SpongeBobAlliance

weather.com

2009-05-20T08:38:00.003-05:00

think you're funny, weather.com, don't you?

That's fine.
Play your little game for a few more days.
I know you're just trying to trick me.
It won't work.

...how is the weather? Ba ba ba ba ba ba ba

2009-05-15T11:09:00.003-05:00

Alright, weather.com
We may be able to be happy together.
You are predicting partly cloudy and 10% chance of precipitation for May 24th. This is pretty good. I'd prefer "Sunny" and 0%, so I'll give you a few days to adjust your outlook on this and check back.
I'm sure you won't disappoint me, right?

Divorce

2009-04-16T14:50:00.003-05:00

Dear Anthropologie,

You have left me with no choice. I am going to have to divorce you, on the grounds of irreconcilable differences, if you continue down the road you are currently on. For now, we can try a trial separation-- believe me, I do not believe in divorce, and I want to make this work, but if you continue to try and sell me these:

well, who could blame me for leaving you?

High School Survey

2009-03-03T13:45:00.005-06:00

Okay, I was also tagged by Melissa, and since Whitney did her answers late, I guess it’s not too late for me, either. Let me just warn you, that my high school experience, except for 10th grade, which was awesome (except for my new best friend’s old best friend almost dying), was pretty terrible; at least it seemed that way to me at the time. Now, I don't really understand what all the angst and depression was for, but I guess teenagers just aren't very rational.

Multiple High Schools… I can’t even remember the name of my 9th grade school, I just remember we were the Spartans. Then Northridge for 10th grade, and Blaine for 11th and part of 12th (I graduated early b/c I hate hate hated Blaine High School).

1. Did you date someone in high school?
No. I moved a lot, so I was always the new girl, and despite what movies & Twilight would have you believe, boys aren't lining up to show you around school or eat lunch with you. In 9th grade, I was the new girl, and had moved from California to Utah. There was a bit of culture shock. Then I moved from Ogden to Layton over the summer. I was lucky in 10th grade in the friend department, but not in the boy department. And then I was miserable in 11th grade because I moved from Utah to Minnesota and missed Whitney T. terribly, and I don't think depressed girls are very attractive to most teenage boys. And then I graduated early so 12th grade was pretty short.

2. What kind of car did you drive?
Didn’t drive in high school. I was deathly afraid of the responsibility it entailed.

3. Did you pass your driver's license test the first time?
No. It was kind of traumatic. My mother was pregnant and on bed rest and no one had time to drive with me for practice. I failed pretty bad and then my little brother made fun of me.

4. Were you a party animal?
See answer to number 1.

5. Were you considered a flirt?
Again, see number 1.

6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir?
No

7. Were you a nerd?
I don’t think so, but I guess that depends on other people’s perceptions. I think I was just normal.

8. Did you ever get expended or expelled?
No.

9. Can you still sing your fight song?
Pfft, I have no idea what it was. I was very “anti” the whole high school spirit thing, as I hated my school.

10. Who were your favorite teachers?
Ms Smith in 9th grade, Mr. Kuzma in 11th grade. He helped me when I fainted after giving blood.

11. Where did you sit at lunch?
Almost identical answers to Whitney T’s: Sophomore year Whit and I sat in the commons, junior year is a total blank and senior year I was barely there.

12. What sports did you play?
I might have played volleyball, but since I was always moving, I always missed tryouts.

13. Were you on any varsity teams?
See above.

14. School mascot and colors?
Knight. Cardinal and Silver, & Bengal, light blue and royal blue.

15. Did you go to homecoming and who with?
I think you know the answer to this one…

16. If you could go back and do it again, would you?
Well, my knee jerk response is "Hellllllllllll no! No!" I didn't have enough wisdom to appreciate things as they happened then, but who does at that age? I don't think going back and doing it again would make much sense, I learned what I needed to learn then and moved on. In general, I am not about "going back" for anything. I live in the present, enjoy this day for what it is, and keep an eye on future.

17. What do you remember most about graduation?
My 29 year old aunt dying the day before. All the family members that came from out of state to see me graduate were too grief stricken to actually come to the graduation. I really didn’t want to go, but they made me. I don’t even remember it, really.

18. Where did you go on Senior Skip Day?
I skipped the whole second half of senior year!

19. Were you in any clubs?
Nope.

20. Have you gained weight since then?
Unfortunately, yes, lol.

21. Who was your prom date?
Didn’t go.

22. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion?
It already happened, and no, I didn’t go.

23. Did you have a job while in high school?
Kind of, I worked full time the second half of my senior year, but I was done with school, so that probably doesn’t count.

Forbidden Fruits

2009-02-24T18:58:00.001-06:00

Yes, that's right-- I totally bought these. And they were delicious! My favorite ones? The "Edward" ones, of course-- they sparkle.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year

2008-12-29T14:10:00.002-06:00

The Annual Fun with Kittehs Christmas cards are late, but will be sent out shortly, as promised. In the meantime, enjoy this one of me and John in our luverly Santa sweaters-- I know you're all jealous!

Shocking.

2008-11-25T13:13:00.001-06:00

It's that time of year. Readers, I kid you not, I have been shocked about 20 times today. I am a static electricity generating factory. Someone should look into using me as an alternative source of energy. My cubicle has more metal then I realized. Go to file some paper work: zap. Hang up my coat: zap. Walk out of cube: zap. Really, I walked out of my cube, and a giant spark leapt from the anchor wall to shock me on my shoulder-- I didn't even touch it, it leapt out to get me. It's getting really old. I don't think I'm dragging my feet, I don't know what I can do to decrease my static. Maybe I'm dehydrated? I don't know if that even matters. So, while this is a great time of year, I could do with out all the shocking.

A Good Fellow

2008-11-06T14:36:00.003-06:00

This comes from Neil Cavuto, and because it brought a tear to my eye, I wanted to share:

CAVUTO: Well, he was classy, magnanimous, a gentlemen, ripped for being out of touch, he chose just the right touch, a man who critics say only mangled his words, conjured just the right ones. I'm not talking about John McCain yesterday. I'm talking about president bush today. McCain gave a very classy speech. The president made a very classy gesture, offering only good words for the man who repudiated his run at the white house, but going one better, inviting Barack and Michelle Obama to the white house to see the place, talk about the place, and the pressures of the place, in private. These were not empty words. The president put a transition team in place months ago so that a smooth transfer of power could take place. President bush didn't have the same offer when he came into office. Lots of hurtful words since then. He wasn't even running this year, but it seemed everyone, including his own party's nominee was running against him all year. If he minded, he really didn't show it. I remember talking to the president on the White House south lawn about it. "Does it all bug you?" I asked him. "Nah," he said, shrugging his shoulders and adding simply, "I understand." A man of the people and the nation seemingly at war with him, some for good reason, and others apparently lacking any reason. He did nothing personally, always handled himself with dignity, not by what he said but precisely what he did not. I have read that the president is as kind to the elevator operator at White House as he is to a visiting [head of] state to the White House. Every time I see him, he sticks around and personally shakes the hand of each member of my crew. That is each member of my crew for one of our interviews, every single one of them, every single picture. Now, I know [these are] little things, but to me these are big things, that speak of a man far bigger than the petty things I see in the press or I hear in a harsh campaign. That ended today with a quiet gesture today, from a president who would be in his right to wag a certain finger, but instead simply [offered] something else: his hand. Not a popular thing to say, is it? But it was, it is, and he's a good fellow.

