A Day in My Life

A Day in My Life

Sunday Brunch

The Witching Hour!



"Tis the witching hour of night,

Orbed is the moon and bright,

And the stars they glisten, glisten,

Seeming with bright eyes to listen

For what listen they?" -John Keats



1) What candy are you passing out on Halloween night if you are staying home? None, but my nephew and family passed out pixie sticks, snickers, three muskateers and reese's...all the good stuff!

2) What was your best Halloween costume? I was Snow White and I loved that costume in its shimmery colors and material.

3) Are you doing anything on the night of Halloween if you are not staying home to pass out treats, and if so, what are you doing? I'm spending it with my nephew and family. I know they'll pass out candy and we'll probably watch a flick or two. I'm hoping one of them will be Mad Monster Party.

4) What is your favorite Halloween décor? (ie, witch, ghost, pumpkins) Ghosts, pumpkins, witches and the new inflatable decorations, those are just the bomb!

5) Do you carve jack o’lanterns? No, but my nephew does, he's very creative. These are his creations, especially the Scare Pumpkin!

Sunday Brunch

The Witching Hour!



"Tis the witching hour of night,

Orbed is the moon and bright,

And the stars they glisten, glisten,

Seeming with bright eyes to listen

For what listen they?" -John Keats



1) What candy are you passing out on Halloween night if you are staying home? None, but my nephew and family passed out pixie sticks, snickers, three muskateers and reese's...all the good stuff!

2) What was your best Halloween costume? I was Snow White and I loved that costume in its shimmery colors and material.

3) Are you doing anything on the night of Halloween if you are not staying home to pass out treats, and if so, what are you doing? I'm spending it with my nephew and family. I know they'll pass out candy and we'll probably watch a flick or two. I'm hoping one of them will be Mad Monster Party.

4) What is your favorite Halloween décor? (ie, witch, ghost, pumpkins) Ghosts, pumpkins, witches and the new inflatable decorations, those are just the bomb!

5) Do you carve jack o’lanterns? No, but my nephew does, he's very creative. These are his creations, especially the Scare Pumpkin!

My first college football game: UCLA vs. Stanford (21 - 0)

My first college football game: UCLA vs. Stanford (21 - 0)

Wonderful costume ideas




Very creative employees




More creative costumes

saturday-8:: BOO!



1. happy hallowe'en! did you celebrate hallowe'en as a child? Yes. My mom made it a fun, celebratory outing and I'm very grateful for that. Selecting what I was going to be was half the fun and the month of October was electrifying.



2. did you know that origins of hallowe'en, or did you just go along with it? No. My mom never dwelled on the holidays origins and I think she was right not to. As a child, I was enjoying myself and having. Learning its origins came later.



3. many 'christians' refuse to celebrate hallowe'en because they feel it is "satan's holiday." what is your feeling on that? I disagree. I don't give credit to it being associated with satan. For me, it's about children/adults dressing up, having a great and fun time and receiving treats. Doing this once a year isn't going to send one to hell.



4. as an adult, do you ever dress up for hallowe'en? No, I longer dress up, but I love watching scary movies and scaring others. It's fun and great laughs!



5. do you give out candy every year to trick or treaters, or do you turn off your lights and pretend you're not home? If I'm home, I turn off the lights and stay in the rear portion of the house. Likely, I'm not home, though.



6. what's the best hallowe'en costume you've ever had? tell us about it. I was snow white and I truly loved that costume.



7. what's the best hallowe'en costume you've ever seen, either on the 'net, on TV/movies or in real life? I think the best ones are those created via face painting and homemade costumes. Most of the time they're ghouls, slashers or victims.



8. do you have a hard time NOT eating the hallowe'en candy before you give it out? ;) No, I can give the candy away and abstain from eating the candy collected. I'm not a sweet tooth kind of gal!

saturday-8:: BOO!



1. happy hallowe'en! did you celebrate hallowe'en as a child? Yes. My mom made it a fun, celebratory outing and I'm very grateful for that. Selecting what I was going to be was half the fun and the month of October was electrifying.



2. did you know that origins of hallowe'en, or did you just go along with it? No. My mom never dwelled on the holidays origins and I think she was right not to. As a child, I was enjoying myself and having. Learning its origins came later.



3. many 'christians' refuse to celebrate hallowe'en because they feel it is "satan's holiday." what is your feeling on that? I disagree. I don't give credit to it being associated with satan. For me, it's about children/adults dressing up, having a great and fun time and receiving treats. Doing this once a year isn't going to send one to hell.



4. as an adult, do you ever dress up for hallowe'en? No, I longer dress up, but I love watching scary movies and scaring others. It's fun and great laughs!



5. do you give out candy every year to trick or treaters, or do you turn off your lights and pretend you're not home? If I'm home, I turn off the lights and stay in the rear portion of the house. Likely, I'm not home, though.



6. what's the best hallowe'en costume you've ever had? tell us about it. I was snow white and I truly loved that costume.



7. what's the best hallowe'en costume you've ever seen, either on the 'net, on TV/movies or in real life? I think the best ones are those created via face painting and homemade costumes. Most of the time they're ghouls, slashers or victims.



8. do you have a hard time NOT eating the hallowe'en candy before you give it out? ;) No, I can give the candy away and abstain from eating the candy collected. I'm not a sweet tooth kind of gal!

Engineering dept's haunted house








Spouse's department worked many days creating their haunted house from scratch. They had sound effects, compressed air and creepy ghouls scaring the folks who dared enter the engineering dept.!

Received via email.



Weekly Capsule



- The winds whipped up on Monday, sending a chill through the night air.



- B: it's coming.

Me: What are you talking about? What's coming?

B: Don't you listen to the news?? It's coming!

Me: What is it with you. Is everything a mystery or riddle? What's coming?

B: The rain.

Me: For crying out loud, you were spooking me out with your talk of it. It's rain, deal with it. The news has been on Storm Watch for days I bet this only happens in L.A.



- Buying the most atrocious chicken soup from a restaurant we frequent often. Their food is normally very good, but the chicken soup was well, gross.



- Watching Final Destination and enjoying it. I bought it without viewing it in the theater, because the DVD was only $9.99. At this price, it was less expansive than two matinee tix to the theater!



- B: Who's that?

Me: What? What do you mean?

B: Who is that?

Me: You mean you really don't know? It's the Beatles!

B: Ugh, take them off. What kind of music is that anyway?





- Oh boy, pizza and a hot cup of cocoa go a long way to making the night special. We're dipping into the mid-40s and I'm not liking it!!!



- Some old black & white horror flicks hold up well, while others are just too darned hokey. The House on Haunted Hill starring Vincent Price is one of the hokier ones. I loved the man's voice and demeanor. He's unique and there will never be another like him.

Received via email.



Weekly Capsule



- The winds whipped up on Monday, sending a chill through the night air.



- B: it's coming.

Me: What are you talking about? What's coming?

B: Don't you listen to the news?? It's coming!

Me: What is it with you. Is everything a mystery or riddle? What's coming?

B: The rain.

Me: For crying out loud, you were spooking me out with your talk of it. It's rain, deal with it. The news has been on Storm Watch for days I bet this only happens in L.A.



- Buying the most atrocious chicken soup from a restaurant we frequent often. Their food is normally very good, but the chicken soup was well, gross.



- Watching Final Destination and enjoying it. I bought it without viewing it in the theater, because the DVD was only $9.99. At this price, it was less expansive than two matinee tix to the theater!



- B: Who's that?

Me: What? What do you mean?

B: Who is that?

Me: You mean you really don't know? It's the Beatles!

B: Ugh, take them off. What kind of music is that anyway?





- Oh boy, pizza and a hot cup of cocoa go a long way to making the night special. We're dipping into the mid-40s and I'm not liking it!!!



- Some old black & white horror flicks hold up well, while others are just too darned hokey. The House on Haunted Hill starring Vincent Price is one of the hokier ones. I loved the man's voice and demeanor. He's unique and there will never be another like him.

It's the Great Pumpkin!



Theater Thursday

Scary movies

It's that scary time of year again. Halloween. With that in mind...



1) What's your favorite scary movie? Halloween by John Carpenter



2) Are you more into the lame scary movies that make you laugh, or the straight up - scare the bejesus out of you - scary movies? Oh, scare me, please! What's the point, that's why we have comedies.



3) Scary movies - best viewed alone? Or with a crowd? Best viewed with a small group of no more than five. Alone would be fine, were not I such a sissy! ;-0



BONUS) You've parked your behind on the couch for a marathon of scary movies. What 5 scary movies are on your list?

