Things of note and interest from 2008

Now, many things on this list were not “new” in 2008, but were at least new or I became more interested (some might say obsessed….) in 2008.

*Ingrid Michaelson, Erin McKeown, & Kelli Rae Powell
Folky women who are twisting lyrics, using different genres to influence their voices. And ukuleles!

*Bones and House
Addictive with fun dialogue and relationships. They may be formulaic, but they offer what the repetitive Law & Order/CSI/NCIS are lacking for me. Plus, who can resist the marathons on USA…. Not I!

*Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog
I am not sure I need to go on much more here. Which leads me to my undying love of…

*Neil Patrick Harris
If he ever needed a marriage of convenience to stay closeted, I would be that woman. Granted, he does not need that now… so I would settle for best friends or even second cousin. My god I love this man! I already had a man-crush – well wait, what is the female equivalent of a crush where there is no sexual attraction but you obsessively love them to bits? Men use the word man-crush…. Gaycrush? Plutonic crush? Pluto-crush? That last one works fairly well. If you have not listened to the music from Assassins – whoa doggie – what are you waiting for? Different side of the NPH – but a great demonstration of his musical prowess.

*The Bonnie Hunt Show
I am usually not a fan of day time TV. Sick days are full of DVD’s for me… not being schilled dish detergent or diapers every 10 minutes. But, oh Bonnie! I have always liked her quite a bit. And her show feels comfortable and casual. Plus her accent sounds a bit like home!

*The Song of Ice and Fire Series by George R.R. Martin
I had not really dived into the world of the fantasy novel before. I am intentionally excluding the Harry Potter series here and the like – they are a bit main stream and not quite given the mantle of geekdom the fantasy novel is. This series had me hooked this summer. Strong female characters, twists in plot that kept me guessing. Characters I thought would be the centerpiece of the work killed unexpectedly. No clear lines of good and evil, you are not sure who to pull for. It was thrilling – and he does a great job with color and symbolism with the banners of the houses and who they represent. A very rich and textured world.

*YA novels
I am really itching to write one… so why not do research. Scott Westerberg is an author that I recommend and does not disappoint. But I think that YA novels get a bad rap some times. Yes, some of them are vapid fluff, but so are some ADULT novels! I started getting into them last year, and have been really enthralled by what they can do.

*Jonathan Coulton
Not only is he the kind of 90’s geeky cute I miss (occasional flannel with longish hair and a beard and GLASSES… oh glasses), but he writes a mean pop song that takes you by surprise. And his cover of “Baby Got Back” brings ghetto booty to us folksters. Yes, I want to be soft rocked by him.

*My disillusionment with the Twilight series
I am not going to lie, they entertained me at first. I was hooked. But as the series went on, I just felt that Bella was lacking. She felt too blank, too weak, and was just reacting to what was around her. The idea that any girl could insert themselves into her shoes because of that blandness is both genius and sad. It made Meyer a lot of money. I wanted her to be stronger, more kick-ass. And Edward was not all that dreamy to me. He was not flawed – or he was because he was traditionally “perfect”. Gag. Call me cynical – but I want more out of this crazy idea of love. A friend once called me picky – and I realize she may be right!

*Spring Awakening
On a spending whim, I picked up the soundtrack when I started my travel season, and the disc did not leave my car once. I was hooked, and I sing it all the time. The story is amazing, the songs are catchy and poetic, and some songs make me cry even after the 864th listen. And I am amazed that this play written in 1891 is still relevant and crucial today. It blows Rent clear out of the water.

*NPR and embroidering
Much of my time in the fall was listening to NPR in the parked car and embroidering like a little grandma while I waited for my next appointment or college fair. It was one of the few ways that kept me sane in the election madness. I did not spend much time in front of the cable news shows – other than my pals Jon and Stephen --- so I was able to strip away some of the sensationalism. NPR is not perfect, I know. But it suits my needs well – and just feels more organic.

*Olives
I love them now. We were once foes, but now, I adore their salty brine, their pleasant earthiness… the unassuming ovalness of them.

I may tack on more later… retrospection is wonderful! But this is what I can think of right now in the last day of 2008!

Quiz!

Smart Girls at the Party

No joke, where were these women when I was a kid?! I laugh, I tear up a little, and I just want to be at that dance party. And once again, Amy Poehler... I love you. Be my sister? I will totally babysit.

Oh, wow... you actually say "Whedonverse" in real life...

Prop 8 the musical

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

Its kinda sad that something that sucks donkey balls brought together some of my favorite people. NPH! Alison Janney! John C. Reilly! Jack Black! Plus, it says something I have been saying for years -- boost the economy - do not deny bridal registry to anyone!