It is my own opinion that history will redeem George W. Bush, and regardless if that happens or not, I believe he is a good man, and did the best he could. Thank you for your service President Bush.

Oww!

2008-10-31T15:14:00.001-05:00

My mouth is angry at me for all the sugar I've consumed today. And the day is far from over!

We had a costume contest at work today. Sadly, yours truly did not win, but I was the most awesome, truly. This picture does not do me justice:

Due Diligence

2008-10-24T08:00:00.001-05:00

I recently read this well reasoned and supported argument against Barak Obama.

I love ideas, I love learning, I love reason, I love intellectual discussion. That is why I love talk radio--conservative talk radio, specifically. But sometimes it seems that there's a lot of preaching to the choir going on in conservative media, and on the blog front, a lot of really important and interesting writing gets missed. So if I can share some of it, I will, but just know that I will be so glad when this election season has ended. I don't want to shove any more election related anything down any one's throat, because I'm just totally sick of it. But I made an exception for this.

NKOTB

2008-10-22T21:00:00.000-05:00

Last night was so totally fun. I remembered all the words, I sang along, I waved my arm to Hangin' Tough, I squealed and clapped when Step By Step started (by far my favorite part of the show). They really did put on a good show, and I was amazed at Joey's ability to still belt out Please Don't Go Girl. It was really easy to feel, what, 9, 10 years old again in that moment.

Because I was in the younger end of the New Kids fans back in the day, my love for them was just purely innocent girlish adoration and affection (and there were some ladies there last night, a few years older than me, who viewed them in different manner back in the day, and apparently still do, given some of the outfits and comments I heard). And it was fun to revisit that time, and just remember how really sweet and fun it was to be a little girl.

That's Right

2008-10-21T09:09:00.002-05:00

Tonight, I will be hangin' tough with these guys:

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

2008-10-08T10:18:00.008-05:00

So, after every political debate I sit here at my desk the next morning while everyone around me makes their little comments, and I don't say anything, because I don't think work is the appropriate venue for political discourse.

Well, today, I couldn't help myself... 3 guys were laughing at McCain's arms, they were saying things like "what's the deal with his arms, he looks like he's carrying something under there all the time, ha ha ha!"

I jumped up and said, "Yeah, that would be because his plane was shot down and he broke both his arms, along with other injuries, and since he was a PRISONER OF WAR for FIVE YEARS, his bones didn't get set right, and so he can't lift his arms above this high." (I physically demonstrated this part for them)

Silence.

Then "Oh, I didn't know."

And I am left fuming, thinking: Really? You didn't know that? YOU DIDN'T KNOW THAT?!
But you're so well educated and informed!
I guess you also didn't know:
-he fractured both arms and a leg, and nearly drowned
-badly wounded, his captors refused to treat his injuries, beating and interrogating him to get information
-he spent six weeks in the hospital while receiving marginal care
-he lost 50 pounds in 6 weeks
-his hair turned white

I'm not saying to vote for McCain just because he was a POW, but for God's sake, have some respect. This man has fought for, suffered for, and served this country his entire adult life. He has not sought to serve his own self interests. If you differ with him ideologically, you are welcome to your opinion. When I see him, I see someone who has served and will serve his country first. And to not know that about him shows ignorance, and some serious lack of attention to the character of the candidates. It's not as if this biographical information has been buried or suppressed (unlike some of the unsavory information about Obama, but I digress).

Welcome October!

2008-10-01T13:58:00.000-05:00

Hello, Fall! You are my most FAVORITE season! I'm looking forward to all the great things you'll bring, such as:
*a visit from Whitney
*Pumpkin spice lattes
*yummy scented candles
*comfy hoodies & sweatpants
*lazy Sundays falling asleep during football
*lovely leaves
*apple orchards, pumpkin patches and corn mazes
*Halloween (sorry, I love it!)
*my cousin's wedding and my first go as a Maid of Honor!
*spiced cider
*Thanksgiving
*Christmas anticipation

State Fair 2008

2008-08-27T18:25:00.015-05:00

This year, I decided to make a photographic chronicle our food intake. I missed a few items, but for the most part, this is what we did/ate at the Fair.

First attempt at taking a food picture...

John's got a Turkey Leg, I have a Pronto Pup

After a visit to the Leine Lodge. I got Summer Shandy. Mmm.

Beers.

By the Food Building (we had some cheese curds, forgot to take a picture).

John finishing his mom's reuben

This cow reminded us of Cornflake.

Big Fat Bacon Stand

Bacon!!!

I was so excited that I got two ears of corn for one ticket that I ate 'em up before getting a picture!

Steak Sammie. SOOO Tasty

I'm pretty sleepy and ready to go. Backstreet Boys were playing at the Grandstand, so I was waiting to hear "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)". Finally got to hear it when we were almost to the car.

Key Lime Pie on a Stick

I didn't get pictures of the Sweet Martha's cookies that someone else bought and we ate some of. We also bought a bag of saltwater taffy before we left. There were a few things that we usually eat and do that we didn't this time, but, that will give us renewed enthusiasm next year!

It's Almost Time...

2008-08-19T11:21:00.004-05:00

New food item on my list this year: Big Fat Bacon.
One-third pound of bacon, fried and caramelized with maple syrup and served on a stick.

Awww, yeah!

(there will also be chocolate covered bacon, but I'm afraid if I try it, I'll not only like it, I will love it, and that will be the end of me, my friends).

O M G

2008-07-31T22:43:00.003-05:00

I found my cake soulmates (sadly, that phrase does not look or sound odd to me in any way)-- and they are in NYC, OF COURSE.

Click on "weddings" to see the lovely cakes.

These cakes are so ME...must find a way to duplicate...

Update

2008-07-30T19:14:00.003-05:00

I have yet to decide on pretty much anything wedding related-- still looking at sites, still keeping the date open... Should have a decision soon, though, and then I can start getting other things in order.

The Future Mrs. John Crosser

2008-07-01T08:52:00.006-05:00

Wow. I have a wedding to plan!

I think I'm more excited today then I've been since Saturday night (that was the big night, June 28).

I really would love to post a picture or two to go with this post, but I've been having some difficulty with my wi fi connection. So for now, this is a text only post. I'll have some pictures up later today.

Lovely married friends-- any tips, advice, resources you know of, send 'em my way!

I really am so excited. I am glad it's a short work week!

Mr. Winkle

2008-06-27T16:24:00.004-05:00

So, I was checking out Susannah and Trinny's (of What Not to Wear fame) website and they have links to sites they love. One site is Mr. Winkle, a site devoted to a fluffy little dog. So I check it out. I'm randomly clicking things and I come upon this:

This dog has a calendar, and that was January 2008.
If any of you want to visit the site yourself, Mr Winkle

Wall E

2008-06-27T11:06:00.001-05:00

I'm excited to see Wall-E tonight! I love Pixar movies, and I have a feeling this one will be my favorite

it's getting hot...

