Latest picture update

Saturn 


Well, a friend told me how to do all this (and for that, I thank him!). Right now I am going to have to do it the hard way. Why, you may ask? Well, I'll answer you. (I'm nice like that.) I still need to learn how to resize the pictures. Yep, with new cameras come new responsibilities. Learn from my example, people!!
Now do I mind doing it this way for now? Why no, I do not! Again you ask why? And again, I'll comply to answer. (See how nice I am) My reason is simple: I am looking forward to learning all this new fangled shiny stuff. See, learning is kind of a hobby of mine... I highly recommend it.

And I'm off -- with a hop, skip, and a jump!

Really really need help

Nevermind. Pushing Space didn't work.

Empress

Isn't she beautiful?

At least this one has where it's from right on it. Now I am writing in the caption part for the photo. This can't be the way it's done. I can't push Enter at all, just Space. Like this. How am I supposed to start a new paragraph?  

I edited it a little bit. I couldn't stand how it was still in the Caption part.

So difficult, it can't be right

If only I knew that spell... 

Okay, so I published it, went back into Edit Posts to write this. Argh!! There has got to be an easier way!

Two sides to everything

I wish I remembered where this illustration came from... 

Here goes nothing...

Okay, I am going to try two things at once. I am going to try and write a post under a pic AND I am going to try and post a pic that isn't mine, but an illustration.


UPDATE: Obviously, it didn't work.

Advanced Help

I figured out how to post a picture.
Now how do I post it with a rant or some such thing under it?

The Godfather

Baby Thug 

Help, please

Okay, now I have a digital camera. This also means I could post pics on the internet. Like in the 'About Me' area of this blog.

Only one problem. I don't know how!!

Anyone out there that knows how to do this, I sure would appreciate any help you could give.

Thank you!

Commercials

Two commercials are blog-worthy.

The first one pisses me off in oh so many ways. It's a KFC commercial. Dad and two kids sitting around the dinner table waiting to be served, and the mom walks in carrying a bucket from KFC. All three ungrateful wretches lean forward, and sit back completely devastated. "I wanted Original Recipe" "I wanted Popcorn Chicken", etc. Does the mom bitch slap them for treating her like a freakin' servant? No. She coddles their stupidity by reaching to the middle of the table and turning the bucket so what they want is now facing them! It's this whole 3-in-1 bucket, and they all complained cuz what they wanted was in front of another person. How fucking lazy can you get!!!! Just reach an inch or so farther... Not only was I offended at the first part of the commercial when they are treating mom like shit (and, btw, mom was a little offensive too -- serving her family trash like that), but then she accepted and encouraged their behavior. I couldn't decide who to hate more: the lazy, ungrateful, stupid family or the mom for coddling the fat retarded fools.

Now the next one is worth mentioning just for Vincent. (He always complains about how men are portrayed as stupid.) Well, dollface, you're in for a treat! This is a commercial with a dad we can all relate to.

It starts out with Dad holding a cup of coffee, looking out the window at the snow packed wintry day. Mom enters the scene, looks outside to see their two kids shoveling. She asks about it, and Dad tells her, 'I told them if they shoveled they could talk to their friends as much as they wanted on their new cell phones.' (I paraphrased) Mom is confused, and says 'Can't they already? Didn't you get In?' He says, in a true dad way, 'Yeah, but they don't know that.' Mom says 'Looks cold out there.' Dad agrees saying 'Yeah, I'm not going out there.'
I'm already laughing and cheering 'Go Dad!' during the details part of the commercial, but then...
They go back to where the parents are watching their kids, and Dad takes a sip of his coffee and burns himself.
This cracks me up even more. I can't decide which is funnier: That he burned himself when his kids are freezing or That he thinks his suffering is worth mentioning while his kids are going through so much more.

Hate the first commercial, still cheer for Dad every time I see the second commercial. *takes bow* My first commercial rant!!

Dislike, not Hate

I think I am almost over my 'hating people and the world they live in' phase. Don't get me wrong. There are still lots of stupid people out there, but I think my tolerance is coming back. Not all the way back -- I couldn't do that to myself. Ugh! So now my patience is mostly back, but I'll still speak up is someone is being incredibly dense. At least I'm not biting everyone's heads off anymore...