Seven things that let me know its the holiday season

1. I am madly trying to figure out what to make for presents... and maybe finishing two of the twelve I had planned.
2. Massive amounts of cookie baking and potlucks
3. I take a break from thinking lots of lights on are a waste of energy and see the twinklies and think.... oooooh pretty!
4. I answer questions about my birthday being so close to Christmas and lie through my teeth saying, "Well, its not that bad."
5. I am spending 9 hours in a car heading west.
6. Sometimes there is this vibe from a crowd of people. One that is not unkind, and I like to think they are thinking about others... what they can do for other people. And I want to hug them all. This one is a little more intangible... but it happens and I can't help but smile a little.
7. Everything is better when its scented with cinnamon, ginger and pine. Both real, no fakies allowed.
   

Seven pleas from a retail worker at a high end kitchen goods store

1. The definition of a sample of food: a free small taste of a product that we sell, may not be more than one or two bites/sips. A sample is not your dinner, nor am I a short order cook. Given that they are also free, don't get pouty and huffy with me when we might not have anything ready for you.
2. Samples part 2 - We have a trash can for your plate/cup/napkin. It might be hard to find, but sneaking behind me and slipping it into my apron pocket or leaving it hidden on the shelf is inappropriate.
   
3. I have to greet you and ask you if you need help. Its part of my job. I am totally willing to leave you the eff alone. I would rather wander the store waiting to be asked questions, but I have to be positively proactive. Its part of the package. Nicely saying: "I am good, just looking around." is fabulous. Its all good. Transaction done.
4. I am just a lowly worker for a multi-billion dollar corporation. I do not have any say in the prices things are set at. I think that some of them are outrageous as well. Please don't berrate me when you find that something is too expensive and ridiculous. I have no control, nor can I dicker over the price. Its just the way things are.
5. Just be civil and kind.
   
6. Gift wrapping -- it might take an hour. That is why its free. I am sorry you came here before going to a wedding in two hours for your gift. Your poor planning is not my problem.
7. I will help you out almost everyway possible. I don't work on commission, so I do it because I really like food, cooking and helping people. I appreciate when a customer asks for me to get credit on a sale. Its sweet. But I am not being pushy.... I just like what I do even if I don't get paid well to do it and I am doing this to get out of the monumental debt most people have. Like one of my co-workers says: It would not be called work if it was fun.
   

Heroes may bite it right now....

....but this picture makes me giggle a little. It might be a full on fan girl squeal if I loved it more.

The political situation even effects wankers

You need at least one of these seven for a successful Halloween costume

1. Cape
2. Makeup - the more outrageous the better
3. Tiara
4. Crazy glasses - I have some a la Dame Edna
5. Weapons - of the plastic variety
6. Something hand made
7. Enthusiasm -- you have to love your costume so much that you just giggle and are excited to put it on.
   

Ladies and Thieves....

My Halloween Costume this year is:



NINJA NANA!



When the Neighborhood Crime Watch was just not enough....

Hurry up! I need to lower my cholesterol!

Sarah Haskins is brilliant. I want to be her college roommate!

An accurate quiz!

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Inland North   You may think you speak "Standard English straight out of the dictionary" but when you step away from the Great Lakes you get asked annoying questions like "Are you from Wisconsin?" or "Are you from Chicago?" Chances are you call carbonated drinks "pop."
The Midland
The Northeast
Philadelphia
North Central
The South
The West
Boston
What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Long live POP!!! Thanks to Jay for this!

Seven things that make me fidgety in my desk chair

1. Vampire Weekend - seriously - how can you not do a little chair jig in this?
2. Mapping out my driving directions for travel. Oh let me on the open road!
3. Thinking about pumpkin goodies: beer, bread, whoopie pies, curry, soup, pie, cookies. The last of which I might just make Torrey make over and over again.
4. Thunder. I just want to look out the window and try to find the flashes.
5. Diet Coke with Lime. Is it becoming harder to find to anyone else? Cause if it disappears I will not be pleased. I might have to go back to drinking water.
6. A chair that swivels and rotates really fast. I just want to spin.
7. Work in general. Some days it makes me twitchy.

The Omnivore's 100

Instructions: Copy the list from Very Good Taste's The Omnivore's 100 and post it to your blog, bolding the items you've tried and striking through any you would never try.

1. Venison
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue
8. Carp
9. Borscht
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans
25. Brawn, or head cheese
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters
29. Baklava
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut
35. Root beer float
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo
40. Oxtail
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects
43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal
56. Spaetzle
57. Dirty gin martini
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips
61. S’mores
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake
68. Haggis
69. Fried plantain
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant.
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash
88. Flowers
89. Horse
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox
97. Lobster Thermidor
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake

Only one I am not willing to try.... though I might bend in a survival situation. I have tried 29. Hmm.... I have a way to go.