2008-06-22T13:55:00.001-05:00

Made me laugh:

2008-06-17T09:22:00.002-05:00

from CNN "story highlights" about how astronomers have found a trio of "super-Earths":

Astronomer: "Planets are out there. They're all over the place"

Good to know!

I'm really tired today because...

2008-05-29T07:22:00.004-05:00

I saw the Sex and the City movie last night.

My mom won tickets to a free screening. She wound up not feeling well, so I ended up watching it by myself. And now I have no one to discuss it with! I liked it, and recommend it to any fan of the show.

I don't know how many fans of the show are the type that think it's a template for their life, like it's a lifestyle guide instead of entertainment, but I, obviously, am not one of them. I enjoy the show for what it is-- entertainment. And the movie has all the same elements--the writing is sharp and the humor is sparkling, and the clothes and shoes and the general over-the-topness are all there. In short, it's entertaining.

The only thing I'll say (this won't give anything away, don't worry) is that I did not see Dreamgirls, but after seeing Jennifer Hudson in this, I'm shocked that she won an Oscar. SJP makes it seem effortless, but you'll really appreciate her talent in her scenes with J Hud.

Unfortunate Graphic...

2008-04-25T14:59:00.004-05:00

Sometimes, while an image may exactly capture the essence of the story, said image may be insensitive or otherwise inappropriate to attach to the story. Ahem:

Let's see it up close:

stupid irony

2008-04-17T17:52:00.003-05:00

So, sometime after my post last week, I lost my iPod. I miss it so much :(

I do not know what happened-- I distinctly remember unplugging it from the tape that plays it on my car stereo and dropping it into my purse. The next day, I went to pull it out of my purse and it wasn't there. I text messaged John to see if had it-- nope. I dumped out my purse-- nothing. Looked under the seats in my car-- zip. Looked all around my house-- zero.

I cannot understand how I could lose it walking from my car to my apartment...I think I would have noticed if something of that size fell out of my purse; so I feel like it has to be somewhere in my apartment...but it's not. I do hope I find it. I miss it. I looked at postings on Craigslist, to see if maybe I would want to buy a used replacement until I could afford a new one, and it just made me sad. It's just a little 2GB, but my mom put a little inscription on it for me--a totally dorky one, too-- but now I can't imagine having an iPod without that. And then, if I did lose it, is someone walking about with MY iPod, with MY inscription on it?

Come back to me, little Nano!

I love Tchaikovsky

2008-04-10T15:16:00.005-05:00

Oh Friends, I promise you there is more to my life than my cat's birthday, although not reflected in the content of my blog postings.

I have been a busy lil' worker bee of late, and am plum worn out when I get home at night. The computer screen is about the last thing I want to engage with after hours, and so I have been avoiding my computer (and thus, my blog) by dutifully reading The Other Boleyn Girl (quite enjoyable read) for book club, or else watching season one of The Tudors (also enjoyable, although there is frequent nudity).

Alas, I have finished with both, and so have turned my attention to music. Sometimes the shuffle setting on my ipod leads me to little discoveries, such as: I really love Tchaikovsky (he's not just for Christmas, you know). I derive such deep pleasure from his craft that even my nagging late afternoon headache has dissipated-- yeay for music!

"C-Flake, to meeeeee"

2008-03-25T16:03:00.002-05:00

I hope I'm not the only one that sings songs to my pets. To Cornflake, I sing "C Moon" and substitute "C Flake" in the lyrics. He seems to enjoy it.

Today is lil' C's birthday.

Cool New Product Alert

2008-03-15T17:23:00.004-05:00

I am not the type of girl who gets manicures. I have a few reasons for this-- price, practicality, and the fact that due to my love of milk and milk products, I've always had healthy, strong nails. But occasionally I do like to wear polish. However, I usually don't, because it is hard to apply to my dominant hand (the righty) without the result looking like a four year old applied the polish. Then there's the drying time...being the klutz I am, I always smear and smudge wet polish. Also, it chips and peels and generally looks trashy after about a day or two. So I've just stopped painting my nails altogether. And then I found this:

Dry nail polish applications! No dry time, no difficultly applying to the dominant hand, no smearing. So excellent. Here are my results:

I chose a sheer pink with light pink sparkles. Very subtle and nice. It was so easy, too! This brand, Incoco, is available only at Walgreens. I think I paid about $5. It comes with a nail buff/shine/file and cuticle stick, as well as a polish remover cloth. It says the applications should last for 14 days. Awesome!

Reflections on LOST

2008-02-23T23:38:00.001-06:00

Hmm.

Gorgeous tropical island.

Jack. Desmond. Sawyer.

Food, shelter, etc...

Jack.

I think I'd be perfectly fine staying on that island.

Equally Scary on Land and in the Sea

2008-02-19T09:47:00.006-06:00

I don't know why I watched this video, since I knew it would terrify me, and I was right, it did. Giant Sea Spiders!! WHY? :(

Wussiest Songs of All Time

2008-02-14T15:34:00.008-06:00

In honor of Valentine's Day, amuse yourself with AOL Music's list of 111 Wussiest Songs of All Time

Count all the songs on there that you secretly (or admittedly--Whitney, "MANDY", ahem) like, and post your wuss total in the comments.

4 Under $4

2008-02-09T18:46:00.000-06:00

In honor of the Month of Loooove, here's four things I love, all under $4.

International Delights flavored coffee creamers

So Delicious. I usually drink my coffee black, but once I tried the Chocolate Mint Truffle flavor I was hooked (alas, that flavor is only seasonal). Whitney, these creamers may make coffee palatable even for you.

Olay InShower Body Lotion

Lotion you put on in the shower...like conditioner, but for your skin. I thank Kerri for introducing me to this. It's amazing. I have never been very good at moisturizing after a shower, and so my skin was always dry. But this makes it so easy and smells fantastic.

Naked Juice Tropical Mango

Tastes like paradise. My mouth is watering just from seeing this picture. If you have not tried it, you must; not only does it taste amazing, but it's good for you, too!

Conversation Hearts

Classic and Sweet.

Happy Birthday Bestest

2008-02-02T23:33:00.000-06:00

How Cold Is It?

2008-01-30T14:43:00.000-06:00

Well, I have on two pairs of pants, and if I could have accomodated them, I would have added a third.

1. PJ Pants
2. Jeans

New Favorite Thing

2008-01-28T13:10:00.000-06:00

Minute Rice Ready to Serve brown rice. It's quick (only one minute), easy (nothing to add), delicious, and good for you. I am terrible about bringing things to work for lunch. If I make my lunch ahead of time, I forget it at home. I always forget my lunch bag at work and wind up w/moldy disgusting Gladware. But this-- so easy.

Kitty Love

2008-01-27T20:54:00.000-06:00

Aww, how handsome is Cornflake? He's almost a full grown cat now...

