width: 425px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetTop" style="background-image: url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/top.gif); height: 6px;"></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetCenter" style="background-image: url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bg.gif); background-repeat: repeat-y; height: 482px; padding: 0 6px 0 6px;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewLogo" style="height: 34px; padding: 14px 0 0 14px; width: 105px;"><img src="http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/logo.gif" style="background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none; padding: 0;" /></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewContainer" style="height: 350px; padding: 0; text-align: center;"><a href="http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0SaN2bZq5YuUg&eid=118"><img src="http://images-community.shutterfly.com/prs/v1/0SaN2bZq5Y4/0SaN2bZq5Y44s/p/67b0de21b3127d902548/JPEG/1322848645000/0/" style="background: #ffffff; border: none; box-shadow: none; padding: 0;" /></a></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewMessageContainer" style="background-color: #f4f4e9; height: 55px; line-height: 19px; padding: 15px 0 15px 0; text-align: center;"><div class="sflyProductPreviewTitle" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold;"><span>Snowman Greetings Christmas</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewSEOText" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px;"><span>Make a statement with personalized <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards" style="color: #6666cc;">Christmas cards</a> at Shutterfly.</span></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewViewCollection" style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, sans-seris; font-size: 13px;"><span>View the entire <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery" style="color: #6666cc;">collection</a> of cards.</span></div></div></div><div class="sflyProductPreviewWidgetBottom" style="background-image: url(http://cdn.staticsfly.com/img_/share/preview/msc/widget/bottom.gif); height: 6px;"></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-15316747839465790562011-06-19T19:15:00.000-07:002011-06-19T19:15:31.085-07:00Lack of true inspiration results in surveys.This little time waster was pretty fun to do. I laughed out loud at a few of the selections. I'm sure you will know what I'm referring to in a moment. I swear on a stack of T.V. Guides that I did nothing to help these answers along. Not only were some of the songs dead-on but now you will truly realize the eclectic nature of our music collection. I couldn't really tell you why Sly & The Family Stone appears twice. I wasn't even aware of it's existence until now. <br />
<br />
So, here's how it works:<br />
1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc.).<br />
2. Put it on shuffle.<br />
3. Press play.<br />
4. For every question, type the song that's playing.<br />
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button.<br />
6. Don't lie and try to pretend you're cool...because none of us are<br />
<br />
Waking Up: Kryptonite- 3 Doors Down<br />
<br />
First Day At School: Futuresex/Lovesound - Justin Timberlake<br />
<br />
Falling In Love: I Hate to Love Her - Sly & the Family Stone<br />
<br />
Fight Song: Zeroes and Ones - Aphex Twin Reconstruction #2<br />
<br />
Breaking Up: Bikini Break - The Polish Ambassador<br />
<br />
Prom: Blow Wind Blow - Eric Clapton<br />
<br />
Life: Wide Awake On The Voyage Home - Liam Finn<br />
<br />
Mental Breakdown: Let Me Have It All - Sly & The Family Stone<br />
<br />
Driving: This Is the End - Buddy Guy<br />
<br />
Flashback: Panama - Van Halen<br />
<br />
Wedding: Incident At Gate 7 - Thievery Corporation<br />
<br />
Losing your virginity: Cannibal - VAST<br />
<br />
Birth Of Child: Dirty Hole - VAST<br />
<br />
Final Battle: All The Little Ladies - Strawbs<br />
<br />
Death Scene: Karate - Tenacious D<br />
<br />
Funeral Song: Death Certificate - Carcass<br />
<br />
End Credits: Hot Damn - The NeptunesUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-6081266834889126012011-04-26T17:32:00.000-07:002011-04-26T17:32:23.374-07:00Lunch for lazy people.I had made a promise to myself when I signed up for facebook/twitter/blogger..etc that I would NOT be one of those people who blogged about what they ate for lunch. I'm about to break that promise. Seriously, what I ate was just <i>that </i>good.<br />
<br />
In my hands were an avocado and a handful of Wheat Thins when I thought, "Could this be lunch?".<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfID8lNsxqmSdlr9cuhTpFl9yQH5qCzzB5xYiFUFHEnVsFSxle6nkubvO1W3ZESh3snDzaCLyEM3kWsXxtma2uazi5Y1f5UWzRB6DXRSnk5wNAOzOfLNpJRXaoQlUnT8JQN7sHdz4h8-U/s1600/avocado-bsp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfID8lNsxqmSdlr9cuhTpFl9yQH5qCzzB5xYiFUFHEnVsFSxle6nkubvO1W3ZESh3snDzaCLyEM3kWsXxtma2uazi5Y1f5UWzRB6DXRSnk5wNAOzOfLNpJRXaoQlUnT8JQN7sHdz4h8-U/s200/avocado-bsp.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaAw-8UhWS9FdIvAIRDVqmilsvrztnF8mtNZXvxty0ZjO5pKve87ElqRR6j1bMQgG9qPt0q2YD85_Wuhi_HNgYrmfiLmL2CUtNxPUOnRoxaw2gRMvP8cq_L4rLLruuysb6SlYlmNW37o/s1600/4400000904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsaAw-8UhWS9FdIvAIRDVqmilsvrztnF8mtNZXvxty0ZjO5pKve87ElqRR6j1bMQgG9qPt0q2YD85_Wuhi_HNgYrmfiLmL2CUtNxPUOnRoxaw2gRMvP8cq_L4rLLruuysb6SlYlmNW37o/s200/4400000904.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
