C'mon kids, let's guide you to war!

FORT BELVOIR, Virginia (AP) -- The Army is considering a proposal to allow a private developer to build a military-themed park that would include Cobra Gunship rides and bars including a "1st Division Lounge."

WTF?

Tough Life

As I paint and paint and paint Nora-Grace helps out. Here she has been sleeping in this position for several hours.

Amusing

You Are 26% New Jersey!

 

You are not New Jersey, based on this score. You're probably not from this great state. And if that is true, then you are missing out, my friend!

How New Jersey Are You?

I wonder if I would be allowed to cross the border?

What To Do?

There I was the other day toiling away painting my mum’s kitchen and I received a phone call. It was the temp agency, Manpower Professional.

Apparently they want to place me back in the Technical Library at Honeywell. I worked for them back in 2002. It’s a long story.

Anyhow, I had contacted a friend at Honeywell sometime ago. Actually when I was still at my previous job. At the time I knew my job was in jeopardy so I had inquired about possible positions. She told me they may need help in the Technical Library, but was not certain as to when.

Time passed and so I thought it would not happen. That’s what the telephone call was about. They wish to know if I would be interested in the position. Currently I am not actively looking for work as I am taking Online classes trying to build some new skills.

Here is the problem. Honeywell is in New Jersey. I wrote earlier that I worked for them before.It was strange fate how I ended up in New Jersey, but I did. I was born there, but I lived longer in Georgia so I find it a strange environment.

I am not sure I want to return. I know I need a job, but I am not sure I should take this one. However, living with mother and in Florida is driving me CRAZY!

Do I entertain this job possibility just so I can get out of here? It’s such an expensive area of the country to live in besides the fact they’re all rather high-strung.

The pay for the job would be more then twice what I was making at my previous pain in the ass (job). However the job is a temporary position through Manpower with the possibility of becoming a permanent position afterwards.

I am not sure I want to relocate such a distance for a temporary position with a possibility of it becoming a permanent situation. Am I making excuses? I know I know I keep telling myself it’s a job and I need one. Do you see? I am driving myself insane. It’s New Jersey for christ sake!

Perhaps I should accept it as a job. After the year I could move elsewhere, but at least until then I would earn my living. I guess. Oh hell, I don’t know.

Did I tell you my mother is DRIVING ME CRAZY?

JavaScript

BORING!

Limbo / Purgatory

I think I am in a void of another kind. I am not sure what it is though. I can say, for certain I am in Limbo, perhaps purgatory even. I am not a Christian and I don’t subscribe to any religion in general. Dogma is not my way.

However I think limbo and purgatory is the same thing, more or less. Please take a look at the following picture. The photograph below is my mum’s home. It is where I am currently living.


Now take a look at this next photograph. It is right around the corner. Oh, wait. This is my mum’s house. Hmm no, it’s not. Take a look at the house block number.

Let me turn another corner. Oh, it’s my mum’s house again. NO! Take a look at the house block number.


AHHHHHH! I’m fracking lost!

You see, is this not apropo for being in limbo or purgatory? I mean everything is the fucking same! (notice I did not write fracking) This whole bloody area has no character.

So it’s clean, safe and quiet, but not necessarily good. Would that not be purgatory? I mean, it’s not heaven and it’s not hell. It’s just BORING!

Image Of The Moment

Cyprus Roots

Doodling Along

There hasn’t been much going on. I have been working on my resume and studying a little for the Apple Technician training exam. I can finally concentrate on that again with all the moving done.

Well, sort of. Martine took me out to dinner last night and again, I did not return home until this morning. ;) We got to find out a little more about one another. He is of Spanish decent, but is from Ecuador. His mum is from Spain. I think his father is of Spanish decent, but is born and raised in Ecuador. They immigrated here over seven years ago.

It’s truly amazing to meet someone who really loves his or her job. I don’t know many people that do. I know Homer does and perhaps DJ Mouse. She is following her dream, but other then them Martin is the only other person I know that does. When he speaks of his work his eyes light up.

My eyes light up too, but only when I see a nice bolt of fabric I can’t afford.

Thar Be Fireworks

I went out last night to check out the scene. Uhm, well I just got home about 30 minutes ago! I met a Spanish man named Martine. He told me about the area and about a few other bars. We went to another one together and then made out.

The making out lasted all night and into the early morning. WOW! We made our own fireworks.

I need a nap.

Getting Settled

I have been unpacking and getting settled. Nora-Grace and Tabitha love my mum's porch. Oh, excuse me, Lanai. The cats love the lanai. (say it like Thurston Howell) They sit out there for hours and sun themselves. I think they are adjusting well.

My mother went to Seattle to visit with my sister. She will be gone for three weeks! TIME TO PARTY! Yes, let me call the ZERO number of people I know here.

I have updated some of the stuff on this website, but blogger is being weird. The changes have been made, but not all are showing up. I will have to check back later to see.

Thanks to all who have sent well wishes to me. I appreciate it. I am enjoying being away from the Vortex of Goo. Though in a way I do miss my home, but not enough to try and come back. Really, I can breathe here and I mean literally. I have also noticed Tabitha's eye allergies have cleared up a bit.

Well, I think I want to go for a spin on my scooter around the gated, sterile community. In Florida you don't have to wear a helmet. So, I am going to let the wind whip through what's left of my hair!

See ya'!

Florida Bound

Time to escape the Vortex of Goo!

Stella Corona stepped off the curb,
Got to be home by sunset.
Got to be home by sunset.

Plucked her off, through the atmosphere by Trism!

Last Day In The Vortex Of Goo

I had to extend my time here by two days. As stated before I have too much stuff. I finally got the last of it in storage yesterday and started packing the U-Haul trailer last night. The things in the trailer are going with me to Florida, but it turns out I have more then I thought. Imagine that!

My friend Betsy came by to help with the trailer and the cleaning. I didn't go to bed until 2:00 AM this morning. My landlords came down and suggested I leave Sunday. They are wonderful people. I shall miss them. I called U-Haul and asked if I could keep the trailer an extra day. They said yes. So I shall leave early tomorrow morning.

Today Betsy and Toni came by earlier to help with more of the cleaning then we went for some brunch. It was nice to just relax and eat out after all these weeks of packing and moving. I got really tired and decided it was time for a nap. I just got up and I don't feel like such a zombie anymore.

Tonight I need to mop the kitchen floor and clean the bathroom and I shall be truly done. The apartment is oddly empty except for a few items yet to go on the trailer. My entire material wealth is crammed in to a 10x20 storage unit. It's just the cats and me now.

Change is good.

It's the last night in the vortex of goo. I shall break free of the vortex and escape! I hope because it does have the power to reach out and pull you back.

We shall see.

That's Everything

All done. Movers came and left. I brought the last of the items to storage this afternoon. Now it's time to spackle, paint and clean. Then bed.

Sleepy Kitties

Nora-Grace and Tabitha have been testing the stacked boxes for napping quality.

Crazy Night

I went over to Steve and Jim's last night. It was Jim's birthday party. There was great food and loud people, but it was a lot of fun. It was around 12:30 am and I was still there drinking, but I had switch to water an hour previous. I was the last one and getting ready to leave when the phone rang.

