Hey men, I need an opinion

So, here is my issue. When mail is delivered to my home, the mail carrier delivers it to my door because my box is at the door. Subsequently, over the years, I developed a name basis relationship with my now "former" mail carrier before he was reassigned. He is an extremely nice guy, very personable and chatty, and always has been towards me and I suspect towards most everyone else on his mail route. Over time, I have learned bits about him -- such as -- he is married, he has one teenage son, he likes to run, blah blah blah.

He has not been my mail carrier for the last two years or so. However, recently, he has stopped by on four different ocassions, after work on his way home. On each of these occasions, he stayed for about an hour each time, pleasantly talking about random stuff, nothing suggestive. The last time he was here which was right before Christmas, he invited me to go running with him someday and spontaneously hugged me before he left. Hmmmm ....

If that's all that is going on here, just pleasant friendly discussion, I'm cool with him stopping in to talk. I don't want to assume anything other than he is simply being nice and enjoys talking to me (as apparently does my ex ex boyfriend), but I feel uncertain if this is his only intention. Am I being naive or presumptuous? My instinct has kicked up a question which I can't answer.

What say ye wise men?

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Snapshots of me living life :)

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I'm too shy to express my sexual needs except over the phone to people I don't know. Garry Shandling (1949 - )


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Ahem ... me too, call me: (555) 555-0000.



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O Lord, help me to be pure, but not yet. Saint Augustine (354 AD - 430 AD)



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The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four Americans is suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they're okay, then it's you. Rita Mae

I thought about it, it's not me :)

BTW: That's me with my hand on the girl wearing the pink sweater.



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Zoo: An excellent place to study the habits of human beings.
Evan Esar (1899 - 1995), Esar's Comic Dictionary

Apparently, so is a wedding. I'm the normal one in the silver jacket.


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Surrealville ...

How do you know you are really over your ex ex boyfriend.

When he asks you, if you mind if he stops by your house, so that he can get ready to go out to dinner with his new girlfriend, and you say, "no problem," and you mean it. That's probably a really good sign that you are over your ex ex boyfriend.

He comes, he chats, he chats, he chats, and I say, "You really should get ready and go." He says, "But I really enjoy talking to you." I say, "Of course, you do, who doesn't (joking), but you are going to be late, and you can chat with me later." Me, caring that his new girlfriend may be kept waiting. What kind of crazy person am I? A FREE ONE! Yeah!! I am free of those feelings for him! I love when that happens and you can transition to the other side.

He finally stopped chatting and got ready to go out to dinner. Then he plopped himself down beside me on my groovy mid century TV sofa and chatted some more. I was like, "Dude, you really need to go." He said, "This may sound terrible and I know it does, because I am about to go out on a date with someone else, but you and I are going to get back together." I was like, "Whatever boy, no we aren't." He said, "Yes, we are. We get along too well not to be together." I was like, "I get along well with lots of people, and I'm not dating them, so you can get over that idea." He just gave me that smile and I booted him out -- to his dinner date.

How surreal is that?


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Just another day in the hood

My ex ex boyfriend just left. He stopped in to help me with an item on my friend's honey do list. The only favors I ever ask of him, are for other people. He is a total sweetie. He was lamenting his present girlfriend woes to me. I am nothing but encouraging and hopeful that his girlfriend's mystery illness is all that is keeping her from responding to him like a girlfriend should. I certainly know how he feels, I am not very needy, but I detest being ignored. If I call my boyfriend (any of the previous ones and the future ones), I really don't expect an extended delay in communication whether that communication be by text, phone, IM, email, body language, smoke signals, or courier pigeon. I'm just sensitive like that, and apparently so is my ex ex boyfriend. He is struggling to be understanding. He is struggling harder not to take her silence personally. I tell him ... she could be working, she could be busy, she could be sleeping, she could be feeling ill (she has some medical issues going on). He logically knows all this, but he says it feels like being on a roller coaster. One week she is all about him, and the next week, she practically falls off the radar screen. I think it helps him deal knowing that her best friend who happens to be a guy, told my ex ex boyfriend, that she has been ignoring his calls and texts as well this week. She probably does have a very good reason for her behavior, but it certainly is hard for my ex ex boyfriend not knowing where he stands. I personally think she could be more sensitive about his feelings. I mean, granted she may be sick, but she entered into this relationship with that issue, and she could at least quickly pick up the phone and tell him she isn't feeling well, or whatever her reason is. But hey, that's just my humble and emphasizing opinion. Did I mention, that I hate being ignored by someone who says they love me?

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Annoyance 021

These ominous words standing on their own WITHOUT fail annoy the snot out of me:

"Can you do me a favor, a BIG favor?"

What the *@%$ ? Seriously, are they hoping to hear, "OMG, I WOULD LOVE TO DO YOU A BIG FAVOR, NO MATTER WHAT IT IS."

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Annoyance 020

Homogenized radio. It blows!

Thank Apple for the I-POD!!!!!!!!


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Annoyance 019

The Universe, "Hey, I tried to push her over the edge with that new drum set next door, but she found some crazy Mantra to help her through that annoyance. So, I had to push another button that I know will jerk her chain. I know she hates litter almost as much as she hates public speaking, so I made sure her whole street was perfectly free of debris except for one trickster! I placed a perfectly jaunty tin can (emptied of its Vienna sausages) directly in the street in front of her beautiful brick walkway just to greet her good morning and watch the smoke come out of her ears! She's right, the litter is always right in front of her house, simply because I like to push her buttons... heh heh. It's so fun to watch, she's such an easy target. She turns a bright shade of red and she spits nails! It's great!"


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Annoyance 018

My neighbor's kid got a drum set for Christmas. Enough said?



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Wow, that was awkward said ....

Blogger "Wow, that was awkward" said I need to get a boyfriend because I have a honey do list. I recently had a boyfriend whom I chose to let go of, but not because said boyfriend wasn't the type to help me with my honey do list, even though he was not the type of boyfriend that WOULD help you with your honey do list very often. He was the type of boyfriend that had a honey do list of his own. I was usually the one doing stuff on his honey do list. Not that I minded.

Now back to the fact that I need a boyfriend. I beg to differ, I don't need one, but I would really like to have one. Crappy thing about finding one is my demographically challenged location. Rednecks are lovable, but they aren't my first choice. As for black men (who are in the majority here and some very nice fellows), I am respectful of the challenges of black women who are also looking for a good man. They appear to have challenges of their own, and I don't wish to hamper any opportunity they may have to find a good black man, so I don't choose to fish in their ponds. That leaves me sifting through the remainder and minority of the population comprised of course of the elderly, children, married people, crazy people, women, and I guess a few good men, to find a desirable partner. So far, that has proved to be more than a challenge.

