Most cars are referred to as girls and are often given girl names like "Sally". My car happens to be a male whose name is "Freud". Not "Sigmund", just "Freud". The connotation is clear; Freud is my therapist. With Freud, I am allowed to have free reign. I am that weird person at the stop sign with the radio blaring, singing at the top of my lungs. More than that though, Freud allows me to scream without having nosy neighbors overhear me and without scaring the cats. He allows me to cry without interruption and without guilt (mostly). It is with Freud whom I intend to relocate to the grand state of Nebraska. A solo drive allows for some deep reflection, and with this, sometimes things become a little clearer.
The best part about Freud is the therapy sessions that occur with another passenger. Long road trips can be the ultimate therapy session, free from everyday distractions with no escaping the confines of the vehicle. You are trapped; they are trapped. Both are forced to talk and forced to listen. Commonalities, solutions, and a sense of inner peace can be the result at the end of a good road trip. Oh, don't forget the fun and laughter too! Freud is great for bringing out the fun.
Oh! I now remember a fun story that happened when I was just learning to drive. The best thing in the world was (and still is, if gas wasn't so damn expensive) to just toole around with friends in the car going nowhere in particular. On this night, my friend and I decided to take a detour though a cemetery. It's nearly midnight. We're sixteen. Its winter. And we have seen just about every scary movie ever made. There is quite a bit of snow on the ground and we pull into the unplowed cemetery just for fun. Yeah, we got stuck. In front of us was a towering gray tombstone. Actually we were surrounded by tombstones. She wanted me to get out of the car to push her out, but I was vying for running to the nearest house, banging on their door and begging for help. Through our nervous laughter, we were scared. Scared of the zombies that were sure to emerge from the graves like Michael Jackson's Thriller. Just about the time the zombies started to awaken, the car spontaneously broke free from the snowy grip. We were a little shaken up, but we were free at last. We escaped unscathed and never did we take another detour through a cemetery.
Be it fun jaunts, therapeutic road trips with buds, or solo reflective moments, Freud has been one of my best therapists. With gas prices, his rates are not cheap, but somehow its worth it.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Things I Learned From my Daddy
After writing Things I Learned From my Mama, I figured I had better be an equal opportunity daughter and write about those things I learned from my Father. From watching my dad, as well as my brothers, I have learned how not live. I've seen and felt the effects their behaviors and actions have on those they love, and I made the very conscious decision at a very early age that I was not going to be like them. However, its not all bad, and my dad has certainly passed on some very important life lessons which I will now pass on to you via this post:
- Children can be your slaves. Now I know my dad loves us to death, and he probably loves us more now than when we were kids. When we were young, though, it was evident that my dad had children to accomplish his neglected household duties. We were his car washers, lawn mowers, snowplowerss, and remote controlers. Yes, remote controls. For those of you who are not old enough to remember a time without remote controls, there was a time when people had to get up from their sitting position and change the channel. *Gasp*. I know, right? Well, my dad would call me from my cozy bedroom where I was playing with my dollies to change the channel for him. Not just once a day, more like once an hour. Or more. The inventor of the remote control is God.
- Be on time. Honestly we didn't do a whole lot as a family unit (in fact, I cannot remember one thing we did as an entire family....). Once in a while, though, we had plans to go somewhere or do something with my dad after work. Or even just waiting for the family meal (yes, there was a time that still occurred). And we would wait. And wait. And wait. Wait for my dad to make it home from his after work adventures. After a while, we didn't wait anymore and just went about our business. From this, I learned how inconsiderate it is to be late and strive very hard not to make people wait for me. In turn, I am chronically early. Too early most of the time.
- Be assertive. My mom will sometimes try to put me down by saying something on the order of "you are just like your father" or "you have a bit of your father in you". I take this as a compliment because my mom is very passive and my dad is very aggressive. Combine the two, and you get assertive. Me! I stand up for myself and am proud to have a bit of my father in me.
- Its who you know. My dad knows a lot of people from many different trades and skill sets. He has got out of speeding tickets and other traffic violations because a buddy pulled him over. Most household projects were completed by friends he knew, and there was always a good deal on a used car.
- Pay for the job when its done. Because most of his friends did the little odd jobs around the house, Dad would often pay for the job up front. Big mistake. There are still unfinished jobs at my parents' house that he paid for in full. It seemed strange for me, a teenager, to be lecturing my dad on the importance of paying for the work when the work was completed. I was adamant about this, and yet, he didn't listen. Sadly, I didn't learn this lesson completely as I have already paid for the removal of my skunk who still has not been trapped.
- Showering is overrated. My dad does not shower by conventional standards choosing his own showering schedule. Yet, he does not appear dirty or even have body odor. That does not mean I intend to adopt his same showering schedule, but its still something I felt the need to share for some strange reason.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Crazy Windy
Upon the advice of my friend, Beth, I ventured down to the Lake on this crazy windy day. Spared by the threats of a major spring blizzard dumping 12-18 inches of snow on us, we lucked out with gusty 40-60 MPH winds. I missed out on seeing the massive waves on our massive Lake yesterday because I was nervous to leave my house for fear the blizzard would magically dump all of the snow in just a matter of minutes. This morning I awoke to find no more snow on the ground than when I went to bed (and the snow was not even measurable) and the winds were still whooping. I didn't want another opportunity to pass me by to see the sights our Lake has to offer so I phoned up a friend and we braved the strong winds and cold air to see our Lake in motion.
We pulled up to the little beach I visited just weeks prior. Immediately exiting the vehicle we felt the force of the wind. "Its even a little scary", my friend uttered. Scary but exiting and exhilarating to be out in such conditions. We attempted to climb the tall ice mountains to get the full view of the Lake in all her glory. We could hear the waves crashing against the ice-cliff fence, but we could not see over their height. In our attempts to climb the mountainous creations, we grew a little hesitant. Standing on icy footing, the force of the wind literally knocked us over on a few occasions. Though it wasn't sunny, both of us wore our sunglasses to help protect our eyes from the ice and sand blowing at us. Still, the icy spray pelted our faces with stinging sensations. Our attempts were futile at best; we soon admitted defeat to the weather and retreated to our car.
Determined as we were to see the sights we so eagerly anticipated, we drove to a more accessible area. We may have been chickens, but we were brave little chickens at least! Walking up the path to the Lake, we were again met with the resistance of blowing ice, sand, and wind, but we had better footing which made us feel more secure. So, we went to our Lakewalk where the wave action did not disappoint. It was loud and crashy and amazing. Though still pictures can't do the beauty and amazement of the real life picture justice, I am including a few below.
I Love Our Lake!
We pulled up to the little beach I visited just weeks prior. Immediately exiting the vehicle we felt the force of the wind. "Its even a little scary", my friend uttered. Scary but exiting and exhilarating to be out in such conditions. We attempted to climb the tall ice mountains to get the full view of the Lake in all her glory. We could hear the waves crashing against the ice-cliff fence, but we could not see over their height. In our attempts to climb the mountainous creations, we grew a little hesitant. Standing on icy footing, the force of the wind literally knocked us over on a few occasions. Though it wasn't sunny, both of us wore our sunglasses to help protect our eyes from the ice and sand blowing at us. Still, the icy spray pelted our faces with stinging sensations. Our attempts were futile at best; we soon admitted defeat to the weather and retreated to our car.
Determined as we were to see the sights we so eagerly anticipated, we drove to a more accessible area. We may have been chickens, but we were brave little chickens at least! Walking up the path to the Lake, we were again met with the resistance of blowing ice, sand, and wind, but we had better footing which made us feel more secure. So, we went to our Lakewalk where the wave action did not disappoint. It was loud and crashy and amazing. Though still pictures can't do the beauty and amazement of the real life picture justice, I am including a few below.
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| An ice crusted bench from the spray Lake Sprays. |
I Love Our Lake!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Ten Defining Moments
I have heard it said that each person's life is impacted in a big way with ten defining moments. Those moments that are so huge they act as a reference point so you say, "before this" or "after that". The moments are not always the same and they can change when other defining moments happen. I have compiled a list of my top 10 defining life moments up until this very moment, and I have tried to put them in order.
1). My first kiss. I was quite young and very naive when I had my first kiss. I still remember coming home and asking my mom if there was a way to know just by looking a person if they had been kissed. She looked at me puzzled and questioned why I would ask. Naturally I responded, "oh, no reason". Think she knew I had my first kiss?
2). Going to college. I was the first in my family to go to college so it was a big deal. Though I didn't stay in the dorms (and instead lived at home), college taught me independence and opened my mind to a whole new world.