It was the neighbor, Jen. She told Jim the limousine had arrived and wanted us to hop in. I had no idea what was going on and we thought it would just be Jen and a friend or two going for one more spin before having to give it up.

Well, we get outside and the limo door opens. The damn thing is packed with screaming people. I about had a panic attack, but before I could I was pulled in and abducted, by some lady wearing a pink feathered boa and a pink cowgirl hat with a rhinestone tiara.

This thing was pimped out. It had fibre optic lighting that glowed at different speeds according to how fast the limo was moving. It was stocked full of alcohol and it had an incredible sound system, which they were playing, I think, I wee bit too loud. Then there was an LCD television mounted in the console. It was insane.

The only people I really knew were Steve and Jim and Jen whom I only met twice before. They were wild. At one point they were tossing things back and forth and I got hit in the eye with a half squeezed orange. I was pissed. I got citrus juice and pulp in my eye! Then I thought, how appropo. I was struck by a Florida orange.

The morons were going to continue to toss this orange around when I screamed; "give me the fucking orange!" and ripped it out of someone's hand and threw it out the window. That was that.

We ended up at McDonough’s, it was karaoke night. It was interesting to say the least. All I kept thinking is why did I leave my keys at Steve and Jim's. McDonough’s is only a few blocks from my house. Uhg! Eventually we left and we got back to Ardsley Park in one piece. Then everyone piles into Jen's house to continue the party.

I eventually made home by 3:00 am and I found a pink feather in my pocket.

Endless, Endless, Endless

A friend of mine popped by to torment me. However, I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am almost finished with the packing.

Decision Made

Wow, so much time has passed since my last post. I have been busy packing and purging.

IT’S ENDLESS! I have actually been purging and boxing things for the Goodwill, but I still have plenty more that I am keeping.

It’s surprising how relaxed I am about not being employed. I am rather elated over being let go from SCAD. I was so unhappy. It was shear torture going to work every day and utterly boring. Couple that with the unprofessional behaviour of the so-called “professionals” it really made for a depressing environment.

The staff morale throughout campus is so low it’s amazing. In the department I worked alone the majority of individuals have a gripe. I also know of several individuals whom are looking for jobs elsewhere.

Now I am free. Free of the bonds that held me to that place for so long and I FEEL GREAT!

My friend Gloria came to visit me from Los Angeles. We had a good time. A wee bit too much because we gave ourselves a touch of alcohol poisoning. We were both out of it for two and half days. Oh well. Live and learn. I can say that won’t happen again. I think.

I have also been visiting with family and friends saying my goodbyes. I am going to escape the vortex of goo! You ask where I am going? Well, a decision has been made.

I am going to move to Florida. Yes, another bastion of right wing extremism. Anyhow, I am going home to stay with my mum for a while. Yes. Classic, I know. A 39-year-old gay man, unemployed and living with his mother. OH, and I was contacted by a former high school classmate via an email informing me that she is coordinating our 20-year reunion. GREAT! I feel like this is a script to a bad sitcom. Of course I won’t be attending. I have avoided all the others.

I decided not to pick up and settle down somewhere arbitrary and hope to find a job. It would end up being a waste of money. My mum is right. She said I should come home so I don’t have to pay rent, etc. She also offered to take care of Nora-Grace and Tabitha when I am off for interviews. A baby sitter! That’s a good thing.

So I must continue to pack away. The movers arrive on the 29 June and I escape the vortex on the 30 June.

Packing Continues

Everywhere I turn I find something to pack. Nora-Grace was helping out too, but I got the wild hair to wrap her in bubble wrap and pack her away. Especially since I just discovered she has been gnawing on a corner of the armoire.

My cat thinks she is a dog. Grrrrr!

Packing

This morning I took eight boxes of books to the Goodwill as well as one rather large box of LP's and cassettes. Yes, LP's. It's rather difficult for me to let go of my books so I think I was rather successful thus far.

I then packed up nine boxes of books that I intend on keeping and now I need more boxes.

Isn't this exciting?

Breakthrough, Transformation, Day

I could not sleep so I decided to get out of bed, crack open a bottle of wine and draw a rune.

I came upon Dagaz. What a wonderful rune. It’s meaning is breakthrough, transformation, and day. Drawing this rune marks a major shift or breakthrough in the process of self-change, a complete transformation in attitude, a 180-degree turn.

Basically I need to rely on radical trust, even though the moment may require me to leap, empty-handed into the void. Hmm, please don’t let it be another vortex.

Now I need to figure out which void I should leap into. Should it be Los Angeles, North Carolina or New Jersey?

Losing Patience

I am not sure what is going on in my head, but I am losing patience with people more and more these days. I seem to have a short fuse with stupidity and stupid people. Perhaps I have always had that, but I never expressed it loudly.

Just a moment ago as I was scooting to Gallery Espresso I almost ran into a young woman crossing the street sucking on some sort of ice cream cone. She didn’t look before crossing the street. She just went. Have you not heard of looking both ways? Perhaps your parents never explained this to you, but at a certain age it just should occur to you that road = vehicular traffic and looking both ways is just a natural part of self-preservation. Oh and yes, In the State of Georgia pedestrians do have the right of way, IN THE FRACKING CROSS WALK, not just any part of the road!

So I could not contain myself. I just looked at her and said; “Look both ways before crossing the street”. I then scooted on my way. She blurted out some nonsense I could not hear over the traffic.

Then I get to my destination and order my cup of coffee. The barrister instantly gave me attitude. I bit my tongue this time, but I did think to myself; “Look, young thang you work in a coffee house. You’re not even the owner. Get over it!”

It amazes me that you would try to alienate your customers. I know in some coffee and teahouses, for some reason, it is a requirement to have attitude, but come on. FRACK OFF AND GET THE HELL OUT OF MY WAY!

Stuff, Stuff, Stuff

It's amazing how much one can accumulate in 39 years. Everywhere I turn there is stuff. I have so much to sort through and decide what to keep and what to sell and what to toss out. It's overwhelming!

You know, I think a martini will help.

Kindness

Fellow blogger, Robert of MrHappySad sent me a wonderful birthday card several days ago and today I received two packages from Amazon. It turns out he sent me a book entitled; "The Clown of God”, by Tomie De Paola and a DVD movie entitled; "Not One Less", a film directed by Zhang Yimou.

I am looking forward to reading my new wonderful book and to viewing my new wonderful film.

Such kindness from someone I have never met in person. How beautiful. It makes me smile and feel warm inside.

Thank you, Robert!

It Was The Year 2002

In 2002 my boyfriend and I were fed up with the Vortex of Goo, Savannah, Georgia and tired of the Old South. Yes, the Old South. Since the Union invasion it has re-branded itself as the New South, but it’s still old in many ways.

So we had the wild hair to move to New England, to settle in Vermont or New Hampshire. Against all signs telling us not to go. Against all friends telling us not to go. This was the early years of G.W. Bush and the economy started to suffer under his incapable hands. People were losing their jobs left and right, but we went any way.