The answer to myself was "Yes. Yes it could."<br />
<br />
<b>Quick Guacamole and Sun Dried Tomato and Basil Wheat Thins</b><br />
<br />
Scoop out an avocado and mash it with a fork. If you're a spoon person then go for that. I'm not here to judge. Then squirt a little lemon juice and add a dash of garlic powder. Stir deliciously.<br />
<br />
I found that the seasoned crackers worked well with a lighter flavored guacamole. Although I do have to say that I'm pretty sure a chimpanzee snuck into the Nabisco factory and seasoned this batch. Or maybe they hired a monkey for a more diverse environment. Again, I'm not here to judge. Regardless of assumed ape-ery, this was a yummy and easy snack that I felt the need to share.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjg_Mc31dyxAWJy1NJJcsemyk6MYuEcKV2_yOkyvWzInP75jvHBPDZv9dJ8STYyvnT1lHIn7Rygl1XISUA3WTpmrghedrCXUOnJCfsA0jlHepI3gMhFvUM31SVF7QFnWj5JFAveeXNIA/s1600/2011-04-26+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjg_Mc31dyxAWJy1NJJcsemyk6MYuEcKV2_yOkyvWzInP75jvHBPDZv9dJ8STYyvnT1lHIn7Rygl1XISUA3WTpmrghedrCXUOnJCfsA0jlHepI3gMhFvUM31SVF7QFnWj5JFAveeXNIA/s640/2011-04-26+001.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
shown here with Pepsi and straw for extra fanciness.<br />
<b> </b><br />
<b> </b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-35032518960094712382011-04-12T08:34:00.000-07:002011-04-12T08:34:34.240-07:00ME<span>A</span> If you were an ANIMAL, what would you be? <b>Aren't we all animals? I suppose if I had to choose I would be a giraffe. No reason. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>B</span> BOOKS: What's on your reading list? <b>I am currently re-reading Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut and plan to tackle Jane Eyre at some point. David Sedaris is always on the list and I have a book of his in my purse at all times. Just in case.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>C</span> COMPULSIVE about anything? <b>Checking the doors at night to make sure they are locked. Sometimes I will have to actually touch the lock to convince myself. On particularly bad nights I will get up out of bed after having the lights already turned off to check again. I wish I could tell you where in the world this compulsion came from. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>D</span> DREAMS - Do you ... dream in color? remember your dreams? keep a dream journal? <b>I do dream in color and tend to have elaborate stories go through my head. I don't keep a journal because if I did they would all just read like this: </b><br />
<b>Dreamt I was in high school again. I think. Maybe not. I can't remember. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>E</span> EATING - what's your usual snack?<b> Is coffee a snack?</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>F</span> A Few of your FAVORITE Things. <b>Being on a boat, Wine, My car, Making my husband crack up. </b><br />
<b></b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<span>G</span> GIGGLES! What (or who) makes you laugh? Do you have a good sense of humor? <b>Lots of things make me laugh. In fact, I am afraid I annoy people with how much I laugh. Tim and the kids make me laugh the most as does Louis C.K. Just, in a different way.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>H</span> major HOT Button: <b>Abortion. I have many thoughts on that issue and if you still want to remain my friend, don't talk to me about it weeks after I gave birth to my first child. Yes, that did happen. I can speak rationally about it now that I am not clouded with postpartum hormones. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>I</span> I am ______________<b>still hungry.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>K</span> Also KNOWN As... Aliases? Screen names? A non de plume perhaps?<b> Mommy or Rin usually.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>L</span> I LOVE ...<b>You.</b><br />
<b></b><br />
<b> </b><br />
<span>M</span> How do you feel about MEETING people? Do it all the time? Rarely? Parties or 1-on-1? <b>I'm a bit reserved at first when meeting new people. I hate first impressions. I can never tell if I'm being an idiot or not.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>N</span> What's the story of your NAME? were you named after anyone?<b> Apparently, my dad was reading T.V. Guide and read Erin Moran's name (Joanie from Happy Days) and liked it. My middle name is an homage to my late grandfather, Murray.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>O</span> OBSERVANT - What's around you right now? What do you see? <b>Guitars, books, bowl of cereal-y milk and other such randomness.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>P</span> Who are the special PEOPLE in your life?<b> LOTS. I'd like to think they know who they are.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>Q</span> Any Little QUIRKs About Yourself: <b>I've revealed my weird lock compulsion and quite frankly feel I've already said too much.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>R</span> What do you like to do for RECREATION?<b> Read. Watch T.V. The usual. I'll get more free time eventually.