Yes, the rumors are true--I did sail to the ends of the Earth and fell off. Damn, that's one helluva climb back. And all I wanted was to reach WKRP in Cincinnati.

Life has gone on in lj w/o me, and that's a very good thing, b/c waiting for me to post w/b like waiting for the tide to come in--in Utah. Maybe 2008 will be better.

I'll save everyone the mundane and not-so-mundane reasons why I (essentially) haven't posted this year. Everyone has plenty of drama in their own lives--good, bad, and everything in between.

I have popped in to say that due to attorney's fees (no, still no more news on the apt. hearing ruling) and some other financial commitments, I won't be able to do my "annual" holiday charity request this year for all my lj friends. Which is the reason for the subject line of this post. I'm hoping that maybe I'll be able to do it later in the year. Circumstances can change, and aren't charities always saying they need funds not just at the holidays?

I'm sorry to have my only post not be a bright and share-y one. That doesn't mean I'm not sending out the warmest wishes to each of you during this coldest season of the year. May your hearts indeed be light, and may all of your troubles, if not out of sight, at least be at bay.

Hugs and snuggles and everything good and kind to you and yours.

So, last night after work I went in to Blockbuster. Had a coupon to rent any movie for $1.99. Had to wait in line. (My local Bb is one of those places where it takes just as long to be in line behind one person as it does five. I have no idea why.) While I was waiting, I counted out twenty pennies from my pocketbook, to have them all in the ready. When I get up there, the guy says that my total is $2.10. So, I hand him the pennies and say, "Here are twenty pennies, if you want to count them while I'm getting the rest." He stands there, his hand held out w/the coins in it, looking all confused. "But the total is $2.10." "Yeah, I know. That's twenty cents toward the total." "Are you just trying to get rid of the pennies, ma'am?" "Yes, I am, and I'm getting you the rest of the money right now." "But the total is $2.10." "Yes, I know." "This is twenty cents." "Yes, I know." "Are you just trying to get rid of the pennies, ma'am?" "Yes, I said that already. Do you want to count them into the till while I'm getting the rest of the money?" "But the total is $2.10." "Uh huh. I don't know what you're asking."

OK, I'll spare you about six more rounds of this dialogue. Apparently (as the bitchy lady behind me "explained" w/a sympathetic look at the sales guy), the fella thought that since I'd given him twenty pennies instead of ten, I would be unable to then give him the rest of the balance, b/c I w/b unable to subtract twenty cents from $2.10 and give him the proper remaining cash. Now, I gave him ninety cents more (aka eighty cents to go w/the twenty pennies to equal a dollar and then a dime to take care of the ten cent part of $2.10) and then a buck, for a grand total of....wait for it...$2.10!! And then the idiot tries to give me a dime back--as if to try to prove himself right--that I was incapable of doing basic math. I'm like, "Uh, no. I gave you twenty pennies, three quarters, a nickel, a dime, and a dollar. That's $2.10." "Whatever," he huffs and then turns to the other woman to get consolation that I was so mean and thoughtless and rude. Yeah, "whatever" pretty much sums it up.

Now, just b/c he apparently was unable to grasp the concept that twenty cents can be taken from $2.10 and the remaining amt. be provided correctly, doesn't mean that he should assume that I am unable to perform this apparently complex mental exercise. Nor should the customers behind me shoot me dirty looks that I'm being mean and rude to the poor sales associate (I'll give them being bitchy for having to wait behind me while all this was going on, but not being upset that I was being mean). I tell ya.

OK, I paid bills last night and got a couple of gifts in order and budgeted both time and money.

To that end, I have heard from:

- aimeelicious
- brandil
- caoilainn
- ldthomps
- savoytruffle

If I haven't heard from you yet, I hopefully will soon. If not, I will try to fit a charity/org./cause to the person as best I can and/or go w/what that person chose last year. Believe me, I know folks are busy, and I also know that there's a lot going on in people's lives right now, and that unfortunately, it's not all great. My thoughts are with you.

In the meantime, here's to a happy day. : )

Tagged by alysonwonderlan

I don't know how weird these are, but here goes nuttin'!

Each player of this game starts off with 10 weird things/habits about themselves. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 10 weird habits/things as well as state this rule clearly. At the end you need to choose 6 people to tag.

