Tonight was knitting night. I am no longer the worst knitter in the class. I am now second worst! : )

I received this from a Komen friend today and thought I would share:

Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success.

So, any guesses as to the exact moment my mouth fell open during Alias on Sunday?

Yesterday was a Monday all day long. I was exhausted when I got home, so I planted myself on the couch and watched about three hours of The Real World/Road Rules Challenge: The Inferno. Man, why is Coral such a bitch?

Last night I bought Stitch 'N Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook by Debbie Stoller of Bust fame.

I learned that if my cast on is too tight to use two needles to cast on. Then you slide out the second needle and voila ~ your row is just right for knitting! With the help of the clear illustrations, I was able to "get" the knit and finish a few rows before napping.

I've been meaning to comment about how much I am loving Under the Duvet: Shoes, Reviews, Having the Blues, Builders, Babies, Families and Other Calamities. If you enjoy Marian Keyes, this autobiographical compilation of her writing is a must read.

My little princess is still at the shelter. She is just the sweetest thing. Course, me showering her with kisses probably doesn't hurt either. I joked with them all today that if I had a big enough bag I would smuggle her out of there and did they think anyone would notice. They just laughed.

One of the volunteers from last week came back. And apparently she had been there during the week too. Really, I don't like the competition. I sat down on the floor to play a while. Then she sat a few feet away and started singing some song (she used to work in a day care ~ she looks about 24-26 range) and all the kids gravitated to her. I noticed one fellow away from the group crying, so I went off to hold him.

I told mom I see myself as the nurturer. That I can sit and hold an upset kid for as long as they need (hence the scabies kid). So after that I held Nemo (obviously not his real name, but that's what we call him) for a while. And another guy who was upset that he got banged around by another kid.

Each week I help get the toddlers in the high chairs for lunch and then I go tidy up the playroom. Some days it seems like they pull out every single toy, ball and book. Today was one of those days. Post lunch, I held the new girl. Poor thing. This is the hardest time I've seen a child have coming in. She is still so scared. Most seem to take no time at all to settle down.

I held her for a long time, so my little one was sound asleep as I prepared to leave. I walked over and gave her a kiss anyway. Cause next week she might not be there.

The block meeting was so much fun. I got everything out of it I hoped for. I met the catty-corner girl (Thelma) and the woman who I got into a biding war with over another house (Jennifer). It was so nice to meet people like me who love this neighborhood and want to see it grow and flourish.

There were about 20 in attendance. A poor turnout I think, but the safety officer said it was a good one. He gave us very good information about things the police department can do for us for free. I also signed up for Cellular on Patrol training.

I was surprised to learn that an area three streets over is working to become a historic district. That could be good and bad news for us. Technically we could be considered historical too, but then any renovations you make to your home have to be approved, etc...

The girls and I had lots of fun chatting and DuWayne (yes, I've been misspelling his name all this time) joined in. We were the younger, single group of the crowd. I thanked our two sponsors profusely. We all agreed to do something on National Night Out. In the meantime, one of our hosts is going to get the information for us to be COPs.

Well crap. Apparently one of the kids I rocked to sleep has scabies. Um, hello? I know she was new and needed to be acclimated, but why wasn't she quarantined??

The microscopic mite that causes scabies can barely be seen by the human eye. A tiny, eight-legged creature with a round body, the mite burrows within the skin. Within several weeks the patient develops an allergic reaction. This results in severe itching, often intense enough to keep sufferers awake all night.

Human scabies is almost always caught from another person by close contact.

Attracted to warmth and odor, the female mite burrows into the skin, lays eggs, and produces secretions that cause allergic reactions. Larvae, or newly hatched mites, travel to the skin surface, lying in shallow pockets where they will develop into adult mites. If the mite is scratched off the skin, it can live in bedding up to 24 hours. It may be up to a month before a newly infested person will notice the itching, especially in people with good hygiene and who bathe regularly.

Crap. Crap. Crap. I am itching already!! I know, I know. The Shelter would never put the kids in a position to catch it, but still. *scratch*scratch*

I am not a college b-ball fan by any means, but even I was shocked that St. Joe's ain't coming to town next weekend.

I've wanted to be involved in my neighborhood since I moved here. I just couldn't figure out how. Yes, the City could tell me I had a association, but no, they didn't have any contact info.

Finally I received a notice of an association meeting earlier in the month, so I've hit two meetings since then! I really want to be involved. This is an older neighborhood and I want to do my part to see that there is revitalization.

