Have you ever had one of those days where you just seem to drop everything? I mean, I dropped the brush doing my hair, then the cat food went all over the floor. Here at work I dropped the paychecks I'd just spent an hour sorting...yeah, I'm cooler than usual today. Stear clear.

I've also hear a rumor that next Tuesday there may be company-wide layoffs here at Monster. I'm trying to get confirmation from my manager or at least find out what departments will be hit, but I'm scared as all hell. This panic is further fueled by today's news that Nightskye got laid off. I'm searching our database now for him...and me too.

I just found out that I have not one but TWO extra tickets to the Janes Addiction/Live show next Tuesday night. Grips is shooting a music video somewhere in NH and there's no way he'll be able to get back in time for the show. This news is on top of Blixx getting a call to do some editing work on Wednesday the 3rd. We'd planned on me banging in sick, but it looks like it's just not in the cards.

I have no idea what our plans are for this weekend. I'm meeting Blixx & Toad at Toad's house when they get back from their shoot (around 8 probably) and I'm cooking them dinner - I'm thinking maybe salmon steaks on the grill with some fresh dill and some rice on the side, but it seems mean to make them grill in the rain. Yeah, its going to rain this weekend so that limits the outdoor activities for us. I'd wanted to go to the Big E but I doubt Blixx will want to walk around all day. I'd wanted to go to the Durham Fair, but I doubt that we'll want to drive all that way, especially if Tempest & Purge will be on the Island. Maybe we'll catch a movie. Maybe we'll do our laundry again. Maybe we'll just sit on our asses all weekend long.

I'm depressed (despite the game). This year was supposed to be filled with wonderful new things and none of my dreams came true. We haven't bought a house and probably won't until next year, unless by some miracle we can get our finances in order. We don't have new cars and the big vacation I'd hoped to take has turned into a long weekend in Florida sleeping on SherBears fold out couch. I'm looking forward to Florida, but I'd wanted another cruise or something. That's it - I want SOMETHING to happen. Something to change. Something.

Today is not my day.

Peace.

I wrote the ladies a poem:


I usually do it in my house
and I'm never quiet as a mouse
I like to do it in the shower
thank you God for battery power
I have done it in a tent
both with and without my gent
I have done it in the car
while traveling near and far
I sometimes do it on the table
when I'm feeling able
You should do it on the couch
it's fun, I can vouch
I don't do it all the time
as Blixx is quite sublime
but if this is a game
I wish to proclaim
That I'm IN
and that I've pretty much always been.



I have all the necessary equipment, including a back-up because you can never be too sure in these life/death situations. I believe I qualify as an advanced user, as I have several years of experience under my belt.

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Last night we watched the premiere of Enterprise, the newest Star Trek adventure. Blixx has always been a trekie, but I'm a fan of the original all the way. Scott Bacula just doesn't have the charisma to make me believe that he's the leader. Most of the cast are wishy washy - there's a severe lack of alien crew members, as this is set in a time before James T Kirk made it his mission to bang every alien honey he could get his old man hands on. Our token aliens are a doctor who reminds me a little too much of Nelix from Voyager, and then there's the vulcan. Ahhh, the vulcan science officer is a hottie who reminds me a great deal of Angelina Jolie. It's just too wierd to have the pouty lips and big soulful eyes on an uptight vulcan. I even think she's better put together than 7 of DD, but she's a vulcan so it can't go anywhere. Pouty lips shouldn't be on a vulcan. You can check her out almost naked in the October issue Maxim. Oh, and don't get me started about the HORRIBLE intro music. They have totally ditched the "Space...the final frontier..." for this hokey 80's soft rock! Yuck!

Thanks for letting me vent. You see, Blixx complains that he can't watch Star Trek with me because I can't seem to keep my whitty (sarcastic & apparently annoying) commentary to myself. He actually stopped watching Voyager because he couldn't take watching it with me. I'm telling you the truth here people - he stopped watching the series all together. I merely point out plot holes or how the time space continueum is for shit...stuff like that. I did pretty well last night, but I'm really going to have to watch myself. I'm a Buffy addict and if he starts to fuck with me during my show I'll have to kill him. I don't want to - he's a good husband - but he won't leave me much choice if he starts ragging on the Buffster.

Wolf Lake was on CBS last night too. It was the second episode and while I think there's potential there, I'm not sure that CBS will take it to the level of darkness needed to hook fans. I do hope that the series helps Lou Diamond Phillips be known for something other than being the guy whose wife was stollen away by Melissa Etheridge. I'll watch it one more time then thats it!

I am a self-proclaimed expert on bad TV. Go ahead, ask me anything...

I’ve discovered WinMx, a Napster type clone. It’s awesome! I’ve downloaded almost 300 songs, including the Jaws theme (which I want to set as my start up music) & some hilarious Simpsons quotes, among many many many other songs.

Chynakatt’s current favs: (check back because the menu changes daily)
Alicia Keyes – ‘Fallin’ is all over the radio, but her other tracks are beautiful blues & jazz
Runner up prize to: Blu Cantrell, Hit ‘em up style

Music you should listen to that you might not have heard before:
Portishead & Melissa Ferrick.

Nightskye – if you’re still into angry women guitarists check out Melissa Ferrick.

I just walked back from the local Thai food place where for $6 I got enough pad thai to last for lunch the rest of the week. I’ve had better, but it’s quite tasty and a value so I’m not complaining. Work is still super duper slow. We’re all managing to LOOK busy, but I’m really scared of layoffs. There have been a lot of closed-door manager meetings lately and I don’t like it one bit. My resume is being updated almost daily.

Delta Is Ready For Job Cuts Here I was thinking I was safe because my flight to Florida is on Delta. Crapass!! The website offers no specific information on flights (other than today's) so I'll just have to sit back to wait & see. I really hope I don't have to scramble to get new tickets - they will be super expensive & I'd gotten a particularly good deal. Did I mention crapass!?!

Anti-terrorism proposals worry civil libertarians Big Brother will be watching all of us more than ever - part of this proposal would allow greater wire tapping and other forms of surveillance. What do you think?

Former U.S. embassy in Kabul torched

Nothing noteworthy to post in world events - for a change.

Angel premiered last night & was very entertaining. I liked how they handled the whole Buffy is dead thing. They ran the new theatrical trailer for Lord of the Rings...OMG! Blixx can't possibly wait until December to see it. I'm guessing we'll be in line for tix early in the day & will have to wait in line...just like the Star Wars flix.

That's it for today - not a lot to report.

Peace.

News agency receives purported bin Laden message “We hope that these brothers will be the first martyrs in the battle of Islam in this era against the new Jewish and Christian crusader campaign that is led by the Chief Crusader Bush under the banner of the cross.” Read this – if you aren’t mad already, you will be. I wonder if Bush minds being the Jewish crusader?

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Happy Birthday to UIM! I had no idea there were so many fellow Virgo’s in the Clot. Happy 15th birthday.