I know some people think I should move in order to find the right person. I agree that I probably should, but most of my life is the way I want it, so I hate to give up all that I have in order to look for another Mr. Right. But who knows, I may have to, and I may. In the meantime, I am going to plan my spring vacation :) I'm thinking Italy in the spring sounds nicccee, real nice!

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Unintentional Easedropping 002

Overheard in Zaxbys (not a fast food restaurant, but almost):

"You know how 70 or 80% of everything you say to someone you first meet is a total lie." (said like a FO REAL statement ... not a question).

I was thinking to myself, "GEEZZZZ really? I'm such a sucker!"

Overheard on my front porch as I was clipping my spent pansies (Yeah, I said spent pansies, what's it to you?) and my redneck neighbors were out working on a car in the street curb:

"You know Mike, I really don't give a shit anymore. While I'm out here working on this car, she is probably out with some guy. If I'm stuck up her ass, she is bitching, if I'm working on this car, she is bitching. Mike replied, "Well, she gets it honest, cuz that one in the house does the same thing. You can't make none of them happy."

I wanted to stand up for all woman kind, but, I thought to myself, "What do I know, maybe you can't make any of "them" happy. Then I thought, "Hey this is cool -- two men talking about their feelings" -- sorta --- lol.)

Bear in mind, I would rather not overhear all these bit of conversation, but I have these cursed things called ears. So, be careful what you say, because ears have a funny way of hearing, even if they don't want to!



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Annoyance 017

Continually being reminded of something that makes me the most wounded and pissed off person around.

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Avatar!!!!

This past week, a friend and I went to see the movie Avatar. I soooooo wanted to crawl into the movie screen and become part of Planet Pandora at the end of that movie. I never saw Fern Gully or Star Wars although I saw pieces of Star Wars and know the basics of its story. At least one person compared Avatar to those two movies and thought the story line to Avatar was trite because it is not a unique "human" story. I said to him, if you live long enough, you have likely been exposed to every basic "human" story. I say to anyone else who would call Avatar trite ... you should probably revisit the ancient classics and read, or, if you are so brilliant that you think an exceptional re-tale of a basic good against evil story is trite, COME UP WITH YOUR OWN STORY AND MAKE A MOVIE OUT OF IT. I guess I should allow you to have your own opinion though, because honestly, I don't see a lot of movies because I think I have seen hundreds just like it. But, if I hear it is truly funny or visually appealing, I don't care that is a story I have heard or seen hundreds of times, because I always enjoy a good laugh and appreciate beautiful cinematography. Avatar left such an impression on the nature lover in me, that I am longing to see it again.

Its Christmas Eve here, and I am waiting on a ham to bake and soup to come to full term. In the background, VH-1 is playing the 100 best songs of some decade or maybe they are playing the 100 best songs of something else. I don't know, all I know is that I'm digging it. I jammed out to Christmas music most of the day, so VH-1 is providing a nice break from Jingle Bells. Oasis' "Wonderwall" is currently playing ... ("there are many things I would like to say to you, but I don't know how, but maybeeee, you will be the one to save me ... after all, you're my wonderwall.") Wouldn't that be nice, having a Wonderwall! But, hey ... it is Christmas Eve after all, and we have the greatest Wonderwall of all ... the one sent to save us all, Jesus Christ!


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The continuation of my life crisis ...

Either people don't get me or they simply cannot relate, which I do believe is two different ways of not connecting with me. We are truly like those ships that pass in the night. I've sent out a distress signal and they think I am merely shooting off flares to entertain myself. I know none of them can help me find the shelter which I am so desperately seeking and it only frustrates me further to discuss something with a certain someone and for that person to give me a zen answer while all the while rolling "their" eyes at any mention of Buddhism as a life philosophy and not the practice of worship which "they" mistakenly believe it is. If that person would in fact recognize that "their" answer is the same as that taught in the vein of zen, then I would likely be more inclined not to roll my eyes at "them."

I'm actually a very happy unhappy person. I'm not really unhappy, I'm simply a bit stymied in future direction, which in turn leads to a continual dissatisfaction with my day to day. I'm looking for something, but I don't know what it is. I want someone to help me find it, but when they try, I know their answer is the answer that is right for them. Their answers are not right for me ... and although I may not know what mine is, I know what it is NOT.

So, I remain frustrated, but mindful that I should no longer voice my frustrations to those closest to me as it is not their burden to bear.

NOTE: The use of them, they and their, while not appropriate serves my purpose of masking gender.

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Annoyance 016

Doing the very thing that annoys the beejeebees out of me when other people do it!


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Do you want your mouth washed out with soap?

Thankfully, I never heard this question when I was growing up. I knew better than to curse, let alone curse in front of my parents. In fact, I cannot remember ever cursing before I was grown. And when I say cursing, I mean using profanity. It seems of minor importance to make the distinction between cursing and profanity, but I wanted to, in case anyone thinks I am talking about voodoo, witchcraft or the like. Shamefully, since being grown, I have used profanity which may not make every sailor blush, but could possibly turn a few of their complexions a few shades paler or increase the blood flow to their weathered faces. Even worse, I have cursed someone, and at the time, I meant every word of that curse. Put your eyebrows back down, I wasn't practicing any dark magic, and I didn't curse them to hell. I simply cursed them to a lifetime of thinking of me! Maybe not the most pleasant thing in the world, but certainly not a death sentence.

I was reading a few of my favorite bloggers last night, and I noticed that a few of my favorites turn up the word heat fairly frequently. Their use of the profane or more "colorful" language never causes my eyebrows to raise. In fact, I can't seem to bring myself to restrain myself from voicing profanity when I'm mad, or when I stub my toe. Which brings me to what slightly self intrigues me. While I can't seem to restrain my use of verbal profanity, I find it practically impossible to allow my fingers to type a dirty word here or anywhere else in writing. And, I have to say I am somewhat perplexed by my self censure. Because, I have two opinions about using profanity. The first opinion is one which my surrounding society has invoked into my thought process -- said opinion being that profanity is lazy on the intellect and its use is in bad taste. Which of course isn't so, it's just someone's way of getting others not to cuss. My other opinion which is self grown, tells my intellect that words are only innocent letters made into words which are in turn innocent as they stand, and that it is only the intent behind the word which has any weight to it. If I say damn or hell or any other word which is considered profane in my culture, yet I say it without malice, I consider doing so a small offense (or no offense at all if the company does not mind it). However, if I or someone else uses more everyday and non culpable words to maliciously malign someone, then I deem the offense as hateful or unjust. My latter opinion usually overrules my former. So, I'm uncertain why I self govern my use of profanity in the written word. Just know that if I ever do, then I must be really mad or someone has hacked my space!