Then, two weeks ago I received an invitation to a block party meeting (Dayne and Dwayne were teasing me about showing up with a keg of beer ~ it's a meeting, they said). I am probably too excited. I am looking forward to meeting my neighbors. They are going to have a police officer there to talk about a Neighborhood Cellular Patrol we could implement. They are also setting up safety home inspections that could lead to a 10% discount on my homeowners insurance.

I really do want to meet the other two single women who live nearby. I know, I could've walked over and introduced myself ... Anyway, I hope a lot of people come. We are having hot dogs & hamburgers and pot luck. I'm taking chocolate cupcakes with cream cheese icing.

Me, Linda, Kelly and Kristy


Sisters


Mom, Aunt Patsy and Uncle Fagan
This morning was Race for the Cure. Then we had breakfast with my family. I'm off to shower, nap and make cupcakes for tonight's block meeting.

Let's see ... I left the house this morning talking to Karla on my cell. We talked all the way to work, so I thought I would finish the conversation in the car while I put on some lipstick. Um, yeah. Left my purse at home.

Called my mom to get my Aunt's cell number again so I can call her later (the scrap of paper with the number is in my purse). Mom says she'll bring my purse to me. Until she can't find this second purse she carries around with her (don't ask), which has my house keys in it and her spare key to leave for my Aunt and Uncle.

I asked Gloria if she had any Avon lipstick samples (I knew she would), so at least I had bright lips. Then I borrowed lunch money from Rita.

The Aunt and Uncle call and profess they are far away still and I shouldn't leave early on account of them. However, mom has an appointment with her oncologist and we don't know how long that will take.

So I drive to mom's house and leave my key to her house under a plant. Then I drive to my house to get my purse. I arrive at the CTRC right on time for her 3:15 p.m. appointment. I took my knitting to practice and pass time. Good thing considering we saw the Dr. Kalter at 5:45 p.m.

Thankfully his was good news. She doesn't have to go back for six months. If she passes then, she won't have to return for a year!

We go to mom's house, grab the relatives and go to my house. I change and close the shades so folks can't see in when it gets dark. Then we meet my Godparents for Mexican food.

South Beach? Huh? What? Not tonight. Beef fajitas with fabulous handmade tortillas, guacamole, beans. Yum, Yum. Yum. Plus I shared two Tecates with my Godmother. Eventually she told me she was drunk and shouldn't have any more. But I think she had a good time.

Went back to mom's (They are not staying with me after all. Oh well, at least the house looks good.). Watched the Spurs and some team from Michigan play for a while and now I'm home and getting ready for bed. And how was your day?

Lordy.

Tonight on the way to my first knitting class, mom called to say my Aunt and Uncle from Michigan are coming for a visit ~ tomorrow.

They were in Kansas visiting their grand-daughter and great grand-daughter and figured since they were "in the neighborhood" they'd stop by.

Which means they are staying at my house. So I've been running around like a mad woman for just over an hour tidying, doing laundry so they'll have clean sheets, dusting, scrubbing the toilet ~ you know, the general things you do when company comes.

I suck at knitting so far. Truly, I was the worst in our class of seven. I really struggled to get it. Maybe I lack hand-eye coordination or something. The girl next to me was second worst, so when class was over I whispered to her, I'll come back next week if you will. She laughed and agreed that she would.

So, with that, I am off to practice my knitting before I pass out.

Mmm. Someone found my site tonight searching by my full name. Scary.

So guess who else is going to be in Las Vegas on May 29? I know a lot of people don't like her, but when I was in college, she and Prince were *it*. And now they're both in Las Vegas the same night. *sigh*

I'm still at home this morning ~ having a tree cut down. This morning I heard him working across the street and walked over to see how much he might charge me. $185. A steal compared to the $300 and $500 I was quoted! He's almost done ~ I had no idea it would take several hours. I was just going to pay him and go to work when my mom said, "You cannot give a total stranger $185 and walk away." Well, yeah. That makes sense.

Tonight I have been to:

...the library (The Stranger Beside Me, Under the Duvet : Shoes, Reviews, Having the Blues, Builders, Babies, Families and Other Calamities, Name & Address Withheld, Middlesex, Atonement and Bookends).

...my neighborhood association monthly meeting. There I signed a petition for Becky Whetstone. I probably won't vote for her, but everyone has the right to run for office if they so choose.

...and to Wal-Mart to pick up the supplies for my knitting class on Wednesday.

And now, it's time for the Sopranos!

Man, I would really hate it if this is true:

"At the time of his death, [Robert] Pastorelli was reportedly being investigated by the FBI for the death of his girlfriend, which took place in the same home almost five years ago to the day.