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MY WEEKEND
Blixx worked Friday with Toad so I met them over there when they got back. We drank some, them went over to Uno’s for some dinner and further drinking. We will leave the house and meet people and all will be well in the world. Blixx had been strung out all week so that by the time I even got to Toad’s he was wasted on 2 beers. For those of you who know him IRL, you’re just going to have to believe me on this, hard as it is. He was so out of it that I had to order his dinner for him! We watched some of the telethon for a bit and Toad eyed some honeys at the bar, but in the end we decided that perhaps a more private setting for our end of the week dementia was best for everyone involved.

Saturday I let Blixx sleep in until 12:30. We did next to nothing all afternoon. I mean, I went and got some cheese & crackers at one point, but other than that we just looked at the dirty dishes and wondered why the trash had such a funk…but didn’t do a damn thing about it. Exhaustion is a scary thing and I wanted him to get as much rest as possible. We finally saw the final episode of Xena & were both pleased that Gabrielle and Xena had a nice kiss. We also saw an episode of BeastMaster the series that I hadn’t seen yet, so it was a decent afternoon of stupid TV. That guy is dumb as a bag of rocks, but his abs....Mmmmmmmmmm.

SherBear called from Florida and we ended up talking for over an hour. It was AWESOME to talk to someone who is right on the same page as far as the fears and terror of recent events. Blogging helps me to sort all of the crap out, but hearing her say all the same things that I’ve been thinking in the back of my head was wonderful. I am so pissed at her that she moved to Florida – it was nice to have a girlfriend to talk to on a regular basis. And even though she’s a size 6 on a fat day, she’s fun to shop with.

She was a volunteer phone operator for Friday’s telethon, and sent me this e-mail this morning:
Hello, I just wanted to share something with all of you that happened to me last night. I volunteered along with thousands of other Disney employees to answer phones in our call center in Orlando, FL for the Tribute to Heroes on TV. From 10 pm - 2 am the calls came in one after another, after another. We took calls from Canada, NJ, NY, CA, NM, IL, etc ... At about 11:30pm I received a call from Brie Freedman, a 13 year old girl who told me she had no money to give, but she wanted to sing a song. For the next few minutes I listened to this beautiful angel's voice sing for those this country has lost, for firefighters and police, moms and dads, brothers and sisters and children. I cried, and at the end she said "That's all, that's all I have to give." and I told her that was more than enough.

I wanted to share this story with everyone, to remind you know that whatever you give is enough. It doesn't need to be money, it can be a simple act of kindness or loving words. It can be a smile to stranger, it can be anything you want. I think from this point on this country needs anything you can give, anything at all. Let us not forget 2 months from now, 2 years from now or 2 decades from now that the people in this country rely on each other to survive ... and there are children like Brie who look forward to growing up appreciating the same freedoms we have known.

love and peace to you all, SherBear & FedExMan

Real life story.

Saturday evening, Blixx and I took a long shower then went out to see The Bruce Marshall Band at a little bar/restaurant in Ashland. The bassist is the former sound guy for the now defunct Wave Inc, where Blixx used to work. We ate traditional pub food for dinner with Tetley’s on tap. The show was excellent, despite the bar being 2000 degrees. We wanted to stay for the full show, but Blixx & I departed around midnight because he had to work Sunday.

Blixx was up and out of the house entirely too early so I rolled over with Cleo the cat and we slept until 11am. It felt great! I met up with Blixx on the Trading Spaces shoot, as they were shooting in the next town over. I met all the folks he’s been talking about these past few weeks, which was nice. I also saw first hand why he’s been so frustrated with the production…the director doesn’t give direction and the homeowners are a far cry from professional actors!

The production coordinator Natalie is a dead ringer for Rebecca Herbst who plays Elizabeth Webber on General Hospital. I mean, they could be twin sisters. Hey Blixx, click HERE to see her picture and tell me I’m lying. I dare you.

Bledsoe knocked out in Patriots loss. I was over at DrJim’s house yesterday after visiting the shoot with Toad and some other folks watching the Patriots get slapped by the Jets. They were way off their game during the 2nd half. I mean, they aren’t the greatest football team when they are playing at 100%, but it was a particularly ugly display, even for them. I thought it was great that the Jets coaching staff were wearing FDNY & NYPD hats to honor those we’ve lost. It was touching.

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FROM TEMPEST’S BLOG
>…However, am I the only one who noticed that GW declared war on all terrorists and said that Great Britain was our dearest friend? My point? I wonder what the IRA is doing now? A-Rabs aren't the only ones known as terrorists. Very interesting <
Wonder no more: Two pipe bombs thrown in Belfast.

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All of the outpouring of support for the WTC & Pentagon attacks has been unprecedented, but I think we all need to take a step back and remember the other charities that are falling by the wayside. As I walked into WalMart the other day a kind man asked me for a donation on behalf of the K of C children’s fund. I declined and remember smugly thinking to myself, how can he be asking for money when there’s all those folks in NYC & around the globe who just lost their lives. As I wandered the store in search of nothing (& picking up all sorts of somethings) I kind of came to my senses. Breast Cancer & Diabetes research hasn’t halted in light of recent events! There are still hungry families all across the country, not just in NYC! HIV & AIDS research must continue! Of course I can’t find the article to link it, but I read recently that donations to ‘other’ charities have fallen over 60%. While I do think that downturn will change as American’s become more comfortable (hopefully not complacent) with our current state of affairs, I want you all to remember the other worthy causes out there. PaulRSmith (new link added to the left) posts the link to Helping.org. Check it out. I gave the K of C guy the last $5.00 in my wallet.

Peace.

Whos With Us - Whos Against Us
This is a pretty detailed article that outlines what kind of military support we can expect to receive from different countries around the globe.

Boston, Hollywood On Alert

While I'm not sure that there will be any additional attacks, I do know that I won't be in the Prudential Tower in Boston this weekend. In fact, my crappy little failing industrial city Worcester seems a really nice and safe place to spend the weekend. While plans for the BigE are up in the air, I'm not sure that I want to go...anywhere that many people are gathered seems like to easy of a target.

Gen (X + Y) + WTC = ?

This article discusses the generation gap and how we are all effected.

“Whether we bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done.” President Bush, Address to Congress, September 20, 2001

Click HERE for a full transcript of the President’s speech last night. I wasn’t going to watch, telling myself that I didn’t need to know what he had to say. It terrified me to the core.

We’re going to war. I just can’t get my mind to fully wrap itself around the idea. War is something you study in school, not something that you live through. This will be no Gulf War, watched from the safety of our living rooms. People we know are going to go to war and may not come back. We already have our citizen soldiers working as rescue & recovery crews for the WTC and Pentagon disasters. Read Ally's post...she speaks from the heart. I cried.

Is anyone else concerned over the global implications of the edict “Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists?” In essence we’re declaring war on all of the Middle East and any countries that for whatever reason cannot or will not contribute their armed forces to this battle.

“In all that lies before us, may God grant us wisdom and may he watch over the United States of America. Thank you.”
I knew that he would mention God and I had planned on a raging editorial about the separation of church and state…not today. We all need to cling to our faith (in a higher power, in ourselves, in each other) to get through the next few days/weeks/months/years.

FROM THE BOSTON HERALD:
BOSTON -- U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft told acting Gov. Jane Swift and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino that terrorist strikes could be attempted in Boston in the coming days, though he stressed that no specific threats had been made.Authorities have said that Sept. 22 -- Saturday -- emerged as an important date in evidence found during investigations into the hijackers.
An unidentified source told the Herald that following Thursday's telephone call, law enforcement agencies will be out in force at places such as Logan airport and the Quabbin Reservoir, which provides Boston with much of its drinking water.