Halloween

Jeepers Creepers

When a Stranger Calls

Black Christmas

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (the original

It's the Great Pumpkin!



Theater Thursday

Scary movies

It's that scary time of year again. Halloween. With that in mind...



1) What's your favorite scary movie? Halloween by John Carpenter



2) Are you more into the lame scary movies that make you laugh, or the straight up - scare the bejesus out of you - scary movies? Oh, scare me, please! What's the point, that's why we have comedies.



3) Scary movies - best viewed alone? Or with a crowd? Best viewed with a small group of no more than five. Alone would be fine, were not I such a sissy! ;-0



BONUS) You've parked your behind on the couch for a marathon of scary movies. What 5 scary movies are on your list?

Halloween

Jeepers Creepers

When a Stranger Calls

Black Christmas

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (the original

Talk about creativity. I loved the Pump Cat (top left) and the blonde pumpkin with braces!

Thursday Threesome

::Rolltop Desk::



Onesome: Roll-- On a roll lately? What have you been up to where things just keep falling into place (maybe you're a Red Sox fan)? Yeah, what's working (even if it's just the TV)? I've been experiencing dental discomfort and my initial dental appointment, subsequent consultation with a specialist, and appointment for surgery all fell into place. Remarkable, since I am deathly afraid of dentists.



Twosome: Top-- Top of the world? What's the highest point you've ever been? No, the airliner doesn't count, I'm talking about standing somewhere . Have you made it to the roof? ...the Eiffel Tower? Mt. McKinley? How high is high for you? Let's see, you're jogging my memory here...I reached the summit of San Gregonio, which was the most exhilarating experience!



Threesome: Desk-- Hey, what type of setup do you have for your computer work? Are you working from a laptop while sitting on the couch? ...or maybe you have a high tech workstation/hutch combo with mood lighting and soothing music? No? How about the kitchen table? Where do you post and work from? I work from the notebook located on my dining table. It's right next to the living room, so I feel closer to the family and more comfortable. We feel like having time together since I'm close in proximity!

Thursday Threesome

::Rolltop Desk::



Onesome: Roll-- On a roll lately? What have you been up to where things just keep falling into place (maybe you're a Red Sox fan)? Yeah, what's working (even if it's just the TV)? I've been experiencing dental discomfort and my initial dental appointment, subsequent consultation with a specialist, and appointment for surgery all fell into place. Remarkable, since I am deathly afraid of dentists.



Twosome: Top-- Top of the world? What's the highest point you've ever been? No, the airliner doesn't count, I'm talking about standing somewhere . Have you made it to the roof? ...the Eiffel Tower? Mt. McKinley? How high is high for you? Let's see, you're jogging my memory here...I reached the summit of San Gregonio, which was the most exhilarating experience!



Threesome: Desk-- Hey, what type of setup do you have for your computer work? Are you working from a laptop while sitting on the couch? ...or maybe you have a high tech workstation/hutch combo with mood lighting and soothing music? No? How about the kitchen table? Where do you post and work from? I work from the notebook located on my dining table. It's right next to the living room, so I feel closer to the family and more comfortable. We feel like having time together since I'm close in proximity!

Nasty Fall



Spouse took a nasty tumble down a flight of stairs this morning. B. was attending a seminar in Pasadena and, with all the rain we've had recently, the stairs were quite slippery and muddy as this photo illustrates. Nothing like landing in wet mud first thing in the morning!




Parking garage stairwell.



I would think it would've occurred to the parking garage personnel to hose down and clean the stairwell. Obviously, this isn't the case and B. is recovering. We're pumping spouse with lots of Tylenol and Ben Gay rub. The next day is usually the worst, so we'll see what tomorrow brings.

Nasty Fall



Spouse took a nasty tumble down a flight of stairs this morning. B. was attending a seminar in Pasadena and, with all the rain we've had recently, the stairs were quite slippery and muddy as this photo illustrates. Nothing like landing in wet mud first thing in the morning!




Parking garage stairwell.



I would think it would've occurred to the parking garage personnel to hose down and clean the stairwell. Obviously, this isn't the case and B. is recovering. We're pumping spouse with lots of Tylenol and Ben Gay rub. The next day is usually the worst, so we'll see what tomorrow brings.

Wednesday Whatevers



1. When are lies acceptable? It depends on the type of lie. A small white lie isn't so bad, especially in maintaining relationships. A lie that protects one at the expense of another, isn't okay, even if it ruins the relationship.



2. Is it true that what you don't know can't hurt you? Again, it depends on the circumstance. Not knowing you're planning a surprise for me is a good ignorance. Refusing to acknoweledge infidelity is not only painful, it's downright damaging! So in this case, not knowing can definitely hurt me.



3. What is a spoiled person? A selfish, self-centered individual concerned only about oneself and needs.

Wednesday Whatevers



1. When are lies acceptable? It depends on the type of lie. A small white lie isn't so bad, especially in maintaining relationships. A lie that protects one at the expense of another, isn't okay, even if it ruins the relationship.



2. Is it true that what you don't know can't hurt you? Again, it depends on the circumstance. Not knowing you're planning a surprise for me is a good ignorance. Refusing to acknoweledge infidelity is not only painful, it's downright damaging! So in this case, not knowing can definitely hurt me.



3. What is a spoiled person? A selfish, self-centered individual concerned only about oneself and needs.

Midweek Music

Spook-tastic



It’s that time of year again, with goblins & ghosts & ghoulies popping out of the woodwork. Last year, Geoffrey picked up this obnoxious toy - a skull covered in ivy with dying leaves, peat moss, and four creepy-looking black silk flowers sticking out of the top. When you push the button (or set it to motion-detection, and then wave anything in front of it), red lights appear in the skull’s eye sockets, and it starts playing the somber tones of “Chopin’s Funeral March.” For a few moments, anyway - then a hip-hop version of that tune starts up, and the freaking flowers on the top of the skull spin & bounce, as if they’re dancing. It scares the hell out of the cats.



What is your favorite spooky music, whether Halloween-related or not? I love Elton John's Funeral for a Friend. It starts out very slow with the organ playing and then the songs totally rocks out.

Midweek Music

Spook-tastic



It’s that time of year again, with goblins & ghosts & ghoulies popping out of the woodwork. Last year, Geoffrey picked up this obnoxious toy - a skull covered in ivy with dying leaves, peat moss, and four creepy-looking black silk flowers sticking out of the top. When you push the button (or set it to motion-detection, and then wave anything in front of it), red lights appear in the skull’s eye sockets, and it starts playing the somber tones of “Chopin’s Funeral March.” For a few moments, anyway - then a hip-hop version of that tune starts up, and the freaking flowers on the top of the skull spin & bounce, as if they’re dancing. It scares the hell out of the cats.



What is your favorite spooky music, whether Halloween-related or not? I love Elton John's Funeral for a Friend. It starts out very slow with the organ playing and then the songs totally rocks out.

Betrayal



It's always a sad and horrible feeling in the pit of your stomach, when you discover someone you love and trust unconditionally betrays you. It's so unbelievably painful, you're almost winded from the impact. Such was the case this morning for my cubemate B. She's cashed in her vacation time again to help her ex-husband stop a wage garnishment in progress from the feds.



The thing is, her ex is never available to help her when the table's reversed. You know the saying about a woman and her intuition? Well, B. had her doubts about the amount the IRS was garnishing and even if the garnishment had begun. So, after paying a lump sum with her vacation cash out, she inquired through cladestine means of several personnel.



Finally four days later, one employee had mercy on her and answered B's concerns. The result? The ex has not had his wages garnished. The garnishment will commence next pay period and only for the amount of $100 per month, not the $800 he was alleging. To say B. felt betrayed is an understatement, she flat out broke down and cried. So there we sat together in my cubicle as I tried to console her.



I'll never understand how a person can be so selfish and cruel to take advantage of another's love, kindness and concern. Do people like that ever realize what they have/had or do they sail through life untouched and unscathed? How do they do it?

Betrayal



It's always a sad and horrible feeling in the pit of your stomach, when you discover someone you love and trust unconditionally betrays you. It's so unbelievably painful, you're almost winded from the impact. Such was the case this morning for my cubemate B. She's cashed in her vacation time again to help her ex-husband stop a wage garnishment in progress from the feds.



The thing is, her ex is never available to help her when the table's reversed. You know the saying about a woman and her intuition? Well, B. had her doubts about the amount the IRS was garnishing and even if the garnishment had begun. So, after paying a lump sum with her vacation cash out, she inquired through cladestine means of several personnel.



