Date:	2007-10-04 00:31
Subject:	Well, hello there....
Security:	Public
Mood:	cold

Absolutely nuts over this kid.

Date:	2007-09-16 23:36
Subject:	:(
Security:	Public
Mood:	sad
Music:	Adult Swim

Robert Jordan died today. I had no idea until I saw that posted on another friend's LJ...

For those of you who know who that is, and why that matters, you know why I'm sad today.

Date:	2007-09-02 19:44
Subject:	Kind of Boggling...
Security:	Public
Mood:	okay

Following a link from Fark.com, I was led to an article on the artwork of a "Microartist" named Willard Wigan. It's absolutely amazing, I think.

You can read the article first, or watch the video I managed to find on Yahoo!, either one. I do suggest the article first, because I think it made me even more appreciative of the art itself.

This man makes sculptures that fit on the head of a pin, or in the eye of a needle, literally. Pretty boggling.

For you knitter types, here is a pretty equally boggling link that my sister sent me in response to the video. :-) Teeny, tiny knitting!

Date:	2007-08-13 14:21
Subject:	Hmmm...
Security:	Public
Mood:	amused
Music:	Walk Away: (Craig J Mix), Kelly Clarkson (hooray Sirius)

This is a very brief blurb of an IM convo my sister and I had today... I'm "Lanfear95", she's "krapsnart" (look at it backwards).

[14:17] Lanfear95: Do you guys have Geico in CA?
[14:17] Lanfear95: .ca?
[14:17] krapsnart: no.
[14:18] Lanfear95: So you don't know the Caveman ads.
[14:18] Lanfear95: They're cute.
[14:18] Lanfear95: But not so cute that they deserve their own sitcom, this fall, on ABC?
[14:18] Lanfear95: er.. that wasn't a question.
[14:19] krapsnart: the American entertainment media are very close to disappearing up their own collective anus.


I love my sister.

Date:	2007-05-05 20:27
Subject:	Somehow, this doesn't surprise me...
Security:	Public
Mood:	grumpy
Music:	Nothing much...

How evil are you?

Date:	2007-01-29 23:44
Subject:	Do you survive?
Security:	Public
Mood:	thoughtful
Music:	Some Discovery Times thing about the Chernobyl cleanup...

This could certainly lead to some interesting discussions...

Date:	2007-01-25 18:23
Subject:	This is so not a surprise...
Security:	Public
Mood:	amused
Music:	Nothing much

The Movie Of Your Life Is A Black Comedy

In your life, things are so twisted that you just have to laugh. You may end up insane, but you'll have fun on the way to the asylum. Your best movie matches: Being John Malkovich, The Royal Tenenbaums, American Psycho

Date:	2007-01-07 17:37
Subject:	Hamster Balls.
Security:	Public
Mood:	amused
Music:	Very Quiet

I have had some fairly intense things happen this week. However, I choose not to write about those now. Instead, follow the linky goodness to something that made me laugh out loud til I cried. I love the Japanese.

And, don't worry! I touched it softry!

Date:	2006-12-26 15:38
Subject:	Santa loves me. :-)
Security:	Public
Mood:	amused
Music:	Animal Crossing...

Dear Santa... Dear Santa, This year I've been busy! Last Wednesday I signed my organ donor card (28 points). In November I helped melodykay see the light (8 points). Last Thursday I punched jesuispeure in the arm (-10 points). In September I pulled krapsnart's hair (-5 points). Last Friday I got in line at the supermarket at the same time as someone else and I didn't yield (-8 points). Overall, I've been nice (13 points). For Christmas I deserve a Sony Playstation 3! Sincerely, lady_dortles

Date:	2006-12-21 05:43
Subject:	Oh, the weather outside is frightful... and our gas fireplace has been broken since I moved in here.
Security:	Public
Mood:	grumpy
Music:	The local news.

You know it's bad when the postal service is closed down for the eastern half of the state...

I'm up because M's sister decided that since it's her birthday, she needed to call us at freaking 5:15 in the morning. I'm reserving all comments. I was in the middle of a righteous bad dream, though, so I guess it's okay. That'll serve me for buying and reading a Stephen King novel before bed.