Birthday

2008-01-17T13:38:00.000-06:00

Me on my birthday last year:

Me on my birthday this year:

Last year's picture would have been vastly improved had it featured a cupcake, no?

Happy Birthday to This Guy

2008-01-15T13:51:00.000-06:00

I kind of like him.

I love you Fug Girls!

2008-01-10T12:07:00.000-06:00

I have extolled the hilarity of the lovely ladies who created Go Fug Yourself, Jessica and Heather, many times before on this blog. Here is just another example of why I think they are my cyber bff's:

Still, at least Katie Holmes is interesting to talk about these days. In all the years I watched Dawson's Creek, I never particularly thought Joey Potter would ever make me think. She would make me enraged, irritated, annoyed, and at times murderous -- between Dawson and Pacey, or anyone and Pacey, THE ANSWER IS ALWAYS PACEY, fool --

I was just talking about Pacey this morning on the way to work! The answer is, indeed, always Pacey-- and speaking of Pacey, if the writer's strike ever ends, he is going to guest on some episodes of Grey's Anatomy. I haven't watched that show since it's first season, but you best believe I'll tune in for the Pacey episodes.

Who's Ready for Christmas?

2007-12-23T22:52:00.000-06:00

These guys are!

We made these masterpieces!

More to come...

"It's a Major Award! I won it!"

2007-12-19T11:48:00.000-06:00

I got a phone call from the Regional Vice President this morning-- I have never gotten a call from her, so when I saw her name on my caller ID I immediately thought "Good Lord, what did I do?" She called to tell me I am the recipient of the 4th Quarter Special Achievement Award! I am totally shocked-- whenever they send out the emails about this stuff, I always figure "ah, I'll never be nominated for that," so I'm pretty amazed that I was nominated, let alone that they selected me. It's really nice. I'm the kind of person that appreciates a pat on the back, so it means a lot to hear I'm doing a good job. Plus the bonus money is nice, too, especially this time of year.

Two down. Ten more to go.

2007-12-10T13:41:00.000-06:00

I KNEW I forgot to do something before I left the house this morning! Before I talked to John, I thought it was that I had forgotten to make my lunch. John just called me and told me that two Christmas ornaments were broken when he got up this morning, and then I remembered: I forgot to put the tree away before I left for work.

We just decorated our little tree last night, and already there's two casualties. Damn kitties! Actually, that should be singular, as in damn cat, Smokey. As soon as the tree was decorated he was right there, trying to bite (!) the ornaments and chew on the (fake) tree. Idiot. Cornflake just wanted to be near the tree-- either he saw all the flak Smokey was getting and decided he wanted no part of that, or he's not as DUMB as Smokey and didn't think glass would be tasty.

There are some ornaments that aren't glass, so they should be fine. We'll see what's left when I get home. I suppose it's too much to expect a cat not to be attracted to shiny, round things dangling on a tree. Sigh.

Smelly Cat

2007-12-07T11:39:00.000-06:00

Cornflake is Smelly Cat. He has the worst gas EVER. He eats the same food as Smokey, so I don't know what his problem is, but it's gross. He will come over to me, all cute and "mew, mew, mew" and then will drop a bomb and run off. He is getting coal in his stocking if he keeps this up!

Water Pets, or: The Bane of My Existence

2007-12-03T14:32:00.000-06:00

The jingle from this commercial has stayed lodged in my brain for, oh, almost 20 years now. No one at work remembers it, or the Water Pets toys, but my brain refuses to forget that cursed jingle.

The In Joke

2007-11-28T12:08:00.000-06:00

Why Sponge Bob?

I think I've touched on this subject before, but it was quite some time ago, and a few folks may have missed that post. With the template change, I thought maybe I should explain the Sponge Bob thing. Contrary to everything my blog name and template suggest, I am not a die hard fan of Sponge Bob. In fact, I've only seen that cartoon a few times. Admittedly, it's funny and likable, but I don't have cable and wouldn't go out of my way to watch it if I did have cable, anyhow.

The real reason for SpongeBobAlliance is an In Joke resulting from a personality quiz regarding the cartoon character you are most similar to (obviously the answer being Sponge Bob). My bff's Kerri and Sydne took the same quiz and were also identified as Sponge Bob. There are some other details (this is the In Joke part, so, it's kind of unexplainable-- mystery is appealing, right?), and so Sponge Bob Alliance (SBA) was born.

Now Sponge Bob is a happy, fun guy. He wouldn't have a dark, stark blog template! So I went in search of a new template, and I found this little gem-- actually, it found me. I wasn't even looking for a Sponge Bob template, but there it was. It is happy, warm and bright --like moi, right?-- so I thought it fit quite well.

Mmm, Sugar

2007-11-27T12:02:00.000-06:00

I have coveted Aquolina's Pink Sugar fragrance for a year or so now-- it is delicious, it smells just like cotton candy (which always smells far better than it tastes). I always have a hard time buying fragrance, though, because instead of spending $50 on a new fragrance I usually have free bottle of something or other that I've received for Christmas, so I don't really need a new one. It's a lot easier to part with $4.99, though, which I did gladly when I found Cotton Candy body splash at Walgreen's. It smells exactly the same! It probably doesn't last as long as the $50 fragrance, but for $4.99, that's okay with me. I love deals!

Cat Scratch Fever

2007-11-26T11:33:00.001-06:00

I have Cat Scratch Fever. It's not just a song, it's a real thing, but it's not serious. It's Cornflake's handiwork-- thus upholding his reputation as the "dirty kitty" (he keeps himself clean but he loves to make a mess). He usually doesn't have his claws out when we play, but sometimes he'll get a quick scratch in. I'm usually pretty vigilant about getting the peroxide out if I get scratched, but I missed it this time-- lesson learned.

Got a feel for my automobile

2007-11-15T16:13:00.000-06:00

HOORAY!

Since I'm crummy at updating, many of you may not have known that I've been taking the bus to work for about, oh, 3 months. THREE MONTHS. It was getting old, let me tell you. Due to some boring and tedious circumstances I won't go into, neither my nor John's car were drivable the past few months. But now John's car is fixed, and I was able to drive to work today. It will be so nice to have my independence back, and not be at the mercy of Metro Transit's routes and schedules.

The bus wasn't terrible --I did enjoy being able to sleep on my way to work-- but it is definitely not my preferred method of transportation. Especially as the afternoon driver on my route must have paid someone off in order to get his job: the man cannot drive. He is by far the worst bus driver I've ever had. Sometimes I would work late just to avoid having to risk my life by riding his route.

In other news, I started working part time at the video store by my apartment in the beginning of October. The neighborhood the store is in is a bit "different", and we get some interesting (read: crazy) people in the store. I also discovered that the most annoying question to ask a video store clerk is: "Is this movie good?" Why is that the most annoying question? Because it presupposes that I've seen every damn movie in the store! No, sorry, I haven't seen Gwendoline but I'm sure it's greeeaaat...

I'm proud to say that I voted...

2007-11-12T08:39:00.000-06:00

in the Best CNN Poll EVER:

CNN Quick Vote
Heather Mills: Should she just shut up already?
Yes 94%
No 6%

Fight Malaria!