British Humor AND Superheroes....

Thanks to Alex for tuning me into this one!

Someone is confident about their skills....

Just in case you need some work done.

Tiddy.... didn't you mean... no? Oh...

This is insane. If I ever see one in your car I might just have to take a penknife to your tires. Don't think I will... yeah me either. How about just a really disdainful look of judgement? Deal.

Stitch and ROCK!

Architecture in Helsinki - Like It Or Not from helsinkids on Vimeo.

My fingers kind of hurt looking at this -- but oh man is this amazing! I knew I liked you for a reason Architecture in Helsinki!

The four people in my head.

Yes, I know it is not seven, per my usual theme. Seven would be way too many and might require medication. My lovely friend at Moonshadow Ink, reminded me that I have not formerly introduced them.
This is a theory I cooked up with Jay's expert help - he has know me and my ways for a long long time.

Gertrude "Gertie": In her late 70's. Grandma. Loves to bake, cook, feed people in general. Crafting is her specialty. Very at home crocheting or piecing together fabric to sew a new pillow. Loves things that are in the 40's era, black and white movies, and musicals. Likes to play cards. Crotchety at times, and will say anything she wants. Gets anxious about travel and being on time.

Sheldon: 13 years old. Nerd to the extreme. Sometimes gets shy. Hormonal. Loves comic books, video games, games in general. Can be a bit of a hermit. Loves fictional worlds. Bookworm. Gets picked on. Stutters a little. When he gets talking about some thing he is a fan of, he gets really excited and maybe knows a bit too much about it. Can reference many different arenas of pop culture. Likes to find things that are not well known yet. Secret indie rocker.

Franklin: In his 30s, though might tell people late 20s. Gay. Daring, says somethings for shock value, though knows his limits. Would love to be Martha Stewart's intern. The risk taker, like does not bat an eye at sending a love letter to a stranger who works in a book store. Likes to dance. Talks about sex a lot, and it embarrasses Sheldon, but does not stop him from listening. More nurturing than the other three. Often the sounding board people need, he is the listener.

Susanna: Same age as Franklin (these two will probably age with me, while Gertie and Sheldon will remain fixed in their age). Big feminist. Gets outraged at minor and large injustices. Embraces womanhood in all its glory. Would be the nurturer if she was not so blunt and quick to speak. Tree hugger. Hates Lifetime TV, Victoria's Secret, the color pink, and Valentine's Day. Loves astrology, candles, folk music, and Lilith fair. A bit of a hippie, but a little too high strung for that lifestyle.

Let's test these people to things I like. I have already explained Dr. Horrible.

Subversive Cross Stitch: Gertie loves to stitch away, Franklin loves that its a little naughty, and Susanna digs that its anti-establishment at times and laughs in the face of domestic convention.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Sheldon likes the superhero and chick action and Susanna likes seeing women in positive female roles. Bonus for "Once More with Feeling" - Franklin and Gertie were all over it.

Cooking & baking: Gertie likes to feed people and make them happy, Franklin likes to try new things, Susanna buys organic and cooks vegetarian, Sheldon loves to eat (he pretty much wins, other people do the work, and he reaps the benefits.)

That is me in a nutshell.

Get naked and chase after fake rabbits

Funny Videos | Funny Cartoons | More Video Clips

"I was twittering under here."

Felicia Day Twitters from hacksaway on Vimeo.

Marriage Schmarrige

I really do get work done during the day

Check out this website that puts your photo in different settings.

I don't have time for a grudge match with every poser in a parka!

Ok, I have put off blogging about this... because I come off as some crazy little fan girl. But I cannot resist any longer.

If you have not watched Dr. Horrible yet, what the hell is wrong with you?!

I have not explained the 4 people that are in my head yet here (basically its a granny, teenage nerd boy, crunchy feminist, and a gay man who loves the word fabulous.) I will soon, because it really makes sense to who I am and what I like. But for now -- the gay man and the nerd boy are going nutso over this.

I am resorting to list form here - because a coherent paragraph will just be beyond my control.

1. The idea of an internet series is brilliant. Other people have done it very well - including Felicia Day - one of the Dr. Horrible stars -- with The Guild. The internet is a great venue to do something unconventional, grassroots and low budget that would never get on TV (which probably includes a lot of crap too, but hey - Living with Lohan gets ratings so why not bring on a random tool with a camera posting on the internet).
2. Neil Patrick Harris - is there nothing you can do? You "overcame" the Doogie shell - and became more than I think any of us expected back then. Granted I am only three years younger than you... I am not exactly sure *what* I was expecting. But, damn, you are gooood.
3. Many good repeatable lines. One about a male part that I cannot repeat because it would not do any justice to Nathan Fillion.
4. Songs that are remaining in my head -- lingering like the sweet bite of ginger after eating it.
5. Felicia Day -- could not be any more heartbreaking and lovely, without being cloying and saccharine. She is the real deal folks! She is the kind of girl that you want to set up your heartbroken friend with because she is just genuine and honest and would not hurt them... you hope!
6. A villian named Moist. Its almost what you expect, but not as gross.
7. Another villian named Bad Horse - the thoroughbred of sin. We have not met him yet - but his henchmen are horribly catchy.