Finally four days later, one employee had mercy on her and answered B's concerns. The result? The ex has not had his wages garnished. The garnishment will commence next pay period and only for the amount of $100 per month, not the $800 he was alleging. To say B. felt betrayed is an understatement, she flat out broke down and cried. So there we sat together in my cubicle as I tried to console her.



I'll never understand how a person can be so selfish and cruel to take advantage of another's love, kindness and concern. Do people like that ever realize what they have/had or do they sail through life untouched and unscathed? How do they do it?

Tuesday Twosome

What is more annoying...

1. Having to look at someone who has food stuck in their teeth or spittle in the corner of their mouth? Eeew, both...geez, I'll take spittle in the corner of their mouth.



2. People who don't wash their hands after using the restroom or don't flush the toilet after using it? Not washing their hands after bathroom use. These are the same folks you want to remember it's potluck time!



3. People who take your parking space that you have been waiting for or cutting in line at the store? Another both, but cutting in line beats it hands down.



4. Getting an unimportant phone call in the middle of the night or having to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night? Getting an unimportant call. The other has to do with Mother Nature and you know how that goes...you never mess with Mother Nature!



5. Staying home on the weekend because you are dateless or going out on a date with an obnoxiously annoying person? Dating an obnoxiously annoying person. Run, don't wait to pass go!

Tuesday Twosome

What is more annoying...

1. Having to look at someone who has food stuck in their teeth or spittle in the corner of their mouth? Eeew, both...geez, I'll take spittle in the corner of their mouth.



2. People who don't wash their hands after using the restroom or don't flush the toilet after using it? Not washing their hands after bathroom use. These are the same folks you want to remember it's potluck time!



3. People who take your parking space that you have been waiting for or cutting in line at the store? Another both, but cutting in line beats it hands down.



4. Getting an unimportant phone call in the middle of the night or having to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night? Getting an unimportant call. The other has to do with Mother Nature and you know how that goes...you never mess with Mother Nature!



5. Staying home on the weekend because you are dateless or going out on a date with an obnoxiously annoying person? Dating an obnoxiously annoying person. Run, don't wait to pass go!

Monday Madness

My monster has:



Eyes like _tiki torches__________

Teeth like __nails__________

Hair like __snakes__________

Face like __acid wash___________



But no matter how ___frightening_______ (eg. ugly) my monster is, I love him/her anyway...Just the way he/she is! Note: I figured if it's supposed to a monster, it should be scary, right??







Music Mambo

This week's mambo is all about Halloween. After all, next Sunday is the day when all the ghosties and goblins come out to play.



1. What are your favorite Halloween songs? Hands down, The Monster Mash and the songs from Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Holiday CD.



2. Do you know the words to any of the songs from The Rocky Horror Picture Show? (Which ones?) Oh hell yes, The Time Warp and Sweet Tranvestite! LOL



3. The spooky monsters are coming after you. You know that music will soothe each one long enough for you to escape...but each monster requires different music, what do you play for:



a: Dracula the theme from Jeepers Creepers.

b: Frankenstein a string orchestra of original music

c: The Wolf Man plays Werewolf of London

d: The Mummy would play the Mad Monster Party theme



Hey don't cheat the Boogie Man, he's a prime Halloween spook...for the BM I'd play the theme from the film Halloween.



4. You've been cursed and turned into a spooky Halloween creature. What creature are you, and what's your theme song? I'm a werewolf and my theme song is Ice, Ice, Baby.



5. Halloween is a time for creepy movies. What creepy movie has the best music, in your opinion? Halloween and When a Stranger Calls.

Monday Madness

My monster has:



Eyes like _tiki torches__________

Teeth like __nails__________

Hair like __snakes__________

Face like __acid wash___________



But no matter how ___frightening_______ (eg. ugly) my monster is, I love him/her anyway...Just the way he/she is! Note: I figured if it's supposed to a monster, it should be scary, right??







Music Mambo

This week's mambo is all about Halloween. After all, next Sunday is the day when all the ghosties and goblins come out to play.



1. What are your favorite Halloween songs? Hands down, The Monster Mash and the songs from Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Holiday CD.



2. Do you know the words to any of the songs from The Rocky Horror Picture Show? (Which ones?) Oh hell yes, The Time Warp and Sweet Tranvestite! LOL



3. The spooky monsters are coming after you. You know that music will soothe each one long enough for you to escape...but each monster requires different music, what do you play for:



a: Dracula the theme from Jeepers Creepers.

b: Frankenstein a string orchestra of original music

c: The Wolf Man plays Werewolf of London

d: The Mummy would play the Mad Monster Party theme



Hey don't cheat the Boogie Man, he's a prime Halloween spook...for the BM I'd play the theme from the film Halloween.



4. You've been cursed and turned into a spooky Halloween creature. What creature are you, and what's your theme song? I'm a werewolf and my theme song is Ice, Ice, Baby.



5. Halloween is a time for creepy movies. What creepy movie has the best music, in your opinion? Halloween and When a Stranger Calls.

A Day in My Life



A visit to the apple orchards at Oak Glen in Yucaipa, CA.

A Day in My Life



A visit to the apple orchards at Oak Glen in Yucaipa, CA.

Variety of adorable Halloween Decorations!

The Weekly Capsule



- The commute's slow, wet and poor Buddah can't go outside. God forbid his paws and tail should get wet! Funny how cats can be so fastidious.



- Oh man, the first homemade chicken soup of the season and I feel like Autumn's really arrived. It's actually great, too. For the first time, I'm welcoming the season.



- Either we southern Californian's recieve such little rain that we don't know how to act or, we're destined to continue repeating mistakes. We're invariably on Storm Watch at the slightes inkling of rain. Yet, flooding was caused by clogged sewers and sump pumps in need of TLC. When will Angeleno's learn to check the sewers and sump pumps, this happens every year!



- Refraining from being judgmental even when it's the popular and in thing to do. Being with the "in crowd" isn't always the right thing to do.



- Buying the Van Helsing DVD and hoping the extras are in depth and worth the purchase! Viewing the movie and enjoying it the second time around. Still haven't seen the extras.



- Enjoying sweet apple pie and cider in the apple orchards even if it was crispy and damp. Getting out in nature is so rejuvenating and wonderful.



- Toothaches are no fun and I had forgotten how painful they can be. What's more, I'm deathly afraid of the dentist and making the call for an emergency appointment took a lot of prayer! LOL



- Feeling excited about almost completing reading the Bible in its entirety. I've maintained my commitment and learned so much in the process.

The Weekly Capsule



- The commute's slow, wet and poor Buddah can't go outside. God forbid his paws and tail should get wet! Funny how cats can be so fastidious.



- Oh man, the first homemade chicken soup of the season and I feel like Autumn's really arrived. It's actually great, too. For the first time, I'm welcoming the season.



- Either we southern Californian's recieve such little rain that we don't know how to act or, we're destined to continue repeating mistakes. We're invariably on Storm Watch at the slightes inkling of rain. Yet, flooding was caused by clogged sewers and sump pumps in need of TLC. When will Angeleno's learn to check the sewers and sump pumps, this happens every year!



- Refraining from being judgmental even when it's the popular and in thing to do. Being with the "in crowd" isn't always the right thing to do.



- Buying the Van Helsing DVD and hoping the extras are in depth and worth the purchase! Viewing the movie and enjoying it the second time around. Still haven't seen the extras.



- Enjoying sweet apple pie and cider in the apple orchards even if it was crispy and damp. Getting out in nature is so rejuvenating and wonderful.



- Toothaches are no fun and I had forgotten how painful they can be. What's more, I'm deathly afraid of the dentist and making the call for an emergency appointment took a lot of prayer! LOL



- Feeling excited about almost completing reading the Bible in its entirety. I've maintained my commitment and learned so much in the process.

Thursday Threesome



Onesome: Lights!- What do you think of the trend to light up houses for *every* holiday? It used to be just Christmas and maybe Halloween, but lately the stores have been full of Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day lights. Oh, and Thanksgiving/Autumn and... I actually like it, though, for different reasons than retailers' I love looking at the decorations, whether they're lights, balloon shaped figures, lawn ornaments, etc. For retailers, it's the "kaching" of the register that they like. The child me enjoys all the color, light and frivolity of decorations!



Twosome: Camera!- What's your preference? Digital or film, black and white or color, portraits, candids, or just whatever catches your eye? Definitely digital, color and candids. I love working a room and simply snapping the common/ordinary moments. The more ordinary the better, because these photos are what jog my memory. Not the portraits where everything and everyone's perfect and smiling.