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Just last week I was sitting in a bar kicking Grips & telling him to snap out of it. He's worried about his family. He's worried what kind of world little V will grow up in. I don't know why it took until now for it to really sink in, but I'm scared too. I'm scared that I came THIS CLOSE to the American Dream, only to have it torn away! All of my expectations for my future and family are in flux. Do I even want to bring children into the world?

I'm also worried that jobs will dry up and the ecomomy will go into a recession and I'll get laid off from Monster. I'm worried that Blixx won't be able to find any work other than covering news developments. I'm worried that the terrorists will continue to attack us on our soil, but I'm also worried that we'll have to live in fear of these attacks forever.They really don't have to do anything else to us...we're scared enough. I'm worried that our children will grow up in a world of fear, where the words 'war effort' and 'rationing' are as common to us as Nintendo and candy.

Nightskye posts some rants today about Broadway's blog and while I do feel bad that these broadway shows are closing, I really don't think this is the worst of our problems. Getting transportation in and out of the city is a bitch, and with all of the news coverage showing NYC in ruins, you can't blame the rich tourists from CT for not wanting to make the journey. I'm sorry Broadway & Skye, but think about it. Certainly, buy tickets for shows. Hell, support the major sports and venues in your area, because if broadway is effected now, it only stands to reason that the entire entertainment industry will falter. Blixx has plenty of work this month, but what about next...? Next year? Definately support the arts, but don't have unrealistic expectations.

If it makes people feel better to cancel vacations and pull money out of the markets, so be it. I personally am going to look into purchasing some stocks dirt cheap so that I'l be wealthy (American Dream) when this thing is all over. I'm also still flying to Orlando in October. I figure, what the fuck? Anything could happen at any time and we're all very mortal. If I'm meant to die in a crash, I tell you that I'd be one of the passengers who fights back!

I heard a story on the radio today. On a recent flight out of Denver, the pilot came over the intercom and said (total paraphrase here, don't sue) to the passengers "We're on our own here people and we have to watch out for each other. I want to assure you that security has gone over thae plane and there is no bomb on board. If anyone were to say so, they would be lying. If anyone were to stand up and attempt a hijacking, I want you to remember that there are 100 of you and only one of them. Stand proud and tall and make subdue the attacker using a blanket over their head." The pilot went on to say "I want you to turn to your neighbors and introduce yourselves. Share a bit about your backround and life with them. Shake hands or hug, because life is important and we should share love and good will with as many people as possible." And with that, the plane took off for a successful and uneventful journey.

Love hard - it may be all we really have. Blixx came home from Springfield at 9:30 PM last night and was exhausted and hungry. I made him a jumbo turkey sandwich and grabbed him a beer. I went upstairs and remade the bed so the featherbed was all puffy and fresh. I was a little disappointed that he was so very tired and strung out (I haven't seen him in a few days and it feels like forever since we had a real conversation) but I wanted him to be comfortable. As expected, he crashed out pretty early. As I laid in bed next to him, pondering weekend plans and how to make the most of the little time I get to spend with him, he reached out and touched my arm. He then fell into a deep deep sleep, all the while touching my arm lovingly. At some point I had to roll over, so I removed his touch. He found me again and continued to have a hand on me all night long. Even in sleep, he was reaching out to be sure that I was close. It was so sentimental and moving to me. I do so love him!

Peace.

Paris embassy attack is foiled

We should remember that we aren't the only ones being effected here.

U.S. and British Jets Skirmish Again With Iraqis

As you can probably guess, I haven't gotten a lot of work done today. I work in a sales office and it's been slow.

Wryguy - thank you for your response to Nightskye's blog. I just didn't know where to begin, but I think you summed it up.

Have a safe weekend and be sure to live and love.

Peace.

The best revenge is a good life.

I received this e-mail from a co-worker today and thought that I'd share it with you all.
Subject: Dr. Suess at his best

> > > > > >Every U down in Uville liked U.S. a lot,
> > > > > >But the Binch, who lived Far East of Uville, did not.
> > > > > >The Binch hated U.S! the whole U.S. way!
> > > > > >Now don't ask me why, for nobody can say,
> > > > > >It could be his turban was screwed on too tight.
> > > > > >Or the sun from the desert had beaten too bright
> > > > > >But I think that the most likely reason of all
> > > > > >May have been that his heart was two sizes too small.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >But, Whatever the reason, his heart or his turban,
> > > > > >He stood facing Uville, the part that was urban.
> > > > > >"They're doing their business," he snarled from his perch.
> > > > > >"They're raising their families! They're going to church!
> > > > > >They're leading the world, and their empire is thriving,
> > > > > >I MUST keep the S's and U's from surviving!"
> > > > > >
> > > > > >Tomorrow, he knew, all the U's and the S's,
> > > > > >Would put on their pants and their shirts and their dresses,
> > > > > >They'd go to their offices, playgrounds and schools,
> > > > > >And abide by their U and S values and rules.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >And then they'd do something he liked least of all,
> > > > > >Every U down in U-ville, the tall and the small,
> > > > > >Would stand all united, each U and each S,
> > > > > >And they'd sing Uville's anthem, "God bless us! God bless!"
> > > > > >All around their Twin Towers of Uville, they'd stand,
> > > > > >and their voices would drown every sound in the land.
> > > > > >
> > > > > >"I must stop that singing," Binch said with a smirk,
> > > > > >And he had an idea--an idea that might work!
> > > > > >The Binch stole some U airplanes in U morning hours,
> > > > > >And crashed them right into the Uville Twin Towers.
> > > > > >"They'll wake to disaster!" he snickered, so sour,
> > > > > >"And how can they sing when they can't find a tower?"
> > > > > >
> > > > > >The Binch cocked his ear as they woke from their sleeping,
> > > > > >All set to enjoy their U-wailing and weeping,
> > > > > >Instead he heard something that started quite low,
> > > > > >And it built up quite slow, but it started to grow--
> > > > > >And the Binch heard the most unpredictable thing...
> > > > > >And he couldn't believe it--they started to sing!
> > > > > >
> > > > > >He stared down at U-ville, not trusting his eyes,
> > > > > >What he saw was a shocking, disgusting surprise!
> > > > > >Every U down in U-ville, the tall and the small,
> > > > > >Was singing! Without any towers at all!
> > > > > >He HADN'T stopped U-Ville from singing! It sung!
> > > > > >For down deep in the hearts of the old and the young,
> > > > > >Those Twin Towers were standing, called Hope and called Pride,
> > > > > >And you can't smash the towers we hold deep inside.
> > > > > >So we circle the sites where our heroes did fall,
> > > > > >With a hand in each hand of the tall and the small,
> > > > > >And we mourn for our losses while knowing we'll cope,
> > > > > >For we still have inside that U-Pride and U-Hope.

> > > > > >For America means a bit more than tall towers,
> > > > > >It means more than wealth or political powers,
> > > > > >It's more than our enemies ever could guess,
> > > > > >So may God bless America! Bless us! God bless!