Against the Universe itself we went forth into the great unknown. We were confident in our success and we were invincible. We were breaking free of the Vortex of Goo. Or so we thought.

It was fun at first. We camped our way through the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, then on into the mountains of Virginia. We visited with friends on the way up and ended up in New Jersey where we stayed with friends of mine. We used N.J. as our launching pad into Vermont.

Time went on and eventually the money ran thin. We both could not find jobs in any of the places we wished to try and settle. Eventually I decided to put New Jersey into the possible places to live. My boyfriend did not want to live in N.J., but neither did I at the time, but I figured it could be a temporary solution until something else comes along.

I applied for and got a temporary job at the Honeywell Corporation in Morristown, New Jersey. It was a blessing because the very day I was offered the position we literally ran out of money.

After several months living with my friends and everyone’s patience stretched to the limit I had to ask my mum for the funds to get us an apartment. She was kind of enough to help out and the boyfriend and I moved into a former shoe factory in Newton, New Jersey.

Our relationship was on the rocks and it only got worse. He could not find work. I had to commute an hour to work with the only car. He had to sit at home all the time. I tried to get him to use the gym and go to the library, but other then that there wasn’t much for him to do. It must have had been awful.

Newton, N.J. is a cool town in a Twin Peaks kind of way. First of all it is located in County Sussex, which is the upper Northwest corner of the state. It’s very beautiful and remote. It seems every morning the town is shrouded in a fog and as you drive down motorway 202 on your morning commutes to work you punch through the fog like a bullet. Looking back through your rearview mirror you see the fog slowly hiding the entrance to the town.

The town has its collection of strange individuals too. One individual comes to mind. We did not know his name, but we called him Tighty Wighty Man. He lived on our floor. Every time we come home from an outing he would be standing with his door half cracked open in his underwear staring at us. Sometimes he would just have the door cracked just enough for him to peer out with one eye.

One day he must have been off his medication and went for a drive in nothing but his underwear. Tighty Wighty man met an untimely death by speeding up a central median and running over a sharp metal post. His car exploded upon impact.

The boyfriend and my relationship continued to deteriorate as time went on. Of course the time we were in New Jersey they experienced the worst winter in three years. It kept snowing and snowing. The gray skies would not go away. The electric bills skyrocketed to over $400 a month. I suppose our southern hides could not resist the cold even though we were both originally from the Northeast, but moved south at young ages.

My poor little 1992 Geo Tracker soft top and I had quite the time navigating the snow, ice and crazy winding roads on the way to work. At one point my back window zipper broke and the whole window flew open. Blistering cold blew in instantly. Every other day I had to apply fresh duct tape because the cold would prevent the glue on the tape from holding. Also, during this time there was a run on duct tape due to some supposed terrorist plot to bomb us with chemical weapons.

One day I suggested to the boyfriend I take some time off from work and we go home to Savannah and fetch some of our belongings. Money was tight even though I had an excellent salary. We had back bills from our disastrous move and only one salary to live on in an expensive area of the country. So we did not purchase any kind of furniture and all of our belongings were back home in storage. We had inflatable furniture. Yes, inflatable. From the bed to the sofa to the chairs. They would pop from time to time and sometimes if you did not distribute your weight correctly you would end up falling backwards in the chair or sofa. I don’t recommend inflatable furniture.

We headed home and ended breaking up somewhere on I-95. Then shortly thereafter got back together on I-95, but things were still shaky. When we got to Savannah we visited with friends and family separately. Then my car broke down. It was the on board computer that needed to be replaced. So I ordered a new one, but it was going to take longer for it to arrive then I had time for vacation so I had to request additional time.

The part never showed up. The shipper did not follow my shipping directions. They were supposed to write “in care of” on the address, but instead they shipped to me. The post office had a forwarding address to N.J. The part was redirected to N.J. We were in Savannah.

So I had to hop a train and head to N.J. to get the part for my car, but I had no idea when I would be able to return to get my car. My boyfriend said he wasn’t going to return N.J. with me. So I went alone. He said he would come back with me when I came to get the car.

I went back to New Jersey. I had a good friend in a fellow employee at Honeywell who went out of her way to come can pick me up in the morning to take me to work and bring me home. I was back two days when we were on our way home at the end of the day. We were just outside Newton where we see a huge plum of smoke rising from the hemlock and spruce trees. Traffic began to slow down and we came across a detour redirecting traffic away from Newton. I jokingly said it was my apartment. Well, in away it was!

The Able Heating Oil Company located next to the old shoe factory blew up and was on fire. There was a propane truck on the property that exploded. The force was so great it knocked six houses off their foundations it blew out windows and doors in my building. It cracked some of the foundation. The video store down the street had all it’s windows blown out. The blast bent lampposts and hurled newspaper machines in the air.

Many people had eardrum damage and a few heart attacks. It was quite dramatic.

The town had to be evacuated. No one was allowed to return for over a week because the fire raged for a week. I was a refuge living with friends in a near by town, but it was further away from Newton so my friend could not take me to work. I ended up being out of work for about a month if you count the extra time in Savannah.

I had only the cloths on my back. My friends had some cloths that were going to Goodwill that I could wear around the house, but they were too big to wear in public. I about had a nervous breakdown.

That was it. I quit the job. There were only a few more weeks of my assignment left as I was told the position would not be made permanent due to the fact they were going to transfer the department to another office in another state.

So the boyfriend returned and we headed to North Carolina to try and settle in Chapel Hill. We broke up several times while on I-95, but ended up getting back together somewhere in Maryland, on I-95. North Carolina did not work out either and four months later we ended up right back in the spiraling Vortex of Goo that is Savannah, Georgia.

Then we broke up, but that was not the end of us because we got back together again perhaps six months later and then breaking up for good another six months later. I know, I know. CRAZY!

I think the safety net of Savannah has come to an end. Don’t get me wrong. I still have some friends and family here, but I think the Universe is now telling me to go and this time the tower of my life will stand.

Oh, and the boyfriend I are truly done.

Appropo

I had to return to my former office at 5:30 to pick up my personal belongings that were in my desk. They had everything conveniently on a roll cart in the lobby.

I parked my car in the garage so I would have an easy place to get my things into the car. I rarely drove my car to work because I used my scooter, but this time I needed to have my car so I parked in the garage for the above reason. So as I was heading down the stairs I came across this graffiti left by someone else who had enough of my former employer.

Anyhow it gave me a chuckle. Their reputation proceeds it's self.

Deceit & Underhandedness

I was sacked from my job this morning. Layed-off, caput, done!

In A Mood

I have been in such a mood lately that I have not felt much like writing about anything. Things here are extremely frustrating and I have been trying to be like a reed in the wind, but the wind is whipping in all directions. Perhaps I need to be more like a leaf that has fallen from a tree. I would probably ride the wind much better.

A few posts back I wrote two miserable things have come my way and I wondered what the third would be. Well, I found out last week. Apparently my position at work is going to be reviewed as to whether or not it’s still needed.