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It's the midnight hour ...

It's almost midnight, and I have had a full day. I have determined that posting a "to do" list either in blog world or on facebook is definitely a motivator for me. I did most everything on today's list which I posted to facebook. Why doing so is effective is any one's guess. Maybe it's the visual. I put my expectations out there and I can see it black on white.

Just so you know, sharing facebook with ex-boyfriends isn't for the faint of heart. As luck would have it, my heart isn't prone to fainting spells and there is always a backup plan -- the delete button.



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Annoyance 015

Don't act as if your misery is greater than mine! I had to buy myself a space heater and a dozen sweaters, buy yourself a fan!




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Bits of nothing

If I were more interesting, I would have more to write about, but I have been fairly self boring lately. They (you know, the proverbial they) say that if you start writing, that you will find something to write about. I usually can write a tirade or pen a fairly meaningful (to me) poem when I am flush with angst. But lately, I have had trouble even coming up with something witty to post on my facebook page. And, while I am not the master of sarcastic wit (which I love), I usually post something which at the very least amuses me.

So, I'm gonna do one of those question and answer thingies to give you something to peruse while I look for my edgy, playful, silly, rowdy side.

Ready? Here we go ....

1. What bill do you hate paying the most?
The cable bill. I wrote them a scathing note and told them there is a TIPPING POINT and that one day they would reach mine.

2. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner?
I think a romantic dinner is a made up event. (My love will tell you that I am the least romantic girl he knows).

3. What do you really want to be doing right now?
Kissing that man who thinks I am the least romantic girl he knows.

4. How many colleges did you attend? One.

5. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now? Because it didn't need ironing and it looked good with the light weight sweater (it's warm here today) I wanted to wear.

6. What are your thoughts on gas prices?
I'm all in favor of changing our ways so that we can stop fueling terrorist bound piles of money.

7. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?
Oh no ... not again.

8. Last thought before going to sleep last night?
That woman is psycho ... (tv).

9. Do you miss being a child?
No, I always wanted to be grown.

10. What errand/chore do you despise?
Every nuance of cleaning house.

11. Get up early or sleep in?
I got up on time.

12. Have you found real love yet?
Real love is elusive, but yep, twice.

13. Favorite lunch meat?
Ham

14. What do you get every time you go into Wal-Mart?
Nothing. I try to stay away from Wal-Mart. I believe it is an evil empire.

15. Beach or lake?
Did someone say beach? When do we leave?

16. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?
It looks as if the ritual is in decline, but no, I don't think it is an outdated notion.

17. Sopranos or Desperate Housewives?
Puleeze ... NEITHER. The Office :)

18. What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
I am not impressed with famous people.

19. Have you ever crashed your vehicle?
No, but other people have crashed into my vehicle.

20. Ever use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose?
I have never used a fire extinguisher for any purpose.

21. Ring tone(s)?
ring, ring (not really, but whatever it is, it is annoying)

22. Strangest place you have ever brushed your teeth?
Hmmmm ... I don't think the shower is a crazy place and I can't think of anywhere strange that I have brushed my teeth.

23. Somewhere in California you've never been and would like to go? Anywhere laid back with a beach works for me.

24. Do you go to church?
Sometimes, but I usually watch it on TV at least weekly. I lean to being Methodist, but am open to any sensible, thought provoking, intelligent teaching that doesn't involve devil worship. Buddhism is full of goodness, although I do not claim this as my religion. I was born into Christianity and that is where I remain.

25. At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or a new relationship? Relationship

26. How old are you? None of your business.

27. Do you have a go-to person? I have more than one go-to person.

28. Are you where you want to be in life?
I don't think so because I keep wondering where it is I want to be.

29. Growing up, what were your favorite cartoons?
If I tell you, you will then try to figure out how old I am, and that's none of your business ... lol.

30. What about you do you think has changed the most?
Being shy. People who meet me would not think I was ever shy.

31. Looking back at high school were they the best years of your life? No, I could not wait to get out of there.

32. Are there times you still feel like a kid?
Well, I don't feel completely grown, but I don't feel like a child.

33. Did you ever own troll dolls?
Nope. I wasn't into many baby dolls and the such, but I did like Barbies. I guess cuz I always wanted to be grown and they were "grown."

34. Did you have a pager?
No. I would rather people not find me. If I need you, I will page you.

35. Where was the hang-out spot when you were a teenager?
The skating rink.

36. Were you the type of kid you would want your children to hang out with? I don't have children, but I was a pretty good child and all the children that did hang out with me turned out to be law abiding productive members of the greater society!

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Whut up with that?

There are people I know (and people that some of my people know) that have been married five or six times. Seriously, they have. Sometimes, I wonder to myself ... "how is it that these people decided to marry five or six people, and I have never made that choice once?" The one person that I ever truly imagined myself walking down the aisle with is not the person whom I should marry. Really, he isn't, and I base that statement on many valid reasons, but oh, how I love him. Maybe I love him for who I want him to be, maybe I love him because I am wildly attracted to him, maybe I love him because we are just as similar as we are different, maybe I love him for his mind, maybe I love him because he is usually very lighthearted, or maybe I love him because he tolerates me. I don't know, all I know is that my soul feels a connection to his and I love him, but he's now cross country in the snow, and I'm left here in the milder and finer clime.

P.S. For the British and more proper ... the title word (Whut) is not a misspelling, it's purposeful and slang.

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The reading of the week

I'm reading "Get Motivated" by Tamara Lowe. So far, I have been "diagnosed" as having a motivational DNA type of "CSI: The Supporter"

The book tells me that:

"Supporters are practical, dependable, and loyal. They are both people-oriented and detail-oriented. Supporters are natural supervisors. They thrive on helping others excel in their positions and will fight for the underdog. Methodical in their work, they like to have the facts before they act. They respect authority and organizational structure. Caring and careful with people and projects, Supports are skillful at implementing procedures. They possess a strong work ethic. Having a clearly defined goal to work toward is important to them, and they follow through on objectives with conscientiousness. Psychological pay is of primary importance to them. They need to feel good about what they are doing and sense that their work makes a positive contribution.

CSI Motivators: Facts and information, peer respect, sincere appreciation, private recognition, specific positive feedback, an inspiring work environment, coworkers they enjoy, clearly defined objectives, a sense of accomplishment, and time to reflect and plan.