Peace.

The Highs and Lows of Freelancing Blixx, I'm posting this for you honey.

I'm all over the place today - bear with me!

The massage was good, not great, as I had hoped. I don’t know if it’s my hang-up or what, but I didn’t really ever let go. It wasn’t even the same lady that Blixx had gotten me the gift certificate for – that girl was let go. My legs felt great after her working on them for some time, and by lower back is loose, but I still can feel the stress points in my middle back and shoulders. I’d heard stories from friends telling me that I’d be all goofy stupid happy after being worked on. I was told to drink a lot of water & to avoid having a butt right after in the car because I’d get a wicked head rush. Nope, I was fine. I mean, I feel better, but not cloud nine like I’d hoped for. It’s a weird space and DrJim is a loud dude, so I was always aware of my surroundings. Maybe that was it. I still have the coupon from Teacher & GeriDog so I’ll be sure to give it another go. On a scale of 1-10 with 1 being the best, I would have to give this experience a 4.

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I have recently started wearing thong underwear and I like it. I had thought that the ones with the thick strip up the backside would be better, but there’s too much fabric. I like the string kind. Blixx votes thumbs up on this. I’m not just sharing entirely too personal details of my life for no reason – I’m encouraging all of you ladies out there to give it a try – No panty lines, and the dudes dig the look.

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The Big E - This is what I’ll be doing this Saturday with Grips, Teacher, V & Blixx. I’m psyched to wander and eat fair food.

Speaking of fair, does anyone want to go to the Durham Fair with me? It’s next weekend.

Massachusetts Tattoo Festival - This is what I’ll be doing the weekend after next. I’ve been dying for a new tattoo and I think it’s what I’m going to spend my birthday money on. There should be a terrific selection of artists available, as well as samples of their custom work. I’m either getting a butterfly on my other ankle, a yin/yang on my shoulder blade or a floral design on my shoulders/neck. I still haven’t decided, but what better place to be inspired?

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Some specific blogs I’d like to address: (check out the links to the left if you’re nosey and want to know what I’m talking about!)

I’d like to extend a big Clot welcome to Boogie Shoes!

Congratulations to Disney on giving notice to her job! Woo Hoo! I love the feeling you get when you make a life changing decision. It’s a powerful moment in time. Relish it.

While it's OK to be sad about the recent terrorist attack, Rhinogirl has every right to be upset about the lack of beads. Weddings are the ultimate expression of Love and also the perfect way to express to these terrorists that Americans will continue to live and love and persevere. Now go back in there and kick some ass at the bridal shop!

I admire Ally’s strength as the 6 degrees of separation becomes closer to home. I can’t imagine the strength needed to just go about your day and not break down. I’m glad you’ve got the blog to vent your feelings. We’re listening. I would e-mail you personally, but I don’t see a link on your page with an e-mail address.

If you want to make a relationship work then you both have to want it and you both have to work for it. Logi, it sounds like you two haven’t been talking or sharing inner thoughts/demons with each other. Go with him, especially if it’s the only way Sybil will go. It will help you both to understand each other better, and perhaps help you to better understand yourself.

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On Thursday on Good Morning America, Falwell said he "misspoke" when he said gays, lesbians and the ACLU made the attacks happen.
"I do not believe they endanger America. I misspoke totally and entirely," Falwell told ABCNEWS' Diane Sawyer.

That's it.

Peace.

Check out some pictures. I'm still trying to figure out how to get pictures to publish on this site so I have to link.I also need to either give Grips a whole pile of pictures to scan or get a damn scanner myself.

I overslept for work today. This is the first time it’s happened in years and years. They shut our power off yesterday for a while to upgrade our electric meters and when I reset my alarm, I apparently should have checked the AM/PM thing a little more carefully. I awoke at 8:20 am when my little cat Koya came on the bed looking for love. I should be in the car at 8:20 so you’ve never seen a person take a faster shower in your life – in and out in record time. I still ended up being 15 minutes late, but it could have been worse. This isn’t going to be a super productive week, as I didn’t do a lot on my birthday, wasn’t in yesterday because of that class & I’m leaving early today to get to my massage in time. I’m definitely banging into work on Friday too, which isn’t the greatest idea because 2 of my folks are leaving early, but I want to spend the day with Blixx. He’ll be working straight through from Sunday to next Friday and I miss him already. He’s staying in Springfield tonight too. I get the whole bed to myself, but I’ll miss his warmth.

Class ended up getting out super early at 1:00pm yesterday, so Blixx and I went out to lunch with Toad at the Horseshoe pub. It’s Octoberfest so they had all sorts of strange menu items (like saurkraut balls) that ended up being delicious, and we continued on our beer safari. I had a concord grape ale that was delicious – not too sweet. We ate and drank ourselves silly and had a great time. We spend the rest of the day over at Toad’s just hanging out and playing darts. I used to be quite good at the game, playing in a league and everything, but I seem to have lost my touch. It was sad to see the darts flying willy nilly all over the place, so I decided to give up. I’ve definitely got to practice!

Amazing Race is on tonight. I caught the first episode and it’s hysterical. Strange couples from all walks of life have to get across the world. They are clueless and I love it. I’m also looking to catch Wolf Lake with Lou Diamond Phillips, or perhaps I’ll see what Grips is doing and go out for some beers with him. We’ll see.

Peace.

I know we're all feeling the pain of last Tuesday's terrorist acts and that we will continue to be effected for some time to come. I only personally know a few of you out there reading this, but we're all interconnected by mutual friendships. Judging by the folks that I do know and love, I know that we are strong and we will overcome these feelings of vulnerability, anger and mistrust. All we can do is just keep on keeping on. We will all deal with this in our own ways, but we should stick together. If any of you reading this need to talk or a virtual shoulder to cry on, please get in touch.

Getting on with life...

My birthday was very nice. Chinese for dinner at Nancy Chang and I ate far too much. Excellent crab rangoons, so I send a big thanks to Toad for the recommendation. Mom drove up and dropped off a balloon and Filenes gift certificate. She certainly knows how to overcompensate for the whole biological father thing! I’m psyched to get some new work clothes for fall & winter. The weather at Monster is usually cold in summer & hot in winter so my collection of sweaters is out.

I had a fog cutter at dinner then came back and had some shots with Grips. He left at around 11 pm, I think so I could get some b-day sex. The only problem is that I’d done several shots and I was a mess. I totally got numb & almost blacked out. I’ve certainly experienced these feelings before, but it’s been a while & in the past I’ve had a hell of a lot more to drink. I really hadn’t planned on getting blotto, but there I was. BLOTTO. Needless to say I didn’t get my rocks off last night, but I’m sure Blixx will accommodate my needs whenever I’m sober enough to enjoy myself.

I’m in a Word 2000 class as I type this blog. I’m self-taught on the program & I’m actually learning a great deal about the advanced functions of the program. It’s neat that my company will pay to take all of these classes and I’m taking advantage of it as much as possible. It’s a good resume builder.

Today I get out early so we’re either going kayaking or out shopping for cars for Blixx. I’m betting on kayaking, but we’ll see if Blixx wants to get serious about car shopping.

It’s a beautiful day. I hope you all get a chance to enjoy it.