Update #3

We celebrated Yule Monday night/Tuesday day. It was awesome. I was asked how many people were there, and I stopped counting at 40. Even though there were that many people there, it still felt small, intimate, and cozy. The way a holiday is supposed to feel.
We started out with a feast. And I mean a FEAST!!! It was potluck, so everybody brought/cooked something. Lots and lots of food.
Monday night (the longest night of the year) we turned out all lights, reflected on the past year, and welcomed light back in for the year to come (by lighting the hearth fire in the fireplace). Doing stuff like that really gives a holiday meaning.
What followed was quite natural. Drinking, socializing, generally spreading the love around... People brought in presents all night and the next morning.
And there were crazy people sledding...
Not just sledding either. Sledding down an icy (not snow-covered) driveway hoping they didn't hit any trees. At Midnight, no less. I just stood at the bottom with my new camera blinding people with the flash. Okay, not really. I mean, I stood there, with the camera. The flash was going off. But it didn't blind anyone surprisingly.
After sledding, we headed off to bed.
Tuesday morning meant champagne and gifts!!! Everyone got a stocking (even if they didn't bring one). It was very festive!! First breakfast, then gifts. Champagne started right away of course! And some mixed it with orange juice. I wonder how that tastes...
As for the gifts, they all came from the heart. Some were wrapped in fabric, others decided to go the old fashioned route and wrapped in brown paper and twine. We have a potter in our midst, and she made all of their gifts. Beautiful!! Husband received a homemade bottle of mead, and it is a year long gift. He gets a sample of any batch they make until next Yule. I was gifted a lot of beautiful fabric, and I can't wait to make something out of it. I have no idea what yet...
I sewed almost all of my gift bags this year. I figured if they didn't like what was in it, they at least got a homemade bag.
One of the coolest gifts my kid got (and it's probably so cool cuz I wouldn't think to buy it) was a Bio-Dome. It has an aquarium, an ant hill dome, a bug dome, and what is supposed to be a rain forest dome. You get it all set up with nature stuff, and then go out and collect bugs and such. My only worry is escaping critters. It is a very educational gift, and I really like that. Kid was so excited over everything, -- even a pencil in the stocking! -- it was hard to tell what was liked best.
After gifts, we had more family coziness before we had to leave. I didn't want to go!! I love all those people so much. They are constantly in my heart.

Update #2

This is my favorite update, and probably the most long-lasting one...


I finally got a .......................





digital camera!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I know, I know. Who doesn't have one nowadays? But this is my first, and I cannot believe how much fun it is. I can take crappy photos, laugh at them, and then delete them -- all without wasting film. And I never get my film developed anyway. So it really is a waste of money. But not now! I have a camera and a computer. I'm set!! I've already emailed pics of Yule to Husband's mom. Of course she's thrilled. She NEVER gets pictures from us. If she wants a record of how my kid is growing, she usually has to take the picture herself. And since she's in another state... Let's just say that it is something brand spanking new for her to get pictures yesterday of something that happened 2-3 days ago.

I have been taking it outside with me, and taking all kinds of stupid pictures of the dogs. While we were gone celebrating Yule, I was taking pictures of the midnight sledding (and other things, of course).

I can't get enough of this camera. I think, to begin with anyway, I'll be taking it everywhere with me. Why not? If I don't like the pic, I can delete it.

Yay me!!!

Update #1

This is an old one, but here goes...

I finally watched Animatrix. It filled in a lot of holes for me. I like that different people did the animation. Made each toon different and interesting. Now I suppose I should play the video game. I don't know if I have the patience or the skill for that though.

I have also recently watched FearDotCom and Hellboy.
Hellboy was a fun movie. And safe enough for kids. Not a bunch of bad language, no sex... just superhero type stuff. One of my favorite scenes is when he punches the car and it goes flying over his head. I would love to be able to do that!!! The chick burning up isn't too bad either...
FearDotCom is not recommended for kids. :-) I liked the premise of the movie. I know the first thing I wanted to do was go to that site. Geez! Didn't I learn anything from watching horror movies? "I'll be right back..." I liked how when you thought it should be over, it wasn't. Good twist.

Breathing again

I got a phone call last night from my mom. She had an appointment with her doctor to see how her brain is doing since surgery.
They found a new spot on her brain (right over her motor skills), and they had to do a biopsy on it today. She went in at 6:30am (central time) for some pre-op stuff, and surgery was at 8:30am. I was told it was a very quick procedure. Just an incision, get some tissue, and get out.

I have been waiting all day to hear something. I found out from my niece that they would find out today or a week from now.
I've called my brother and left messages to keep him updated (what little I knew). Since I was home alone, I was freaking out going through all the 'what ifs' in my head. I've been wondering if I'll be packing my bags to stay at the hospital (if it's malignant).
I tried calling my sister (who jumped on a plane last night to get here), but her voice mail picked up. Same with my step-sister (who is also down here).