Anyway... act III airs tomorrow. It stops being free on Sunday. Watch it!

End Fan Girl ramble.

For now.

Mucha Hellboy

Apparently Hellboy will be interacting with The Office and the Heroes worlds. Oh promotions that are actually fun without giving away the whole movie!

Hellboy and James Lipton sharing a moment

I am jumping on this Hellboy bandwagon a little late in the game here. I finally watched the first movie last week, and oh this fangirl just added another obsession to the list. I instantly want to read all the comics I can. I think comics are taking over as my preferred reading medium. Sorry poetry... even though I got a degree in you -- you have little guns, demons, or pictures. Then again -- you might have more of the first two than I thought.

I have always liked Canadians.

Uke-Toxic: Britney never sounded better

Yes, I adore this woman.

And if you can't get enough of her, here is her singing "Tom Cruise Crazy".

Seven small things I regret

1. Losing the horse stickers my grandma had given me in JC Penneys when I was seven.
2. Going to see "Ghost Rider" in the theatre with Pat (his choice).
   
3. Going to see "Date Movie" in the theatre with Pat (I will take 70% of the blame on that one. I really like Alyson Hannigan.... ok?!).
4. Leaving the tap on in my bathroom during a no water maintenance time that resulted in flooding my apartment when the water was turned back on.
5. Not pouring a cup of water on the person who was urinating outside my apartment window.
6. Not going out on St. Patrick's Day my senior year because I had an interview the next day for a job I did not get.
7. Obliviously doing a pull-away when in retrospect he was doing a lean- in.
   

Number haunting

At my job I have to initial and date things all day long. I probably have to do it a minimum of 50 times a day. This month has been problematic. I have been writing a "3" instead of the "6" for June. All the time. I get it right about 3 times out of the day. And then sometimes instead of "08" I will write "06".

Is March haunting me? Am I supposed to go back? Why the 3 all the time? What is going on with March?

Doc, help me out!

Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog

Teaser from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog on Vimeo.

Seven things that I vowed to do that I clearly have not stuck to

1. Not watch food shows or read my cooking magazines when I get home from work before making dinner.
2. Become an astronaut
   
3. Work out every day after work.
4. Not buy another book until I have read what I have.
5. Not get another diet Coke out of the vending machine.
6. Win the gold in Curling in the 2004 Olympics.
7. Look before I step while walking to prevent major falls. Or minor falls. Just falls in general really.
   

Requiem for a Day Off

...revoking your rights since 2009

I take your five, and raise you seven

Yup, stole it from Ms. Summer Queen herself.

Seven Snacks I Enjoy:

1. Celery and peanut butter
2. Blueberries, walnuts, and vanilla yogurt
3. Apples and peanut butter
4. Tortilla chips and guacamole
5. Kettle Buffalo Bleu chips
6. Spinach and artichoke dip
7. Oranges
   

Seven Things On My To-Do List Today:

1. Clean my books up (this has been on the list for a long time)
2. Finish up edits on application packet
3. Laundry..... or maybe not.
   
4. Call and put the Garden Patch cake pan on hold for my mom
5. Work out (done this am - though that might never happen again)
6. Beat Christa at Scrabulous
7. Write more of that letter
   

Seven Things I Would Do If I Were A Billionaire:

1. Travel for a good year - bringing someone new with me on every trip.
2. Loans and debt for me and the fam.
3. Pay for Maine Youth Leadership seminars and projects forever.
4. Set up a scholarship for student writers and artists.
5. Buy a summer camp to do leadership programs for students.
6. Set up an awesome, well stocked crafting room in a house, with workstations for friends to come over and craft as well.
   
7. Buy a house.
   

Seven Jobs I Have Had:

1. Clown Instructor at the Rochester Museum and Science Center
   
2. Ice Cream Scooper
3. Summer Rec Counselor
4. Security Desk Assistant
5. Driving Range Clerk and Random Yard Work Do-er
6. Office Worker and Receptionist at Springfield College Office of Undergraduate Admission
   
7. Sales Associate at Williams-Sonoma (clearly the most prestigious job thus far)
   

Seven of My Bad Habits:

1. I do not put away things in their proper place.
2. I am too early. Which leads to...
3. ...getting really ansty and impatient when it comes to making it to a flight, concert or movie.
4. I talk at the tv more than I should. Especially during Lost and Battlestar Galactica.
   