Threesome: Action!- Do you have a favorite sport? Do you follow the local high school or college team, trek to the kids' games each weekend or are you all about the pros? I'm all about no sports - amateur or pro!

Thursday Threesome



Onesome: Lights!- What do you think of the trend to light up houses for *every* holiday? It used to be just Christmas and maybe Halloween, but lately the stores have been full of Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day lights. Oh, and Thanksgiving/Autumn and... I actually like it, though, for different reasons than retailers' I love looking at the decorations, whether they're lights, balloon shaped figures, lawn ornaments, etc. For retailers, it's the "kaching" of the register that they like. The child me enjoys all the color, light and frivolity of decorations!



Twosome: Camera!- What's your preference? Digital or film, black and white or color, portraits, candids, or just whatever catches your eye? Definitely digital, color and candids. I love working a room and simply snapping the common/ordinary moments. The more ordinary the better, because these photos are what jog my memory. Not the portraits where everything and everyone's perfect and smiling.



Threesome: Action!- Do you have a favorite sport? Do you follow the local high school or college team, trek to the kids' games each weekend or are you all about the pros? I'm all about no sports - amateur or pro!

3x Thursday:: Paranoia



1.Are you generally a paranoid person? How so/how not? No, but one must earn my trust and confidence. I don't believe everyone's out to get me.



2. Are you one of those people that's afraid of always losing your job? If so, do you have just cause to think this way? Why/why not? No, I don't worry about losing my job. I feel I'm a good, dependable employee and don't feel my position's in jeopardy.



3. Name 3 things that you are paranoid about. I don't know. I'm not paranoid about anything.



Bonus Question for Comments: What's your favorite song about paranoia? Rockwell's Somebody's Watching Me

3x Thursday:: Paranoia



1.Are you generally a paranoid person? How so/how not? No, but one must earn my trust and confidence. I don't believe everyone's out to get me.



2. Are you one of those people that's afraid of always losing your job? If so, do you have just cause to think this way? Why/why not? No, I don't worry about losing my job. I feel I'm a good, dependable employee and don't feel my position's in jeopardy.



3. Name 3 things that you are paranoid about. I don't know. I'm not paranoid about anything.



Bonus Question for Comments: What's your favorite song about paranoia? Rockwell's Somebody's Watching Me

Wednesday Mind Hump

Tell us about a memorable shocking (or odd, interesting, valuable) discovery. Example: Mom lied. No matter how many goofy faces I make my face will NOT get stuck like that forever. Or -- if you wrap celery in aluminum foil it will stay fresh and crispy for weeks. Or -- Trix really ARE for kids!. You get the point.



As a teenager I could be quite rebellious, but I always knew where to draw the line. My friends and I had purchased tix to see Blue Oyster Cult at the Long Beach Arena. My mom overheard my telephone conversation, confirming the time we were meeting, where we'd eat, etc. After hanging up, my mom informed me that I would not be attending the concert because I had not asked her permission prior to buying the ticket.



I was not only desvastated but totally angry. I told my friends "come hell or high water, I'll be there!" As the concert date neared, my mom reiterated her position, adding that if I went, I could not return home. I would be locked out. Well, as angry as I was and as rebellious as I was, I didn't cross that line. I sulked, glared and visualized all manner of revenge, but in the house I remained. Years later, I found out my mom would have let me back in the house! LOL



This week, some "getting to know you fun" with a wittle wobble.



01. If you had an off/on switch, what would you want it to switch off/on instantly? I'd switch off people whining about situations that they are unwilling to change or do anything about. They know what they need to do, but continue to whine and seek sympathy.



02. Your favorite celebrity will be knocking on your door in exactly one minute. Considering you only have one minute, what would you do before you answer the door and how would you greet them? I would check my appearance and teeth and say, "Hi, it's pleasure to finally meet you. I've enjoyed your body of work immensely and it's brought me a lot of joy."



03. If you could save time in a bottle, what time(s) would you save? The years my sister Alice was still with us (pre-illness), the times my mom and I would go to Disneyland by bus, my married years - we've grown and changed so much.



04. Look around you. First, tell us what room you're in. Now, name the first red thing you see ... likewise blue, and yellow. I'm in my dining room and I see my Halloween wall hanging.








05. If you had a peephole in your head, what might people see when they peep in? The prankster in me plotting and scoping! Just today B. was working in her cube, I hunkered, slowly walking to her cube. Suddenly, I entered it bellowing "ACK!", B. jumped in her chair and gasped. I laughed so heartily and sauntered away. B. was beet red and speechless!

Wednesday Mind Hump

Tell us about a memorable shocking (or odd, interesting, valuable) discovery. Example: Mom lied. No matter how many goofy faces I make my face will NOT get stuck like that forever. Or -- if you wrap celery in aluminum foil it will stay fresh and crispy for weeks. Or -- Trix really ARE for kids!. You get the point.



As a teenager I could be quite rebellious, but I always knew where to draw the line. My friends and I had purchased tix to see Blue Oyster Cult at the Long Beach Arena. My mom overheard my telephone conversation, confirming the time we were meeting, where we'd eat, etc. After hanging up, my mom informed me that I would not be attending the concert because I had not asked her permission prior to buying the ticket.



I was not only desvastated but totally angry. I told my friends "come hell or high water, I'll be there!" As the concert date neared, my mom reiterated her position, adding that if I went, I could not return home. I would be locked out. Well, as angry as I was and as rebellious as I was, I didn't cross that line. I sulked, glared and visualized all manner of revenge, but in the house I remained. Years later, I found out my mom would have let me back in the house! LOL



This week, some "getting to know you fun" with a wittle wobble.



01. If you had an off/on switch, what would you want it to switch off/on instantly? I'd switch off people whining about situations that they are unwilling to change or do anything about. They know what they need to do, but continue to whine and seek sympathy.



02. Your favorite celebrity will be knocking on your door in exactly one minute. Considering you only have one minute, what would you do before you answer the door and how would you greet them? I would check my appearance and teeth and say, "Hi, it's pleasure to finally meet you. I've enjoyed your body of work immensely and it's brought me a lot of joy."



03. If you could save time in a bottle, what time(s) would you save? The years my sister Alice was still with us (pre-illness), the times my mom and I would go to Disneyland by bus, my married years - we've grown and changed so much.



04. Look around you. First, tell us what room you're in. Now, name the first red thing you see ... likewise blue, and yellow. I'm in my dining room and I see my Halloween wall hanging.








05. If you had a peephole in your head, what might people see when they peep in? The prankster in me plotting and scoping! Just today B. was working in her cube, I hunkered, slowly walking to her cube. Suddenly, I entered it bellowing "ACK!", B. jumped in her chair and gasped. I laughed so heartily and sauntered away. B. was beet red and speechless!

My cube at work. B. and I decided to decorate. Nothing fancy, but we like it and it makes us happy!





Favorite Halloween Films



Black Christmas

Halloween

Halloween 2

Halloween H20

The Fog

The Thing

Van Helsing

The Wolfen

The Howling

When a Stranger Calls

Jeepers Creepers

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Original)

The Shining

Silver Bullet

The Ring

Something Wicked this Way Comes



Three campy favorites!

*Mad Monster Party

*Rocky Horror Picture Show

*Elvira Mistress of the Dark



Are any of your favorites on my list? If not, please share yours!

My cube at work. B. and I decided to decorate. Nothing fancy, but we like it and it makes us happy!





Favorite Halloween Films



Black Christmas

Halloween

Halloween 2

Halloween H20

The Fog

The Thing

Van Helsing

The Wolfen

The Howling

When a Stranger Calls

Jeepers Creepers

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Original)

The Shining

Silver Bullet

The Ring

Something Wicked this Way Comes



Three campy favorites!

*Mad Monster Party

*Rocky Horror Picture Show

*Elvira Mistress of the Dark



Are any of your favorites on my list? If not, please share yours!

Tuesday Twosome

Health...



1. Do you take vitamins and if so, what? Yep, I sure do and they're too numerous to count. I take at least 15 vitamins daily.



2. Do you make an effort to eat healthy, or you eat whatever you feel like eating? I try to stay away from fried food as much as possible.



3. What two types of food do you have a hard time staying away from? Pasta and bread.



4. What are two food items you refuse to eat? Fish and liver.



5. Are you pleased with your daily diet or do you think it could be better? Oh, I could use a lot of improvement and that will be a New Year's Resolution.