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>S</span> Do You SING in the Shower? In the car? For your friends? <b>In the car. I'm not much into singing for other people. You know, that whole reservation thing.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>T</span> What's at the Top of your TO DO list?: <b>Today or ever? Today's list is pretty minimal but as far as ever the top would be visit Ireland.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>U</span> Any UNUSUAL Experiences:<b> I once lived in a haunted house. Ask me about sometime.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>V</span> VEGAS, Vienna, Venice, Vladivostok... How far have you traveled? What's your favorite City?<b> The farthest I have traveled is California. I love Chicago and am glad it's only a relatively short distance from me. I'll get back to you on my favorite once I've traveled out of the country.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>W</span> WINTER, Spring, Summer, Fall... What's your favorite season? What makes it special?<b> Fall is my favorite. I love the sound of crunching leaves. Plus, I feel best in clothes where I'm a little more covered up. Not a huge fan of showing off my blindingly white legs.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>X</span> EXes - Things You Don't Do Anymore (but did, once (would you, again?)) <b>I don't smoke anymore. I can't say I miss it.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>Y</span> Any secret/deep YEARNINGS? <b>Ha. Like I would tell you.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<span>Z</span> ZERO to ZENITH - Where are you in your life? Still growing? On an upward (or downward) curve? Just skating along?<b> I am definitely still growing as a person. I don't think we ever really stop. However, I am very happy with where my life is right now and look forward to continuing the challenges of raising children and maintaining a sane, healthy life. </b>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-78766608896028544622011-01-20T17:58:00.000-08:002011-01-20T18:01:16.678-08:00How to Sneak a Simpsons Quote in Casual (and not so casual) Conversation.<div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqE31QJuBuZQJH8EQkLqflmjU5ALynmu62iCCa-fNQvTVs96ixmqTwcrYWdBYZovvRj4rgGsXQba0RU0-Qcrc4Sy7qEMiPFLG-dtCcP56WPIpDuGltWgBbU7qjo3AHve2Q_XxNm4pQo8Q/s1600/homer-simpson-02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqE31QJuBuZQJH8EQkLqflmjU5ALynmu62iCCa-fNQvTVs96ixmqTwcrYWdBYZovvRj4rgGsXQba0RU0-Qcrc4Sy7qEMiPFLG-dtCcP56WPIpDuGltWgBbU7qjo3AHve2Q_XxNm4pQo8Q/s320/homer-simpson-02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I realize that I am a quote junkie. I find most of my humor stems from various quotes. 68% of them are from The Simpsons.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> (</span><span align="left" style="font-size: small;">"Oh, people can come up with statistics to prove anything. 14% of people know that.") See?<b><br />
</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">I will show you how to come back with a line from the show for almost any situation. Sit back, relax and learn the art of alienating your friends and loved ones. </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Scenario #1 - Your friend tells you she just got a promotion at her job and is moving away to Albuquerque. She's very excited yet nervous at the prospect of starting her life over again and meeting new friends. It's been a roller coaster of emotions and with a tear in her eye she hugs you and says she is confident you'll remain friends. </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">You: Whoa, slow down there, maestro. There’s a *New* Mexico?</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Scenario #2 You've been dating your significant other for long enough. It's time to call it quits. You sit down at your computer to carefully write out your thoughts and feelings. The break up letter needs to be sensitive and respectful. After several minutes of staring at the blank screen you grab a post it note and jot down your letter.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> You: Dear Baby, Welcome to Dumpsville. Population: You.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Scenario #3 - Your child is failing Science class. Normally, he is a very bright student and is beating himself up for not doing well in this subject. He says he is afraid that this will affect his chances of getting into a good school. Your son needs all the help he can get so he turns to you, his supportive parent. </span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">You: </span><span align="left" style="color: black; font-size: small;">Son, you tried your best, and you failed miserably. The lesson is, never try.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br />
</div><div style="color: black;"><span align="left" style="color: black; font-family: kidprint,kids,firstgrader; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: kidprint,kids,firstgrader;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Come back next time when I tell you the surefire way to never be invited to another wedding. Good night!</span></span></span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-31226474998523931362010-11-26T13:49:00.000-08:002010-11-26T13:49:58.318-08:00Your ultimate relaxation stationRough day at work? Kids are crying? Honoring someone's death? Sometimes all you need is good old fashioned silence.<br />