TV Guide reporter Mary Murphy, who is investigating Pastorelli's death, says, 'He had not been called yet for the interviews but he was definitely, according to authorities, the prime suspect in the investigation.' "

The full story. Terrible. I loved Eldin.

I'm so excited for my friend Jeff. He was hired as a P.A. for Drop Dead Sexy. He's even going to have his name in the credits! Wheee!

Austin chosen for new film. And yes, he says Crispin is as quirky in person as he is on screen.

Great. FDA issues suicide caution for antidepressants.

"The drugs of concern are all newer-generation antidepressants: Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Effexor, Celexa, Remeron, Lexapro, Luvox, Serzone and Wellbutrin. Most are known to affect the brain chemical serotonin."

Gee, and I take two of them!

I'm going to start a knitting class this week. I've tried signing up for either knitting or crocheting through a local school district's continuing ed classes for what seems like forever. They always fill up almost immediately.

From what I've read, I need to get the Stitch 'n Bitch: the Knitter's Handbook and find a local Stitch 'n Bitch group to join, which I did via Yahoo. I missed the last meeting, but hopefully I'll have learned enough to catch the next one and not look like a total fool ...

Today at the shelter I fed a little boy who hasn't learned to use his tongue properly yet. He's eight months old, yet every time you give him a spoonful of food he pushes 90% of it back out with his tongue. It was a slow process. I felt bad for him, cause he was hungry. Then he drank about half his bottle before getting cranky. For whatever reason, I put him up on my shoulder and he konked right out.

My sweet girl was there today. I could tell right away that she didn't feel good. Seems they're all having some breathing issue. It seems that way every time I go. Sick kids everywhere.

I have to admit it. I hate it when other volunteers show up. It's not that there aren't enough babies and toddlers for everyone. It just feels like they are infringing on my time.

A first timer came while I was feeding Mr. J. As she signed in, Miss D toddled over to her. The volunteer looked at me, not knowing what to do. I called out that she could pick her up and she never put her back down. Walked her to lunch. Walked her back from lunch. Walked her straight to her crib.

I was folding laundry at the time, so I went into dorm B to see if I could help. Usually the kids lay right down and fall asleep, but I really think for the most part they weren't feeling very good. But today the room was full of crying kids. Including Miss D in her crib. I marched right over and pulled her out. She laid her head on my shoulder and fell right to sleep. I stayed holding her longer than I needed, just so I could feel her in my arms.

Kewl! Sign up for the Queer Eye for the Straight Guy newsletter!

When I was growing up, there was an elderly gentleman who would walk the neighborhood with his lawn mower. We used to call him the "Kentucky Fried Chicken guy" because he looked just like The Colonel.


Only shorter and more hunched over. He would wear all white, the trademark red tie and beard. You knew when he was coming by the whistle. He'd always wave. He seemed to be a happy guy. He was just a fixture in the neighborhood.

I hadn't seen him in years. Quite frankly, I'd forgotten about him. I'd certainly thought he had died by now. Until about a month ago. I saw him. Just walking down the street. I couldn't believe my eyes. I called my mom right away, You're never going to believe who I just saw -- the Kentucky Fried Chicken guy! (I don't know why we just didn't call him The Colonel, but anyway). She couldn't believe it either.

I saw him again this morning. Pushing a grocery cart. I heard him whistling when I drove by. Now, if I'd only had my camera . . .

first names only

1. Do a Google search for your first name only
2. Click on "Images"
3. Pick your favorite from the first page and post it on your blog


Desperately
Seeking ...
My first choice was actually an image of Cyclone Susan, but it's a huge gif.

Whew. Whatta day! We (Linda, mom and I) started out with a hearty breakfast from IHOP. Then drove to Austin (about an hour ~ I talked to Kristy long distance the entire way) to visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for their Wildflower Days 2004. It's a lovely center. I recommend it if you're in the neighborhood.


Mom
Then we drove into downtown Austin and had lunch at Iron Works Barbecue. Yum. We drove around town and were amazed at the number of people walking the streets. Both spring breakers and SXSW attendees. The city was hoppin'. Next we stopped at the original Amy's Ice Cream. I had chocolate orange crunch.

We decided to stop on our way home at the outlet malls in San Marcos. We hit a few stores (it was crowded too) and I came home with some Stila products.

Our last stop was Rolling Oaks Mall to pick up Kristy's t-shirt and walking number for the Race for the Cure.

Then mom and I came home and spent about an hour talking with Dayne and Dwayne. I started to write this and realized I stunk, so I took a shower and here I am!