Tuesday Twosome

Health...



1. Do you take vitamins and if so, what? Yep, I sure do and they're too numerous to count. I take at least 15 vitamins daily.



2. Do you make an effort to eat healthy, or you eat whatever you feel like eating? I try to stay away from fried food as much as possible.



3. What two types of food do you have a hard time staying away from? Pasta and bread.



4. What are two food items you refuse to eat? Fish and liver.



5. Are you pleased with your daily diet or do you think it could be better? Oh, I could use a lot of improvement and that will be a New Year's Resolution.

Ten on Tuesday

Ten Really Scary Movies



Halloween

Black Christmas

The Thing (Eighties remake)

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (original)

Jeepers Creepers

Van Helsing

The Wolfen

The Shining

Silver Bullet

The Howling

Ten on Tuesday

Ten Really Scary Movies



Halloween

Black Christmas

The Thing (Eighties remake)

Texas Chainsaw Massacre (original)

Jeepers Creepers

Van Helsing

The Wolfen

The Shining

Silver Bullet

The Howling

The Haunted Mansion



Disneyland does a great job of preparing the Haunted Mansion for Halloween and Christmas by presenting the theme from The Nightmare Before Christmas. The following days will feature photos from this year's decorations. I love the Haunted Mansion ride, it's one of my favorites!

Monday Madness

This week's questions are all about computers! Let's play, shall we??? (and let's make it fill-in-the-blanks....)



1. I have reformatted my hard drive about __2__ times.



2. I usually reformat my hard drive about __0__ times a year.



3. When I'm working in a document, I save about every __5__ minutes.



4. I've upgraded my computer by adding ________larger hard drive and more memory______.



5. I've got about __200__ CD's/floppies with info on them and about __50__ of them aren't labeled.



6. Since I've been using my computer, I find the easiest way to organize my files is to ______separate them by task/subject and then by month/year________. (Looking for suggestions!!)



7. I have __7__ email accounts.



8. Whenever I have a computer-related question, I usually call ___no one____. I'm it which is quite disconcerting! However, Otto did come to my aid, without being directly asked, and I was very thankful for her help!



9. I usually use a search engine when looking for ___anything research, address or trivia related________.



10. My computer is about ___3 years____ old.



I'm listening to Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Holiday as I blog and having a delightful time! It's very cool and wet - we received our first rain - and I'm feeling very much in the spirit of autumn and Halloween. Hope everyone has a wonderful Monday!

Monday Madness

This week's questions are all about computers! Let's play, shall we??? (and let's make it fill-in-the-blanks....)



1. I have reformatted my hard drive about __2__ times.



2. I usually reformat my hard drive about __0__ times a year.



3. When I'm working in a document, I save about every __5__ minutes.



4. I've upgraded my computer by adding ________larger hard drive and more memory______.



5. I've got about __200__ CD's/floppies with info on them and about __50__ of them aren't labeled.



6. Since I've been using my computer, I find the easiest way to organize my files is to ______separate them by task/subject and then by month/year________. (Looking for suggestions!!)



7. I have __7__ email accounts.



8. Whenever I have a computer-related question, I usually call ___no one____. I'm it which is quite disconcerting! However, Otto did come to my aid, without being directly asked, and I was very thankful for her help!



9. I usually use a search engine when looking for ___anything research, address or trivia related________.



10. My computer is about ___3 years____ old.



I'm listening to Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Holiday as I blog and having a delightful time! It's very cool and wet - we received our first rain - and I'm feeling very much in the spirit of autumn and Halloween. Hope everyone has a wonderful Monday!

Music Mambo

This week, tell us your "Preferences."



1. Do you prefer just audio or video/audio of your favorite songs I prefer audio because as I listen to the music I often daydream or have memory associations. The video just gets in the way! LOL



2. What do you like to listen to in the car (radio, CD, mp3 playlist...etc)? CDs most definitely and if I tire of my collection, then the radio.



3. Do you lean more towards a LIVE version of songs or the studio release Some Live versions are so much better than the studio release. An excellent example is GNR's Knocking on Heaven's Door, the live version kicks serious ass. Usually though, it's the studio release.



4. What is your ideal concert venue? It's either the Hollywood Bowl or Universal Amphitheater.



5. What's your favorite format (vinyl, cassette, cd, mp3 etc) I so miss the richness and depth of vinyl, but the scratchiness left me with a lot of Grooved albums. I guess, it's CD, only I wish it wasn't so pristine and cold. I want the grittiness when I hear blues, know what I mean?



Bonus:) You can only see one concert this year. Who would it be, and where would the concert be. Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl with fireworks.

Music Mambo

This week, tell us your "Preferences."



1. Do you prefer just audio or video/audio of your favorite songs I prefer audio because as I listen to the music I often daydream or have memory associations. The video just gets in the way! LOL



2. What do you like to listen to in the car (radio, CD, mp3 playlist...etc)? CDs most definitely and if I tire of my collection, then the radio.



3. Do you lean more towards a LIVE version of songs or the studio release Some Live versions are so much better than the studio release. An excellent example is GNR's Knocking on Heaven's Door, the live version kicks serious ass. Usually though, it's the studio release.



4. What is your ideal concert venue? It's either the Hollywood Bowl or Universal Amphitheater.



5. What's your favorite format (vinyl, cassette, cd, mp3 etc) I so miss the richness and depth of vinyl, but the scratchiness left me with a lot of Grooved albums. I guess, it's CD, only I wish it wasn't so pristine and cold. I want the grittiness when I hear blues, know what I mean?



Bonus:) You can only see one concert this year. Who would it be, and where would the concert be. Yo-Yo Ma at the Hollywood Bowl with fireworks.

Daily Dirt

Music...



1. What's your favorite Musicgenre? Hmmm, I guess, rock. Though, I like jazz and love the blues.

2. Are you obsessed with music? Yes, I'd be lost without it and moments wouldn't be the same. Each moment and memory has a musical association.

3. Do you play any instruments? Not now.

4. Who's your favorite musician? Elton John

5. Do you think that michael jackson's still the King of Pop? Uh, he's the Self proclaimed King of Pop and I'm confident that in His mind, he still reigns. Sad man that he is.

Daily Dirt

Music...



1. What's your favorite Musicgenre? Hmmm, I guess, rock. Though, I like jazz and love the blues.

2. Are you obsessed with music? Yes, I'd be lost without it and moments wouldn't be the same. Each moment and memory has a musical association.

3. Do you play any instruments? Not now.

4. Who's your favorite musician? Elton John

5. Do you think that michael jackson's still the King of Pop? Uh, he's the Self proclaimed King of Pop and I'm confident that in His mind, he still reigns. Sad man that he is.

A Day in My Life

A Day in My Life

The Weekly Capsule



- It's not good to think of the week in terms of simply making it to 'hump' day and thereafter, Friday. I need to work on that!



- Recognizing a position I've been wanting is open again and wondering why. For several years openings were nonexistent, now it seems there have been three openings within the last four months. Even though I want the position, something instinctual holds me back from applying. Fear? Uncertainty? Doubt? Is God trying to tell me something by making certain I'm aware of the openings, yet fail to act on them?



- Reminiscing about old school video games is fun. Yeah, they didn't have graphics like today's games, but heck, I could realize a sense of satisfaction by finishing one in an hour or so. I didn't have to make enormous investments of time and energy at the expense of living RL. I also had to use my imagination when dodging spiders and centipedes. What appears as a square or circle to you, was my nemesis and monster to me.



- L. brought her Namco game that includes the old school PacMan. I have to tell you, reminiscing about and Playing the games are two separate things! I never did score very high and I reached the second level only once and for a very brief time at that. LOL I had a very enjoyable evening, though, and even spouse got in on the action.



- Sometimes it's great to give just because.



- Reading about the Verichip receiving FDA approval for implant just beneath the skin. Applied Digital advocates its use in the medical arena, facilitating emergency personnel with a patients medical history. I'm not buying it and I don't want to be chipped or have any of my friends and loved ones chipped.



- The wind was blowing, the bones were aching and it was a perfect autumn night, but we decided to remain home and skip Disneyland. We don't need to get sick and I don't need anymore pain. The child in us didn't win this round! Friday night found us watching taped episodes of Desperate Housewives and Boston Legal, two good shows that have managed to pry us from cable programming. It's been a long time since I've watched network TV.



- Some movies are too campy when seen twenty years later. Case in point, A Nightmare on Elm Street. I don't remember laughing when I saw it the first time. I laughed a lot this time!



