<sigh> I guess this means I have to go out looking for something for little Cindy Lou now....
Anyway, a warning before you click on the following link. It is a little twisted, but I was amused.... disturbed, but amused. With that said, here is the Link... The Cap'n's Unfortunate Christmas Cards ...Travel here at your own risk!
Graphic from Animation Library - Thousands of FREE Animations
I know that it is a little late for a Thanksgiving entry, but I've been really busy <g>. Also, there should be a disclaimer and a warning here. Before you go any further I must warn you that this is going to be one of those sappy, awwwwww shucks, lovey-dovey kind of entries. Anyone who might suffer an allergic reaction to an overly sweet, lovey-dovey type entry better turn back now!!
Over the last week, when I've been fortunate enough to get on line for a few minutes, I've divided my time between email, checking the bulletin board, and reading the journals I have on alert. Just a sidenote about alerts: I have too many of them, and I keep finding more journals to add <sigh>.
I've read many entries both on the bulletin boards, and in journals, about the many things people are thankful for. And, I have to agree with most of them. I too am grateful for family, and health, and friends, and the opportunity to cook a whole lot of food and then feed it to those same family and friends <g>. I am grateful to live in a country where I can do and say pretty much whatever I want, and I'm eternaly thankful to the men and women who couldn't be home to share Thanksgiving with their families because they are busy serving in the Armed Forces.
But, I found what I am most thankful for in my e-mail on Wednesday before Thanksgiving. I had taken a quick break in the pre-Thanksgiving preparations, and I took a moment to pop on line, and this is what I found waiting for me buried in the Alerts, spam, and general e-mail of the day.
Subj: I love you.
Date: 11/24/2004 9:01:49 A.M. Eastern Standard Time
From: GeoffAPettigrew
To: Astaryth
Good moring sunshine. Just wanted to say I love you.Thanks for you and everything you do for me GeoffG. had managed to get online at work long enough to send me this e-mail. I asked him later (after hugs and kisses, of course) why he didn't just call me. He replied that he was afraid that I might have been still asleep, or doing something I didn't want to be interupted at.
I know it is a little thing, but it made my day. And, just in case you are curious, I saved the e-mail...
I've been pondering John Scalzi's Weekend Assignment 35: Thankful, and I finally think that I've come up with mine...
Books
I have always loved to read... And a book can teach you, make you think, entertain you. They can relieve boredom. They can make you laugh, cry, and everything in between.
I particularly love fiction books. Science Fiction, Fantasy, Historical Romances, it doesn't matter. As long as the writer does his job and sweeps me into another world, and makes me care enough about his characters that they become "real" people to me, I'm happy. Maybe it's escapism, but when I was a child books allowed me to leave my little world and explore a much larger one. Admittedly, some of these worlds didn't exist.... to other people. To me, they were often as real as my own, and often better.
I have flown dragons on Pern. I've met Merlin, King Arthur and The Lady of the Lake. John Carter and I explored Mars. Not the mars that you know from pictures from that silly rover, No, our Mars was filled with warriors and Princesses! I rode the Black Stallion on a long stretch of beach with the wind and surf blowing in my face. And, I cried when the "fairy" Podkayne was trying to protect died. I was there when Michael learned to "grok". And I know that two of the most important things in the Universe are a towel and Don't Panic.
So, yes, I'm thankful for books!!
First, let's get something straight, I know how to cook, sort of... but, it mostly consists of things like soup or grilled cheese or one of those boxed dinners that comes with everything in them (now, THAT was a genius idea <g>).
One of my explanations to people is that if it requires more than three steps -- It's Cookin'! See following example:
1. If you take a pop tart and crumble it up....
2. Then put it in the microwave for 3 seconds (And that is Seconds, not Minutes....another story <eg>)
3. And then when it comes out you pour milk over it.. Well, That's Cookin'! See Three step Rule.
Ok....with the above information common knowledge in our house, how did I end up hosting Thanksgiving Dinner?????????
I'll tell you how. G is a chef. No really, he has a BA in Culinary Arts. So every so often he gets a wild hair and decides to make a "meal". Now, I cringe when this happens as it always means two things: One, he'll need things (like strange spices <g>), that we do not have in my kitchen, and Two: that there will be a huge mess and dirty dishes and pans everywhere.
Sooo, 2 weeks ago, G announces to my brother and his wife that they should come over to our house for Thanksgiving. Oh, and not to bring anything as he was taking care of the whole meal!
Well, everything sounds just peachy now, doesn't it. Sure it does, but nothing ever goes smoothly at our house <LOL>. On our trip back home I broached a couple of "concerns" to G.
"Ummmm, hon.. with us, my brother, his wife, his 3 kids, and the oldest (who'll be home from Navy basic) is bringing his girlfriend... that's like 8 people"
"Yeah, So?" he grumbles, sounding slightly irritated.
"Well, not to be pessimistic or anything, but we only have the Couch & Love seat...That's enough seating for 5 people...." I offer this information with my best I'm not being irritating, but what were you thinking voice <g>.
