Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure is quite possibly the only film I can think of in which Keanu Reeves' delivery was exactly what the character needed. Also, it is hard to resist a film that has Jeanne d'Arc as a hot chick.
But, I digress.
The seventeen of you that actually bother to come by and read, comment, mock, etc. are likely familiar with the events in my life.
In the last six months I have
1) Started the process of dissolving my marriage of 15 years. John and I hope to be able to remain friends, but we are not good spouses. This is a good decision for both of us.
2) Left a job that I was fantastically unsuited for, and am pursuing other interests, working to develop something that I will find interesting, satisfying, and compensatory in a manner that won't cause me to consider actually eating the voles, shrews, and snowshoe hares the cats bring me.
3) Become the person I used to be, who didn't feel trapped by circumstance and was willing to effect/pursue/evoke change to make things happen. Because I'm a pushy bitch. Or, I used to be.
A dear friend told me I was bored by my own rage. Truer words have rarely been spoken (to me). I was so used to being angry and frustrated that I accepted situations I shouldn't have.
Now, I'm making an effort to change. All change is hard, and I am sorry for the insecure nutbar I have been and likely will be for the next year or so as I sort my life out and head out into new directions. Your patience, forbearance, and reality checks are appreciated.
So. Happy Birthday to me. Thanks for being here, and regular features will be reintroduced as life finds a new route.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Back into hibernation
Like the brown bear, this blog will be going back into hibernation until later on in the spring.
Friday, March 20, 2009
A Moment of Silence
Coming out of hibernation...
Yesterday a dear friend and confederate of the UCF suffered a terrible personal tragedy. Out of respect for her loss, the UCF member blogs will be offline today. Our thoughts are with her and her family at this difficult time.
Most will return tomorrow, this one will go back into hibernation until a later date.
Yesterday a dear friend and confederate of the UCF suffered a terrible personal tragedy. Out of respect for her loss, the UCF member blogs will be offline today. Our thoughts are with her and her family at this difficult time.
Most will return tomorrow, this one will go back into hibernation until a later date.
Friday, November 21, 2008
The wrath of the mighty raven
As some of my faithful seventeen readers know, last week when I parked to eat some lunch, enjoy the sun and read my book, I apparently parked over a piece of garbage/debris that Raven wanted. Great and Mighty Raven danced outside my car, berating me for my thoughtlessness and temerity. It was a great floor show.
I went back the next day to see if Raven was still there. He was.
Behold the Puissant One, Trickster Raven
On a post, Lord of all he surveys (able to poop on whatever he flies over)
Outside my car, strutting and informing me of my inadequacies.
After appropriate propitiation was offered (a few pieces of cookie) Raven flew away. But I know he's watching. And waiting.
So am I.
*photos taken with my cell phone camera, please forgive the quality
I went back the next day to see if Raven was still there. He was.
Behold the Puissant One, Trickster Raven
On a post, Lord of all he surveys (able to poop on whatever he flies over)
Outside my car, strutting and informing me of my inadequacies.
After appropriate propitiation was offered (a few pieces of cookie) Raven flew away. But I know he's watching. And waiting.
So am I.
*photos taken with my cell phone camera, please forgive the quality
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
I'm a lousy liberal
Have I mentioned that before? Because I am. That doesn't stop me from really enjoying and agreeing with Shannyn Moore's latest blog entry.
I think you should go and read it.
I grew up with Shannyn. Her dad was my elementary school principal, her mom was the librarian at the other elementary school. I broke her younger sister Jeannie's front tooth at a Hallowe'en carnival in junior high (it was an accident! I still feel AWFUL about it 25 years later). Thanks to Shannyn's piano recitals I know every note to the Maple Leaf Rag.
Shannyn has been getting attention from the MSM, which is really cool. Even as a kid she was outspoken, driven, and very opinionated. Yes, there were times I hated her guts. We were kids. It looks like she's on the road to success with her chosen field, and I am so damn happy for her.
Go Shannyn!
I think you should go and read it.
I grew up with Shannyn. Her dad was my elementary school principal, her mom was the librarian at the other elementary school. I broke her younger sister Jeannie's front tooth at a Hallowe'en carnival in junior high (it was an accident! I still feel AWFUL about it 25 years later). Thanks to Shannyn's piano recitals I know every note to the Maple Leaf Rag.
Shannyn has been getting attention from the MSM, which is really cool. Even as a kid she was outspoken, driven, and very opinionated. Yes, there were times I hated her guts. We were kids. It looks like she's on the road to success with her chosen field, and I am so damn happy for her.