5. I never take things out of my car -- it looks like someone lives in there.
6. I am almost always in the middle of a few books - I get distracted if it has not totally grabbed me.
7. I buy more craft supplies than I will ever need.
   

Seven Places I’ve Lived:

1. Lima, NY
2. Nixon Hall, Fredonia, NY
3. Eisenhower Hall, Fredonia, NY
4. Abbey-Appleton Hall, Springfield, MA
5. Upton Hastings, Gorham ME
6. Portland, ME
7. Falmouth, ME
   

Seven Random Things:

1. I like hummus but hate garbanzo beans
2. I like to make up games. People Scavenger Hunts, Extreme Bocce, Extreme Bocce & Croquet (aka Crocce), Truth or Darts... give me a situation, I will make up a game.
   
3. Right handed, but I use my mouse with my left hand.
4. My friends call me the Admiral. And it might just be one of my favorite nicknames, ever.
5. ....and I really like nicknames, especially throwing one out there for a stranger when talking with a friend to see if they pick up on who I am talking about.
   
6. I saw Lilith Fair all three years in a row at the Finger Lakes Performing Arts Center.
7. I miss Wegmans, and that makes me a little pathetic.

Just say the C-word.

Note, this video is not suitable for work. It does use the C-word often, but its to prove a point that it is a horrid word. Still pretty damn hilarious use though. Thanks for the good fodder, McCain.

Bread making.... more erotic than you might think.

I some how want to eat less bread now.

Seven things I have dreamed about in the past week

1. Being sent on a trip to London or East Germany by my work and having a time conflict between the two, and London was the one we picked. BUT, I realized I did not have a passport and had to get to the airport in ten minutes. Woke up in a panic.
2. That I was me but in Top Chef Stephanie Izard's body. Not bad.
3. One of my friend's got videotaped throwing a fit in a restaurant when the waiter was not looking...
4. ...and as a result other friends and I had an intervention about her drinking this mixture of chocolate sauce, wild blueberries, and cough syrup. She had it all over her mouth and was kind of wild.
5. I had to check out of a hotel and coming back to find that my room was turned into a conference room and my luggage was now trash bags
6. Having to find files for these student's that had the same names as people I went to high school with.
7. I took a sword out of a stone.
   

Is someone's who's daughter likes Spoon going to take away my right to choose?

Ooooh, its Dr. McCranky... when did he get here?


Another interesting thing on all these angry women from Frank Rich

"And the evidence of misogyny in the press and elsewhere is irrefutable, even if it was not the determinative factor in the race. But the notion that all female Clinton supporters became “angry white women” once their candidate lost — to the hysterical extreme where even lifelong Democrats would desert their own party en masse — is itself a sexist stereotype. That’s why some of the same talking heads and Republican operatives who gleefully insulted Mrs. Clinton are now peddling this fable on such flimsy anecdotal evidence.

The fictional scenario of mobs of crazed women defecting to Mr. McCain is just one subplot of the master narrative that has consumed our politics for months. The larger plot has it that the Democratic Party is hopelessly divided, and that only a ticket containing Mrs. Clinton in either slot could retain the loyalty of white male bowlers and other constituencies who tended to prefer her to Mr. Obama in the primaries.
This is reality turned upside down. It’s the Democrats who are largely united and the Republicans who are at one another’s throats.

......The ludicrous idea that votes from Clinton supporters would somehow make up for McCain defectors is merely the latest fairy tale brought to you by those same Washington soothsayers who said Fred Thompson was the man to beat and that young people don’t turn up to vote."

And this oath that the Clinton to McCain Voters would have to take is eye opening as well.

And the best nickname I have heard for McCain: McSame.

And what will happen to Huckleberry Pie?

I am not pleased about this.
Not one bit.

In the 80's did I need my Strawberry Shortcake to have neon colors and wear jams? No, part of her fruit smelling charm was that she got to wear petticoats and be from a different magical land where petticoats were the cat's pajamas. I did not need my childhood play things to look just like me. Now they are kind of tarted up and pimped out to be little fashion plates. It's not what they are supposed to be! I liked them because they were smaller than Barbies, fit in my doll house and had their own look and feel to them. And my mother never bought me Sour Grapes or any other bad guy. Interesting.... apparently she did not want evil going on in the dollhouses under her roof. I also never remember watching many shows with Strawberry Shortcake at all -- I just really dug the dolls apparently. Orange Blossom and Plum Pudding were my favorites. I always found Lemon Meringue to be kind of stuck up. That's just the kind of chick she was.