3). The birth of my nephews and nieces. All of my nieces and nephews were born within a few short years of one another, and they all spent a lot of time with me when they were little. Justin was the first one born and he changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. I loved that little guy more than anything and spent a good portion of his first 8 years of life taking care of him. After my nieces and nephews were born, the world was colorful and vibrant.
4). My first job. Working at Target prepped me for the real world. It was there that I learned how to be social with strangers. I learned about confidence, loyalty, and the accolades of doing a good job. Looking back I now realize it was exactly what I needed to help prepare me for the job I have today. You wouldn't think that Target would have prepared me for mental health, but it did! I am a different person than I was before Target, and I am certainly a different person NOW than I was before mental Health.
5). Mom's cancer scare. Some time ago, my mom had a literal pain in her back. She was convinced it was cancer which in turn created some hard core anxiety. She had tests upon tests to rule out cancer, which turned out to be one big waiting game. Thankfully everything turned out great! It was then that I really began to be thankful for each moment with my loved ones, and I have never taken any of that for granted. I know how blessed I am to have a healthy family and I thank my lucky stars for it every day of my life.
6). Moving into my apartment. Even more than owing my own house, my apartment is a bigger defining moment. Since I lived at home FOREVER, moving out was a big step. My brothers say that is when the umbilical cord was cut :) That is when life really began for me, though. And I proved to myself and everyone that I can make it on my own. Not only make it, but make it successfully.
7). Sept. 11, 01. The whole world changed this day. It is the day I learned about pure evil. More than that, I learned about the strength of the human spirit. Probably, too, this was the first time I was outside of myself and came to fully understand the impact the entire world has on one little person. And what an impact it had.
8). New Orleans. The funnest time of my entire life. Though it wasn't my first travel experience, it was when I first learned how much fun travel can be. There, too, is where I learned the value of true friendship and the meaning of "I got your back". My friends took great care of me while I was learning what real partying was all about!
9). The death of my Aunt Bonnie. A sudden senseless death that I still mourn today. I miss her dearly and wish she could be around to see the changes taking place everyday. I can't help but think about how much she would have loved facebook!
10). Menopause. More than anything else, my life is defined as Before and After Menopause mostly because it happened at such a young age. It changed my whole outlook on life. Not for the better and not for the worse; it just changed it. In some ways it liberated me, and in other ways, it has hindered me. I do know that my entire life plans were altered the day I got that news.
I think I about covered it. There are clearly other big moments, but I think these are the biggest defining ones for me at this stage of my life. Some will remain on this list forever and others will drop off when newer, bigger moments happen. I think my list is a good mixture of good and bad and that is how life should be.
If I were to have only one word to describe my life, it would be "balance". I strive to achieve that and feel most days I am pretty successful finding that delicate balance. I am truly blessed.
1). My first kiss. I was quite young and very naive when I had my first kiss. I still remember coming home and asking my mom if there was a way to know just by looking a person if they had been kissed. She looked at me puzzled and questioned why I would ask. Naturally I responded, "oh, no reason". Think she knew I had my first kiss?
2). Going to college. I was the first in my family to go to college so it was a big deal. Though I didn't stay in the dorms (and instead lived at home), college taught me independence and opened my mind to a whole new world.
3). The birth of my nephews and nieces. All of my nieces and nephews were born within a few short years of one another, and they all spent a lot of time with me when they were little. Justin was the first one born and he changed my life in ways I never could have imagined. I loved that little guy more than anything and spent a good portion of his first 8 years of life taking care of him. After my nieces and nephews were born, the world was colorful and vibrant.
4). My first job. Working at Target prepped me for the real world. It was there that I learned how to be social with strangers. I learned about confidence, loyalty, and the accolades of doing a good job. Looking back I now realize it was exactly what I needed to help prepare me for the job I have today. You wouldn't think that Target would have prepared me for mental health, but it did! I am a different person than I was before Target, and I am certainly a different person NOW than I was before mental Health.
5). Mom's cancer scare. Some time ago, my mom had a literal pain in her back. She was convinced it was cancer which in turn created some hard core anxiety. She had tests upon tests to rule out cancer, which turned out to be one big waiting game. Thankfully everything turned out great! It was then that I really began to be thankful for each moment with my loved ones, and I have never taken any of that for granted. I know how blessed I am to have a healthy family and I thank my lucky stars for it every day of my life.
6). Moving into my apartment. Even more than owing my own house, my apartment is a bigger defining moment. Since I lived at home FOREVER, moving out was a big step. My brothers say that is when the umbilical cord was cut :) That is when life really began for me, though. And I proved to myself and everyone that I can make it on my own. Not only make it, but make it successfully.
7). Sept. 11, 01. The whole world changed this day. It is the day I learned about pure evil. More than that, I learned about the strength of the human spirit. Probably, too, this was the first time I was outside of myself and came to fully understand the impact the entire world has on one little person. And what an impact it had.
8). New Orleans. The funnest time of my entire life. Though it wasn't my first travel experience, it was when I first learned how much fun travel can be. There, too, is where I learned the value of true friendship and the meaning of "I got your back". My friends took great care of me while I was learning what real partying was all about!
9). The death of my Aunt Bonnie. A sudden senseless death that I still mourn today. I miss her dearly and wish she could be around to see the changes taking place everyday. I can't help but think about how much she would have loved facebook!
10). Menopause. More than anything else, my life is defined as Before and After Menopause mostly because it happened at such a young age. It changed my whole outlook on life. Not for the better and not for the worse; it just changed it. In some ways it liberated me, and in other ways, it has hindered me. I do know that my entire life plans were altered the day I got that news.
I think I about covered it. There are clearly other big moments, but I think these are the biggest defining ones for me at this stage of my life. Some will remain on this list forever and others will drop off when newer, bigger moments happen. I think my list is a good mixture of good and bad and that is how life should be.
If I were to have only one word to describe my life, it would be "balance". I strive to achieve that and feel most days I am pretty successful finding that delicate balance. I am truly blessed.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
The Little Things (No, I don't mean Midgets)
Small things in life bring me great excitement. I've written about how the daily mail excites me. I've written about how numbers affect me, and how taking out the weekly garbage is just about the coolest thing in the world.
For the past week, I have been anticipating the highlight of my year. The exact moment that my car's odometer turned from 99999 to 100000. Actually I have been fantasizing about that moment for about the past 5,000 miles. **Me driving on a sunny day. Perhaps the window is down. A gentle breeze blowing through my hair. A smile on my face singing along to the radio. All of a sudden the last 9 on the right begins to turn. Slowly. Slowly. Sloooowly. Then BAM! all numbers change to 100000 at once! My smile turns into a big grin; maybe even laughter. I drive to the Dairy Queen to celebrate such a milestone and watch as the mileage begins to climb once again.**
Yes, that was my fantasy.
This past week I was watching carefully as it was nearing that magical moment. I clearly remember the odometer reading 99953 (all odd numbers I might add. A bit of foreshadowing?) and thinking to myself that I better be on my toes. Mileage adds up fast.
A day or two casually passed with me driving my car absentmindedly. Imagine the horror when I took a peek at he dashboard and saw 100047! Such disappointment! Such sadness! Such a letdown! My fantasy turned into my worst nightmare and I haven't been able to recover.
Being the optimist that I am, I am trying to look on the bright side. There is still hope for catching the magical moment when the odometer turns to 111111. Yes, that will be a special day indeed.
For the past week, I have been anticipating the highlight of my year. The exact moment that my car's odometer turned from 99999 to 100000. Actually I have been fantasizing about that moment for about the past 5,000 miles. **Me driving on a sunny day. Perhaps the window is down. A gentle breeze blowing through my hair. A smile on my face singing along to the radio. All of a sudden the last 9 on the right begins to turn. Slowly. Slowly. Sloooowly. Then BAM! all numbers change to 100000 at once! My smile turns into a big grin; maybe even laughter. I drive to the Dairy Queen to celebrate such a milestone and watch as the mileage begins to climb once again.**
Yes, that was my fantasy.
This past week I was watching carefully as it was nearing that magical moment. I clearly remember the odometer reading 99953 (all odd numbers I might add. A bit of foreshadowing?) and thinking to myself that I better be on my toes. Mileage adds up fast.
A day or two casually passed with me driving my car absentmindedly. Imagine the horror when I took a peek at he dashboard and saw 100047! Such disappointment! Such sadness! Such a letdown! My fantasy turned into my worst nightmare and I haven't been able to recover.
Being the optimist that I am, I am trying to look on the bright side. There is still hope for catching the magical moment when the odometer turns to 111111. Yes, that will be a special day indeed.