You see much of what I do is going to be automated with a new piece of software shortly so what else can I do? Of course they would not have told me about this until the last week or the day I would be let go because the institution I work for is underhanded and deceitful that way. I only found out because of some recent events that have transpired and I felt a vibe that something was going on.

I confronted my new boss and she explained the situation. We actually had a good conversation. It’s nice to have a boss who listens and cares. She told me she has to review the position and make a decision come July, which is when the new fiscal budget goes into effect. She added that it’s not definite I will lose my job, but ultimately the decision rests with the VP of the department.

However, I know I will. I know he doesn’t care much for me and the fact if much of what I do is automated, then why keep me.

I have to find a new job ultimately because the student loan situation, but I felt while I look for the right situation I would at least have my current job so that I can live, but now there is a sense of urgency.

Well, at least all three things have come to the forefront and I now know what this is all about. It’s time for a life change.

Birthday

I'm 39 years old today. Now what?

A Little Relief

Today I actually got to speak to a nice person at Citibank. Yes, it truly took me off guard. I was ready to do battle. It turns out the new monthly payment of $1,805.31 was a mistake. I told her this little mistake about gave me heart failure.

It also turns out I have something called a Lender Option Forbearance available to me. So when my current forbearance expires I will be going on that since I still won't be able to afford my payments. Ugh!

Hopefully I can find a new job soon. A job with a living wage, imagine that. Hmmm, $97,000 in student loans. You would think it would be possible after all my education, but no. I went to art school. I have a degree in painting. I should shoot myself and get it over with.

If I knew then what I know now things could be different. STUPID, STUPID, STUPID!

Oh well. Where did I put that bottle of gin?

Ugh!

Tooooooo .. ….. much ……. Champagne!

Evil Student Loans

Okay I have a tremendous student loan debt. It's greater then my salary will ever be. I can't afford to make payments as of yet. I have no idea as to when I'll be able to. I have used up all my deferments and forbearances. However, according to the formula that determines whether you qualify for an economic deferment I still qualify. (It’s a convoluted menagerie of add this, subjact that, times this, divided by, etc., etc.)

However, one is only allowed to have three economic deferments. I have had four. I am not being given another. Currently I am on an emergency economic deferment. It last six months.

I have spoken to one moron after the next at the company that services my loans. They have informed me that I have no options and that I must pay my debt. I tell them that I would like to pay my debt, but I cannot. I add that y'all have my paper work. You know what I make. You see by your formula I still qualify. They say, yes, but you can't have anymore and that I was already given an extra hardship deferment. So, I now need to pay.

I say, yes, but I DON'T HAVE THE FUNDS TO DO SO! They say, my loans will go into default, which will go on my credit record, and then they will garnish my wages and social security. I say, great! So, you will destroy my credit and take away the funds I need to live on. Well, let's see here. I lose my car because I can't make the payment on my note and then I lose my apartment because I can't afford the rent (this is why I haven't bought a house yet, I knew this was coming). Therefore, I eventually will lose my job because I can't bathe and I will STINK!

They say (after a pause), well you need to be responsible and pay your debt. I say, YOU FRACKING MORON, IT'S NOT RESPONSIBLE TO DESTROY SOMEONES LIFE WHEN IN THE END YOU STILL WON'T GET A FRACKING DIME! (click –phone goes dead)

This is what I have been dealing with the past year. So my emergency hardship deferment expires in a couple months and I have to apply for another. It is up the discretion of the company whether to give it to me or not.

Last month I receive a letter stating my servicer is transferring my loans to another company. In this case, CitiBank. I called them to find out if I have any options. Well, again the above written paragraphs are what I got. So nothing changed.

I got home from work today and found a letter from CitiBank stating when my deferment ends my payments will be $1,805.31! I about had a stroke. Hello people, I went to art school! I am a creative individual, not doctor!

The last company I was with my payments were to be $695.00 and that was on the graduate increment payment. I believed it was the maximum it would go. Now this. WHAT THE FU@#!

I decided instead of calling them right there and then in my heated state of mind I would go for my six mile walk and burn off some steam. It didn't help. Oh, there was a cute guy that I said hello to a couple of times that took my mind off it all for a few moments, but it didn't help. I think I am going to wait until Monday to find out what this is all about. BASTARDS!

I said this before and I'm going to say it again. The Vortex of Goo is EVIL! It is sending out the big guns to destroy me, to make my life as hellish as possible so I cannot make a transition easily. This makes number two. I wonder what number three will entail?

New Picture Albums Added

I finally put together some picture albums. The links to them are on the right of your screen.

The images are so, so. My digital camera only holds six images at the best setting and my memory card is damaged. I have taken most of the pictures using the lowest setting so I don't have to keep running home to download the images.

At a later date I plan to upload a better selection of images, but for now this will have to do.

Enjoy.

Evil Insurance Companies

I just received a telephone call from my dentist. Apparently I owe $722.73. My last procedure was last year and now I receive a bill? They also set up an appointment for a cleaning this coming Tuesday.

My place of employment had changed insurance companies two times last year. This is the reason I just received the bill. My dentist was wrangling all this time with the various Insurance people and trying to get them to pay.

Me thinks I have been short changed here. Actually I think it's the vortex of goo trying to prevent me from making an up coming change in my life from happening. It knows how precarious my finances are for the type of change I am contemplating. It seeks to destroy those who do not submit and glaze over into numbness. It won't let me leave easily.

It is evil, like an insurance company.

Red Beard No More

It just fell off!

Actually, today when I was walking my six miles the beard became terribly uncomfortable and I decided to do away with it for a while. (Sorry Homer)

The horrible hot, humid weather is just around the corner. I know then it will be unbearable to have one anyway.

A Fun Time Had

I did have a great time in North Carolina. We went out to eat a few times, talked and just relaxed. Emma had to spin on Friday night at Aries, in Raleigh. It was a kind of Goth/Fetish night.

It was nice to go out again, especially on Goth night. The music was good. Three different DJ's spun. Through out the evening, when the music would soften, you could occasionally here the cracking sound of a whip from the back room. Some lucky devil was receiving punishment. The Goth scene in Savannah is rather boring and tedious at best and it's on Thursday night which makes no sense since Friday most people have to be at work.

I didn't take too many pictures because when I got to Chapel Hill I realized I left the USB cable at home so I couldn't download the images. The problem with this is my camera only holds six images set at the best setting. I had to set it to the least quality image setting so it could hold more.

Anyway, I wish I could return to North Carolina forever. :)

Below are some more pictures of Emma and me.

Behold The Power Of Gin

Back In The Goo

My brief holiday has ended. I am back in the Vortex of Goo. I don't want to be here. I don't want to go to work. It's too draining. I already miss North Carolina and my friends. I'm developing a nervous twitch over it all! Feel my pain.

North Carolina

I am taking Friday off and escaping the Vortex of Goo. I am going to North Carolina to visit with my friends Emma and David in Chapel Hill.

I can't wait to get the #$%& out of here!

North Carolina is my other home. I lived once in Asheville and once in Chapel Hill and both times I had to leave for the lack of a living wage job. It's so sad. If it were possible to find a decent job I would return for good.