"Oh, it'll be fine, we'll use your folding chair from the computer and the bar stools...that's 8!" He anounces, obviously proud of both his math and organizing skills.
"Oh... O.K." I agree feebly, hoping that no one shows up unexpectedly.
The next problem rears it's ugly head the next day. G announces "Baby, I may have to work for a couple of hours on Thursday Morning next week.."
"Oh, No... that's Thanksgiving and YOUR cooking." I say with that don't you dare growl in my voice.
"Well, you may have to handle it.." He states, oblivious of the daggers I am shooting at him out of my eyes.
<grumble> <grumble> Yeah, well, I handled it all right!
I went to the HoneyBaked Ham Co. and I ordered the HoneyBaked Perfect Gift. We will be having Ham, Turkey, Au Gratin Potatoes and Green Been Casserole. I pick it all up on Monday HA!
Now, I'll just have to run to the store and get paper plates with turkeys on them, couple of 12 packs of soda, all the stuff to make my fudge for before dinner snacking, and a cheesecake sampler for dessert. Hey, maybe I'll even pick up one of those party platter/snack trays! So, since I handled dinner does that mean that G has to handle super cleaning the house for guests?? Yeah, Right!
Going to the Dog Park!
Today Morgan, G and I all went to the DOG PARK! We've been before, but always during the week and there hasn't been anyone there but us. So, I was VERY excited because Morgan used to have lots of doggie (and non-doggie) friends on the circus, but since we've come off the road the only playmates (besides G & I, of course) are the cat and my brother's dog when we visit them. So, we set off for the dog park with high hopes of Morgan making lots & lots of friends.
Morgan was VERY excited, but I think it was because she thought we would be going to PetSmart <LOL>. She actually looked kind of disappointed when we pulled up into the dog park. But, like I said before, I was hoping for doggy friends. There were a couple of other people there with their dogs, so in we went..... And Morgan didn't want anything to do with them <shaking head>. She would much rather stay with us, or visit with the other dogs' mommies and daddies. Oh well, I guess we'll just have to wait for all of our friends to get in. The Red unit should be here in about 2 weeks, and the Blue will be in Orlando by the end of the 1st week in December.
Here are some pictures of our day though:
It was a fun day. For Christmas, Morgan and I are getting Obedience Classes. She already is pretty good with basic commands, and knows several tricks (she lives in a house with two animal trainers <g>), but I want her to get used to working around the distraction of other dogs and people so we can take the next step.... I want to enroll her in some Agility classes! Fun, Fun, Fun!!
What was I thinking????? We are going to be a little tight on money this year because of the whole I can't seem to find a real job thing, so I decided that I would try to make some things for X-mas instead of buying gifts for everyone.
First step was to look at my list. My very first thought was afghans, but that got shot down for a couple of reasons. 1) I haven't got enough time before x-mas. 2) They can be expensive according to what yarn you use, etc. I have one that I finished earlier this fall that I think I am going to give my brother and his wife. It is beautiful...looking around for a picture. Aha! I'm actually getting this whole graphics thing figured out! (Thank Goodness for Test Journals though <LOL>) As you can see in the first picture, it's good sized, and it's heavy <LOL>. I added a close up so you could see the pretty colors/pattern. It was done holding 3 strands of yarn and changing the colors out one at a time. WHAT a PAIN! It's also is really soft. The yarn in this thing cost me about $80 or so. I have some left over though, so I'm thinking maybe scarves for a couple of people.
Having thrown out the idea of making like 15 afgans before x-mas, I decided to get serious. Afgan for brother & his wife... that's one. Fudge!!! Yeah, I have people asking me in August if I'm making fudge for x-mas, and I haven't been home for 5 years to make it!!! So, that takes care of one of my best friends, her husband, all of my boyfriends work friends, most everyone coming into winter quarters. Course, I'll be making like 30 pounds of this stuff, but that's o.k.
What about my brothers kids???? Now, this is where the What Was I Thinking thing comes in. Seems the kids like the Hemp jewelry (info via their father). So.... I used to run a jewelry Mnfg Co. and help make the jewelry, how hard could tying some knots in some string be?? I'll get a book, some beads, Hemp.... I'll make them necklaces, throw in a scarf and voila!
Well, let me tell you, it ain't as easy as it looks! <LOL> I have a package of regular colored hemp and one of those big bags of "assorted" bead to practice with. I bought two books on how to do it and I -thought- I was ready to go! Turns out that this isn't as easy as it looks <LOL>. But, I'll keep plugging away at it. I bought some of the colored hemp for the actual present necklaces, and once I decide (and practice) the pieces I'm going to make for them I'll go out and pick out nice beads to match each piece. Wish me luck! I think I'm going to need it.
Today is Veterans Day!
If you know a Veteran (or anyone who has or is serving in the armed forces for that matter), be sure and THANK them for all of our Freedoms!!!