Friday, March 18, 2011
The Contraption
All of my cats are indoor cats, and they are generally OK with that. I made the decision to have indoor cats after losing one too many cats on the road when I was growing up. That and I don't particularly like getting "presents" in the form of dead field mice. So indoor cats I have.
However, I know the yearnings that cats have to be outside, to smell the wind, to hear the birds. In the name of cat happiness, I devised the perfect solution.
I found this ad for a homemade "cat condo", and after looking at it, I knew I had to have it. It was 4x4x4, on wheels, and erected sturdily.
My brilliant idea in this whole thing was how to make it so that the cats could go in and out on their own free will (hence the silver tubing you see in this photo). With the help of my friends and my brother, I installed a cat door in the main door of my house. It locks so I have the control to keep them in if need be. After hearing stray cats yowling in the wee hours of the night, I now lock it before I go to bed.
The silver tubing (dryer vent) connects the cat condo to the cat door and acts as a passage way. The cats love it.
I close it up during the winter months so the cats get particularly eager to go outside come Spring. They sense that it is nice outside, but it is still a little cold yet to unwrap the cat door (it blows a lot of cool air into the house). Before too long, though, the fuzzies will once again be in their glory outside in their contraption.
However, I know the yearnings that cats have to be outside, to smell the wind, to hear the birds. In the name of cat happiness, I devised the perfect solution.
I found this ad for a homemade "cat condo", and after looking at it, I knew I had to have it. It was 4x4x4, on wheels, and erected sturdily.
My brilliant idea in this whole thing was how to make it so that the cats could go in and out on their own free will (hence the silver tubing you see in this photo). With the help of my friends and my brother, I installed a cat door in the main door of my house. It locks so I have the control to keep them in if need be. After hearing stray cats yowling in the wee hours of the night, I now lock it before I go to bed.
The silver tubing (dryer vent) connects the cat condo to the cat door and acts as a passage way. The cats love it.
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| Milo is coming through the tube! And Punky is there too. RIP PUNKY. |
Thursday, March 17, 2011
My Cats (and One Spare) as American Idols
After spending about an hour on the phone with a friend discussing American Idol, we have assigned each of our cats as American Idol Contestants. We carefully took into account our cats' personalities and matched them up with past Contestants. We aren't obsessed or anything. Well, really the obsession belongs to my friend and I just kind of go along with it. We basically blogged this post together since it is a compilation of both of our ideas.
Milo is David Archuleta
Both are sweet, cute, well behaved boys. There isn't much Mormons can do so they have to be good, right?
We said Muffy could be Crystal Bowersox. A bit forgettable yet spunky when it matters. Both try to be the favorites, but fall a bit short.
My friend's cat, Puss (yes, Puss), gets to be Allison Iraheta. Aside from the obvious (both have red hair), they are also both feisty as all get out. Underneath their social awkwardness, they are both sweet and kind. Originally we a had assigned Puss with the evil Danny Gokey. Upon overhearing this news, Puss promptly peed on the kitchen floor thereby getting reassigned with Allison. The bitch knows what she wants.
Tino gets to be Adam Lambert. The favorite, the attention seeker who pushes all the boundaries. And both are flaming gay. Just as Adam mentored Allison, Tino tried to mentor Puss. Though it was a failure, the attempt was sincere and Tino's heart was in the right place.
So, there ya have it. My cats as American Idols. And to add some extra cheese to an already cheesy post, my cats ARE my American Idols and are all winners (non of the aforementioned Idol contestants actually won American Idol).
How I Almost Died of Botchulism
Its no secret I hate going to the grocery store. Its also no secret that I rarely have food in the house and keep my fridge and cupboards rather bare. Case in point:
Tonight I attempted to "make dinner". By make dinner I mean, "open a can of soup". I reach up into my nearly bare cupboard and pull out a can of ham and bean soup, proceed to open it, and pour it into the saucepan to heat it up (now you, too, know how to make soup). Then a brilliant idea occurs to me: I should open a second can of the same soup so that I have enough left over to take to work for lunches during the next few days.
Amazingly, I had a second can of the same soup. Immediately I notice a slight difference. The second can of soup was much lighter in color than the last soup I poured out and the chunks of mystery ham was much pinker than the first can's ham. In fact, the first can's ham looked more like beef. It was brown. Hmmm. Did I open a can of beef soup instead? No, the label clearly says Ham and Bean. By this time, I have already combined the two soups and began picking out the beef colored ham.
Then it dawned on me. What was the expiration date of that first can of soup? June of 2007! Now people who know my eating habits, know I am particular about expiration dates. I know the date my milk expires and it gets poured down the drain on the date that is printed on the carton itself. Same with my eggs even though I know they last longer than the sell by date. This wasn't just 3 days, though, this was almost 4 years old.
More soup cans resided in my cupboard so I took a peak at their expiration dates only to find 2 more cans of soup with 2007 and 2008 expiration dates. Not even good enough to give to the local food shelf.
I'm thankful I decided to open that second can otherwise I may have eaten that first can of beef-looking-ham soup unknowing that little parasites would soon be growing in my belly. And who knew a person could write a whole blog about soup?
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Black and White and Smells all Over
Last Fall I noticed a little critter had dug himself a nice little hole underneath the shed in my backyard.
I didn't think anything of it really. In fact, I took a little pride in knowing I was indirectly providing a nice little home for a little critter. Chipmunks maybe? Rabbits? Anything furry and cute. All winter long, there were bunny tracks all over my yard leading me to believe even more strongly that a cute little family of bunnies were living underneath my shed.
Whenever I had some old carrots, I tossed them out into the winter snow near the shed giving the bunny family a little treat. Even about 10 apples were donated to the rabbit cause. I found it only a little peculiar that all 10 apples disappeared over night. What hungry rabbits I have!
If I needed to retrieve a shovel or other object from the shed above the rabbit's home, I felt like I was an intruder possibly disturbing their slumber. "Gotta be quiet so as not to wake the millions of rabbit babies" I would think, then tip toe around, grab my shovel, and exit as quietly as a burglar.
Coming home from work the other night, as I was opening my garage door that leads to my shed, I heard a rustling sound. It startled me and I was taken aback. Looking down, I noticed a very large skunk! Quickly I shut the garage door in case I startled him as much as he startled me. Thankfully the skunk didn't seem to notice and he crawled into his little hole underneath the shed where he likely has a nice pantry of carrots and apples awaiting him.
Then it dawned on me. Its Spring. The skunk is fat. Sure I have been feeding it, but what if this thing is having babies? From Google I learned skunks give birth in May. From a coworker who had a skunk issue a few years ago, I learned that baby skunks spray each other as they grow and begin playing with one another. No an issue I want to have especially with 3 cats and especially since I use that shed all summer long, and pass by it multiple times every single day.
From past experience, I know skunks are determined and nearly impossible to get rid of once they have found their "home". Especially one that has been supplying it with delicacies all year long. My neighbor once had a skunk living under her garage, and no matter how many times they plugged up the hole, the skunk would always find its way back in. Then it had babies. Three adorable babies! They sure were cute. It appeared as though the mama skunk abandoned her babies. Being the animal lover they were, they did what any nature-loving caring people would do. They fed and cared for the babies. Those babies were so cute following us around in the backyard like lost little kittens. They handled the babies with leather gloves and gentle hands.
All of us are animal lovers, but none were experts in raising wild woodland creatures so the baby skunks went to a lady who was an expert. She rehabilitated the babies with the notion of releasing them back into the wild. Not even a week went by, and that darn mama skunk came back! We felt horrible. This mama came back to an empty den. No babies. Since the rehab lady was quite a distance away, it was decided to leave well enough alone and keep the babies where they were and mama would learn a very important lesson not to leave her babies alone or the welfare people will take them away.
After that, the skunk went away. Memory fails me if there was a special trick to get rid of the skunk, or if taking away her babies was enough to driver her from her home, but whatever it was, it worked.
Well, I am not going to wait until babies arrive. I want that skunk gone before I get attached to a family of smelly skunks. I have a number for a guy who catches and relocates wild critters so hopefully that will work. Still, I hear that skunks will travel long and far to return to a place they believe is their home. And if this one has a pantry of carrots and apples waiting for her.........
.........to be continued..........
Whenever I had some old carrots, I tossed them out into the winter snow near the shed giving the bunny family a little treat. Even about 10 apples were donated to the rabbit cause. I found it only a little peculiar that all 10 apples disappeared over night. What hungry rabbits I have!