Tangerine Dream

I received my new old, vintage Tangerine iBook today. Oooo, luscious tangerine! Why you ask? I like vintage things.

I mean, just look at it. Don't you want to lick it? Mmmm. I am going to upgrade it with a 20gig hard drive, 256 memory, airport card and a new battery.

It's going to be my email and blogging machine on the go. AND it's tangerine, orange bright. Just like sunny California. ;)

I know. I need a boyfriend. Shut up!

Nora-Grace

Little Miss Nora-Grace
With The Beautiful Face
She Came From Outer Space
She Fell From The Sky
And Landed In My Eye

Good Weekend

This is the face of contentment. I had a good weekend! I managed to get a few things done that I wanted to do for some time. I managed to bring several items to Goodwill. Including my old Apple Power Mac 8600. Yes, I finally parted with it and the old scanner. I did however; hold onto my Apple Laser Writer 4/600 PS. It's a perfectly good laser printer. Why not? I recently purchased the original Tangerine iBook that I hope to operate it on. Oh, I can't help it. What can I say, I like all things vintage.

The trip to Goodwill is the first of many. I am purging. I have too. There is change coming. A life change, really. It is very difficult for me to part with things. I am a Taurus. A triple Taurus even! Anyhow, the change has begun. I really cannot write about it now. It's just not a good idea at this point in time, but I will eventually.

Keith and Elvira came over for wine, cheese and fruit. We tried some new wine that was recommended by the package shop I frequent. One of my favourite wines is Bull's Blood, it's Hungarian. Very, light and mild. Anyway, I was told, in their opinion, the Torres Sangre de Toro was better then Bulls Blood. It's not. It has a bitter after taste, which I find to be unacceptable. After we finished that bottle we tried another they recommended. It is called Castano Monastrell. It is a very, very, very dark and heavy wine. It's not red. Oh, no. It is purple! AND it will knock you on your ass. Enough said.

Then to top it all out today was Champagne Sunday with Melissa M. We had a splendid time watching old movies, drinking champagne, eating fabulous food and virtually decorating her large house. Oh, did I tell you I am moving in with her in June?

Annoyances

I was left a flyer in my mail slot last night. It is concerning the filming of a new ABC pilot drama on my street. It is called Hollis and Rae. It seems they are the new Gag Me and Lace Me. Oh wait that was a porn flick. I mean, the new Cagney and Lacey.

It is about two lifetime female best friends. Hollis is a prosecuting attorney, and Rae is a cop. Ho-hum.

Anyhow, I have been notified they will be filming on the street in front of my house. I am told locals will not be allowed to park around the area. As well they intend to have traffic control. Meaning I may not be able to return to my house for lunch or at the end of the day seeing that they will be filming from 7am - 7pm. How rude!

This sucks as I have been car sitting for a friend who is out of town on business. I will have to find parking quite a distance away for two cars. Grrrrrr!

Women All Used Sperm From Donor No. 401

I guess I should be proud. I worked very hard at this. ;)

Five Vermont Towns Vote to Impeach Bush

I love Vermont! You can always count on the people of the Green Mountains to tell it like it is. Not only is it a land of impeccable beauty, but common sense.

They aren't afraid of the morons in Washington, DC. Now, if only the rest of the country would follow their lead.

Garden Bliss

This past Saturday I sanded, primed and then painted the outdoor table and chairs. They were in desperate need of attention. I also drilled a hole in the table so I could place the wonderful umbrella I got from World Market.

Next, I will begin to fill the pots with new plants, but that's another weekend.

Bunnies!

Look, it's the Rocky Horror Picture Show re-enacted by bunnies, in 30 seconds! Brought to you by Bun-O-Vision. Thank you dajoro for the link.

Tee, hee.

iPod

I caved. I caved into the hype. I caved into blatant consumerism. Today I purchased a 2GB iPod Nano. I also purchased an armband to wear it while walking. The cool thing about the armband is the iPod holder detaches from the band. It has a clip on the back so I can clip the iPod to my waistband while at the gym.

Then of course I had to get an FM transmitter/cradle thingy for the car. It plugs into the cigarette lighter or the extra power tap in the car. It supposed to transmit your tunes to the radio. I have heard mix reviews. We shall see.

It was a gift to myself for all the suffering I endure here in the vortex. ;)

Le Revenant

My Uncle from the realms of Death
Returned to draw an early breath
And as he walked upon the heath
The wild wind whistled through his teeth.

He came unto a habitation
That was the centre of a nation
He knocked upon each house and said:
It is much better to be dead.

And when they stoned him from the door
He vowed he would come back no more.

-Stevie Smith

Happily Shrinking

This morning I decided to stand upon the scale. I have lost another two pounds. So far I have lost 7 pounds! I am very happy about this. Currently I am at 191 lbs (86.64kg or about 13.6 stone) I wish to lose 10 lbs more. Then I'll decide if I need to lose more.

According to the Body Mass Index thingy I am at 26.6%, which is overweight. So, I guess this means 2.5% points less I'll be "normal". The BMI thingy also states my ideal body weight is 166 lbs (75kg or about 12 stone). I'm not sure. To me this seems a little too skinny.

Oh hell, I'm craving chocolate!

Sandman Character?

You are Dream! Many people see you as living in
your own little world. Though you would never
try to harm someone needlessly, you are not
always aware of the consequences of your
actions.

(I am not sure about this, but at least I have a full head of hair!)

Which Sandman Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

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"Live with an attitude of reverence for yourslef and all others, you will be healthier, happier and more effective".

Late Night

It's one of those nights when I know I should go to bed, but I just can't. Instead, it's plenty of red wine, Stevie Nicks and cats gone wild. My children are tearing up the house! They have fully recovered from their operations and are expressing it. I am very grateful for their recovery. The picture above is of Nora-Grace and myself. Yes she has a hyphenated first name just like me. It's difficult to get a picture of her with her eyes open. She doesn't like the flash.

I have been making notations on a pad of paper of all the books that I need to catalogue in Library Thing. I have plenty more to do, but ran out of steam. Currently all the books that don't have ISBNS need to be manually entered so I have had them lying on the shelves on their backs. Isn't this interesting? Anyway I have been recording all the information needed on a pad of paper so I can enter them at a later date and get my shelves back in order.

Of course this requires much wine.

Domestic Bliss

Today I received my juicer attachment for my 1950's Sunbeam Mixmaster. My mum gave me the mixer during my last visit. She said she didn't use it anymore. It did not come with attachments.

Then one day while reading a post in Homer's World, he wrote his juicer bit the dust so he found a replacement on eBay. I said to myself; "duh. eBay!" So I immediately logged on and found the juicer attachment and won it. It cost me only $5.00. I think Homer spent $9. For shame! Actually I spent more in shipping, but just look at it! I mean, isn't it wonderful?

Okay, okay. Shut up, I need a boyfriend!

Anyway my mum had not used it in quite sometime as she had purchased a new fangled mixer awhile back. I think I need to oil this thing. There are two tiny holes on the top of the mixer where I believe one should place drops of oil, but I am not sure. I am trying to find a manual Online, but no luck so far. I have my father’s old solid steel drill, which has the same type of hole on top, but there is an engraving that reads, "oil" so that is obvious.