<br />
Tune in to WZIP for all the quiet you can handle.<br />
No DJs, No Commercials, No Music, No Problem.<br />
<br />
WZIP - "When You Deserve <i>Nothing</i> But The Best"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-12169420782480606412010-11-24T08:12:00.000-08:002010-11-24T08:20:15.747-08:00GrammaramaFrom <a href="http://www.theproofreaders.com">theproofreaders.com </a><br /><br />Commonly Confused Grammar Test: Which is correct?<br /><br />10 items or less/10 items or fewer<br /><br />Go lie down/Go lay down<br /><br />I could care less/I couldn't care less<br /><br />Between you and me.../Between you and I...<br /><br />In the 1930s/In the 1930's<br /><br />It will take its place/It will take it's place<br /><br />I'm first, am I not?/I'm first, aren't I?<br /><br />I'm anxious to see you again/I'm eager to see you again<br /><br />I'm able to ride a bike/I'm capable of riding a bike<br /><br /><a href="http://www.theproofreaders.com/answers.htm">ANSWERS</a><br /><br />How did you do?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-75283775933181110932010-11-23T12:52:00.001-08:002010-11-24T08:21:48.969-08:00"Check enclosed"I wish I could get paid for this. Maybe not exactly "this" as in this blog but becoming a paid writer is up on my list of things to do. I have a screenplay written, numerous sketches, a handful of essays, a children's book character without a written home and a personal blog. I don't need to be paid for any of those. I enjoy creative writing as a whole and don't actively look for a paycheck in that arena. I'm afraid if I made it my job it would ruin it somehow for me. I do however look for pay in business writing. Sprucing up resumes, writing grant proposals and creating press releases are some of the ways I am willing to do this. I see it as working my way through college without shedding my clothes at a stripper pole. It's writing that other people don't want to do and are readily willing to pay someone else to take it off of their hands. Any income I get from freelance writing can be put toward my family and I can finally call myself a working writer.<br /><br />I'm not saying I don't think I'll ever make money writing creatively but it's an outlet for myself that I like to keep. I equate it to the musician who becomes a rock star and ends up hating his band. I also feel that writing helps me hold on to my sanity. I've always wanted to be a professional "something". I never felt like I had choice because of my educational background (or lack thereof).<br /><br />And there you have it. My thoughts for the day.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-80922802593734362582010-11-22T14:43:00.000-08:002010-11-22T15:25:18.710-08:00Thanksgiving me a rash<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgiKK1V_aDyQzku1TYx1hrip_sH4PN778xe9nr2f_0H6ZZmHHXqBL6QaYakNrqAl1fz840qsPOw0Je_4vkL5FbvFCDXwyUwSIPZHRxdeCd4zR7Xm9zEqgZBv4gDfX-BZxnPSVorWJARs/s1600/Butterball_Frozen_Turkey.gif.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgiKK1V_aDyQzku1TYx1hrip_sH4PN778xe9nr2f_0H6ZZmHHXqBL6QaYakNrqAl1fz840qsPOw0Je_4vkL5FbvFCDXwyUwSIPZHRxdeCd4zR7Xm9zEqgZBv4gDfX-BZxnPSVorWJARs/s320/Butterball_Frozen_Turkey.gif.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5542517088290045138" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I posted <a href="http://gavineri.blogspot.com/2008/11/what-im-thankful-for.html">"What I am thankful for"</a> in 2008 and most everything on my list still applies. A few additions and subtractions but all in all, not much has changed. I'm not that crazy about Jim and Pam anymore now that they've actually gotten together and the sexual tension has turned to married bickering. The spark is gone for me.<br /><br />I am thankful for the kid-splosion as of late in our ever expanding family. This year we welcomed my niece and Goddaughter Lily, my daughter Alice, and Jacob; our first cousin once removed. In early January of 2011 we welcome our second niece who is yet to be named. So, I will refer to her as Carmen until she is officially not Carmen.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Other things to be thankful for:<br /><br />The rise of crazy good television programming<br /><br />A steady income<br /><br />Our lovely townhouse<br /><br />Immediate and Extended family are all healthy and still sane (as far as I can tell)<br /><br />And of course, the freedom to blog.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-79972612233846696962010-11-20T10:12:00.000-08:002010-11-20T11:09:00.498-08:00They are cute for a reason.I had a post all ready to go but it looks like it will have to wait a little while. I had five minutes where I didn't need to get anything for anybody and I thought I'd write something. It was going to be good, believe me. As soon as I sit my happy ass down it's as if the 5 year old can sense something is amiss. It doesn't matter that mere seconds ago she was perfectly content playing a video game downstairs by herself. Out of nowhere she decides she is lonely and it's the moment I sit down to relax for five fracking minutes. It's no wonder I have to manually separate my jaw from my top molars. I do it without realizing it and I'm ruining my teeth. I'm not at perma-frown status yet but sometimes I wonder when that is next.