If I needed to retrieve a shovel or other object from the shed above the rabbit's home, I felt like I was an intruder possibly disturbing their slumber. "Gotta be quiet so as not to wake the millions of rabbit babies" I would think, then tip toe around, grab my shovel, and exit as quietly as a burglar.
Coming home from work the other night, as I was opening my garage door that leads to my shed, I heard a rustling sound. It startled me and I was taken aback. Looking down, I noticed a very large skunk! Quickly I shut the garage door in case I startled him as much as he startled me. Thankfully the skunk didn't seem to notice and he crawled into his little hole underneath the shed where he likely has a nice pantry of carrots and apples awaiting him.
Then it dawned on me. Its Spring. The skunk is fat. Sure I have been feeding it, but what if this thing is having babies? From Google I learned skunks give birth in May. From a coworker who had a skunk issue a few years ago, I learned that baby skunks spray each other as they grow and begin playing with one another. No an issue I want to have especially with 3 cats and especially since I use that shed all summer long, and pass by it multiple times every single day.
From past experience, I know skunks are determined and nearly impossible to get rid of once they have found their "home". Especially one that has been supplying it with delicacies all year long. My neighbor once had a skunk living under her garage, and no matter how many times they plugged up the hole, the skunk would always find its way back in. Then it had babies. Three adorable babies! They sure were cute. It appeared as though the mama skunk abandoned her babies. Being the animal lover they were, they did what any nature-loving caring people would do. They fed and cared for the babies. Those babies were so cute following us around in the backyard like lost little kittens. They handled the babies with leather gloves and gentle hands.
After that, the skunk went away. Memory fails me if there was a special trick to get rid of the skunk, or if taking away her babies was enough to driver her from her home, but whatever it was, it worked.
Well, I am not going to wait until babies arrive. I want that skunk gone before I get attached to a family of smelly skunks. I have a number for a guy who catches and relocates wild critters so hopefully that will work. Still, I hear that skunks will travel long and far to return to a place they believe is their home. And if this one has a pantry of carrots and apples waiting for her.........
.........to be continued..........
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
The Code of Dressing for the Job.
To get a good understanding of where I work, I am posting a link to a friend's blog who has captured our job perfectly. Each one of our kids have the potential to act out towards themselves, others patients, or staff; generally speaking, though, our kids exhibit fair self control, and are able to keep these urges and thoughts at bay....at least while they are in our care. Basically, on a day to day basis, I am not worried that I will get hurt or attacked. Once in a while the milieu is such that there is an element of fear, and there have been times that staff has got hurt. Really hurt.
Because of the unpredictability of my job, some days it takes a bit of creative thinking to get ready for work. By this I mean the clothes I decide to wear on any particular day. Most people, when they get ready to go to work, toss on their clothes and go. Whether it be your "uniform" or your "work clothes", you likely don't give it much thought, get dressed, and head out the door to your job. For me, getting ready for work sometimes requires a little more thought process.
We are discouraged from wearing a hoodie, or any article of clothing, with strings hanging around the neck just in case some kid with no impulse control, and a desire to hurt staff, decides to take those dangling strings and wrap them around your neck. Same goes for dangling earrings. Not that you would get choked by earrings, but having your ear lobes ripped would not feel so great. Those dangling, shiny ornaments are fishing lures for an ADHD kid, and I don't think I want to catch one of those on the other end of the line.
Size can play a factor in compliance or authority with some of us shorter staff members. Often the teens we work with are taller and bigger than us. So a pair of boots with heels may add to the appearance of "I'm bigger than you. Do what I say." Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. And right now we have Pinchy McPincherton (not his real name, confidentiality you know) on the unit who likes to grab and pinch any arm or appendage that nears him. Layers Layers Layers. The more layers in between your skin and his pinchy grab, the better.
We have been instructed to not show "butts, boobs or bellies" and that sounds like a reasonable dress code requirement. Sometimes, though, we are wrestling around with an out of control patient and we end up seeing glimpses of our coworker's thongs, bras or belly rings just by being in the various positions we need to be in while getting the out of control person back in control. If I know this scenario could be a possibility that day, I will do the bending test in the mirror. You know, lean forward towards the mirror in order to see what others will see when I am bent over at work. Undershirts/tank tops are key when the "girls" have a high likelyhood of making an appearance.
Most days, its just another day on the job. Still, when I put my shoes on my feet, I wonder if they will be subjected to urine that some acting out kid intentionally peed on the floor.
Because of the unpredictability of my job, some days it takes a bit of creative thinking to get ready for work. By this I mean the clothes I decide to wear on any particular day. Most people, when they get ready to go to work, toss on their clothes and go. Whether it be your "uniform" or your "work clothes", you likely don't give it much thought, get dressed, and head out the door to your job. For me, getting ready for work sometimes requires a little more thought process.
We are discouraged from wearing a hoodie, or any article of clothing, with strings hanging around the neck just in case some kid with no impulse control, and a desire to hurt staff, decides to take those dangling strings and wrap them around your neck. Same goes for dangling earrings. Not that you would get choked by earrings, but having your ear lobes ripped would not feel so great. Those dangling, shiny ornaments are fishing lures for an ADHD kid, and I don't think I want to catch one of those on the other end of the line.
Size can play a factor in compliance or authority with some of us shorter staff members. Often the teens we work with are taller and bigger than us. So a pair of boots with heels may add to the appearance of "I'm bigger than you. Do what I say." Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. And right now we have Pinchy McPincherton (not his real name, confidentiality you know) on the unit who likes to grab and pinch any arm or appendage that nears him. Layers Layers Layers. The more layers in between your skin and his pinchy grab, the better.
We have been instructed to not show "butts, boobs or bellies" and that sounds like a reasonable dress code requirement. Sometimes, though, we are wrestling around with an out of control patient and we end up seeing glimpses of our coworker's thongs, bras or belly rings just by being in the various positions we need to be in while getting the out of control person back in control. If I know this scenario could be a possibility that day, I will do the bending test in the mirror. You know, lean forward towards the mirror in order to see what others will see when I am bent over at work. Undershirts/tank tops are key when the "girls" have a high likelyhood of making an appearance.
Most days, its just another day on the job. Still, when I put my shoes on my feet, I wonder if they will be subjected to urine that some acting out kid intentionally peed on the floor.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Technology and Me
To cell phone or to not cell phone, that is the question. I am probably one of the last people on this Earth who do not have a real cell phone. The phone I do have is an embarrassing $10 flip phone on a pay-as-you-go plan. It runs me about $10 a month, if that. It suits me just fine and I rarely use it. However, I am contemplating getting a real cell phone. An IPhone perhaps?
Part of me desperately wants one to join the "in crowd". To be included in all the texts taking place around me. To have the ability to check the status of all my friends on facebook no matter where I am. To get emails almost immediately. To play games from the comfort of my cozy bed. To get almost immediate answers to any question I may have just by doing a search from my phone. You never know when you might need the words to the song played during opening credits of an 80's sitcom.
A bigger part of me wants to be oppositional and refuse to jump on the bandwagon. Its how I take a stand against what is popular. I watched Friends in reruns because I didn't want to jump on the Friend's bandwagon, and I am just now starting to get on board the Grey's Anatomy train. I don't like to do what is popular so I revolt. Plus, I don't need a smart phone. Though I know if I do get one, I will love it! It will likely be a little soul sucking, and though I don't want to be at its every beck and call, I know I would be. From what I know about the different "apps", I certainly don't have a need, or even a desire, to have any of them. Or maybe I just don't know about the ones I do need or want. Ignorance can be bliss.
Each day I inch a tiny step closer into caving into cell phone land, but I am not there quite yet. My prediction is that I will likely have one by the end of the year much to the delight of many of my friends. That will be the day a small part of me dies. Die not only from the soul sucking cell phone itself, but also because I gave in to what society deemed as important.
Part of me desperately wants one to join the "in crowd". To be included in all the texts taking place around me. To have the ability to check the status of all my friends on facebook no matter where I am. To get emails almost immediately. To play games from the comfort of my cozy bed. To get almost immediate answers to any question I may have just by doing a search from my phone. You never know when you might need the words to the song played during opening credits of an 80's sitcom.
A bigger part of me wants to be oppositional and refuse to jump on the bandwagon. Its how I take a stand against what is popular. I watched Friends in reruns because I didn't want to jump on the Friend's bandwagon, and I am just now starting to get on board the Grey's Anatomy train. I don't like to do what is popular so I revolt. Plus, I don't need a smart phone. Though I know if I do get one, I will love it! It will likely be a little soul sucking, and though I don't want to be at its every beck and call, I know I would be. From what I know about the different "apps", I certainly don't have a need, or even a desire, to have any of them. Or maybe I just don't know about the ones I do need or want. Ignorance can be bliss.