Peace.

Moving on with life…

V & I had a wonderful birthday party on Saturday over at Grip’s house. My Mom & her Dick came up and were psyched to be included in the party. Mom almost cried she was so thrilled. Everyone behaved themselves and I made it out alive. Grips got me flowers and a Diet Coke. Teacher and GeriDog got me a coupon for an hour massage with this girl that they’ve been raving about for years! I’m so psyched to make an appointment and get pampered! Mom got me a cahmere sweater and a pretty purse, and her Dick got me a puzzle. Once the family had gone, I picked up the pace on my drinking and we ended the evening outside of Grip’s house making fun of the college students wandering the streets looking for a keg party. Oh, to be young again. Blixx stayed up WAY too late to be getting up at 5am, but he’s a trooper.

Blixx had to work on Sunday so I slept in. I haven’t slept past 9am in what seems like forever, but Cleo the cat told me to go back to sleep so there I was at 11am all cozy and warm. The only thing I managed to do was go grocery shopping. I didn’t leave until kind of late in the afternoon but I didn’t’ get home until after 7! I think people are preparing for the worst because I saw plenty of folks stock piling staples – much like shopping the night before a hurricane is supposed to hit. I was at the checkout counter forever and getting really annoyed with the ladies in front of me, until I realized that they were buying for the area Food Bank who are sending the supplies to NYC. I helped her unload her cart and we chatted for a while. I just couldn’t be mad at someone for doing such a good deed, even if she took forever doing it. Hell, she gave me coupons for the yogurt I bought so it’s all good.

Tempest and Purge sent me a $25 gift certificate at Amazon.com. Just as the e-mail came in, I was on the Amazon site updating my wish list. Wacky timing! SherBear sent me a wicked funny card too! I’d tell you what it is, but then I wouldn’t be able to send it to you

Blixx sent me the most beautiful flowers here at work. The lilies smell wonderful, but there’s all sorts of flowers in there. It’s terrific and I love it and he’s a good husband. He also put an envelope in my bag this morning & told me not to open it until he calls. When he called & I opened it…it’s another massage, this time from the lady who shares an office with Dr Jim. He didn’t know that Teacher * GeriDog were getting me the other one.

What, am I THAT stressed out that I need 2 massages?! Am I?!?!?!?! AM I?!?!?!?!?

Seriously, it’s a thoughtful gift and I’ll be psyched to go to the appointment on Wednesday night after work. I’ve never had a professional massage before, so I’ll tell you all about it.

4:10pm The Bitches just brought over a cake. No singing happy birthday, no gathering of well-wishes. There was just a cake on my desk. I should be happy that they thought of it at all, but it was such a crummy presentation! I called a few people in management that I’m friendly with and one came over, but still…I almost cried. I admit it. Blixx asked me if I was going to loose it on my birthday and I said no, but I think I lied.

I’m off to go brave the security at the clinic to pick up my prescription, then out to dinner with Blixx. Chinese or Mexican? I love Chinese food, but margarita’s sound really good about now. Although, there’s always a scorpion bowl… decisions decisions. Or maybe the biker bar – they have great apps!

Cat – I’m glad you e-mailed. It’s nice to have new friends.

Peace, Out!

My boss came back to work for a while yesterday and told her horror stories in person. It was chilling to hear her describe the panic and wonder in NYC. She walked all around the city, looking for a port in the storm and when she heard the trains were running again, she headed to Grand Central. She boarded a train bound for anywhere (CT, as it turned out) just thankful to get out of the city. As she was riding away to safety with others covered in the ash and grime, it occurred to her that no one had searched her or her bags as she boarded the train. There was little to no security to be seen. The trains were open to anyone who wanted to get out of the city...and she looked around at the faces there and wondered if she was in the same train car with a terrorist trying to get back home to his wife and kids in the suburbs.

I heard that some airline employees out west decided to test the newly upped security systems at airports. Read about it HERE.So much for tightened security.

Keep your eyes open.

Peace.

They cancelled football for the weekend and I’m disappointed. I understand that it may not be appropriate for 60K people to gather together to watch a violent sport, but I was hoping to have an alternative to news coverage on TV. I actually resorted to watching part of Sabrina the Teenage Witch Down Under last night. Save me from myself.

Instead of Sunday football, perhaps I’ll go kayaking or hiking or something. Maybe I’ll go get a tattoo. If I could find where the Worcester Library has moved to I’d go and get a new book. I’d bought Obsidian Butterfly last weekend but I’ve finished it and I’m going into withdrawals for a new Anita Blake book. Maybe Tempest & Purge will be around so we can hang out. Anything to take my mind off the recent events. I’m sick of watching the horrors on TV. I’m sick of hiding in my living room.

I’m usually so psyched for my birthday but I just can’t get pumped up this year.

This weekend my mother is coming up from CT on Saturday to attend a birthday party for V & myself over at Grip’s house. I’ve spent many years of major holidays hiding from my family at their house that it will be strange to have both of our families together. I’ve bad-mouthed my mother for the whole biological father bullshit for years and years so I just hope that none of Teacher’s crazy family brings anything up. Grips will be polite until provoked…that’s really more than I could hope for. I’m even going to dress up for my mother, as she seems to think a new wardrobe would make me more successful. She’d never heard of business casual until I clued her in, but she’d seen Working Woman recently on cable & thought the makeover that Meg Ryan gives herself was wonderful. OK, so I’ve got big out of control dyed hair and big bright nails…get over it. I actually went with the French manicure too. Why am I so concerned about impressing my mother? Because I’m insane.

Blixx worked yesterday and will be working all weekend. I think the next day off he has won’t be until Wednesday. I’m planning on banging in sick one day soon so we can spend some time together – all this working weekend crap is really starting to get to me. The fact that he’s working on my birthday only adds to it. We'll go out to dinner or something, but he'll have to get to sleep early. Blixx got a call last night to work with CNN in NYC. He'd be following a camera man around and in charge of the sound. I am SO GLAD that he's already booked on other jobs this month. I in no way want him in NYC while all of this is going on. I know that it would be a great move for his career, but I just can't let him get that close to the disaster. I couldn't bear it.

I’m wondering if the bitches here at work will do the cake/card thing. I know they know when it is but they’ve been really nasty lately and pulled away from even the BS be nice to your boss friendship thing that was going on. As I gain responsibility here they pull farther and farther away. It’s not like I think I could be really good friends with any of them, and it’s not like I come to work to make friends, but I miss the good times at UniShippers. I hated that job for so many reasons, but I miss the wonderful friends I made there. I’ve worked here almost a year and I’m not close to anyone. I feel lonely at work.

This blog was created for me to vent and get thoughts and concerns out and work on problems. Why then do I feel like a shit that I'm bitching about something as trivial as work or birthdays. I know Gulianni had a point in saying that we've all got to move on with our lives, but it's harder than it looks.

Peace.

Broadway & Ally - I don't really even know either of you. We're mutual bloggers with mutual friends. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers for the terrible losses you and your families have experienced. If there is anything at all I can do for either of you, please don't hesitate to contact me. I will certainly be thinking of you both.

You've probably already seen this today, but I recieved this e-mail from a friend and wanted to share it with you all:

Subject: FW: Article from Canadian Newspaper.