<br /><br />"My parents never smiled... because I had brain damage. My wife and I don't smile because our children are LOADED with it. Oh, my parents smile now, whenever they come over to the house and see how much trouble I'm having. Oh, they have a ball! "Havin' a li'l trouble, huh, son?"- Bill CosbyUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-35413945211957189842010-11-18T18:05:00.000-08:002010-11-18T18:34:29.403-08:00War and PeanutsIt's that time again. My turn has come to bring a snack to preschool. Never have I felt more disappointed for my daughter then when I had to choose between Soy Mango Vanilla Ice Cream or Pretzels for her birthday. We choose the soy stuff and she claimed to have liked it. Sure, you can try to jazz it up a little with some sprinkles but it's not the same. The snack list is absurdly limited and selfishly I admit, I have a problem with it. Among the laundry list of allergies there are the usual dairy items but also a few stranger ones like chocolate and cheddar cheese. The best "Ch" foods have been forbidden. Cast out of the classroom like some sort of pox. As I came to realize when I brought in our sorry excuse for birthday treats there is also a mango allergy. Luckily, the child had her own snack for just such occasions. Which brings me to my problem. Why can't these children do this regularly? When I was a kid those that couldn't partake in our class snack had a whole box of their own specially formulated treats that Mom or Dad brought in at the beginning of the year. Of course, these children were typically outcasts anyway but that is just not the point I'm trying to make here. Is it because these allergies are just that severe that if a peanut is even brought into the classroom someone's ribcage will collapse?<br /><br />I know the real reason is because no one wants to be left out. No little kid wants to have a cupcake set down in front of them only to be taken away when realized they are allergic to the paper that surrounds it. Preschool isn't the appropriate venue for learning about life's disappointments just yet. 1st grade will do a terrific job in due time.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-75303147548838013782010-11-16T07:12:00.000-08:002010-11-16T07:26:52.522-08:00ChunkensteinYesterday was Alice's half birthday and also her scheduled well visit and immunizations. I decided that I would get the flu shot that day in order to really feel her pain. I believe I can be a better support system when I am the other crying baby in the room. She was weighed in at a very healthy, very chunky 19 lbs 10 oz. Her thighs are so big that it's getting harder to strap her in to her car seat. I've already threaded the seatbelt into the "Your baby is too fat for this" slot and I'm still having problems. It doesn't help that she is also a cloth diapered child so that certainly adds to the girth. I'm not actually complaining though. She's the cutest little (big?) thing ever.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwCyqnmXY-iezOyfIo05Ecr-CipQ5ucXmd_MFZ0lOjsCB7qQ5Q1BQ6c_8QcS0liKwbuCIlgD1m5wgCGJ8yhj3ylB0cs8eeVESqMeIgLiESg1d89tERXPUYg6BODOl4q_1cnpi75alfyA/s1600/5054818221_5d6aae6dcf_z.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOwCyqnmXY-iezOyfIo05Ecr-CipQ5ucXmd_MFZ0lOjsCB7qQ5Q1BQ6c_8QcS0liKwbuCIlgD1m5wgCGJ8yhj3ylB0cs8eeVESqMeIgLiESg1d89tERXPUYg6BODOl4q_1cnpi75alfyA/s320/5054818221_5d6aae6dcf_z.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540168633362508514" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-78081867556879738992010-11-12T07:23:00.000-08:002010-11-12T07:36:35.752-08:00More?My breakfast confuses me. The package of cinnamon raisin bread boasted there were 50% more raisins. I'm curious where they came up with that figure. 50% more than what? I can only assume they mean from 'before'. So, does that mean there were only a 50% ratio to begin with and they were short changing me all these years? Denying everyone more raisins and rationing them like squirrels hoarding nuts? But that then begs the question 50% ratio of what? Raisins to bread? Half raisins, half bread? Now that there is 50% more I know I'm not getting 100% of raisins. That would be just a raisin. No bread. Let's say there were 100% of raisins originally and now they have added 50% more. Nobody needs that many damn raisins.<br /><br />Oh well. Now I have a headache and my toast is getting cold.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-29133301990340076522010-11-10T19:02:00.000-08:002010-11-10T19:44:34.008-08:00Rising up.I saw a show recently on Discovery about Mental Time Travel or in other words, thinking. There were psychologists and scientists both trying to prove that time travel is possible. They said to think back to your early days and you can discover truths about yourself now that you didn't know were there. I sat down and gave this "thinking" a try and came up with a set of memories from my childhood.<br /><br />My earliest memory is my father accidentally kicking me in the head as he dismounted the bike we were both riding on. I believe I was three. It's all just downhill from that point. I remember the various spots on the carpet in our apartment in Prospect Heights that were stained with my barf. You're welcome. I also remember the car accident my family was in when I was four that had resulted in me going through Aural Glass Extraction. I made that term up for myself because it just sounds too gory to explain to someone I had glass sucked out of my ear. I came up with the memory of the first time I was called a "bitch". It was on the playground at school by a little turd named, Danny. I laughed at him when he fell on his butt after careening off the slide. I was seven.