This is where I am going tomorrow. I'm hoping for inspiration for my yard. I have finished with my pots, now I need to do something with the sidewalk beds.

Looking for something to read? Here's the American Booksellers Association 2004 - 2005 Reading Group Suggestions. I'm going to bookmark it for ideas.

The Friday Five on an actual Friday!

If you...

1. ...owned a restaurant, what kind of food would you serve? I think I'll hang my star on the latest craze and make it a Good Carb restaurant (not low-carb ala Atkins).

2. ...owned a small store, what kind of merchandise would you sell? Books.

3. ...wrote a book, what genre would it be? ChickLit

4. ...ran a school, what would you teach? If I ran a school, I'd like something Montessori style. If I was a teacher, I'd teach reading and writing.

5. ...recorded an album, what kind of music would be on it? Mmm, that's a hard one. I'll have to think on it.

The Bloggie winners are up!

Sad. One of the orginal MTV VJs, JJ Jackson, died of an apparent heart attack.

Jennifer Garner single again. What? But that Vaughn Michael guy is so cute! But then again, so was first hubby Scott Foley.

Came home tonight and finished up my potting. It's nice to have some bright colors on my porch. Kind of brightens the day!

Since then I've been doing some cooking ~ trying to come up with something different for lunch. I made some Taboule, to have with some hummus and whole wheat pita bread. This "good carb" way of eating can be a hassle!

Oh, and a Happy St. Patrick's Day to ya!

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields
Until we meet again
An Irish Blessing
I'm off to play a little WEBoggle, shower, read and sleep!

I spent the first few house of the evening potting new plants. My porch looks like spring has arrived. I'll have to take pictures in the daylight. Now I'm hot and sticky and ready for a shower! Yeesh! My nails!

I cannot believe Adriana ratted out on her best friend/maid of honor like that!

Seems all the cool kids are playing it.

Random: I must've sat on the floor too much at the shelter today. My tailbone hurts. I loved Michael Vaughn in the black turtleneck and spiky hair. Prince is on an Ellen rerun right now.

I've been thinking about this situation with the high school guy all day. It really troubles me. I've been praying that he just won't come back. But, I'm guessing he will.

This morning it made me really mad. Talk about disrespect. Not only to his wife, but to me. He must not think much of my moral character to think being kissed by a married man is on my list of things to do.

God, men are stupid. And people wonder why I'm single. Cause this is the kind of guy I attract!

Visiting the shelter each Sunday morning is something that gives me such a sense of peace ~ like nothing else in my life does right now.

There was a really small crew of walkers today. Only five were big enough to eat in the high chairs. Even though some of them were crabby today, they are still so sweet and just in need of some extra attention. Sometimes a little lap time is all it takes.

G was crying for no reason, so I picked her up and carried her around for a while. After she quieted down, I asked her are you alright now? And she shook her head no. So I held her for as long as she needed and eventually she left me to go play.

A lap is never an empty one for very long. Someone is always clambering up for a hug or a kiss. For a quiet moment. And there always seems to be a line. Sometimes patient. Sometimes urgent. Sometimes you have to put down the child you adore and pick up one who needs you.

Tiny Miss D was there today. They held her up to an eight month old and they were the same size. She's just so small and delicate. I can toss her up in the air and catch her. She loves it. Giggles with joy. She wanted me to rock her to sleep, so I did. Stroking her head with my hand. She was asleep in about a minute. These are the days I wish I were certified, cause I'd bring her home with me in a heartbeat.

Cool site for book readers: bookreporter.

The Saturday Friday Five:

1. What was the last song you heard? I just heard Why Not on Radio Disney (hey, I'm quirky, remember?).

2. What were the last two movies you saw? Today I saw Good Boy and A Mighty Wind.

3. What were the last three things you purchased? Caffeine Free Diet Coke, Cranberry Orange muffin and a Grande Non-Fat, Sugar-Free Vanilla Latte.

4. What four things do you need to do this weekend? Today I needed to meet Jill and Ileana at Starbucks, and attend my Godson's birthday party. Tomorrow I need to go to the Children's Shelter and clean house.

5. Who are the last five people you talked to? Mom, Sandy, Tony, Antonio and Gina.

I was going to add a star rating to the books I've read in a hover format so folks can tell whether or not I've liked a book. But I don't know the html for a star. I tried ♥ but they came out looking like |||| instead of ♥♥♥♥. I am using this format: title="* * * *" Any suggestions?

I was having some issues with the birthday pictures, so I took off all but the most important one!