"This Canadian thinks it is time to speak up for the Americans as the most
generous and possibly the least appreciated people on all the earth.

Germany, Japan and, to a lesser extent, Britain and Italy were lifted out
of the debris of war by the Americans who poured in billions of dollars and
forgave other billions in debts. None of these countries is today paying
even the interest on its remaining debts to the United States.

When France was in danger of collapsing in 1956, it was the Americans who
propped it up, and their reward was to be insulted and swindled on the
streets of Paris. I was there. I saw it.

When earthquakes hit distant cities, it is the United States that hurries
in to help. This spring, 59 American communities were flattened by
tornadoes. Nobody helped.

The Marshall Plan and the Truman Policy pumped billions of dollars into
discouraged countries. Now newspapers in those countries are writing about
the decadent, war mongering Americans.

I'd like to see just one of those countries that is gloating over the
erosion of the United States dollar build its ownairplane. Does any other
country in the world have a plane to equalthe Boeing Jumbo Jet, the
Lockheed Tri-Star, or the Douglas DC10?

If so, why don't they fly them? Why do all the International lines except
Russia fly American Planes?
Why does no other land on earth even consider putting a man or woman on the
moon? You talk about Japanese technocracy, and you get radios. You talk
about German technocracy, and you get automobiles. You talk about American
technocracy, and you find men on the moon-not once, but several times-and
safely home again. You talk about scandals, and the Americans put theirs
right in the store window for everybody to look at.

Even their draft-dodgers are not pursued and hounded. They are here on our
streets, and most of them, unless they are breaking Canadian laws, are
getting American dollars from ma and pa at home to spend here.

When the railways of France, Germany and India were breaking down through
age, it was the Americans who rebuilt them.
When the Pennsylvania Railroad and the New York Central went broke, nobody
loaned them an old caboose. Both are still broke.

I can name you 5000 times when the Americans raced to the help of other
people in trouble. Can you name me even one time when someone else raced to
the Americans in trouble? I don't think there was outside help even during
the San Francisco earthquake.

Our neighbors have faced it alone, and I'm one Canadian who is damned tired
of hearing them get kicked around. They will come out of this thing with
their flag high. And when they do, they are entitled to thumb their nose at
the lands that are gloating over their present troubles. I hope Canada is
not one of those."

Stand proud, America!
This is one of the best editorials that I have ever read regarding the
United States. It is nice that one man realizes it. I only wish that the
rest of the world would realize it. We are always blamed for everything,
and never even get a thank you for the things we do.

I would hope that each of you would send this to as many people
as you can and emphasize that they should send it
to as many of their friends until this letter is sent to every
person on the web. I am just a single American that has read this, I SURE
HOPE THAT A LOT MORE READ IT SOON.

Also,
To show the terrorists that we Americans stick together, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 is "Flags Across America" day. All Americans are asked to display the American flag either in their homes or cars. Let's keep the meaning of UNITED in "United States".

Pass this onto as many people as you know.

And,
Subject: Candle Lighting

Friday Night at 7:00 p.m. step out your door, stop your car, or step out of your establishment and light a candle. We will show the world that Americans are strong and united together against terrorism. Please pass this to everyone on your e-mail list. We need to reach everyone across the United States quickly.

The message: WE STAND UNITED - WE WILL NOT TOLERATE TERRORISM.

We need press to cover this-- we need the world to see.

**************************************************************************************************************************

We need to show solidarity, so that the world knows that we will survive, and so that we know that we're here for each other. There's strength in numbers, so join together.
Don't be afraid to hug your loved ones or tell someone you care. Don't hold back your love - give it out hard and strong so there is no doubt of the power there! Don't let a moment go by where you wonder if you've said all that you should say or done all that you can do, because recent events have taught us that we're fragile and very, very mortal.

Peace.

Eskimo has reached out to us. He is safe & sound & stranded in Manhattan.

Relief.

Read Tempest's blog - Nostradomus predicted this!!!!!

Holy Shit!

DirtDirt is OK. He even posted a picture taken from the roof of his building in Brooklyn. It’s the last entry under the Time Machine.

Blixx sent an e-mail to Eskimo yesterday but we haven’t heard back from him. Pray.

My boss was at a conference at the hotel right across the street. She returned to her room to get her belongings when hotel staff told her of the evacuation. Out her hotel window, she could see the tail of the 1st plane sticking out of the side of the tower. Once on the ground and on the run, she witnessed first-hand the 2nd plane’s impact. Later, when the tower’s collapsed, she said that the entire island of Manhattan shook with the impact. She ran all day yesterday, seeking a safe haven in the storm. Her blistered feet and burned lungs hurt today, but not as much as the remembered terror of what she’d faced – and what could have been.

She watched helplessly as people jumped to their deaths. She’ll have nightmares that the wonderful police/fire/rescue personnel that assisted her group in fleeing that may have never reached safety themselves.

As more time passes I am sure that we will here more stories of survival that will touch our hearts and minds forever. My heart goes out to all of you who have been personally touched by this terror.Some pictures of the events and aftermath.

I don’t think this is over. I think we will go to war. I just hope that we can protect ourselves and our allies from further attacks.

Hug your family and friends close to you and don’t take anything for granted.

Peace.

I am stunned.
They say there are 5 more planes up in the air.
I also hear that the passengers on the 767 that hit the trade center were allowed to call their loved ones to tell them that they were going to die.

I'm going home now. I am a strick agnostic, but today I pray to all God's for the safety of our loved ones and swift and terrible retrobution to those who are to blame for this trajedy.

NAME THAT TUNE

If you guess the artist and song title correctly you will be eligable to win one of 5 all expense paid trips to Paris and London. Some restictions apply.



I will stand firm in the tempest
I will ride destinys' trail
To believe when the truth comes up empty
To hold and respect without fail
Come and be one in the motion
A desire they cannot comprehend
Never to question again
For I am your passion your promise your end
Oh yes I am

I want to try something.

Also, if you scroll down past the links you'll notice that I came across a link to AOL Instant Messenger. I'm usually online as Chynakatt during regular work hours so if you want to say hi, feel free to do so.

Yes! It worked! I haven't figured out a way to upload pictures to the blog site, but I've now got Geocities figured out. I'll be uploading more pictures shortly.

I'm so f*cking smart!

I got out of class at around 3:30 on Friday and was psyched to do a little shopping at area stores that aren’t convenient to where I work. The Fashion Barn had nothing that I wanted. I found a few things at the Christmas Tree shops but then had to wait in line for 20+ mins to check out because all the cashiers were new. I just have had no luck at all shopping lately! I think I need to find some girlfriends to shop with to make it more fun.

Blixx was working in RI and I knew he’d be late, but I started to panic when he didn’t call or show up until 10pm! Grips came over and kept me and the big bottle of wine company, which was nice, and I yelled at Blixx when he did finally arrive. I’d polished off a good deal of wine by the time he got in so he had DrunkGirl to deal with, which was punishment enough. Poor dude worked an 18 hour day!