I did finally get a hold of my sister (she accidentally deleted my phone number and couldn't call).
The surgery went fine. They had to shave a 2x3inch square on the top front of my mom's head. They made an incision, stuck a needle in, and sucked some tissue out. They then sent it to pathology, and were told they would know something in a couple of hours.

About 3 hours later, the doctor talked to my family. Turns out it is something called Narcosis (no idea if that is spelled right). It is a result/side effect from radiation. Kind of like radiation scar tissue.
The doctor was very happy with that. He wasn't sure what they would do if it was malignant. Since it's placed on the motor skills part of her brain, if they had to do surgery again, she might come out of it paralyzed.

I'm feeling relieved for now. Pathology is still doing some tests (we'll hear the results next week) to see if there are any cancer cells.

So far, so good.

Redemption

Read this:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2092-781631_1,00.html

Finally!! Some JUSTICE for all the dumbasses in my life.

My sneaking suspicion that I am more evolved than they are is correct. Now, there's proof. Scientific proof. Take note!!
I've always known women were better than men...

My weekend

Hello folks! Get your weekend update here...


Friday: Cooked supper (a rarity nowadays). Ate supper. Felt full. (Okay, sorry. I'm just being stupid.) Our Trucker friend came over, and we all went Yule shopping. That was like a live jigsaw puzzle. We were buying for each other without that person seeing what we bought. Quite fun, actually. First husband and Trucker go through the line with Kid's stuff. And ran it out to the van. They came back in, and I gave Husband the gift for Trucker, and he went up and paid for that. At the same time, I handed Trucker a gift for Husband -- since he was buying something in electronics anyway. All spy missions were successful.
When we got back we unloaded Trucker's van. He'll be living out of his truck for a while (he's already in it 5-6 days a week anyway). He just can't justify paying for an apartment for 1-2 days a week. Anyway, he wanted us to hang on to some of his electronics. He didn't want to put them in storage where they might get damaged by the elements. A win-win situation. He's not worried about his stuff, and we have a better TV to watch now!!! Hooked up through a stereo and everything! Couch, here I come! After it was all set up, we watched The Ref. Great holiday movie. Lots of swearing, arguing, and gun waving. I love it.

Saturday: The day of the big Yule party. We still didn't know if our sitter was going to work out. Sitter's family was planning a surprise b-day thing for her (that she, of course, didn't know about). We finally found out she wouldn't be able to make it work. That meant, of course, only one of us could go. We had already decided ahead of time that it would be me. Only I really didn't want to go without him. I decided I would probably regret missing the 'big party', so I stuck to the original plan. I was also Sober Cab for the evening (I always am). The party was fun. I'm glad I went. I got to see some people I haven't seen in a while. The drumming was fantastic. There was a new rhythm I've never heard before. It caught my attention away from what I was doing. I got another hickey from my gay friend, and I wasn't the only one. I love that guy!! We finally decided to leave. When we got home, Husband was still awake and surprised we were back so early. I was even more surprised he was up. Pleasantly surprised. We played Playstation for a bit (Celebrity Deathmatch), and went to bed. I was so happy to be home and with him. Weirdly so.

Sunday: We spent a couple hours with Trucker before he had to leave. After that, we didn't do much of anything. That was nice. Husband did run to the store for some groceries. We watched Last Laugh 2004. It was pretty good. If it happened in 2004, they made fun of it. Or tried. There really is a lot to choose from. It's been a very weird year.

Well, there you have it. I'll bet you feel fulfilled, and can go on with your life after reading about mine. I know. I'm cool. *hair flip*

Fucking Father...

My dad called my mom. Twice. As far as I'm concerned, he should leave her alone. She says she knows how to handle him. She just hangs up.
He asked about me. He wanted my phone number. He was going to call me 'to set me straight'. As if that man ever could. Maybe he should work on himself first before trying to be all 'fatherly'. Too little, too late. Maybe he should have thought about his fatherly duties when he was caught up fucking his girlfriend after leaving my mom. Or maybe he should have remembered his daughter BEFORE he got drunk. He abandoned his little girl years ago when I actually still needed him. I've moved on. He needs to.
Strangely, he was sober when he called my mom. And, (I love her!) she did not give out my phone number.
When he couldn't get the number, he called my sister to get it. She didn't give it to him either. *laugh*
Now we'll see if my brother gives it to him...
He didn't remember my kid's name. He must not have remembered my husband's name either, or he would have called information to get my phone number.

He just needs to fall off the face of the earth. He's using up valuable space, and breathing air others deserve more than he does.

Just a few updates (before going back to bed)

I have been sick.
Who am I kidding? I still am. However, it has given me a chance to catch up on some reading.