1. I won't buy a pair of shoes unless I can move my big toe over/on top of my next toe.
2. I have a strong preference for the even things in life. Even numbered seat, even numbered row, even numbered everything. I think this is b/c I am the only child (hence, the third member of the family), the seventh grandchild on each side, born in an odd year, in an odd month, on an odd day, in the a.m. at an odd time (hour and minute), and both my first and middle names have an odd number of letters.
3. I have a pin in my foot. Or a needle. Or some unexplained metal thingy. And I have no memory of how or when or where it got there, and apparently, it's been there for years.
4. I love pickled turkey gizzards. They are a delicacy to my mind and body, and I could eat them by the jarful.
5. The name I have is not the name I was born with. That name is typed in on my birth certificate, crossed out, and then my current name is written in above.
6. I have ridden on a camel, an elephant, horses, and in a helicopter.
7. I like ketchup and saltines in my chicken noodle soup.
8. I'm 100% German on both sides of my family back to the Ark (so to speak).
9. By the time I was in fourth grade, I'd traveled through/been in thirty states and Canada.
10. I have a "something" in my apt. that routinely resets my VCR(s), turns lights on and off, and moves/takes things.

Oh, dearest, I think it best I not tag anyone, b/c the folks I have friended/have me friended have already been mostly tagged, methinks.

In no particular order:

1. Slept
2. Watched TV
3. Trimmed Cinders' nails
4. Cleaned Cinders' dwelling
5. Cleaned my carpet/vacuumed
6. Washed dishes
7. Cleaned my refrigerator and kitchen (including the floor)
8. Organized some (not all, but a lot) of paperwork
9. Balanced my checkbook
10. Shredded and recycled (WAY overdue)
11. Cleaned my bedroom (including the floor)
12. Put away my laundry
13. Cleaned the bathroom (very thoroughly)
14. Straightened my linen closet/consolidated and tossed stuff
15. Cleaned and organized my jewelry
16. Started on my holiday gift buying/thinking
17. Mended some clothes
18. Walked to Petco and got Cinders bedding
19. Got groceries
20. Hung out w/friends

Still much more to do before I sleep, but this made a big dent!

Send me your cause(s), bright and shiny people!!!! I know you've got 'em! I know I sound like I'm begging here, but that's only b/c I am. Pathetic as that may be, if it takes a pity vote to get ya drop me an org., I'll take it.

I've asked my Magic 8 Ball (yes, scientific, I know!) on three different occasions if I will finish everything on my "LIST" before the end of the year and each time it has replied unequivocally "YES." Better get my ass in gear.

Speaking of that--send me your causes, your organizations, your donation destinations! Please!! Heck, I don't even care if you're just a passing visitor and/or if I have you friended and you don't have me friended. Even passing lj acquaintances are welcome.

I'm not going to weigh down the moment w/long-winded prose or sap. For one thing, most folks are busy w/other things.

I just want to say that I know that pretty much everyone's had a less-than-ideal year this year, and that I personally am very thankful for each one of you and for the support and friendship you've given me.

To get my holiday spirit flowing down the right side of the stream, I'm going to repeat my holiday present to all those who have friended me.

Tell me which charity, organization, group, etc., you'd like me to make a donation to, and I shall do so. It might not be a huge donation, but I will make one to the group of your choice.

I'm excited that I have more friends and that I'll be giving to others!

...I think we'll have to wait to until the Second Annual Smells Like Teen Spirit/Kids in the Hall Cross-over Ficathon to see what creative minds have to say. The switched deadline probably threw folks; that, and the fact that my readership isn't in the 100s. : )

Until next year!

for aimeelicious

“Thought you said you could fix it.” Spike leaned over to watch Angel’s back half wiggle on the floor before him.

A loud curse echoed from under the sink as Angel backed out, wrench in hand. A black streak of slime ran from one eyebrow to his chin. “I can’t work with you hanging over me like this!”

Spike threw up both hands as he took a step back. “Hey! I was all for calling a plumber.” He flipped a cigarette into his mouth but left it unlit. “You’d think someone around long as you could unclog a drain.”

“Spike!!!!”

OK, not a long post. Just one to say that I'm excited to see what folks send in for the Smells Like Teen Spirit/Kids in the Hall ficathon!

Mine own entry is going to be a little late. I've been busy (yes, I know that's the norm for everyone these days), and I just learned this weekend that my second dad, as I always called him, died on Friday at the age of 72. Lung cancer and pneumonia and other complications.

My story is well along and I'll post asap. In the meantime, I can't wait to see what the creative minds around me have put together!

I've been absentee for weeks, I know. I hope everyone's doing well and is happy. That doesn't necessarily always need to be said, but I like saying it and meaning it to the folks in my world.