I felt bad waking him up at 9am on Saturday, but we had to get the Laundromat with enough time to be able to get to Grip’s by 3pm. We actually set a new time record for ourselves – 2 ½ hours to get literally 200 lbs of laundry washed, dried and folded. We had some hustle. It must have been the delicious banana French toast I made with Portuguese sweet bread that did the trick.

I got to Teacher and Grip’s house at just about 3pm and was quite proud of myself to be on time. We hung for a bit then the ladies were off to the wedding.

THE WEDDING OF TROLL AND DIPSHIT
We went in GeriDog’s van, as we didn’t think either of them would recognize it. It was myself, Callista, GeriDog, Teacher and baby V. The bride arrived 30 mins late for her own wedding and when she popped out of the limo she looked like an Army drill sergeant waving her arms and whatnot at her poor bridesmaids. Her maid of honor was a Barbie like blonde who actually leaned out of the church’s front door and pitched her gum into the bushed right before the ceremony – she ws classy. Troll’s dress wasn’t as outlandish as we had hoped, but it did show off her enormous butt. I’m not just being critical – you’d think she’d know she has a big ol’ butt and wear a more flattering design. Her hair is dyed a red so beyond red that it’s magenta. We ladies were disappointed that she didn’t look worse, but what can you do? Callista brought a Mylar balloon that read: “You’ll be missed” and tied it to the fence right in front of the church where all cars and pedestrians would have to see it. Dipshit was spotted looking tired and panicked, but we never really got a good look at the bride. They didn’t’ do any pictures at all outside of the church. It was a little anti-climactic, but at least we know for sure that they are married. We were all thinking that she’d bolt at the last minute, as she has done in the past. It was sad however that we didn’t recognize anyone outside of the wedding party. Woobie and DirtDirt were groomsmen, but other than Dipshit’s Mom there wasn’t anyone there from Dipshit’s theater friends or high school buddies. He has no one left but her now…I hope the sex is worth it. New bets are how long it takes for her to realize that he’ll never make enough money for her or never have ambition to make anything out of himself – she’ll leave him. We know she will.

Saturday night we all got back together at Grip’s and had pizza and beer. I’d shot some video of our afternoon’s fiasco, but it came out really bad. I have no idea how to focus. It wasn’t my camera – that’s my excuse anyway. No career in videography for this girl! Oh well. Blixx fell asleep on the couch with the kitten Jeremiah. We went home around 11 and he crashed out cold.

He worked again yesterday and for the record I don’t like all this working weekend’s crap. I woke up early with the intention of blasting out of the house and getting errands run so I could go over to Toad’s and watch the Patriots game. I even shut off the movie Roadhouse – knowing that I’d never get anywhere if I stuck around to watch Patrick Swayze’s fine ass.

I went to Oil Doctor to get an oil change and they told me I needed transmission fluid flush or some crap like that…$98 later I was on the road. I stopped to get gas at the station across the street because they have a free car wash with a fill up. I was all psyched, until my car wouldn’t start. Nope, just that awful clicking noise then nothing! Back to Oil Doctor and the manager said that they had put my battery on a charger while it was there because it seemed a little low. They sent Angel back to the station with me, but he didn’t’ have jumper cables and Blixx had mine in his car! I was glad to have someone who speaks Spanish with me, as just about all customers at the gas station didn’t speak English at all!

After many trials, we found a nice man willing to help with cables and got my car started up. Back at Oil Doctor they found that my battery wouldn’t take a charge. It wasn’t the alternator or starter, which would have been wicked expensive, but my car was started and the next stop had to be to get a new battery or else the car wouldn’t start again. I’d had problems getting it jumped even so I was sure that I was doomed. It’s like 1pm now and the game has already started so I know my afternoon plans are already shot. I went to NTB and got a new battery and watched the 1st ½ of the game in the waiting room with screaming children and smelly guys. Another $100 later and I’m ready to roll.

For the record, I’ve had such bad luck taking care of automotive endeavors recently that I’ve declaired that Blixx must handle all car repairs from now on. I’m a jinx and a curse and I won’t put myself (or our bank account) through any further torture. Car Repairs = Men’s work, like taking out the garbage.

Realizing that I won’t get to Toad’s at all, I decide to drive to the Wrentham Outlets. Me and everyone else were there and I walked around in the hot sun for a while, again not finding things I was looking for. North Face Outlet was having a sale and I was able to find some great stuff real cheap down there, but I lost my coupon for 10% off my total. The clerk wouldn’t give it to me, even though my account with them says I’m on the mailing list! He also said that he’d waited on a lady who had found a coupon on the floor….balls!

I’d also gone down there to buy myself a new watch because mine is still missing after our trip to Maine. The Casio store that has such great deals was closed for inventory. I have no shopping luck at all! It was very frustrating! I went home to relax with a beer and maybe find some bad TV to watch, but we still had to sort our socks/undies and fold the towels. I would have ignored these tasks, except Blixx had dumped the big bags onto the couch when he was looking for clean undies in the AM. Blast! So I cleaned up the house and sorted laundry until Blixx came home. He was cranky. We ate and chatted briefly about our days then went to bed at 10pm. I actually feel well rested today and wasn’t late to work, so I guess all this work he’s been doing has had a plus side.

This week is the auction for my department on Thursday night so this week will be busy getting ready for it. We need a spokesperson and I’ve volunteered myself. I want to raise my public image around here and gain further respect of my co-workers and managers. This will be high stress, but worth it if I keep my job when the bitches are gone. No decisions on that have been made, but I do know that there won’t be a Holiday party this year (last year it was at a hotel with bands etc and it was a big deal) and that they are probably canceling the sales conference too. I’m thinking that they will be dumping some sales folks in the near future too, but don’t quote me on that. I’ve also got someone coming in from our Indy office that I have to entertain for dinner Wednesday and then take around the office all day Thursday.

Busy week – what am I doing typing this blog? I’ve got work to do.

Into the future….

How could Fernando at Wendy's not understand my desire for Biggie fries and a medium diet coke? Learn the language if you are going to live in the country!!!!! I also noticed that the hand washing station behind the counter had instructions on how to properly wash your hands. Why not hire more intellegent people who can handle such difficult tasks?

I'm in PowerPoint class today - right now actually. Can you tell that I'm learning a lot. Actually, I'm now able to link spreadsheets and insert movies and sounds into presentations, so it hasn't been a total loss. I'm out of here at 3:30 so I'll sit here and like it.

Shopping for prizes was fun yesterday - Dino and Comfortable Shoes are a ton of fun. Wiccan Woman works in another department and I think we scare here a little bit, but she was a trooper. Whatever - she's 36 and still lives at home. She's getting her tubes tied next week - I learned way too much about her. Comfortable Shoes is a great gal and we stopped over at her lesbian love nest to hide the prizes. She owns a beautiful old colonial right in Maynard. She went out of her way to be sure that we didn't get to see any of the pictures of her and her girlfriend...it was kind of funny and sad at the same time.

MTV Awards were last night and it was the closest I've seen to actual videos in a long time. Music TV my ass. J. Lo ws pretty hot during her spanish dance number. Jamie Foxx bored me off from the start and there really wasn't a whole lot interesting going on. I watched since there was nothing else on, but I wasn't impressed.