2007-11-09T12:52:00.000-06:00

I love this campaign because it's straight forward and simple: buy nets, save lives.

http://www.nothingbutnets.net/

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will match your donation, net for net. Nets can prevent malaria transmission by 50 %. To learn more, check out the site-- and tell others!

Substance

2007-11-07T14:18:00.000-06:00

If you have five minutes to spare, this should be read-- and the man it references, Michael Yon, has an excellent site:

hughhewitt.townhall.com/blog/g/645fe332-765f-4ee4-940c-5819a72c2d44

Babies Are Not Like Pets

2007-10-29T08:54:00.000-05:00

This is objectionable on so many levels, I don't even know where to start...

Just Let the Brows Do All the Work

2007-10-17T15:10:00.000-05:00

HA! I just read this post on Go Fug Yourself-- (read my post from earlier today first to make more sense of this...)Whit, this is for you/us:

And how can they kill off John Black on Days Of Our Lives while he's wrapped in head bandages, thus giving us no time to say a proper goodbye to Drake Hogestyn's Irresistably Incredibly Incomprehensibly Amazing Eyebrow of Shock/Terror/Amusement/Boredom/Vengefulness/Arousal? I mean, talk about a fugly thing to do, NBC. If we don't get a cocked-brow montage by the time John draws his last breath, I am going to... sit here and think unpleasant thoughts for five minutes before catching up on Bionic Woman. TRUST ME, YOU DON'T WANT THAT. And, frankly, neither do I -- Bionic Woman is terrible.

Do you guys know how many laughs Whit and I got out of that eyebrow? It cheered us in our darkest hour...

Not Much

2007-10-17T12:00:00.000-05:00

I am just sick of seeing that last post when I pop onto this page, so I'm updating just so I don't have to look at that post anymore.

On Monday I didn't feel well (I'll spare you the details) but stayed at work, but on Tuesday morning when I woke up I still felt icky, so I stayed home. I watched daytime tv, including that old favorite of mine, Days of Our Lives. John Black is on his deathbed, after getting hit by a car. Apparently Stefano is back (for the 1,000,000th time) and it's all his doing. There was some super dramatic "acting" by the actor that plays John Black-- he must be one of the cheesiest actors ever. Good times. I also got to see Martha, and found out Rachel Ray has a talk show: gross. I do not enjoy her personality or fugly face. I shut her off and took a nap.

In other news, I started a part time job at the Hollywood Video by my house. The first shift was a nightmare, but every one after that has been good. I get free rentals, so that's awesome. Apparently my store has the biggest selection in the state, so pretty much anything you can think of, I can rent it for free.

Otherwise, not too much going on. Cornflake has an appointment to get neutered on Oct 26th...can't wait! It was supposed to happen in November but I moved it up-- he's naughty enough, he doesn't need the extra testosterone to help him out.

I was born in small town

2007-09-24T09:04:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, I went up north with my mom to help clean out the lake house before winter. On the way there, we passed Onamia, and my mom told me a story.

One of my dad’s friends, Kenny, is from Onamia, and he used to drive to Princeton every day to get to work.

One morning, he sees a naked man in middle of the highway, on the grassy area that divides the lanes. Kenny stops to see if the man needs help, thinking that maybe he was robbed and beaten up and then stranded, naked.

He pulls up to the man and says “Hey buddy, is everything okay?” and the man says “Yeah, but I need a ride to Princeton,” and Kenny says “alright” since he was going that way.

On the way, Kenny asks the man what happened to his clothes, and the man says “Oh, the devil was chasing me, so I took off all my clothes so he wouldn’t recognize me.”

Kenny drops the guy off in Princeton. That morning, my mom was at work and just happened to be near the front window of the store she worked at, and sees a man running down the street (still naked). When my dad came home from work that day, first thing he says is “Oh man, today Kenny picked up Rick, and he was naked!” and my mom says, “Yeah, I saw him running down the street!” Turns out the naked guy was a guy they knew (small town) and poor guy has some mental issues.

This, my friends, is the kind of stuff I missed out on since we moved away from Princeton when I was five.

Congratulations!

2007-09-04T09:44:00.000-05:00

Kerri and Justin welcomed their son to the world this morning! I am so excited and happy for them.

Back when Kerri and I shared an office, we'd talk about how one day we'd be mommies, and we'd look back at that job and laugh. Can't wait to join you in Mommydom, Kerri, but until then, I will thoroughly enjoy your mommy stories and baby pictures (cannot wait for the baby pictures!!!)

Second Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2007-08-23T12:37:00.001-05:00

My favorite time of the year is Christmastime (my definition of Christmastime begins the day after Thanksgiving and lasts through New Years). My second favorite time: State Fair time! The State Fair closes out summer and heralds my favorite season, Fall. Soon it will be cool enough to wear sweatshirts (God I hate summer clothes!) and jeans everywhere, but not so cold that you can't still wear flip flops. It's the Best!

The Fair is the one place where I can stuff my face with all kinds of treats and not feel an ounce of guilt. In fact, I only feel remorse if I forget to eat something that's on my list. Roasted corn: you're number one on The List.

Here's a picture from last year's trip to the Fair. Maybe one of these lil' guys grew up to be the Biggest Pig in Minnesota! :)

Germs are invisible, but they are there!

2007-08-16T14:04:00.001-05:00

There was a gum wrapper on the floor of the bathroom stall I visited at lunch. I have never been struck by the immediate need for fresh breath while in a bathroom stall. And if such a need did strike, the very fact that I am in a bathroom stall would prevent me from putting anything in my mouth-- you have to touch gum to put it in your mouth, and that, my friends, is just gross, considering that you have probably touched the handle of the stall door to lock yourself in. Think about what the person that touched the handle before you had just been doing. Now, does gum seem like a good idea?

I'm still kind of freaked out

2007-08-02T11:29:00.000-05:00

about the bridge collapsing, but everyone I know is okay.

Also, somehow I chose the most ill fitting pair of underwear I own out of my drawer this morning. I'm considering making a trip to Target on my lunch break to obtain a new pair, just so I can have the satisfaction of tossing this pair in the trash. I had no idea they were so uncomfortable until I was well on my way to work. Lunch cannot come soon enough

Schedule Change...

2007-07-31T16:20:00.000-05:00

I've been debating this in my head for weeks, and have finally come to a decision.
After about a year of working 1030-7, I've decided to change to 8-430...
There are pros and cons for each shift, but I need a change. So, now I'll be getting up early and dealing with traffic, BUT, I will get home at a reasonable time OR be able to go shopping/run errands after work.
That's my big announcement. I realize it's pretty boring. I really don't have much else new going on, though.
I do have a picture of Cornflake getting ready to run around with a cup on his head, though.
Enjoy!