Ah, domestic bliss.

Not So Nervous Anymore

The vet telephoned earlier today and let me know that Nora-Grace and Tabitha came through the operation fine and are resting.

I will be able to pick them up tomorrow after 10:00 AM, Yay!

Nervous Wreck

I dropped the children off early this morning at the vet. Nora-Grace and Tabitha are having their little operations. I'm a nervous wreck. I feel kind of guilty that I am taking away the ability for my cats to reproduce. I know it will make them more comfortable by taking the estrus away and it will make me happier too, but do I really have the right?

I know. I'm insane. However, it's how I feel in the back of my mind.

The other thing that has me nervous is Tabitha has a heart murmur. I was told by the doctor she could die during the procedure. The reason being the anesthesia can cause the hear muscle to contract and lock up. The doctor asked if I still wanted to go through with the operation.

What was I supposed to say? I decided to go through with it because I can't have her running around howling all day while in estrus and peeing on my bed and sofa.

They both have to stay over night at the vet and I can pick them up tomorrow. They have never been out of the house over night before. I don't think I will be able to sleep well. Thank goddess it's Sci-Fi night with Betsy. I can drink plenty of wine to compensate.

One Of Those Days

Today was one of those days that would not end. I have plenty to do at work and have been doing whatever it is I do, but every time I looked up at the clock not much time passed. It was horrible. I have too much on me mind, I guess that's why.

I took this photo of myself at my desk today. My goddess, it's in colour. Excuse me. Color. Oh, it pains me to leave out the letter U. Anyway, I am tired of shaving. So I am not going to for a while. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Later.

Fabulous Champagne

I just got home from a fabulous time at Melissa M's house. It was our weekly champagne Sunday. Now, I know what you may be thinking, but Melissa and I only consumed three bottles of champagne. We paced ourselves and ate plenty of yummy food while we watched several movies on television.

Then we soaked our feet in bath salts and gave ourselves pedicures. I also gave myself a manicure while we polished off a bottle of wine. Of course we had cupcakes too. Oh, I truly killed the diet today!

What the hell? My kitten, Nora-Grace is hoping around the house. Kind of like Pepe Le Pew. It's very odd. This is crazy she’s doing it again! And there she goes .. . and here I go. Tah, tah!

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Love what is ahead by loving what has come before.

Lady True

You know, it seems one by one my friends are escaping the Vortex of Goo. One by one they are leaving Savannah for better and brighter futures. I still have good friends here, but they seem to be thinning out. Much like my hair.

Also, there is a lack of decent men in this town. I'm bored and tired of it all. Then when all seems bleak, like my wardrobe, Lady True, aka Cyndi Lauper steps in with words of wisdom.

Velma Powers Activate!

Jinkies! It's time to channel one of my many alter egos, Velma Dinkley. I must uncover the mystery of the lack o' funds in my life. I must find the clues to bring more wealth so I can simply live without worry.

I had an appointment with the veterinarian today. I left work early to bring my children in for their booster injections. I arrived on time. They did not attend to us until 25 minutes after our arrival. Then I come to find out the $495.00 I paid for the Wellness Plan does not include booster injections. Though when I signed up for the damn thing I was told that it covered everything, including the boosters.

So we had a little spat. I have had with this vet office.

I could not get the injections because it was going to cost me $135.00 and I am fracking broke. I was told they have a once a month vaccination day, which will be next Thursday. I can get the injections for both of them for $46.00. So we will go to this crazy event because I have no other choice.

Money sucks and I hate it so.

Pissed Off!

Or pissed on, I should say. My lovely cat, Tabitha (BITCH!) pissed on me late last night, early morning. She is in heat and that is what female cats do to attract a male. Well honey, it didn't work! Instead it got her locked in the bathroom while I stripped the bedding down and started the laundry. I am soooo over it. I know she can't help it, but come on. She sleeps on the bed too.

So, this is the new look of comfort. My friend Melissa M. gave me two plastic painters tarps to cover my bed and sofa until Tabitha comes out of heat. My only hope is Nora-Grace won't go into heat. She did the last time Tabitha was in her cycle.

This coming week they are both going to the Vet for their booster injections and once Tabitha is out of her cycle they will both be rushed in for their little operation and that will be that.

Too much stuff and too many projects!

Last year I started "The Great Purge". This is to say I have too much stuff and it has finally got to me, the pack rat. However, I have been getting rid of things, it seems like forever. Every time I give something away or take it to Goodwill I find more stuff. It seems to mysteriously multiply. I hate it. So this New Year I continue with The Great ENDLESS Purge.

As well I have mounting projects. I have to refinish the dining room table and chairs and the 1930's hardwood shipping crates. I have eight doors, a bathroom, a hall and a kitchen to paint.

Sometimes I wish it would all burn down and go away so I could run off to India and have tea with the Dali Lama.

New Years Eve

My new year's eve wasn’t at all too exciting. Actually, not at all. I decided to stay in and rent some movies. I rented The Brothers Grimm, Revenge of the Sith and War of the Worlds. All which I did not get to see in the theatre.

After the video store I decided to stop at Fresh Market and use my $20 gift card my Ex gave me. I was so bad. I purchase a slice of Empire State Chocolate Cake. While I was there a rather cute man caught my eye. Then every aisle I went down, their he was.

I thought to myself; "Am I cruising or is he?" Then I thought; "Oh my goddess, I'm cruising in a grocery store!" Mind you, it's an upscale grocery store, but a grocery store nonetheless. So I thought myself, "Okay, why not?" Eventually I was at the check out line and the cute guy was in the line next to me being checked out. No pun intended. I thought to myself; "Okay, perhaps we could flirt or glance or just meet outside the store and decide to go home together." ;)

Well my friends, it wasn't meant to be. Oh, noooooooooooooo! The fates had another twist for me. You see, in front of me was an overly pregnant woman with an overly active babe in her arms. The attendant was busily scanning her items and the pregnant woman was fussing with her purse. After her items were all scanned she, the woman realised she forgot her wallet.

Oh, but she did have single cheque (check) upon her, but it could not be accepted with out ID. So what to do? She whipped out her trusty razor mobile phone and tried to reach her husband. After several tries at three different numbers, no luck.

She looked at me and said; "Oh, thank you for being patient. I left the house without my wallet and am trying to track down my husband so he can pay with his credit card over the phone." I just smiled and said; "Of course."

Miss Pregnant mother with over anxious babe in arms eventually telephone her mum and told her the situation and asked for her credit card number so she could pay for the groceries. Her mother had to give her credit card information three times because she could not get the numbers correctly. SO, after 20 minutes I was finally paid for what I wanted to purchase and was out of the store, but there was no cute man to be found. :(

At midnight (my time) my friend Gloria telephoned from LA. Gloria wished me a happy new year. I told her it felt no different then a year ago. Anyhow I stepped outside so we could hear better the fireworks from the river. They were extra loud and echoing through out the historic district. It was rather loud. I guess that's what it must have been like when the Yankees were invading. Heh, heh.