<br /><br /> As I sat back and mentally time traveled I shuddered at all of the embarrassing and just plain boring memories I came up with. My mind is such an a-hole. So, in order for me to put aside all of the uncomfortable thoughts I was having I decided to put in some home movies. I know for a fact that nothing embarrassing will pop up there and make me hide under a blanket. Those tapes have been burned in a ritualistic manner years ago. I saw my family opening presents on Christmas in our old barf stained apartment. It was 1988 and we were so happy and ridiculously dressed. My parents didn't care about the stains on the carpet. No one called me a name. We were happy. I watched everything on that tape and it felt good. I teared up when I saw my Nana but still poked fun at her choice of eyewear. I realized that my memories were much different than what my childhood was really like. Of course you'll think about all the terrible and awkward moments that seem to define you, but they don't. I know I'm not a bitch, and Danny is probably a drug addict now. Everything evens out in the end.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-45739474448746189282010-11-10T16:15:00.000-08:002010-11-10T16:16:03.690-08:00Eats, Shoots and Leaves.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoFQA0iBdtQogXDMuZarR1zJhoG5Ujcy5ATy_Wr2A4YiscIR05tQJ_DX0jAN8IEmUY7waoCLK68ChGEpUTmaSb3V3QKkq92RRoqjmnvUyp4dWk5r4OC5Fg4YmWjfEFMmnhV2RWks5Dr0/s1600/147.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 277px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLoFQA0iBdtQogXDMuZarR1zJhoG5Ujcy5ATy_Wr2A4YiscIR05tQJ_DX0jAN8IEmUY7waoCLK68ChGEpUTmaSb3V3QKkq92RRoqjmnvUyp4dWk5r4OC5Fg4YmWjfEFMmnhV2RWks5Dr0/s400/147.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538079115950411138" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-79631353912984352862010-11-08T17:23:00.000-08:002010-11-08T18:26:45.952-08:00Skimming at a fifth grade level.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVZwLLm1ZmvBh8W3PcXtjIZFZv6ArdHWTwbhI9ChgPVd4rvrXukD_sy2rge0qJmPgmrHb6fmUC3HRgwsRElCNe8JaVlaQOw6ptp4yFyS1SRmp-jFyWRz34Kefe2V6qNer3jowvNbL-qw/s1600/kitten.jpg"><br /></a><br />Everyone loves lists. It's a fact. There are lists for everything from top ten places to see before you die to the top ten places to see after you die. I can't say for sure what the appeal is with reading lists but I can guess it's popular with busy types or anyone with ADD. When you want your daily blog fix but you neither have the time nor the sustainable interest, a list with bold titles is the way to go. Pictures are a plus as well. Lists are a skimmer's dream and a satisfying way to squeeze in that extra bit of criticism to get you through the day.<br /><br />I present to you now, "How Erin reads a top ten list".<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">10. Yes, I like this choice for the number ten spot. I will read on.<br /><br /> </span><span>Oooh, look at the wittle kitteh kat. This is going to be a fun paragraph to read. Eh, too long. And, I'm done.<br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVZwLLm1ZmvBh8W3PcXtjIZFZv6ArdHWTwbhI9ChgPVd4rvrXukD_sy2rge0qJmPgmrHb6fmUC3HRgwsRElCNe8JaVlaQOw6ptp4yFyS1SRmp-jFyWRz34Kefe2V6qNer3jowvNbL-qw/s1600/kitten.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmVZwLLm1ZmvBh8W3PcXtjIZFZv6ArdHWTwbhI9ChgPVd4rvrXukD_sy2rge0qJmPgmrHb6fmUC3HRgwsRElCNe8JaVlaQOw6ptp4yFyS1SRmp-jFyWRz34Kefe2V6qNer3jowvNbL-qw/s320/kitten.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537360454469248242" border="0" /></a><br />I don't want to read about you anymore.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">9. A not so interesting choice for this spot. I'll skip this one.<br /><br />8. Meh. I'll give this a few sentences to redeem itself.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span>The Large Hadron Collider (LHC).... I'm already yawning.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />7. Are they kidding? They picked this?<br /></span><br />_________________________________________________<br /><br />And so on and so forth. To be honest I'm getting bored of this post about lists. Although maybe if I were to encounter one somewhere on the internet that had both kittens and The Large Hadron Collider listed I'd give it the old college try.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><br /></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-61198187312907374802010-11-06T17:04:00.000-07:002010-11-06T17:43:35.043-07:00I've been very good this year.I could literally spend hours on Etsy.com. I had planned to put up some crafty items that I had made for sale but can't seem to stop looking at what I want long enough to do so. I don't need any of it, but it is a strong and powerful want. *Polymer clay earrings that resemble<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60915930/rainbow-kissed-donut-earrings?ref=cat3_gallery_40"> rainbow sprinkle donuts</a>? Yes, please. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58587927/purple-vampire-monkey?ref=v1_other_2">Purple vampire monkey plushie</a>? I'll take it! There is not only a huge selection of clothes and jewelry that I don't need but there is an entire section of crafts under "Geekery". Squeal!