I am not a true photographer at heart. I say this because I never remember to carry my camera around with me. I meant to take it today to the birthday party, but alas no.

Holy crap. I have a problem.

Last night about 9:10 p.m. there was a knock on my door. It was a police officer I went to high school with. He'd tracked me down to give me a picture of us from our reunion last summer. He came in and we chatted about 15 minutes before he had to go back to work. As he left, I told him to stop by anytime he was in the neighborhood (I am not in his patrol area).

Well, guess who stopped by tonight? My first thought is, Oh shit. What's he doing here again? He comes in, chats for a while and readies to leave. As he does, he says "I've always wanted to do this," take my face in his hands and kisses me on the lips.

Oh crap. Mind you, he is married. *sigh* I adored this guy in high school. Back then he was the ultimate "bad guy" and I was the ultimate "straight-laced" girl. But we were great friends.

Sandy commented to me after the reunion that he'd been awfully friendly, but we'd always been that way so I never thought much of it. Oy. Now my house smells of his cologne.

I came home early today, took some Tylenol Sinus and passed out on the couch. It's been a long time since I've had spring allergies. I usually only suffer from Thanksgiving to mid-January with the Cedar / Juniper. If yesterday and today are any indication, things are not looking so good for me. Haaaa-Cho!

Yeee....Prince giving CDs away to concert goers

Jennifer Garner's CIA recruitment video debuts. Watch it here. Garner to be feted as "Female Star of Tomorrow."

Antonio and his Godmother

Wow. The Mighty Jimbo is in San Antonio. Right now.

Gotta minute? Go give Kate a hug and some kind words. She could use it about now ...

One of these bright, sunny, warm days I need to get out with my camera and take pictures of my mountain laurel. Yesterday when I came home from lunch, I got a whiff of those yummy smelling flowers and was just shocked when I looked at my little tree. I am so excited it's blooming this year. Last year I think I got maybe a handful of buds. Today it is just loaded with blooms.

I'm off soon for Chinese birthday dinner with my Godson. This is my first "family dinner" on the actual birthday. Usually I just do the birthday party. I was pretty excited when my presence was requested by the little guy (there aren't too many more years can I get away with that one!). I'm charging my batteries, so hopefully I'll remember to take some pictures!

Got this in an e-mail today:

AMERICA TODAY
"Joe Smith" started the day early having set his alarm clock (MADE IN JAPAN) for 6 a.m. While his coffeepot (MADE IN CHINA) was perking, he shaved with his electric razor (MADE IN HONG KONG). He put on a dress shirt (MADE IN SRI LANKA), designer jeans (MADE IN SINGAPORE) and tennis shoes (MADE IN KOREA). After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet (MADE IN INDIA) he sat down with his calculator (MADE IN MEXICO) to see how much he could spend today. After setting his watch (MADE IN TAIWAN) to the radio (MADE IN INDIA) he got in his car (MADE IN GERMANY) and continued his search for a good paying AMERICAN JOB. At the end of yet another discouraging and fruitless day, Joe decided to relax for a while. He put on his sandals (MADE IN BRAZIL) poured himself a glass of wine (MADE IN FRANCE) and turned on his TV ! (MADE IN INDONESIA), and then wondered why he can't find a good paying job in.....AMERICA.....

Happy 9th Birthday Antonio!

I watched Days of our Lives from age 12 till about, I dunno ... sometime in my late 20s maybe? I usually read the weekly recap in the Saturday paper so I generally know what's going on. I know Marlena is the serial killer. Today I just happened to come home for lunch (which I never do) and I got to see Marlena confess to John that she is the serial killer. And then I watched her stab him to death. I just may have to start watching (taping) again!

[oh, I just read a recap of today. I left before the end of the show. She didn't really kill him. It was just a dream. Dammit. I mean, not that I want her to kill John. It was pretty cool though.]

I need to figure out a way to rate the books I read. Just because it's over there as something I read doesn't mean I liked it. One I've really enjoyed this week is Watermelon Days and Firefly Nights. It's just a sweet compilation of feel good stories from a fictional small Texas town. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

So I learned tonight that I am screwed if Blogrolling ever dies and takes my blogroll with it. It was off for a while tonight and I could only think fo the urls for two of my favorites. Scary.

And it's interesting to see what people google to get here. Today there was a search for mycosis fungoides. And I thought What they hell? When the hell did I ever talk about mycosis fungoides on here? So I followed through. Oh, yeah. Mom's cancer.