Seven reports I did in grade school

1. The Pancreas
2. Georgia
3. Kristi Yamaguchi
4. The longhouses of the Iroquois
   
5. Malaria
6. Abraham Lincoln as a child
7. Metamorphosis..... and not the Kafka work
   

Seven indicators that I would get along with someone

1. You find the Flight of the Concords hilarious and sing it at inopportune times.
2. You do not get freaked out by the various sounds of laughter that range from cackling to snorting that come from me.
3. You spend some of your time volunteering.
4. You enjoy a good car sing along.
5. You are willing and like to play games - from across the game genres: card, board, video and random ones that I make up while playing darts.
6. You have one or more geeky obsession that you consider yourself an expert on and will debate and discuss issues surrounding it at length... interesting length though.
7. You do not find Harold and Maude creepy.
   

Seven things that make for a great summer gathering

1. Something you can throw: hillbilly golf, frisbee, bocce... anything of the like.
2. A fire - a little pit or a bonfire - something to gather around and become mesmerized by. Sometimes I become "firedumb" and get lost in looking at it instead of talking to the people around me.
3. Grilled Meat. And if you are vegetarian, which I respect, you have to at least eat a veggie burger or something that has come off the grill.
4. Comfy lawn chairs... and at least one trick chair that someone falls out of at some point. Its hilarious, even if you are the one that falls. It usually catches you by surprise and does not hurt... much.
5. A mild toasting of the skin. Some reason just a light sunburn is a reminder to me that I had a great time outside. I am not talking full on lobster-hue... just a little pink sun tattoo.
6. Hilarity. I think laughing so hard that I almost lose my corn on the cob is the testament of how comfortable I am with people. And that level of a relationship with the crowd often means that I am with people I adore.
7. Music that people often find themselves grooving to subconsciously. The mix that makes the stoic griller move their spatula to the beat, the beer drinkers show off their moves, or the kids twirling around in circles to it.

Seven mom-ish things that I do

1. Carry random things in my purse that often become helpful.
2. Politely say "No Thank You" to every one of the guys handing out escort flyers instead of just walking by like everyone else.
3. Crochet to pass the time.
4. Talk to strangers in lines.
5. Become really proud of my friends when they do something great.
6. Make sure everyone is well fed and merry.
7. Think of games to play when there is boredom.

Happy Mother's Day, Mama T.

The Heart of the Matter

Oh. My. God.

Note, that if you ever need these tapes, you probably are these people.

The funniest thing that Torrey said to me...

....today.

we'd eat hot pockets together and share our thoughts in leather bound journals.

This roommate thing is going to be a long long journey. I can tell.

What?!

If you watch Lost at all, you might not realize how much they say this word. Not to mention how many times I usually say it while watching it. This montage is brilliant.

Seven searches that people have done and gotten to this blog

I have a little tracker to see how people get here, and man, sometimes its surprising.

1. Baking poem
2. Hipster baking
3. Fredonia Ben Folds
4. How boobs grow*
5. Boob and elbow*
6. Third Boob*
7. Women with third boob*

*I had made one post about Paris Hilton becoming a philanthropist and if that happened I might grow a third breast from my elbow. The public has a hunger for more boob aparently.

Seven things about My So-Called Life

When TV is good: storytelling, compelling characters, funny, and "lived in" -- I am hooked and will be hooked in for a while. I have loved My So-Called Life since it aired my senior year of high school. And while I do hate that it ended, it ended in a nice-oh-my-god-I-want-to-know-who-Angela-ends-up-with suspense. Its okay if things don't always end with a nice pat happy day ending.

1. I miss how we dressed in the 90's. I think My So-Called Life portrayed clothing very realistically- there were some god awful sweaters on there, but people wore horrible knits then. I miss the overalls and flannels, and chunky boots. I was no fashion plate back then, but at least I could see myself in that world.
2. I wanted to have Angela's hair. Straight, fell beautifully and was that rocking Crimson Glow.
3. I loved how the parents were imperfect and had their own dramas, but could be counted on. The questioned what was the right thing to do, and were sometimes wrong, but were not these irrational cartoons of parents. I knew people with parents like them, but never knew what happened behind that veil, just like they might not have see what was behind ours.
   
4. And he may be a douchebag now -- but could Jordan Catalano's eyes be any dreamier? And I prefer to call him Jordan Catalano -- cause that is how I want to remember him.
5. A.J. Langer who played Rayanne -- where are you? I thought you were brilliant. Unless this character was the best one you have ever played and it was yours and you have not found it since.... I am sorry. But I do adore you.
6. Awkward gestures, words, phrasing -- it was almost pitch perfect. Anytime there was an awkward moment or look, it was sooo believable. I defy almost any teenager from that era to not be able to insert themselves somewhere in there.
   