<br /><br />I feel I am a responsible adult and a functioning member of society all year long so that is why I am thrilled Christmas is coming. I know now that I am an adult I'm supposed to say things like, "Oh, don't make a fuss over me." and "I could really use some new dish gloves." I think I've paid my dues and done more than my fair share of scraping crap off the floor for the year. I also think I have done a splendid job of leading other members of the PTL to believe I am a normal person. Maybe I should just ask for some sort of new vacuum or something grown up like lottery tickets and pantyhose (Not sure who I'm thinking of here). Or I could have fun with my life. Merry Christmas, now can I have this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60453550/super-mario-brothers-goomba-necklace?ref=sr_gallery_40&ga_search_query=nintendo&ga_search_type=category&category=geekery.jewelry&ga_page=2&order=&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title&filter[0]=handmade&filter[1]=geekery&filter[2]=jewelry">Goomba necklace</a>?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">*By the way, Donut earrings can be found on my Amazon wish list. Winkety Wink Wink.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-25547649086273060282010-11-04T20:04:00.000-07:002010-11-04T20:19:21.670-07:00The bane of my existence<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwpYKhwX3M8D_qOAQXDsGjfhNB_UubrbtYlyiiJKDjWcZk5koWYDx5SKv6mlkd22_Z_AVOgOCbUPk2DPZWoJpo_trVyayxYcr56sX9bCrLR8cBfAhjIv3wOlomxkDurWexkAinSpCKgo/s1600/laundry+pile.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSwpYKhwX3M8D_qOAQXDsGjfhNB_UubrbtYlyiiJKDjWcZk5koWYDx5SKv6mlkd22_Z_AVOgOCbUPk2DPZWoJpo_trVyayxYcr56sX9bCrLR8cBfAhjIv3wOlomxkDurWexkAinSpCKgo/s320/laundry+pile.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535897163183345538" border="0" /></a><br />I believe that if I managed to wash and put away every item of clothing in the house it would mark the end of my life. After the last pair of mismatched socks was shoved in a drawer I would start off with a small giggle which would lead into a hearty chuckle which would then turn into full blown maniacal laughter. Laughter so insane that it could only be done while violently throwing my head back. I'd then smack it on something hard and die.<br /><br />Don't worry. This will never happen. I will never die. I have way too much $#%@ laundry to do.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-22966992579932165712010-11-03T16:10:00.000-07:002010-11-03T18:43:03.939-07:00The Joy of Cooking.Right now four windows are open, two fans are on and children are being ushered out of the kitchen in fear of smoke inhalation. I am making meatloaf tonight.<br />Clearly, I can't just quit cooking. It would be very costly and way too easy to gain fifty pounds of Kentucky fried fat. So instead I will continue to punish my family with home cooked meals.<br /><br />The end result is never as bad as the process. For whatever reason something is always spilled, burned, improperly cut or I just simply get too drunk to continue. That has happened for the record. I thought that by watching a lot of Food Network it would inspire me to get creative in the kitchen and use Arugula. All it did was create a new show addiction. If you are unfamiliar with the show, "Chopped" allow me to break it down for you the best way I know how. In fragmented sentences.<br /><br />Each week four chefs (or would it be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">cheves</span>?) compete for $10,000 and the coveted title of Chopped Champion. There are three courses that are placed in front of the harsh but lovable judges. First course is the appetizer, second is the entree and third is dessert. I'm still hoping that they will recognize the cocktail course but I'm optimistic. Each contestant is given a basket of ingredients that have no business in the same dish. Their challenge is to pull together a cohesive meal or they will be Chopped®. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">shows</span> host Ted Allen will spout off the incredible basket contents with a certain smugness that I very much enjoy. "For this next dish you are to include; Apple cores, Dish Soap, Pants stolen off of a sleeping hobo and Almonds. You have fifteen minutes." As I sit in front of the t.v. snacking on my bag of hobo pants I laugh and say there is no way they can pull this off. I can barely hold a fork without dropping it but yet I still sit here and judge. America is a beautiful place.<br /><br />"Today I have prepared for you an Apple <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Alronde</span> Chateau <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Fromage</span> with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Panko</span> encrusted Khaki and Almond Soap Chutney."<br /><br />Damn it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-67611515803317767952010-11-02T18:24:00.000-07:002010-11-02T18:32:13.219-07:00........................I've made the promise to write in my blog everyday but I feel a little bad sitting upstairs on the computer ignoring my husband on our wedding anniversary. I did post twice yesterday. So, yeah. I'll be back tomorrow. I leave you with this picture of an otter proudly displaying her newborn.