A group of us went to Dine for the Cure ~ a fundraiser for the local affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. A core group of us have participated every year since the race started in San Antonio (What? Go somewhere and eat for a good cause? OK). EZ's donates 10% of the evenings receipts to Komen.

Now, I'm off to watch The Sopranos. And then to bed. I'm pooped.

Lisa's friend is working on her psych dissertation and needs some folks to take a survey. I thought, hey, pysch stuff, that's me! and went to take Personal Projects. But, it "requires that you are in a dating, marital, or committed relationship." Um, yeah. So not me.

So, why don't YOU be a sport and help her out ...

I am in an interesting position at work. My boss doesn't like me. And I mean obviously so. Even in front of other people. I have never been in this position before and I really hate it.

I try so hard not to get defensive when she talks to me or about a project I am working on. This morning during staff meeting, she mentioned two of my projects, not in a "they suck" kind of way, but in a "how can we help her make it better (cause she can't do it herself)" kind of way.

Afterwards, I mentioned my being overly sensitive when it comes to the boss to a co-worker, but she said, "Oh, I understand what you mean. There was definitely tone." It felt like she was scolding me in front of everyone, instead of genuinely trying to get folks to filter down information to help me do my job better.

I keep thinking that I really need to leave here because of it. Even if I don't want to.

An e-mail from my massage therapist:

Subject: CATS...............

(^..^)~ (^..^)~ (^..^)~

1. "Do not meddle in the affairs of cats, for they are subtle and will pee on your computer." -- Bruce Graham

2. "There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast." -- Unknown

3. "Thousands of years ago, cats were worshipped as gods. Cats have never forgotten this." -- Anonymous

4. "Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through snow." --Jeff Valdez

5. "In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats." -- English proverb

6. "As every cat owner knows, nobody owns a cat." -- Ellen Perry Berkeley

7. "One cat just leads to another." -- Ernest Hemingway

8. "Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message - and get back to you later." -- Mary Bly

9. "Cats are rather delicate creatures and they are subject to a good many ailments, but I never heard of one who suffered from insomnia." -- Joseph Wood Krutch

10. "People that hate cats will come back as mice in their next life." -- Faith Resnick

11. "There are many intelligent species in the universe. They are all owned by cats." -- Anonymous

12. "I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior." -- Hippolyte Taine

13. "No heaven will not ever Heaven be; Unless my cats are there to welcome me." -- Unknown

14. "There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats." -- Albert Schweitzer

15. "The cat has too much spirit to have no heart." -- Ernest Menaul

16. "Dogs believe they are human. Cats believe they are God."

17. "Time spent with cats is never wasted." -- Colette

18. "Some people say that cats are sneaky, evil, and cruel. True, and they have many other fine qualities as well." -- Missy Dizick

19. "You will always be lucky if you know how to make friends with strange cats." -- Colonial American proverb

20. "Cats seem to go on the principle that it never does any harm to ask for what you want." -- Joseph Wood Krutch

21. "I got rid of my husband. The cat was allergic."

22. "My husband said it was him or the cat ... I miss him sometimes."

23. "Cats aren't clean, they're just covered with cat spit."

24. Send this to your friends and family but only IF it's OK with the CAT

Alias is on tonight at 8 p.m. So are the Sopranos. Hate that. I'll be watching Alias tonight and catch up with the Sopranos tomorrow. Which means I can't go visit Kate until late tomorrow cause she might have spoilers!

I went to the shelter today ~ first time since I fell. I decided my back was up to it, even if my bruised behind wasn't.

There were no toddlers today. Every child was under a year old. The youngest was born Feb. 16.

There was the cutest little girl. I'd have brought her home with me in an instant. She was just learning to walk. She was so tiny. Delicate. Really sweet and full of laughter.

I fed another baby who shook. Drug baby? "We think so."

Today I learned something new about myself. I learned that I should not be left alone to paint. I learned I should definitely not be the trim girl. Wide, open spaces with the roller brush, I'm ok.

I painted my hallway. Same color as my living room. It makes a dramatic difference to me. It also makes the trim look not-so-white.

I must admit I found cleaning the roller brushes a little erotic. Yep. It's official. I've been without for too long now.

What defines racism?

I stopped at the store on the way home from the Children's Shelter to do the week's shopping. There was a guy in the frozen foods who seemed to be attempting to get my attention. He was about my age ~ I know this because he was singing the words to a song only someone my age would know. He was handsome and hunky in his shorts. But I just smiled politely and kept going.

Then he came up behind me at the register. I didn't look at him, but watched the items he unloaded from his cart. The only odd items were four Catholic Saints candle.