For those participating, taking part, making a contribution to the Smells Like Teen Spirit/Kids in the Hall ficathon, feel free to submit your pieces Monday, Oct. 23.

Can't wait to see what everyone has written!

So, this one friend of mine and I have been playing phone tag for awhile. I called her several days before I went on vacation and left a message saying that I'd be "free" for the whole next week, etc., and that she should let me know when we could hang out. Not a peep. Not a word. Her sister on the West Coast was due w/her first, so I figured, well, maybe she flew out to be w/her and their parents or some such.

Today I get a hold of her. I ask if she got my last message about hanging out. "Oh, yeah, but I had to work." And that made you apparently incapable of returning my call to let me know that you were unavailable? I just found that a little thoughtless.

Also, this particular friend and I have a history w/my birthday. To make a very, very long story very short--she never remembers it. Never. So, this phone call, I passively aggressively mention coming home from Philly to birthday wishes from my goddaughter. "Oh, when was your birthday?" "Thursday." "I'm sorry." "Don't be sorry, that's fine." "Why do I always think your birthday's in October?" "I don't know. It's always been Sept. 7." That made her go quiet for a couple beats. It probably wasn't the nicest thing to say, but what did she expect me to answer--that I'd changed it recently? Good grief.

Back to work.

Well, here I am, back in the office after being off on a very decadent, unproductive vacation. It was loverly, and it bites to have to be back, but I DO have a new computer, and that gives me the major jollies. AND I don't have (many) deadlines breathing down my neck, so that's even better.

I DO have to go shopping at some point this week for a dress for a wedding I'm in this weekend. I'm one of the readers. And as I was unable to get my fat ass in shape quickly enough to wear something I already own, I need to go spend money on something that I can hopefully tailor down when I no longer have a fat ass.

Very quick recap. Went to the MD Renaissance Festival yesterday and had a complete and total blast. Spent too much money, ate lots of crap, and it was marvelous.

Saturday, lectored at the Shrine. Had to do both readings b/c the other lector didn't show up. This was totally fine, as I always practice both anyway. Neither eucharistic minister showed up either, but I didn't have to pinch hit this time b/c there were enough priests/servers to help out. (BTW, dancetomato, I've been meaning to tell you that your advice works wonders!!!!)

Scurried off after mass to make it to a bachelor/bachelorette party for the couple that's marrying this weekend. It was at The Improv, and all three comedians were hilarious. giro_girl and I were just dying. A few of the other folks were a little put out that the show wasn't more "PG" but, hey, that was their problem. Very, very nice people, just a little prudish (and coming from me, that's saying something).

After this, giro_girl and I went for martinis at The Mayflower (she'd never been!). It was delightful. The waiter gave us the TV remote and bought my drink for my birthday week!

Friday, went out w/giro_girl in the evening and had my first taste of croakers. Saw on Taste of America that these fish are supposedly all the rage among DC natives. I'd never heard of them. Now, not a DC native, granted, but I've lived here long enough to be flumoxed that they were so off my radar. So, we had croakers. Very full of bones, but very tasty. Then we had Maggie Moos ice cream. It was very, very nice.

Thursday. On the road to Philly by 7:15. Stopped at The Waffle House for breakfast, and they played their "Happy Birthday!" song for me. It was very cool. Got to Philly. Went to the mint, Independence Hall, Christ Church/Christ Church Cemetary, Betsy Ross's House, Ben Franklin's museum, the Liberty Bell. Ate at the City Tavern--where they put a candle on my dessert! My friend and I just had the most perfect, amazing, awesome, glorious, fun time imaginable. I can't think of a more perfect way to have spent my special day. It was wonderful. Got home pretty late to find phone wishes from my goddaughter and some cards/ecards. A girl could get very spoiled.

Must go. Things to do, people to see, money to spend. : )

...I've been on vacation since last Friday, Sept. 1, using the fact that it was my first day of vacation as an excuse. I slept most of that day. Saturday? Slept most of that day--using the icky weather outside as an excuse. Caught up on taped TV. Sunday? Went to the National Archives and the National Museum of Art w/a couple of friends. Hung out, ate at Five Guys, tried out the new Gifford ice cream place (it was fine, but not revolutionary or anything). Came home and vegged. Yesterday? Slept and watch Season 1 of Slings and Arrows, which I absolutely loved!! Told myself that it was Labor Day and that was my excuse for being lazy.