CSI De-Motivators: Hype and hyperbole, infringement on personal or family time, perceived inequity, and demands for rapid change.

Quick-Start Tips for Achieving Your Goals

1. Your motivational type can become discouraged by huge goals. For that reason, make sure that your aspirations are realistic. Set manageable goals that can be achieved in a reasonable time frame.

2. Be gentle with yourself. Don't expect perfection. Slow and steady progress should be your expectation.

3. Involve others. Make a list of the people, organizations, and resources that will assist you in a achieving your goal. Supporters excel when they are working toward an individual and team goal with others who are equally committed to achievement."

If you want to take the quick quiz to test your motivational DNA type, go to www.GetMotivatedBook.com and it will automatically calculate your test results.


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Annoyance 014

Someone not appreciating me.



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Saying Yes

A friend invited me to an open house for a new small business which I have absolutely no interest in, and to dinner afterwards. I said yes. You just never know who you might meet. Right?

On another topic, I'm rallying the troops! I had lunch with my parents to discuss the gloom and doom of the economy and its effect on my brother's small business and any options that we may be able to offer in the event his business doesn't recover. Reality BITES.


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It's raining, it's pouring ...

It's raining, it's pouring, the old man is snoring.

Well, at least it is raining. I hear we are in for some stormy and windy weather around here tomorrow. Here's hoping the weather doesn't get too rough.
(It is tomorrow already and this is a post script insert -- no severe weather, just a rainy and Winnie The Pooh sort of day).

The movie ... "The Blind Side" gets a thumbs up from me. It's a very heart warming story based on a true story. Totally enjoyed it.



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Pulling up the bootstraps

I read somewhere today that loneliness is catching just like a cold, so I'm trying to cure me before I infect someone else.

Therefore, I accepted an invitation to have lunch with my friend Leigh and I also accepted an invitation to go see the movie "The Blind Side" with Ebony, a friend of a friend. Our mutual friend Amanda moved to another state but she decided that Ebony and I should carry on their movie tradition. I can't promise to say yes to every movie Ebony may want to see, but I'm at least willing to go today.

I have promised myself to feel what I'm feeling, but to act cheerful, to concentrate on the positives and to say yes more often to invites. Nothing as crazy as Danny Wallace, the real "Yes Man," but more often than I have been lately. There is reason for me to be sad, but there is no true reason for me to be lonely. Granted, life is ever changing, and some of my primary people have come and gone, but there always seems to be new people on the horizon. In fact, my life would be viewed by truly lonely people as brimming with friends and family who seem to enjoy my company and continually request my company. Although I am with people daily, I can often feel lonely even in their midst. This may simply be a side effect of withdrawal from everyday love and an everyday friendship. Hopefully, it won't last too long because I view myself as a happy natured person (albeit a bit rowdy), and this mood doesn't match my self view. I will let you know how I liked the movie.


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Annoyance 013

Murphy's Law and any other rule of life on the following list which may cause me trouble:

http://www.weirdity.com/oneliners/laws-of-life.shtml

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Just here

I was just here reading other friends posts and thought I would recap the weekend.

I got out of bed this morning and wondered why. I stayed awake and wondered why. I try not to dwell in the moody side of life, but while I struggle to find my way through the moody side of life, it would be nice to have someone to talk with about what I'm feeling without bringing them down. When I do share what I'm feeling, and I sense the other person isn't in that moody place in life, I feel guilty for even mentioning my pain or I try to minimize the depth of what I'm really feeling. Besides, I can sometimes end up feeling worse because I really need to feel heard, and I really need to feel a sense of compassion. However, I've rarely had anyone meet those needs other than the most unlikely of sources. We hope our friends and family will sense the intensity of our pain and reassure us that things will be okay, and that they will always be there if we ever need to talk or need a bit of company. But, just because they are our friends and families, that doesn't mean they always possess the most intuitive of skills.

Turn signal ...

Today, I sorted some papers. They are now individually piled and laying in a semi circle in the middle of the hallway. Maybe tomorrow, I will actually put them in their folders. I also shredded months of IM conversations between former romantic interest (Mark) and me. I made a trip to the grocery store. While riding through the neighborhood, I noticed a stop sign was turned the wrong way. I made a mental note to call the city to correct this problem. I did, hope they did.

Yesterday, I completed the yearly pine straw raking process and attempted to take on a supposedly minor leaky faucet repair. Within an hour, I was calling my brother for help. He came and together, we cured one leak and created another. We made no less than three separate trips to Lowe's and one trip to Home Depot looking for parts we thought might cure the problem. After hours (poor brother -- and his antsy wife waiting for him at home), we were unable to cure the leak. So, I have to make another trip ... not to Lowe's or Home Depot (for the English reader -- Lowe's and Home Depot are stores where Americans purchase home improvement products -- from nails to washing machines), but to a local specialty plumbing store such as Winnelson or E & E, to see if they have the parts that I may possibly need, but don't know for sure will cure the problem. It may turn out that calling the plumber was the better bargain.


P.S. There must be something magical about making a list. Because, no amount of loneliness or discouragement kept me from completing or at least attempting all of the tasks I posted about yesterday. Soup frozen (and shared with parents), clothes washed, back yard raked and all three piles of pine straw removed and re-purposed, alley side of fence mowed, and leaky faucet at least tackled. Not bad for someone suffering from a form of melancholy.

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Lack of motivation ...

I'm awake, its a beautiful day outside and I'm feeling totally unmotivated to do the things I have to do. My "to do" list includes:

Raking this back yard full of pine straw,



this tree is one of the pine straw culprits,



de-vining the privacy fence, mowing behind the privacy fence (alley side),



replacing washers in my bathroom sink faucets,




clothes to wash,



soup to freeze,



and those are the only tasks I can presently think of. I'm certain I could find more to do.

But, I think I will first take a walk. That sometimes motivates me towards to tackle the "to do" list.



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HAPPY Thanksgiving!!!

I hope you all have a lovely holiday!

I'm baking two pumpkin pies that are starting to smell heavenly. I am also making chicken and dumplings and deviled eggs to add to the communal family table. I also threw on a pot of vegetable soup because I hear it is soon to turn very chilly. If you are in the neighborhood ... follow your nose!


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Annoyance 012

The nerve of a person to finally start working when everyone is ready to leave for the holidays. I hope Karma bites your nerve in half.


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But, for the grace of God ...

How do you suppose God or the Universe views snootiness? I may be guilty of it in some way that I am not even aware of. However, when it is blatantly displayed, it makes me wince and causes me to think less of the person who is apparently thinking highly of himself. When anyone casts a disparagement on another whom they don't personally know based on the other's material status, educational opportunities, careers, etc., they only succeed in cheating themselves.