- Some sales/offers are better left unexplored. I wasted way too much time trying to secure my ten free digital prints at the new CVS Pharmacy. The one and only processing machine was a snail. Coupled with customers irresistible urge to enhance and tweak their photos one at a time, as the line snaked through the store. Add in last minute savers like me descending on the one hour photo department, which now was more like two hour photos, and you've got chaos and folks overheating in their jackets.



- I know we need the rain. I also know it helps cleanse our streets, etc., but I still prefer glorious sunshine. Rain in early autumn reinforces forecasters predictions of El Nino's return. Oh how I hope they're wrong, even if the patter of rain was a nice change.

The Weekly Capsule



- It's not good to think of the week in terms of simply making it to 'hump' day and thereafter, Friday. I need to work on that!



- Recognizing a position I've been wanting is open again and wondering why. For several years openings were nonexistent, now it seems there have been three openings within the last four months. Even though I want the position, something instinctual holds me back from applying. Fear? Uncertainty? Doubt? Is God trying to tell me something by making certain I'm aware of the openings, yet fail to act on them?



- Reminiscing about old school video games is fun. Yeah, they didn't have graphics like today's games, but heck, I could realize a sense of satisfaction by finishing one in an hour or so. I didn't have to make enormous investments of time and energy at the expense of living RL. I also had to use my imagination when dodging spiders and centipedes. What appears as a square or circle to you, was my nemesis and monster to me.



- L. brought her Namco game that includes the old school PacMan. I have to tell you, reminiscing about and Playing the games are two separate things! I never did score very high and I reached the second level only once and for a very brief time at that. LOL I had a very enjoyable evening, though, and even spouse got in on the action.



- Sometimes it's great to give just because.



- Reading about the Verichip receiving FDA approval for implant just beneath the skin. Applied Digital advocates its use in the medical arena, facilitating emergency personnel with a patients medical history. I'm not buying it and I don't want to be chipped or have any of my friends and loved ones chipped.



- The wind was blowing, the bones were aching and it was a perfect autumn night, but we decided to remain home and skip Disneyland. We don't need to get sick and I don't need anymore pain. The child in us didn't win this round! Friday night found us watching taped episodes of Desperate Housewives and Boston Legal, two good shows that have managed to pry us from cable programming. It's been a long time since I've watched network TV.



- Some movies are too campy when seen twenty years later. Case in point, A Nightmare on Elm Street. I don't remember laughing when I saw it the first time. I laughed a lot this time!



- Some sales/offers are better left unexplored. I wasted way too much time trying to secure my ten free digital prints at the new CVS Pharmacy. The one and only processing machine was a snail. Coupled with customers irresistible urge to enhance and tweak their photos one at a time, as the line snaked through the store. Add in last minute savers like me descending on the one hour photo department, which now was more like two hour photos, and you've got chaos and folks overheating in their jackets.



- I know we need the rain. I also know it helps cleanse our streets, etc., but I still prefer glorious sunshine. Rain in early autumn reinforces forecasters predictions of El Nino's return. Oh how I hope they're wrong, even if the patter of rain was a nice change.

Weekend Wonderings

Reliability



1. Are you one of those people who gets things done quickly, or do you put them off until the last minute? It depends. If it affects only me, I'll procrastinate! If it affects others, I get the job done and done right.



2. Would you say you're reliable and that people can count on you? Yes, I would also say that your secrets safe with me. I don't gossip or spread other folks business.



3. When you're going to meet someone, are you usually right on time, early, or a few minutes late? Depends on my comfort level. If I know them, I'm more carefree about arrival time. If it's business or professional, I'm on time.

Weekend Wonderings

Reliability



1. Are you one of those people who gets things done quickly, or do you put them off until the last minute? It depends. If it affects only me, I'll procrastinate! If it affects others, I get the job done and done right.



2. Would you say you're reliable and that people can count on you? Yes, I would also say that your secrets safe with me. I don't gossip or spread other folks business.



3. When you're going to meet someone, are you usually right on time, early, or a few minutes late? Depends on my comfort level. If I know them, I'm more carefree about arrival time. If it's business or professional, I'm on time.

Brainstorm

Life

Today I am going to post a quote that you will have to explain what this quote says to you! What does it mean to you? Do you understand this quote? Does it speak to you? How does it make you feel? All you need to do is write as much as you want to explain how this quote affects you!



You should always learn, with life comes wisdom and with wisdom comes the courage to live your life selflessly. The more you learn about yourself and the experiences surrounding your life the more opportunities you have to make your life better and more fulfilling. --Amy Candy



I must continue exploring and learning about myself in order to improve and become a better person. We all have our idiosyncracies, but do we question their source and explore ways of changing? We're not a finished product, not by a long shot. How I live my life and who I am (warts and all) affects not only me, but everyone I interact with. I can't change or control others, but I can change myself for the better.



Wisdom comes from exploration and facing challenges and fears. Sometimes really examing our shadow side leads to self acceptance and happiness. A happiness that comes from growing to like ourselves and not striving to be someone else. A courage that comes within and isn't afraid to face the flaws and make changes. An openness that comes from the willfull desire to improve one's person and thereby, one's life and that of their relationship to others.

Brainstorm

Life

Today I am going to post a quote that you will have to explain what this quote says to you! What does it mean to you? Do you understand this quote? Does it speak to you? How does it make you feel? All you need to do is write as much as you want to explain how this quote affects you!



You should always learn, with life comes wisdom and with wisdom comes the courage to live your life selflessly. The more you learn about yourself and the experiences surrounding your life the more opportunities you have to make your life better and more fulfilling. --Amy Candy



I must continue exploring and learning about myself in order to improve and become a better person. We all have our idiosyncracies, but do we question their source and explore ways of changing? We're not a finished product, not by a long shot. How I live my life and who I am (warts and all) affects not only me, but everyone I interact with. I can't change or control others, but I can change myself for the better.



Wisdom comes from exploration and facing challenges and fears. Sometimes really examing our shadow side leads to self acceptance and happiness. A happiness that comes from growing to like ourselves and not striving to be someone else. A courage that comes within and isn't afraid to face the flaws and make changes. An openness that comes from the willfull desire to improve one's person and thereby, one's life and that of their relationship to others.

I'm a tea drinker, there can be no doubting that. I average three to four cups daily of decaf tea. I also like my drinks piping hot. This is why I love my mug; it has a lid that keeps the tea pretty darn warm and, even though it's not very attractive, it holds a lot of tea!



So imagine my surprise and dismay, when upon returning to my desk I found Clarise, uh - that's the cat mug's name. B. bought her for me because my mug lacked something, she never arrived at the right word, but whatever my old faithful lacked, Clarise obviously has!



Now, I'm asked daily if I'm using Clairise and why on earth is that mug still accompanying me to work! Help, I need suggestions. I've explained that arrive to work with tea, so this is why that mug is here everyday. "Uh, you wouldn't want me to accidentally drop Clarise and break her, right? So this one's plastic and perfect for commuting."



I've taken to making subsequent cups of tea in Clarise. The problem is my tea's cold, in like thirty minutes flat, which makes me a very unhappy camper. B. is so proud of Clarise and Beau (her mug's of a dog) and tells everyone to look at our mugs. Am I doomed to making two cups of tea each round, one for Clarise and one for my preferred mug? I don't want to her B's feelings, but I miss my hot tea!

I'm a tea drinker, there can be no doubting that. I average three to four cups daily of decaf tea. I also like my drinks piping hot. This is why I love my mug; it has a lid that keeps the tea pretty darn warm and, even though it's not very attractive, it holds a lot of tea!



So imagine my surprise and dismay, when upon returning to my desk I found Clarise, uh - that's the cat mug's name. B. bought her for me because my mug lacked something, she never arrived at the right word, but whatever my old faithful lacked, Clarise obviously has!



Now, I'm asked daily if I'm using Clairise and why on earth is that mug still accompanying me to work! Help, I need suggestions. I've explained that arrive to work with tea, so this is why that mug is here everyday. "Uh, you wouldn't want me to accidentally drop Clarise and break her, right? So this one's plastic and perfect for commuting."



I've taken to making subsequent cups of tea in Clarise. The problem is my tea's cold, in like thirty minutes flat, which makes me a very unhappy camper. B. is so proud of Clarise and Beau (her mug's of a dog) and tells everyone to look at our mugs. Am I doomed to making two cups of tea each round, one for Clarise and one for my preferred mug? I don't want to her B's feelings, but I miss my hot tea!