So, it's Tuesday of my vacation. It's pouring outside, and I KNOW that I should accomplish at least a couple of the things on my TO DO list. But I'm not. Work days DRAG, but vacation days whiz by like sands throught the hour glass. And what am I doing about it? I'm sitting here getting frustrated that my online connection keeps bopping off and on.

Trying to, attempting to, catch up on lj, but if the bopping continues, I shall put my laptop aside to prevent me from doing it harm.

Going to Philly on Thursday w/a long-time friend. I've been, but not in the tourist sense, and it's the one thing of the options we considered (Williamsburg, Hershey Park) that she hasn't already completely explored. I want it to be a fun time for her too and not too redundant.

Thursday, I went w/giro_girl and two friends from work to see Little Miss Sunshine. This movie is TREMENDOUS! Yes, I shout that from the lj heavens! It's soooooo good. Then we went out eat and chatted. Turns out new editor is into much of the same TV as I am, and that's awesome, b/c since moosesal followed the call to CO, it's been a bit lonely for me on the TV front. We all shared pet stories and stories in general and vowed to make this a regular/weekly event.

Friday I took a vacation day. Yep, didn't even work from home. Slept in late, got up and cleaned the bunny (cage and bunny), got her into her carrier for the vet, hailed the cab, got in to see the vet early.
( Bunny at the Vet )

The vet and her family and just returned from an African safari the weekend before, and were very thankful that they'd missed all the broohaha happening now. She said she couldn't imagine if they'd had to repack all their electronics, etc. Then we discussed the differences in European, African, and U.S. airport security and how U.S. airports are going to need to worry less about building shopping malls and more about retrofitting their current spaces to make security better but also improve convenience for travelers.

Got home, and vegged. Napped. Then went w/a couple of friends to the free Friday jazz concert in the Smithsonian sculpture garden. giro_girl brought lots of tremendous food and wine, I brought a bottle of wine, and our friend brought cherries (which I've acquired a taste for). The night was SOOOO beautiful, the music and company could not have been better, and we just had fun people watching. After, we walked to Olsson's and had a nightcap. And we talked about just about everything. I love times like that.

Then giro_girl and I were on the bus and talking and I mentioned that I had a coupon and at some pt. wanted to get to the only bookstore in town that still had the Heat of the Sun DVD set in stock. She's like, "Why don't we go now?!" So, we got transfers and walked off into the glorious night. Got my DVD set and chatted w/the cashiers, who were so funny. I overheard one talking about Voltron, and I was like, "Voltron! Did you watch Voltron?! I loved Voltron! But only the lions, the space car things sucked." He cracked up saying that he couldn't believe I knew Voltron. Well, hell yeah! Then we talked other cartoons and bemoaned the fact that most shows on TV now suck. He asked if I was into movies, and I was like, "Well, duh!!" [Yes, I know I'm slipping into my Valley Girl "like."] Got home and stayed up until 12:30 watching my new DVDs and drooling over Trevor Eve (inexplicable crush). And, moosesal you'd enjoy these too, b/c your favorite Keene Eddie character is also in these, and if you think he's hot in KE, you ain't seen nothin' AND his name is even Valentine!

Saturday, lazy day. Lectored at the Basilica. We had a visiting retired bishop officiate, which meant that everything was in a tither, but it all went very smoothly. I was the only lector, and neither of the eucharistic ministers showed up either (although w/all the extra priests and deacons who are par for the course w/bishops being around, it was fine). The family who brought up the gifts had a little 2-3 yr.-old who carried the host, and she was quite simply the most adorable, most careful little girl in the entire church! She presented the plate to the bishop fearlessly. It was so sweet.

Got home and watched some taped TV. Vegged. Left some VMs (ever been happy when you could just leave a VM and not actually chat? That was me Sat.). I was giddy when Amanda Tapping said "Holy Hannah!" on Stargate, b/c that's also one of my sayings! I wonder, should I be copyrighting these phrases? *g*

Sunday, got up, got groceries. Did laundry. Cleaned. Read. Walked down to City Sports to take advantage of the last day of tax-free shopping and got more walking socks so that now I can at least go theoretically for two weeks and have enough pairs. Also got a couple of headbands. Walked home. Read outside. Hung out w/the bunny girl and watched a little TV before going to bed. It was very nice.

Couldn't sleep. Got up off and on until finally at 3:00 I got up and watched The 4400 and The Dead Zone that I'd taped. Went back to sleep and had a freaky 4400 dream. Woke up all freaked. Walked into work (20 minutes for just over a mile hauling my backpack/clothes--hooray me!!). Did my reports and now I'm facing a full day.