7. I love Brian Krakow. I want one of my own. He was by far my pick to end up with Angela. He breaks my heart all the time. I loved his awkwardness and how he was totally unable to hide it. He has a penchant for letter writing... and man if that does not get to my core. And if the girl you loved lived across the street, you would be outside all the time too. And you would fall in love with this letter too:
   
   
   

21 Accents with Rachel Harris.

Not as accomplished as the 21 accent girl, but a hell of a lot funnier.

Please note, while this does contain a few swears, it is hell of a lot more appropriate and less soul damning than Torrey's last video.

Seven things about today

1. I had coffee on an empty stomach and I am jittery and kinda frantic today. It did clean my desk though. I feel slightly accomplished even if my eye is twitching. I don't think I could ever handle speed.
2. ... and as I type number 1, someone has brewed a new pot downstairs, and its sweet lovely aroma is calling to me, curling its finger in front of me in lovely wispy invisible seduction of its gorgeous earthy smell to come hither. Me wants more...
3. I was inspired to make some playlists by some friends. And I made quick ones just based on song titles, not meaning.... just titles. One was colors and the other was places. The main colors on that playlist were black and blue. Like a musical bruise. Which some of them feel like sometimes. A song that you want to hear but it presses on this small little soft spot and it makes you wince... but you can help but feel a little good after that pressure is released. It was also a good way to listen to all that music you forgot you had. It mixes up genres pretty well too. My next playlist is elements/nature.
4. I am the staff member that gets all the calls today from the front desk that they can't answer. And everytime I leave my desk, there is my little triangle of red blinking at me letting me know there is yet another message. I hate that red triangle. I want to scratch out that little deformed red eye and stomp on it.
5. The artificial smell of vanilla air spray will never cover poop smell. It will just cling to it and make it smell grosser. But yet someone at work keeps on buying it, and we all keep using it.
   
6. The color coding part of my email and calendar program at work makes me happy. To Do items are bright red. Travel is a road sign green. Personal items are a deep blue. Things I don't like to do are a margarine yellow. Its pleasing to put color to tasky things.
   
7. Its not a very bad day at work.... at the core of everything I really like what I do. Maybe that makes the really small things more amplified and annoying or frustrating.
   

Seven things I am a *big* fan of....

....and that might be an understatement. I think these things have a 96% possibility of me using/talking/watching/obsessing at least once a day.

1. Google Reader
2. Colored Pens
3. Barenaked Ladies
4. Scrabulous
5. Yarn or any other textiles that I make crap with.
6. going out of my way to not take a difficult left hand turn.
7. You know his name. Mr. Whedon.
   

Oklahoma Representative Sally Kern talks rainbows and happiness

... and by that she means the gay cancer that in infiltrating her society.



Wow.
Worse than terrorists.
Better make sure that any GSA student is reported to their parents and to the government. High school clubs mandated to tell the parents what club they are in is one of her brilliant ideas. Weed em out young, and make those LGBT youth suicide rates skyrocket. Maybe that is why there is a shorter life span, there Sally. People who think like you make life unbearable for people that just want to be who they are.

Star Wars is exciting again...

I know this has been posted everywhere.... but damn if this did not make my ovaries jump a little and say.... Lets go lets go! Don't worry, the big squoooshy gray brain told them to calm the fuck down.

Seven things about the 2008 Oscars

1. I felt really bad about Amy Adams having to perform alone, with no dancers or anything. I thought... hmmm well maybe they are paring down the performances... and nope. I just wonder what the hell happened! I still adore her though.
2. Jon Stewart... very funny as always. I think he is a subdued host -- but still a great one.
3. Steve Carrell and Anne Hathaway were my favorite presenters, I think. Their little schtick was cute, and well acted.
4. 2nd favorite presenters - Jonah Hill and Seth Rogen. They DID look exactly the same.
5. Could I love Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova more? And I thought it was very classy to let Marketa come back out and say her speech. I just loved the sheer joy and the essence of "holy shit we are really here"-ness of their presence.
6. Yay Diablo Cody! If Juno only won one Oscar -- I really wanted that to be it.
7. I loved the look on Cate Blanchett's face after she saw what clip they used from Elizabeth II. And the fact that she so artfully played a dog. Well done.
   

Seven new things I have recently been trying out

1. Olives. I had some at Christmas and I did not hate them. I had some stuffed with almonds and I was pleasantly surprised that I liked them. Salty goodness! Slow down there garbanzo bean.... don't expect me to like you unless you are smooshed up in humus!
2. Star Trek. I am currently being tutored in it. So far so good.
3. Writing a novel. Right now I have these four characters that I am just doing some development with, running them through how they might react to situations or things. Its been a really great puzzle to work with. Now if I can just come up with a plot....
   