I did watch where he parked and drove past as I left the parking lot. He stopped his unloading and fully watched me go by. I smiled.

The point of my story? He was black. And that's the reason I didn't flirt back. White guy? Sure. Hispanic? Absolutely. Black, no.

So again, I was thinking in the car about what defines a racist. Sure, the guys with the burning crosses and white hooded outfits are easy to pick out. But what about someone like me?

I've had black friends that I adored. Even had a big time crush on one. The little girl I wanted to foster was black. What, I'll raise one but not date one?

I just think it's interesting. It says something about me. Not necessarily something bad, but it is telling.

Hi SUSAN,

The ticket(s) you ordered on March 03, 2004 for PRINCE, have been printed! They will be shipped to you shortly via US Mail.

Love,

Ticketmaster

They had the cutest black lab puppy up for auction tonight. He had the best temperament and just as sweet as could be. He came with all his shots for a year, crate, bed, toys, Eukanuba for a year and is already potty trained! Oh, I wanted him so bad. His name was even Corey! But he went for $2,000. *sigh*

In all, the live auction took in just over $40,000. Once they add in the silent auction (over 500 items), it should come to a nice total to buy more things for the school.

I bid on and won a basket of baby Johnson & Johnson goodies. Ya-Ya Stephanie is expecting a boy, so I wanted to get it for her. I was outbid on everything else. To rich for my blood.

Earlier today, while running some errands with mom, I saw a bike at a yard sale. We stopped. I hopped on and went for a quick spin. Immediately I remembered that my tailbone still hurts, even if the rest of my back is doing much better. Then I found the bike to be too tall for me. I tried to stop by putting my feet on the ground, didn't reach, lost control and crashed. I jumped up really fast in one of those imalright moments.

Right now I'm getting ready for a dinner/fundraiser for my old elementary school. It should be fun because the theme is "support your favorite sports team." Yes, my Spurs t-shirt, jeans and sneakers are gonna feel great tonight. There'll be Mexican food, a silent and live auction. It's usually pretty entertaining. Even if I don't win anything I bid on.

fragments : a writing meme

* wanted to open the
* why should i give
* he did that without
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I have always wanted to open the perfect book store. I can see it clearly in my mind. The store would specialize in something. Only travel books. Or only the top 100 paperback books of the moment. It would be dark and comfortable. With cushy brown leather chairs. Reading lamps. Large area rugs. A coffee shop off to the side. With cookies and cakes. People would come to find just the right book to give as a gift. Or one that can't be found anywhere else. It would be in a neighborhood, folded in next to the specialty cheese store and the handmade jewelry store. There would be organized book groups, open mic nights and famous authors coming to read their works and answer questions. It would be a destination.

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Peer pressure is a funny thing. Even at 38 I work to conform to the "norm." Whatever the hell that means. I'd rather be quirky and eclectic in my look, but I buy my suits and high heeled shoes to look like everyone else. I mean, really, why should I give a rats ass what anyone thinks of me? But it matters.

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They talk about how the father impacts his daughter all of her life. A father can make a daughter feel loved and cherished. He can empower her to believe she can do anything. He can set the example of right and wrong. She can watch how he treats her mother. With respect and love? Or yelling and hitting? Or is there painful infidelity? He will teach her how she deserves to be treated in life. He will set the model of what she looks for in a man. She will look for him in every man she meets. When my father left, he did that without a moments thought of what that would do to me. Of the example he would set for me. In that he taught me to be fearful of men, wary to trust ... and giving someone my heart? Ha. So I look for him in every man I meet. Is he distant? Emotionally unavailable? Might he leave in a moments notice? Then he must be the man for me.

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fragments is designed to be bit of fiction/stream of consciousness/what-have-you style of writing. I haven't written like that in forever. It's surprising what comes when you don't really think about it.

Bad Girl Party Pointer
Pack a Bad Girl's Party First Aid Kit in your purse before you go out tonight

* 2 tins of breath mints (use as mini-maracas in a pinch)
* pantyliners
* travel toothbrush with paste pre-applied (luck is when preparation meets opportunity)
* condom (if you pack it, he will come)
* CDs with a great Girl Power mix
* ibuprofen and/or Alka Seltzer
* mini-Bible to carry on Sunday morning strut-of-pride

So now I know what I am doing wrong! Note to self: buy condoms, carry with you everywhere.

Happy 25th Birthday Kristy!
You old goat!
Sorry, but that's a private joke. Even if I explained it, it would mean nothing to you.

The Friday Five: What was...