2002 Halloween quilt.




2004 Halloween quilt.



My neighbor is a quilter and she knows how much I enjoy Halloween. This year she made a new quilt hanging and I'm so happy with it. Aren't they adorable?

Music Quiz

Unfortunately, I can't remember where I came upon this, but I liked it enough to answer it!



1. Of all the bands/artists in your cd/record collection, which one do you own the most albums by? That would be Elton John, Led Zepplin and Madonna I have about 10 CDs of each.



2. What was the last song you listened to (voluntarily)? America by Ozomatli



3. What's on your record player right now? Uh, how about CD player....Ozomatli's CD Street Signs.



4. What song would you say sums you up? The Beatle's In My Life.



5. What's your favorite local band? Ozomatili



6. What was the last show you attended? Phil Collins' Farewell Tour



7. What was the greatest show you've ever been to? Ooh, that's hard....Santana's Shaman tour at the Hollywood Bowl.



8. What's the shittiest band you've ever seen in concert? Rod Stewart in the mid-nineties. I don't know if he was high, loaded or both, but he fumbled his opening song and yelled at the band. He fumbled the third song and yelled at the audience and I'm definitely not feeling him at this point. Never again will I pay to see or hear him.



9. What band do you love musically but hate the members of? None



10. What is the most musically involved you have ever been? I played piano for like five years in junior high and high school.

.

11. What show are you looking forward to? I'd like to see Ozomatli or the Road Dogz.



12. What is your favorite band shirt? None



13. What musician would you like to hang out with for a day? Elton John



14. What musician would you like to hump for a day? Uh, none.



15. Name top 3 albums that come to mind.

Beatles Sgt Pepper

Led Zepplin's Physical Graffiti

Elton John's Yellow Brick Road



16. Did you know that filling out this survey makes you a music geek? I can deal with that. There's no better topic than music. It's better than TV and portable!



17. What was the greatest decade for music? Lyrically, it would have to be the sixties. They had such conviction and synchronicity with the challenges of the generation. Musically, it belongs to the seventies. Records, yes vinyl, was being extended to play longer songs, new instruments and a lot experimentation was prevalent and used. Some of the best music was produced in that era.



18. How many music-related videos/dvds do you own? Two: one of John Lennon and the other, The Dave Matthews Band.



19. What is your favorite movie soundtrack? Monsoon Wedding.



20. What's the crappiest CD/record/etc you've ever bought? I'm pretty frugal, so it's doubtful that I have a lemon. I'm not paying $18 for crap.



21. Do you prefer vinyl or CDs? Ugh, that's tough. I miss the depth and richness of the acoustical recordingS. If they could maintain the quality and put it on CD, that would be awesome. The size and longevity of CDs can't be denied when compared with vinyl, but the digital pureness of many recordings leaves something to be desired.



22. All totaled, how much do you spend on music a month? Maybe $75 a year, which averages to $6.25 a month! If and when the RIAA gets it *hit together, maybe - maybe I'll resume buying CDs like I used to. But as it stands now, with the continued price gouging, CDs having forty minutes or less of music and the ongoing lawsuits, the RIAA and its musicians can kiss my *ss! If your CDs not on sale for $10.99 or less, you can forget getting my money.



And all the crap about musicians deserving compensation for their work, yeah, they do. But it's their own damn fault for selling themselves out to an industry that asks them to sign away their likeness, copyright and ownership. They made a pact with the devil (the RIAA) and now the musicians have to lay in the hole they've dug! If they would unite and refuse (hell, there's a new concept, no?) to sign the current contracts the RIAA and producers offer, the industry would have to change. They go kicking and screaming but, so what. When have they ever truly had the best interest of the artist?

Music Quiz

Unfortunately, I can't remember where I came upon this, but I liked it enough to answer it!



1. Of all the bands/artists in your cd/record collection, which one do you own the most albums by? That would be Elton John, Led Zepplin and Madonna I have about 10 CDs of each.



2. What was the last song you listened to (voluntarily)? America by Ozomatli



3. What's on your record player right now? Uh, how about CD player....Ozomatli's CD Street Signs.



4. What song would you say sums you up? The Beatle's In My Life.



5. What's your favorite local band? Ozomatili



6. What was the last show you attended? Phil Collins' Farewell Tour



7. What was the greatest show you've ever been to? Ooh, that's hard....Santana's Shaman tour at the Hollywood Bowl.



8. What's the shittiest band you've ever seen in concert? Rod Stewart in the mid-nineties. I don't know if he was high, loaded or both, but he fumbled his opening song and yelled at the band. He fumbled the third song and yelled at the audience and I'm definitely not feeling him at this point. Never again will I pay to see or hear him.



9. What band do you love musically but hate the members of? None



10. What is the most musically involved you have ever been? I played piano for like five years in junior high and high school.

.

11. What show are you looking forward to? I'd like to see Ozomatli or the Road Dogz.



12. What is your favorite band shirt? None



13. What musician would you like to hang out with for a day? Elton John



14. What musician would you like to hump for a day? Uh, none.



15. Name top 3 albums that come to mind.

Beatles Sgt Pepper

Led Zepplin's Physical Graffiti

Elton John's Yellow Brick Road



16. Did you know that filling out this survey makes you a music geek? I can deal with that. There's no better topic than music. It's better than TV and portable!



17. What was the greatest decade for music? Lyrically, it would have to be the sixties. They had such conviction and synchronicity with the challenges of the generation. Musically, it belongs to the seventies. Records, yes vinyl, was being extended to play longer songs, new instruments and a lot experimentation was prevalent and used. Some of the best music was produced in that era.



18. How many music-related videos/dvds do you own? Two: one of John Lennon and the other, The Dave Matthews Band.



19. What is your favorite movie soundtrack? Monsoon Wedding.



20. What's the crappiest CD/record/etc you've ever bought? I'm pretty frugal, so it's doubtful that I have a lemon. I'm not paying $18 for crap.



21. Do you prefer vinyl or CDs? Ugh, that's tough. I miss the depth and richness of the acoustical recordingS. If they could maintain the quality and put it on CD, that would be awesome. The size and longevity of CDs can't be denied when compared with vinyl, but the digital pureness of many recordings leaves something to be desired.



22. All totaled, how much do you spend on music a month? Maybe $75 a year, which averages to $6.25 a month! If and when the RIAA gets it *hit together, maybe - maybe I'll resume buying CDs like I used to. But as it stands now, with the continued price gouging, CDs having forty minutes or less of music and the ongoing lawsuits, the RIAA and its musicians can kiss my *ss! If your CDs not on sale for $10.99 or less, you can forget getting my money.



And all the crap about musicians deserving compensation for their work, yeah, they do. But it's their own damn fault for selling themselves out to an industry that asks them to sign away their likeness, copyright and ownership. They made a pact with the devil (the RIAA) and now the musicians have to lay in the hole they've dug! If they would unite and refuse (hell, there's a new concept, no?) to sign the current contracts the RIAA and producers offer, the industry would have to change. They go kicking and screaming but, so what. When have they ever truly had the best interest of the artist?

Went to the 'Happiest place on earth' Friday and I really liked this Scare Pumpkin, gracing the lawn of the Haunted Mansion.

Went to the 'Happiest place on earth' Friday and I really liked this Scare Pumpkin, gracing the lawn of the Haunted Mansion.

Moblogging



Boy, did I receive a rude awakening today. I was checking on pricing for a new camera phone Isaw advertised, when I thought to inquire about the photos. Does one receive a cable to download the photos to the hard drive? "No, that's an accessory and extra charge. That's how we make the brunt of our money. Each photo sent to a website or individual email is 25 cents." I can imagine how quickly the extra charges add up and was dumbfounded by the answer.



I regularly check out moblog sites (the act of sharing your camphone photos with others by posting them on a website) and some have five to ten photos daily. At five photos daily, seven days a week for one month (four weeks) that's a total of $35.00 in addition to the base rate! Damn, are people really paying these prices or do you have better rates? Someone please explain this to me. At this rate, I'll never moblog!

Moblogging



Boy, did I receive a rude awakening today. I was checking on pricing for a new camera phone Isaw advertised, when I thought to inquire about the photos. Does one receive a cable to download the photos to the hard drive? "No, that's an accessory and extra charge. That's how we make the brunt of our money. Each photo sent to a website or individual email is 25 cents." I can imagine how quickly the extra charges add up and was dumbfounded by the answer.