4. Dogs. I might like them more and want to live with one more than I had originally thought. Although I do not think I could go as far as owning one.... I just want to be a dog auntie.
5. Cross Stitch. I was always intimidated by counted cross stitch before. But its really not that bad once you get into it.
6. Neil Gaiman. I knew I would like him, but have never really sat down and read his work before. I am reading American Gods right now and am mightily impressed.
7. Sugar free hot chocolate mixed in with my coffee. Sugar free hot chocolate is actually miles better than its other sugar free brethren. Plus the coffee with it is kick-tastic. At work I have to find ways to make the ordinary a little more exciting.
   

Seven Theme parties I would like to throw*

1. Clue - come dressed as your interpretation of that clue character. Original Clue only. No master detective. You can only bring food items that correspond somehow to your color.

2. Come as your favorite holiday - once again food must correlate to costume. Share a tradition with each of them.

3. High School Drama - Dress as your favorite high school stereo type. Bonus points for call backs to 80's movies. I call dibs on Ally Sheedy a la Breakfast club.

4. Welcome to the Hellmouth - You could not expect me to leave off a Whedon-fest in here did you? Trivia, sing-a-long to the musical, and other various activities.

5. When get old I want to be.... -- What did you want to be when you were a kid - come dressed as that profession -- how many firemen will there be? I am going to be an astronaut!

6. Cruise around the world progressive night - I know its kinda cliche - but there is something to be said for gorging yourself on great ethnic foods. In this plan you move from place to place -- entering each "culture" at someones house.

7. The land of misfit superheroes - come as a superhero that might not have ever made it to the Justice League.


*and almost all of them involve a costume and themed food somehow.

Quirk

I am a little delayed in doing this, but I did not want to let Torrey down. Here goes:

The Rules
* link to the person who tagged you
* post the rules on your blog
* share six non-important things/ habits/ quirks about yourself
* tag at least 3 people at the end of the post and link to their blogs
* let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog (I think I am skipping this step. I know I am a bloody rebel.)

1. I like to have cold feet and will make them so sometimes, perhaps even stepping in snow for a moment, just for the feeling of them tingling and warming up.
2. I need to be happy with my pen selection for a chosen task, work or personal. I will go through several pens (the biggest fiasco had me go through 14) until I find the right one. It is not always about color, though sometimes it may be, but mostly how it feels.
3. When asking a customer their zip code when cashing them out at Williams-Sonoma, I almost always touch my glasses.
4. I cry at the National Anthem. I cry at tributes to the troops. I am not a yellow ribbon magnet kinda person, but I get really choked up about it.
5. If I got ready too early for going out with friends, I will end up putting on makeup to kill time.
6. I wait about 5 minutes for my hot beverage to cool. But sometimes I miss that critical moment of exact warmness... and it becomes cold and I will always make a "blech" face when I drink that cold sip.

Tagged People:

Jen at The Dog-Ma - though she might answer it on this one

Brian Lewis at Oblivion Diaries... that is if that bastard is still alive

Jennie at Jen's Fives .... but I am not sure if she can post a list of 6 there!

I kinda miss the old quiz fad

You're Prufrock and Other Observations!

by T.S. Eliot

Though you are very short and often overshadowed, your voice is poetic
and lyrical. Dark and brooding, you see the world as a hopeless effort of people trying
to impress other people. Though you make reference to almost everything, you've really
heard enough about Michelangelo. You measure out your life with coffee spoons.


Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

I kinda love this commercial, but its probably only aired on Bravo.

Oh if this only became a Superbowl commercial.

Rich Fancher, you are one funny bastard.

Unicorn Cove

I thought that more people outside the Portland Area should be able to experience this commercial.

The seven is here to stay

1. I love it when weird coincidences happen with the radio. I was in a crappy mood at work on Tuesday, and I got in my car to go home, and Van Morrison's Into the Mystic comes on the radio. That song from the years of 1993 to 1997 probably made it onto every mixed tape I ever made (shamefully discovered watching the movie Dream a Little Dream, starring the Coreys). It was one of those songs I had forgotten about and loved hearing again. Monday night, I had watched the movie Once and of course fallen in love with it and bought the soundtrack yesterday. What do I discover -- there is a cover of Into the Mystic on it. I love it when things I love, love each other back.
2. California was different that I pictured it. I did not think that I would be able to see the mountains from the city of LA.
3. Favorite pen of the week - Pilot Razor Points. I like that the color Brown comes in the multipack.
4. After not seeing people for 2 weeks, when I come back, some of them are still douchebags.
5. I have decided to keep the seven. Originally it was because of 2007 that I started this, but really, a list of eight just seems pretentious.
   
6. I am getting really excited about the primaries. Watching the votes and percentages the other night reminded me of how some people I know might react a at a sporting event.
7. It is true, we may be able to make good BBQ in the north, but it can't hold a candle to what they make in the south.