As well as the fire works we were treated to gun fire. The morons around here shoot their shotguns and semi automatics into the air upon the New Year. I don't think they understand physics. I am not surprised as Georgia has one of the worst education systems in the Union.

Who knows what this New Year holds for me, but I tell you this. I need change and this year will be it.

Happy New Year, y'all!

Disgusted

Last night after a long iChat with my friend Emma I got the wild hair to go out to Club None (aka: Club One). Well, let's just say, same old, same old and disgusting people.

So there I was and this not too attractive man walks up to me and said; "I'd really like to plough your hole". My jaw dropped and I just stared at him for a moment and said; "Oh, that's attractive, real romantic". I then walked away and this moron yells out as loud as he could; "I SAID NOTHING ABOUT ROMANCE, I JUST WANT TO FUCK THE HELL OUT OF YOU!"

I proceeded quickly to the nearest exit and headed home in disgust. I didn't even get to finish my drink. I'm certain the moron finished it for me. He obviously had plenty already.

You know I don't go out much anymore. Now I know why. What happened to common decency? Did he really think such a line would make me say; "Oh yes, do me?" NOT! What a bloody moron!

I have been drinking DeTox tea all morning. :(

Goatee Me

Heh, heh. I found this picture from a couple years ago on my mums iBook while I was updating her OS. I forgot about my goatee days.

Last night to escape the insanity I drank plenty of merlot and listened to Opera Babes. I worked on "home work" because I'm little behind with my paperwork at work so I brought it with me. Meanwhile me mum watched Fox news and complained there was nothing but rubbish on the television. Though she continued to flip through the channels, watch a bit and then complain and flip to another station.

Perhaps later I shall go for a walk on the beach. The Gulf water is so calming.

Mother's Scary Things

Welcome to Hell!

Florida

Well, I'm in Florida. I made it. The drive from Hell wasn't too bad. It's odd being in "Bush" country again. People here frighten me.

Right now as I type this entry a photograph of George and Laura Bush are staring down at me. Yes, my mum is a right wing, fundalmentalist nutjob. This is only because George likes to use the word god in his speeches. So naturally, if he speaks of god then he is a good person. Oh, that and god sent him to straighten out America and the world to prepare us for the lords return. Something like that.

I have not seen one "W" decal with a circle and slash through it besides my own. I am an outcast in a sea of morons.

I am here for her so I shall try and bite my tongue, but it will be difficult. I mean, last night she mentioned she sent Bill O'reilly an email stating how much she enjoys his program.

Mercy me, four more days to go.

Savannah Drivers Suck

Savannah drivers suck. This is a town where the use of your directional signal is optional. The police don't even use a directional signal.

It is state law to yield to pedestrians in a cross walk, most do not. My Ex was hit by a car earlier today crossing Bull Street. A nouveau riche bitch driving a huge ass SUV slammed into him. He was in the middle of the crosswalk for christ's sake.

He has been X-rayed and thankfully shows no signs of broken bones, but he is heavily bruised and extremely sore.

This area of Georgia is extremely lax on driving regulations. I guess in a town that values Monster Trucks more then retaining its symphony says it all.

I was in a car accident this summer past. I was rear-ended by some tourists from Ohio. They were an older couple and felt very bad about it. Anyhow in talking with them the woman told me she was downtown earlier and stepped into a crosswalk and a police cruiser came real close to hitting her.

The officer jumped out and yelled at her (real professional) saying she needs to be more careful. He added that in the State of Georgia pedestrians do not have the right of way. Obviously this officer is a moron. Georgia law states you must yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk. We don't have those signs at intersections downtown because they don't want to obstruct the historic ambiance. If you drive out Southside (anywhere USA) where you have the strip malls and endless wide roads and suburbs then you will see the signs clearly.

Another example of the absurdity in my state brings to mind an incident I had once when visiting the Department of Motor Vehicles. I was in a line to receive my new drivers license. There was woman in front of me wearing a horrible jump suit with bathroom slippers and her hair in curlers. When she was asked for her left index finger she raised her right hand. The attendant said no you’re left index finger. The lady put out her left thumb. Eventually the attendant took this lady by the hand and pointed which fingers to use and pressed them down onto the inkpad for her.

This woman walked out with a driver’s license shortly there after and is loose on the roads.

One of the best cards

I don't normally hold onto holiday cards, but I think this is one of the best cards I ever received. My friends Jeff and Vanessa created it. It's an old one as you can tell from the play on the X-Files, 1998 to be exact. Anyways I always find it amusing when I gaze upon it.

'Tis the season, enjoy the colour image!

Winter Mornings

"There are winter mornings when the cold without only adds to the warmth within, and the more it snows and the harder it blows, brighter the fires blaze"

-Emily Dickinson

Quiet, I'm recovering!

I went to work this morning. I still feel like crap and my voice has not returned. I was told to go home. So I decided to leave at lunch and not return.

When I got home, well the above picture shows you what I came home to. Stone workers have come to replace stucco on the house. So they are out there hammering and drilling away to their hearts content. TOO MUCH NOISE! The cats are in terror and I have a headache.

Looking at the wall it doesn't look as if it's in good condition. The brick needs pointing. I think that is what you call it. This section of the house used to be the veranda. It was closed up in 1904 to make two rooms, one above in the actual veranda and one below.

I'm below. I use this "veranda" room as my dining space and computer area. The space is divided by an armoire and it works out rather well. The rest of the house dates 1856.

I love it. The doorways are 14" deep and it has a splendid mantle. Oh hell, ... the hammering has started again. It's time to retreat to the sitting room.

I've lost my mind

Okay I don't claim to be a great cook. In fact I don't really like to cook, but one must survive so I do minor dishes. I have been craving Macaroni and Cheese. I found a recipe for Macaroni and Cheese, which can be made in a slow cooker. I thought oh, that will be easy.

It's been cooking now for an hour. I just tasted it. It's not all that good. In fact it was rather bland. Then I realised. I forgot to add the cheese!

I give up. I'm going to have an energy bar and take some more meds. I'll be playing with Photoshop for the rest of the evening.

I'm sick and it's cold!

This apartment does not heat evenly. It's cold in the veranda room where the computers are located. I am bundled up in a sweater and I have my silly cap on. I don't care. It keeps me head warm from the cold. My cat Nora-Grace is atop the armoire and is ready to leap at me. This explains the look on my face in this picture.

My voice went. Where? I do not know. My mum called and all I could do is grunt at her. "What's wrong with you?” she said. I managed to say; "Me, no voice, you check email". Then I hung up.

Today I went over to my friend Melissa's house. She had a whole bunch of people over doing various tasks. She purchased the house three months ago and hired a painter. Well, the painter didn't workout. He and his crew basically ruined everything.

I was feeling better earlier. So I thought I would lend a hand. I don't think that wasn't such a great idea. I feel worse. At least I got out of the house. I have been indoors since last Thursday!

I received a phone call this evening from my dearest friend Gloria. She moved to Los Angeles last May and loves it. She called to see if I thought she was lame. Now, I answered the phone in the best possible voice I could muster and I said; "No, you are not lame." She said someone had told her she was lame for not going out every weekend. I told her such a thing is ridiculous.