Opened my email to a little scoldy lecture from "G" in my dept. She's a quirky individual and, sometimes her people skills lack the polish that those belonging to someone her age should have. She's obviously never made a mistake nor knows how. ; ) But she didn't cc the entire dept. and for that, I guess, I'm a happy girl. Normally, she lets everyone and their sister know if you've screwed up.

alysonwonderlan I'm going to impose and say that I need more Terry Pratchett soon. It's been so long since my last fix.

A couple of friends are going on a retreat over Labor Day weekend in Delaware and were hoping I could join them, but between Cinders and the $$ (which isn't bad at all just a little too much for me), I begged off. I think LD will be spent in DC, which is fine. I've got enough stuff to do to fill up the time.

Now you know as much as I do and probably more than you ever wanted to! Have a great one everyone!!

I walked to the bookstore yesterday and then all the way home. Total yesterday, I figured out that I did about three miles. Got a blister on the side of one foot from some sock/shoe friction, but that didn't stop me this morning. I put a little gauze over it and tramped in anyway.

Tomorrow I'm taking a vacation day (I think, it may be a work from home day), so if I don't walk, I intend to do some other exercises, as variety is good anyway.

Oh, one more thing. I was reading a piece by Carny(sp) Wilson in next week's TV Guide, and she says that she "sweats like a banshee" while working out. Now, as moosesal will tell you--that's my line! I felt somewhat honored.

Today, I have much to do before I sleep, so I must be off!

Have a great day everyone!

Yes, yes, this is not a reason for most people to get giddy, but I'm hoping this is the start of something good for me. I've done this before, which means not that I failed before, but that I've proven to myself that I'm capable of doing this. More than my strength, my stamina really needs work, but that will come.

The morning was so incredibly perfect that I had absolutely no excuse for not putting shoes to pavement. And once I was dressed in my walking outfit I look like such a complete and total loser that I'd have been too embarrassed to get on the bus even if I'd wanted to. Hey, if it works, it works.

giro_girl keeps saying that all I have to do is get started and then I'll be too afraid to stop. Well, I've started and stopped before, but that's OK. Again, it just shows that I can do it.

I don't normally not finish books. It may take me years, but I'll eventually break through. Hence, no ital'd titles.

1. Bold those books you've read.
2. Italicise started-but-never-finished.
3. Add three of your own.
4. Post to your livejournal.

( Book List )

Life has definitely gone on w/o me, and that's cool. It w/b far too much pressure to think that folks were waiting on bated breath for my next move.

( Where I've been )

Okey dokey, never done anything like this before, and I've been way outta the fanfic and lj loops lately, but I was gonna do this last year and didn't so I'm doing it this year. And, hell, if someone already has, folks can just use their same stories--like using the same paper in two classes (don't tell me you never did it). It'll all be news to me, and maybe some other folks too.

In celebration of the return of the young'uns to their institutions of learning (higher is debatable in some cases), I propose a ficathon focused on tales from the Dark Side (aka High School). But with a twist or two.

Here are the guidelines:

1. The main characters must be from at least two school-centered shows (hence the "crossover" part of the ficathon). Adults are permitted, but the story/stories must focus on school-age individuals.
2. Any rating,Het or Slash, funny or tragic or in between, or whatever
3. AU (or 'Ey! You!) welcome
4. No drabbles or dribblets. Only full-length stories, please.
5. You're writing for yourself, but please let folks know what you're thinking of doing. OR
6. Got that idea that you'd love to see but can't seem to write it yourself? This might be the time and place to throw it out there and see if someone else is inspired. But if you commit to someone's idea, let them know, and please follow through.
7. DUE: Monday, October 16. I know that's kinda short notice, but after that it's all holiday-themed ficathons.

Some show ideas to get your brain cells humming (in order of my remembering them):

- Gilmore Girls
- Popular
- Smallville
- Buffy (NOT Angel, sorry, no school kiddies)
- Welcome Back, Kotter
- Joan of Arcadia
- My So-Called Life
- Freaks and Geeks
- Roswell
- Lizzie McGuire
- One Tree Hill
- Veronica Mars
- Kyle XY
- Clueless
- My Sister Sam
- Boy Meets World
- The O.C.
- Boston Public
- Dawson's Creek
- Everwood

Now, these are by NO means the only and all.

So, tell your friends, hell, tell your enemies, it's all good by me! Can't wait to see what folks have to say!

Submit entries to silvertedy@gmail.com, and I'll post as soon after the due date as possible. OR (and even better!), post in your journal and just send me the link!