I have many people in my direct family that have proudly served our country. My boyfriend is ex-Navy and his family also has always been involved in the military. He grew up from age 4 to 17 on military bases around the world. My brother and nephew are currently actively serving in the Navy. I have 2 uncles who are ex-Army, and several great-uncles who also served in the armed forces. I am proud of them all!
If you are reading this on AOL please check out AOL Research and Learn: Veterans Day
Woo Hoo! also note that this is the first time I've added a graphic <g>
The flag graphic is from http://www.3dflags.com
O.K.... I know I'm probably in the minority in J-Land, but I love Country Music. I listen to a variety of artists/genre, but I always come back to Country. Maybe because I grew up with it. I remember my Mom always playing Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Waylon, and Elvis<g>.
Now, I like more contemporary country than my Mom. Reba, Big & Rich, Keith Urban... But, watching the CMA awards last night reminded me of how much I like some of the "older" artists and songs. Especially when they were doing inductees into the Hall of Fame. Anyway, if you are interested, here is the link for the winners of the Country Music Awards last night.
Today I have a couple of entertaining games for you....if you get stuck, I have finished them, so e-mail me and I'll help you out. They reminds me of an early PC game I played called Loom. Oh, just a tip, make AOL small and bring up IE to go to this site. For some reason I was getting kicked off AOL from this site, but was o.k. going directly thru IE.... your mileage may vary <LOL>
The name of todays first adventure is Samorost. If you liked that one, try Quest for the Rest. Also, Balloon Head is a little harder, but still engaging..... For those of you who just want an adventure without using your brain, go to Zoom. It's a little freaky. I went thru it twice just to examine the imagery.
Hope you liked these!
What scares you?
Working in a Haunted House for Halloween made me stop and think about what things are scary. And one of the things that a lot of people (and children) find disturbing are.... Ready for it?.... CLOWNS.
Now, I know what you are thinking. Aren't clowns funny and happy and all of that? Aren't they supposed to entertain you and make you laugh? Doesn't the whole world love a clown? Well, after working for a circus and meeting real life clowns, I gotta tell you that not everyone finds them cute and cuddly. Some of my friends, who are clowns, tell me that many children are actually very frightened by them. Even some adults find them upsetting. There is even a name for it--coulrophobia!
I have many friends who are clowns, and most of them are very nice and like to make people laugh. But, there are disturbing clowns out there also.... such as Stephen King's IT. And if you've ever seen Killer Klowns from Outer Space... well, that movie is just disturbing!!
So, Just a thought.... What do you find scary?
Wow, It's been a long time since I've had a chance to sit down and write in my Journal. I've written several entries in my head over the last week, and I plan to get them into written form sometime <LOL>. I get a lot of inspiration from the Journal Board and of course other Journals. Why have I been so quiet? Wellll.......
First, I managed to get sick the week before Halloween. Now normally that wouldn't be a problem... But, normally I don't spend several hours with my head hanging down wailing at people <eg>. Of course, the last two weekends of October were BIG ones for Howl-O-Scream, and we worked Thurs thru Sunday both weekends. Since I didn't feel well, I basically worked and slept and took medicine for those four days.
Monday comes and now things should calm down. I'm feeling better, off the meds, but, no..... my SO volunteers me to rescue a friend. He's currently working near here and has no transportation. Since he is living at the place he is working, and it's in the middle of nowhere, he was desperate to get away. So, I pick him up, bringing him to my boyfriends place of work (a zoo, so we had fun), and afterwards he took us both out to dinner. By the time I drove him the hour back home and came home myself I was again exhausted. Went on AOL just long enough to check e-mail for mail from family, cringed at the number of other e-mails there and went to bed.
Tuesday and Wednesday were spent catching up on e-mail (where does all of it come from????). This takes a while as I have several alerts set up for Journals and other things. After slogging thru e-mail, I was on to bulletin boards. One look at those and I wanted to crawl in a hole <LOL>. The only board I had popped on and read over the weekend had been the Journal board (and the not-journal one). One board I usually read had over 1000 messages. After shuddering, I went thru and marked almost every board as read! I glanced thru and read any strings I was particularly interested in, but now was not the time to be squeamish! Also, on the Journal board I had to read some journal entries I couldn't pass up... you know how it is! And of course, I do have a real, non-Internet life that has to be attended to.
How did it get to be Thursday already? Today is my boyfriends day off, and we had errands to run and he does demand some attention be given to him, silly man! So, now it's 3am and here I sit, writing an entry to explain why I haven't written an entry <ROFL>.
Tomorrow, or actually today as it is early in the am, is Friday and I have the sad duty of going and handing in my employee ID card so I can pick up my last check WHAAAAAA! Now, I'm unemployed again. I spent a little time printing out resumes on Wed and plan to resubmit to some places, and check the paper this Sunday for part-time seasonal work. My paycheck, when I'm getting one, allows us to have extras... I like extras! So, I'll be doing the apply, interview, hope I got it thing for a couple of weeks. Unless I hit the lottery this weekend..Yeah, the lottery, that's the ticket! <pun intended>