1. ...your first grade teacher's name? Mrs. Bierbaum (sp?). Wouldn't it be weird if from the hundred who participate someone else had her too?

2. ...your favorite Saturday morning cartoon? Mmmm. Not one single one comes to mind. I do remember loving Schoolhouse Rock. . .

Conjunction Junction, what's your function?
Hooking up words and phrases and clauses.

Figure eight as double four,
Figure four as half of eight.
If you skate, you would be great
If you could make a figure eight.
That's a circle that turns 'round upon itself.

I'm just a bill.
Yes, I'm only a bill.
And I'm sitting here on Capitol Hill.
Well, it's a long, long journey
To the capital city.

3. ...the name of your very first best friend? Irene

4. ...your favorite breakfast cereal? I always had Instant Breakfast in the car on the way to school. Even then I would eke out every last minute of sleep I could.

5. ...your favorite thing to do after school? In elementary I would say run and yell like a banshee, but as I got older it became watching television.

I love this: I am more than what I choose to show you. I am more than your interpretations and judgments. For this site is only a piece of me.
It sounds obvious, I know. But sometimes I don't think it is.

I watched I Am Sam tonight. It made me bawl big time. Something about dads and daughters always does it to me.

Went to the Spurs game tonight. We won, but it was a sloppy game. It made me think we won't be in the finals this year (and you know how I am about my Spurs!). I chose this game from the work tickets because I wanted to see Antonio Daniels, a former Spur but he was on the injured list (as was Tim Duncan).

Priest Holmes and a whole posse of good looking men sat three rows from us. Let me tell you, after seeing those bodies in person, I can see why the chicks throw themselves at professional athletes. Yum

I mentioned earlier that Prince is going on tour. I have since learned that he's going to be in Las Vegas on May 29 for Tiger Jam.

Guess what? I already planned a trip to Vegas for May 25-29. I pondered changing my return flight to May 30 for about a minute before snatching up a Prince ticket and rebooking!!

Whee! I'm going to see Prince!!!!!!

I stopped on my way home tonight to buy Quicken. I really need to get my budget under control, so I've spent the evening downloading all my accounts. *sigh*

I went to the library tonight and came home with too many books. Oh, that's not true. You can never have too many books.

Anyhoo. I checked out: Daisy's Back in Town, Watermelon Days and Firefly Nights, A Promising Man, Bel Canto, The Kalahari Typing School for Men, Lucky Stars and Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy.

As I was checking out the librarian told me that she liked my taste in books. She recommended I try The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King, so I've added it to my reminder list.

Shit. Shit. Shit. I just spilled a whole box of Near East Couscous on my drainboard and floor. Do you know how small couscouse are? And how many are in a box? Sheesh.

I was distracted because I got my escrow today which went up loads. If I don't pay it, my mortgage payment will go up $125 a month. Sheesh.

Want to be a published aurthor? Apparently, it's easier than you think!

Purchase a "Borders Personal Publishing kit for $4.99. Send in your manuscript and $199. A month or so later, presto. Ten paperback copies of your novel, memoir or cookbook arrive.

Fork over $499, and you can get the upscale "Professional Publication" option. Your book gets an International Standard Book Number, publishing's equivalent of an ID number and is made available on Borders.com.

New York Times article [free subscription required]

This morning my Ya-Ya Jill and I were talking about my Vern adventure. I told her the story and she oh'd, ah'd and squealed in the right places. We talked about how thin he was and tall he wasn’t. How sweet he seemed. Whether or not he is gay. And did I really call him "a doll"?

Then I ask about a conference she attended in San Diego last week. "Oh, guess who I met," she asked. Who? "Tiger Woods." Shut up! She told me about their encounter on a golf course pathway. Well, you totally beat my Vern story. "Yeah, but you got Vern's autograph and I didn't get squat." Whatever. You met Tiger Woods!

This is an interesting article on blogging: Blogging still infrequent, study finds

"The impression out there is that a lot of the blog activity is very feverish," said Lee Rainie, the Pew project's director. "That's not the case. For most bloggers, it's not an all-consuming, all-the-time kind of experience."

That survey found only 2 percent of users keeping blogs, although a preliminary analysis of follow-up surveys from early 2004 showed the figure increasing to about 7 percent.

About 11 percent of Internet users report visiting blogs written by others. Most often, they were for blogs written by friends. But blog readers are more likely to go to journals kept by strangers rather than by family members.

That's me. A blog reader. I visit strangers all the time. That's part of the fun of blogging. You visit a site you know and click on a site you haven't visited before and go from there!