Go Shannyn!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Veteran's Day
For Rob, Janiece, Jim, Steve, Jim, Keith, Grandpa Harold, Terry, Paula, Bruce, and all the others who have given their time and their life for a cause bigger than themselves.
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
— Lt.-Col. John McCrae
In Flanders Fields
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
— Lt.-Col. John McCrae
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Sunday Girl
Oy, it's been a busy week and weekend.
Friday night my friend Carrie decided to start a book club, and as I read too much as it is, I agreed to be a member. Our first book is something by Ann Shreve that I picked up at used from Gulliver's. John was out with questionable company, so four of us girls ended up at Lavelle's drinking champagne and eating dessert. Black bottom creme brulee pairs rather nicely with champagne, for the record.
Saturday I chatted with my grandmother for about thirty minutes, but she had to hang up on me to go deal with her poached apples in cinnamon syrup. My grandma is so cool.
Around noon John and I went to see Zack and Miri Make A Porno. Raunchy, crass, blunt, and rather sweetly poignant. Kevin Smith makes some pretty darn fine films. For the evening we were going to go to a beer tasting at the Blue Loon, but John wanted to take a nap first, and well, he was so cute snoozing that I didn't have the heart to wake him up. So, I had a nutritious dinner of leftover dip and corn chips, and snuggled into bed and caught up on some reading.
Sunday morning I caught up on more phone calls, and then went to run errands and grocery shop. This afternoon and evening has been spent cooking for the next week
chicken curry with almonds, chiles, yogurt, and spinach
mac and cheese (homemade)
the beginnings of chicken soup and enchiladas for later on in the week
I also have chili and cassoulet planned for Thursday and/or Friday.
John eats all the time, ok? I have to have food on hand as a defensive mechanism.
Mostly, life here is mundane, I'm ok with that.
So, even though it's Sunday evening, I'll leave you with some fine music from Blondie - Sunday Girl
PS - any rumors you hear about me taking my shirt off in the bar at Los Amigos Thursday night are completely true. This is why I don't drink to excess. I was completely sober, one of John's inebriated cow-orkers challenged me to swap shirts with him in the bar (it was actually relevant to the discussion they were having). So I did. Yeah, don't dare me to do dumb things like that, because I usually will, if it's only embarrassing and doesn't hurt anyone.
Friday night my friend Carrie decided to start a book club, and as I read too much as it is, I agreed to be a member. Our first book is something by Ann Shreve that I picked up at used from Gulliver's. John was out with questionable company, so four of us girls ended up at Lavelle's drinking champagne and eating dessert. Black bottom creme brulee pairs rather nicely with champagne, for the record.
Saturday I chatted with my grandmother for about thirty minutes, but she had to hang up on me to go deal with her poached apples in cinnamon syrup. My grandma is so cool.
Around noon John and I went to see Zack and Miri Make A Porno. Raunchy, crass, blunt, and rather sweetly poignant. Kevin Smith makes some pretty darn fine films. For the evening we were going to go to a beer tasting at the Blue Loon, but John wanted to take a nap first, and well, he was so cute snoozing that I didn't have the heart to wake him up. So, I had a nutritious dinner of leftover dip and corn chips, and snuggled into bed and caught up on some reading.
Sunday morning I caught up on more phone calls, and then went to run errands and grocery shop. This afternoon and evening has been spent cooking for the next week
chicken curry with almonds, chiles, yogurt, and spinach
mac and cheese (homemade)
the beginnings of chicken soup and enchiladas for later on in the week
I also have chili and cassoulet planned for Thursday and/or Friday.
John eats all the time, ok? I have to have food on hand as a defensive mechanism.
Mostly, life here is mundane, I'm ok with that.
So, even though it's Sunday evening, I'll leave you with some fine music from Blondie - Sunday Girl
PS - any rumors you hear about me taking my shirt off in the bar at Los Amigos Thursday night are completely true. This is why I don't drink to excess. I was completely sober, one of John's inebriated cow-orkers challenged me to swap shirts with him in the bar (it was actually relevant to the discussion they were having). So I did. Yeah, don't dare me to do dumb things like that, because I usually will, if it's only embarrassing and doesn't hurt anyone.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Work? Today?
I'll try to work. But this year more than most I really agree with the make Election Day a holiday. I'll gladly give up Columbus Day as a Federal holiday (I've never had a job where I got it as a holiday) in exchange for Election Day as a holiday.
Those of my readers (all 17 of you) that are eligible to vote in this election probably have, or will have by the end of the day.
Even Catherine in NZ was working on her absentee voting options. Alaska has a vote by fax option!