If one is lucky enough to be born with a silver spoon in one's mouth, or has internal motivation through genetic means to be all that one can be, that person should be thanking God, not looking down his or her nose in disdain. But, for the grace of God, GO WE.



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Don't read this, I'm being a downer.

I'm emotionally weary this week and in withdrawal mode. I'm so sick of all the things I have to do, and feel totally unmotivated to do them. I feel as if I have traversed the full distance of the rainbow only to discover that someone made off with the pot of gold.

Don't mind me, I will eventually snap out of this funk and return to my lighthearted self. And, don't think for one minute that I am doing absolutely nothing other than feeling crappy. I am de-cluttering, tending to a few chores which I have been meaning to do, connecting with my family, reading and putting misery to bits of paper. This is one of those bits. I am trying to get it out without burdening my friends and family with my sporadic forays into melancholy. They don't know how to help me and no one truly wants to be around someone who casts a cloud of gloom. I love happy people, and know that I have to be one of those happy people for people to be happy about being with me. But, there are times when I can't help myself. Instead, I keep going through the motions hoping for the mood to pass without subjecting anyone else to the misery. So, I am putting on my happy face while my spirit looks on with a frown.



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A rant

A rant ... and a rave is what I feel, but company doesn't love misery like misery loves company. I have nothing to say. I have nothing to do. I have no patience with me and even less for you. I have nothing but time, until I no longer do.





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Where I come from ...

Where I come from ... beautiful oaks come alive and join arms over roads that lead home.

Where I come from ... towering trees whisper sweet nothings.

Where I come from ... the sun wishes it could shine high every day of its four seasons.

Where I come from ... sugar couldn't be sweeter.

Where I come from ... birds sing southern praises as if they were hymnals.

Where I come from ... screens are a man's best friend.

Where I come from ... hot is our favorite lament.

Where I come from ... dusk is ripe for hide and seek.

Where I come from ... fireflys light the swamp.

Where I come from ... stories are lives filled with the happiest of sorrows.

Where I come from ... secrets are generations old waiting to be told.

Where I come from ... mockery is tolerated because it is they who are ignorant.

Where I come from ... loyalty goes beyond blood.

Where I come from ... spirit steeps true and runs deep.

Where I come from ... suffering sparks a movement and delights the literary world.

Where I come from ... flowers wilt in the shade and bloom in the heat.

Where I come from ... pineapples welcome me home and bid you good night.

Where I come from ... is where I intend to stay.


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Hear No Evil

Snippets of conversations unintentionally overheard today:

"You can let a lion sleep too, as well as a dog." (HUH?)

"I hate to take candy from a baby. It's almost like taking candy from a baby nowadays." (in some way related to this year's football season)

"They put a rubber band around their "bleep" and they eventually fall off." (yikes, I can sense the wincing!)



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Choices, choices ...

I've already been thinking of where to go on my next vacation, and since the dollar is not favorable outside the U.S., I think I should probably set my sights somewhere in the U.S. Any suggestions are welcome. Here are some of places I'm thinking of going:

Hawaii -- Top billing!

New York -- Why not?

Key West -- Enough to see and do?

Washington, D.C. -- I should.

Arizona -- Man and Scenery

Colorado -- bears?

These are my top six choices.

I admit to thus far visiting only ten of the U.S. states and only one foreign country. I know, I know, save your chiding. I'm working on remedying that distressing fact.


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Annoyance 011

Forgetting to label my annoyances as annoyances, and which number I'm on.



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Annoyance 010

The effects of avoiding the gym upon return. Did that make sense? How about this? Legs that worked yesterday, but refuse to cooperate today.


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Annoyance 009

Housework and any other never ending drudgery like filing papers. I hereby cast a withering look of disdain in your never ending direction.


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Annoyance 008

Being unable to crack open my oyster shell and rescue my pearl!



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Gray Daze

Annoyance 006

"Live Your Life Like This" bullies! You aren't me, don't tell me who I want to be!



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Squirrel tail anyone?

Okay cat lovers, I'm not one of you. I pretend to love your cat, but only because I love you. I do like your cat, if it is contained within your four walls that you pay big money for, but I'm allergic to your cat and that makes for a love/hate relationship between your cat and me. As for you, dear neighbor aka Mr. Cat Lover and Owner, who refuses to contain your cats, I don't like or love your cats. Nor, do I appreciate their destruction of the wildlife which I intentionally entice into my yard for my personal observation and enjoyment. Please note that your cats, are not the wildlife whom were issued an open invitation. I know you love your cats, so I am tolerant of them and let them use my weed bed for a litter box and host their licking parties on my beautiful walkway which I believe they have mistaken for the Taj Mahal. While I do admit to shooing them from their lounge chairs which I thought were "my" Adirondack chairs and their sun chaises which I thought were "my" flowers boxes until they uprooted and smothered out my sweet petunias, I beg you to believe that I have yet to get out my water gun. However, they have now broken my last straw of patience!

So, enjoy that squirrel tail which is now on your doormat, but which was originally your cat's doormat gift to ME in payment of their continual use of my yard amenities! Enjoy til your cats come home! (which I fear will be a long time coming)


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Making Lemonade

Two of my friends, recently relocated to a neighboring state due to job losses. They embraced their crisis instead of moping about, and got excited about the new possibilities. I applaud them for seeing this as a new beginning, instead of an end. However, I'm going to have to smack them up side their expanding heads, if they keep on goading me with how many excellent restaurants are in their new towns. There is only so much of their "good" fortune that I can tolerate whilst I am left to bask in the mundane. Curse them and their lemonade!


Okay fine, I take the curses back, but only because they are my friends.


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Hug O War

I'm excited. A Hug O War is planned for this weekend, between these two people.


PHOTOS REMOVED BY PUKKA PURL ... sorry I had a snoopy unwelcomed reader.




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Eh? Speak up, I can't hear you, the silence is too loud.

Yes, we all know that our economy is covered in a pile of dung. The politicians can't come right out and tell you how bad it really is because that would release the wolves and the stock market would go from skittish to full on panic. So, every other day we hear how the economy has recovered and that everything is going back to good. How many of you believe that? Please, raise your hand, if you believe our economy has taken a turn for the better, that good times are right around the corner. I'm not saying that the government should step out and tell us the whole scary truth, and I'm not trying to be a jerk by telling you to take a peek out from under the covers of your blanket named Woobie. I'm just telling you that I'm frightened. I can't hear them, but I can feel the presence of the monsters in the closet and I don't have a Woobie.