So Gloria was told if you live in LA you need to go out every weekend or you are considered lame. What errant nonsense.

Now Gloria being a Leo then asked me what was wrong with my voice. Those Leo's, it's all about them. ;)

We talked a little more about things going on in her life and what’s not going on in my life. She thinks I should move to LA. I think I’d probably die, but then again the one place I have never thought of might actually be a place I end up loving. I do love California (Northern). I shall plan a visit for next year.

Well, I guess I shall go shred some paperwork. My life is so exciting.

I'm in Hell

I have a raging head cold and now my cat Nora-Grace has gone into heat. I can not imagine anything worse then two cats hanging about yowling and moaning all bloody day long!

I don't expect to have sleep for the next three weeks.

Disconnecting

I stayed at home today due to a head cold. I have taken some rather potent meds and now I am out of it. Oh, well.

I have come to the conclusion that I will be canceling my cable. This means no Internet at home anymore.

Truly Comcast sucks. The cable modem is not all that faster then DSL. In fact when I did have BellSouth DSL a few years ago I never had a problem with it. It never went down and was rather fast. I have had nothing but problems with Comcast. Also it's too damned expensive. Before I reduced my cable television to basic service my entire bill was right under $100. and there was rarely anything on.

I don't watch too much television so I don't miss it. Well, I must admit I do miss the Sci-Fi channel, but I can go over to my friend Betsy's for our Sci-Fi Fridays. Now, as for the Internet I am practically on it all day at work. When I come home sometimes I just don't want to turn the computer on. Sure I will miss iTunes music store or that instant gratification when I want to find out about something, but I can always take the PowerBook to the library or a friends house and do what I need to do.

So yes, I am disconnecting from the mediocrity or at least at home I am. I will also have an extra $54.39 a month.

So long Comcrap!

Happy Birthday Grandmama!

If my grandmother were alive today she would be 100 years old. She was born the 7th of December 1905, the day of infamy, but before it was infamous. She was always there for comfort and direction. In her life she was a flapper, world traveler and a brilliant Norwegian soul. I miss her.

Glad fødselsdag bestemor. Jeg mangler De og jeg elsker De meget mye!

Craziness

One of my cats, Tabitha has gone into heat. Oh, what joy! I was hoping to avoid this, but I have not been able to afford the spay operation. I am still paying on a $492 vet bill.

However in light of things, I think now I will go ahead and take Nora-Grace in since she is seven months old. I would much rather have them both done at the same time, but it will be more cost effective one at a time.

It’s such a joy to hear Tabitha howling all night long while I am trying to sleep. This is something, which I have not been able to do well since Monday. It seems at night she becomes extremely “bothered”. She jumps on to all of the windowsills and scratches on the windows and runs around knocking over whatever she may.

Poor little Nora-Grace looks at her in terror. She must be thinking WTF is wrong with her. Oh, little does she know she may face the same situation. I dread the thought.

Now, I am developing a cold.

Bored

Who are you?

Apparently, according to this little survey I am Galadriel, which is quite fine with me. However I would rather be a brunette.

Possessing a rare combination of wisdom and humility, while serenely dominating your environment you selflessly use your powers to care for others.

Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.

Heh, heh.

You too can make Einstein do thy bidding!

Computer Geek Issues

The Vortex of Goo got me last night. My vintage PowerMac 8600 had to be re-imaged and then my almost vintage Cube got messed up because I ran a Mac OS update.

Every time I restarted the bloody thing it would get stuck on "loading Mac OS" and just stay like that forever. I couldn't even get it to boot from disc. So I linked my PowerBook via fire wire and ran some tests. I thought it was all fixed. Then I got the wild hair to restart the PowerBook in the Cube's OS. That was stupid. It wasn't fixed and this time the PowerBook got stuck on the "loading Mac OS". There I was surrounded by three useless computers!

Oh, but wait there is more!

I had to reload an older, non-DVD version of OS on the Cube to get it back up and running. Then I had to boot up the PowerBook as if I were loading a new OS and tweak it to recognize the Cube via fire wire. I then shut down the PowerBook at which point it made me select which operating system I wanted. I finally was able to get it up and running freely of the Cube.

Meanwhile the 8600 loaded perfectly and seems to be fine as is the Cube, but now I need to reload all the Apps. I lost a lot of stuff, but thankfully my music and graphics are all on an external drive.

Sometimes I think I truly hate all these gadgets.

Are You Lucky?

Melissa M. and I went to Sakkura's for Sushi, wine and conversation last night and then to the Savannah Film Festival. We got to view Match Point, which was directed by Woody Allen.

The film starred Scarlett Johansson, Johanthan Rhys-Meyers (always pleasant to gaze upon), Emily Mortimer, Matthew Goode (more eye-candy), Brian Cox and Penelope Wilton.

Basically, the film is about a former tennis pro Chris (Rhys-Meyers) falls for Nola (Johansson), who happens to be involved with Tom (Goode), Chris's tennis partner and soon-to-be brother in law.

I enjoyed the film very much. The filming was great and the acting convincing. The movie ended in a way that left you wondering what was going to happen to Chris Wilton. Will he crack, go insane or continue through life very guilty?

It was another splendid evening.

The Fates Are Out To Get Me

I came home from work yesterday. I put the key in the door and the key broke off in the lock. I called my friend Betsy to see if she could bring me my spare set and she did. I figured I could go through the back door in the courtyard, but noooooooo! The doorknob lock was broken and the key would not work.

I had to call Bradley Lock & Key for help. Finally a man with no teeth showed up and proceeded to work on my front door. After what seemed to be a very long time, he gave up on the front door and he went to the courtyard to try his luck with the back door.

Again, what seemed to be forever he throws his tools down in frustration and walks away. I think to myself, okay now what. He returns with what looks like to be a very large spanner, pliers thingy. He then proceeded to tear off the doorknob from the door.

So I finally get in to my apartment at 8:30 PM and $85.00 poorer. The locksmith repaired the front lock and replaced the doorknob on the back door.

What the hell! Are the Fates trying to tell me something? Can't they do it in a less expensive manner? I mean, really!

The Squid and the Whale

Melissa M. and I went to see The Squid and the Whale last night at the Savannah Film Festival. Melissa gets two "SP" passes every year. I am not sure what the "SP" stands for, but I decided it might stand for Staff Perks.

The film is based on the true childhood experiences of Noah Baumbach and his brother. It's centered on two young boys dealing with their parents divorce in Brooklyn in the 1980's.

The film starred Jeff Daniels and Laura Kline. Jeff's character, Bernard Berkman was a complete ass, but amusing. He played this character rather convincingly. Laura Kline played her character equally well. The scene where she bursts out laughing at her husbands’ suggestion they get back together. Well, let's just say I related to the insanity of it.

Jeff Daniels was present at the festival and after our viewing he was presented an award from the Savannah College of Art & Design. He gave a short speech and then there was an opportunity for students and others to ask him questions.

It was an excellent movie and a rather enjoyable evening.