OMG. I think Ralph Nader is on Talk of Alaska RIGHT NOW. How odd. How shocking. How bizarre.
Sorry. My little brain was distracted there. Nader is still nattering away.
Gotta go. Work should be done, and I want to reload fivethirtyeight.com again.
Those of my readers (all 17 of you) that are eligible to vote in this election probably have, or will have by the end of the day.
Even Catherine in NZ was working on her absentee voting options. Alaska has a vote by fax option!
OMG. I think Ralph Nader is on Talk of Alaska RIGHT NOW. How odd. How shocking. How bizarre.
Sorry. My little brain was distracted there. Nader is still nattering away.
Gotta go. Work should be done, and I want to reload fivethirtyeight.com again.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Exercising my franchise
No, I'm not talking about the temporary closure of the Fairbanks Burger King.
I think this picture says it all.
Apparently I wasn't the only person at 1:20 PM on a Friday that wanted to vote. Check out this line.
When I walked into the State Building the security guard looks at me
"Down the hall, around the corner".
I look at him quizzically.
"Voting, right?"
"Why yes. Thank you!"
The line took maybe 5 minutes to go through. I had my ID ready, the elections staff looked up my record, confirmed my physical address, and printed out a sheet for me to sign. Then I got my ballot and voted. This is the first election I have only voted for one political party. I'm not comfortable with that. Voting for judges is always fun, and I do read the elections pamphlets (as anyone who's looked at Jeri's blog should know). I voted for Judge Funk more because I enjoy his show on KUAC than because of anything in the election booklet. I almost had jury duty in his court once, and tried to use that as a reason why I might be unqualified to be a juror. They tossed me for other reasons. Heh.
This looks to be a historic election, especially here in Alaska considering all the problems with Don and Ted, and La Sarah's national candidacy. I can't wait to see how it turns out, but now I've done my part. Let the end game commence.
I think this picture says it all.
Apparently I wasn't the only person at 1:20 PM on a Friday that wanted to vote. Check out this line.
When I walked into the State Building the security guard looks at me
"Down the hall, around the corner".
I look at him quizzically.
"Voting, right?"
"Why yes. Thank you!"
The line took maybe 5 minutes to go through. I had my ID ready, the elections staff looked up my record, confirmed my physical address, and printed out a sheet for me to sign. Then I got my ballot and voted. This is the first election I have only voted for one political party. I'm not comfortable with that. Voting for judges is always fun, and I do read the elections pamphlets (as anyone who's looked at Jeri's blog should know). I voted for Judge Funk more because I enjoy his show on KUAC than because of anything in the election booklet. I almost had jury duty in his court once, and tried to use that as a reason why I might be unqualified to be a juror. They tossed me for other reasons. Heh.
This looks to be a historic election, especially here in Alaska considering all the problems with Don and Ted, and La Sarah's national candidacy. I can't wait to see how it turns out, but now I've done my part. Let the end game commence.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
The End Of An Era
Via Nina @ Bon Bon Bar I was directed to Serious Eats and their post on the the bankruptcy of Mother's Cookies.
Nooooooo. Say it isn't true. Please.
Circus Animal cookies are a touchstone of my childhood, and I still buy them on occasion. Grandma and I would make tea and eat frosted animal cookies while chatting, watching the news, or working on our puzzle books. Every time I eat the oddly shaped blobby sugar and transfat bombs I feel loved. I knew for certain that my BIL was a keeper when he expressed his love for the pink and white (non-masculine) frosted animal cookies. I gave him a bag for his birthday one year, and you could immediately tell he was thrilled. He also refused to share. Heh.
I know that there are knock-offs out there, but THEY ARE NOT THE SAME.
Tomorrow I'm going to see if I can find a bag, and stash it away to share with Grandma when we go visit her this winter.
Nooooooo. Say it isn't true. Please.
Circus Animal cookies are a touchstone of my childhood, and I still buy them on occasion. Grandma and I would make tea and eat frosted animal cookies while chatting, watching the news, or working on our puzzle books. Every time I eat the oddly shaped blobby sugar and transfat bombs I feel loved. I knew for certain that my BIL was a keeper when he expressed his love for the pink and white (non-masculine) frosted animal cookies. I gave him a bag for his birthday one year, and you could immediately tell he was thrilled. He also refused to share. Heh.
I know that there are knock-offs out there, but THEY ARE NOT THE SAME.
Tomorrow I'm going to see if I can find a bag, and stash it away to share with Grandma when we go visit her this winter.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Cat Blogging Friday
I myself prefer Friday Funnies, but I'm out of anything funny to share that you may not already be aware of so....