Our job is planning to call M at 7:00 am to "let us know" what their 4 AM conference call decided regarding closing the call center down. (See, I guess it could be worse than 5:15 am. There are reasons I'm glad I didn't get manager...) It's all academic, 'cause we're not leaving the house, but please, I just hope common sense rules for them. The governor has declared "a disaster emergency", the National Guard spent a good lot of time last night in SnowCATS to rescue people from their cars, and we've apparently had about 24 inches in our "little town" with 2-5 inches more...

At least we're home and safe, and not some of those roughtly 4800 folks stuck over at DIA. Whee!

Date:	2006-12-20 20:03
Subject:	"Holiday Blizzard, 2006"
Security:	Public
Mood:	relieved
Music:	Does the theme from Animal Crossing: Wild World count?

So it's a freaking blizzard outside. Seriously... The snow has been sideways, and it's supposed to be like this well until tomorrow, probably until about lunchtime. Stupid snow. LOL

On the plus side, most everyone we know and care about at our job was able to get out of there at a semi-decent hour and got home safely. On the negative side, they weren't sending people home of their OWN accord, as an employer, even after the governor declared a state of emergency. That's where they can ticket you for being on the road, and the National Guard is called out. It's that big of a mess. But, my company being who and what they are didn't see fit to send folks home...

Fortunately, my bosses have good common sense, as does the manager of M's department, so we got to leave work about 1:00 pm. We had to stop for food at the grocery, and that took less than an hour. We were on the road to home (fortunately we only live about 6 miles from work) at about 2:30ish, and it was soooo bad, at times, we could barely see two car-lengths ahead of us through the whipping wind and heavy snow. I can guarantee, though, that there are people sleeping at our place of employ tonight. Feh.

Whee!

I'll try to take pics tomorrow for everyone's viewing goodness. Tonight, we're staying warm and watching bad network TV. (Identity is a pretty cool game show... Heh.)

Date:	2006-12-19 12:00
Subject:	A Snapshot...
Security:	Public
Mood:	loved
Music:	Nat'l Geographic Channel

So just a quick snapshot of why I like M so darned much...

Last night, I spent almost two hours on the phone with a dear friend of ours (K, you know who you are, but this is a public post... heh,) who has fibromyalgia. Long story short, stuff's rough for her right now, and money is very tight for her.

During the long talk, one thing that was put forward was the idea that K. come visit us for a vacation. The main stopping block, though, is the cost.

After the call was over, M and I were talking, and I said that I'd like for us to save the money and buy a ticket for K. so that she could come... M stopped to think for a moment, her brow furrowing, and I began to worry that she was concerned about the cost of something like that, especially for a friend we've only really met once (twice for me)... When she spoke, I expected at least a non-committal "We'll see."

She came back with, "Well, it'd have to be first class or business class. I'm not making her cram in with everyone else in coach!"

I had to kiss her, and try not to cry. Happy cry, that is. I'm so lucky.

Date:	2006-12-12 10:51
Subject:	Now I'm just curious...
Security:	Public
Mood:	tired
Music:	Oddly quiet

As soon as I can find the stupid tag, I'll make this NOT on my front page... Edit... Seems it did it very nicely for me. Doh.


( my xmas stocking )

This is for you, Steve-O...

Hmmm....

Date:	2006-11-23 15:21
Subject:	Happy Thanksgiving, you turkeys.
Security:	Public
Mood:	busy
Music:	Trance/Progressive channel on Sirius

There is something so satisfying about getting to use half a pound of butter and two cups of sugar in *any* recipe, but it's even better when it's joined by vanilla, eggs, and buttermilk, and sweet potatoes! And, yes, fresh potatoes, which I peeled, diced, and boiled. :-)

Yes, tis the season. I'm making sweet potato pie again. It's good stuff, and it's a simple recipe I found on FoodNetwork.com last year. I'm making one pie tradionally, and then I'm experimenting a little with the other. I'm going to add some cinnamon, a tiny bit of ground cloves, ground allspice, and ground ginger. Just a tiny bit of each, a pinch, per se. I'm also going to pull it out about 10-15 minutes early and throw baby marshmallows onto the top and finish baking it that way. We'll see how it turns out. I'm a pretty good cook when I set my mind to it, but then I worry.

