Where do I start

Christmas Ads

2007-12-12T23:43:06Z

Heard on the radio last night:

The gift that keeps on giving - give her a breast augmentation.

Now there's a gift that can't go terribly wrong.

Just seen -

How bad have you been? - a large, ominous man in dark clothes in a sled drawn by eight riderless choppers drops off gifts wrapped in black and a bloody beef bone thrown to a doberman.

Buy a Harlie-Davisdon.

Ah, Christmas.

First Time

2007-12-01T15:46:35Z

Last night I had a lot of pain - probably from approaching weather - and one of my two cats curled up and in my mind offered sympathy.

It made me think about the first time I ever saw him. He is a very large cat, with that long double fur that floats everywhere. He is also balck as night without another color on him.

I first saw him almost ten years ago, a half-wild kitten being harborod with his brothers, sisters and half-bothers and sisters in a recreation center in Detroit.

I came up the stairs to a room where I was to meet with several friends and as my head cleaded floor level something blew up with a hiss and disappeared into the room.

I did not know at that point that the kittens were on the premesis, so was a bit surprised. I enetered the room and a black fluff ball managed to blow up again and disappear behind a door.

By now I realized what the creature was and of course there is nothing more amusing than a kitten that is suddenly four or five times its normal size. I reached behind the door to retrieve it and the pain was considerable. This little guy was a fighter. By now there were multiple hissings about the room and from the next room.

I was surrounded. I swear there had to be at least ten of them. Short hair, long hair, black, brilliant red-gold and gray.

I was rescued by the sudden appearence of my friends and the instant disappearance of the rest of the little pack. Cats DO teleport, except for the hissing bundle in my bleeding hand.

I resisted this kitten for a good two months before I succumbed and took him in along with his charcoal gray half brother.

It was the best thing I ever did for myself.

Incredible

2007-11-25T03:28:32Z

Just watched The Incredibles - for the 4th time - still love it.

Now I have to go break up a cat fight.

sigh - all that violence gets them so excited.

Autumn

2007-11-17T15:28:13Z

Deep into Fall. The weather is blustery and cool and bits of snow and spotty rain. Leaves have made their carpet on still green grass.

People are buzzing about, inspired by football, upcoming holidays and the nip in the air.

I had a night without pain, the first in a year, but then back to the usual this morning. It was nice in a cozy bed, warm, knees bent, no pain and a cat curled and purring at my back. A night to remember, what a dull life I lead. Maybe it's trite, but it's true, be gratefull for small blessings, and I truely am.

I am going to Florida for Christmas, tickets bought and paid for. My job is steady and my friends are the best.

I recall times when I didn't have money for heat or food and had to decide if I should put gas in the car or buy a jar of peanut butter. There was no TV, power came from an extension card that reached to the basement. I cooked on a propane camp stove.

Things are better, I am better, so I am grateful.

I need to write more and finish things I've started. Rather than make it a New Year's resolution, I'll start now.

Last words

2007-09-06T17:35:44Z

Your Famous Last Words Will Be:

"So, you're a cannibal."

What Will Your Famous Last Words Be?</div

Heard on the Radio

2007-08-14T11:22:31Z

An 'older' woman comes out into the parking lot after shopping and finds four young men sitting in her car. She drops her bag and pulls a gun from her purse. (No explanation why granny was packin'.)

Hands shaking, she points the gun and starts screaming "I've got a gun and I know how to use it! Get out of the car!"

Without a word the four get out and run like hell.

Shaking even more, the woman puts her bags in the cars and trys to start it. Her hands are shaking so bad, she can't get the key into the ignition.

She notices a six pack of beer on the front floor and then realizes that it isn't her shaking, the key just won't fit.

She gets her things and finds her own car a bit further up the aisle.

Shamed, she drives to the police department to report her mistake.

She tries to tell the officer at the desk what happened, but she cannot get him to stop laughing. All he can do it point to the far end of the counter and chortle something about the "really cranky old lady that car jacked them."

At the end of the counter are four, very pale young men, staying as far away as possible.

Just had to go there . . .

2007-07-17T22:44:45Z

DIV id=testResultInfo>

Your Score: The Noble Elk

Here's your results! Your spirit animal has a Nobility ranking of 15 out of 18.