Each day I inch a tiny step closer into caving into cell phone land, but I am not there quite yet. My prediction is that I will likely have one by the end of the year much to the delight of many of my friends. That will be the day a small part of me dies. Die not only from the soul sucking cell phone itself, but also because I gave in to what society deemed as important.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Putting Round Things in Square Things Doesn't Always Work
Another kitchen failure for me. I attempted to make an apple pie with some prepackaged pie crust that I took out of the freezer and some canned apple pie filling. Oh yeah, I go all out in the kitchen I tell you. Part of me just doesn't care and the other part of me wants to be a Domestic Kitchen Goddess where everything I touch turns into crack for the taste buds.
When making a pie, a pie plate is a necessity. A necessity I do not own. Instead, I used a square 9 inch brownie pan for the circular prepackaged pie crust. It didn't fit perfectly, but it would do. So I put the bottom round crust in the pan, poured all the contents out of the can, put the top crust on, stuck it in the oven, and hoped for the best.
Actually, it didn't turn out too horribly. It kind of worked and instead of eating it in pie shaped pieces, I eat it in square cake like shapes. How else ya gonna cut it?
Somehow, though, a square pie just does not taste the same even with massive Cool Whip globbed on top.
When making a pie, a pie plate is a necessity. A necessity I do not own. Instead, I used a square 9 inch brownie pan for the circular prepackaged pie crust. It didn't fit perfectly, but it would do. So I put the bottom round crust in the pan, poured all the contents out of the can, put the top crust on, stuck it in the oven, and hoped for the best.
Actually, it didn't turn out too horribly. It kind of worked and instead of eating it in pie shaped pieces, I eat it in square cake like shapes. How else ya gonna cut it?
Somehow, though, a square pie just does not taste the same even with massive Cool Whip globbed on top.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
How Adam Lambert Ruined American Idol
OK, so I don't focus on pop culture much, but thought this was important enough to write about. Adam Lambert killed American Idol forever. Casual viewers might not notice, and some others might blame the absence of Simon for its demise, but for me, Adam murdered it.
The reason for this is quite simple. Nobody else can live up to him. Nobody will be able to top his eccentric, unpredictable, electrifying performances. The boy has kind of let me down with his post Idol career, but he is the most talented Idol contestant. Ever.
This season's Top 13 are good. They all sing well. Some even have the anticipation factor that makes you eager to see what they are going to do next, but none to the degree that Adam did. Every time he donned the Idol stage, he slayed it. From his costume, to the performance, to the Adam Lambert Scream, that boy slayed it.
I still anticipate him to come into his own and be at the top of his game, I just thought he would be there already. In no way am I the biggest Adam Lambert fan ever, but he did change American Idol. He changed for it for good by raising the bar so high that those who follow, fall short.
And that is my pop culture rant. Hmmmpfh.
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| Adam. He isn't fashioned with a studded codpiece here. At least that we can see. |
The reason for this is quite simple. Nobody else can live up to him. Nobody will be able to top his eccentric, unpredictable, electrifying performances. The boy has kind of let me down with his post Idol career, but he is the most talented Idol contestant. Ever.
This season's Top 13 are good. They all sing well. Some even have the anticipation factor that makes you eager to see what they are going to do next, but none to the degree that Adam did. Every time he donned the Idol stage, he slayed it. From his costume, to the performance, to the Adam Lambert Scream, that boy slayed it.
I still anticipate him to come into his own and be at the top of his game, I just thought he would be there already. In no way am I the biggest Adam Lambert fan ever, but he did change American Idol. He changed for it for good by raising the bar so high that those who follow, fall short.
And that is my pop culture rant. Hmmmpfh.
Things I Learned From my Mama
I don't have funny kid stories to share, but once in a while I do have funny parent stories to share. We all learn a lot from our mamas who teach us some of life's most important lessons. Here are just a few my mom taught to me.
- "You have to suffer to be beautiful". My mom's version of "maybe she's born with it; maybe its Maybelline" was one of the most common phrases uttered in my childhood. Usually this could be heard over my whining when getting my hair permed by a do it yourself perm in the kitchen. Also spoken when getting my hair combed or braided. Unfortunately some of us have to suffer more than others; I have suffered plenty and am still not beautiful.
- "Never tell a lie. Unless you have to". Another common mama phrase. This lesson was first learned after I bought a toy "water wiggler" from a corner store. Once I got that slippery gadget home, I accidentally got a hole in it causing it to leak water all over the place deeming it unfun. Mom suggested I return it and prompted me to say it had a leak when I bought it. She followed that up with the wise life lesson, and lo and behold, it worked. I got myself a new water wiggler.
- "Your eyes look funny". This was the single most commonly spoken sentence of my brother's adolescence. Mom was, and still is, the ultimate pot detective. She knew immediately upon looking at my brother that he had been toking up. Maybe that is why I never tried the stuff. However, Mom was also a pro at noticing when I didn't feel well or had the flu.
- "Think outside the box". OK, she never really said that, but she sure has demonstrated it over and over again. Just a few years ago, she substituted her broken denture teeth with the white rocks from the fish aquarium. They worked like a charm, her dentist was impressed, and they are so durable she still has them as a reserve pair in case her new dentures break.
- Cookies make everything better. Her cookie jar is never empty of homemade chocolate chip cookies. Once in a while, peanut butter cookies or Oatmeal raisin cookies make an appearance, but my favorite is her chocolate chip ones fresh from the oven. And they do make everything better! She puts the Keebler Elves to shame.
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| Water wigglers, though I think when I was young, they were called "snakes". |
Happy Birthday
Today is the one year anniversary of the birth of my blog! Not only that, but I also achieved my centennial post on my first blog Birthday. I tried so hard to achieve that, and sorry for the super cheesy posts, but I had a goal in mind. When I get my mind set on something, there is no stopping me.
Anyway, When I first took the Maiden Voyage (exactly one year ago...to the minute) of writing my very first blog entry, I did not have high hopes that I would keep up with it like I have. What on Earth do I have to write about? As it turns out, I have life to write about, and what a good, fulfilling life it is!
This adventure has been fun! I'll admit that there are times when I wonder, for days or even weeks, what in the world I am going to write about next. Before too long, though, the next blog entry hits me. It may not be full of wisdom, or funny kid stories, or advice for those looking (or not looking) for it, but its mine. All mine. Through my entries, I have found within myself a bit of humor, a bit of insight, and a world of appreciation.
It is fun to look back on some of my older entries and think, "oh yeah, that happened", or "wow, that was some really good writing", or just reflect on some emotion I was trying to elicit. Its also fun to take a peak at my stats, and see literally where in the world my blog has been.
I keep it private from most of my friends and definitely from my family, but once in a while I have an urge to share. If I did open it up to a larger audience, I'm afraid it will lose some of what it has. Like I would have to censor somehow. So, it remains largely anonymous. That being said, my blogger dream is to have some random person, a stranger from a strange land, comment on one of my entries. Better yet, for one to follow me! Maybe in year number two. And perhaps, I will get a little braver and share with those closer to me in its second year of life.
Happy Birthday, Blog, Happy Birthday! And Happy 100th Post!
Anyway, When I first took the Maiden Voyage (exactly one year ago...to the minute) of writing my very first blog entry, I did not have high hopes that I would keep up with it like I have. What on Earth do I have to write about? As it turns out, I have life to write about, and what a good, fulfilling life it is!
This adventure has been fun! I'll admit that there are times when I wonder, for days or even weeks, what in the world I am going to write about next. Before too long, though, the next blog entry hits me. It may not be full of wisdom, or funny kid stories, or advice for those looking (or not looking) for it, but its mine. All mine. Through my entries, I have found within myself a bit of humor, a bit of insight, and a world of appreciation.
It is fun to look back on some of my older entries and think, "oh yeah, that happened", or "wow, that was some really good writing", or just reflect on some emotion I was trying to elicit. Its also fun to take a peak at my stats, and see literally where in the world my blog has been.
I keep it private from most of my friends and definitely from my family, but once in a while I have an urge to share. If I did open it up to a larger audience, I'm afraid it will lose some of what it has. Like I would have to censor somehow. So, it remains largely anonymous. That being said, my blogger dream is to have some random person, a stranger from a strange land, comment on one of my entries. Better yet, for one to follow me! Maybe in year number two. And perhaps, I will get a little braver and share with those closer to me in its second year of life.