I regularly check out moblog sites (the act of sharing your camphone photos with others by posting them on a website) and some have five to ten photos daily. At five photos daily, seven days a week for one month (four weeks) that's a total of $35.00 in addition to the base rate! Damn, are people really paying these prices or do you have better rates? Someone please explain this to me. At this rate, I'll never moblog!

Verizon network cell phone request



Quite by accident, a family member has ruined their cell phone and is unable to afford a new one at this moment. As she's locked into a contractual agreement for six months, if she doesn't get another cell phone soon, she'll simply continue paying the monthly base rate.



I'm aware that many folks upgrade phones regularly, so I'm asking if anyone has an old (two years or less), working, Verizon network cell phone that they'd be willing to part with? We'll pay the S/H to southern California and it would be much appreciated. Please email me if you can help or leave a comment.

Verizon network cell phone request



Quite by accident, a family member has ruined their cell phone and is unable to afford a new one at this moment. As she's locked into a contractual agreement for six months, if she doesn't get another cell phone soon, she'll simply continue paying the monthly base rate.



I'm aware that many folks upgrade phones regularly, so I'm asking if anyone has an old (two years or less), working, Verizon network cell phone that they'd be willing to part with? We'll pay the S/H to southern California and it would be much appreciated. Please email me if you can help or leave a comment.

TV Tuesday

New Seasons



It's officially fall and most of the new shows and new seasons have started, let's talk!!



1. Is there a new show that's caught your attention? Good or bad? But of course, Desperate Housewives. It's pretty funny, well written and like the premise. It may actually make a network TV viewer of me.



2. Were there any season premieres you were just dying to see? Did they live up to the wait? Spouse wanted to see Boston Legaland um, I screwed up and only taped Desperate Housewives. Me bad! Can anyone bail me out??? I wasn't disappointed with DH. However, it's something I'd expect to see on cable.



3. What's your all time favorite season or show premiere? Oh, that would be the X-Files and Millennium. Two awesome shows by Chris Carter and once they left network TV, so did I!



~Bonus~ Did you ever end up liking a show that you disliked the premiere of? Which show? Why? Can't think of any.

TV Tuesday

New Seasons



It's officially fall and most of the new shows and new seasons have started, let's talk!!



1. Is there a new show that's caught your attention? Good or bad? But of course, Desperate Housewives. It's pretty funny, well written and like the premise. It may actually make a network TV viewer of me.



2. Were there any season premieres you were just dying to see? Did they live up to the wait? Spouse wanted to see Boston Legaland um, I screwed up and only taped Desperate Housewives. Me bad! Can anyone bail me out??? I wasn't disappointed with DH. However, it's something I'd expect to see on cable.



3. What's your all time favorite season or show premiere? Oh, that would be the X-Files and Millennium. Two awesome shows by Chris Carter and once they left network TV, so did I!



~Bonus~ Did you ever end up liking a show that you disliked the premiere of? Which show? Why? Can't think of any.

Halloween Decorations























I love decorations and am so happy to see many houses decorated for Halloween. Driving home last night I came upon this house and its wonderful Pooh and Scooby inflatables. Sadly, by the time we drove past again, Pooh and Scooby were gone. I hope the owners chose to remove them, rather then because they'd been vandalized.

Tuesday Twosome

Worrier...



1. What two things in your life do you worry about the most? Finances and health of mom, spouse and Buddah.



2. What two things in your life do you worry about the least? My relationship and health.



3. Does worrying cause you physical pain or not? If yes, what? No. I'm just preoccupied and it's difficult to focus.



4. What are two things/ways do you use/do to ease your worries? I pray and meditate.



5. What are two things you would give up in your life just to be worry-free? Nothing. It's part of the cycle of life. We weren't placed here to have everything easy. We have choices and decisions to make that define our very essence.

Tuesday Twosome

Worrier...



1. What two things in your life do you worry about the most? Finances and health of mom, spouse and Buddah.



2. What two things in your life do you worry about the least? My relationship and health.



3. Does worrying cause you physical pain or not? If yes, what? No. I'm just preoccupied and it's difficult to focus.



4. What are two things/ways do you use/do to ease your worries? I pray and meditate.



5. What are two things you would give up in your life just to be worry-free? Nothing. It's part of the cycle of life. We weren't placed here to have everything easy. We have choices and decisions to make that define our very essence.

Monday Madness

Name 3 things....



1....your ideal salad has on it. Slice mushrooms, green olives and avocado.

2....you do religiously in the morning. Brush my teeth, comb hair, shower.

3....you look forward to doing in your spare time. Photography, blogging, listening to music.

4....you've never done before, but think you will at some point in your life. Sky dive, go to Italy, teach.

5....you love to do while on vacation. Relax, have fun, be with spouse.

6....you took pictures of in the last month. Disneyland, Buddah, life.

7....you have to do before the end of the day. Prepare for work week, shower, replenish Buddah's bowl.

8....you like about your best friend. Fantastic sense of humor, compassionate and trustworthy.

Monday Madness

Name 3 things....



1....your ideal salad has on it. Slice mushrooms, green olives and avocado.

2....you do religiously in the morning. Brush my teeth, comb hair, shower.

3....you look forward to doing in your spare time. Photography, blogging, listening to music.

4....you've never done before, but think you will at some point in your life. Sky dive, go to Italy, teach.

5....you love to do while on vacation. Relax, have fun, be with spouse.

6....you took pictures of in the last month. Disneyland, Buddah, life.

7....you have to do before the end of the day. Prepare for work week, shower, replenish Buddah's bowl.

8....you like about your best friend. Fantastic sense of humor, compassionate and trustworthy.

A Day in My Life Haunted Mansion meets The Nightmare Before Christmas at Disneyland!

A Day in My Life Haunted Mansion meets The Nightmare Before Christmas at Disneyland!

Off Mood



I've been in a semi-funk lately and I know it's because we've been receiving distressing news from friends facing health challenges or their loved ones being terminally ill. It's been within the past two weeks that this has been happening and seems like everyday there's another challenge. I'm usually pretty resilient, but I lost it last night, when we received a phone message from our landlady.



In August of this year, she had told our neighbor S., that she needed to move out by September 30th, so she and her terminally ill husband could move in. Well, everyone in our little community was distraught because we knew it spelled imminent change and it wouldn't necessarily be for the better.



S. shared her struggle in finding anything she liked that was affordable. Everything was very expensive and too small or too far from her work in Hollywood. Each day the deadline drew nearer and S. was wondering what the hell she was going to do! Suddenly, in mid-September the landlady phoned S. and told her she didn't need to leave. No real explanation, she said they'd simply changed their mind.



So okay, now everyone's wondering what's going on and who, if anyone, will be next should they change their mind again. So, Saturday's voice mail sent a chill through my spine and a rock in my stomach when she said, "I need to speak to you and tell you what the situation is". I just knew she'd picked us to ask to move.



I prayed all night and well into this morning and thankfully, we do not need to move. However, her husband is definitely in the later stages of his illness and alas, I don't believe he'll be with us much longer. We've agreed to assist her in anyway we can and are in the process of doing so now. So, to Mr. & Mrs. Y., our prayers and blessings are with you and thank you for not setting our household into a frenzy!

Off Mood



I've been in a semi-funk lately and I know it's because we've been receiving distressing news from friends facing health challenges or their loved ones being terminally ill. It's been within the past two weeks that this has been happening and seems like everyday there's another challenge. I'm usually pretty resilient, but I lost it last night, when we received a phone message from our landlady.



In August of this year, she had told our neighbor S., that she needed to move out by September 30th, so she and her terminally ill husband could move in. Well, everyone in our little community was distraught because we knew it spelled imminent change and it wouldn't necessarily be for the better.



S. shared her struggle in finding anything she liked that was affordable. Everything was very expensive and too small or too far from her work in Hollywood. Each day the deadline drew nearer and S. was wondering what the hell she was going to do! Suddenly, in mid-September the landlady phoned S. and told her she didn't need to leave. No real explanation, she said they'd simply changed their mind.



So okay, now everyone's wondering what's going on and who, if anyone, will be next should they change their mind again. So, Saturday's voice mail sent a chill through my spine and a rock in my stomach when she said, "I need to speak to you and tell you what the situation is". I just knew she'd picked us to ask to move.



I prayed all night and well into this morning and thankfully, we do not need to move. However, her husband is definitely in the later stages of his illness and alas, I don't believe he'll be with us much longer. We've agreed to assist her in anyway we can and are in the process of doing so now. So, to Mr. & Mrs. Y., our prayers and blessings are with you and thank you for not setting our household into a frenzy!