Your spirit animal is the noble elk. They are the most adaptable of all, and only guard those with great wisdom and understanding. The elk is a highly noble creature, and has a strong spiritual force that will guide and protect you well. You are truly blessed to have such an amazing and mystical spirit animal. It is extremely rare to have an elk as a spirit animal.

***Wondering how this animal was chosen for you? These questions were carefully thought out to see how important you hold certain virtues such as: humanism, self-knowledge, rationalism, the love of freedom and other somewhat Hellenic ideals. Some of the questions were very subtle. Your score was then matched with an animal of corresponding nobility. However, you shouldn't think this was a right/wrong sort of test, but more of an idealistic values test. It's ok to not hold these values, you'll just get an animal spirit of lower stature if you do!***

</div>

Link: The What is Your Spirit Animal Test written by FindingEros on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test

Tarot I am

2007-06-21T16:46:34Z

You are The Star

Hope, expectation, Bright promises.

The Star is one of the great cards of faith, dreams realised

The Star is a card that looks to the future. It does not predict any immediate or powerful change, but it does predict hope and healing. This card suggests clarity of vision, spiritual insight. And, most importantly, that unexpected help will be coming, with water to quench your thirst, with a guiding light to the future. They might say you're a dreamer, but you're not the only one.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Daemon - from Golden Compass

2007-04-26T11:08:51Z

Not what I expected.

Miserable

2007-02-27T14:40:08Z

I was really depressed and aggrevated last weekend. My shoulder, though better (much better) tends to just ache, last weekend it throbbed. I was in a real funk and did not want to do anything - and I seem to do this everytime I have sushi, a depressing realization. I only have it once a month - love the soy sauce, but apparently it skews my mood.

I did not go out to game with my friends Sunday.

Then my stove burned out Saturday - again. The last time the landlord 'fixed' it and said I cook too much. This time he is going to replace the silly thing which is over 20 years old and been repaired three times since I have been in this apartment. It filled the apartmewnt with smoke and ozone and I had to open the glass doors and set up the fan on a 20+* day!

My job situation is still up in the air, so confident I am about getting hired in as opposed to staying contract, there is still that evil thread of doubt.

There - enough grousing and venting. Just wanted to clear the air. The cats just look and stare when I grumble and have no clue.

Brain on Fire

2007-02-12T14:22:23Z

My friends have done a VERY bad thing to me - got me HOOKED on Firefly - and there is only one season. Admittedly it is so rich, I will have no complaints about watching and re-watching to take it all in.

I am now convinced that Joss Wedeon (scuse spelling) messed with someone and this series was deliberately screwed with. There is no explaining or excusing presenting this series without it's pilot and being shown out of order.

Now, my thought is that if fans can leverage Battlestar back - why can't the same be done for Firefly? I know, not as big a fanbase - how can a rich character show compete with sexy, evil, re-incarnating robots?

Sigh

Misery - again

2007-02-06T16:30:11Z

Note: a big gap in how this started and present entry.

Went to see the Orthposedist yesterday. He drained a large quantity of fluid from my shoulder socket and injected a large dose of Cortesone. He said the socket would return to it's correct position, now that the fluid had been removed - and LO it was so!

This morning I could see that my normal shoulder shape was restored.

That is the good news. He also said I would (not maybe) but would need a shoulder replacement due to the arthritis in that shoulder. My fall had merely ascerbated an existing condition.

There is still pain and its seems always will be, but (we hope) not as bad as the last three months.

He gave me no perscription since OTC pain medication exists to give some relief. Sadly little of it works for me - except ibeprofen, which I can no longer take.

On the other hand - I had a lovely birthday weekend. A lunch out on a bitter cold day, a bookstore visit Saturday and on Sunday a wickedly wonderful raspberry-chocolate cake which was shared with friends.

So Sad

2007-02-03T21:10:29Z

As if the tornados in Florida Thursday weren't bad enough, another set of victims have been identified.

They are trying so hard to raise the population of whooping cranes. A group had just brought the fledglings into their Florida wintering area - they followed a man in his ultra-light plane to learn the route. They were all hand raised, but in such a way that they could soon be on their own. They were kept in a pen for safety.

A storm surge from the front that went through drowned them all.

My heart goes out to all of those affected by this series of storms.