Happy Birthday, Blog, Happy Birthday! And Happy 100th Post!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Run Samson Run
So, I have done it. Made my stupid goal of making my 100th blog also the blog of my one year anniversary of blogdom. Bear with me, if you will, as I force out this, the last of my double digit blogs.
As I stood washing dishes this morning, I watched as a very hard working little grey squirrel began building her nest on the roof of my neighbor's house. I tried to get good photos to capture all her valiant efforts, but scared the poor little critter away. I'm not an epic failure, though, as I did manage to get a few not so great photos from inside my house.
All little grey squirrels are named "Sammy" and they hold a special place in my heart even though they are basically a rat with a bushy tail. Still, I feel as though all squirrels are partially my pets. In my last house, I had a whole harem of Sammys who begged each morning for a handful of peanuts. It even got to the point of hand feeding one or two of them which was a little scary and a little exciting.
At first it started out as two daily squirrels that I named Sammy and Delilah. Not after the biblical names, per se, but from the Neil Sedaka song, Run Samson Run. Anyway, two squirrels grew to three squirrels grew to ten squirrels. The third of the bunch was named Howie after Howard Cosell whose death made the papers the day Howie showed up on the back deck with Sammy and Delilah. Each squirrel had their own little identifying features making it easy to distinguish one from the next.
The peanut feeding had to subside after Ricky Raccoon joined the bunch. Yes, each night Ricky feasted on the uneaten peanuts leaving a mess behind. Ricky became mighty large after receiving nightly meals of left over peanut butter sandwiches, popcorn, stale cereal or any other food my mom was able to confiscate from her job. We even put out a bowl of water for Ricky once we learned that Raccoons are "clean" animals and enjoy washing their food in water before eating it. Sure, enough, Ricky loved to dip his food as though he were eating a beef au jus.
Turns out, Ricky wasn't just fat from eating all this food; Ricky was fat because she was pregnant with 3 babies that she later brought along for these midnight snacks as well. So during the day we fed the hoard of squirrels and by night we fed the family of raccoons.
All snacking ceased once the cat and the raccoon had a face to face meeting on the back deck. Both claiming the territory as their own. No blood was drawn, but it was enough to close the kitchen from then on. Sure it was hard watching the woodland creatures beg for the food they had so easily obtained, but the life of our household pets was much more valuable than a backyard zoo.
Just as all squirrels are Sammys, all raccoons are Rickys.
And, with that, I enter into my 100th blog. So long double digits, hello triple digits!
As I stood washing dishes this morning, I watched as a very hard working little grey squirrel began building her nest on the roof of my neighbor's house. I tried to get good photos to capture all her valiant efforts, but scared the poor little critter away. I'm not an epic failure, though, as I did manage to get a few not so great photos from inside my house.
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| You can see the dried grass in her mouth |
At first it started out as two daily squirrels that I named Sammy and Delilah. Not after the biblical names, per se, but from the Neil Sedaka song, Run Samson Run. Anyway, two squirrels grew to three squirrels grew to ten squirrels. The third of the bunch was named Howie after Howard Cosell whose death made the papers the day Howie showed up on the back deck with Sammy and Delilah. Each squirrel had their own little identifying features making it easy to distinguish one from the next.
The peanut feeding had to subside after Ricky Raccoon joined the bunch. Yes, each night Ricky feasted on the uneaten peanuts leaving a mess behind. Ricky became mighty large after receiving nightly meals of left over peanut butter sandwiches, popcorn, stale cereal or any other food my mom was able to confiscate from her job. We even put out a bowl of water for Ricky once we learned that Raccoons are "clean" animals and enjoy washing their food in water before eating it. Sure, enough, Ricky loved to dip his food as though he were eating a beef au jus.
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| Ricky with her plate of food and water. |
Turns out, Ricky wasn't just fat from eating all this food; Ricky was fat because she was pregnant with 3 babies that she later brought along for these midnight snacks as well. So during the day we fed the hoard of squirrels and by night we fed the family of raccoons.
All snacking ceased once the cat and the raccoon had a face to face meeting on the back deck. Both claiming the territory as their own. No blood was drawn, but it was enough to close the kitchen from then on. Sure it was hard watching the woodland creatures beg for the food they had so easily obtained, but the life of our household pets was much more valuable than a backyard zoo.
Just as all squirrels are Sammys, all raccoons are Rickys.
And, with that, I enter into my 100th blog. So long double digits, hello triple digits!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Snuggle Bug
My little Tino. He is such a character. People who meet him love him (except Amy which I just learned of recently), and some have described him as "a human in a cat's body". He has such personality and life. Snuggling up with him, even at 3 AM, is my most favorite thing to do in this whole world. Most people get annoyed when their furry pet wakes them up, but each morning that Tino wakes me up brings such a smile to my face.
I keep my house on the cool side, especially during the sleeping hours. Some have described it as "the frozen tundra". But I like sleeping with a cool air temperature. Tino is short haired and tends to get chilly himself so every morning, he likes to go under my blanket and put his little ice cube feet on me to warm up. He's picky though. He only likes it when I am sleeping on my side because then the blankets drape over him forming a kind of tent for him. Tino does not like the covers touching him. So no matter what position I happen to be sleeping comfortably, I flip myself around and sleep on my side to create his little warm tent. He then purrs me a lullaby back to dreamland.
This seems to be a routine only in the cold winter months. Now that Spring is soon approaching (hopefully), I know my snuggly days with Tino will soon subside, at least until the Brisk Fall returns. Until then, I will embrace each cuddly moment.
Disclaimer: This post was cheesily written in order to achieve post number 100 on my blogaversary. Total cheese post, but hey, I had nothing better at the moment. And afterall, this blog is named after him.
I keep my house on the cool side, especially during the sleeping hours. Some have described it as "the frozen tundra". But I like sleeping with a cool air temperature. Tino is short haired and tends to get chilly himself so every morning, he likes to go under my blanket and put his little ice cube feet on me to warm up. He's picky though. He only likes it when I am sleeping on my side because then the blankets drape over him forming a kind of tent for him. Tino does not like the covers touching him. So no matter what position I happen to be sleeping comfortably, I flip myself around and sleep on my side to create his little warm tent. He then purrs me a lullaby back to dreamland.
This seems to be a routine only in the cold winter months. Now that Spring is soon approaching (hopefully), I know my snuggly days with Tino will soon subside, at least until the Brisk Fall returns. Until then, I will embrace each cuddly moment.
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| Valentino. Mr. Cool himself. |
Monday, March 7, 2011
Orgasmic Pleasures
When I still lived at home, my mom and I would have little peanut butter races to see who could be the first person to dig their knife into that unopened jar of deliciousness. Whoever was first would always leave a little "gotcha" message in the peanut butter itself. A jagged "haha" or smiley face would await the loser. There are few worse disappointments than opening that jar up thinking you were the first only to find that taunting message. I don't have anybody to have peanut butter races with anymore, but there are a few other simple pleasures that bring about a similar feeling.
Its not often I get sunburned, and when I do get burned, it usually turns to tan. How very fortunate I am. Except, I love peeling off the dead layers. The crispier the better! Since I live in Northern Minnesota, it is a near impossibility to get sunburned 9 months out of the year so I would recreate that sensation with glue. You've done it too, and you know it. Elmer's Glue, on your hands, let it dry, and peel. Its fun and it serves to clean your hands while you're at it. I've even put Elmer's Glue on my face. Fun times. There is nothing quite like peeling dead sunburned skin. . . . .
. . .Except the feeling of pulling a stray strand of hair out of your nose or ear. Ohhhhh, that sensation is glorious! When I was younger, I would even put a single strand of hair in my various facial orifices just to be able to pull it out again. However, that never had the same accomplished feeling as when one was a random menace.
For me, the most pleasurable feeling occurs when I am shoveling. Not just any regular snowfall. Digging the shovel underneath large plates of packed, icy, chunky chunks is so rewarding. My neighbor and I would often shovel in tandem. Her in her driveway and me in mine. We both loved shoveling those big chunks that had been packed down by repeatedly driving on them. To finally reach the bare driveway was....orgasmic. Yes, orgasmic. For real.
From peanut butter, to Elmer's glue, to hair in the nose, to shoveling chunky snow chunks......all simple pleasures of orgasmic proportions.
Its not often I get sunburned, and when I do get burned, it usually turns to tan. How very fortunate I am. Except, I love peeling off the dead layers. The crispier the better! Since I live in Northern Minnesota, it is a near impossibility to get sunburned 9 months out of the year so I would recreate that sensation with glue. You've done it too, and you know it. Elmer's Glue, on your hands, let it dry, and peel. Its fun and it serves to clean your hands while you're at it. I've even put Elmer's Glue on my face. Fun times. There is nothing quite like peeling dead sunburned skin. . . . .