Blixx had his fist in the month of shooting for HGTV Trading Spaces and they worked him to the bone. He had to ice his ankle down and we went to bed before the Simpsons were over. I expect that he'll be beat again tonight too. DaveGrips I'm sure will have some bad ideas to get us into trouble later on. Yeah!

So I wsa listening to a local radio station the other morning on my way in to work. Jamin 94.5 (Boston) does what they call a JamScam every morning, where they call some unsuspecting person and scare the Hell out of them.

Rhinogirl and Sparks should enjoy this one. I'm paraphrasing, so don't sue me or anything:

DJ: Yes, may I speak with the future Mrs. XXXXX please? This is Mr. Dohoo from the bridal shop.
MRS: Yes, this is she.
DJ: Oh, I'm glad I caught you. We've had a little accident down here at the shop that you should be aware of.
MRS: Accident?!?
DJ: Yes Ma'am. We were dying your bridesmaid's shoes and some dye seems to have gotten on your dress.
MRS: WHAT! You've got to be kidding me! What the Hell happened?!
DJ: We were dying the shoes rasberry like you requested, and some dye spilled onto your dress. We're real sorry.
MRS: First of all, my shoes are supposed to be teal. You sure you got the right person?
DJ: [describes the dress in detail]. Yes, well the dye spilled down the front of the bodice. Again, we're real sorry. Give us a call if there's anything we can do....[makes noises like getting off phone]
MRS: Hello?! Yeah, you can do something! You all are going to have to fix this. I'm getting married on Saturday and I will have this dress by then.
DJ: Well Ma'am, that really isn't going to be possible since the dye is permanent. We tried to get it out this morning but it just seemed to make the dye run. It's all over the dress - you'll just have to get a new one. Sorry.
MRS: Sorry? You're damn right you're sorry! Sorriest bunch of assholes I've ever talked to! You dont seem to understand you [radio edit]! This is my mother's [edit] dress she passed down from me. I'm getting married on Saturday! THIS [edit] SATURDAY! Where the [edit] do you think I can get a [bleep]ing dress with such short notice!?!? (by now the poor woman is hyperventalating on the phone)
DJ: Who is JC?
MRS: What? My maid of honor. Why?
DJ: She told me to Jam Scam you!!!!!

Ladies, at least your friends aren't adding to your torture! It's a big day, but it's only one day out of your entire lives. Try to keep it in perspective and you'll be fine.

I don't know when I'll get to post next, as I'll be out of the office for the next two days. I could try to post from home, but our connection speed is stupid slow and it makes me sad. If I don't talk to you, have an excellent weekend!

Quotable:
There is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable. There is another theory which states that this has already happened.
-- Douglas Adams (Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy)

In the News:
Lord Howe Island, Australia – The remains of a missing 75-year-old man were identified in the belly of a 12-foot tiger shark. The man was last seen walking on the beach.

Check out the Darwin Awards page. For some reason I can’t link to the specific story, but go down to Honorable Mentions and click on Shark Petting Zoo.People are so stupid!

______________________________________________
I will spend my lunch hour, and probably most of the rest of the afternoon, adding links to the site. I’ve been spending my spare time (not that I have too much of that any more) following links from friends to kind of friends to people I’ve never heard of and actually found reference to my little blog! No shit! I have no idea who Ally is, but my BS-ing about Dipshit inspired her comments. So, check out the new links and enjoy.

The clot grows.

Ewww!

I just now realized what a bonehead I am. I would like to send a big shout out to our buddy DidgScream who had a birthday last week.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETIE!

Nightskye – I always admired your excellent taste in women. Thank you for the uplifting Cosmo commentary. Rhinogirl, you’ve got yourself a good one there.

This article is from CNN, who had a big special on this weekend about shark attacks. Head down towards the bottom for an aerial picture taken just off the coast of Florida of sharks swarming off-shore. On tv they show the swimmers and surfers not all that far away.

Howard Stern was reading part of this article on his show this morning. Is this kind of data supposed to make us feel better about leaving the house?

The International Shark Attack File.


My Weekend, by ChynaKatt –

The weekend was excellent, as long as you don’t mind kids. There were a lot of kids. Blixx’s Mom showed up right on time as always. She’s going on a bus tour of the national parks out west next week so she’s all excited. She wants to be a tour bus driver…I feel a career change (again) in the works. Rox and her brood were late, as always. We all went out to lunch and then to the Worcester Ecotarium. Lunch was OK since there was an adult for every child. Vinnie Testa's actually has decent food. Her oldest, the only boy, has improved his behavior dramatically. He’s still going to grow up to be a punk, but he’s civil at least. Julia is still a blonde little 3 yr old angel, although I see her trying way too hard for attention. Dawn is 2 and cute as a bug. She’s talking better than V, but then again she has the rest of the crew to talk to her all day. Baby Jessica is a sweetie who didn’t cry once. She hung off of Blixx’s goatee and hair. Super cute.

The Ecotarium is a zoo type thing and is in major disrepair. It was free because it was the 1st Saturday of the month, so no complaints from me. We rode the little train around and saw foxes and bald eagles and owls. They have the saddest looking polar bear I’ve ever seen. I just wanted to reach on in there and give it a big hug. We got home around 6pm. I ate some left over pesto and crashed on the couch. I have no idea how Rox manages 4 friggin kids every day of the week – I was wiped out! We’d talked about all kinds of potential plans for the night, but I just slept until it was time to go upstairs and go to bed. Dead tired!

Sunday started with a bang. <--- Get it? Once the afterglow had subsided, we went to a BBQ over at GeriDog’s house. She invites her friends, her kid’s friends, family, wierdos and co-workers…quite the eclectic crowd. We had a fine time, as always, and despite playing Spin the Baby after a 6 pack in the hot sun, there were no major incidents. DaveGrips came over after he put the wife and kid to bed and we drank until 2 am. We got to telling stories about our greatest drunk adventures and I was reminded of the time Purge puked in Tempest’s purse and I puked…well, everywhere, including on myself. Various New Year’s were brought up and the boys shared stories as well. It just seemed a natural progression to grab the shot glasses and pour out a few rounds of Parrot Bay rum. That stuff is so good there’s no burn at all, so we pounded down a few. Blixx was against us doing shots, but we out voted him. Drunk Girl was in the house, YO! Woo Hoo, no work on Monday!

You’d think I’d be all hung over and nasty the next day, but I woke up with all the energy in the world. I chased Blixx around the house until he got his poop in a pile, then off we went for a kayak adventure. We’d planned on driving to a great spot about an hour away, but we got a late start so we decided to just head over to Whitehall. I’d never seen so many people there ever! Granted it was a beautiful day and the last full day of summer, but there were still a ton of folks there. It wasn’t the usual quite float experience that we’re used to, but it was still nice to get out. I charred my boobs so I’ve got yet another sun burn to bitch about. For the record, I was wearing sunblock too.

I’m out of the office Thursday afternoon on a shopping mission for work. I get to spend $$ buying expensive and cool prizes for a contest we’re having. Lunch and drinks are on the company even. We’ll have a great time and I’m sure we’ll be done early. Friday I’m taking a PowerPoint class offsite & I’m guaranteed to start the weekend at 3:30pm. This will be the shortest week ever!!! I’m psyched!

Into the future…