I got to act in my Official Capacity for the first time last night. It's a good thing I know how to take notes!!


And....




I FOUND MY WEDDING RING!!!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!

Following the White Rabbit...

You know that phobia that prevents a person from leaving the house, and facing the outside world?

I think I am on that path. I think if everything keeps going in the same direction it is now, I'll become a hermit.

Change is something a person can depend on. And right now, I am depending on the fact that something will change. Change is inevitable.

I wonder if it will come in time....

My Weekend

I had a very good (and productive) weekend.

On Friday, my husband stayed home from work. It was so nice to be able to sleep in with him by my side. We almost never get to do that. After lounging around for a bit, we left to go get my kid's 'big gift' (there's always, at least one, every year). That was fun. I love buying for my kid! Back home, wait for school to be out, and left again to do some grocery shopping. (2 Productive things in one day!)

Saturday, we took my kid to Storyteller's, and stories were told, crafts made, and fun had by all. Go back home to get ready for a party (and a babysitter) in a hurry. Friends stop over. Kid is brought to the sitter, and we leave for the party (after only a few mishaps). The party was fun! It had a very homey intimate family feel. (Not really a surprise since we're all friends). There were great conversations (that didn't last too long), general teasing, and a lively attitude. Again, fun was had by all.

On Sunday, we got most of our Yule shopping done. Yay!! Just a few more people to go... We got back from that in time for my kid to eat and get ready for bed.

A very productive weekend.

Today, I am still feeling somewhat motivated. And that's a good thing. My house is now trashed since we were never home long enough to pick up after ourselves (and we did laundry -- plenty of clothes to be put away cluttering the place up). I have worked on my room already, and after checking email and blogging, I'll start on something else. I almost feel like a different person!!

Feeling Refreshed

I feel refreshed today.
I changed my normal routine. After my kid got on the bus, I checked my email (because it is supposedly important to keep in contact with the outside world). I looked at a couple other things online, and then turned it off. I crawled back into bed to read. I haven't done that in so long! I ended up falling asleep (and who wouldn't?).
When I woke up, I stayed offline and continued to read.
I remembered who I used to be before I got into the habit of being online at a certain time of day. I had thoughts of improvement for the house. I had thoughts of sewing projects I wanted to complete. I felt anticipation for tomorrow (Husband is taking the day off of work).
I don't feel like a drone any longer.
And I like the feeling.
I no longer have a sense of false obligation to follow my routine. It's strange that I ever did. I have a renewed sense of purpose.
I think one of the current phases I'm in is coming to an end.
It was good -- and it will continue to get better.

Thoughts, Guidelines...

I haven't really kept up with my blog lately.
Mostly I haven't felt inspired, but sometimes I had to verbally vomit on an actual person -- because I would be venting about a reader. And I know once I vent, and get it out, I'll be okay. That doesn't mean the people reading about themselves wouldn't take it the wrong way... I can be downright hateful.
I also don't like too many people knowing what is going on inside me. At least, not until I know for sure how I feel.
That goes against my goal of trying to be like all the other dumbasses out there. Although, I have become a little more outspoken.

So, a few guidelines:

~If I don't tell you something on my own, I don't want you to know. Don't ask.
~If I feel strongly enough about something, you'll know. Don't push me to 'spill' before I'm ready.
~There's a reason I don't mention names on here. Respecting privacy... If you don't know who I'm talking about, don't ask. If it is about you, I'll talk when I'm ready.
~In person, don't assume because I don't talk about something that I don't know it. And don't judge me by the people around me. People are stupid. (Look at title of blog)
~Here's a pet peeve: Don't assume that because I have an open marriage, I want to have sex with anybody/everybody. I don't. Most of the time, sex isn't worth it. It's usually a waste of getting naked.
~If you talk yourself up to me, I'll think less of you. Understated is best.
~I'm searching for honest, open, relaxed, mature adults to hang with. If you don't fit that criteria, don't expect me to stick around. It's not my job to take care of you. That's your job. Be responsible.
~Don't lie to me. Especially if you are doing it badly. You'll lose major points.
~If I am feeling anti-social, don't try and 'fix' me. I'll do that.
~If you are my friend (or want to be), we are equals. Don't patronize me. Remember, I know shit that you don't. I have also experienced life for a few years. Give me some credit.
~I look at things as lessons to be learned, not as stuff getting in my way.
~If you have a negative attitude, I won't want to be around you. Period.
~If you insist you are right when there is no way you could know, I'll think you're an idiot. A pompous ass. A moron. And not worth my time.
~In general, people suck. You have to be pretty damn special to rise above that. Good luck.