Best part of the day so far, though? We got to give the cat, Max, the large boy, a bath. Well, more truthfully, a shower. He joined me. Other than one huge, "Me-ohmygodwhatAreYouDOOOOOING-ow", he was deathly silent the whole time, and other than some pretty strong flailing, he was fairly well behaved. I told him that's what happens when he comes out of the litter box a mess. It's been a while since we did that to him, and he's *much* bigger and stronger now, but he was still a relatively great boy about it. :-)

M is making homemade cornbread dressing (I dislike both stuffing and dressing, so I hope everyone else likes it) so we're jockeying for oven space, but it's working out okay. She even put up with having to share the kitchen with me, which is a big deal for her.

Once the dressing and pie are done, we'll be headed over to our friends' house for a fun Thanksgiving with some of our FOC. (Family of Choice, or, if you're in the Commercial department at work, Fire Occupancy Code...) I hope the rest of my family is having a great day, regardless of what they're up to.

I've had about half my glass of rum-laced eggnog, and I'm already kinda feeling it, so time to snack a bit more as we cook.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

Date:	2006-11-11 22:26
Subject:	I'm so bored.
Security:	Public
Mood:	bored
Music:	Bloodrayne has been on for 5 minutes. 5 minutes too many...

Which Hogwarts house will you be sorted into?

Date:	2006-11-07 21:36
Subject:	I may have to see M cry today...
Security:	Public
Mood:	aggravated
Music:	The songs they're playing could not be gayer...

Okay, polls are only about 7 or 8% reported in so far, and everything that mattered to me personally is already looking doubtful. Although, so far the Blue governor seems to be ahead...

I'm mostly looking at this site to watch poll results and I'm in the Denver "gayborhood" in the "Gay" Non-Starbucks Coffee Chain shop... If I didn't already know that, the CD's being played include Christina Aguilera and some 70's ballad, to name some banner examples, would clue me in... We have to work tomorrow at 9:00 am, but I just wanted to be somewhere at least somewhat supportive, you know?

(On a side note, free wi-fi is a MUST if we do a coffee shop...) I've also told M the early results thus far and watched her eyes water at the bad news re: Referendum I and Amendment 43... (Btw, the Coloradoans hate the idea of legalizing pot even more than they hate the idea of legalizing domestic-partnership rights... Go fig...) She warned me she'll probably cry if it really does come true that there is legal discrimination in the state Constitution by the end of the night, and no equivalent rights given to us.

When I went to vote, in the same precinct I've been voting in since I've been able to vote (my license and official address are still my parents' house) I saw both of their signatures in the sign-in book. They had voted before I did. (I had devoted myself to a very emphatic nap earlier, after dropping M off at work after she voted.) I was *very* glad to see they had voted, but was a bit worried about what they'd voted on. I called after voting, and talked with my father first. After mentioning I'd voted, he said, "Straight Democratic ticket vote, I hope..." Well, yes... So I countered with, "Did you vote Yes on Ref. I, and no on Amendment 43?" That's where I got a little nervous... It was an emphatic yes. So, my folks supported me. I thanked them personally.

Despite the idiocy of the state, at least as it's appearing thus far, at least my folks have got my back. It's a wonderful start...

Date:	2006-11-07 00:46
Subject:	Vote, Vote, Vote.
Security:	Public
Mood:	discontent
Music:	Quiet little air filter.

Other's have said it, and I'm not reinventing the wheel, but go vote. VOTE.

Folks are fighting dirty this election:

A.) Make sure you're going to the correct polling place! Another friend on LJ provided this handy link to make sure folks can find the right place to go. Apparently the Reds are doing some sort of mail campaign that can send out confusing information regarding where to go for a polling place. Anything to make sure they can mess with us. (Shades of FL, anyone?)

B.) Do not fall for the annoying Reds' robocalls! Sure, they're illegal in some spots, but that doesn't mean they aren't happening. Feh. Read about what to expect here, and know to dismiss them...

C. Don't let the fact that voting is terribly imperfect discourage you. It's still *critical* that you go.

They say individual votes don't count, but they do. Considering how few people in this country vote, I'm surprised so many people think they have the right to complain when it doesn't go they way they want. I'm a firm believer in the whole, "If you didn't vote, you can't bitch," school of thought. I've voted in every major election since I was 18, and I'll be honest: I think I've voted in previous mid-term elections, but I can't swear to that. You can be damn sure I'll be voting this time.