I'd rather be "fat" than vindictive

2007-07-26T10:39:00.000-05:00

I read this in the miscellaneous section jkrowling's website (jkrowling.com), and it is not Harry Potter related-- I was quite surprised and pleased to find these words of wisdom... I'll repost a condensed version here (my favorite part):

'"Fat" is usually the first insult a girl throws at another girl when she wants to hurt her,' I said; I could remember it happening when I was at school, and witnessing it among the teenagers I used to teach. Nevertheless, I could see that to him, a well-adjusted male, it was utterly bizarre behaviour, like yelling 'thicko!' at Stephen Hawking.

His bemusement at this everyday feature of female existence reminded me how strange and sick the 'fat' insult is. I mean, is 'fat' really the worst thing a human being can be? Is 'fat' worse than 'vindictive', 'jealous', 'shallow', 'vain', 'boring' or 'cruel'? Not to me; but then, you might retort, what do I know about the pressure to be skinny? I'm not in the business of being judged on my looks, what with being a writer and earning my living by using my brain...

I went to the British Book Awards that evening. After the award ceremony I bumped into a woman I hadn't seen for nearly three years. The first thing she said to me? 'You've lost a lot of weight since the last time I saw you!'

'Well,' I said, slightly nonplussed, 'the last time you saw me I'd just had a baby.'

What I felt like saying was, 'I've produced my third child and my sixth novel since I last saw you. Aren't either of those things more important, more interesting, than my size?' But no – my waist looked smaller! Forget the kid and the book: finally, something to celebrate!

The trouble is, when you say "well, yeah! I'd rather be "fat" than, say, vindictive, or bitter, the retort is "well, of course you'd say that, you're fat, hahahahaha" It's hard to actually believe it, but who you actually are has so very little to do with your physical appearance. You are more than the size of your waist, you are the choices you make. And while some choices may regard what to eat for breakfast, and you may chose a cookie, when you could have chosen yogurt, the much more important choice regards how you chose to treat people.

I Miss My Book!

2007-07-25T16:05:00.000-05:00

It was so nice to be in a quite apartment, with a good book to read and a few days off from work.

Harry Fever!

2007-07-20T12:19:00.000-05:00

So, about 11 and a half hours to go until the book is released. Everyone at work is asking me what my plans are for tonight. I haven't decided yet. John volunteered to get wrist band and then go back to the store and buy the book... I think it might be mayhem, though, and I wouldn't want him to have to go through that. I think I would like to go to a release party somewhere (probably Barnes) and then just leave around 11 or so, before any one can ruin the ending.

What I'm looking forward to finding out:

What really happened on the tower between Snape and Dumbledore in Half Blood Prince... there was that mysterious snippet of conversation between them earlier in the book that will have to be revisited, and that will shed some light on what really happened, and if Snape is indeed good or evil (or neither?)

How Dumbledore will speak to Harry again...will it be his portrait? Will Harry see more of Dumbledore's memories through the penseive?

What the significance of Harry having Lily's eyes is. I have a half baked theory-- in Snape's Worst Memory, Lily is the only one who sticks up for Snape. Maybe he liked her? She sticks up for him, and is excellent at making potions, like him (although he did call her a mudblood). Maybe he hated James so much because he married Lily? And maybe at some pivotal moment, Snape looks at Harry, and instead of seeing James, like he always does, he sees Lily, in Harry's eyes. Or not. But in some way, Harry having Lily's eyes will be important-- like, save his life important.

The two way mirror Sirius gave Harry. Where's the other half? It has to be useful, why else would it have been introduced to the plot?

Wormtail owes Harry a life debt... how will he repay him?

What is Harry's power that the Dark Lord knows not? It seems agreed upon that it is his capacity for love, despite everything that has happened to him. How does this help him defeat Voldemort? And at what cost to Harry?

Utah!

2007-07-18T16:26:00.000-05:00

So, it's been a gazillion years since I've been to Utah for a visit, and I finally was able to book my tickets today...Hooray!!

And some that die deserve life

2007-07-16T16:23:00.000-05:00

A coworker of mine passed away this past Saturday, quite suddenly and unexpectedly. She was 24.

Many people have been consoling themselves with thoughts that she is in a better place, and those types of things.

I'm sure that is true.

But it also seems trite. She was young and sweet and beautiful, and I'm sure given the choice, she'd have chosen to continue her journey on this plane for quite a bit longer.

There is no fairness or meaning to her death-- it wasn't "her time" and it wasn't part of any plan, it just is.

At work, there is still laughing, and people complaining about work issues. Everyone was upset this morning, to be certain, but if you walked in here right now, you wouldn't necessarily know that a co-worker just passed away.

And what I am left with is the thought that our own life means the very most to only us, an idea that can be both formidable and empowering.

Headphones...preventing rampage killings since 1910

2007-07-09T11:07:00.000-05:00

Every morning, someone I work with buys a bag of chips, then proceeds to inhale the contents as fast and and loud as she can. I honestly don't think I could eat that loud if I tried.

Happy 4th of July!

2007-07-03T12:24:00.001-05:00

This comes from the Medved Memo, which is written by Michael Medved and goes out every Friday. I thought it was perfect and wanted to share it with you guys:

On July 2, 1776, after long and wrenching debate, the Continental Congress voted to declare independence from the Mother Country and the next night John Adams went back to his rooming house in sweltering, sticky Philadelphia to write, by candlelight, perhaps the most famous letter in American history. Addressing his beloved wife Abigail in far-away Boston, he exulted in the birth of a new nation:

The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore.

You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of the toil and blood and treasure that it will cost us to maintain this Declaration and support and defend these states. Yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all the means. And that posterity will triumph in that day's transaction, even although we should rue it, which I trust in God we shall not...

It may be the will of Heaven that America will suffer calamities still more wasting, and distress yet more dreadful. If this is to be the case, it will have this good effect at least. It will inspire us with many virtues which we have not, and correct many errors, follies and vices which threaten to disturb, dishonor and destroy us. The furnace of afflication produces refinement, in States as well as individuals...But I must submit all my hopes and fears to an overruling Providence, in which, unfashionable as the faith may be, I firmly believe.

The prophetic nature of his vision still makes the heart race and takes the breath away, some 231 years later. Predicting "illuminations" (the 18th Century term for fireworks!) to celebrate Independence Day from "one end of the continent to the other" remains almost freakishly prescient. When Adams wrote those words, the colonies occupied only a narrow, intermittent strip of settlements along the eastern seaboard; the very notion of a true continental nation looked wildly implausible, all but unimaginable.

The one mistake in Adams' view of the future involved his assumption that future generations would celebrate the Second of July (the date of the adoption of the resolution for Independence) rather than the Fourth of July (the date Congress approved the specific wording of the Declaration which Adams had helped his friend Thomas Jefferson to write.

In any event, those who insist on dismissing or denying the nation's deeply religious heritage should ponder the words of this "Atlas of Independence." Adams expects that we will celebrate the nation's founding through "solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty" (don't tell the ACLU!). After bitter, exhausting political battles in Philadelphia (corresponding to simultaneous -disastrous- military battles conducted by Washington's army in New York) he recognized the role of Providence in the ongoing struggle and, at a moment of exultation, proved himself not just a far-seeing leader, but a prophet.

May we celebrate our nation's beginning in a manner worthy of such founders.