Misery

2007-02-02T21:05:34Z

A friend suggested I describe my recent 'adventures' in medicine. I call this Misery because, well, I have been miserable and I have been told that in a way I resemble Kathy Bates.

I may have already posted that I slipped in my bathtub and got horribly, humiliatingly stuck. OK, I'm a jumbo sized Kathy Bates.

I had to pull myself up with one arm, my right, which had been giving me some problems before, but I have given it a lot of wear and tear through the years, so it was to be expected.

This happened on 11/13.

Thanksgiving came and I had a really sore arm and shoulder. Not unexpected, I knew I had to have strained it leveraging my considerable self out of the wretched tub.

On 12/5 I finally went to a clinic for xrays and advice - and hopefuly something for the pain. I am no longer able to tolerate ibprofen (moultrin)and nothing else really does much, so I was open to suggestions.

OK. Xrays were taken of my shoulder and both knees. Blood was taken, urine was collected and an EKG was done. The doctor said my blood pressure was a bit high and politely suggested Weight Watchers as a great place to spend my time.

I never saw the xrays. He said that I had no structural damage, but it was quite possible that I had a small rotator cuff tear. He did not feel that cortisone was appropriate at this point and that surgery was not indicated. Then he asked me what I wanted.

I explained that I was in great pain and as a result unable to slepp. I wanted something that I could use to dull the pain and let me sleep. He gave me a scrrip for Vicoden and made an appt for Jan 19 to see how things were. It was his opinion that if I favored the arm, but did not immobilize it, the healing process would resolve the issue.

More later - my arm hurts.

Character Journal

2006-12-04T18:18:28Z

Though I'd get back to writing up my game notes.

Blessin

Why my mother named me Blessing, I will never know. She never told, I never asked. I certainly never felt blessed. In a land of ancestral worshippers, I did not know my father and mother told me little enough of her kin. It was just she and I and then all too soon I was alone.

One day I will come back to how I came to be in these strange Western lands, but later. For now I am in the company of strangers, lost at sea with no master to command me. I have been cursed to live in interesting times, it seems.

Long months had been spent on our travels towards the setting sun. Finally journey’s end in a city called __________, when Min Lao called me to his tent. He was clearly preparing for another journey, but without the luxury of his wagon and attendants.

“Blessin. I would have you accompany me. I must deliver a special package and do not wish to call undue attention.”

I could merely bow and wonder how those from the East could help BUT call attention to themselves in this strange land.

“I am honored, Master Lao. I shall collect my things.” I knew that since he was the master of this caravan, I would be assured of a job for the journey home, especially that he had now called on me for special duty.

After that is was hurry up and wait. We made our way to a coastal town. The only thing familiar about it was the smell of fish. Master Min made the rounds trying to find passage and I silently, watchfully followed. We spent almost a week and no one would take us, despite a considerable fee offered.

On the sixth day the captain of a small ship sent a messenger. He had the good fortune to have another group seeking passage to the island, despite the great, huge potential for storms at this time of year. If we were willing to travel with them he would take us all. In other words, it would cost us more, be crowded but he would take us. Master Min agreed.

Next morning we boarded, having arrived before the other group. Master Min selected a preferred spot for himself and his packages and I settled near to him.

The crew was busy setting everything in order when the other passengers arrived. An odd lot, indeed, first was a dwarf and I had to bite back a feeling of envy. His armor was magnificent. Master Min also seemed affected by the dwarf’s appearance as I saw his back stiffen ever so slightly.

The dwarf did not seem happy to be aboard, not surprising for one of his kind.

Second was one very large man (to be corrected - I do not have a good description of H’mm, but picture him as large), who was gawking at everything.

Third was a man that came forward and introduced himself to Master Min and began a conversation. He named himself Aquillon and began a torrent of questions. Master Min was most polite and answered a few of the questions.

The fourth man remained aloof and silent and watched everything. I was not able to get a good sense of him. He worse a sword, but was clearly not a mercenary. He did not offer his name, but was introduced as Liuban.

They settled themselves on the deck and away from the crew. Aquillon returned to engage Master Min in more conversation. He wears a sword and displays a pair of knives. He moves well and I suspect he keeps more than two knives upon his person. He did not dress or move as a mercenary, but seemed quite capable.