. . .Except the feeling of pulling a stray strand of hair out of your nose or ear. Ohhhhh, that sensation is glorious! When I was younger, I would even put a single strand of hair in my various facial orifices just to be able to pull it out again. However, that never had the same accomplished feeling as when one was a random menace.
For me, the most pleasurable feeling occurs when I am shoveling. Not just any regular snowfall. Digging the shovel underneath large plates of packed, icy, chunky chunks is so rewarding. My neighbor and I would often shovel in tandem. Her in her driveway and me in mine. We both loved shoveling those big chunks that had been packed down by repeatedly driving on them. To finally reach the bare driveway was....orgasmic. Yes, orgasmic. For real.
From peanut butter, to Elmer's glue, to hair in the nose, to shoveling chunky snow chunks......all simple pleasures of orgasmic proportions.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Not too late
So, I stole these questions off my friend Beth's blog after she stole them off her friend's blog (who likely stole them from somewhere herself). Its supposed to be a reflection of the past year. The past year being 2010. Well I can still do that in March, dontcha think? Sure. Plus I am trying desperately to get to 100 blog entries by my first Blogaversary so that my 100th Blog will also be on the one year anniversary of its birth. So, this may be a filler entry, but hey, my life is only so interesting. Here goes.
What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before? I went to the Wrenshall Corn Maze with my friend and her two kids. It was way more fun that I anticipated. I wasn't even freaked out that the Children of the Corn would slaughter me.
Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don't usually make New Year's Resolutions. One that I actually kept a few years ago was to Floss my teeth. What a great resolution. I don't really believe in New Year's Resolutions and believe that if you want to make a change, you should start now and not wait for a "magical date". However, tell that to me next time I say, "Starting Monday, I will work out more" or "Come the first of the month, I am not going to eat ice cream anymore". Yeah, never happens.
Did anyone close to you die? My beloved cat, Punkin who had been my friend for 18 years passed away in September. Also, my friend, Sue passed as well. I blogged about her here. Unfortunately we never did walk together again.
What countries did you visit? USA, baby. But I did have a fantastic trip to Las Vegas. It ranks second only to New Orleans as my favorite away from home vacations.
What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010? Self Control. Always. Turning down delicious snacks is always the most difficult obstacle.
What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? You would think it would be the day Punky died, but I tend to forget death dates unless I write them on my calendar (which I do). So I guess it will have to Christmas Day for this reason.
What was your biggest achievement of the year? Biggest achievement? Hmmmmm. Maybe not killing someone I'd like to murder. Not really. Its a joke people! A joke!
What was your biggest failure? Losing so many Word Twist games with Amy. Yup, that's it.
Did you suffer illness or injury? Nope. Despite my attempts to get sick so that I can legitimately call in sick to work in order to burn up my maxed out sick time. I guess maybe my New Year's Resolution could be to call in sick more this year! Hell ya!
What was the best thing you bought? New carpeting. Love it!
Whose behaviour merited celebration? My Aunt Dorie's who quit smoking. My mom followed suit 5 months later, but since she quit smoking in 2011, it has to be my Aunt's for 2010
Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed? My brother's. Back into a downward spiral with drugs and casinos.
Where did most of your money go? Uncle Sam. Or so it feels that way sometimes. I guess it would have to be SAVINGS! Thank God it wasn't the casinos!
What did you get really, really, really excited about? My trip to Las Vegas followed up with another 2 week stay at home vacation. Pure bliss.
What song will always remind you of 2010? I have a hard time associating songs to years. So, none?
What do you wish you'd done more of? Rollerblading. Seriously, I only went 3 times last summer!
Did you fall in love in 2010? Naw. Love is overrated.
What did you want and get? Probably carpeting. Or time off for my Las Vegas trip. Or both!
What did you want and not get? Nothing. I seem to always get what I want :) True facts.
So that is it. One more step to blog number 100. Happy (rest of) 2011 Everyone!
What did you do in 2010 that you'd never done before? I went to the Wrenshall Corn Maze with my friend and her two kids. It was way more fun that I anticipated. I wasn't even freaked out that the Children of the Corn would slaughter me.
Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don't usually make New Year's Resolutions. One that I actually kept a few years ago was to Floss my teeth. What a great resolution. I don't really believe in New Year's Resolutions and believe that if you want to make a change, you should start now and not wait for a "magical date". However, tell that to me next time I say, "Starting Monday, I will work out more" or "Come the first of the month, I am not going to eat ice cream anymore". Yeah, never happens.
Did anyone close to you die? My beloved cat, Punkin who had been my friend for 18 years passed away in September. Also, my friend, Sue passed as well. I blogged about her here. Unfortunately we never did walk together again.
What countries did you visit? USA, baby. But I did have a fantastic trip to Las Vegas. It ranks second only to New Orleans as my favorite away from home vacations.
What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010? Self Control. Always. Turning down delicious snacks is always the most difficult obstacle.
What date from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? You would think it would be the day Punky died, but I tend to forget death dates unless I write them on my calendar (which I do). So I guess it will have to Christmas Day for this reason.
What was your biggest achievement of the year? Biggest achievement? Hmmmmm. Maybe not killing someone I'd like to murder. Not really. Its a joke people! A joke!
What was your biggest failure? Losing so many Word Twist games with Amy. Yup, that's it.
Did you suffer illness or injury? Nope. Despite my attempts to get sick so that I can legitimately call in sick to work in order to burn up my maxed out sick time. I guess maybe my New Year's Resolution could be to call in sick more this year! Hell ya!
What was the best thing you bought? New carpeting. Love it!
Whose behaviour merited celebration? My Aunt Dorie's who quit smoking. My mom followed suit 5 months later, but since she quit smoking in 2011, it has to be my Aunt's for 2010
Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed? My brother's. Back into a downward spiral with drugs and casinos.
Where did most of your money go? Uncle Sam. Or so it feels that way sometimes. I guess it would have to be SAVINGS! Thank God it wasn't the casinos!
What did you get really, really, really excited about? My trip to Las Vegas followed up with another 2 week stay at home vacation. Pure bliss.
What song will always remind you of 2010? I have a hard time associating songs to years. So, none?
What do you wish you'd done more of? Rollerblading. Seriously, I only went 3 times last summer!
Did you fall in love in 2010? Naw. Love is overrated.
What did you want and get? Probably carpeting. Or time off for my Las Vegas trip. Or both!
What did you want and not get? Nothing. I seem to always get what I want :) True facts.
So that is it. One more step to blog number 100. Happy (rest of) 2011 Everyone!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Forcing It
Even more than writing a blog, I enjoy reading them. Only a few of my friends have blogs, and I follow another blog of a complete stranger, but that just does not satisfy me. I want more. I want more blogs to read, but frankly, I can't find another random one that holds my interest. So now I have become a blog pimp. Yup, forcing other friends of mine to blog simply so that I can fulfill my insatiable blog appetite.
One friend of mine does not seem to want to get into the blogging world despite my desperate attempts to make her blog. Hell, I even created her main blog page for her....including the name. With her consent and approval of course. For her, I think blogging would be rather cathartic. She is able to express herself much easier with the written word than with the spoken word, and a blog would be an ideal means of expression. Still, she has no interest.
The other day she was at my house and I showed her how pretty her blog was. She agreed it did indeed look nice. Then I proceeded to demonstrate how easy it was to write an entry; thus, I wrote her first blog entry! She left that night with the assignment to blog when she got home. Each day I eagerly anticipate a new exciting blog to read, but alas, no go.
I guess you can't force these things even though I desperately want to force it. Maybe I'll start writing on her blog as though I am her and fool myself. Naw, I'd be wise to that.
One friend of mine does not seem to want to get into the blogging world despite my desperate attempts to make her blog. Hell, I even created her main blog page for her....including the name. With her consent and approval of course. For her, I think blogging would be rather cathartic. She is able to express herself much easier with the written word than with the spoken word, and a blog would be an ideal means of expression. Still, she has no interest.
The other day she was at my house and I showed her how pretty her blog was. She agreed it did indeed look nice. Then I proceeded to demonstrate how easy it was to write an entry; thus, I wrote her first blog entry! She left that night with the assignment to blog when she got home. Each day I eagerly anticipate a new exciting blog to read, but alas, no go.