Happy Independence Day!

total hate

2007-06-29T13:14:00.002-05:00

SO SICK OF IT:
"Some 83.33 percent of California's urban interstates are overcrowded, followed by Minnesota at 77.78 percent and New Jersey at 73.35 percent, according to the 16th annual survey by The Reason Foundation, a Los Angeles-based nonpartisan group"

What does that mean? That means traffic all the time. On Sunday, at 3pm, for no good reason. And me yelling. A lot.

So, you're twins, then?

2007-06-27T14:10:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to my Dad!
And also to my Uncle Allen, born the same day, 8 years later. A waitress once made the comment above about them being twins...yeah...

Hanging Out with Cornflake

2007-06-25T14:03:00.000-05:00

Ohyestheydid

2007-06-22T11:16:00.000-05:00

Well, it's happened already.

The ending to the last Harry Potter is rumored to have been leaked, and some ass decided to post the information on a site that has zilch to do with Harry Potter-- ONTD (Ohnotheydidnt). ONTD is my guilty break time pleasure twice a day, it has random movie, music and tv gossip. I read the leaked info without even knowing what I'd read, because what I clicked to read about was the chick who plays Callie on Grey's Anatomy doing one of those milk ads-- something that has nothing to do with Book 7, at all. Once I'd realized what I read, I couldn't forget it. It was a list of the characters who die.

I hope that the ending hasn't been leaked, and I suppose I won't know until I read the book if it's true or not, but I'm pissed just the same. Why are people so mean?

I guess I have to move the date of my ban on the internet up to a whole MONTH before the book comes out. Actually, I will just have to ban checking out ONTD, I doubt checking my bank account or scanning CNN is going to contain spoilers...

I desire...pot roast

2007-06-20T14:05:00.000-05:00

I had a great visit with Whitney-- there was the aforementioned pot roast, Winzerstube, pretty flowers, Twins (they won!), Hebrew Nationals on a Foreman Grill, Lessons About Wisconsin, creepy antiques, Sebastian Joe's, depressing polar bear, homemade cheese curds, Magic Pan crepes, pretty things from La Rue Marche, vintage shoes (heels that actually fit a size 4!), sniffing the Allspice tree, Nice Old Ladies, never ending sunburn, crazy bumper stickers, missed flight, bonus day off & extra visiting time...Whitney has the pictures, and since she stands by her Old Timey Camera commitment, we have no idea what our pictures look like and get to be surprised. I will admit, it's kind of fun not knowing how the pictures look, and it gives me a little something to look forward to when I go pick up my mail :)

Can I give my superpower back? Thanks.

2007-06-04T17:08:00.000-05:00

Hi, I'm Barometer Girl, able to predict pressure systems with uncanny ability. How, you ask? By the pounding pain in my cranium! Yes, it feels like my right eyeball is going to go shooting out of my skull any moment now...must be a pressure system rolling in.

Dammit.

The Two Gentlemen of Fremont and the Fiery Death Avoided

2007-06-01T13:22:00.000-05:00

I came home to find my two cats looking guilty-- I think I caught them right after the Naughty Act had occurred. Smokey was on the windowsill, and Cornflake was on the counter, and below them, a broken antique lamp lay in the kitty drinking fountain (which is powered by electricity, and is necessary as it encourages Smokey to drink there instead of out of the toilet, thank you very much). So, the lamp was still plugged in, laying in the bowl of water that was also plugged in. Everything was fine, however, I couldn't help but wonder, over the years, how many cats have been responsible for apartment fires?

Not exactly the mystery I expected...

2007-05-25T10:59:00.000-05:00

I rented the Lake House last night, to satisfy my burning curiosity-- how could two people have a love affair two years apart? I would come up with scenarios, but ultimately none worked. My problem was that I was limiting myself to reality, which apparently this movie did not feel encumbered by, because the driving plot device behind it was a MAGIC MAILBOX.

At least I didn't spend $8.50 to find that out.

Beverly Strikes Again!

2007-05-22T15:16:00.000-05:00

Check out this bit from The Bleat, the blog belonging to James Lileks (linked in my Favorite Sites section). He recently took a vacation to Disneyworld, and Epcot also has a Coke sampling area (it's more fun than the one in Vegas, b/c it's self serve and it's FREE):

"I enjoyed the Cokes From Around the World pavilion – a place where you could sample beverages produced by the Coca-Cola Sugar-Water Concern, free of charge. I got to sample Krest, a Mozambique fluid. It was ginger ale, more or less. But ginger ale from Mozambique! Of course, I had to take their word for it. Could have been Root Beer from Bongo Congo for all I knew. They also had something called “Beverly,” an Italian drink with a nasty bitter anise taste, and a Spanish fluid as sweet as the Pope’s tears. The drinks were free. You were gently encouraged to peruse the Coke-themed merch, but to my regret the items for sale lacked any foreign soda logos. Opportunity lost."

Beverly-- universally hated by Americans everywhere.

Two Mews are loads of fun

2007-05-21T13:48:00.000-05:00

This was the only picture I could get of the little mew this weekend (we have a name, we think, but I won't announce it until we're certain), because he is so CRAZY I can't get a good one unless he's asleep. He LOVES to play, and is completely fearless. He is also quite the daredevil. Smokey has adjusted beautifully, they play together all day, it's extremely entertaining. The cat tree was well worth it! Nothing's been broken-- yet.

Sublime Sucks

2007-05-16T17:24:00.000-05:00

That's right, I hate that band, I've always hated them. I was reminded of how much I hate them when I had to place a call for work, and instead of getting to listen to the phone ring, I had some crap Sublime song inflicted on my eardrums. I have never understood why they were so popular. What is the big attraction? It's gutter pop. The songs often featured crude and vulgar lyrics and glorified drug use (look how great that turned out for them...). Wow, how awesome. Keep it.

On the path to Crazy Cat Ladyhood?

2007-05-15T14:19:00.000-05:00

I think not, however, I do now own a leopard print cat tree (it was the only one on sale!). Since my apartment is cozy, this particular piece kind of dominates the living room now, and so it appears that I'm All About Cats. And when Kitten comes home, and does his damage, it's really going to be the Lair of the Cat Lady. Which is fine with Smokey, because he thinks everything is his, anyway.

kitten update

2007-05-14T14:33:00.000-05:00

I didn't see my kitten this past weekend (first weekend I haven't visited him), but I am picking him up on Wednesday to bring him home, so, there will be lots of pictures from here on out :) I am preparing to enjoy my last nights of peaceful sleep for quite awhile...

Saturday John and I went to the Twins game w/Jeff and Angie. It was my first game of the season-- unfortunately they did not win, but I had my Dome Dog, so, I can't complain. :)

Kitten at 5 weeks: almost ready to come home...

2007-04-30T11:59:00.000-05:00

More pictures of the kitten! He's sooooooo cute and fuzzy! He's starting to run and pounce, it's very cute. We're still undecided on his name, we should probably settle on one sometime soon, though.

He was yawning, and the picture came out fuzzy. John wanted me to keep it because it kind of looked like he was roaring. Fierce little mew!