The dwarf began addressing me to my surprise. I am clearly subservient, yet he addressed me directly. He gave his name as Vol. He asked what encounters, correction, he asked what battles I had been in recently. I hesitated, encounters with the occasional bandit is not usually considered a battle and I said so.

He proceeded to describe actual battles that he had been in and knew of. Interesting and revealing the basic hit hard and kill quickly tactics of the dwarven kind.

I made mental note not to engage in combat with dwarves unless I absolutely had to.

The Captain came by and told us that if all went well we would arrive at the island within ten days. He did not have a navigator as a ship his size kept to the shore. At the half way point we would be able to make out the coast line of the island and the greater land that we were leaving.

All went well and quiet for the first four days.

On the fifth day the man named Aquillon continued to sit with Master Min and quiz him. Often he asked about the merchant trade and once even asked directly about the package Min was to deliver. Master Min was as usual honest and direct. He did not know the contents of the package. It was a special commission. He was to make the delivery, no questions asked.

Shortly after that odd exchange, the man Liuban sidled up to Master Min and offered to warn him of the possible ill intentions of the Captain and his crew. After all here we were in the middle of the strait, at their mercy, who was to say that they would kill us all and steal our goods. He was most convincing. Master Min was quite nervous. He got up to check on his goods.

As they had been talking a sudden storm was upon us. Master Min was just taking up his precious bundle when a wave hit and over-balanced him. Before my eyes, he fell overboard.

I did not think but did my duty and leaped after to save him.

I do not have the ability to swim.

Briefly I saw him sink into the churning, darkening waters, still clutching the wrapped box. That was when I realized my own peril and to my greatest shame, I panicked.

I was only vaguely aware of the shimmering silver of the dwarf in the water nearby as I began to try and claw my way to the surface. But the waves rose and dropped and beat my back.

Something dark appeared in the water near me. I lashed out and struck flesh. Then I received a clout to the head. I saw stars and was unable to move.

When I was next aware of was lying on the shifting deck and water ran from my nose and my stomach ejected it’s contents. It was most unpleasant. I was miserable and ashamed.

Aquillon was next to me, wet and unhappy, his nose looked bruised.

“Are you allright?” he asked.

I nodded. “I am in your debt.”

I became more aware of those about me. The large man, H’mm, had hauled the dwarf back on board like a stout, silver fish. He looked extremely displeased.

He roared what had to be a curse into the storm. “The thief is gone and my Book! It is lost!”

That made me worry less about myself. “Master Min was not a thief!” I yelled at him through the storm. “He told you he did not know what the package was.”

“He is the receiver of stolen goods!”

“He did not know that. He is a merchant. He does not steal, not need to deal with those who do!”

This did not seem to change Vo’s mind, but he stopped attacking the character of my late employer.

I think I heard Aquillon say something about my not being grateful, which I did not understand. I told him I was in his debt. What else did he expect?

The storm lasted another eight hours and it was a wet miserable time. Finally the sun broke through the scattering clouds.

About us we saw no sign of land. And there was no way to know exactly where we were.

Good Job

2006-12-01T17:53:07Z

I have a torn rotater cuff.

Fortunately the doctoer says I do not need surgery and won't if I give it time to heal.

He also gave me a perscription for Vicodin - comes with lots of warnings.

I have a brand new bath mat in the tub.

ANOTHER quiz

2006-11-28T11:51:26Z

This is all the fault of a saint I know:

You scored as Drama Queen. Your primary purpose is to create a story. You might even keep a log or journal of your adventures. Your characters are as real as any modern authors.

</td>

Drama Queen

69%

Comedian

56%

Instigator

50%

Rules Lawyer

25%

Combat Monster

25%

Do-gooder

19%

Goldbricker

Munchkin

What type of RPG gamer are you?
created with QuizFarm.com

Dream

2006-11-25T16:36:29Z

Woke up from a most vivd dream - was having an INTENSE relationship with someone who greatly resembled Julia Roberts.

Huh? !

She is OK, but not someone I ever considered more than an interesting actress - and I have always considered my gender preference pretty ordinary, but if I may say, I woke up quite hot and bothered.

Wonder if this is an age thing?

Then again, maybe it was the competition. She (in the dream) was hanging with someone I no longer associate with and I didn't want the kid to make the same mistake - that was weirder than the sex!!