Not being able to hear the monsters, is the most distressing part. I can't hear them, but I know they're there. Imagine the quietest place you can imagine. Can you hear the deafening silence? I can hear this ringing sort of silence in my workplace. I can hear the silence on the streets. I can hear the silence in my city. I can hear, what I can't hear, and it scares the beejeebees out of me.

My friends try to assuage my fears by reminding me that I am better off than most people. I presently have a job, I have always lived beneath my material means, and I was saving when saving wasn't cool. So, maybe I had a Woobie all the time, and didn't know it.

I realize the monster was not created by a single entity, person or politician. We live in an unsustainable environment upon which lots of people are dependent. All this finger pointing is not going to fix a problem, but having been a good steward with my own money and choices, I am NOW inclined to agree with a British woman who was in line in front of me while visiting the Natural History Museum in London.

This was my first trip abroad, and I knew there was (and still remains) anti-American inclinations most everywhere in the World, so I was not shocked when this woman began to talk about how Americans were to blame for the economic downfall and had we not piled our houses and garages with mounds of "stuff," the world would not be in this mess. I could feel the rise of protective nationalism rising in me, and I was thinking of informing her that not only did I NOT have a garage, but that I didn't even have a driveway. I wanted to tell her how I have to park on the curb and how my last car (which I drove for at least eight years and likely ten) was the victim of a hit and run while parked on the curb. I wanted to tell her how I live beneath my means and save and preach to other people to do the same, But, I didn't say any of that, because I agreed with her on the most basic level. America's dependence on debt is a problem. A huge problem. And, it is now a very complex problem. A problem so complex, that it has created a ripple effect and is touching the lives of people who think they should go unscathed by the consequences of other people's choices. I was one of those people, hoping to get through this situation solely depending on my existing well built foundation. Unfortunately, wishing doesn't make it so and my Woobie can't protect me from the extraneous ramifications poignantly related to personal relationships.

The bad news has trickled down to everyday life. The upheaval of jobs has meant the upheaval of long-term co-worker, friend and family relationships. People are losing jobs and seeking employment. But these are no longer other people, strangers if you will, they are our people, our friends, our relatives. Our people are on the move, searching for new Woobies, leaving those of us "lucky" enough to stay behind ... looking for something to fill the deafening silence falling down the rabbit hole. Who knew that silence could be so loud?



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Spin-mister goes with the flow ...

This almost came titled as an annoyance, but I decided to put a spin on it. You know like the spin-misters do?

Last night, my favorite grocery store was teeming with shoppers. Yea! Business for them, tolerance builder for me (spin one). I was on a popcorn mission, and the popcorn aisle was also teeming with its fair share of those business bringing/tolerance building shoppers. I did what I detest others to do (and nothing I would usually do -- can I get a witness of me going with the flow), I reached over some woman's head (she was short -- sorry shorter people than me, but she was shorter than me) for a specific box of popcorn where the specific popcorn I always buy always belongs. I then went on my merry way.

Today, I realized that the popcorn I pinched from above that short(er) lady's head wasn't the popcorn I have grown to love and pledged my popcorn allegiance to. It was the same brand, just not the same model. This was the lesser improved low fat, low sodium sort. I don't mind the lower fat, because my favorite popcorn is fairly low in fat, but what is the point of eating low sodium popcorn? None if you ask me, because I eat popcorn as a supposedly healthier substitute for chips. It's the crunch and salt which I'm after. Rather than give into annoyance, I decided to go with the flow and make the best of that low fat, low sodium popcorn. The cool thing is that going with that flow gave another annoyance a break (spin two).

I am often annoyed by my microwave popcorn button feature. You know the button that is marked "popcorn" and supposedly determines the proper weight of your popcorn bag and then smartly decides the proper cooking time. Yeah that one, it disappoints me every popcorn popping time. If I use the popcorn feature, it always leaves me with an unreasonable amount of unpopped kernels of my yummy popcorn, and that often annoys me. However, since I ended up with the lesser improved low fat, low sodium version of popcorn, I could only rejoice that I didn't have as much of it to eat! Only three more bags to go!!! How's that for going with the flow by giving it a little spin?



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See see my playmate ...

Hey! Can I take a turn on the merry-go-round? Please, pretty please!! I've been sitting on this see-saw way too long. I'm bored and that kid on the opposite end from me (his name is LIFE), keeps dropping me like a lead balloon. And when I say OUCH, I do mean OUCH!!! I don't want to be a tattle-tale, but LIFE is really starting to bug me. He hasn't been playing very nice at all. Have you seen his mama?

So, how long you gonna be on there? Fine, where's your mama?



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The Best Intentions.

I went for one, ordered two, was given three unknowingly to me. Nice sometimes translates into unintentional sabotage.






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Annoyance 006

Lying boxes which are lettered with the words "easy to assemble, average assembling time is 30 minutes."




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Annoyance 005 + 1

a) Act like I have no life after 5:00 o'clock.

b) Ignore me.



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Decorating dilemma

Happy Saturday Blank Page,

I hope you had a nice day. It's almost dusk now, and I'm about to head out for dinner with some friends. I thought I would check in with you and see if you could keep me from snacking before I go. I'm hungry.

I've been been thinking about whether or not I want to bling out the blog or go with the minimal look. As you know, I'm not that blingy, but I like to feather my nest. What do you think? I'm leaning to staying with minimal until the right inspiration comes along. What? Yeah, it's the same attitude I have about that coffee table I still don't have for my living room. What does it matter how many years I have been looking for the right coffee table? I can't help it if I have a vision. It appears that new bed is going to have to wait too. Yeah, I'm haunted by that bed. I'm mad with myself for falling in love with what is likely a "one of a kind" New Orleans rolling pin bed. It doesn't look as if the Internet is going to be any help finding either of those pieces. Could I interest you in a road trip?




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Yes Man!

I am currently reading Danny Wallace's account of his real life experience in committing to say YES for a period of six months. I enjoyed the movie which was loosely based on this book, and I'm enjoying the book on its own merits. Danny Wallace is British. Having recently experienced London's Tube system, having wearily trod through many of its lanes, having taken photos of site after site, having taken delightful strolls through many a park and neighborhood, and having nearly been mowed down in London traffic (my own American fault), I am now able to picture Danny Wallace going from place to place in his book. That's pretty cool.








I thought I would share a couple of my favorite London PUB photos with you. These pub photos were taken during the week, midday (lunch hour). If I were a beer drinker, I would LOVE this lunch hour custom! I have to admit that the pub lunch crowd was somewhat of a novelty to me. But, I have lived in the bible belt of the U. S. all my life, so I have a poor excuse for standing there with my mouth open in surprise and snapping away like the paparazzi. (Smile!)