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiociyqdQ_Mk6WN_lThkqNOZPBR7Qi29xBFrFTVISDzcT6TS2JHQ92kmaRYYmM0HXjGsPMDS0hfEemXT_qEfge7NncpUN0QuqJ-ev569yEDBddsUSIovpPTmgoIdo1yGq0QEVxgOZMUO-c/s1600/my-baby-otter-let-me-show-you-it-19502-1243891849-22.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiociyqdQ_Mk6WN_lThkqNOZPBR7Qi29xBFrFTVISDzcT6TS2JHQ92kmaRYYmM0HXjGsPMDS0hfEemXT_qEfge7NncpUN0QuqJ-ev569yEDBddsUSIovpPTmgoIdo1yGq0QEVxgOZMUO-c/s320/my-baby-otter-let-me-show-you-it-19502-1243891849-22.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5535129457952913250" border="0" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-22533371355737682122010-11-01T14:52:00.000-07:002010-11-01T15:17:25.159-07:00You are my sunshine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUBxQosSqoHV4i906K78BjUeKeb79W-KL4VK2_hu9oifNylYe4PF198hvJxIhy8WSp2NWQAXyx7JrVPll9jqLX04TW13L4wAfpmVCy12FK2wSl6grHrvvUGMrbPeF9aP1tBybPRPjv-E/s1600/beans-beyond-extra-strong-coffee.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUUBxQosSqoHV4i906K78BjUeKeb79W-KL4VK2_hu9oifNylYe4PF198hvJxIhy8WSp2NWQAXyx7JrVPll9jqLX04TW13L4wAfpmVCy12FK2wSl6grHrvvUGMrbPeF9aP1tBybPRPjv-E/s320/beans-beyond-extra-strong-coffee.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534708729187632882" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />One of my very favorite things in this strange and angry world is coffee. Besides the obvious loves like family, food, God and breathing I'm quite partial to a strong cup of Joe. My husband brings me coffee in the morning and sets it on the bedside table before I've even rubbed the eye boogers out of my face. He's a wonderful and lovely man. I used to drink it with milk and sugar. Not much of each but enough for some sweetness. Then without my knowledge the coffee was gradually getting stronger. The light brown drink was becoming darker over the weeks and soon enough the sugar was gone completely. I noticed this change after awhile but didn't say anything because hey, I'm being served coffee in bed. Now I drink it black but only at home. I'm adventurous and like to try different flavors. My favorite coffee drink at the moment is a Mocha from Starbucks. I enjoy the taste of espresso without the full blast in the face of flavor. Chocolate tends to make everything better as does ice cream. So, when I came across this recipe for <a href="http://sugarcrafter.net/2009/08/14/espresso-ice-cream/">homemade espresso ice cream</a> I truly felt like the internet was speaking only to me.<br /><br />Thank you, internet. I'll be sure to add you to my Christmas card list.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-79588131295402324972010-11-01T07:28:00.000-07:002010-11-01T08:16:36.999-07:00At least I still get candy...So, in case you didn't know last night was Halloween. It's a lot different for me now since having children of my own. I used to love everything associated with Halloween. The crappy horror movies, haunted houses, going to parties and drinking out of plastic skull heads. Everything. When I worked for Center Stage our dress code was a costume. I'd pride myself on my ability to create the nastiest, bloodiest make up jobs and receive high praises from adolescent boys. I loved it all.<br /><br />This has now become my secret love. I have to make sure that when we visit a pumpkin farm that it isn't too scary. God forbid a costumed employee walk too close. I'd never hear the end of it. I minimize windows on the computer when she walks by because I am reading about the top ten most terrifying places in America. I've endured Dora the Explorer's Halloween Special. Honestly, anything Dora says is more frightening than whatever is on that list. But, my daughter enjoys it.<br /><br />And that is where I stop the ranting. Watching her get so excited to dress up and go trick or treating is better than any party I've been to. It's gotten to the point where I remember what it was like to be her age. I remember the thrill and being scared of other people's costumes. I have fond memories of trick or treating with my mother trying to keep up while I sprinted from house to house. I know I'll get my horror movies back someday but for now, I love my kid friendly Halloween.<br /><br />Now, if you'll excuse me I have some Urban Legends to read up on before I pick her up from school.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9097314925505275886.post-46218838966483137632010-10-30T07:16:00.000-07:002010-10-30T07:30:49.444-07:00NaNoWriMo is a NoGoI tend to get these silly ideas in my head that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. Before you start to think that this is a "woe is me" post, I will preface by saying that I am just fine with my limitations. I understand and have come to terms with the fact that I am an incredibly spontaneous thinker. I get an idea and pretend that I have the time and energy to fulfill it. Have you met Alice? Anyway, I had the notion to participate in National Novel Writing Month this year but I've been inspired by my next door neighbor/Sister/fellow crazy person to write in my blog every day for a month. Ideas may seep in to my brain like jelly in the kitchen tiles (note: Don't forget to clean kitchen floor) but this is one I am confident I'll stick with. With which I will stick.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1