Here he is next to a shoe-- yes, he's really that small! :)

It was hard getting him to hold still, he wanted to run and explore-- here he is about to take off.

Diet Coke is PSYCHIC!

2007-04-23T18:24:00.000-05:00

The makers of my beverage of choice, Diet Coke, are starting to frighten me with their anticipation of my every need.
When I desired that Diet Coke be made with Splenda, it suddenly appeared. Recently -ok, last Friday, to be exact- I thought "I should stop drinking so much Diet Coke, it's leaching vitamins from my system" and lo and behold, that very night, what do I find at the store? Diet Coke Plus, with VITAMINS! How did Diet Coke know?

Friday afternoon...time for KITTIES!

2007-04-20T15:24:00.000-05:00

I took these last Sunday-- look how much he's grown!

Check out mama Sidney waving for the camera:

Lunchtime!

John says that our kitten looks like Simba in this picture:

A Book Worth Reading:

2007-04-18T16:15:00.000-05:00

Exposing the Real Che Guevara: And the Useful Idiots Who Idolize Him, by Humberto Fontova.

The fact that people admire this scumbag is pathetic. He committed atrocities against humanity, and losers wear him on their t-shirts. LOSERS.

Kitties! Part II

2007-04-14T11:31:00.000-05:00

I've been meaning to post these pictures of the kittens. One is a boy, one is a girl. John and I are taking the boy. Haven't thought of a name yet.
These were taken when they were a week old (they'll be 3 weeks old this Sunday, I believe).

My little mew's on the one on the right:

New momma Sidney and her nursing babies:

Teeny Tiny

More fuzzy, furry cuteness to come soon!

Yippee!

2007-04-12T14:35:00.000-05:00

The Twins ballpark plans were revealed today. Can't wait til 2010! :)

In other Nerd News...

2007-04-06T16:14:00.000-05:00

X-Files creator Chris Carter and writer Frank Spotnitz are said to be working on a script for a second movie. Sweet

And:

Star Wars postage stamps. You can vote for your fav at http://www.uspsjedimaster.com/main/vote/view_stamps.html

Excellent.

The Cover:

2007-03-28T14:31:00.000-05:00

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

Here's the whole thing:

Capital Idea

2007-03-28T11:23:00.000-05:00

KITTIES!

2007-03-26T13:35:00.000-05:00

John and I have been discussing getting a friend for Smokey. The weekend before last we visited the Humane Society and met many nice mews that need homes. It was hard to see all those cats there, and to know that some of them might not find homes. I felt like I might cry the whole time I was there. There were some older cats, 7 or 9 years old, and I wanted to take them all home because I was worried no one else would. However, I don't think Smokey would like living with 12 other cats. Actually, I'm not sure how happy he'll be about one other cat... I wish I could ask him.

I thought a male, around one or two years old, would work out best. But John met a very pretty girl mew, and we considered her for a bit. She was tagged with the most unfortunate moniker: Football. She was far too pretty a kitty to be named Football! I wasn't sure how Smokey would get along with a girl, though. We left the Humane Society without adopting a mew, because we weren't sure yet what kind of cat would be best.

Then this past weekend we were vistitng John's sister Sue, and she asked us if we thought her little kitty Sidney was pregnant. We both said it looked like she was, and that we'd take one if she has a litter. Well, Sue called last night and said "my cat's in labor!" so, in a few weeks, I will have a kitten. I am worried that a kitten may annoy Smokey, or destroy my apartment, but there are already 4 cats living at Sue and Jackie's, so, these kittens will all need homes. I can't help feeling a little guilty about all those mews at the Humane Society, though... :(

You can have my share, I don't want it

2007-03-22T10:24:00.000-05:00

This made me laugh:
According to Wcco.com: "No matter what we think about ourselves, we drink more alcohol per capita in Minnesota than almost anywhere in the country."

Essentially, I'm not a drinker. On average, I might have a drink a month. Some months, no drinks at all, other months, maybe a few drinks on a weekend. But on the whole, not a drinker. Neither is John.

So, who's drinking our share to drive up the average?

Financial Wizard

2007-03-21T12:50:00.000-05:00

I bet you all think John is the brains of the operation here, especially when it comes to finances, but trust me, I have my moments. Take today, for example. Today I desire Benihana for lunch. However, instead, I'll be eating a .43 cent frozen burrito. That's a savings of about $12 or something like that. Yeah. Who's smart now?

Let them eat pretty cake

2007-03-20T14:45:00.000-05:00

I've been having wedding nightmares (which would make more sense if I was actually engaged and planning one, but, whatever). I think it's rather telling that in the worst case scenario my subconscious created, the cake was ugly and the music was bad. That was enough to make me upset. Apparently those are my two main wedding concerns: cake and music. Sounds about right.

BLEEEEEEEARGGGGGGH!!!!

2007-03-13T18:52:00.000-05:00

OH.MY.GOD.

I just looked at the amount in taxes coming out of my next check.

I feel like vomiting.

Robbery.

YES!

2007-03-12T11:30:00.000-05:00

It's 45 degrees right now, and the high today is supposed to be 52. Hooray!

I think winter is good for us. It helps us appreciate the loveliness of mild spring days.

My not-so-secret Secret

2007-03-09T11:12:00.000-06:00

I wear a sports bra to work.

That's right. To work.

And I love it.

Look, maybe it gives me uniboob, but I really don't care. It's comfortable. Waaay more comfortable then an underwire digging into me all day long, or straps falling down constantly. I feel supported and secure and comfy. And if I wear a button down shirt, there's no gaps between the buttons any more. Yeah, the girls are a bit flattened down, but really, do I need to be boobalicious at work? No.

Cheers to you, sports bra. You make my work week infinitely better with your low key support and racerback straps. I love you.

Let's take a dip in the Strawberry River!

2007-03-06T13:28:00.000-06:00

Last night John and I watched "Tenacious D in: The Pick of Destiny", and there was a part that made both of us laugh so hard that we cried. My jerk neighbor banged on the wall-- that's how hard we laughed (then the cat fell off the bed and we laughed even harder).

so money, baby

2007-03-05T10:44:00.000-06:00

Ok, so, I know it's not really polite to talk about money, but, I am too pleased to be polite.

First thing this morning, my boss met with me to go over my direct compensation statement and let me say, it was a great way to start out my day! My raise is actually a real raise, and will make a bit of difference to me. This is the first time I've experienced a decent raise, and I have to say, I quite like it.

Another first: a bonus. I've never worked at a company that gave out bonuses, so this is pretty nice, too.

Icing on the cake, really.

It's only been a month or so...

2007-03-03T15:12:00.000-06:00

So, I have a really slow wireless connection at my apartment, but I can't complain, because it's free. However, it precludes me from posting pictures on blogger, because it's just way too slow. It'd take all night to get one picture up. Anyhow, I'm at John's today, and so I can finally post some pics from when Whit came to visit.

someone's sassy!

all visitors must pass inspection

A series of pictures in which we make silly faces:

Whitney experiments w/my Mac's special effects:

Know This: it was a good times!