I guess you can't force these things even though I desperately want to force it. Maybe I'll start writing on her blog as though I am her and fool myself. Naw, I'd be wise to that.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Happy Hour My Style
Another Friday night, another Happy Hour. I'm not talking the happy hour at the neighborhood bar or even the happy hour where appetizers are half price. No, instead, I refer to the new Happy Hour I look forward to every Friday night. Its the Bejeweled Happy Hour on Facebook where the x2 enhanced feature is FREE! Usually it costs 7500 coins (coins you rack up by obsessive playing), but every Friday, they are free. Go me.
Its a sad life I lead. This Friday evening, I am bored silly. Its a good measure of others who have uneventful lives to see who else may be updating their statuses on Facebook on Fridays and Saturdays. Mostly, though, those are the people who are home with their families. Or, if they are single like me, they are experiencing a very real hour of happiness. They are likely NOT enjoying my same Happy Hour.
In addition to keeping up with the ever exciting world of Facebook, tonight I have taken to reading blogs. Sometimes its fun to read random blogs, but tonight I went back and reread the other blogs I follow. That, in turn, inspired me to blog. My problem is that I couldn't figure out what to write about. A Bejeweled Happy Hour just is not that exciting. Yet, it made for an OK blog post I guess.
Certainly there are other, more productive things I could (and should) be doing, but getting to the top of the leader board on all my online games has become somewhat of a priority for me. Don't get me wrong, I am not a huge gamer by any means, and once I achieve top billing, my games take a very big back seat. Truth be told, I am already at the top of my Bejeweled leader board. But, as in life, I like to have a good savings of coins so that when Tuesday rolls around (the day the leader board resets), I will have a surplus to achieve first place once again.
Yes, my self esteem is based largely on my first place statuses of online games. Now that I am in first place and my blog has been blogged, it is time to go pet the cats. Sigh.
Its a sad life I lead. This Friday evening, I am bored silly. Its a good measure of others who have uneventful lives to see who else may be updating their statuses on Facebook on Fridays and Saturdays. Mostly, though, those are the people who are home with their families. Or, if they are single like me, they are experiencing a very real hour of happiness. They are likely NOT enjoying my same Happy Hour.
In addition to keeping up with the ever exciting world of Facebook, tonight I have taken to reading blogs. Sometimes its fun to read random blogs, but tonight I went back and reread the other blogs I follow. That, in turn, inspired me to blog. My problem is that I couldn't figure out what to write about. A Bejeweled Happy Hour just is not that exciting. Yet, it made for an OK blog post I guess.
Certainly there are other, more productive things I could (and should) be doing, but getting to the top of the leader board on all my online games has become somewhat of a priority for me. Don't get me wrong, I am not a huge gamer by any means, and once I achieve top billing, my games take a very big back seat. Truth be told, I am already at the top of my Bejeweled leader board. But, as in life, I like to have a good savings of coins so that when Tuesday rolls around (the day the leader board resets), I will have a surplus to achieve first place once again.
Yes, my self esteem is based largely on my first place statuses of online games. Now that I am in first place and my blog has been blogged, it is time to go pet the cats. Sigh.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Sacrificing Still
It is not uncommon to find me kneeling at the computer because Milo is sweetly sleeping on the computer chair. I suppose a laptop would solve that problem. Notice how I solve the "problem" with adding a laptop and not by removing the said sleeping cat. Not that long ago, I remember when all of the animals in the house had their own spot on the comfy furniture while I took up residence on the....floor. Looking around at all the cozy furry creatures brought a smile to my face. Then I remembered my butt that was tingling with the effects of having fallen asleep.
And because my knees are getting sore from holding up my weight, I will keep this entry short and sweet. Oh, to be one of my cats :)
And because my knees are getting sore from holding up my weight, I will keep this entry short and sweet. Oh, to be one of my cats :)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Breathing With the Lake
Winter in Duluth can get rather long. To help curb the effects of Cabin Fever, a true Minnesotan will find ways to keep their sanity during the long, grey, cold winter. Case in point, a friend of a friend made a luge run in their backyard. It starts about 7 feet from the ground, features about 5 turns, and is as solid as they come. Plus its bitchin' fun.
There are the usual cold weather suspects: Regular sledding, ice skating, skiing (of the down hill variety or cross country kind), but something that goes unappreciated around here is our beautiful Lake. Its perhaps even more beautiful in the winter; today a friend and I went on an adventure so see the ever changing landscape of Lake Superior. Sure, it was 4 degrees above zero with 10 below wind chill factor, but a true Northlandian knows how to dress for the weather. We even managed to break a sweat. Taking pictures, however, was down right painful as my peach colored fingers turned bright red in a matter of moments. I could not return my hands into their cozy mittens quick enough. Still, I sacrificed my fingers in order to get some decent photos.
We ventured out on the mountains of frozen sand and ice, across all the "frozen cottage cheese" (as Beth called it), all the way to where the great lake opened up and allowed us to see her breathe. Watching and listening to the frigid water rise and fall in sync with my own breaths made me realize that our Lake truly is Alive.
I seldom take for granted the beauty that surrounds me everyday, and feel so fortunate to live in an area that experiences all the seasons of the year. Sometimes, though, I wish that winter lasted a wee bit shorter. We are in the unique phase of our winter (a phase Beth tagged as Winter/Spring) where hope abounds. Hope for the warmer weather and longer days.
A few years ago I captured some beautiful scenes of our gorgeous Lake in the heart of winter. Seeing the photos are pretty, but seeing it in person is breathtaking.
If you listen quietly, you may just be able to hear her breathe with you.
There are the usual cold weather suspects: Regular sledding, ice skating, skiing (of the down hill variety or cross country kind), but something that goes unappreciated around here is our beautiful Lake. Its perhaps even more beautiful in the winter; today a friend and I went on an adventure so see the ever changing landscape of Lake Superior. Sure, it was 4 degrees above zero with 10 below wind chill factor, but a true Northlandian knows how to dress for the weather. We even managed to break a sweat. Taking pictures, however, was down right painful as my peach colored fingers turned bright red in a matter of moments. I could not return my hands into their cozy mittens quick enough. Still, I sacrificed my fingers in order to get some decent photos.
 |
| It may have been sunny, but it was Cold. |
 |
| Frozen Cottage Cheese |
I seldom take for granted the beauty that surrounds me everyday, and feel so fortunate to live in an area that experiences all the seasons of the year. Sometimes, though, I wish that winter lasted a wee bit shorter. We are in the unique phase of our winter (a phase Beth tagged as Winter/Spring) where hope abounds. Hope for the warmer weather and longer days.
A few years ago I captured some beautiful scenes of our gorgeous Lake in the heart of winter. Seeing the photos are pretty, but seeing it in person is breathtaking.
If you listen quietly, you may just be able to hear her breathe with you.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Smile :)
I have a bit of a fetish with smiley faces. Not the aforementioned fruit snack smiles (though I do love those as well), but with the smiley faces you can find in everyday objects. There was that commercial a while ago, I think about a credit card, that featured smiley faces formed out of naturally placed objects from the buttons in an elevator to how boats are placed in a marina. Even before these commercials, I liked to find my naturally occurring smiley faces.
You may remember my Cheerio Smiley Face from Las Vegas. In case, you have forgotten, I will repost his picture for you.
When it was time for me to buy my very first car, the criteria was that it had to "look happy and round". Imagine the happy dance party occurring in the sale's man's head when he heard that. I guess I was a little scared of having my car turn into Stephen King's "Christine" if it did not look happy. The winning car was a very round, and very happy looking, Ford Probe.
Walking with my friend the other day, I came across the happiest smiley face a person could ever stumble upon. It made us both laugh, and still does make us chuckle. I made her stop and take a picture with her cell phone. Gross as it was.
Yup, that is some foreign dog's fecal droppings. All in the shape of a smiley face! How could I pass that up?
You may remember my Cheerio Smiley Face from Las Vegas. In case, you have forgotten, I will repost his picture for you.
 |
| Cute little guy! All Cheerios fell in this random pattern. |
When it was time for me to buy my very first car, the criteria was that it had to "look happy and round". Imagine the happy dance party occurring in the sale's man's head when he heard that. I guess I was a little scared of having my car turn into Stephen King's "Christine" if it did not look happy. The winning car was a very round, and very happy looking, Ford Probe.
Walking with my friend the other day, I came across the happiest smiley face a person could ever stumble upon. It made us both laugh, and still does make us chuckle. I made her stop and take a picture with her cell phone. Gross as it was.
Yup, that is some foreign dog's fecal droppings. All in the shape of a smiley face! How could I pass that up?
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