I think my favorite campaign thus far in CO is the one with Marilyn Musgrave Vs. Angie Paccione. Ms. Paccione is an assistant professor at a local college. Which means, she's a teacher. I respect teachers. Marilyn Musgrave is in her third term in office. She supported the (*failed*, mind you) bill for amending the Constitution to say marriage is between a man and a woman. You can safely say I'm not voting for her (though her record in office is full of reasons beyond the one I've stated.) From what I've seen of the campaign commercials on both sides, mostly Ms. Musgrave has taken the low road, and Ms. Paccione has taken the high. Her ads focus on what she's done and why she'd be good for the job. Ms. Musgrave's campaign was so desperate for something to use as dirt, they actually attacked Ms. Paccione for declaring bankruptcy in her past. My thoughts on that? I had three main ones:
1.) Wow... The Reds are really desperate, if they had to use that as ammo. I'm so voting for Paccione.
2.) Wow, Ms. Paccione is a *real* person, who knows what money problems are like, and I can relate to that.
3.) Wow, she declared bankruptcy, and is running for office! Hooray for being able to pick yourself up like that. Gives me hope!

The Red desperation is more amusing than anything, but at the same time, the whole process is very sad. I just reread some books I read as a kid, the Tripod trilogy, by John Christopher. In it, humanity is overthrown and enslaved by aliens. As the humans fight back, one major concern, which is proven true, is that they will resort to their old ways of fighting each other if they destroy the aliens. It really resonated with me right now.

This is the first election I've felt this strongly about, this viscerally. Referendum I, despite some wording I disagree with ("this is not marriage, just domestic parntership"), and Amendment 43 are pretty personal, but it's not just them. It's the state of the country.

The fact that anyone considered putting an Amendment discriminating against *anyone* in the Constitution (well, considered doing it again, with a new issue) makes me want to throw up. The fact that one of the strongest supporters of said Amendment was the leader of the superpower nation that I live in makes me want to vote.

The fact that the American people are lied to on a routine basis, that scandals happen right and left with those who shout to the rooftops that the existance of certain people is sending them all right to Hell even as they abuse boys and pick up male hookers and do meth makes me want to vote.

The fact that I actually think occasionally that it's a good thing I have a family member in Canada who could sponsor me if I choose to emigrate there makes me sad, and makes me want to vote.

The fact that a convicted felon can get married to someone and abuse them and still have more rights in that marriage than a same-sex, well-adjusted, loyal, monogomous couple can makes me want to vote.

It's been said before: I like my country. I like my freedoms. Because I see that all on a razor's edge right now, I don't like my government. I'm not going to go all crazy, I'm going to go vote.

What Divinity do you worship? Your Result: You worship KNOWLEDGE   The divinity of Knowledge was created to guide man in advancements in their machines and understanding of the physical world. Knowledge gives his gift reluctantly, having seen the havoc man can cause with enough comprehension of a concept. The appearance of this Divinity is an elderly man, not frail, but robust in his age, with piercing eyes. His dress is often completely inconspicuous, as has been noted in clothing of all sorts and periods. The believers of Knowledge are very ill at ease with emotion and often shy away from personal interaction outside of academic discussion. This often leads to interpersonal interactions being traumatic when allowed to progress. Being human, though, they often gravitate towards this. They are drawn towards puzzles and mental challenges, and revel in learning new skills. Woe be it to any man who crosses a worshiper of Knowledge; vengeance shall be inventive, painful, and impressive. Knowledge is aligned with Order.
You worship KINDNESS
You worship DEATH
You worship FATE
You worship CRUELTY
You worship LIFE
You worship INSPIRATION
You worship WAR
What Divinity do you worship? Make Your Own Quiz

Date:	2006-11-02 01:01
Subject:	A quickie...
Security:	Public
Mood:	amused
Music:	Futurama. :-)

I love Futurama... A few lines from tonight's episode that I had to throw out there.. Keep in mind, I own all four seasons, I've seen every episode at least twice, and I still have to watch it whenever it's on Adult Swim...

Fry: "We may not be a traditional family, like the Murphys next door, or the lesbian coven down the street, but we are a family, and that guy understands that."

That Guy: "Everyone's fired, and we're out of business. I'm going to sell Planet Express to Mom so she can gut the company and eliminate us as competitors."

Mom: (Sweetly) "Don't let the door hit you on the way out... (Meanly) 'Cause I don't want assprints on my new door!"

I love Futurama...