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A moment of silence

Please join me in a moment of silence for those slain and those injured earlier today at Ft. Hood Army Base in Killene, Texas.





May those slain, rest in peace, and may those injured, live to see their loved ones and carry on with their precious lives.

Update: 13 slain, 30 injured.

Have you seen my people?

Me, "I feel."

Blank page, "So. Who doesn't?"

Me, "I'm distressed."

Blank page, "So. What's the big deal?"

Me, "I'm worried."

Blank page, "So. Lots of people worry."

Me, "You're mean."

Blank page, "So. What's your point?"

Me, "That you're mean."

Blank page, "So. You made me this way."

Me, "Oh yeah, hmmm."

Blank page, "You're weird today."

Me, "So. Lots of people are weird today."

Blank page, "Fine, go ahead, tell me what's bugging you."

Me, "I keep losing people!"

Blank page, "What? How can you lose people? They are so big and noisy. I don't get how you can lose people."

Me, "Me either, but I do."

Blank page, "How bout this? I bet other people have also lost some of their people, and if you don't find your lost people, you may find some of their lost people."

Me, "You think so?"

Blank page, "I know so."

Me, "Okay."

Blank page, "Can I go now?"

Me, "I guess so. But, don't get out of earshot."



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If you can't take the heat ...

Pukka Purl is my secret world. Well, not totally secret, I can keep secrets, but not all of them. Just thought you might want to know in case you were thinking of sharing any secrets with me.

I digress, I was saying that Pukka Purl is my secret world where I can chatter on and on about whatever I feel, think, or want to rant and rave about. When something annoys me, I may tell you (all of you, whoever you are), so I just wanted to warn you, that you may read stuff here that you don't want to absorb, about people you don't even know. And if I rant about either of you two people that I shared this secret place with, realize it is for MY own good and that I really do love you. And if the heat ever gets to be too much for you, QUICKLY break out the fire extinguisher or even better, call for a tall and really cute fireman, or just take the fire escape and leave me here to suffer my own plight as the pyromaniac I sometimes can be.

Sorry for the dribble, I rarely know what is going to roll out when I start a new post, and they sometimes have a mind of their own.


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Where's the Curiosity?

I recently posted on my Facebook page that TED is googlelicious and I only had one response -- "is googlelicious a word?" Certainly, that was at least a minor bit of curiosity, but not the sort of curiosity I thought it might garner. To answer that responder's question, I replied, "It is, if you understood me." I mean seriously, isn't that how all words become words? If there is an official board of word maker-uppers ("word creators" for you word uppities) in America, they are NOT attention mongers. I have yet to hear of one or see one. Who hasn't heard of Big Foot or those little green men in area 51? There is no real public proof that any of those characters exist, but we have certainly heard of them. Words are a pretty big deal, and I think if there was a board of word creators, they would not be able to resist a bit of preening. And don't tell me that word creators are the dictionary editors. They only decide which words have gained enough popularity amongst the masses to be included in their compilation of words.

Ooops ... sorry that was a bit of a rant. I was truly wondering what happened to a healthy curiosity. Did it magically disappear while people were busy eating their Lucky Charms?

For you readers unfamiliar with Lucky Charms and who still possess a bit of curiosity, I will save you a google: It's a breakfast cereal. And, accordingly, to its maker, General Mills, "Magically delicious Lucky Charms cereal features frosted oats and colored marshmallows."



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Annoyance 004

Ask me if I am boycotting you!! If I were, do you think I would tell you?



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Let Me Live Out Loud!

A good while back, I took the Myers-Briggs test. What? Oh, sorry, I thought everyone had heard of the Myers-Briggs test. It's a personality test which helps individuals understand which career he or she would be most suited for based upon his or her personality type and for use in everyday living. Among other traits, my MB results showed that I am almost equally balanced between the two spheres of introversion and extroversion. However, I lean to the introversion side. But since I'm nearly balanced between the two, they often fight over me. So it is today, extroversion wants to live out loud and is trying to shake the hermit. But, that ole cuss keeps shadowing me. It's practically stuck to me like glue. It's a stunningly beautiful fall day here in the deep south and I would like to LIVE OUT LOUD, so make way hermit ... and let me have my way!

I'm off to catch a ray of lunchtime sunshine. Maybe I will snap a photo of this glorious day for you readers. If so, I will be back.


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No nonsense

Scorpio - Nov. 2, 2009

"Your idea of what life is, dear Scorpio, is going through a radical change. None of the "givens" that you have always taken for granted apply anymore. Rather than grieving the change, grow from it. So don't drag your feet! Stand up, and move ahead. This is no time for vacation. You have some rebuilding to do!"

I wanted to save today's horoscope because I could not have thought it better myself.

House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.

Annoyance 003

Ask to borrow my free time, because you don't want to spend yours.




House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.

Don't you ever shut up?

Hi blank page,

I've got issues, some real issues with myself lately. My complaints are nothing but echos of my reality.

While my conscious mind goes to great lengths to shield me from portions of my reality, my subconscious has free reign to lift any well meaning veil and delve into the deepest cares of my soul. It gives way to my conscious during the day, but commands its place when it senses wee hours nigh. It excitedly calls for the reels to run. And of course, I am the main character. My subconscious calls me forth, then one of my issues, and my issue and I quickly become reacquainted. Of course there are other lead roles and supporting characters as needed. It's questionable who is directing, but it often appears improvisational, which can be stressful for me in the conscious, but is usually a piece of cake in subconscious world. The reviews are mixed at best. However, they usually have some substance.

Yeah, I know, I'm full of crap. Did I mention that I have been experiencing some very vivid dreams lately? Mostly of a certain man of whom I never seem to get the better of.

I was going to have a totally different conversation with you just now, but my mind has a mind of its own today and is stupified by a nagging ache.


House Rules: Any and all passersby, stalkers and the like, can post comments under "lurker comments." They will be screened for hexes, spells, foils, curses, foul smells and cooties before posting.

UGGGGH

Hi blank page,

I'm dragging tookus today. Last night, after the mouse chase and another blood curdling stressor, my adrenaline system insisted that it wasn't ready for sleep anytime soon. There would be no rest for the weary until after "4:00 a.m." which turned out to be "3:00 a.m." because of the world's insistence on returning back to "normal" time. So, the adrenaline system and I stayed up and watched a Frontline production called "Close to Home" regarding the state of the U.S. economy. Can I tell you how interesting yet worrisome that documentary is? Very! If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. After I finally fell asleep, keeping one eye open for encroaching mouse, I awoke at what I thought was 8:30 a.m. although it was really 7:30 a.m. It took me a while to remember that yesterday was the last day for my beloved Daylight Savings Time until next year. Oh the woe of sunshine opportunities which will be lost after a day of indoor work. No one seems to care about my personal preferences.