This is my fuzzy orange cuddle buddy aka feline overlord (male) after a particularly satisfying grooming session.
This is my fuzzy orange cuddle buddy aka feline overlord (male) after a particularly satisfying grooming session.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Politics Quizzes
Everyone else is doing it...
This was the first quiz - no surprise on this one...
But then Jim over at Stonekettle Station came up with another quiz. Edit from original post - Hey, in preview it looked like I was over in the Totalitarian camp, which totally blew my mind. But apparently I'm not. Woo hoo! I'm not a jackbooted thug after all.
Yup. I'm apparently a big L libertarian. I'm really a little l libertarian, I think some social programs are ok and that some taxes are necessary and worthwhile.
This was the first quiz - no surprise on this one...
But then Jim over at Stonekettle Station came up with another quiz. Edit from original post - Hey, in preview it looked like I was over in the Totalitarian camp, which totally blew my mind. But apparently I'm not. Woo hoo! I'm not a jackbooted thug after all.
Yup. I'm apparently a big L libertarian. I'm really a little l libertarian, I think some social programs are ok and that some taxes are necessary and worthwhile.
| You are a Social Liberal (78% permissive) and an... Economic Conservative (63% permissive) You are best described as a:
Link: The Politics Test on OkCupid.com: Free Online Dating Also : The OkCupid Dating Persona Test |
Thursday, October 2, 2008
VP Debate Wordle
Since Jeri suggested it....
I thought the word Maverick would be much more prominent.
I thought the word Maverick would be much more prominent.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Celebrate!
Happy Eid al-Fitr!
L'shana tova tikatevu!
In recognition of Eid, I humbly suggest that you consider making a donation to your local food bank. With the economy the way it is, they would probably appreciate it. And then call your grandmother.
In recognition of the start of the year 5769, I hope you have a happy and healthy year. Remember that the time between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur is a time to make peace. Me, I call my mother.
In case you're confused, yes, I'm about as areligious as one can get, but that doesn't mean that I don't find value in some of the traditions and customs of the faithful. So... celebrate!
L'shana tova tikatevu!
In recognition of Eid, I humbly suggest that you consider making a donation to your local food bank. With the economy the way it is, they would probably appreciate it. And then call your grandmother.
In recognition of the start of the year 5769, I hope you have a happy and healthy year. Remember that the time between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur is a time to make peace. Me, I call my mother.
In case you're confused, yes, I'm about as areligious as one can get, but that doesn't mean that I don't find value in some of the traditions and customs of the faithful. So... celebrate!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
iTunes Memery
I have a really cranky post I want to write, in response to a commenter on Theresa's blog - My Fairbanks Life, but I'm trying to achieve some inner peace and let it go. Sooooo....
Andrew Wheeler posted this, he thinks it started with Scott Westerfeld.
1) In iTunes, select View Options under the View menu.
2) Turn off everything but “Artist.”
3) Select all and copy.
4) Search and Replace the word “track” with nothing.
5) Paste the results into the Wordle.net Create page.
What can I say? Mainly, I have a LOT of classical music. Doesn't mean I can immediately tell you the composer or name, but I usually can hum the tune.
I'm not tagging anyone with this, but I really would love to see Cindy and Eric's results. We know Jim's would be full of Dire Straits...
ETA - out of curiosity and provoked by Jeri (in a good way provoked) here is one for my most frequently played. Yay! Astrud Gilberto!
Andrew Wheeler posted this, he thinks it started with Scott Westerfeld.
1) In iTunes, select View Options under the View menu.
2) Turn off everything but “Artist.”
3) Select all and copy.
4) Search and Replace the word “track” with nothing.
5) Paste the results into the Wordle.net Create page.
What can I say? Mainly, I have a LOT of classical music. Doesn't mean I can immediately tell you the composer or name, but I usually can hum the tune.
I'm not tagging anyone with this, but I really would love to see Cindy and Eric's results. We know Jim's would be full of Dire Straits...
ETA - out of curiosity and provoked by Jeri (in a good way provoked) here is one for my most frequently played. Yay! Astrud Gilberto!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Who's really lost out with all this attention on Alaska
Hannah. She's a girl from Fairbanks that is on Cycle 11 of America's Next Top Model. Usually this would be HUGE news for Alaska. But alas, other events have eclipsed her chance at 15 minutes of fame.
Poor kid.
I haven't watched the show in years. But I developed a fondness for Janice Dickinson, and one my gym t-shirts proudly proclaims "Janice is my superROLEmodel".