Another Quiz

2006-11-25T15:40:26Z

This didn't turn out as expected - I considered myself more tactical - but got involved in the character side of things ....

You scored as Storyteller. The Storyteller is in it for the plot: the sense of mystery and the fun of participating in a narrative that has the satisfying arc of a good book or movie. He enjoys interacting with well-defined NPCs, even preferring antagonists who have genuine motivations and personality to mere monsters. To the Storyteller, the greatest reward of the game is participating in a compelling story with interesting and unpredictable plot threads, in which his actions and those of his fellow characters determine the resolution.

With apologies to Robin Laws.

</td>

Storyteller

100%

Character Player

80%

Casual Gamer

75%

Power Gamer

30%

Weekend Warrior

30%

Tactician

Specialist

What RPG Player (Not Character) Type Are You?
created with QuizFarm.com

Had to do it

2006-11-21T13:10:32Z

Curiosity killed the cat - this one is funny!

I am a
Snapdragon

What Flower
Are You?

mortality

2006-11-14T16:32:20Z

I may have mentioned that I am on my fifth life. Still am, but got a scare last night like I have not experienced before.

I fell while taking a shower last night. It happens, though not to me. I am not a small lady and somehow managed to get wedged into the width of the tub, ankles, knees and elbows all over the place, then I couldn't get out.

Panic.

I actually called out for help - the building was empty and the water running, like someone would hear me. Then I realized how naked, vulnerable and silly I looked and didn't want to be found.

I figured it would take a while to die and then my rotting fluids would go down the drain.

All fast crazy, foolish, frightened thoughts and then I got mad at myself for being so fucking fat that I couldn't get loose.

Getting mad - at myself - actually helped. I pulled the slippery shower curtain liner out, got the water off and after a couple of tries that got me scared all over again, I got myself to my feet.

That was last night.

Today I am technicolor bruised and my knees are very swollen. My ankles are bruised from being twisted and an elbow throbs from slapping the soap tray.

Fortunately I am able to work from home, so didn't have to hobble down stairs and try to drive.

Now I wonder what it would have been like Thursday, when my friends normally come over, to find me wedged like a bird in a roasting pan.

I put a new bathmat in the tub this morning.

What you see

2006-11-09T21:26:01Z

Beautiful, beautiful day - got to get out of work early.

A young man walking caught my eye. Very handsome black man wearing a full length winter white wool coat - open to catch the breeze. White pants, wide cuffs and . . . pink shoes - tiddy pink as my dad used to call it.

He seemed very pleased with himself. The light changed and I had to move on.

Changeable

2006-11-08T17:08:28Z

What a difference a day makes - (tried that damn quizz again)

Which Classic Story Role Do You Play?

- You Are The Wayfarer Guide
"I'll show you the way."

Your deep insight and quick wisdom never ceases to amaze those around you. You are the guiding light for many of those you know and are not afraid to help anyone else who asks. Not very many acknowledge your tremendous help and effort, but you do not mind that so much. You've seen what is in store for them, and will be there should they need your help. You enjoy people in general, but are very selective of who you let see the real you. Others see you as an enigma of sorts, a mystery that is seemingly ever changing.
Take this quiz!

Quizilla |
Join

| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

Quizzed

2006-11-03T14:20:54Z

Finally broke down and took it out of sheer curiosity

Which Classic Story Role Do You Play?

- You Are The Bystander
"I'd prefer not to get involved."

The sidelines are where you sit, watching everything around you. You are the observer. You see everything but are a part of nothing. People usually come to you for information, or general advice. You are not afraid to help them so long as they do not involve you in their situation. You handle your own dilemas well, but when faced with others you may freeze. You form your own opinions on everything, and see life as fairly simple. Troubles may arise, however, from not acting quickly enough. No matter, though, patience is a virtue.
Take this quiz!

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Join

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LJ 'friend'

2006-10-30T16:29:38Z

Got an LJ invitation to be a friend with a stranger.

Strong music theme, thought at first it was Dave - then explored the strangers journal.

Absolutely no personal data - heavy on music, as said, but I was getting real creepy vibes. Slick looking site, but the details negative.

Favorite movie: Saw

Read the responses from others invited to be 'friends' - mostly female and curious, ("how did you find/pick/choose me?) but a few SO very happy to have a new 'friend'.

I declined.