Back to the mouse stalking. He (or she, who knows these days with the hair styles?) may be stalking me, but rest assured, I am set and ready for mouse to come out from wherever he is and sample the snack I left for him on a special wooden rectangular plate. Not quite like cookies for Santa, but Santa didn't try to move in and eat me out of house and home.

Annoyance 002

How to freak me out and turn me into a screaming banshee, be a mouse in my house!

It's on! This house isn't big enough for the both of us!

Happy Halloween

I wonder if one could spook a spook?

An epitaph to remind you readers of your fate.

Come hither mortals cast an eye
Then go thy way prepare to die
Think on thy doom for die thou must
One day like me be turned to dust

Random Word 001

Phrontistery: A thinking place.

This I Believe

I believe that if where there is a Will, there is a Way. Will comes from the depths of our souls and shakes us to their very cores. If our Will be great, it stirs us to action, shouting for Way to show itself. "Come out, come out, this I command you by all that I am!" Will is powerful, but can be challenged by one small voice that cringes in fear of the number one. Be fearless in your Will soul and Way will hide no more! Be a task master to vigilance and no problem, be it great or small, will weather your singular ALL!

Halloweenie Roast

Happy almost Halloween to you blank page.

Good thing you can't smell what I smell. The anticipation would kill you. The delicious scent is almost torturous and fitting for the season. It's almost lunchtime, come join us for our annual Halloweenie Roast! Awaiting a ravenous crew of zombies are naked dogs, dressed dogs, smothered dogs, a cauldron of chili, a pot of mystery soup, a slew of sides and some well deserved treats.

Post 004

Good morning blank page.

Yeah, I'm a little hoarse. Sorry, I have vacation cooties. So far this year, I contracted cooties in London and Tennessee. I know in London it was because I rubbed too many handrails and forgot to wear my "death" mask when taking the Tube. Day three in London, I was sicker than Cooter Brown, whoever that unfortunate character was.


(Windsor Castle, the Queen's lawn getting a mow!)

As for Tennessee, I think one culprit was the cause of cooties -- my travel companion. That chick is partial to smoking in the car while she drives. What's that? Oh yeah, she was considerate enough to let down the window, but I have residual complications attributable to a near death childhood experience which increase my sensitivity to someone trying to take me out with second hand smoke. I don't recommend trying to smother children with second hand smoke, they later become cranky adults who blog on you.

Eureka!

I think the reasoning behind a certain part of my personality has finally shown itself in the light of realization albeit not the brightest light of realization. I think my unwillingness to ask for favor, help, information, etc. can be traced to my childhood. My parents struggled financially while struggling to come to terms with each other and adulthood. Some of my most vivid memories of childhood thoughts are .... "don't ask, because you don't want to make them feel bad if they have to say no." This relation to my past may seem simple to you as I present it so simply here, but all my life, I have never wanted to "bother" people by asking for anything. I was always determined to make my own way, my own money, my own happiness, etc. And, for the most part, I have done just that. But of course, I'm not so dimwitted as to imagine that I could get through this thing called life without some help. In the back of my mind though is always the analytical nature of asking. Will I be asking too much of someone? Will I be asking for more than they can give? Will I be asking for more than they can do? Will I be asking for more than they can be?

One fine but minor example of how that affects my daily life is this:

Last night, I was at a local drugstore, and there was an item on display that I thought may be on sale, and I use this item regularly, so if it was on sale, it would be a good time for me to stock up. Usual confident me, began the internal dialog. "Will I be bothering the clerk if I ask whether or not this item is on sale? Will she be annoyed with me because she has other people to wait on? What other way can I find this knowledge for myself? Is it posted on a banner somewhere, I wonder if they have a sales ad." You get the picture. My internal dialog went on past my initial transaction. Luckily I had time enough to talk my self out of this silliness because I was with a friend and she was checking out behind me. After she did, I had come to my senses and asked the innocuous question, "Is that item on sale?" The clerk's cheerful reply, "Yes it is, and it is a really good sale!" Great! I stocked up!

So goes my nature and therefore my life. Sometimes silly, sometimes basically considerate, sometimes very thoughtful, sometimes self annoying internal dialogs happening throughout my day. Thankfully they usually happen quickly, decisively and if not always accurately, at least thoughtfully. So, I have an issue or two or three or four to work on, just call me human.

Annoyance 001

Asking me something without directly asking me what you want to ask me, annoys the crap out of me. Don't do that.

Take comfort fair reader, it wasn't you who annoyed me.

Post 003

Happy Wednesday to you blank page.

So far, its a yawner. It's dreary out which makes me want to ask the bears to make some room. Hopefully they are hibernating and not looking to take a chunk out of me! What am I saying? I have never seen a bear around here, and I'm probably allergic to bear dander anyways. Speaking of dander, I wanted to post a picture of a black cat (okay fine, a kitty) on you in honor of Halloween which is a favorite holiday of mine. Would that be okay with you? I know not everyone loves cats. Oh okay, you like them, but you don't want to own any. I'm with ya on that. I totally respect their presence here on earth, and love their playful antics and catty attitudes. However, I too prefer to enjoy them in the safety of someone else's home. I think we can both live with a photo in homage to their contribution to Halloween.

Blank page, meet Helena the kitty ... who does not belong to me and is now a cat.

Ruby Falls, TN

Ruby Falls is the place to be. Cave living is the life for me! Limestone spreading out so wide and deep ... keep the mountain just give me its underside!

Post 001

Hello blank page to which I will hopefully come to know as my home away from facebook. I am still trying to figure you out. I want you to look cool, so that every time I come to visit, I will feel inspired. I am going to do my best to thoroughly read your how-to manual. Granted, doing so is not my strong suit, but I promise you that I feel properly motivated by you. You may think it silly that I am talking directly to you, but, you and I are the only ones here. Was that too many commas? Be warned, commas are not my strong suit. I place them wherever it sounds like one is needed. Who should I invite to follow us along our journey? Maybe no one I know, maybe only your friends. That way, I can tell you whatever I am thinking, and I do mean everything. Okay, I am already stretching the possibilities. There is no way on God's green earth that I am going to tell you everything. Everyone should keep at least twenty-five percent of what they have to say confidential.