Poor kid.
I haven't watched the show in years. But I developed a fondness for Janice Dickinson, and one my gym t-shirts proudly proclaims "Janice is my superROLEmodel".
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Politics
I try to keep my opinions to myself, which is harder in some situations rather than others.
Disclaimer - I am a registered non-partisan and like it that way. I have issues with all the parties.
Usually Cindy and I watch major events together, and riff with one another. Well, someone was at work this evening, and I was all alone.
So my poor Twitter feed had to endure my abuse.
I don't agree with Sarah Palin on social issues. I loved her comments on projects she line item vetoed for FY08, stating that a number of them were not an appropriate use of state funds. Because she was right. I find her to be too straightforward and unsubtle to be an effective politician in sophisticated arenas (international relations, anyone?). I say this because I know that I'm that way myself. Sarah is a sports nut, so how's this for a metaphor? She's like a HS kid that has been picked to go to the Major Leagues without working her way through the farm system. While talented, she'd really get something out of the farm system without losing who she is.
I think Theresa says some of what I think and feel very very well. Then again, she's an actual professional writer, unlike myself. I'm still cogitating and trying to get to an articulate place rather than just an emotively responsive place.
Disclaimer - I am a registered non-partisan and like it that way. I have issues with all the parties.
Usually Cindy and I watch major events together, and riff with one another. Well, someone was at work this evening, and I was all alone.
So my poor Twitter feed had to endure my abuse.
I don't agree with Sarah Palin on social issues. I loved her comments on projects she line item vetoed for FY08, stating that a number of them were not an appropriate use of state funds. Because she was right. I find her to be too straightforward and unsubtle to be an effective politician in sophisticated arenas (international relations, anyone?). I say this because I know that I'm that way myself. Sarah is a sports nut, so how's this for a metaphor? She's like a HS kid that has been picked to go to the Major Leagues without working her way through the farm system. While talented, she'd really get something out of the farm system without losing who she is.
I think Theresa says some of what I think and feel very very well. Then again, she's an actual professional writer, unlike myself. I'm still cogitating and trying to get to an articulate place rather than just an emotively responsive place.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Entertainment for Michelle and anyone else who's interested
Well, I'm sweeping and sorting magazines and contemplating what to do with my Magnetic Poetry collection. But Michelle has demanded entertainment, and I should oblige my audience...
Of course the question is, what would she find entertaining? Hopefully one of the following...
Virtual Bubble Wrap (for your popping pleasure)
Fail Blog
Play With Spider (ick ick ick ick ick ick)
Geographic size of Africa, in Perpective (food for thought more than entertainment)
A Fan Site of questionable taste dedicated to my governor
The Daylight Map (so you can think of Jim and I this winter)
Online Kaleidoscope and the newer version here(because I should end on something fun!)
Of course the question is, what would she find entertaining? Hopefully one of the following...
Virtual Bubble Wrap (for your popping pleasure)
Fail Blog
Play With Spider (ick ick ick ick ick ick)
Geographic size of Africa, in Perpective (food for thought more than entertainment)
A Fan Site of questionable taste dedicated to my governor
The Daylight Map (so you can think of Jim and I this winter)
Online Kaleidoscope and the newer version here(because I should end on something fun!)
It Is Risen!
Right after Denvention my laptop was gakked by an update. Life has kept me busy and I have finally managed to get it mostly fixed and software reloaded. Posts will begin again. Hurrah!
Today I'll be working in the yard, cleaning in my house, and going to the gym. And finishing up the furnace tuneup I started yesterday, now that I've found the allen wrench set.
Thank you for your patience, and enjoy the weekend.
Today I'll be working in the yard, cleaning in my house, and going to the gym. And finishing up the furnace tuneup I started yesterday, now that I've found the allen wrench set.
Thank you for your patience, and enjoy the weekend.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Another Quiz (catching up!)
This one via Jeri. I'm not sure what to think about my "humanity" ranking. I don't really like humanity, or want to spend time around humanity. Hmm.
Your result for The Perception Personality Image Test...
NFPC - The Artist
Nature, Foreground, Big Picture, and Color
You perceive the world with particular attention to nature. You focus on what's in front of you (the foreground) and how that fits into the larger picture. You are also particularly drawn towards the colors around you. Because of the value you place on nature, you tend to find comfort in more subdued settings and find energy in solitude. You like to deal directly with whatever comes your way without dealing with speculating possibilities or outcomes you can't control. You are in tune with all that is around you and understand your life as part of a larger whole. You are a down-to-earth person who enjoys going with the flow.
The Perception Personality Types:
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